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Affordable skincare essentials
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items You don't have to break the bank just to achieve healthy, clear skin. There are plenty of accessible, effective, and affordable skincare essentials that have proven results. If you're just beginning your skincare journey and not sure where to start, ...
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Affordable skincare products
Affordable skincare brands
Affordable skincare products
Effective products that are widely available at local pharmacies, department stores, and K-beauty suppliers - all for a small price.
There's a reason it's gone viral. Use pretty much anywhere on your body to treat shaving bumps, acne, dry or cracked skin, and odour. Currently working a treat on my back acne. Be careful not to pair with certain actives, and it'll sting if you apply...
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
Designed for pure hydration, this serum adds moisture to the skin and dries with a distinct glow. Leaves skin looking glossy and plump, while also supporting the natural barrier. Popular for its instant hydrating effects and affordable price. (Affili...
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum
Affordable. Makes skin glow and reduces the appearance of pores. Can be applied morning and night. Also layers well with other products. (Affiliate link)
The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum
My go-to everyday face sunscreen. Sunscreen is a must if you plan on going out, especially if your routine includes actives that make your skin more sensitive. This one is lightweight and non-greasy - perfect for oily skin. (Affiliate link)
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Cetaphil moisturisers have been a staple in my household since I was a kid. They're simple, gentle, and deeply hydrating. I find their creams to be thicker, which is more suitable for the body and dry to very dry skin. Their lotions are lightweight, ...
Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion
Cleans without stripping natural oils or damaging the skin barrier. It's a gentle, non-foaming lotion-like face wash that leaves skin soft and clean - all at an affordable price. Suited to normal and dry skin types, but also good for barrier repair. ...
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Suited to oily and acne-prone skin. When using it in the morning, this always clears away the thick layer of oil that has built up on my face overnight. After some recent back and chest acne flare ups, I experimented with this and found it also helpe...
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser
Went viral for its supposed ability to remove sebaceous filaments and pore gunk. It's a soothing formulation that is effective for removing makeup and dirt. It didn't remove sebaceous filaments and pore gunk as social media suggested, but it did leav...
Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
I've been using this since I first started getting pimples. It's good for settling white heads, but it dries the skin out so you'll need to use moisturiser the next day. Apply at night as it makes skin sun sensitive too, and it will bleach anything t...
Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel
Best for dry and damaged skin, it's considered a top product thanks to its ability to repair compromised skin barriers and lock in moisture - all at an affordable price. While it is a rich and soothing ointment, it melts into a non-greasy matte finis...
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+
A holy grail skincare product for deep hydration, barrier repair, and soothing irritated skin. It's popular for delivering that signature ‘glass skin’ glow. Highly recommended for dry and damaged skin, but some might find the sticky/goopy texture off...
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
The new ‘it-girl' of the collagen mask world. This product is a bit more costly compared to other face masks, but it's well worth it for the results. Earned holy-grail status as it's a hydrogel mask that melts active ingredients into the skin, creati...
Biodance Bio Collagen Real Deep Mask
I usually cannot resist squeezing a white head, but using a pimple patch stops me from causing more damage. A pimple patch removes the urge to pop and effectively covers the area. Leave on all day or all night and the gunk should be extracted onto th...
HERO Mighty Patch Pimple Patches
This toner always appears when someone mentions holy grail skincare products. It's known for combatting enlarged pores, oily and acne-prone skin, and creating flawless skin. While the large bottle is more of a mid-range price, you can purchase a cheaper travel size bottle for if you'd like to test it before committing - that's what I did. Stick with it to see results, and ...
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Affordable skincare brands
From famous K-beauty names to simple household staples, these brands offer a broad range of high-performance skincare products at a low price.
My go-to affordable brand for simple skincare essentials. I'm a staunch advocate of The Ordinary as all of their products are clinically tested, vegan, cruelty-free, and super affordable, with noticeable effects.
The Ordinary
Prices can range from affordable to mid-range, but for the quality their products provide, this is one of the best skincare brands for value. It's the number one dermatologist-recommended skincare brand worldwide, with many popular products praised f...
La Roche-Posay
A popular K-beauty brand dedicated to developing effective yet minimalist skincare for all skin types and needs. I've gifted their face masks and received glowing feedback about their effectiveness.
COSRX
A quiet household favourite designed to be gentle on the most sensitive of skin types. I've used this brand's moisturisers and cleansers my entire life and never had any issues.
Cetaphil
A K-beauty industry leader specialising in gentle products made from natural ingredients. Though incredibly popular, many of their bestsellers are usually affordable, but can reach mid-range prices.
Anua
Widely considered a budget-friendly brand. Every product is infused with traditional Korean medicine that promotes healthy, glowing skin. I love their face sunscreen, and their sheet masks are a great way to nourish and soothe my skin in summer when ...
Beauty of Joseon
A reliable entry-level Korean skincare brand with moderately priced products, making it a great starting point for building a K-beauty routine. Sources natural ingredients from South Korea's Jeju Island, offering effective products for daily maintena...
Innisfree
All products are developed with dermatologists and are best for general, everyday skincare. This brand's cleansers for oily skin are my top recommendation.
CeraVe