Why I Don’t Recommend Drugstore Skincare Products

When a skincare product is sold directly to the public, it has to be safe and tolerable for almost anyone to use without much direction. That means the formulas are often very mild. While active ingredients—like retinol, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid—are the ones that actually do the work in skincare, they can also cause irritation, dryness, photosensitivity or even worsen certain skin conditions when used incorrectly.

To avoid these risks (and potential customer complaints), brands—and even beauty giants like Sephora and Ulta—either use actives very sparingly or skip them altogether. Why? Because if someone has a bad reaction due to improper use, they’re unlikely to repurchase. It's that simple.

Personally, I don’t recommend drugstore skincare products—not because they’re all bad, but because there’s just too much on the market. It’s not realistic (or my responsibility) to sort through hundreds of formulas I haven’t worked with. Instead, I choose to offer only the best professional skincare products at my studio: high-performance skincare essentials that are effective, high quality, and thoughtfully curated based on years of experience and real results.

Here’s the difference: professional skincare lines are formulated with potent active ingredients and are meant to be used under the guidance of a licensed esthetician. I help my clients understand not just what to use, but how to use it—how to layer, how to introduce actives, and how to build a routine that actually works. This kind of personalized skincare guidance is key. Without it, you could be spending money on products that aren't doing anything—or worse, are making things worse.

Sure, you can pick up a cute bottle with trendy packaging or buy something that worked for your favorite influencer. Odds are, your face won’t melt off. But if you’re struggling with acne, sensitive skin, or skin issues that affect your confidence, it’s time to invest in customized skincare and professional support.

If you're ready to take the next step, book a skincare consultation with me and discover what high-quality, personalized care can do for your skin.

I hope this helps you make smart, empowered skincare decisions.

— Molly M.

Licensed Esthetician | Acne Specialist | Professional Skincare Expert