Most celebs would have you believe that they “woke up like this,” boasting natural, flawlessly beautiful skin every day without any help. But in reality, most of them owe their gorgeously glowy skin, invisible pores and nonexistent wrinkles to celebrity dermatologists and the best skin care products available.
Do dermatologists favor only high-end skin care products or those available by prescription?
When we polled some of the top skin doctors with clients like Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian and Victoria Beckham, we were surprised to find out that most celebs really are like us. These derms to the stars often recommend to their famous clientele high-quality skin care products bought over the counter at a local pharmacy or drugstore.
Are expensive skin care products worth the price?
According to the docs we interviewed, when it comes to quality and effectiveness, price isn’t really a factor. If it’s good, it’s good, no matter how cheap or expensive it may be. Welcome news to our already stretched beauty budgets.
What are the best drugstore skin care products recommended by dermatologists?
It actually runs the gamut from lotions to face washes to sunscreens (vital even in winter) and surprisingly, anti-itch cream. The docs also offered up some makeup suggestions for healthy ways to cover up imperfections. You may even already be using some of their favorite products — we counted several drugstore skin care picks we already have on hand.
Best drugstore skin care product: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Here are the most common brands on these derms’ shopping lists (with some earning multiple spots):
- Eucerin
- Neutrogena
- CeraVe
- Aquaphor
- La Roche-Posay
- Schick
- Differin
- Garnier
- L’Oréal Paris
- Revlon
- Dove
- Cetaphil
- Olay
- Burt’s Bees
- RoC
Scroll through to see the best drugstore skin care products dermatologists recommend to their famous clients. Because if it’s good enough for Beyoncé, it’s good enough for us.
[ Next: Celebrity Hairstylists Share Their Must-Have Drugstore Hair Products ]
21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #1
Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion, $9.97 at Amazon
“Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion is a best drugstore skin care favorite because it’s very effective with ceramides and natural moisturizing factors, but also feels light and non-greasy on the skin. The ceramides help to support the skin’s protective barrier and the natural moisturizing factors help lock hydration into the skin. But it has a formulation that is light, not sticky.” —Elizabeth Tanzi, M.D., founder and director of Capital Laser & Skin Care and assistant clinical professor, department of dermatology at the George Washington University Medical Center
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #2
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, $10.99 at Ulta Beauty
“Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser does a good job removing makeup and debris without being too drying. Even the most sensitive skin types can use it.” —Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #3
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM, $15.99 at Ulta Beauty
“CeraVe’s facial moisturizer is great because it has ceramides that are found in much more expensive products. Ceramides help to maintain moisture levels in the skin without being too heavy or greasy.” —Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #4
Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment, $4.99 at Target
“Aquaphor healing ointment is an inexpensive, multiuse, best drugstore skin care product that EVERYONE should have in the medicine cabinet. This is an oxygen-permeable formulation, which means that even though it helps seal the skin, the flow of oxygen is helpful to stimulate healing at the same time.” —Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #5
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Sunscreen, $33.50 at Ulta Beauty
“La Roche-Posay Mineral SPF 50 is amazingly lightweight and really great sun protection. The formulation helps to block UVA and UVB rays and is light enough for people to keep applying throughout the day as needed. Great for all but the driest skin types.” —Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #6
Simple Cleansing Micellar Water, $4.69 at Target
“Simple micellar water removes makeup with minimal disruption of the skin barrier, so it's super gentle, but an effective cleanser. It can be used daily for all skin types. Micelles love to trap oil and dirt while also hydrating and Simple is formulated for sensitive skin — you don't even have to rinse it off.” —Jessie Cheung, M.D., board-certified dermatologist
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #7
Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips, $7.99 at Ulta Beauty
