What Dermatologist and K-beauty Expert Dr. David Kim Buys at the Drugstore
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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A bond-repairing mask
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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
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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.
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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.
More expert beauty picks
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"You can use it on cheeks, lips, and eyes when you need a little flush."
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"Every time I use this, someone asks what’s on my lips."
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"It’s magic — once I spray it, the hair is not going to move for eight hours."
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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.
