Walgreens draws inspiration from prestige brands for skin care launch

Walgreens is answering the call for premium skin care products at an affordable price point. 

The retailer recently debuted its own branded skin care line with comparable quality and affordability to some prestige brands, Walgreens said.

“As we sharpen our focus in areas such as women’s health and beauty, our new premium skin care line is a game-changer for those who crave luxury but are mindful of their budget,” says Heather Hughes, group vice president and general merchandise manager for health and beauty at Walgreens. “Compared to the current price of similar premium skin care products listed on brand websites, the online prices of our new Walgreens premium skin care products are at least 50% less expensive, making high-quality skin care more accessible. It’s our way of delivering personalized solutions that don’t break the bank and we invite our customers to see for themselves.”

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Products consumers can choose from include: 

• Gentle Cleanser: Comparable to Youth to the People’s Superfood Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser, the product helps remove makeup, SPF and excess oils from the skin without excessive drying; 
• Glycolic Acid Purifying Cleanser: Similar to SkinCeuticals’ Purifying Cleanser, the product combines gentle cleansing with exfoliation and hydration; 
• 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: Comparable to Paula’s Choice’s Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, it is formulated to unclog and reduce the appearance of pores; 
• Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%: Similar to The Ordinary’s Azelaic Acid Suspension Brightening Cream, it helps improve skin radiance and minimize the look of uneven skin tone; 
• Moisturizing Facial Cream: Comparable to Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, it is designed to leave skin softer and smoother, as well as improving signs of dryness and offering up to 24 hours of hydration; 
• Super Invisible SPF 40: Similar to Supergoop!’s Unseen Sunscreen SPF40, it is an antioxidant-rich sunscreen that offers UVA/UVB protection without leaving behind a white cast; 
• Hydrating Lip Mask: Comparable to Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask, it features a nourishing formula that helps hydrate and lock in moisture;
• Watermelon AHA Mask: Similar to Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment, it works to help skin look brighter and plumper; 
• Body Butter Firming Cream: A fast-absorbing skin-softening lotion that helps smooth and tighten the appearance of the skin; 
• Collagen Serum: Designed to boost the skin’s hydration, as well as help it feel plumper and moisturized; 
• Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Designed to draw moisture into the skin for deeper hydration, it also reinforces the protective skin barrier;
• Vitamin C Serum: Created to help skin look brighter, smoother and refreshed; and 
• Niacinamide Serum: Made to help reduce excess oil and signs of redness. 

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“We want the experience of the product to feel premium to the customer, so we’ve put significant thought into every aspect, from the formulations and ingredients to the design and feel of the packaging,” says Rachael Tobolic, director of owned brands for beauty, personal care and seasonal. “We want these products to not only feel great on your skin, but to look beautiful on your bathroom counter.” 

Walgreens brand products are all rigorously evaluated by third-party testing to ensure their quality, efficacy and comparability, and also are free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates, the company said.