Welcome toDrugstore Heroesis a monthly series where we highlight the most overlooked and underrated drugstore beauty products that industry experts rely on. We’re asking tastemakers, from editors to content creators and even celebrities, to share their top recommendations for affordable yet effective products. Get ready to see the best drugstore beauty, period.
I’ve been a beauty editor for a long time (10 years to be exact), and in my opinion, plastic surgeons give the best, most specific beauty advice. They are beauty experts and medical doctors, which means they are uniquely positioned in the beauty industry to provide quality product recommendations. I’m talking about products that really make a noticeable difference in a person’s appearance, whether it’s an anti-acne retinoid that’s clinically proven to control breakouts or a powerful antioxidant serum that has a proven track record of brightening and evening skin. You ask for it, and they got it.
Enter Carey Campbell, MD. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon and partner at StarkMD. As an admitted “big believer” in medical-grade skin care, he recommends high-end brands like Alastin, PCA, Revision, ZO Skin Health, EltaMD, and SkinBetter Science to his vast majority of patients. “However, when patients tell me that those lines are out of reach for them, I always want them to reach for products that meet their skin care needs and are of the highest quality,” she adds. This is where he offers high quality but affordable options or his drugstore heroes.
“I think it’s important to recognize that there are times when affordable options work well but also be sure to recognize when medical grade options are worth the extra cost,” he says. Although hidden gems in the drugstore can’t replace high-end recommendations, they can’t match them or make a very low-key habit.
“With experience, research, and some testing, you can find out which products are best for your life stage and skin type,” he says. “Looking for products formulated by a dermatologist is helpful as well as looking for products with the active ingredients you need, such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and retinol.”
“Specific” is the key word there. Campbell cautions against introducing too many active ingredients into your skin care routine at once, especially potentially irritating ones like vitamin C and retinoids. “Add those products little by little. Don’t jump into something that’s meant to increase cell turnover and another that exfoliates all at once. Your skin will get irritated, and you’ll blame the product rather than the way you used it,” she advises.
Below, Campbell shares her 13 drugstore heroes, from cleansers and retinoids to SPF, body lotion, and more.
Campbell’s Favorite Drugstore Products
Bioderma
Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
“I keep this small travel size in my travel bag and a large one at home. I like to remove my eye makeup without drying my skin before I wash my face. Glycerin keeps skin moist while I cleanse, and micelles are spherical chemicals that surround dirt and oil. There are also reports that it can increase the skin’s absorption of some products.”
“Also, this is glycerin-based, so it’s great for mature, dry skin, as it moisturizes as it cleanses.”
The Prequel
Lucent-C Vitamin C Serum
“Fifteen percent of L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, and ergothioneine—the holy grail and SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic’s Target cousin. Now that CE Ferulic is off patent, you’ll see more options like its technology. Vitamin C is essential in your skin care regimen to protect against oxidative stress.
La Roche-Posay
Toleriane Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
“This is great for normal or oily skin and is meant to deep clean without stripping the skin. It has ceramides to protect the skin barrier, niacinamide to reduce inflammation, and glycerin to hydrate.”
PanOxyl
Acne Wash with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide
“If you’re prone to acne, this is the best benzoyl peroxide face wash I’ve ever liked.”
Differin
Retinoid Adapalene Gel 0.1%
“This is Retin-A’s little sister. Both are derived from vitamin A. It’s meant to treat acne but it’s now over the counter. It’s a very mild retinoid, but it can be a good option for people who have trouble tolerating Retin-A and are just starting out with anti-aging retinoids. Retin-A will always be the gold standard in anti-aging, though, since I use hormonal.
Maybelline
Lifter Gloss With Hyaluronic Acid
“I came across this lip gloss when I forgot my lip gloss and ran to Walgreens and grabbed it. I’ve repurchased it multiple times. It feels very moisturizing to me, and I love the color Heat.”
Elf Makeup
No Budget Retractable Eyeliner
“I keep this in my makeup bag in my purse in case I need to see patients when I’m scrubbing out of the OR. I get a little liner and mascara to freshen up my eyes when I don’t have time to apply before starting my surgery day.”
Clean Skin Club
Real Clean Disposable Face Towels
“I have a permanent box of these on my countertop at home and I keep small boxes for travel. I really like to keep my towels clean to wash and wipe my face and find this is another easy way to do laundry every day. My life as a surgeon doesn’t have time for that!”
La Roche-Posay
Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50
“The European drugstore version of this has next-generation UV filters like Mexoryl 400, Tinosorb S, and Uvinul A Plus, so if you’re in Europe on your summer vacation, pick up some of the European version or check out the specialty sites! If you’re not planning to pond-hop this summer, I still like the American version. of antioxidant.
“I have these in every travel bag and makeup bag. I always buy them, and they will resharpen, although I admit I’ve never sent them back to do it. [You] you never know when those chin hairs or eyebrows will show up in a different light.”
Aquaphor
Ointment Body Spray
“I recommend this to patients after chemical peels. It’s cooling when it comes out of the spray bottle, which some people really like after resurfacing procedures. It’s a great emollient, like regular Aquaphor for dry skin, but I really rely on it for resurfacing and sunburn. Hello, summer… in case you forget to reapply.”
“For healed but new scars, I recommend patients use silicone-based scar creams to keep the scars soft and flat. Many of my patients use Silagen scar gel, which is not available at the drugstore, but for patients with longer scars, such as complete makeovers for mothers with abdominal and chest scars, this is a good alternative that is less expensive.”
Campbell’s 13 drugstore beauty recommendations come in at just $242.
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