Skin28 Nov 20245 MIN

12 drugstore beauty buys Team Nod can’t live without

Looks like everyone loves a good budget cleanser

The Nod team's top drugstore skincare products

The role of drugstore products in any good starter skincare routine is indisputable. We all love luxury brands, but expensive doesn’t always necessarily mean better. There’s plenty of tried-and-true options with quality formulations to consider at affordable price points. Some of these brands have perfected their formulations over decades, while others are bringing in active ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C as well.

Below, The Nod team shares first-hand recommendations across categories. A clear winner seems to be the cleanser, which most people picked as their holy grail drugstore product. So if you haven’t found your favourite yet, read on for options. 

01

Aquaphor lip repair, ₹599

“I have really dry, chapped lips, especially during the winter. I like that this product is not too greasy and smoothes out the lips within a day or two. I also use it as a primer before I put on lipstick and at night, I slug it.” — Sheree Gomes, senior contributor

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02

Biafine emulsion, ₹1,500-2,000 approx

“Being an avid doomscroller who spends half her life on Instagram, I discovered Biafine on Reels. It’s an all-rounder cream which is found in French pharmacies. It works perfectly as a moisturiser for the winter months, helps with hyperpigmentation, and it’s also great for treating sunburn.” — Naheed Driver, fashion lead

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03

Burt’s Bees beeswax lip balm, ₹429

“I keep losing lip balms. This is the easiest one to pick up no matter where I am. It also comes in multi-packs, which is very helpful.” — Megha Mahendru, editor

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04

CeraVe foaming cleanser, ₹1,550

“This is my favourite face wash because it gives you the satisfaction of the foam, but it doesn’t strip the skin of its moisture. I use it twice a day. It’s great for Mumbai weather because it’s so humid here and your skin tends to get oily. I break out easily, but this one doesn’t aggravate my skin. I’ve been using it for over two years, and I have this huge bottle that I keep replacing.” — Ruhi Gilder, audience growth executive

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05

Cetaphil moisturising lotion, ₹1,599

“I saw someone else using this moisturiser, bought it to try it out, and ended up liking it. I use it just once in the morning before I leave for work, and it keeps my skin moisturised all day.” — Harry Iyer, art & creative head

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06

Dr Sheth’s Ceramide & Vitamin C sunscreen, ₹499

“My favourite thing about this sunscreen is that it doesn’t leave a white cast. It feels light on my face. I’ve been using it for about two years now.” — Mehak Jindal, multimedia designer

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07

Episoft cleansing lotion, ₹600

“My skin is very sensitive, so I only use products I get at the pharmacy. I’ve been using the Episoft cleansing lotion for the last few years—it’s the gentlest face wash. I love it because it feels like putting nothing on your skin. It has no smell, no lathering—so it doesn’t feel like suds are being created for the sake of it. It is the most neutral product to put on your face. I use it twice a day and I keep a big one in my bathroom at home and a smaller one to travel with.” — Butool Jamal, fashion editor

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08

Fotoprotector ISDIN Fusion Water SPF 50, ₹2,190

“I picked it up at the airport about six months ago on a trip and have been using it ever since. I’m not into skincare, but it’s a good sunscreen.” — Sarang Gupta, photo editor

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09

Garnier Micellar Oil-Infused cleansing water, ₹550

“I hate the process of taking make-up off—it’s messy and takes too long and the mascara goes everywhere. I like anything that makes this ordeal easier, and while nothing works as well as a good balm, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a more accessible alternative. It’s my go-to for when I’m out of balm and waiting for the online order to arrive, plus it’s great on a Q-tip to correct little make-up mistakes.” — Ridhima Sapre, audience & strategy editor

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10

Neutrogena Rainbath refreshing shower and bath gel, ₹1,090

“I’ve been using this product on and off for over 10 years now. It lathers well, especially with a loofah, and has the most refreshing scent. The fragrance has warm, spicy notes, but isn’t overpowering. I’d recommend it to anyone who’s looking for an everyday body wash that feels indulgent but doesn’t break the bank.” — Chloe Chou, fashion & beauty writer

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11

Photon 360 Hydra sunscreen fluid cream, ₹990

“I’m 40, so I need to be obsessed with sunscreen. For the longest time, I didn’t use sunscreen regularly because I didn’t think I needed it except for outdoorsy holidays, given my otherwise mostly indoor lifestyle. But then I started having other skin problems, and my dermatologist said this product was a must. What I love about it is that, unlike other sunscreens I’ve tried in the past, which felt thick and gloppy, it is extremely light, with a near-fluid consistency. It feels like I haven’t put anything on my skin. I’ve been using it for two and a half years and have no complaints.” — Samira Sood, managing editor

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12

Simple moisturising facial wash, ₹385

“I was recommended this face wash by my aunt who’s into skincare big-time. It’s very gentle, feels super soft during application, and is not too soapy. It lathers just the right amount and works well for my combination skin type.” — Diya Parakh, social media editor

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