“Bioré nose strips really do work to unplug your pores and it's fun to see the stalagmites that you unearth. These can be applied every week, but avoid using them too often if you have sensitive skin — they work by forming a glue-like bond with the sebum in your pores, but the adhesive can stick to your skin and pull off the top layer.” —Dr. Jessie Cheung
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #8
Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel, $48 at Ulta Beauty
“Juice Beauty focuses on organic and natural compositions that perform as well (if not better) than conventional, non-organic beauty products. Their green apple peel is an at-home facial peel that’s packed with vitamins A, C and E as well as alpha and beta hydroxy acids to improve skin texture and tone.” —Arash Akhavan, M.D., FAAD, board certified dermatologist and founder of The Dermatology & Laser Group in New York City
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #9
EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41, $22.95 at Walmart
“EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF is a physical sunscreen that contains active mineral ingredients, making it better for sensitive skin. This type of sunscreen sits on top of the skin to deflect and scatter damaging UV rays, making it less likely to clog pores, which is ideal for anyone with blemish-prone skin, rosacea or redness of the face.” —Dr. Arash Akhavan
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #10
Schick Hydro Silk Razor, $6.99 at Amazon
“Patients often see me for concerns of ingrown hairs, dry skin, small itchy bumps or pimples after shaving. The key to shaving is ensuring that the skin barrier is healthy and strong. Most people don't realize the importance of moisturizing the skin as a key step with shaving. I love Schick Hydro Silk Razor because it has hydra-boost serum, a concentrated serum with shea butter, which provides an improved in-shower experience and delivers hydration benefits to make sure skin is hydrated after you shave. Shea butter has been proven to minimize water loss from skin cells, be an effective emollient and has anti-inflammatory properties.” —Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, M.D., clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine and dermatologist at Marmur Medical
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #11
Differin Balancing Moisturizer, $7.97 at Jet
“Vitamin A derivative, which was previously a prescription, recently became over-the-counter! This is not only proven to treat acne by declogging pores, but also is an anti-inflammatory, decreases pigmentation and even reduces fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen production. I love Differin as an entry-level retinoid and for my patients who have dry, sensitive skin and rosacea, but also have acne.” —Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #12
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, $8.99 at Ulta Beauty
“The two most common skin care mistakes I see are not washing your face before bed and being too rough with the skin around the eye area when removing eye makeup. I like Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water because it gently removes all makeup without needing to rinse. The waterproof formula easily removes all long-lasting eye makeup, so you are not rubbing and/or tugging the eye area where skin is the thinnest.” —S. Manjula Jegasothy, M.D., CEO and founder of Miami Skin Institute
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #13
L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Peel Pads, $9.79 at Walmart
“I recommend all of my clients, both men and women, to come into my office for a gentle fruit acid peel to get rid of dead skin cell buildup, brighten any dark spots and to unclog and refine pores. As an in-between to their regular peels, L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Peel Pads, formulated with glycolic acid, help maintain their skin. The key is to use this best drugstore skin care product minimally, once every two weeks at most, as over-exfoliating can irritate the skin.” —Dr. S. Manjula Jegasothy
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #14
Enlite Super Face Check Your Bags at the Door Hydrating + Depuffing Eye Pads, $22 at Amazon
“Waking up to puffy eyes is the bane of most everyone’s existence. Keep a pack of Enlite’s best drugstore skin care depuffing eye pads in the refrigerator so the cold pads, along with cucumber extract, can help with any swelling and redness. Caffeine can help tighten the skin and increase circulation under the eyes. Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes as you brush your teeth and do your hair.” —Dr. S. Manjula Jegasothy
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #15
Cortizone-10, $7.99 at Walgreens
“Cortizone-10 is my go-to over-the-counter drugstore product, especially for people with easily irritated skin. This works in the eye area for those with chronically dry, flaky and/or itchy skin. It also works to soften the lips, especially if you have chronic dryness or eczema. You can also apply Cortizone-10 immediately on the skin after a pimple extraction, which completely gets rid of redness and spots.” —Dr. S. Manjula Jegasothy
