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Drugstore skin care brands that help support radiant skin

Check out these less expensive options for your favorite high-end skin care products.

Updated: November 15, 2024 |7 minute read

Written by: Melanie Rud

Several overlapping samples of skin care products squeezed out on a beige background.

We're going to let you in on a little secret: Your skin care doesn't have to cost a fortune. There are more skin care products on the shelves at drugstores than ever before. And they can help you achieve a glowing, healthier-looking complexion without emptying your bank account.

“I tell my patients that just because a product has a high price tag doesn’t mean it’s better, and just because a product is from a drugstore doesn’t mean it’s less effective,” says Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dermy Doc Box, a skin care subscription service.1

The point being that there are plenty of top-notch skin care products to be found at your local drugstore. Many of them are very similar to their pricier counterparts trending on social media.

Let’s take a look at some great skin care brands and products, plus ways you can work them into your routine for a clean, clear, dazzling new look.

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Drugstore skin care brands

A great place to start is with the brands themselves. When you can identify a brand that carries a wide range of skin care options to choose from, it's easy to fall in love. Add a lower-than-high-end price tag, and you may just tie the knot.

Here are several brands to consider:

  • CeraVe. Merry Thornton,2 a certified physician associate, counts this among her favorite drugstore skin care brands. "They're a science-backed company that uses quality ingredients in their products, which are well tolerated by most people," she explains.3 Dr. Fahs is also a fan: “Most of their products include ceramides, which help add hydration to the skin.”4

CeraVe has moisturizers, like the Crema hidratante CeraVe, that can be a good alternative to other pricier moisturizers trending on social media5, many of which also rely on ceramides.

  • Vanicream. If you have sensitive skin, consider checking out this brand. The products are gentle and free of dye, fragrance, lanolin and parabens, making them a particularly good choice for those with sensitive skin,6 explains Thornton. She adds that the Vanicream Gentle Cleanser is a real standout.

Skin care ingredients for radiant skin

A handful of skin care ingredients have been lauded again and again for boosting glow and improving overall appearance. The good news? They can be found in drugstore products.

Here are a few to seek out:

  • Alpha hydroxy acids. Glycolic and lactic acid fall into this category of chemical exfoliants. They're great for enhancing skin radiance because they help exfoliate the top layer of skin to reveal brighter skin underneath.7
  • Niacinamida. Not only is this an antioxidant, which is good for brightening the skin in general, but it can also help calm inflammation and redness.8 On top of that, it helps to moisturize.9
  • Retinol. One of the most talked-about ingredients, retinol helps with skin cell turnover to combat wrinkles and promote a more even texture and tone.10
  • Vitamin C. “This is one of the most popular ingredients for brightening the skin,” says Dr. Fahs. It decreases the production of melanin (or pigment) in the skin, helping to fade and minimize dark spots.11

Dr. Fahs adds that retinol is one of the best ingredients to seek out on your quest for an elevated complexion. Retinol products, including topical agents, should be avoided in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or who may become pregnant. Speak to your health care provider before starting.

Tips for finding great drugstore skin care products

There are a few other ways to find drugstore skin care products that work for you.

  • Consider trial-size products. This is a good way to save some money. You can also make sure you like a product and that it works well for your skin before committing to the full size.
  • Talk to your primary care physician or a dermatologist. They can diagnose any skin issues and provide recommendations for your specific concerns.
  • Meet with a licensed esthetician. Though not a medical professional, an esthetician can provide skin treatments and skin care product recommendations.

Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.

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