Shop My Skin Pharmacy Shelf - Anjana Gosai
October 24, 2025As a beauty journalist, I have been testing products for more than two decades, giving me the perfect excuse to indulge my biggest obsession: skincare. My bathroom cabinet is filled with a rotating range of cleansers, serums, masks, eye creams and every other elixir that promises healthy skin.
Trying different products and ingredients can cause irritation for some, but fortunately, my skin is fairly forgiving - I can test most formulas without reacting (retinoids being the occasional exception). The not-so-good news is that my South Asian complexion is prone to dryness and pigmentation. Fading existing marks while preventing new ones is a constant balancing act, so I’m always on the lookout for formulas that brighten, even out tone and keep my skin nourished.
I love trying the latest skincare products, but even with my experience, personalised advice always makes a difference. With so many products and actives to pick from, it’s not always obvious what works well together or what to steer clear of. That’s where the Skin Pharmacy experts come in. Their advice helps me combine ingredients safely and target my specific skin concerns, taking the guesswork out of my routine.
Here are my Skin Pharmacy skincare staples…
Alumier MD HydraBoost Cream Cleanser
I’ve got a bit of a thing for cleansers. My skin is on the dry side, so I prefer cream and balm-based formulas. This cleanser is packed with sunflower and argan oils that mimic the skin’s natural oils, plus aloe and other hydrating ingredients. I like to rotate it with the Hydropeptide Exfoliating Cleanser , which is great in the summer, when sunscreen and sweat start to build up.
iS Clinical Extra Strength Active Peel Brightening System
I was introduced to this product by celebrity facialist Nilam Holmes, who uses it on stars such as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Pedro Pascal. It’s really simple to apply. First you use the pre-soaked wipe infused with exfoliating acids to sweep away dead skin. Then use the second wipe, which is loaded with soothing botanicals, to neutralise the acids and hydrate. The whole process takes under five minutes, leaving you with that just-had-a-facial glow.
Skinbetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream
I’ve tried countless retinoid formulas and this is one of the only products that doesn’t irritate my skin. It contains encapsulated retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids, which means the actives are released slowly for a gentler effect. It helps boost collagen and even out skin tone and the added squalane offers a hit of hydration.
SkinCeuticals Brightening UV Defense SPF 30
I’m religious about sunscreen, but finding one that doesn’t leave a grey, chalky cast on my Indian skin hasn’t always been easy. This one is a pleasure to use. It’s lightweight, blends in easily and gives a fresh dewy finish. It also contains ingredients to fade pigmentation and prevent new dark spots from forming.
MEDER Hydra Fill Deep Moisturising Mask
Sheet masks are so convenient. I use this hyaluronic acid and peptide-packed option as a weekly treatment, especially in the winter when my skin tends to be drier and dehydrated. It’s also a travel essential.
Hydropeptide Stainless Steel Gua Sha
A quick facial massage with this tool boosts circulation, stimulates the lymph nodes to drain away puffiness and leaves my skin looking fresh and lifted. I sometimes take it into the sauna too, where the heat helps release tension and makes the whole ritual even more relaxing.
Anjana Gosai
Anjana is an award-winning beauty, health and lifestyle journalist with over two decades of experience with national and international publications. She has written for titles including The London Standard, The Daily Mail, The Independent, The Times and Vogue India.
To book a free consultation with a Skin Pharmacy expert email hello@skinpharmacy.com or by phone at 020 3070 3833 or 07522002050