The 21 Best Affordable Skincare Brands of 2024

CeraVe

CeraVe was by far the most recommended brand, with six editors praising its product line. That’s no surprise—CeraVe is one of the most popular skincare brands, period, with an emphasis on sensitive, very dehydrated skin.

In fact, five editors specifically recommended one product in particular: the Moisturizing Cream. This versatile cream can be used on the face and the body and has the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association.

If you’re worried about potential irritation, fear not: “I have rosacea and dry, sensitive skin, so my face gets easily irritated by many products,” shopping writer Lauren Taylor says. “I use the CeraVe cream every morning and night, and it never burns or leaves my skin feeling tight. It’s thick enough to moisturize dry, flaky skin, but it doesn’t make me feel or look greasy.”

CeraVe also has a range of body products that target specific issues like psoriasis, rough or bumpy skin, and even itch relief. In addition to creams and retinols, CeraVe offers a range of face washes that are super gentle and moisturizing.

You can build your entire routine around CeraVe—here are some recommended by Dr. Julie Bittar de la Cruz of Miami Dermatology & Laser Institute: “I like CeraVe’s Acne Control Cleanser for blackheads, Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser for normal skin types, Moisturizing Cream for a body moisturizer, and the PM Facial Lotion as a lightweight moisturizer before bedtime.” Overall, we can’t recommend this brand enough, especially if you have very sensitive skin or are combating severely dry skin.

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

Cetaphil

Cetaphil has straightforward formulas at an affordable price point with dermatological backing. And, since all of the products come in larger sizes, the brand is one of the more budget-friendly options—and you can easily find it across drugstores and other mass retailers. 

Four of the dermatologists I spoke to recommended Cetaphil. “One staple is the Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 50,” Dr. Annabelle Garcia of Sonterra Dermatology says. “It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic.” 

Senior food editor Samantha Leffler loves Cetaphil for her acne-prone skin: “I’m prone to breakouts, which means I need to be very careful about the products I use on my skin. I’ve been using Cetaphil products since my teens and have no intention of stopping.” Her favorite products are the Gentle Skin Cleanser, which has never aggravated her sensitive skin, and the Daily Facial Moisturizer, which nourishes and hydrates without making her skin feel greasy or heavy.

The entire product line is designed with sensitive skin in mind, with an emphasis on fragrance-free formulas and simple ingredients. Key ingredients used by the brand are niacinamide, panthenol, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, all of which have moisturizing benefits. You won’t find a lot of targeted treatments (like serums), but you’ll find plenty of basic skincare essentials like cleansers, moisturizers, and creams.

Price Range: $8–$25 | Skincare Concerns: Acne, aging, eczema, oily skin, irritation, dryness, redness

Vanicream

Those with sensitive skin types or skin-related concerns like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis know formulas with minimal, nourishing ingredients are a top priority. Vanicream is the clear winner in that category, offering a curated selection of products that protect the skin barrier without exasperating pre-existing conditions or clogging pores. “I recommend the Vanicream line (specifically the facial cleanser and lotions) almost daily for my patients with very sensitive skin,” Dr. de la Cruz says.

Shopping writer Steph Osmanski swears by Vanicream’s Moisturizing Cream: “I first started using the Vanicream moisturizer during a time when my skin was really, really dry. I ended up loving how well it locks in moisture and doesn’t break me out, so I haven’t felt the need to go back to higher-end, luxury moisturizer. My skin and my wallet don’t mind. I’ve heard it’s great for eczema, too!” 

Vanicream’s formulas are free from additives like fragrances, dyes, and parabens—not to mention, they’re all gluten-free. Five products, including the Moisturizing Cream, have the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association, a seal that isn’t the easiest to come by when shopping for affordable skincare. The brand only carries 10 products for the face, but each one is a hit.

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

La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay is a drugstore staple. The brand stands out for being very transparent with ingredients—including how they are sourced. It has an impressive product assortment compared to similar budget brands, so you can easily use its products for your entire skincare regimen.

“I have very dry skin, and La Roche-Posay is a godsend for moisture and hydration without clogging my pores,” shopping editor Lily Gray says. “I use its Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer twice daily, and it immediately saves my flaky skin. It’s perfect for my sensitive skin and I always make sure to use it on my neck as well.”

Dr. Reshmi Kapoor of Brooklyn Dermatology is also a fan of the Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer: “It is one of my absolute favorites, and its elegant texture and application feel more expensive than the price point.” This is another brand recommended by all five dermatologists I spoke to, so you know it’s good.

