Having a bathroom cabinet full of drugstore skin care is hardly a new concept. If you’re a long-time beautyheaven member then you’ll be well-acquainted with our passion for an efficient and affordable eye cream or serum.
In saying that, as the drugstore skin care offerings in Australia continue to grow (yay!), becoming increasingly overwhelmed with all the purchase decisions is building right alongside it (boo).
The solution? Preparation, always. Once you’ve mastered the few checklist basics like skin type, concern and gaps in your skin care routine, we’d then like you to consult our ever-expanding list of the best Chemist Warehouse-stocked skin care products.
The best Chemist Warehouse skin care products…
GAIA Natural Baby – Organic Cotton Cleansing Pads
We say: They might be specifically designed to clean up any nappy spills your bub might be dealing with, however, we have something to confess.. We love keeping a packet of these extra absorbent pure cotton pads on hand as a luxurious way to remove makeup or apply a toner.
Have you tried the GAIA Natural Baby – Organic Cotton Cleansing Pads? Leave us a review and let us know your thoughts…
$4.49 at Chemist Warehouse
BIODERMA Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Water Cleanser
We say: As far as cult products go, nothin’ gets cult-ier than this. Once upon a time this iconic bottle only appeared in our bathrooms after a relative had taken a trip to France and smuggled some home in their suitcase. And now? Well, let’s just say you’re more likely to catch running low on food in the fridge than this ultra-gentle makeup remover.
You say: “This Micellar Water is definitely worth the hype!! I get quite sensitive and dry skin and I find this to be the best product to date. I’d suggest waiting for it to be on sale and buying the biggest size to get the best value for money. I also get acne at times and I find it doesn’t make my skin break out at all.” – Maya Brown
Want to know more? Read BIODERMA Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Water Cleanser reviews here…
$24.69 at Chemist Warehouse
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil Natural
We say: This one’s for the mums-to-be or anyone seeking to fade scars, reduce the appearance of stretch marks or simply support a healthy skin barrier. The latest all-natural reformulation means you’ll be soaking in specialist plant oils and vitamin-rich ingredients from head to toe.
You say: “I love that it contains 100% natural ingredients which is a blend of different skin loving oils. I was super keen to try this skin oil on my stretch marks which developed during my pregnancy. This skin oil is so easy to use and apply. It is a lightweight formula that is quickly and easily absorbed. It has a pleasant mild natural scent.” – Chickybabe1
Want to know more? Read Bio-Oil Skincare Oil Natural reviews here…
$24.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST Water Gel
We say: When your emotional support water bottle needs extra reinforcement, this hydrating moisturiser acts as an extra drink of water for your skin. The lightweight gel consistency makes for a lighter finish on breakout-prone skin as it works to transform a dry complexion into a soft, radiant glow.
You say: “I have oily skin so a lot of moisturisers either clog my pores or are too heavy. I absolutely love this product. Perfect for oily skin, doesn’t break me out, and leaves my skin so smooth and hydrated.” – Scarlett_Angel
Want to know more? Read NEUTROGENA ® HYDRO BOOST Water Gel reviews here…
$20.99 at Chemist Warehouse
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+
We say: It might look a little more medicine cabinet than it does makeup shelf, but trust us when we say this plastic tube deserves a spot on every shelf and in every toiletry bag. As a powerhouse occlusive, this panthenol-infused balm keeps moisture in, soothing sensitive skin and reducing the appearance of redness.
You say: “I have the old formula of this balm and I did a little experiment by putting the old one on half of my face and the new one on the other half of my face. The difference is huge the old formula was a bit thicker and richer than the new formula.” – Omyara
Want to know more? Read La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ reviews here…
$18.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly
We say: Use it as a lip balm, as a barrier cream while you tint your brows or as the star product in the popular K-beauty trend, “slugging“. Vaseline has 101 uses (we’ve already listed out our go-to Vaseline beauty hacks) which is why no bathroom cabinet should ever be without.
You say: “I think every household must have a jar of this stuff and use it for something different. It is so versatile and can be used for so many different purposes. Lately, I use it for slugging, I will put a very thin layer of it on my face, neck and chest area after my night time routine and way before going to bed. I use it as an occlusive and it helps me retain the moisture from my moisturisers.” – RINNY
Want to know more? Read Vaseline Petroleum Jelly reviews here…
$5.99 at Chemist Warehouse
MCoBeauty AHA & BHA Pore Refining Exfoliating Toner
We say: This pore-clearing toner is not dissimilar to the cult-favourite exfoliator from Paula’s Choice. The trio of acids – lactic, salicylic and glycolic – have been cleverly infused into the formulation in a bid to eliminate pimples, minimise the appearance of pores and create an even skin tone.
