Who says you need to spend hundreds of dollars for quality skincare?

If you're thinking about trying out new skincare, don't discount your local drugstore. 

"It really comes down to ingredients and the elegance of formulation," says Dr. Julia Carroll, a dermatologist at Compass Dermatology in Toronto, Ont. 

In many cases, drugstore products feature similar ingredients to those you'd find in a dermatologist's office or high-end store. Though concentrations might be lower or not advertised, there are plenty of affordable skincare options that don't compromise on quality.

Here are Dr. Carroll's top drugstore picks for face wash. 

These are her top picks for drugstore moisturizers, sunscreens, and eye creams. 

Face wash

Foams, micellar waters, creams; there's no shortage of face wash formulas for different skin types. If you have oily skin, you may opt for a lighter gel cleanser, whereas someone with dry skin might prefer a cream-based wash.

No matter the formula, face washes are a great place to save a few bucks.

"You don't need to spend a lot of money on cleansers," says Dr. Carroll. Keep an eye out for ingredients like hydrating and brightening ingredients like niacinamide and panthenol, and try to avoid unnecessary fragrances. 

La Roche-Posay Oil-Infused Micellar Water Ultra

La Roche-Posay, $25

This two-in-one micellar water cleanser is a great makeup remover for sensitive skin. “It’s gentle and minimalist, and helps to grab those fine dirt particles,” says Carrol. 

Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, the oil in this product easily lifts off the most stubborn of waterproof makeup without breaking you out.
 

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Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

Amazon, $18

“This is for somebody who just wants a good basic cleanser,” says Dr. Carroll. 

With options for normal-to-combination, gentle and oily skin, Cetaphil’s cleansing line covers your baseline skincare needs.
 

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Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser

Amazon, $34

Clinique’s cream-mousse cleanser is made with simple ingredients and no parabens, fragrance, or oils. “You won’t risk being irritated by this cleanser,” says Dr. Carroll. 

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L'Oréal Paris Dark Spot Face Cleanser with Niacinamide

Shoppers Drug Mart, $20

With niacinamide and low-level salicylic acid — which lift superficial layers of the skin off — this gel cleanser is Dr. Carroll’s pick for those with dark spots or acne-prone skin. These ingredients are known to brighten and even out your skin tone. 

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