From cleansers to sunscreens, it’s easy to get the basics at an affordable price point. We tapped five dermatologists to find out the best beauty products under $15. Keep scrolling to shop their top picks.
- Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, Miami-based board-certified dermatologist
- Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York
- Mona Gohara, MD, board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor at Yale University
- Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York
- Shereene Idriss, MD, board-certified dermatologist
The best beauty products under $15, according to dermatologists
1. Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash, $15
“This body wash is great for sensitive skin,” says Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist. “It cleanses well and leaves skin hydrated. I love it for the whole family.”
Shop now: Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash, $15
2. Bioderma Sensibio H20, $15
Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, loves this micellar water “because it’s gentle yet effective enough to remove even the most stubborn makeup without leaving your face feeling inflamed or irritated.”
Shop now: Bioderma Sensibio H20, $15
3. Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, $15
“It’s a pure mineral sunscreen with Zinc and Titanium,” says Rachel Nazarian, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. “It’s lightweight, and great for summer fun: water-resistant, great for sensitive skin, and the bottle turns blue when it’s in direct sunlight that could damage the product (and your skin!)”
Shop now: Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, $15
4. Differin Gel, $13
Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and host of Well+Good’s Dear Derm, shared in an episode that vitamin-A derivatives should be the hero product of your skincare routine. “Vitamin-A derivatives such as Differin and Retin-A, you might be familiar with that, are hero collagen builders,” says Dr. Gohara. “So they increase collagen production and they decrease collagen breakdown.” In addition to using it on your face, Dr. Gohara says to use it on your neck and the back of your hands.
Shop now: Differin Gel, $13
5. Burt’s Bees Daily Face Moisturizer, $13
After using a vitamin-A derivative like Differin, Dr. Gohara says to follow up with a moisturizer. This one from Burt’s Bees is one of her favorites.
Shop now: Burt’s Bees Daily Face Moisturizer, $13
Watch Dr. Gohara share more of her favorite drugstore beauty buys:
6. Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash, $6
“When looking for a body wash it is important to find one that will leave you feeling clean, but won’t strip the skin of its natural oils and moisture,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist. “I love that this body wash provides a thorough cleanse but also is formulated with the Moisture Renew Blend which provides a blend of moisturizers to help support the skin’s natural barrier, so it doesn’t leave the skin feeling dry.”
Shop now: Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash, $6
7. Unscented Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, $9
“You must always follow up removing your makeup with a gentle wash, and this one is it,” says Dr. Idriss. “No frills, no thrills, effective, and affordable.”
Shop now: Unscented Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, $9
8. CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, $13
“This is a great everyday moisturizer for the body,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. “It contains ceramides which are lipids that improve the skin’s barrier function. It doesn’t feel heavy and it instantly hydrates the skin.”
Shop now: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, $13
9. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, $10
“I love this nightly moisturizer as it is lightweight and doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy,” says Dr. Garshick. “It is formulated with ceramides to help strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the skin and niacinamide which is soothing for the skin. It’s also a great option for those with acne who are using active anti-acne ingredients such as retinoids, as it can help to provide moisture to the skin so it can better tolerate the retinoid.”
Shop now: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, $10
10. Dove Beauty Bar Sensitive Skin, $10
“This cleanser is one of my favorites,” says Dr. Nazarian. “It’s unscented, hypoallergenic, and doesn’t strip natural moisturizers from skin while it cleanses. And, despite being moisturizing, doesn’t cause acne and is non-comedogenic. An eight-pack is still under $15″
Shop now: Dove Beauty Bar Sensitive Skin, $10