I personally recommend the Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser, which is hydrating but not too much so—it never leaves my skin feeling tight or greasy. Overall, I think it’s just as good as more expensive brands, if not better. I also love that it doesn’t aggravate my sensitive, acne-prone skin and is easily accessible at drugstores.

La Roche-Posay is designed with sensitive skin in mind, and many of the products have the Seal of Acceptance from National Eczema Association. A main ingredient in almost all of the brand’s products is La Roche-Posay’s proprietary thermal spring water, sourced from France and contains a high concentration of selenium, a powerful antioxidant. Keep in mind that while most of the core products are under $25, serums and other targeted products run higher.

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

Neutrogena

Neutrogena is an oldie-but-a-goodie (four of the dermatologists we interviewed recommended it), and it’s been hard at work expanding its range of offerings over the years. While you may associate Neutrogena with makeup removers and acne spot treatments (which are great, too), the brand now offers creams for a variety of concerns, as well as some really fantastic sunscreen options.

“I found out I’m allergic to most sunscreens when I was a kid, and my dermatologist at the time recommended I use Neutrogena,” senior special projects editor Leah Lopez Cardenas says. “I took her advice, and I’ve used Neutrogena sunscreen exclusively ever since. My favorite is the Invisible Daily Defense Lotion, and I always bring a bottle of the Beach Defense Spray to friend and family events in the summer to make sure they use it, too. I have oily, acne-prone skin, and I don’t feel overly greasy using these.”

Dr. Ray Kleinfelder of Lux Dermatology agrees: “I love Neutrogena’s sunscreens. Invisible Daily Defense goes on so smoothly. I also love the Purescreen+ Tinted Sunscreen—it’s pure mineral and comes in four different shades to color-match skin.”

Food director Jenna Helwig is also a Neutrogena fan, particularly the Hydro Boost line: “If I’m ever stumped when it comes to buying skincare products, I just reach for Neutrogena. I’ve never been disappointed. While I’ve tried and used a lot of the brand’s SKUs, my all-time fave is the Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Cleanser. It lathers up beautifully, takes off light makeup, and doesn’t leave my skin feeling super dry afterwards.”

We also love that Neutrogena products can be found in just about any drugstore. If you’re overwhelmed by the number of options, you can browse one of the brand’s 17 collections, which target specific skin types and concerns. Since the product assortment is so big, though, the formulas can be a bit hit or miss.

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

The Ordinary

The Ordinary stands out amongst budget brands because it’s best known for its powerful serums, toners, and acne-busting solutions rather than skincare basics. Three of our editors use products from The Ordinary in their routines, and all three love the fact that they can try out different skincare products and fine tune their regimens without spending a lot.

“When my best friend asked me if I felt like a scientist with all The Ordinary bottles I have on my bathroom sink, I obviously said: ‘Yes. Yes I do,’” senior shopping editor Taylor Rock says. “I love the fact that this brand makes high-quality skincare for less than I would pay for a burrito bowl at Chipotle. It works, too.”

Editor-in-chief Lauren Iannotti agrees: “A few years ago I promised myself and my children’s college accounts that I’d get off the crazy-expensive serums my derm recommended and find cheap alternatives that felt the same and seemed to work as well. The Ordinary’s Retinol 5% in Squalane is that for me.

The Ordinary products are primarily focused on skin texture, and there are accordingly a range of exfoliating products, including masks, peels, toners, and serums. It is worth noting that many of these products use high concentrations of AHAs and BHAs, which, though effective, may be too strong for sensitive skin. Most products will specify who they’re for and who they aren’t for, so be sure to pay attention while you shop.

In any event, there’s little financial risk: “I love trying lots of new skincare products, especially the latest oils and serums,” SVP Dwyer Frame says. “With The Ordinary I can do that at an affordable price, and if I don’t love the product (though I often do) I’m not committed because of the price.”

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

Naturium

Naturium was only founded in 2019, but it’s become an increasingly popular brand for its high-quality, effective skincare products at affordable prices. While not available at drugstores, you can find it at Target and some online retailers.

Naturium has a variety of serums, body care products, sunscreens, and more, with a special focus on radiance-boosting formulas. In fact, there’s a whole section of the brand’s site dedicated to “The Glow Edit,” which features products devoted to combating dullness.

