From Neighborhood Pharmacy to Digital Boutique
What began in 2009 as a response to impersonal chain pharmacies has become something more intentional—a philosophy that wellness, beauty, and design belong together.
Carlos Urriola — pharmacist, founder, and the original Modern Chemist—opened our first location in Park Slope to restore what chain pharmacies had lost: genuine care, real trust, and the kind of connection that turns a transaction into a relationship.
Over the years, The Modern Chemist grew beyond the pharmacy model—expanding into what makes daily life more beautiful: skincare that honors your skin, home goods that refine your space, and carefully chosen objects that turn the ordinary into something worth noticing.
Our locations across Brooklyn — Dumbo, Williamsburg, Gowanus, Park Slope — and Manhattan’s Lower East Side became the neighborhood spots people returned to not just for what they needed, but for what they didn’t know they were looking for: clean beauty that performs with integrity, cult fragrances that become personal signatures, everyday objects that invite a pause.
Today, that neighborhood spirit lives online. Creative Director Fabrizia Zorzenon has translated the boutique experience into a digital space that feels just as personal—where the curation is just as sharp, and the care is just as real.
Niceties + Necessities
Carlos Urriola opened The Modern Chemist on a plain observation: people come in for what they need, and leave with what they wanted. Toothpaste, then a candle. A prescription, then a good bar of soap. As a pharmacist, he knew the first half. As a shopkeeper, he paid attention to the second. Fifteen years on, the shelves hold both: the things that work, next to the things worth keeping on the counter. Much of it local, some of it hard to find elsewhere, all of it chosen by someone who still stands behind the counter, and still asks "what can I do for you?".
Trusted
Curated
Personal
New York's Favorites
Marvis Whitening Mint Toothpaste
- Regular price
- $8.00
- Sale price
- $8.00
- Regular price
"Retro Polka" Silk Diamond Neckerchief - Salted Carame
- Regular price
- $60.00
- Sale price
- $60.00
- Regular price
Answers and Questions
Stay informed with FAQ—get details about your order
How long does shipping take?
Orders are processed Monday through Friday and typically ship within 2–4 business days. Once shipped, standard ground delivery takes another 2–5 business days. Orders placed before 2 PM ET usually go out the same day — anything after that, or placed on a weekend, ships the next business day.
Can I return or exchange items?
What if something is out of stock?
Do you sell gift cards?
Loved by the Community
I love The Modern Chemist. Carlos, the pharmacist, is lovely and knowledgeable, and the store itself is absolutely beautiful. Their product selection is expertly curated. As a Dumboite of 25 years, it's a joy to have them in the neighborhood.
Such a cute and inviting store! There are all kinds of unique, high-quality home goods, wellness & beauty products, gifts, cards, etc, plus really friendly staff. One of my go-to spots to pick up anything I need.
The Modern Chemist is truly the best. A professional, thorough pharmacy that’s been incredibly helpful time and again—with a curated selection of skincare, treats, and sundries that make me feel like I’m picking up prescriptions while browsing a boutique.
Such a fun store for this area. You can find everything from cards, nic-nacks, candles to small gifts as well as random convenience items. The staff has always been lovely and I enjoy nebbing about here when bored. I almost always leave with something in hand.
The Modern Chemist is a true gem, with a kind staff and the best product selection around. It’s like a boutique and a pharmacy had a baby—in the best way.
A wonderful place with elite customer service, a friendly staff, and a great selection of curated products and gifts in addition to the noarmal pharmacy.
What a cool shop! Literally every fun thing you can imagine and necessity. I can find gifts for friends and family, and buy myself some great shampoo and skin care at the same place. Welcome to LES!
Greatest pharmacy experience I have ever had, hands down. Incredibly, incredibly helpful and friendly staff. I can't say enough. Super impressed with service and shop offerings.
Finally a pharmacy with good service and no wait. And cool stuff to buy when you grab your script. Love this place.
All of the staff was extremely pleasant and willing to help. The selection of products was terrific. If I lived closer I would make them my pharmacy. Love them!! :~)
