I’ve Tested Hundreds of Skincare Products—These Pharmacy Finds Are the Ones I Trust
Walk into any UK high street today and the beauty shelves are a far cry from what they were a decade ago. Our pharmacies were once the home of a limited lineup of cold creams, cotton pads and clarifying toners, but now rival department stores when it comes to choice. Between the innovation pouring out of Korean skincare, the growing influence of derm-backed brands, and the rise of science-first formulas at accessible price points, it sometimes feels like we’re living in a golden age of skincare.
Given that this can all feel a tad overwhelming, there’s something comforting about circling back to the classics—the unsung heroes and cult skincare brands that have been sitting patiently on shelves for years. Because while shiny new launches catch our eye, there’s a reason these core pharmacy products endure—they work. They’re dependable, sensibly priced and often backed by more research and dermatologist trust than some of their luxury counterparts.
As a beauty editor and esthetician, I’m fortunate enough to test an endless rotation of serums, moisturisers and treatments. I’ll happily admit I get swept up in the thrill of innovation and clever packaging just as much as anyone else. But when my own skin is flaring up, or when clients ask me for tried-and-true recommendations, I often find myself circling back to pharmacy shelves. There’s a directness to these products, a no-fuss simplicity that cuts through the noise. And honestly? Some of the formulas are so well-made that they outperform products five times the price.
What I love most about this category is how democratic it feels. These products aren’t reserved for those with access to specialist clinics or unlimited budgets—they’re widely available, reasonably priced and designed to fit seamlessly into everyday routines. And while some of them have impressive actives like PHAs, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide, they’re almost always formulated with tolerance and consistency in mind. Because let’s face it, great skin isn’t built on one-off miracle products, but on the things you can stick with day after day.
Growing up in the UK, many of us had our first skincare encounters in the aisles of Boots or Superdrug, picking up a Neutrogena cleanser or a Nivea moisturiser with our pocket money. And while the industry has since expanded into glossy concept stores and luxury counters, there’s something reassuring about knowing that the shelves of our local chemist still hold formulas that are not only safe and effective, but familiar to us.
Ahead, I’ve rounded up the pharmacy products I love, use, and recommend to clients constantly—the ones that have earned permanent residency in my routine. From affordable French pharmacy icons to underrated new launches, these are the formulas that prove you don’t have to spend hundreds to achieve skin that feels balanced, hydrated, and radiant. Sometimes the smartest skincare choice is also the simplest one.
I've used many of these products in my own skincare routine as an esthetician over the past 15 years. Each formula was considered for texture, absorption and immediate feel, as well as longer-term benefits like hydration, soothing, and breakout control. I also cross-checked performance against ingredient lists, dermatologist recommendations, and verified customer reviews to ensure a well-rounded selection that would appeal to a variety of skin types and concerns.
Why Trust Us?At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years— spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails — and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
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