Let’s face it: getting a skincare glow-up can be expensive. Those high-end brands promise us heavenly skin, but they also come with a hefty price tag. But guess what? You don’t always have to splurge all your hard-earned cash to look fabulous. Welcome to the world of skincare dupes — they save your skin and your wallet. The best skin care dupes have almost the same ingredients as those luxury products. Essentially, they help your skin look fabulous without you having to survive on ramen noodles for a month.
You probably already know, but skincare goes way beyond slathering on sunscreen; it’s all about staying healthy. But here’s the kicker: so many out there still buy into the whole tan-equals-looking-healthy myth despite knowing full well that the sun can wreak havoc on the skin and lead to skin cancer. A study reported that 92 percent of us are clued in on these risks, yet a whopping 84 percent confess to slacking off on skin protection year-round. And here’s the real shocker: that sun we all love? It’s also responsible for 80 percent of premature skin aging. So, proper skincare shouldn’t feel optional, it’s more of a must-do, just like brushing your teeth or showering.
How your skin looks can impact how you feel on the inside, too. A survey of 2,000 American women 35 and older looked at their skin care journeys and found that nearly three-quarters say their confidence is impacted by the way their skin looks. That’s why 68 percent try to take preventative care of their skin before it experiences any noticeable trauma such as sunburns or stretch marks. Want to do that, too? Keep reading for quality products that can help you keep your skin and your confidence at their best.
In the list below, we’ve found the consensus among 15 experts on the best skincare dupes that give those high-end favorites a run for their money. Whether you’re hunting for a serum that’ll turn back time, a moisturizer that’ll keep you looking fresh or a mask to revive your skin, these alternatives will do the trick. So, if you’re all about saving your skin while some cash, look no further. These skincare dupes are here to make your life a whole lot easier (and your skin a whole lot happier). Let us know if we missed your favorites in the comments below!
The List: Best Skincare Dupes, According to Experts
1. Bioderma Sensibio Dupe: Garnier’s Micellar Cleansing Water
Here’s what skincare experts have to say about this compelling dupe for Bioderma. Buzzfeed says, “Garnier’s Micellar Cleansing Water lifts away makeup, dirt and oil without stripping the skin of moisture — and it does it for half the price of Bioderma.”
The Strategist’s expert doesn’t think twice about switching to this dupe: “I honestly haven’t thought about Bioderma since I bought this. There are a few versions of this micellar water, but I specifically love this all-in-one mattifying version. It’s the best because it gives me the same feeling Bioderma used to.”
“I love that it’s gentle on the skin … This is literally miracle water,” adds Makeup Alley.
2. Sunday Riley Good Genes Dupe: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 10% + HA is getting well-deserved attention as an affordable alternative to Sunday Riley Good Genes.
Whimsy Soul is all about this dupe, saying, “A little lactic acid goes a long way. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA is everything you want in a product for brighter, tighter skin. Unlike Sunday Riley Good Genes, it’s made without silicones and uses Tasmanian pepperberry to reduce skin inflammation.”
Who What Wear states, “Both of these lactic acid treatments will work on normal, dry or combination skin to create a smooth, real-life filter finish. The option by The Ordinary just happens to be a fraction of the price.”
“The Ordinary’s product is an excellent product, somewhat of a dupe, and one of the best lactic acid treatments I’ve used,” reports A Beauty Edit.
3. SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Dupe: Paula’s Choice C15 Vitamin C Super Booster
Paula’s Choice is hailed as an effective and more affordable dupe for SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum, with experts highlighting its comparable results.
Chatelaine chooses Paula’s Choice as the best SkinCeuticals vitamin C serum dupe: “Like the cult-favourite SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, this serum is formulated with a cocktail of 15% vitamin C, ferulic acid and vitamin E to brighten and firm. While it’s slightly expensive … the ultra-effective formula is much cheaper than its counterpart and absolutely worth the splurge.”
“Boasting a similar combination of antioxidant ingredients (vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid), this booster — which can be used on its own or by adding it to another serum or a moisturizer — also includes hyaluronic acid for extra moisture,” says Beautytap.
Melissa Jane Lee describes the results, writing, “A very popular SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic dupe, the potent ingredients in this Paula’s Choice serum work in the same way to give you a brighter complexion.”
4. Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Night Oil Dupe: Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil
Experts have found striking similarities between Sunday Riley and Pixi’s night oils — in both the packaging and effectiveness. TLC thinks this swap is a no-brainer: “This prestige [Sunday Riley] night oil claims to calm skin while improving the appearance of wrinkles, redness and pores … but this next product is shockingly similar — and only a fraction of the price. Not only does this retinol oil come in a dropper bottle similar to that of Sunday Riley’s oil, but it also makes nearly identical claims.”
“Sunday Riley’s Luna Sleeping Night Oil has been a best-seller for years, and Pixi’s inexpensive option has all the makings of a dupe: similar packaging, same quality and serious results,” explains The Everygirl.
Doctor Anne writes, “Other than that [the Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Night Oil] is a little lighter than the Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil, but for me comparable in the fact that I had no irritation.”
5. Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Dupe: Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask
Experts highlight the striking similarities of these pumpkin masks. Mamamia compares the two brands: “The Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask uses vitamin C and glycolic AHA to gently buff away dead skin cells and even out skin tone. Much like the Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask.”
Beauty Tidbits thinks this dupe is a steal: “Peter Thomas Roth’s Pumpkin Enzyme mask gets your dull, drab skin back on track with a triple-action formula that exfoliates with pumpkin enzymes, resurfaces and peels with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), and polishes with aluminum oxide crystals. Andalou Naturals Pumpkin mask does the same thing for a fraction of the price!”
Makeup Savvy says, “If there’s a face mask with cult status then it’s the Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask. However, there is a similar offering with the Andalou Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask. It also offers the same exfoliating benefits, removing dead skin cells for improved skin texture and an overall brighter look.”
Have a favorite skincare dupe that didn’t make the expert-recommended list? Let us know about it in the comments!
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Sources:
- Buzzfeed
- The Strategist
- Makeup Alley
- Whimsy Soul
- Who What Wear
- A Beauty Edit
- Chatelaine
- Beautytap
- Melissa Jane Lee
- TLC
- The Everygirl
- Doctor Anne
- Mamami
- Beauty Tidbits
- Makeup Savvy
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.