Walking through a drugstore skincare aisle can feel overwhelming. Bright packaging, bold claims, and endless options promise everything from clear skin to eternal youth. But as a board-certified dermatologist, I can tell you that not everything on those shelves belongs in your skincare routine—no matter how popular or nostalgic it might be. In fact, there are several common drugstore skincare items I would never recommend to my patients (and certainly don’t use myself). Some are outdated, others are overly harsh, and a few could actually make skin conditions worse.
If you’re trying to care for your skin in a safe, effective, and dermatologist-approved way, here are five products I’d skip every time—and what to use instead.
1. Loofahs and Mesh Shower Puffs
Loofahs and plastic mesh puffs might feel like a satisfying way to scrub away the day, but they can do more harm than good. These tools trap dead skin cells, bacteria, mold, and yeast, especially when left damp in a shower environment. They’re nearly impossible to clean thoroughly and can actually cause can microtears in the skin, which compromise the skin barrier and increase your risk of irritation and infection.
They’re especially problematic for people with sensitive skin, eczema, or keratosis pilaris, who may think scrubbing will smooth their skin—when in reality, it often inflames it.
What to use instead:
A soft washcloth (changed daily), your hands, or a silicone scrubber are much safer alternatives.
For a gentle daily cleanse, I recommend ERLY Face Foam, a gentle, non-stripping cleanser that removes dirt and oil without disrupting the skin’s barrier.
2. Triple Antibiotic Ointment
Neosporin is a household name, often used on cuts, scrapes, and pimples. But it’s not a go-to in dermatology. In fact, it’s one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis in my clinic. The combination of neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin B can lead to redness, itching, and inflammation in sensitive individuals—often making a simple wound worse instead of better.
Long-term or repeated use can also contribute to antibiotic resistance, which is a growing concern in dermatology and beyond.
What to use instead:
For minor wounds, plain petroleum jelly (Vaseline) is typically safer, more effective, and less allergenic. It helps keep the wound moist and protected, which promotes faster healing with less scarring. If you suspect infection, it’s best to have it evaluated by a doctor.
3. Apricot Scrub (or Any Harsh Physical Scrub with Large Particles)
Scrubs that contain crushed walnut shells, apricot pits, or other jagged particles may make your skin feel smooth—temporarily. But under the microscope, they’re doing real damage. These large, uneven particles cause microtears in the skin, leading to long-term inflammation, barrier damage, and even post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. And if you have acne? These scrubs can actually spread bacteria and worsen breakouts.
Products like the infamous apricot scrub are marketed as deep exfoliants, but dermatologists overwhelmingly avoid them.
What to use instead:
If you want to exfoliate, choose ingredients like niacinamide, PHA (polyhydroxy acids), or gentle enzymatic exfoliants. A great option is ERLY Daily Soothe, which contains niacinamide to reduce inflammation, refine pores, and support the skin barrier—all without the harshness of a scrub.
4. Toners with Alcohol
Many drugstore toners (especially older formulas) contain denatured alcohol or SD alcohol, which may initially feel refreshing or “cleansing” but can strip the skin’s natural oils and disrupt the microbiome. This leads to dryness, irritation, and even a rebound increase in oil production, especially for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
These products often appeal to teens or people trying to “dry out” breakouts—but they can actually make acne worse by triggering inflammation and barrier damage.
What to use instead:
Modern toners or essences should focus on hydration and barrier support, not stripping. Look for alcohol-free formulas with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or panthenol. For daily hydration, ERLY Daily Splash is a smart choice—it uses three sizes of hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate without irritation, and it works beautifully under serums and moisturizers.
5. Makeup Wipes
Makeup remover wipes seem like a convenient solution—but they’re often loaded with preservatives, fragrances, and surfactants that can irritate the skin and eyes, especially if you’re using them daily. Wipes don’t actually clean your face; they just smear makeup and dirt around. Plus, the mechanical rubbing required to remove makeup with a wipe can damage delicate skin over time.
Even “gentle” versions can leave behind a film that disrupts the skin’s pH and barrier.
What to use instead:
Use a gentle cleanser and water, preferably one designed for sensitive skin. Double cleansing—using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one—is effective for removing makeup without irritation.
ERLY Face Foam works well as a single-step or second-step cleanser, leaving your skin clean without the tightness or residue wipes often cause.
Final Thoughts: Drugstore Skincare Items to Avoid
It’s easy to be seduced by bright packaging and old-school favorites, but smart skincare isn’t about scrubbing harder or drying out pimples—it’s about preserving the integrity of your skin barrier, choosing non-irritating ingredients, and avoiding allergens and over-treatment.
As a dermatologist, my philosophy is simple:
Gentle is effective. Consistency beats intensity.
When in doubt, skip the loofah, ditch the Neosporin, and choose science-backed, barrier-supportive products. That’s why I recommend ERLY: the line is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and made with universally well-tolerated ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. Whether you’re a skincare minimalist or just trying to clean up your routine, ERLY offers safer, smarter solutions without irritation or unnecessary complexity.
Your skin deserves better than what’s been sitting on drugstore shelves for decades. Choose skincare that respects your skin—not just your nostalgia.
