The Best Budget-Friendly Skincare Brands
Affordable brands and products that WORK!
by BECKY MAUTHNER ★ OCTOBER 5, 2020
Sticking to a budget is easier said than done, especially when it comes to shopping for skincare. There’s always something new to try, whether it’s a fancy new serum, oil, or rich moisturizer, and it’s easy to be lured in by luxe packaging and promising ingredients. But in beauty, not all of the most effective products come with an astronomical price tag. Don’t believe it? Check out these 6 budget-friendly and Ugirl-approved skincare brands:
1. The Ordinary
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If you still haven't heard about The Ordinary or seen it on TikTok, listen closely. The Ordinary is known for its wide array of products and incredibly affordable prices. Many of their products also come in sleek dropper bottles that look incredibly chic on display. Among their amazing products are a Best of Beauty–winning hyaluronic acid serum, social-media-famous face peel, and a glycolic acid toning solution.
2. CeraVe
Credit: Instagram (@cerave)
CeraVe products are formulated with the help of dermatologists and are therefore one of the most highly dermatologist-recommended brands. CeraVe products are created around the founding principle that our skin barrier is integral to how our skin looks, performs, and feels. Their products are ideal for those with sensitive skin, which is perfect for us Ugirls as we approach the colder months in Syracuse. Some of their most popular products include the Foaming Facial Cleanser, Hydrating Facial Cleanser, and Moisturizing Cream for Normal to Dry Skin.
3. La Roche-Posay
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La Roche-Posay is a French-pharmacy-brand notable for its gentle skincare suitable for even the most sensitive of skin types. It is a favorite of many celebrities, beauty editors, and students! The brand is known for its suncare products, with most of their moisturizers having SPF! A few standouts are the Retinol B3 Serum, Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen, and Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser.
4. Glossier
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Known for their array of makeup and skincare products, Glossier is a popular beauty brand whose mission emphasizes skincare first and makeup second. This skincare brand preaches “less is more”, and it shows in their easy-to-use products. Glossier's reasonable prices and gentle quality keep customers close, and their pink aesthetic and girly packaging are an added bonus! Their most popular skincare products include their top-rated Milky Jelly Cleanser, Mega Greens Galaxy Pack Detoxifying Face Mask, and the Exfoliating Skin Perfector Solution.
5. Paula’s Choice
Credit: Instagram (@paulaschoice)
Paula’s Choice is a Seattle-based skincare brand that provides an array of products catering to all skin types and skin concerns. From gentle exfoliators to rich moisturizers, they truly have something for every skin type. They also never test on animals, and never include fragrances, dyes, or other ingredients known for causing irritation in its formulations. Some favorites include the 2 BHA Liquid Exfoliant, C15 Super Booster, and the Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer with Retinol.
6. The INKEY List
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Similar to the renowned brand The Ordinary, The INKEY List is a skincare brand that offers hard to beat price points and incredible formulations. Their brand focuses on customer service and making sure the skincare process is easy to use for all. Their website even features the ‘INKEY School’ where you can learn more about skincare, haircare, and other topics in the beauty industry from the INKEY team of dermatologists, trichologists, chemists, and hair session stylists. Some of their most coveted products include the Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum, Retinol Anti-Aging Serum, and Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Blemish + Blackhead Serum.
Who knew there were so many well-formulated and budget-friendly skincare brands?! What are you waiting for? Get to shopping!
Cover photo credit: Pinterest