The Best Drugstore Skincare Routines for Every Skin Type

Don’t worry: drugstore skincare is effective and worth it. Many products contain the same popular ingredients as high-end products, including hydrating hyaluronic acid, exfoliating glycolic acid, and activated charcoal.

You just have to know which products and brands are best for you and your skin type.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best drugstore skincare products, determined by the Byrdie team based on customer reviews (to make your life easier and save your wallet).

So instead of spending your entire paycheck on multiple high-end products, you can incorporate these affordable products into your existing routine. Keep scrolling for a full drugstore skincare routine broken down by skin type.

Drugstore Dry Skin Care Routine

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide found naturally in the human body. It has a cushioning and lubricating effect on joints, nerves, hair, skin, and eyes.

In skincare it acts as a humectant. That means it binds water in cells (while attracting and holding moisture from the air) to make skin appear plumper.

CeraVe cleansing products are recommended by many dermatologists because they’re gentle and don’t dry out the skin.

This product contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier (which is why it’s so important in the winter).

CeraVe cleansing products are recommended by many dermatologists because they are gentle and don’t dry out the skin.

This product contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier (which is why it’s so important in the winter).

This facial toner contains spring water from Australia’s Blue Mountains, baobab seed extract, and what’s called a powerful energizing complex. Its light, liquid texture makes it extremely hydrating.

Tip: Use toner after cleansing and before moisturizing for an extra boost of hydration.

Follow with Neutrogena’s Hydra-Gel. It contains hyaluronic acid to provide intense hydration. The light texture makes it perfect for summer.

If your skin feels tight and dehydrated by midday, use this Milky Mist, a hydrating facial mist that soothes and plumps the skin’s surface.

One reviewer commented, “My dry skin was instantly moisturized after the first use. I use it morning and night and my skin is amazing now.

I highly recommend this product, it’s perfect for daily use; it’s a great value. And it’s so filling that you won’t run out of it quickly. Buy this product and your dry skin will be instantly refreshed.”

Drugstore Routine for Oily/Acne-Prone Skin

Key Ingredients: Activated charcoal is made from carbon-rich materials, such as coal, coconut shells, and wood, that are burned at high temperatures. In skin care, it’s said to bind and remove impurities, but more research is needed.

As mentioned earlier, popular skincare ingredients are also available at the drugstore. One example is this Bioré cleanser with activated charcoal, which deep cleans and removes pore-clogging impurities to improve the appearance of pores.

This toner from Burt’s Bees is only $10 and contains a number of potent acne-fighting ingredients, including witch hazel, lemongrass, and willow bark extracts.

It instantly clears pores, refreshes the complexion, and prevents future breakouts. Reviews like this one bear it out: “I love this toner! It smells great and leaves my face feeling refreshed.

It doesn’t dry out my skin like other toners do. Since using this, I’ve stopped getting breakouts and my uneven skin tone has improved. I feel so much better now!”

Anyone with oily skin knows that skin needs moisture, but not too much. This one from Cetaphil hydrates without overproducing oil or giving you an oily midday complexion. It even has SPF 30 to protect against sun damage.

Drugstore Routine for Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, you can’t be too careful about the ingredient list. This Vanicream cleanser is formulated for sensitive skin, so it’s just as important what it contains as what it doesn’t.

In the latter case, the ingredient list contains no lanolin, fragrance, dyes, parabens, or preservatives. How gentle is that?

Southwest Basics is a favorite of the Byrdie team. This brand makes clean, non-toxic skincare with a clear (and short) ingredient list.

This oil-based serum contains just four ingredients: avocado, geranium, turmeric, and coffee oil. It’s animal-free, organic, and anti-inflammatory.

La Roche Posay is a well-known French cosmeceutical brand that’s available at Target. This daily facial moisturizer is formulated for sensitive skin, so it’s paraben- and fragrance-free.

It’s also dermatologically tested. “This moisturizer is lightweight and feels great on the skin,” one reviewer wrote. “I use it every day and my skin feels so soft and not greasy at all.

I have sensitive skin around my eyes, and this eye cream didn’t irritate me at all. It’s also a great value for the money.”

Normal Skin – Drugstore Routine

While there’s no “normal” for normal skin, the term covers the gray area between sensitive, oily, and dry. If you don’t fall into any of those categories, this one might be for you.

We love Simple’s face wash, which cleanses, moisturizes, and (you guessed it) is simple. We call it the LBD of face washes.

If you have normal skin, why not add some radiance? This night serum contains vitamins A, C, and E and glycolic acid to exfoliate and brighten.

“I never write reviews but this stuff is amazing. My skin has never been smoother and more even,” said one customer.

Follow the glowing skin secrets with Aveeno’s SPF 15 Daily Moisturizer to prevent surface sun damage, while the Soy Complex promotes a more even and radiant complexion. What’s the saying?

If it’s good enough for Jennifer Aniston, it’s good enough for us. (PS: The all-green theme for the skincare routine wasn’t intentional, but we’re happy to go with it.)

Remember: These aren’t a cure-all for skincare woes. Everyone’s skin is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, it’s a good starting point for developing your own personal routine.