Naturium is a great brand for whole-body care, as it’s also well known for its body washes, which include a salicylic acid wash for acne, a glycolic acid wash for gentle exfoliation (which I use and love for keratosis pilaris flare ups), and an oil-to-gel wash that’s our pick for the best oil body wash. You can also find body creams and masks for a range of concerns, including keratosis pilaris and dehydration. 

For the face, you can find everything you need for your entire routine, including cleansers, serums, moisturizers, oils, and lip and eye care. One of the brand’s most popular products is the Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50, which has sun protection and acts as a primer. It gives off a dewy glow when applied that looks great under makeup, which is a win-win in my book.

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

CosRx

If you’ve heard about skincare brands using snail mucin in their products, you’ve probably already heard of CosRx. Its Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is a perennial bestseller—it’s super nourishing and infused with 96% snail mucin, along with sodium hyaluronate to plump and smooth the skin. 

It’s a favorite product of features editor Melissa Matthews: “I jumped on the snail mucin train after reading dermatologist recommendations, and it is exactly what my skin needed! I got a little overzealous with the retinoids and chemical exfoliants, and my skin was flaky and irritated. I started using this daily after cleansing, before moisturizing, and my skin improved within a week!”

Of course, the Korean skincare brand offers much more than just that one product. The famous Acne Pimple Master Patches (which I’ve used for years to help heal acne flare-ups) speed up the acne healing process by protecting blemishes and maintaining the humidity of the skin to prevent further breakouts. There are also a variety of cleansers, moisturizers, and serums, which target everything from acne and redness to dullness and wrinkles.

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

Burt’s Bees

Burt’s Bees deserves a mention for its iconic lip balm alone, but the brand has so much more to offer than just great lip products. “I’ve been working in beauty editorial for about 17 years, so to say I’ve tried hundreds (thousands?) of products is an understatement,” beauty director Heather Muir Maffei says. “I’ve tried all of the fancy stuff, but the Burt’s Bees Cleansing Cream is my absolute favorite. It’s affordable, accessible, and it gets the job done—all while providing a lovely sensorial experience.”

The brand is focused on natural ingredients (including, of course, beeswax), and has an environmentally-friendly ethos. “I actually met Burt (THE Burt) and fell in love with his philosophies as well as the brand,” Maffei says. “The team is doing amazing things for the environment and the beauty industry.” Other core ingredients include coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe, which are known for their soothing properties.

While the brand does indeed excel at lip products, there are also some great lotions, moisturizers, hand creams, and even serums. Many of its products are also made for sensitive skin, and there’s even a small acne-focused line. Plus, there’s a whole section of baby-approved products that new parents will love. If you’re wanting to try out some of the brand’s products for the first time, there are a variety of bundles you can check out to get started.

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

SKIN1004

SKIN1004 is a Korean brand that focuses on plant-based ingredients, particularly Centella asiatica sourced from Madagascar. Centella asiatica is also known as “tiger grass” or “cica,” and it’s well known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, it’s also a popular remedy for eczema, wounds, burns, and other irritations.

Shopping editor Euna Park highly recommends the brand: “The SKIN1004 name in itself is a play on the Korean word ‘angel’ (the phonetic pronunciation of 1,004 is the same as angel in Korean), so when talking about the brand in Korean, you’re saying ‘Skin Angel.’ And that definitely feels like its goal with the lineup of products. With gentle formulations and affordable prices, the brand went viral for its Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum.”

In particular, the Centella Ampoule is her personal favorite. “There’s no stinging around my eyes when using it, and it doesn’t leave that white film that blurs your vision like other oil cleansers do, especially balms. What I appreciate the most is that it washes off easily without leaving any residue on my skin.”

Aside from serums and ampoules, SKIN1004 sells toners, creams, sunscreens, and cleansers, including a very popular cleansing oil. Overall, this is a solid brand if your primary concern is finding products that calm and hydrate irritated skin.

There are also products focused on tightening pores and reducing sebum production, so you have options whether you have dry or oily skin. On the down side, SKIN1004 isn’t available at many retailers, so we recommend buying either from Amazon or directly from the brand.

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

Acure

Acure was founded with accessible clean beauty in mind, and its products are made without parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, and formaldehyde. Instead, the brand uses plant-based ingredients and essential oils, many of which are certified organic (but keep in mind that essential oils can be irritating to some skin types).