$27.99 at Chemist Warehouse
QV Ceramides Lotion
We say: How do you take your lotion? If it’s ultra-hydrating with a splash of niacinamide and a dash of barrier protection, then you’ve come to the right place. As far as moisturisers for dry, sensitive skin go, there’s no better brand. Oh and if your family includes any little ones, don’t miss the QV Baby range. Our pick? The QV Baby Moisturising Cream.
You say: “I also like the practical pump and I love the product which is a whitish, lightweight lotion with almost no scent, that gets quickly absorbed by the skin. My skin feels moisturised all day. I apply the lotion to my body morning and night after my shower and immediately my skin feels soft and hydrated.” – Simoja
Want to know more? Read QV Ceramides Lotion reviews here…
$11.99 at Chemist Warehouse
John Plunkett’s Sunspot Cream
We say: If you’ve been hoping to leave your skin with a visibly even tone, then this ultra-nourishing (thanks to the inclusion of hydrating urea) cream is for you. Designed with 5 per cent salicylic acid, the gentle formula works to slough away problem areas and reveal more even, brighter skin.
Want to know more? Read John Plunkett’s Sunspot Cream reviews here…
$28.09 from Healthylife
Main image credit: @ultrabeautyau
What skin care products are on your Chemist Warehouse list?
I always buy La Roche Posay from Chemist warehouse, they have some good specials.
They always have such good deals!
Well I must say that I have never considered using Vaseline Petroleum Jelly as a lip balm. ??
I thought that concept had actually died with the 1990s! I mean, it’s made from petroleum folks, seriously who is putting that stuff on their lips where they can then ingest it. And it should be criminal to recommend using it this way.
I agree with you. These days there are some lovely petroleum-free lip balms on the market.
Well said!
I am lucky enough to have a Chemist Warehouse near me and close to where we get our weekly vegetable and so if I need anything that they sell I dont have to make a special trip. I find the selection they have is huge.
QV skincare and shampoo.
The MCo toner is something I would definitely buy
Haven’t been there in ages! LAst purchase was a perfume, a really good one!
Yes to all of the above except McoBeauty.
Anything Avene. CW always have great deals!
Avene make good sunscreen
I enjoy hanging out in CW in the beauty section. Such a great range.
I need a new toner atm – the Mcobeauty one looks like one to try
Chemist Warehouse always have some great offers. I buy Bioten products and Evoluderm micellar water (both French brands) from there because they seem to be the only store which stocks them.
I rarely shop at Chemist Warehouse now that I have to shop online. Some of the products that I want to buy have restrictions on them when I can buy them in multiple amounts from other chemists.
I think Chemist Warehouse is really a great shop. They stock a variety of items too. Always a good to just check them out.
Hydro Boost is excellent! I love Chemist Warehouse.
Chemist Warehouse has so much!
Completely agree with @Normap, @MerryGoRound and @Petal. Vaseline with 100% petroleum jelly is something I’d never use for skin care in any way. It horrifies me.
Vaseline Rocks.
My dermatologist recommended that I try La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ and I am glad I did. Great results and the price is affordable at Chemist Warehouse
I’d like to try QV with ceramides. I’ve used and like Bio Oil before
Love Cicaplast Baume! This list is missing CeraVe though, another favourite
The Bio oil natural is great, it actually does help with reducing stretch marks
Vaseline has been around for ever and has so many uses.
I got 3/7 products here that I use regularly.
I often go to this shop
Love CW but usually buy online. Always have great specials.
Bio oil has been fantastic for my surgery scars – not just fading them, but also keeping the skin around them less tight.
That’s good to know! I’m using it right now for a surgery scar. I’m hoping it helps
The Nutrogena Hydro Boost is something I’d like to try at some stage.
Bioderma Micellar Water didnt wow me, but then I dont have sensitive skin. I’ve used both versions of Bio Oil and I definitely prefer the Natural version. I love Neutrogena Hydro Boost. Its always a repurchase for me.
I think the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel would be a good one to try for my combination skin.
Some great products id like in my cabinet. I love my hair creams from
Chemist Warehouse
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ is the one i need.
Great, informative article, I don’t have a Chemist Warehouse near me but do order online occasionally.
Yep to everything except the MCoBeauty.
Have used so many of the products that are mentioned above, love BIoderma, Bio Oil, Vaseline, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Balm a fantastic product.
Good value products
Just the Cicaplast for me
QV Ceramides lotion is soothing and moisturizing
Bio Oil is truly great for surgical scars.
I love all of these everyday products.
At $5.99 one cannot go far wrong with having a jar of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly in the cupboard.
I would like to try the Neutrogena Hydro boost for my dry and sensitive skin.