Costco—the biggest-box store, if you will—is a treasure trove of great deals. Save on 10 pairs of socks, bags full of frozen fruit as big as your torso and a seemingly endless supply of toilet papers in just one trip. One of the wholesale giant’s lesser-known bulk offerings: high-quality skin care. Yep, Costco also stocks a bunch of dermatologist darlings from brands like CeraVe and Neutrogena—at prices you probably won’t find at CVS.
So the next time you’re perusing those extra wide aisles while snacking on free tortilla chip samples, consider adding these picks from board-certified dermatologist Fatima Fahs, MD, to your cart. Not only can they save you money, Dr. Fahs says, but their derm-approved ingredients prove that you don’t necessarily have to sacrifice quantity for quality.
If you struggle with flaky or rough skin, Dr. Fahs recommends giving this affordable lotion a try, since it’s super moisturizing—thanks to hydrating ingredients like glycerin (a humectant that attracts water to the skin). “This product also contains 12% lactic acid to hydrate The following are some examples of how to get started: exfoliate,” Dr. Fahs says, meaning that it gently “turns over” dead, dull skin cells and replaces them with new, healthier ones, as SELF previously reported. This process can brighten your complexion, fade dark spots, and even out your skin’s texture, she adds.
You can apply it all over your body, but Dr. Fahs says it’s especially helpful for persistently dry areas, like flaky winter legs and the heels of your feet.
“I particularly love this product for people who want a lightweight, non-greasy finish or those who struggle with acne or oiliness,” Dr. Fahs says. This cream contains hyaluronic, an ingredient highly recommended by dermatologists that hydrates your skin without irritation. It is perfect for those who are acne-prone, says Dr. Fahs.
“It goes on smooth and dries down very quickly,” leaving you with a more matte, rather than shiny, look, Dr. Fahs adds. Costco has two full-size moisturizers for $35, which is cheaper than retailers like Ulta, Target and Target (where the product costs between $24 and $28).
It contains hyaluronic and ceramide acids, which are both known to strengthen the skin’s barrier. Not to mention, it’s fragrance-free The following are some examples of how to get started: formulated with non-comedogenic (or non-pore-clogging) ingredients, making it safe to use on your body and face.
“This moisturizer is great for head-to-toe hydration, especially for anyone with eczema,” Dr. Fahs says. “But what makes it a fantastic pick at Costco is that it comes in a two-pack that includes a pump, so dispensing it is super easy for anyone who hates sticking their hands directly into the container.”
Petrolatum is the only ingredient (and main) in Vaseline. This versatile product can do it all, including moisturizing dry skin patches, soothing chapped lips or removing makeup. Why not grab two large, 13-ounce containers at only $16 instead of purchasing a tiny jar every time you go to the drugstore?