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #16
Stridex Medicated Pads, Maximum Strength & Alcohol Free, $3.97 at Walmart
“Stridex medicated acne pads are soaked with salicylic acid, which works well for oily and acne-prone skin. The pads are also convenient to carry in your gym bag to use post-workout when showering is not an option. The pads are able to cut through sweat, which helps to prevent face and body acne. They also do not dry or irritate the skin.” —-Dr. S. Manjula Jegasothy
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #17
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation, $13.99 at Neutrogena
“Neutrogena Mineral Sheers powder is a natural, soft look for those red-blemished days that won’t clog your pores.” —Marina Arnold, R.N., specializing in cosmetic dermatology
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #18
Revlon PhotoReady BB Cream Skin Perfector, $10.97 at Walmart
“Revlon PhotoReady BB Cream Skin Perfector is light and has great coverage for imperfections without the need to layer.” —Marina Arnold
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #19
Dove Beauty Bar 6 Pack, $6.47 at Walmart
“I’m a big believer that less is more, which is why I skip the expensive body soaps and go right for the Dove Beauty Bar. It moisturizes while it cleanses, leaving skin soft and fresh. I follow up with a topical antioxidant and a hydrating moisturizer to apply at nighttime to help keep skin healthy.” —Elizabeth Hale, M.D., clinical associate professor of dermatology at NYU
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #20
Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $3.99 at Target
“It has a basic petrolatum base, but with a variety of sunscreens for UVA and UVB protection.” –Dr. Harold Lancer
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #21
White Egret Olive Squalane Oil, $17.70 at Amazon
“Squalane, derived from olives, is bioidentical to the skin's own moisturizing lipids and is a great boost to hydrating the skin during frigid months.” –Dr. Harold Lancer
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #22
Promise Organic Ultra Moisturizing Argan Creme Facial Cream with Avocado, $12.99 at CVS
“The Promise Organic line of best skin care products celebrates the time-honored Moroccan tradition of argan oil for naturally beautiful, hydrated skin and hair. Argan oil is a multitasker with antioxidants that protect the skin and fatty acids that repair the barrier. So, it has both skin soothing and actual anti-aging properties. Packed with vitamins A and E, argan oil is clinically proven to boost hydration and promote healthy skin and hair from within. Also rich in omega-6 fatty acids and linoleic acid, argan oil calms skin and moisturizes without leaving a dull or oily residue.” –Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #23
Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer With SPF 50, $16.79 at Ulta Beauty
“Especially in the morning, you want to always use a high-quality, broad spectrum sunscreen every day that protects against both skin cancer causing UVA and sunburn causing UVB rays. Your skin can develop sun damage in the fall and winter just as it can during the summer.” –Dr. Joshua Zeichner
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #24
Avène Cold Cream, $20 at DermStore
“Cold weather with low humidity can dry out the skin. Look for the best skin care products and facial moisturizers with skin-plumping hyaluronic acid. This super humectant draws in water to the outer skin layer. Beeswax and mineral oil fill in the cracks between rough skin cells while protecting and hydrating.” –Dr. Joshua Zeichner
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #25
Olay ProX Nightly Purifying Micro-Peel, $17.95 at Amazon
“This is perfect for the night before a red carpet event. Just a few drops of this product, which contains glycolic and lactic acids, to your face at night (before your moisturizer) helps you wake with smooth, glowy skin.” –Annie Chiu, M.D., celebrity dermatologist
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #26
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, $22.99 at Ulta Beauty
“This whipped cooling moisturizer doesn’t clog pores, instead it contains hyaluronic acid (the same molecule that makes up common injectable fillers), which draws water to the skin, making it look dewy and wrinkles look plumped — perfect for HD TV.” –Dr. Annie Chiu
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #27
La Roche-Posay Micellar Water, $15.99 at Ulta Beauty
“For jet-setting celebrities or moms on the go alike, micellar cleansers use tiny suspended droplets that trap dirt, makeup and oils with a simple swipe of a cotton pad — without the need for any water. Unlike makeup facial wipes, you won’t feel the need to use another cleanser afterward. It does triple duty by removing makeup, dirt and draws out impurities in one step, while leaving the skin hydrated and soft.” –Dr. Annie Chiu
