If I’ve learned anything from being a skincare enthusiast (and my years as a beauty editor), skin care is expensive for a reason. Sometimes there may be extraneous factors that benefit entirely from the packaging and marketing, but for the most part, the high concentration of potent ingredients justifies the price tag. With that said, I’ve also learned that assuming expensive skincare lines are always Better budget found is also not the case.
There are many great, expert-approved brands that use the same powerful ingredients you might find in a more expensive tube. You just need to do your research. To help us get through the BS, we sought insights from three beauticians—Natalie Aguila, renowned esthetician and nurse dermatology; Kasey Boone, esthetician and founder of Glow Skincare; and board certified dermatologist Dr. Macrene Alexiades—To find the best affordable skin care lines and products on the market. I even threw in a few of my own favorite discoveries. (Trust me, I’ve tried everything.)
But before we dig into it, let’s just say: skin care is personal, and no one knows what your skin needs better than you (or your dermatologist). For some, that perfect solution may come in an expensive bottle, but there are so many amazingly pocket-friendly skin care lines on the market that you’ll be able to find one. the kind that suits your habits. From cleansers to moisturizers and everything else, read on for effective expert-recommended products for under $100.
WHY SHE RECOMMENDS IT: “I really love a great pH balanced cleanser. It’s good for all skin types and works well at dissolving makeup, residue, and pollution without drying out skin or stripping it of its natural moisture barrier. It uses foaming technology with skin-loving acids like glycolic, lactic acid, and gluconolactone to gently exfoliate and even skin tone. I love that this product is clean, fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and vegan. ” – Aguilare
WHY SHE RECOMMENDS IT: “To help keep skin moisturized even as you cleanse, be sure to use a cleanser with excellent moisturizing properties. Cetaphil is a perfect example.” – Dr. Alexiades
WHY I RECOMMEND MET: Given its extremely affordable price tag, I was a bit skeptical about The Ordinary, so I did some research to complete it. the best product of the buzzy brand Before buying. I was pleasantly surprised by everything I tried, but I will invest in the squalane cleanser over and over again — which, thanks to the price, I can comfortably use.
WHY I RECOMMEND IT: A dermatologist introduced me to this relatively new brand a few months ago and I am so grateful. Their hero product, which has 15% vitamin C and a beautiful combination of turmeric, vitamin E and kojic acid, has received almost 100 five-star reviews on Sephora for a reason.
WHY SHE RECOMMENDS IT: “This is one of my staff’s favorite pocket-friendly serums. This concentrated product helps to improve and even skin tone. I love the hyaluronic acid and vitamin E in the product to help give skin the healthiest glow possible. Naturium is a clinically effective biocompatible skin care product that has been dermatologist tested and created from active, natural botanicals. ” – Aguilare
WHY SHE RECOMMENDS IT: “I love that they are a woman-owned skincare line that focuses on food-grade ingredients, multi-use products, and zero-waste packaging.” – Boone
WHY I RECOMMEND IT: I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen drugstore products recommended by professionals. The serum is super hydrating thanks to its hero ingredient, hyaluronic acid, but also because of the combination of vitamins and ceramides. Also Charming name it one of the best hyaluronic acid serums of 2021.
WHY SHE RECOMMENDS IT: “They were clean before it got cool. The brand uses extremely active ingredients with clinically proven results without breaking the bank. ” – Boone
WHY SHE RECOMMENDS IT: “This moisturizer not only adds moisture to the skin, but also strengthens the skin barrier and smells great. Full of fermentable extracts of lactobacillus, pomegranate and milk thistle, it increases the diversity of the microflora for restored and nourished skin, and is great for all skin types. Best of all, LAYERS Skincare is formulated without parabens, mineral oils, petroleum, phthalates, sulfates, gluten and other ingredients known to be harmful to human health and the environment. Also, they never test on animals. ” – Aguilar
WHY SHE RECOMMENDS IT: “To keep skin hydrated, glowing, and radiant, choose a moisturizer that combines the right emollients for your skin type. This product works well for normal skin, and contains glycerin and hyaluronic acid to keep the skin barrier moist. ” – Dr. Alexiades
WHY I RECOMMEND IT: Another product from Gold Standard Of budget-friendly skincare, The Ordinary’s effective peel-off solution is the real deal. I wouldn’t recommend it to people with sensitive skin, but if you have similar acne-prone skin, this vibrant serum is your friend.
WHY SHE RECOMMENDS IT: “Another budget-friendly favorite, La Roche-Posay, is a lightweight formula that protects your skin from the effects of the sun to maintain a healthy, clean and healthy look and feel. dewy.” – Dr. Alexiades
WHY I RECOMMEND IT: I never thought I’d find a sheet mask I liked more than 111Skin’s Rose Gold mask, but Tatcha’s silky smooth, high concentration of vegetable oils, completely won me over (and for about a third of the price).
