If I’ve learned anything from being a skincare enthusiast, it’s that expensive skincare is pricey for a reason. There may be the occasional outlier that benefits purely from packaging and marketing, but for the most part, a high concentration of powerful ingredients justifies the price point. That being said, I’ve also learned that assuming expensive skincare lines are always better than budget finds isn’t the case, either.
There are plenty of fantastic, professional-approved brands that use the same powerful ingredients you might find in a pricier tube, you just have to do your research. To help us we did our research for you all and to zero in on the best affordable skincare lines and products on the market. We even threw in a few of our own favorite discoveries.
But before we dig in, let us tell you first — skincare is personal, and no one knows what your complexion needs better than you, or your dermatologist). For some, that perfect solution might come in an expensive bottle, but there are so many incredible wallet-friendly skincare lines on the market that you’ll likely be able to find one to fit into your routine. From cleansers to moisturizers and everything in between, read on for expert-recommended efficacious finds priced well under $100.
Price: $18.00
This great pH-balancing facial cleanser is a clean, balanced cleanser with skin-loving acids. It’s good for all skin types and works well at dissolving makeup, debris, and pollution without drying the skin or stripping it of its natural moisture barrier. It uses a microfoam technology with skin-loving acids like glycolic, lactic acid, and gluconolactone to gently exfoliate and even skin tone. This lovable product is clean, fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and vegan.
Price: $11.49
This dermatologist-recommended cleanser works for all skin types, and it helps to keep the skin moisturized and hydrated even as you cleanse.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
Price: $7.90
This gentle oil cleanser melts away the day, keeping the skin hydrated. With its extremely affordable price points, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by everything, but we would totally invest in the squalane cleanser again and again, which, thanks to the price, you can do guilt-free.
Hyper Skin Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum
Price: $58.00
This buzzy new brand is getting rave reviews for a reason and their hero product, which features 15% vitamin C and a beautiful mix of turmeric, vitamin E, and kojic acid, has earned nearly 100 five-star reviews on Sephora for a reason.
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
Price: $16.00
A powerful pore minimized with a high concentration of niacinamide — this concentrated product delivers an improved and even skin tone. We love the hyaluronic acid and vitamin E in the product to help give the skin the healthiest glow possible. Naturium is clinically effective biocompatible skincare that’s been dermatologist tested and created with active, natural botanicals.
Price: $24.00
This nourishing, protective oil rich in vitamins and minerals is a women-owned skincare line focused on food-grade ingredients, multi-use products, and zero-waste packaging.
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
Price: $16.99
The serum is super moisturizing thanks to its hero ingredient, hyaluronic acid, but also because of its mix of vitamins and ceramides — dewy, calm skin right this way.
Cosmedix Serum 16 Rapid Renewal
Price: $80.00
The brand uses incredibly active ingredients, combined with vitamin E and squalane to keep skin hydrated, and this hardworking retinol works wonders for all skin types.
Price: $49.00
This moisturizer not only increases skin moisture but also strengthens the skin barrier and smells amazing. Full of lactobacillus ferment, pomegranate, and milk thistle extracts, it increases microflora diversity for resilient and nourished skin and is great for all skin types. Best of all, it’s formulated without parabens, mineral oil, petroleum, phthalates, sulfates, gluten, and other ingredients known to harm human health and the environment, and never tested on animals — a rich, probiotic-packed cream that absorbs like a dream.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Face Moisturizer
Price: $17.97
With purified hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, this drugstore discovery is a one-stop staple for hydration to keeping skin hydrated, luminous, and glowing. This product works well for normal skin, and contains glycerin and hyaluronic acid to keep the skin barrier moisturized.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution
Price: $7.20
Another Instagram-worthy solution that works hard to reveal radiant skin is a product from the gold standard of budget-friendly skincare — The Ordinary’s effective peeling solution is the real deal. We wouldn’t recommend it for those with sensitive skin, but if you’re similarly blemish-prone, this vibrant serum is your friend.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Clear Skin Sunscreen
Price: $19.99
Another dermatologist-loved, oil-free formula that packs on the protection without clogging your pores and favorite budget-friendly line, La Roche-Posay, has a lightweight formula that protects your skin from sun exposure to maintain a healthy, clean, and dewy appearance.
Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Sheet mask
Price: $12.00
Tatcha’s silky soft product will leave your skin looking as nourished as it feels, featuring a high concentration of botanical oils that will completely win you over.
Healthy skin matters — your skin is the organ that comes into contact with the rest of the world; it holds body fluids in, preventing dehydration, and keeps harmful microbes out. Without it, we would get infections; your skin is full of nerve endings that help you feel things like heat, cold, and pain. So don’t be shy and splurge a little for your precious skin.
Messycafe 