What Dermatologist and K-beauty Expert Dr. David Kim Buys at the Drugstore
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Here at the Strategist, we love hearing about everyday stuff that actually works. That line of thinking extends to the drugstore beauty products in our medicine cabinets , shower caddies , and makeup bags . In our series " Beauty Aisle ," we talk to folks in the beauty industry — aestheticians, hairstylists, makeup artists, dermatologists, and the like — about the go-to affordable products they keep stocked. For this installment, Strategist beauty writer Krista Bennett DeMaio chatted with dermatologist and K-beauty expert Dr. David Kim about the drugstore products he loves.
A PDRN lip serum
Dr. Reju-All Advanced PDRN Rejuvenating Lip Serum
This K-beauty brand founded by a pharmacist recently launched at Ulta. I find a lot of lip serums and lip balms can be irritating and actually make your lips more chapped and dry. But this one hydrates really well. It has PDRN, glycyrrhetinic acid, allantoin, and rice-oil extract — I think it's a combination of all four things.
A potent exfoliator
L'Oréal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Face Serum
It has 10 percent glycolic acid , which is a good amount for the drugstore, but it's pretty gentle. I like it to exfoliate the face, neck, décolletage — even for the backs of your hands to improve skin texture. I like once or twice a week. If you use it every night, your skin barrier will get compromised.
A body buffer
Celimax TXA Body Clarifying Pad
These tranexamic-acid body pads are great for exfoliating rough skin or brightening hyperpigmentation, especially dark armpits, elbows, knees, or post-acne spots .
A gentle retinol
Neutrogena Rapid Repair Retinol Renewal Serum
This is a very good retinol serum. The percentage isn't disclosed, but it's a gentle formulation that's good even for people with sensitive skin.
A brightening eye cream
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Eye Cream
CeraVe has this really nice vitamin C eye cream to brighten up the under-eye skin. It also has caffeine to de-puff and three essential ceramides to hydrate. It's gentle and easy to use.
A bond-repairing mask
Dove Beauty Bond Strength with Peptide Complex 10-in-1 Serum Hair Mask
When your hair feels dry, frizzy , or brittle, you can apply this mask to help repair damage. It'll feel smoother, thicker, and fuller. You can use it at least once a week.
A double-cleanse duo
Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
For the first step of a double cleanse , I like this cleansing balm from Dr. Althea. It melts away all the sunscreen , makeup, and mascara .
Unscented Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Then you can wash with this gentle facial cleanser. It's my go-to for everyone. It's kind of boring, but it really works well.
Versed Everything Balm Complexion Color - Hint
CoverGirl Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss Lip Gloss
Bed Head Hard Head Extreme Hold Hairspray
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
