21 Top Affordable Skincare Brands You Need to Try

From anti-aging oils to daily sunscreens, there are plenty of skincare products that offer both affordability and effectiveness. With so many options available in drugstores, personal recommendations play a crucial role in finding quality skincare that rivals even the higher-end alternatives.

Having tried numerous skincare brands, both affordable and high-end, I also reached out to trusted sources—editors and writers from Mytour, along with five dermatologists—for their expert recommendations.

As a team, we've tried countless products from a wide range of brands. We're familiar with which ones are worth spending more on and which ones aren't. We also know not to be fooled by sleek packaging or high-end labels—oftentimes, the most effective skincare items come with affordable price points, simple ingredient lists, and no-frills packaging.

What defines budget-friendly skincare?

I've compiled a list of top recommendations, covering trusted drugstore favorites, popular Korean beauty products, and fresh new arrivals. Keep reading for the best skincare brands that are easy on the wallet and highly recommended by both editors at Mytour and dermatologists.

CeraVe

CeraVe emerged as the top choice, with six editors endorsing its range of products. It’s no surprise, given that CeraVe is a go-to skincare brand, particularly for individuals with sensitive, highly dehydrated skin.

In fact, five editors specifically singled out the Moisturizing Cream. This all-purpose cream can be used on both the face and body and proudly carries the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association.

If you're concerned about irritation, there's no need to worry: “I have rosacea and dry, sensitive skin, so my face gets easily irritated by many products,” shares shopping writer Lauren Taylor. “I use CeraVe cream twice a day, and it never stings or leaves my skin feeling tight. It’s thick enough to hydrate dry, flaky skin but doesn’t leave me feeling greasy or looking shiny.”

CeraVe offers a variety of body products designed for specific skin concerns, such as psoriasis, rough patches, and even itch relief. Beyond creams and retinols, the brand provides a selection of face washes that are both gentle and hydrating.

You can create a full skincare routine with CeraVe—check out these recommendations from Dr. Julie Bittar de la Cruz at Miami Dermatology & Laser Institute: “I recommend CeraVe’s Acne Control Cleanser for blackheads, Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser for normal skin types, Moisturizing Cream for the body, and PM Facial Lotion as a lightweight night moisturizer.” This brand is highly recommended, particularly for those with extremely sensitive or dry skin.

Price Range: $11–$32 | Skincare Concerns: Dryness, acne, eczema, psoriasis, rough or bumpy skin

Popular CeraVe Products

Cetaphil

Cetaphil offers simple, effective skincare formulas at an affordable price point, backed by dermatologists. Its larger product sizes make it a great budget-friendly choice, and you can easily find it in most drugstores and large retail chains.

Four dermatologists I consulted highly recommend Cetaphil. Dr. Annabelle Garcia from Sonterra Dermatology specifically points out the Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 50, describing it as fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic.

Samantha Leffler, a senior food editor, shares her love for Cetaphil due to its suitability for her acne-prone skin. Having used Cetaphil products since her teenage years, she praises the Gentle Skin Cleanser for not irritating her sensitive skin, and the Daily Facial Moisturizer for hydrating without feeling greasy.

Cetaphil's entire range is tailored for sensitive skin, prioritizing fragrance-free formulas and simple ingredients. Key components like niacinamide, panthenol, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid provide moisturizing benefits. While the brand doesn't offer targeted treatments like serums, it focuses on essential skincare products such as cleansers, moisturizers, and creams. Price range: $8–$25 | Skin concerns: Acne, aging, eczema, oily skin, irritation, dryness, redness.

Top Cetaphil Products

Vanicream

Individuals with sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis prioritize formulas with minimal and nourishing ingredients. Vanicream excels in this area, offering a carefully selected range of products that protect the skin barrier without aggravating existing conditions or causing pore blockage. Dr. de la Cruz recommends the Vanicream line (especially the facial cleanser and lotions) to his patients with highly sensitive skin on a regular basis.

Shopping writer Steph Osmanski is a fan of Vanicream’s Moisturizing Cream: “I started using Vanicream moisturizer when my skin was extremely dry. I quickly grew to love how it locks in moisture without causing breakouts, and since then, I haven’t felt the need to return to more expensive luxury moisturizers. Both my skin and my budget appreciate it. I’ve also heard it’s fantastic for eczema!”

