Luxury skincare is great, but you don’t always need to spend $$$ for amazing results! These drugstore skincare products work just as well (if not better) than their expensive counterparts.
Here’s a list of budget-friendly dupes that deliver the same...
Sections
5
Cleansers: Gentle & Effective
Exfoliants: Smoother, Brighter Skin
Serums: Hydrating, Brightening & Repairing
Moisturizers: Hydration Without the Hefty Price
Sunscreens: Protect Your Glow ☀️
Cleansers: Gentle & Effective
Luxury cleansers can be overpriced when affordable options clean just as well while keeping your skin barrier happy!
Tatcha The Rice Wash ($54) → Naturium Fermented Rice Enzyme Cleanser ($18)
Both provide gentle exfoliation + brightening for a soft, smooth complexion.
Fermented Rice Enzyme Cleanser - Naturium
Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser ($52) → Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser ($20)
Both deeply cleanse without stripping, making them perfect for daily use.
Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser - Krave Beauty
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser ($53) → Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser ($12)
Both are ultra-gentle, fragrance-free, and ideal for sensitive skin.
Vanicream™ Gentle Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
Exfoliants: Smoother, Brighter Skin
Chemical exfoliants help with texture, clogged pores, and dullness—and there are affordable options that work just as well!
Drunk Elephant TLC Framboos Glycolic Night Serum ($126) → The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner ($13.50)
Both resurface skin, fade acne scars, and brighten over time.
Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner | The Ordinary
Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant ($40) → The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid ($13)
Both contain 2% salicylic acid to unclog pores and fight breakouts.
The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum 30ml
Sunday Riley Good Genes ($122) → Naturium Mandelic Topical Acid 12% ($22)
Both help fade dark spots, exfoliate gently, and improve texture.
Mandelic Acid Serum - Naturium
Serums: Hydrating, Brightening & Repairing
Serums target specific skin concerns—but you don’t have to spend a fortune for powerful ingredients!
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops ($45) → Naturium Niacinamide Dew Drops ($22)
Both offer hydration, brightening, and a dewy glow.
Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% - Naturium
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($169) → Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid ($22.95)
Both contain powerful antioxidants that brighten skin & fight aging.
Timeless Vitamin C Serum with E & Ferulic
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum ($53) → The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 ($9.90)
Both deliver intense hydration for plump, dewy skin.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) | The Ordinary
Moisturizers: Hydration Without the Hefty Price
A good moisturizer locks in hydration and strengthens your skin barrier—and these budget picks perform just as well as high-end brands!
Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream ($99) → Bubble Slam Dunk Moisturizer ($17)
Both provide deep hydration and a glass-skin glow.
Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturizer for Normal & Dry Skin Types
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream ($89) → Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer ($20)
Both are packed with peptides to firm & strengthen skin.
Peptide Moisturizer - Target The Look Of Fine Lines & Wrinkles
La Mer Crème de la Mer ($380) → Nivea Creme ($6)
Both are rich, occlusive, and deeply moisturizing for dry skin.
NIVEA® Creme - Intensive Moisturizer For Body, Face & Hands
Sunscreens: Protect Your Glow ☀️
A good sunscreen is essential—and these affordable options work just as well as their high-end counterparts!
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen ($48) → e.l.f. Suntouchable! Invisible Sunscreen ($14)
Both are clear, weightless, and perfect under makeup.
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 ($43) → La Roche-Posay Toleriane SPF 30 ($30)
Both contain niacinamide + lightweight protection for sensitive skin.
Toleriane Double Repair Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector SPF 50 ($50) → Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50 ($18)
Both offer lightweight, dewy sun protection without a white cast.