There is no shortage of skincare products today, making it hard to know which ones are worth using. There are infinite potential skincare pitfalls, from reef-killing chemical sunscreens to artificially fragranced moisturizers.
The good news is that effective skin care doesn’t always need to break the bank. Here are some practical yet inexpensive skincare products.
1. The Ordinary
Few skincare brands can compare to The Ordinary regarding effectiveness and affordability. Since 2015, their clinical formulas have revolutionized beauty at an incredible value with affordable clinical products at a fraction of the cost of more popular high-end offerings like Hylamide and Niod. Established by Deciem (which also owns brands like Hylamide and Niod), The Ordinary has quickly become a favorite among skin enthusiasts, dermatologists, and budget-minded consumers.
The Ordinary prides itself on transparency, listing each ingredient used in its products, concentration levels, and ratios for easy customization. Customers can tailor their routine with products specifically for them – their best-selling The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydration Support Formula is an example of this approach; its multiform hyaluronic acid forms target multiple layers of skin for targeted hydration.
Additionally, there are serums designed to target other common skin concerns: Vitamin C Serum is perfect for those suffering from dullness and discoloration; Clarifying Toner keeps pores clear without stripping your natural oils; while Hydrating Serum features squalane combined with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 for hydration of healthy-looking and plump skin.
The Ordinary offers an affordable selection of foundations in many shades. Their best-selling coverage ranges from light to medium, with a weightless feel that blends naturally into the skin for an authentic appearance. Their lightweight primer also features an advanced spreadability system to prevent pigment from settling into fine lines or wrinkles.
2. Nivea Fresh Powerfruit Shower Gel
Nivea Fresh Powerfruit Shower Gel is an affordable but effective product that truly lives up to its promises of moisture for soft and smooth skin after every use, along with a refreshing and pleasant scent. Ideal for normal or dry skin types as it doesn’t leave tight and dry feeling patches behind like some cheaper brands do; its care oil pearls contain ample amounts of hydration while blueberry extract acts as an antioxidant; however, it contains SLS, so it may not suit those seeking chemical-free options; its subtle fragrance mimics natural berry fruit- smells great too.
3. Aztec Secret – Indian Healing Clay
Aztec Secret’s Indian Healing Clay mask has become one of the cult beauty scene’s go-to masks, often thanks to Redditors sharing before-and-after photos showing it unclogging pores, with even board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, noting its effectiveness against acne breakouts in some users’ photos on Reddit. However, according to Dr. Marisa Garshick, it might not be best for everyone and could potentially only benefit those with oily or acne-prone skin who need oily or acne-prone skin conditions due to its gentle formula notes MD Marisa Garshick MD.
Clay can be very drying; its main mineral component, bentonite, draws out oils and impurities from your face for a more matte look. Furthermore, clay draws out excess moisture, which tightens skin. However, be mindful that using too much clay may cause itchy patches on your face that require moisturizer to soothe them – overdoing it could even result in flaky, irritated patches forming!
Garshick suggests using this mask no more than twice weekly, ideally only on sensitive skin areas. When first starting, only use small amounts of the mixture as more could lead to irritation. Furthermore, avoid mixing clay with essential oils, which may exacerbate symptoms further.
Bentonite clay can help detoxify other body parts beyond just the face, including feet and hands. Bath soaks can also benefit from using bentonite clay, while applying it directly to bug bites may alleviate symptoms and relieve itching. Just beware if overdoing it makes you queasy; one pound is enough to create around 15 clay masks! You can find this product at health food stores and online retailers such as iHerb.
4. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This is an excellent choice if you are looking for a cheap skin care product to boost your hydration. It has a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, and it is oil-free. The formula contains olive leaf extract known for boosting skin’s hydration levels. The serum is also non-comedogenic and paraben-free.
It’s an excellent product for dry skin and is recommended by dermatologists. It works by binding water to your skin, which helps plump it and gives it a smooth appearance. It has a light gel texture and doesn’t feel sticky. The product is fragrance-free, and it has a light citrus scent.
However, this serum falls short of the competition in the hyaluronic acid market. It only uses one type of hyaluronic acid. In contrast, other products like The Ordinary and La Roche Posay’s Hyaluronic Acid Supercharged booster serum use different types of hyaluronic acid at varying molecular sizes to plump all layers of your skin for a fuller appearance.
You can expect results after using this product for a few weeks. It can be used alone or in conjunction with a moisturizer. Before applying your moisturizing cream, you should apply the serum to your face every morning and night.
The product is cruelty-free, and it’s suitable for most skin types. The ingredients in the product include water, butylene glycol, panthenol, olive leaf extract, hyaluronic acid, xylitol, polyglyceryl-2 tristearate, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, trehalose, methylparaben, butyrospermum parkii shea butter, propylene glycol, sodium hyaluronate, butyrospermum parkii butter, phenoxyethanol, chlorphenesin, disodium edta. Click or tap on an ingredient to learn more about it.
5. Vanicream Gentle Body Wash
Vanicream Gentle Body Wash is an effective formulation designed to gently yet efficiently rid skin of dirt and oils without drying it out. Free from common chemical irritants found in ordinary cleansers like dyes, masking fragrances, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde releasers – Vanicream Gentle Body Wash is designed specifically for sensitive skin conditions like Atopic Dermatitis (eczema). Dermatologist-tested, pH-balanced, and kid-safe, making this wash the ideal choice. This wash is dermatologist approved, dermatologist-approved, pH balanced, and kid safe!
The Gentle Body Wash is also free from sulfates, oil, soap, fragrance, and parabens; hypoallergenic; free from botanical extracts or essential oils; hypoallergenic; glycerin- and betaine-free as well as hypoallergenic. Formulated specifically to meet all skin types’ needs. Awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.
Supps offers this 355ml bottle manufactured in the USA with a flip-top cap to dispense pearly creamy gel contents moderately well until reaching low levels. It has no fragrance and features watery-clear color with ingredients including purified water, glycerin, coco-glucoside, propanediol, sodium cocoyl glycinate, acrylates copolymer panthenol caprylyl glycol disodium EDTA sodium chloride 1,2-hexanediol mica and titanium dioxide.