Vanicream's formulas are free from harmful additives like fragrances, dyes, and parabens, and they are also gluten-free. Five of their products, including the Moisturizing Cream, have earned the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association, which is not easily awarded to affordable skincare options. While the brand only offers 10 facial products, each one is highly effective.

Price Range: $7–$19 | Skincare Concerns: Eczema, dryness, sensitivity

Top Vanicream Products

La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay is a well-known brand found in many drugstores. It stands out for its transparency in ingredient sourcing and formulation. Compared to other affordable brands, it offers a broad range of products, allowing you to incorporate its offerings into your full skincare routine.

“I have extremely dry skin, and La Roche-Posay has been a lifesaver for providing moisture and hydration without clogging my pores,” shares shopping editor Lily Gray. “I use its Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer twice a day, and it instantly helps with my flaky skin. It’s perfect for my sensitive skin, and I make sure to apply it to my neck as well.”

Dr. Reshmi Kapoor from Brooklyn Dermatology also praises the Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer: “It’s one of my absolute favorites, and the smooth texture and feel during application make it seem more luxurious than its price suggests.” This brand comes highly recommended by all five dermatologists I consulted, so you know it’s top-tier.

I personally love the Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser, which provides hydration without overwhelming the skin—it never leaves my face feeling tight or greasy. In my opinion, it’s just as effective as more expensive brands, if not better. I also appreciate that it’s gentle on my sensitive, acne-prone skin and easy to find in drugstores.

La Roche-Posay is crafted with sensitive skin in mind, and many of its products carry the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association. A key ingredient in nearly all of their formulations is their proprietary thermal spring water, sourced from France and rich in selenium, a powerful antioxidant. While most of the core products are priced under $25, more specialized items like serums tend to cost more.

Price Range: $10–$59 | Skincare Concerns: Dryness, oiliness, acne, aging, eczema, redness, dark spots

Top La Roche-Posay Products

Neutrogena

Neutrogena has earned its place as a skincare classic (four of the dermatologists we spoke with recommended it), and it has continuously expanded its product lineup. Although Neutrogena is often associated with makeup removers and acne treatments (which are excellent), the brand now offers a variety of creams for different skin concerns, along with some stellar sunscreen options.

“I discovered I was allergic to most sunscreens as a child, and my dermatologist suggested Neutrogena,” says senior special projects editor Leah Lopez Cardenas. “I took her advice and have exclusively used Neutrogena sunscreen ever since. My favorite is the Invisible Daily Defense Lotion, and I always bring a bottle of the Beach Defense Spray to family and friend gatherings in the summer to make sure they use it too. I have oily, acne-prone skin, and these don't leave me feeling greasy.”

Dr. Ray Kleinfelder of Lux Dermatology shares his endorsement: “I’m a big fan of Neutrogena’s sunscreens. The Invisible Daily Defense goes on effortlessly. I also really like the Purescreen+ Tinted Sunscreen—it’s entirely mineral-based and comes in four shades to perfectly match different skin tones.”

Food director Jenna Helwig is another fan of Neutrogena, especially the Hydro Boost line: “Whenever I’m unsure about skincare products, I just grab Neutrogena. I’ve never been let down. While I’ve used many of the brand’s products, my all-time favorite is the Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Cleanser. It foams up nicely, removes light makeup, and doesn’t leave my skin feeling dry afterward.”

We also appreciate that Neutrogena products are available in almost every drugstore. If you're unsure where to start, you can explore one of the brand’s 17 specialized collections that cater to different skin types and concerns. Although the product range is extensive, some formulas may work better than others.

Price Range: $6–$35 | Skincare Concerns: Acne, oiliness, dryness, aging

Top Neutrogena Products

The Ordinary

The Ordinary stands out among budget skincare brands due to its reputation for potent serums, toners, and acne-fighting treatments rather than basic skincare products. Three of our editors use The Ordinary in their routines and appreciate how they can experiment with different products and refine their skincare regimens without breaking the bank.

Senior shopping editor Taylor Rock shares: “When my best friend asked if I felt like a scientist with all the bottles of The Ordinary on my bathroom sink, I couldn't help but say: ‘Yes. Yes I do.’ I love that this brand offers high-quality skincare for a fraction of the cost of a burrito bowl at Chipotle. And it actually works.”

Editor-in-chief Lauren Iannotti agrees: “A few years ago, I made a promise to myself and my kids' college funds that I would stop spending on the overpriced serums my dermatologist recommended and find affordable alternatives that perform just as well. The Ordinary’s Retinol 5% in Squalane has been my perfect solution.”

