Skincare is one of the most important aspects of self-care, but it can also be one of the most expensive. With so many products on the market, claiming to do wonders for your skin, how do you know which ones are worth your money and which ones are just hype?
Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank to achieve healthy and glowing skin. There are many affordable skincare products that deliver results, and you can find them at your local drugstore or online. In this article, we will share some of the best drugstore skincare products that we have tried and loved, and why they deserve a spot in your skincare routine.
Whether you are looking for a cleanser, a toner, a moisturizer, a serum, or a mask, we have got you covered. These products are suitable for different skin types and concerns, and they are all under $20. Ready to discover some drugstore gems? Let’s get started!
Cleansers
A good cleanser is the foundation of any skincare routine. It removes dirt, oil, makeup, and impurities from your skin, leaving it clean and refreshed. A bad cleanser can strip your skin of its natural moisture, irritate it, or cause breakouts. Here are some of the best drugstore cleansers that we recommend:
- CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser: This gentle cleanser is ideal for dry and sensitive skin. It contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, which help restore the skin’s natural barrier and hydrate it. It also has a pH-balanced formula that respects the skin’s acidity level. It cleanses the skin without drying it out or leaving any residue. It is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic.
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel: This foaming gel cleanser is perfect for oily and acne-prone skin. It contains zinc picolinate, which helps regulate sebum production and prevent shine. It also has thermal spring water, which soothes and calms the skin. It removes excess oil and impurities without over-drying the skin or disrupting its pH balance. It is soap-free, alcohol-free, paraben-free, and dermatologist-tested.
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel: This hydrating cleansing gel is suitable for normal to combination skin. It has a lightweight and refreshing texture that transforms into a silky lather. It contains hyaluronic acid, which attracts and retains moisture in the skin. It rinses off easily and leaves the skin feeling soft and supple. It is oil-free, dye-free, soap-free, and non-comedogenic.
Toners
A toner is a liquid product that you apply after cleansing your skin. It helps remove any traces of dirt or makeup that your cleanser might have missed. It also helps balance the pH level of your skin, prepare it for the next steps of your skincare routine, and enhance the absorption of other products. Here are some of the best drugstore toners that we suggest:
- Thayers Witch Hazel Facial Toner: This cult-favorite toner is made with natural ingredients such as witch hazel, aloe vera, rose water, and grapefruit seed extract. Witch hazel is an astringent that helps tighten pores and reduce inflammation. Aloe vera is a moisturizer that helps heal and soothe the skin. Rose water is an antioxidant that helps brighten and tone the skin. Grapefruit seed extract is an antibacterial that helps prevent infections and breakouts. This toner is alcohol-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.
- Pixi Glow Tonic: This exfoliating toner is designed to give your skin a radiant glow. It contains 5% glycolic acid, which helps remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture. It also contains aloe vera, ginseng, and witch hazel, which help hydrate, energize, and refine the skin. It is gentle enough to use daily and suitable for all skin types. It is alcohol-free, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly.
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution: This toning solution is a more potent version of the Pixi Glow Tonic. It contains 7% glycolic acid, which offers deeper exfoliation and faster results. It also contains aloe vera, Tasmanian pepper berry, ginseng, and amino acids, which help soothe, protect, and nourish the skin. It is recommended to use this toning solution no more than once a day and preferably at night. It is also advised to use sunscreen when using this product as it can increase sun sensitivity. It is alcohol-free, oil-free, silicone-free, nut-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegan.
Moisturizers
A moisturizer is a product that you apply after toning your skin. It helps lock in moisture and prevent water loss from your skin. It also helps protect your skin from environmental factors, such as sun, wind, and pollution. A good moisturizer should suit your skin type and address your skin concerns. Here are some of the best drugstore moisturizers that we love:
- Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion: This lightweight lotion is ideal for normal to dry skin. It contains hyaluronic acid, which helps plump and hydrate the skin. It also has glycerin, which helps smooth and soften the skin. It absorbs quickly and provides long-lasting hydration. It is fragrance-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic.
- Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 15: This oil-free moisturizer is perfect for oily and combination skin. It contains SPF 15, which helps protect your skin from sun damage and premature aging. It also has glycerin, which helps moisturize and balance the skin. It has a non-greasy and lightweight texture that does not clog pores or cause breakouts. It is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and dermatologist-recommended.
- CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion: This night-time moisturizer is suitable for all skin types. It contains ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, which help restore the skin’s barrier, reduce redness and inflammation, and hydrate the skin. It also has a patented MVE technology, which delivers a controlled release of ingredients over time. It is oil-free, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free.
Serums
A serum is a concentrated product that you apply before your moisturizer. It contains active ingredients that target specific skin issues, such as wrinkles, dark spots, acne, or dullness. A serum can boost the effectiveness of your skincare routine and give you faster results. Here are some of the best drugstore serums that we swear by:
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: This serum is a must-have for oily and acne-prone skin. It contains niacinamide, which helps regulate sebum production, minimize pores, improve skin texture, and brighten skin tone. It also contains zinc, which helps reduce inflammation and heal blemishes. It is oil-free, silicone-free, alcohol-free, nut-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegan.
- L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum: This serum is a miracle worker for aging and dull skin. It contains 10% pure vitamin C, which helps stimulate collagen production, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and enhance skin radiance. It also has a stabilized formula that prevents oxidation and maintains potency. It is fragrance-free, paraben-free, mineral oil-free, dye-free, and allergy-tested.
- No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum: This serum is a cult classic for mature and dry skin. It contains Matrixyl 3000 Plus™, which helps boost elastin and collagen synthesis, smooth wrinkles and fine lines, and firm the skin. It also has antioxidants such as vitamin C and ginseng, which help protect the skin from free radicals and environmental damage. It is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and clinically proven.
Masks
A mask is a product that you apply once or twice a week to give your skin an extra boost of care. It can help deep-cleanse your pores, hydrate your skin, exfoliate your dead cells, or calm your inflammation. A mask can also be a relaxing and pampering treat for yourself. Here are some of the best drugstore masks that we enjoy:
- Freeman Feeling Beautiful Avocado & Oatmeal Clay Mask: This clay mask is great for normal to oily skin. It contains avocado oil, which helps nourish and moisturize the skin. It also contains oatmeal, which helps soothe and cleanse the skin. It draws out impurities and excess oil from your pores without drying out your skin. It leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth.
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask: This hydrogel mask is ideal for dry and dehydrated skin. It contains hyaluronic acid, which helps plump and hydrate the skin. It also has a gel-like texture that conforms to your face shape and delivers maximum moisture. It refreshes and rejuvenates your skin in just 15 minutes.
- Burt’s Bees Detoxifying Charcoal Sheet Mask: This sheet mask is perfect for combination and congested skin. It contains charcoal powder, which helps detoxify and purify the skin. It also contains honey, which helps moisturize and soothe the skin. It removes dirt and impurities from your pores and reveals a clearer and brighter complexion.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many affordable skincare products that deliver results, and you can find them at your local drugstore or online. These products are effective, gentle, and safe for your skin, and they won’t break your budget. You can mix and match them according to your skin type and needs, and create your own personalized skincare routine. Remember, skincare is not about how much you spend, but how well you take care of your skin. We hope you enjoyed this article and found some new products to try. Let us know what you think in the comments below!