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #28
Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum, $22.99 at Ulta Beauty
“This serum has a great silky and lightweight texture with superior hydration properties. Additionally, the anti-aging benefits from the amino peptide complex are comparable to much more expensive best skin care products.” –Hadley King, M.D., New York City dermatologist
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #29
Eucerin Professional Repair Extremely Dry Skin Lotion, $21.98 at Amazon
“This best skin care product does a fantastic job of smoothing and hydrating dry, rough skin. Plus, it has a non-greasy texture and has no odor.” –Dr. Hadley King
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #30
Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm With Vitamin E & Peppermint, $3.59 at Ulta Beauty
“Simply the best lip balm. It contains natural ingredients and no petroleum products.” –Dr. Hadley King
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #31
Eucerin In-Shower Moisturizer Body Lotion, $9.65 at Amazon
“A new product that I love and am using myself. The best time to moisturize is when the skin is damp, so an in-shower moisturizer is a quick, convenient way to moisturize without feeling greasy. These best skin care products were developed with ingredients that are activated by the water. The secret ingredient is the water-activated concentration of provitamin B5. The lotion is basically applied to the body like a conditioner is applied to the hair. Step out of the stream of water, put it on, then rinse. Once the shower is done, towel dry and you’re good to go. No additional moisturizer is needed. Also, don’t apply it to the bottoms of the feet because it can be slippery.” –Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #32
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, $9.99 at Target
“I highly recommend the CeraVe moisturizing cream. It hydrates and replenishes dry and sensitive skin. It repletes ceramides, which are proteins in the skin necessary for maintaining proper barrier function and preventing irritation and eczema.” –Jessica Weiser, M.D., of New York Dermatology Group
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #33
RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Night Cream, $23.99 at Ulta Beauty
“This night cream can be used on the face for anti-aging and anti-acne benefits. It contains retinol, a vitamin A derivative that helps boost collagen production to minimize fine lines, improve cell turnover and renewal, resulting in improvements in skin tone and texture. In combination with a hydrating cream, it can also be used to improve keratosis pilaris on arms and legs.” –Dr. Jessica Weiser
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #34
Grandpa's Thylox Acne Treatment Soap With Sulfur, $3.99 at Walgreens
“Grandpa's Thylox sulfur soap contains volcanic sulfur, which is an excellent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ingredient to reduce overall redness and breakouts on the skin and to aid in treatment of acne and rosacea.” –Dr. Jessica Weiser
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #35
Nature Made Fish Oil, $13.79 at Amazon
“Take one to four grams a day of omega-3 fish oil. It’s not only good for heart health, but also good for the skin.” –Fran E. Cook-Bolden, M.D., director of Skin Specialty Dermatology in New York City
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #36
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45, $11.99 at Neutrogena
“The number one most important part of an anti-aging regimen is carefully choosing a sunscreen that you love! There are many options now available for all skin types and tones. They include micronized creams, gels and sheer liquids to sheer sprays and the more traditional creams. There is truly something for everyone.” –Dr. Fran E. Cook-Bolden
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21 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend To Their Celebrity Clients #37
Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Anti-Wrinkle Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20, $15.47 at Walmart
“Keeping the skin properly hydrated is very important. This means choosing the right moisturizer for your skin type and the time of year. Often, your daytime moisturizer and sunscreen can be the same product. This helps to keep it simple. I encourage patients to choose a sunscreen that gives them the right amount of moisture. This can be a combination moisturizer with SPF or even a stand-alone SPF that has the right base for you. At night, you don't need a sunscreen and this is the time to choose a moisturizer that allows the skin to recover and heal from the day.” –Dr. Fran E. Cook-Bolden
