Siri, Where Are The Cheapest Toiletries In New York?

by Amanda Green

Sensitive skin has made me very brand-loyal about toiletries, so I’ve been going to Duane Reade and the like for drugstore essentials. Expensive! I’ve considered ordering products online, but it wouldn’t save me much money, and I don’t have the best luck with packages in my building.

Then one day I was shopping for a shower curtain, and I discovered that the ‘Beyond’ in Bed Bath and Beyond includes The Cheapest Toiletries in the City. I don’t mean, $.50 cheaper, either. Here’s how some of my favorite items are priced at Bed Bath and Beyond (Broadway and 65th or three other locations in Manhattan) vs. Duane Reade (located on every freakin’ corner).

Cetaphil facial cleanser, 16 oz.
Bed Bath and Beyond: $9.49
Duane Reade: $13.49

Simple facial wipes, 25 wipes
Bed Bath and Beyond: $4.99
Duane Reade: $7.49

(Okay, so this next one’s aspirational. I won’t spend more than $20 on a single drugstore item, unless I’m intoxicated.)

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum
Bed Bath and Beyond: $22.99
Duane Reade: $36.99

Dove shampoo, 12 oz.
Bed Bath and Beyond: $3.49
Duane Reade: $5.99

Dove body wash, 24 fl. oz.
Bed Bath and Beyond: $5.49
Duane Reade: $7.49

Dove Fresh deodorant
Bed Bath and Beyond: $2.99
Duane Reade: $4.49

Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap, 32 oz.
Bed Bath and Beyond: $10.99
Duane Reade: $16.99

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist sunscreen, 5 oz.
Bed Bath and Beyond: $8.99
Duane Reade: $12.99

Tampax tampons, 40 count
Bed Bath and Beyond: $5.99
Duane Reade: $8.99

Excedrin Migraine, 100 coated caplets
Bed Bath and Beyond: $9.99
Duane Reade: $13.99

ReNu Fresh contact solution, 12 oz.
Bed Bath and Beyond: $7.99
Duane Reade: $13.99

Burt’s Bees lip balm
Bed Bath and Beyond: $2.99
Duane Reade: $3.99

Ricola cough drops, 21 drops
Bed Bath and Beyond: $1.79
Duane Reade: $2.79

I did find one case in which Duane Reade beats Bed Bath and Beyond: the price of Q-tips. Big deal.

Q-tips, 500 count
Bed Bath and Beyond: $3.59
Duane Reade: $3.39

Bed Bath and Beyond also sells other essential pharmacy fare, including vitamins, Astroglide, and Essie nail polish.

Amanda Green is a freelance writer and editor in New York City. She’s written for Mental Floss, Popular Mechanics, The Hairpin, and various other print and web publications.

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