Pacific Crest Dermatology's
Top Recommended OTC Products

Curated skincare essentials that are available over-the-counter recommended by a board-certified dermatologist. Clicking on an image of a recommendation will take you to Amazon where you can choose to purchase. You can also purchase at any store of your choice.

Recommendations here do not include prescriptions or medical grade skincare. These are some of Pacific Crest Dermatology's favorites but this list does not constitute medical advice. You should consult with your medical team before starting any treatments.

*If you are looking for medical advice, click here to book an appointment.

*If you are looking for medical grade skincare, click here for more information.

*OTC = Over-the-Counter

These over-the-counter products are carefully selected to help clear breakouts and support healthy skin. Please note that these are not medical-grade skincare products or prescription products. If you are still struggling with your skin, you may need to schedule an appointment.

✨Top Acne-Fighting Picks! 🧴

Cerave Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser with 4% Benzoyl Peroxide

Best used on the face.

Moisturizing formulation with ceramides.

Cerave Acne Foaming Cream Wash with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide

Best used on the body.

*Too strong for the face.

Moisturizing formulation with ceramides.

PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash

with 4% Benzoyl Peroxide

Best used on the face.

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash

with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide

Best used on the body.

*Too strong for the face.

Cetaphil Clarifying Acne Cream Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid

Best used on the face.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash with Salicylic Acid

Good for comedonal acne (black heads and white heads) on the face

Differin Gel (Adapalene 0.1% Gel)

Over the counter retinoid to treat acne.

Apply a pea-sized amount to the entire face.

Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide

2.5% Benzoyl peroxide spot treatment.

Neutrogena Stubborn Acne Ultra Thin Blemish Patches

Hydrocolloid Pimple Patch

Good for covering an active outbreak without active ingredients that could irritate the skin.

Mighty Patch Original

Hydrocolloid Pimple Patch

Good for covering an active outbreak without active ingredients that could irritate the skin.

These gentle skincare options are ideal for individuals with sensitive skin, as they cleanse and moisturize without causing irritation or dryness. They're also great for those on isotretinoin, a prescription acne medication. The mild formulas help maintain the skin’s moisture balance making it a safe and effective choice.

Refreshing and Gentle Skincare 🌿

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

Recommended for facial cleansing with niacinamide and hydrating glycerin.

La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

Recommended for facial cleansing with niacinamide, ceramides and thermal water.

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser

Recommended for facial cleansing with glycerin. This is a foaming formulation.

Bioderma Micellar Water

Excellent for removing make up.

Good for sensitive skin.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Excellent for removing make up.

Good for sensitive skin.

Cerave Makeup Removing

Cleanser Balm

Balm for removing make-up with ceramides

Microfiber Wrist Bands for

Washing Your Face

Doesn't everyone hate when the water runs down your arms while washing your face. This is the perfect product for the best face washing experience.

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

Recommended for sensitive skin. Contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides.

La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

Face moisturizer with ceramides and niacinamide.

Cerave Moisturizing Cream

Thicker formulation for face and body that contains ceramides.

Avene Cicalfate+

Cicalfate is a restorative protective balm. It's great for post-procedure or for days when you need extra hydration. Contains C+ Restore, which contains postbiotics as well as copper-zinc sulfate complex that helps promote healthy skin.

La Roche Posay Cicaplast Balm

Dimethicone based protective balm. Great to help moisturizer and repair skin barrier. Contains shea butter, vitamin B5, and madecassoside.

Avene Cicalfate+ Lips

Hydrating lip balm to improve overall moisture and soothe irritation.

Body Moisturizers

Soothe and relieve dry, itchy skin with dermatologist-approved essentials! Hydration is key to calming irritation, and using gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers with ingredients like ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, and hyaluronic acid can help restore your skin barrier. Look for anti-itch treatments such as pramoxine or menthol for targeted relief. Keeping your skin moisturized and protected can make a world of difference—shop these top picks to keep itching at bay! 🧴💙

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

Thick moisturizing cream. Great for people with sensitive skin.