The Ordinary's focus is primarily on improving skin texture, with a wide range of exfoliating products, including masks, peels, toners, and serums. Many of these items contain high concentrations of AHAs and BHAs, which are highly effective but might be too strong for sensitive skin. Be sure to check each product's suitability before purchase, as most clearly indicate who they’re suitable for and who they aren’t.

No matter the outcome, the financial risk is minimal: “I love experimenting with new skincare products, especially the latest oils and serums,” says SVP Dwyer Frame. “With The Ordinary, I can do that without breaking the bank, and if I’m not fond of the product (though that’s rare), I don’t feel locked in because of its affordability.”

Price Range: $5-$20 | Skincare Concerns: Texture, dryness, dullness, congestion, redness, aging

Top Products from The Ordinary

Naturium

Naturium, founded in 2019, has quickly gained popularity for delivering high-quality, effective skincare at affordable prices. Though it’s not found in drugstores, it’s available at Target and through several online retailers.

Naturium offers a broad range of serums, body care products, sunscreens, and more, with a special emphasis on products designed to boost radiance. The brand even has a section on its website called “The Glow Edit,” which features items specifically formulated to combat dullness.

Naturium excels in whole-body skincare, offering a range of body washes including a salicylic acid wash for acne, a glycolic acid wash that gently exfoliates (I personally love it for keratosis pilaris flare-ups), and an oil-to-gel wash, which we recommend as the best oil body wash. The brand also features body creams and masks for a variety of concerns such as keratosis pilaris and dehydration.

For facial care, Naturium offers everything you need for a complete skincare routine, from cleansers to serums, moisturizers, oils, and lip and eye treatments. One of the standout products is the Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50, which combines sun protection with a primer-like effect. It leaves your skin with a radiant, dewy glow that works wonderfully under makeup, making it a favorite of mine.

Price Range: $10-$29 | Skincare Concerns: Aging, texture, dryness, dullness, redness, acne

Top Naturium Picks

CosRx

If you've come across skincare brands incorporating snail mucin into their products, you've likely encountered CosRx. Their Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is a long-time favorite—it’s deeply nourishing and packed with 96% snail mucin, combined with sodium hyaluronate to hydrate and smooth the skin.

It’s a go-to product for features editor Melissa Matthews: “I joined the snail mucin trend after seeing dermatologist endorsements, and it was exactly what my skin needed! After overdoing it with retinoids and chemical exfoliants, my skin became flaky and irritated. I started using this daily after cleansing, before moisturizing, and saw a noticeable improvement within a week!”

Of course, CosRx, the popular Korean skincare brand, offers much more than just that one item. The renowned Acne Pimple Master Patches (which I’ve relied on for years to heal acne outbreaks) accelerate the healing process by covering blemishes and maintaining skin moisture to prevent new breakouts. The brand also offers a wide range of cleansers, moisturizers, and serums that target concerns like acne, redness, dullness, and wrinkles.

Price Range: $6-$32 | Skincare Concerns: Acne, aging, dullness, redness, dryness

Top CosRx Selections

Burt’s Bees

Burt's Bees is a must-mention for its legendary lip balm, but the brand offers much more than just stellar lip care. “Having worked in beauty editorial for 17 years, I’ve tried countless products,” beauty director Heather Muir Maffei shares. “Though I’ve used all the high-end brands, the Burt's Bees Cleansing Cream is my ultimate favorite. It’s affordable, easy to find, and does the job while offering a delightful experience.”

With a focus on natural ingredients, especially beeswax, Burt's Bees also champions sustainability. “I had the pleasure of meeting Burt himself, and I really connected with his philosophies, as well as those of the brand,” Maffei says. “The team is doing incredible work for the environment and the beauty world.” Their key ingredients, including coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe, are well-loved for their soothing effects.

While Burt's Bees is renowned for its lip products, the brand also excels in other areas, offering excellent lotions, moisturizers, hand creams, and even serums. Many of their offerings are tailored for sensitive skin, and there's a small line focused on acne care. Additionally, they provide a range of baby-friendly products that new parents will appreciate. If you're new to the brand, they offer several product bundles to help you get started.

Price Range: $6–$20 | Skincare Concerns: Sensitivity, dullness, aging, redness

Top Burt’s Bees Picks

SKIN1004

SKIN1004 is a Korean skincare brand that emphasizes plant-based ingredients, with a focus on Centella asiatica, sourced directly from Madagascar. Known as ‘tiger grass’ or ‘cica,’ this ingredient is celebrated for its calming, anti-inflammatory properties, often used to treat conditions like eczema, burns, and other skin irritations.

