Welcome to Drugstore Heroes, a monthly series in which we spotlight the often-overlooked and underhyped drugstore beauty products that industry experts count on. We’re asking tastemakers, from editors to content creators and even celebs, to share their top recommendations for affordable yet effective products. Get ready to see the best of drugstore beauty, period.

I’ve been a beauty editor for a long time (10 years to be exact), and in my opinion, plastic surgeons provide some of the best, most specific beauty advice. They’re aesthetic experts who are also medical doctors, which means they’re uniquely positioned in the beauty industry to offer elite product recommendations. I’m talking about products that truly make a visible difference in one’s appearance, whether it’s an anti-acne retinoid that’s clinically proven to control breakouts or a potent antioxidant serum with a demonstrated history of brightening and evening the skin. You ask for it, and they’ve got it.

Enter Carey Campbell, MD. She’s a board-certified plastic surgeon and partner at StarkMD. As a confessed “big believer” in medical-grade skincare, she recommends high-caliber brands such as Alastin, PCA, Revision, ZO Skin Health, EltaMD, and SkinBetter Science to her patients with great frequency. “However, if patients tell me that those lines are not within reach for them, I would always prefer that they reach for products that meet their skincare needs and are of good quality,” she adds. That’s when she provides high-caliber yet affordable options aka her drugstore heroes.

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“I think it’s important to recognize that there are times when more affordable options are effective but also to make sure you realize when the medical-grade option is worth the added cost,” she says. While hidden drugstore gems can’t replace high-end recommendations, they can complement them or create an effective high-low routine.

“With experience, research, and some experimentation, you can find what products are right for your stage of life and skin type,” she says. “Looking for dermatologist-formulated brands helps as well as looking for products with the specific active ingredients you need, like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and retinol.”

“Specific” is the keyword there. Campbell cautions against introducing multiple active ingredients into your skincare routine at once, specifically potentially irritating ones like vitamin C and retinoids. “Add those products slowly. Don’t jump into something meant to increase cell turnover and another that exfoliates all at once. Your skin will be irritated, and you’ll blame the product rather than the way you applied it,” she advises.