5 Dermatologist-Approved Skincare Products You Can Save Money on Available at Drugstores

Dr. Shereene Idriss, a New York-based doctor and creator of the PillowtalkDerm brand, shares her favorite affordable products.
Dr. Shereene Idriss

Dr. Shereene Idriss.


Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss has been practicing for more than a decade, but it wasn’t until the past few years that she added internet sensation to her résumé. It was then that her #PillowtalkDerm brand really took off.

Today, the New York-based doctor, who received her degree from the seven-year Medical Honors Program at The George Washington University, has built a social media following of almost two million across InstagramTikTok and YouTube. The 39-year-old uses her platform to create casual conversations around skincare, and often shares advice backed by digestible scientific knowledge. She debunks myths and tests new products, always proving honest feedback and explanations as to why certain products work, while others don’t, and rarely opts into sponsorships and brand deals.

Dr. Idriss launched PillowtalkDerm, her own skincare line last September and named it after the signature content hashtag she is best known for. The brand’s best-selling and constantly sold-out Depuffer is a redness reducing roll-on serum that just won a 2023 Allure Best of Beauty award.

The Manhattan-based Idriss Dermatology founder spoke to SI Swimsuit about all things affordable skincare, where to save, and her skincare routine—which has grown to include some drugstore items.

“Medical-grade skincare, clinical skincare, whatever you want to call it, is not superior to drugstore products just because they’re sold at med spas and dermatology clinics,” she says. “You can actually find really good skincare products in all these places if you have specific skin concerns.”

Shop some of Dr. Idriss’s skincare favorites, all available on Amazon and under $20, below.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, $10.39 (amazon.com)

Dr. Idriss uses this micellar water on a cotton pad as the first step in her cleansing routine in the evening to remove makeup and “wash the day off.”

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, $8.05 (amazon.com)

This highly-effective, gentle cleanser has been a “go-to” and longtime staple in her routine.

Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Body Cream, $14.24 (amazon.com)

“Weleda Skin Food is a multi-purpose moisturizer that I also love using for lip basting in addition to my face,” she explains of the rich all-over cream.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5, $17.99 (amazon.com)

This TikTok-trending cream is one of Dr. Idriss’s winter skincare favorites. “It helps reset and repair dry, irritated skin,” she explains. “I baste my face with this at night to wake up plump, hydrated and dewy.”

Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C Plus E Ferulic Acid Serum, $17.07 (amazon.com)

“Timeless vitamin C serums are impressive formulations for a good price as it’s a multi-ingredient story formulated with L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and ferulic acid,” she says. “A combination that’s been on the market at a very high price point makes 20 bucks a drugstore steal.”

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Ananya Panchal
ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a NYC-based Lifestyle & Trending News writer at SI Swimsuit. Before joining the Swim team, the Boston University Alum worked for culture & entertainment beats at Bustle, The San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. When Ananya is not writing or doom-scrolling on social media, she can be found playing sudoku, rewatching One Tree Hill or trying new restaurants. She's also a coffee and chocolate (separately) enthusiast.