Shopping editor Euna Park highly endorses SKIN1004: “The name ‘SKIN1004’ is a clever play on the Korean word for ‘angel,’ as the pronunciation of 1,004 sounds like ‘angel’ in Korean. The brand’s mission aligns with its name, offering gentle yet affordable products that make skincare feel angelic. SKIN1004 gained popularity with their Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum.”

Euna Park shares her personal favorite, the Centella Ampoule: “It’s gentle enough that I don’t experience irritation around my eyes, and it doesn’t leave that annoying white film that many other oil cleansers do. What I love most is that it rinses off easily, leaving no greasy residue behind.”

In addition to serums and ampoules, SKIN1004 offers a wide range of skincare products such as toners, creams, sunscreens, and their popular cleansing oil. This brand is a great choice for those looking to soothe and hydrate sensitive or irritated skin.

For those concerned with pore tightening or managing sebum production, SKIN1004 also provides options tailored for both dry and oily skin types. However, a downside is the limited availability of SKIN1004, so it’s best to shop via Amazon or purchase directly from their website.

Price Range: $14–$22 | Skincare Concerns: Aging, irritation, dryness, acne, dullness

Top SKIN1004 Products

Acure

Acure was founded with the goal of providing clean, accessible beauty. Their products are free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, and formaldehyde, and feature plant-based ingredients and essential oils, many of which are organic. However, it's important to note that essential oils may irritate sensitive skin types.

Acure offers a diverse selection of products, spanning skincare, body care, and hair care. You can filter by specific concerns such as dryness, dullness, acne, or overall skin sensitivity and irritation to find the ideal products for your needs.

Leslie Corona, Associate Home Director, swears by Acure for her sensitive skin. She says, 'The Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream is one of the few cleansers I trust for my delicate face. It helps calm acne flare-ups, reduces redness, and makes my skin feel wonderfully clean.'

The standout feature of Acure is its complete skincare lines, which include everything you need for a full routine. Most lines come with a cleanser, serum, day and night creams, and sometimes a mask or peel, all tailored to different skin concerns.

Acure offers a variety of oils and serums that can be seamlessly incorporated into any of the skincare lines. While their products aren't sold in drugstores, you can easily find them at Target, Whole Foods, and Amazon.

Price Range: $11–$26 | Skincare Concerns: Dryness, dullness, acne, sensitivity, aging

Acure's Most Popular Products

Aveeno

Aveeno is often associated with its key ingredient—oat. However, their product range is far more diverse. The collection of cleansers, moisturizers, and serums seamlessly fits into the routines of individuals with sensitive skin, with oats playing a significant role in most of the products. Additionally, many of their products are fragrance-free, which, according to senior research editor Maya Kukes, is a major advantage.

“What I appreciate most about Aveeno is how many of their products come fragrance-free. Several of my children have sensitive skin and eczema, so Aveeno provides nearly everything we need in unscented versions. The body wash is indulgent, leaving skin clean and refreshed, while the lotion is thick yet light, never greasy. Best of all, it doesn’t need frequent reapplications. The pricing is spot on too!”

While Aveeno has only one serum or oil in its current lineup, it is an excellent destination for stocking up on essential products, especially for those looking for body care in addition to facial skincare. Their assortment includes cleansers, body washes, lotions, scrubs for both face and body, moisturizers, makeup removers, and masks. With nine different collections targeting various skin concerns, and a good selection of kid-friendly items, Aveeno is an ideal one-stop shop for the entire family.

Price Range: $6-$20 | Skincare Concerns: Eczema, dryness, redness, sensitivity, aging

Top Products from Aveeno

Isntree

Isntree is another Korean beauty brand that specializes in natural ingredients at affordable price points. It’s a bit more under the radar than CosRx, but its products have a loyal following and are well-regarded in the beauty space. It’s best known for its toners and creams, particularly its sunscreens, which offer high SPF protection plus a bevy of skincare benefits. 

“I love its Watery Gel Sunscreen,” senior home editor Hannah Baker says. “It gives me a dewy finish, which I prefer.” Take note, though, that it’s not waterproof: “I have combo skin and I will say this is better for me in the winter, as I usually need a waterproof version for sweat in the summer,” Baker says. Still, the Sun Gel, as well as the Natural Sun Cream, are fantastic everyday sunscreen picks if you’re looking for sun protection that’s moisturizing yet lightweight.

