I’m a Dermatologist, and These Are the Must-Have Products From the Drugstore

In recent years, the drugstore beauty aisle has gotten such a major makeover that it's practically unrecognizable—like Sandy at the end of Grease (or, my personal favorite, Mia Thermopolis at the end of Princess Diaries). That means it's a better time than ever to shop for affordable skin care, because there's so dang much of it out there that really, really works. In fact, I once switched my own pricey skin-care routine with one straight from the drugstore aisle, and as it happens, it might just have been an A-OK dermatologist drugstore skincare routine.

But don't just take my word for it: In the latest episode of Dear Derm, board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, reveals the best products that drugstore dollars can buy, and not a single one of them will run you more than 30 bucks. "It doesn't have to be super expensive to work," says Dr. Gohara. "You can walk into any drugstore and find a lot of efficacious options."

From the $1 cleanser that she swears by for cleansing her own skin head-to-toe to the best retinoid money can buy (which only costs $14!), scroll through for Dr. Gohara's go-to, eight-step  dermatologist drugstore skincare routine. The best part? The entire thing will only run you $125, which means you can spring for a pack of gum and a La Croix on the way out. Shop her picks below, and watch the video above to find out why these eight products are the ones worth grabbing.

Cleanser: Dove Beauty Bar, $1

Antioxidant serum: Vichy Liftactiv Vitamin C Serum, $28

Hydrating serum: L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $22

SPF: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Sunscreen, $27

Makeup remover: Simple Compostable Cleansing Wipes, $6

Retinoid: Differin Adapalene Gel, $14

Moisturizer: Burt's Bees Daily Moisturizing Cream, $12

Mask: No. 7 Nourishing Hydration Mask, $15

If you do want to invest in a single product in your routine, Dr. Gohara suggests making it a serum. These are the things you should look for when selecting one, and here are 9 that will make your skin so glow-y you won't need foundation.