My 5 Drugstore Skincare Favorites

We are finally on the last post of my skincare series. I hope you’ve found all of the information useful! The products I’m discussing today can be found at just about any drugstore, but also at super markets, grocery stores, department stores, etc. I should probably mention that I linked them all from Target because that’s probably the most widely used store for the most people, but Rite Aid, Bartell Drugs, Walgreens, etc. all have these products too.

Of all the items I’ve shared, these are the most accessible, the cheapest by far, and honestly, the most tried and true as I haven’t been able to shake them for a minimum of 3 years. Seriously, 3 years is the least amount of time I’ve used any of the products and some go back 18 years… and now I’m dating myself. I’ve admittedly tried to quit a few of them — you know, like when I thought I could go entirely “clean and natural” — but the fact is, these WORK and my skin suffers TERRIBLY without them. I did notice that some didn’t have the best reviews online, but for me, they work and I share what I’ve gotten the best results from.

Though there won’t be another skincare post — at least not anytime soon — I did want to mention that I still very much love and use my Rodan and Fields products, even if they didn’t quite fit into one of my categories. If you’re interested in more information, click here for an old post I did on their amazing skincare line.

Alright, without further adieu…

1. St. Ives Acne Control Apricot Scrub

I’ve used this product since I was 12 and it is insanely wonderful. Yes it says its for acne, no you don’t have to just use it for acne. For a lot (most) of the time I’ve used this skin-evening exfoliating face wash, I had no bumps or blemishes at all. The packaging has changed over the years, and perhaps the formula a very small bit, but it stays WORKIN’. I’ve tried to be real cheap and go with Target’s generic brand before but it just isn’t the same, so spend the extra dollar for the real stuff. If I go more than 3 days without using this product, I can guarantee I will have bumps if not full blown acne (okay maybe just a number of pimples) so it is a non negotiable in my life. Plus, it smells good. I will say, as far as exfoliants go, this one is real rough so don’t scrub toooooo hard, and remember that a little goes a long way.

2. St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Green Tea Scrub

So yes, another exfoliating face scrub… by the same brand. This one also smells great (actually even better), the scrub is much smoother and less aggressive than the Apricot Scrub, and they both have salicylic acid. Why do I need two of these scrubs? Well, clearly this one is to rid you of black heads! But, I honestly don’t think I’ve ever had a blackhead in my life…. so it really is just another wash I’ve thrown into the rotation that I love and my skin loves it too. A little word of advice, don’t use both scrubs in one day because that’s A LOT for your skin and can be a little too harsh. On a day I exfoliate (which is usually most days) I will use a more mild face wash later.

3. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser

This cleanser is made for sensitive skin but truly anyone can use it (my skin certainly isn’t sensy.) It’s very gentle, foams right up, and can be utilized every day without over-drying. I love that this one makes my skin feel SO clean. It leaves nothing behind to clog pores or negatively impact whatever products I’m using next. After a mask, this is a fantastic way to get any leftover bits off. Also, this may sound odd but I LOVE that this wash is so easy… if I’m half asleep I can still use it and not worry about getting grit from an exfoliant in my eye (because trust me that will wake you up reallllllll quick.)

4. Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10

While this is a maximum strength spot treatment for most people, I use this on whole areas of my face in a very thin layer (again, my skin is not in the least bit sensitive so I can do this.) If ever I’m noticing blemishes or just unevenness in my skin, throwing this on before bed — even on top of face oil — makes a world of difference by morning. I guess it is the benzoyl peroxide that does the trick, and wow does it?! The tiny tube lasts forever and is a must to clear up blemishes.

5. Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment

Another benzoyl peroxide product that I use pretty much exactly the same as the Persa-Gel 10, but that is slightly less effective for my skin. How can it still be my favorite if it doesn’t work as well? As we’ve previously discussed, my skin has requirements and one of those specifications means not using the same product two days in a row. SO, when I first notice some challenges in my skin, I’ll often use Persa-Gel 10 on night one, and On-the-Spot on night two which works great and it seems to be that last final push my face needs. My skin also will not be okay if I use these two more than once in a week… and by not okay I mean the products only work that one time and then I’m shit out of luck… cool, cool, cool. 

**BONUS PRODUCT**

6. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash

I mean, when have you known me to just stick to 5?! I meant to, but this last one had to be added because I for sure use it every week if not multiple times per week. Unlike the Gentle Daily Cleaner, this one is meant for acne (but feels just as lightweight.) This has to be one of their oldest and most effective formulas; it eliminates oil and unclogs pores to fight breakouts but also to prevent them from beginning in the first place. Again, this one has salicylic acid to fight acne.

So, there you have it! All my go-to skincare products! If you’ve tried any of these or have a recommendation, let me know!