Isntree has 11 collections that each revolve around a hero ingredient. The brand’s most popular line is focused on hyaluronic acid, with creams and gels packed with different variations of the star ingredient. Other popular lines focus on green tea (which includes a cleanser, toner, and serum) and mugwort (which includes a cream, serums, and masks).

A downside to this brand is its limited availability and somewhat confusing website navigation. We recommend purchasing its products on Amazon (which carries most of the brand’s items) or Soko Glam (which offers a selection of the most popular products).

Price Range: $13–$33 | Skincare Concerns: Dryness, irritation, aging

Top Isntree Products

Olay

Olay remains a beauty staple, and its affordability and availability at drugstores only add to its appeal. Director Erica Finamore swears by it: “Some might think of it as an old-school brand, but the Hyaluronic Ultralight Gel is one of my all-time favorites. Olay’s lotions are lightweight with a mild fragrance, making them perfect for daily use.”

The well-known Regenerist line is undoubtedly Olay’s most popular, particularly for aging skin. It features a variety of products, including night creams, moisturizers, serums, and eye creams, all packed with potent anti-aging ingredients like collagen peptides, vitamin C, and Olay’s signature retinoid complex.

One popular product that has recently gained significant attention online is the Super Serum, offering five benefits in a single formula to address issues like dryness, fine lines, and dullness, among others (we reviewed it here). 

Olay is a well-regarded, budget-friendly brand focused on addressing aging-related concerns, though it may not be the best choice for acne treatment or other skin sensitivities. However, Olay is expanding its range, introducing new products tailored to sensitive skin and fragrance-free options, with anti-aging skincare still being their primary strength.

Price Range: $5–$35 | Skincare Concerns: Aging, dullness, dryness

Top Olay Products

Beauty of Joseon

I stumbled upon Beauty of Joseon on Reddit last year, and it’s rapidly become one of my favorites. The brand highlights traditional Korean skincare ingredients such as ginseng, rice, and green tea, with product lines addressing concerns like acne, aging, and dryness.

The brand's most popular product is its sunscreen, available in two variations: Aqua Fresh, which is ideal for combination and oily skin, and the original formula, designed for all skin types with a moisturizing finish.

I absolutely love the original formula. It serves as my go-to moisturizer since it keeps my skin hydrated all day. It absorbs quickly, leaving no white cast, and is made with sensitive-skin-friendly ingredients like rice extract. Additionally, it provides excellent sun protection, and I never experienced any sunburn while using it.

However, my ultimate favorite product is the Radiance Cleansing Balm. This was the first Beauty of Joseon item I tried, and it’s one of the few products I’ve repeatedly repurchased. I use it for double cleansing, applying it first to remove makeup before washing my face with my regular cleanser. It effectively eliminates every bit of makeup without causing irritation and is safe for use around the eyes.

I’m eager to try other products from the brand, like the highly praised Dynasty Cream and Ginseng Essence Water. Though it’s not as inexpensive as some other brands, every product is under $50, and there are often sales. (I scored two Radiance Cleansing Balms at a big discount during Prime Day!) I do wish it was more widely available, but that’s a small issue for an otherwise amazing skincare brand.

Price Range: $13-$48 | Skincare Concerns: Aging, acne, dryness, sensitivity, dullness

Top Beauty of Joseon Products

Celimax

Celimax is a relatively new Korean beauty brand I’ve recently tried, and I’m impressed enough to explore more of its products. Founded in 2019 with its first offering, the Ji Woo Gae Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad, designed for exfoliating and toning congested skin, the brand has since expanded to include four other pads for various skincare needs, as well as cleansers, toners, serums, and more. 

At the moment, I’m using the Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream, which I discovered while looking for moisturizers suitable for sensitive skin that don’t contain squalane (a common irritant for me). This cream is everything I want in a moisturizer: it’s lightweight, hydrating, and gentle on my skin. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave me feeling greasy hours later, and I can genuinely say that my skin barrier has improved since using it.

Celimax is a great option if you're looking to address acne, oily skin, dark spots, and skin texture. While it has only a handful of products focused on anti-aging, such as an eye cream and a serum, other products can still provide anti-aging benefits. For such a young brand, it offers an impressive range, and all its products are priced under $30. 