La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+

Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream

Repair moisturizing cream. Good for sensitive skin. Contains niacinamide, ceramides and shea butter.

Cerave Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Moisturizing lotion with ceramides and niacinamide.

Curel HydraTherapy

Moisturizer that is meant to be applied immediately after showering while the skin is still wet.

Cerave Itch Relief Moisturizing Lotion

Moisturizer with ceramides and 1% pramoxine to help soothe dry itchy skin. Feels great if put in the refrigerator for a cool application.

Sarna Calm + Cool Anti-Itch Lotion

Moisturizer with pramoxine and menthol to soothe dry and itchy skin. Feels great if put in the refrigerator for a cool application.

Wound Healing and Scars

These healing ointments create a protective barrier that locks in moisture, promoting faster wound healing and preventing infection. They work well for dry, cracked skin, and are especially effective on sensitive areas like the lips, providing hydration and soothing relief. Whether you're healing from a minor cut or just need extra moisture, these ointments are versatile and gentle, perfect for everyday care. Hypochlorous acid spray is used in wound care as an antibacterial treatment. And, finding the right bandage is key!

Vaseline Original

The OG of Petrolatu

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Excellent for wound healing and soothing lips. Does contain lanolin.

SkinSmart Wound Therapy

Hypochlorous acid spray is a powerful yet gentle solution for promoting skin healing and reducing inflammation. It is also antibacterial so it works well for healing wounds.

Cut2Fit Bandages

Customizable bandages that you trim to fit your wound. Best for linear wounds. Comes in two sizes.

Scar Away Silicone Sheeting

Medical grade silicone sheeting to help with thickened scars and can reduce redness, itching and discomfort.

Dry, cracked skin on the hands and feet can be uncomfortable and even painful. To restore moisture and promote healing, it's essential to use rich, hydrating products that lock in moisture and protect the skin's barrier. Consider using thick, emollient creams or ointments like Aquaphor or petroleum jelly (recommendations above), which help to deeply hydrate and soothe. Pair these with exfoliation and regular moisturizing for the best results, ensuring your hands and feet stay soft, smooth, and healthy.

Recommendations for Dry, Cracked Hands / Feet

Neutrogena Hand Cream

(Norwegian Formula)

Formulated with 40% Glycerin. Very moisturizing formula.

Gloves in a Bottle

Shielding lotion with dimethicone that helps soothe hand dermatitis.

La Roche Posay Cicaplast Hands

Hydrating hand cream with niacinamide, shea butter and glycerin.

Amlactin Foot Repair

with 15% Lactic Acid

Contains 15% lactic acid to exfoliate dry feet.

Prequel Skin Foot Rescue

Petrolatum based product that contains 15% urea, salicylic acid, and malic acid.

Warts and Corns

At Pacific Crest Dermatology, we recommend a combination of in-office treatments and over-the-counter solutions for the most effective wart removal. For at-home care, we suggest applying an over-the-counter wart treatment, such as salicylic acid, overnight to help break down the wart. To enhance the effectiveness, gently file down the wart using a clean nail file while it is macerated, allowing the medication to penetrate deeper into the wart. Consistent treatment and proper care will help speed up the healing process and improve the chances of successful wart removal.

For corns, wearing corn bandaids can help relieve discomfort from this pressure related growth.

Compound W Bandaids

Contains 40% salicylic acid in a bandage to apply to warts overnight.

Nail File

To use only on warts after treating with wart bandaids

Dr. Scholl's Corn Cushions

Cushioned bandage to put around a sore wart or a corn to relive pressure from standing / walking.

Achieve a healthier scalp and stronger hair with dermatologist-recommended essentials! From Nizoral Shampoo to help combat dandruff and promote scalp health to minoxidil for clinically proven hair regrowth, these top picks support your hair care journey (just remember to keep your minoxidil away from pets!). Shop trusted solutions for thicker, healthier hair!

Hair Care

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

(with Ketoconazole)

Good for itchy flaky scalp. Ketoconazole also helps with hair loss as it blocks one of the hormones at the hair follicle that contributes to hair loss.