Price Range: $14-$26 | Skincare Concerns: Dryness, sensitivity, acne

Top Products from Celimax

e.l.f Cosmetics

e.l.f is known for its fantastic, cost-effective makeup and beauty tools, but the brand also offers exceptional skincare products. From essential skincare items like cleansers and moisturizers to targeted serums and treatments for various skin concerns, e.l.f delivers. Their best-known product, of course, is the Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm, a true standout in their skincare line.

Along with the cleansing balm, e.l.f’s top sellers include other skincare essentials such as cleansers and moisturizers. Their most popular serum, the Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum, is a hyaluronic acid serum priced at just $12. Other notable products include the Youth Boosting Blue-ty Sleep Night Oil, perfect for nighttime, and the Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel, which works wonders on stubborn breakouts.

As you might expect, the Holy Hydration! range is the brand's flagship skincare line. Beyond the cleansing balm and serum, it also includes a cleanser, moisturizers, eye creams, and exfoliants. This line offers the best of e.l.f.'s skincare, although there are a few gems outside of it.

In addition to the aforementioned products, e.l.f also boasts a solid sunscreen collection, including the Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen SPF 35. While makeup remains the brand's main focus, e.l.f’s skincare offerings are growing in popularity, and they can be easily found at most drugstores.

Price Range: $4–$22 | Skincare Concerns: Dryness, acne, dull skin, signs of aging

e.l.f’s Best Products

Pond’s

Pond’s, a veteran in the U.S. skincare industry, is known for its affordability. The brand's offerings are simple, focusing mainly on cleansers and moisturizers, with just one serum available at present.

A standout among the brand’s products is Pond’s Cold Cream, famed for being the first moisturizer that didn’t require refrigeration. Its distinctive formula serves as both a cleanser and moisturizer, making it a versatile addition to any skincare routine. 

The range of products now includes creams tailored for specific skin issues such as dryness, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. However, given its focus on aging, this brand isn’t ideal for addressing other concerns like acne, skin sensitivity, or oiliness. It's best suited for individuals who prefer a straightforward, effective routine that can be sustained over time.

Price Range: $6–$13 | Skin Issues Targeted: Aging, dryness

Best Products from Pond’s

Byoma

Launched in 2022, Byoma is a new brand dedicated to repairing and safeguarding the skin barrier. Its vibrant packaging makes it eye-catching in stores like Target and Ulta, with each product priced under $20.

The brand offers a range of serums, cleansers, and moisturizers, all focused on gentle, plant-derived ingredients rather than harsh actives (for instance, the brand opts for bakuchiol instead of retinol.)

Highlighted products include the Moisturizing Gel Cream, offering a light, cooling sensation, and the Creamy Jelly Cleanser, which is both fragrance- and alcohol-free. Byoma is a user-friendly brand for building a skincare routine, as it offers a compact product line that covers all the essentials along with a few more targeted treatments for various skin types and concerns.

The brand's serums are especially formulated to be mild yet effective—the Sensitive Retinol Oil uses natural oils to mimic the effects of retinol, while the Clarifying Serum provides gentle exfoliation.

Beyond focusing on skin barrier repair, Byoma is also a great choice for tackling acne and skin congestion. While not yet available in drugstores, the brand can be found at Target, Ulta, Amazon, and Byoma’s official website. And let's not forget how fun the colorful packaging is.

Price Range: $12-$19 | Skincare Concerns: Dullness, dryness, acne

Top Byoma Products

Good Molecules

Good Molecules is a relatively new brand known for its incredibly affordable serums and oils. With none of its serums priced over $12, and most ranging from $6 to $10, you can achieve targeted skincare without breaking the bank.

The brand offers a wide selection of cleansers in various formulations—not only traditional options, but also a cleansing balm, two types of cleansing bars, and even a cleansing powder.

Good Molecules’ core strength lies in targeted treatments, particularly for dullness and hyperpigmentation. Popular products include the Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel, which helps reduce puffiness and boosts hydration around the eyes, along with the Discoloration Correcting Serum and Niacinamide Brightening Toner, both of which aim to enhance radiance and tackle dark spots and acne scars.

If you're unsure where to start, the brand’s various bundles might help, with themes like “Blemish Scar & Discoloration Set” and “The Daily Essentials.”

Price Range: $5–$18 | Skincare Concerns: Dullness, hyperpigmentation, acne

Top Good Molecules Products

The Inkey List

Simple, budget-friendly, and highly effective, The Inkey List has become more popular each year since it debuted in U.S. Sephora stores in 2019. Its product line focuses on concerns like acne, aging, and hydration, with an emphasis on easy-to-use serums and cleansers, all priced under $20.

Many of the brand's products feature a key “hero” ingredient, like the Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which is its best-seller. (We reviewed it here.) Other popular items include the Salicylic Acid Cleanser, Retinol Serum, and Oat Cleansing Balm.

The Inkey List also makes it easy to create an effective skincare routine with its online quiz, and offers discounts for building your own bundle. You can even filter products based on their suitability for teens or whether they’re safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. One thing to note is that all the serums come in tubes, not dropper bottles.

Price Range: $10-$20 | Skincare Concerns: Acne, aging, dryness, texture

Top The Inkey List Products

Questions You Might Have

Are drugstore skincare brands as effective as high-end skincare brands?

All the dermatologists we spoke with agree that many drugstore skincare brands are just as effective, if not more so, than their high-end counterparts. Dr. Kleinfelder adds, “Drugstore brands often have more research and clinical trials backing them than the products found in high-end department stores. These luxury brands tend to focus on single cosmetic concerns, are fragrance-heavy, and often don’t have input from dermatologists.”

“High-end brands spend a lot on marketing and packaging, but that doesn’t always mean they’re 'better!'” says Dr. Mary Alice Mina, founder of The Skin Real. Both Dr. Mina and Dr. Kleinfelder caution against falling for marketing tactics when it comes to expensive skincare.

“When you see a product labeled 'medical grade skincare,' just remember that it’s a marketing term,” says Dr. Mina. “There are only two categories: over-the-counter and prescription products. 'Medical grade' doesn’t imply better or more effective, but it often does mean higher prices. Be cautious of products labeled 'clean' or 'natural,' too. Companies often use these terms for marketing, and their definitions aren’t standardized, so they might not mean what you expect.”

There are certainly reasons some skincare products come with a higher price tag. “Some high-end products cost more because they focus on creating a more luxurious feel with a smoother texture,” explains Dr. Garcia. “These products often have higher concentrations of active ingredients than drugstore versions, but that doesn’t mean drugstore brands aren’t effective.”

What skincare products don’t require you to splurge?

“It could be argued that no skincare products require a splurge,” says Dr. Kapoor. “I can recommend excellent drugstore alternatives for nearly every product category: face wash, moisturizer, sunscreen, retinol—the list goes on.”

One product you definitely don’t need to spend a lot on? Cleanser. “Face wash stays on your skin for such a short time, and it has a pretty straightforward job, so there’s no need to splurge on something that doesn’t sit on your skin long,” says Dr. Kapoor.

All the dermatologists we spoke with agreed that you don’t need to spend big on moisturizer or sunscreen either. A helpful rule of thumb is this: “Products that are used more than once a day don’t need to be splurged on,” says Dr. Garcia.

When it comes to sunscreen, the key factor is SPF—and a higher SPF doesn’t necessarily mean a higher price. “I always tell my patients that the best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use,” says Dr. Kleinfelder. “It used to be that pricier products were more cosmetically appealing, but now even formulas with pure zinc are very elegant, and you can find a great sunscreen with no white cast for under $20!”

Products that are worth spending more on are serums and some targeted treatments. “Certain products are more challenging to formulate, which may justify a higher price tag,” explains Dr. Kleinfelder. “Vitamin C is a perfect example—sometimes you need to pay more to ensure you’re getting a stable and effective product.”

Why Trust Mytour

This article was penned by Nicole Lund, a seasoned writer and editor with extensive experience testing budget-friendly skincare products, particularly for her acne-prone combination skin. She previously served as the shopping editorial director at Mytour and Southern Living, and boasts over six years of expertise in researching and evaluating top skincare products, including moisturizers, serums, cleansers, and more.

In preparing this article, Nicole conducted extensive research on affordable skincare brands, focusing on ingredients, product diversity, and various skincare concerns. She also consulted with five dermatologists for their insights on the best budget skincare options: Dr. Julie Bittar de la Cruz of Miami Dermatology & Laser Institute, Dr. Annabelle Garcia of Sonterra Dermatology, Dr. Reshmi Kapoor, the owner and founder of Brooklyn Dermatology, Dr. Ray Kleinfelder of Lux Dermatology, and Dr. Mary Alice Mina, founder of The Skin Real.