It has a wide product range that includes skincare, body care, and hair care, and you can filter by concern to get targeted products for you, including dryness, dullness, acne, and general sensitivity/irritation.

Associate home director Leslie Corona loves Acure for her sensitive skin: “The Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream is one of the only cleansers I’ll use on my incredibly sensitive face, and it helps with any bouts of acne! It really reduces redness and irritation around blemishes, and my skin feels so clean after using it.”

The best part? Each line includes all of the products needed for an entire skincare regimen. Nearly all of them come with a cleanser, serum, day and night creams, and even a face mask or peel depending on the concern.

There are also a range of oils and serums that could be easily integrated into any one of the product lines. While you can’t find Acure products in drugstores, you can find them at Target, Whole Foods, and Amazon.

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

Aveeno

When you think about Aveeno, its signature ingredient, oat, might be the first thing that comes to mind. The brand’s assortment of products, however, is far from basic. In fact, the entire collection of cleansers, moisturizers, and serums fit effortlessly into the routines of those with sensitive skin, with oats being at the forefront of most ingredient profiles. Plus, most of the products are fragrance-free, which contributing senior research editor Maya Kukes thinks is a huge pro:

“I love that so many of the products Aveeno offers are available fragrance-free. Several of my kids have sensitive skin/eczema and Aveeno offers products for almost every need in an unscented version. The body wash is luxurious and leaves you feeling clean and fresh, while the lotion goes on thick but not too heavy and never leaves you feeling greasy. Best of all, you don’t need to constantly reapply it. The price point is perfect, too!”

Aveeno doesn’t offer many serums or oils (in fact, they currently have only one), but it’s a great place to stock up on basics, especially if you’re looking for body products as well as face products. In addition to cleansers, body washes, and lotions, there are also scrubs for the face and body, moisturizers, makeup removers, and masks. There are nine collections you can shop from that target different concerns, and there are plenty of kid-safe products as well. If you’re shopping for the whole family, Aveeno is a great one-stop shop.

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

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).

One con of this brand is that it’s not widely available and its website is a bit tricky to navigate, so we recommend shopping at Amazon (which sells most of the brand’s products) and Soko Glam (which sells a few of the most popular formulas). 

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

Olay

Olay is a beauty mainstay for a reason, and the fact that it’s affordable and readily available at drugstores is the icing on the cake. It’s a go-to brand for home director Erica Finamore: “I know people might think this brand is a little old school, but the Hyaluronic Ultralight Gel is one of my favorite products of all time. Olay’s lotions feel nice and light and have a subtle fragrance so they’re perfect for everyday wear.”

Indeed, the popular Regenerist line is certainly the brand’s best, especially if you’re looking for products for aging skin. You’ll find night creams, moisturizers, serums, and eye creams galore, all of which utilize powerful anti-aging ingredients like collagen peptide, vitamin C, and the brand’s special retinoid complex.

One recent product that’s taken the internet by storm is the Super Serum, which touts five benefits in one package to tackle dryness, fine lines, dullness, and more (we reviewed it here). 

Olay is a fantastic budget brand for tackling aging-related concerns, but it’s not the best place to shop for products focused on acne or other skin irritations. The brand is expanding its product assortment though, with a few products dedicated to sensitive skin and fragrance-free formulas, but its bread and butter is definitely anti-aging skincare.

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

Beauty of Joseon

I discovered Beauty of Joseon on Reddit last year, and it has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. The brand focuses on traditional ingredients in Korean skincare, like ginseng, rice, and green tea, and the product ranges cover acne, aging, and dryness.

Its most famous product is its sunscreen, which comes in two formulas: Aqua Fresh is best for combination and oily skin, while the original formula is geared towards all skin types and has a moisturizing finish.

I love the original formula. I find that I can use it in place of my typical moisturizer, as it keeps my skin hydrated enough throughout the day. It absorbs quickly without leaving any white cast and is made with ingredients that are suitable for sensitive skin, like rice extract. Plus, it offers fantastic sun protection, and I never burned while using it.

My all-time favorite product, though, is the Radiance Cleansing Balm. This was the first Beauty of Joseon product I tried, and it’s one of the few skincare products in my arsenal that I’ve purchased over and over again. I use it to double cleanse—meaning I use it first to remove all my makeup before washing my face with my usual cleanser. It removes every last trace of makeup without irritating my skin and can even be used on the eye area.

I’m excited to try some other products from this brand, like the bestselling Dynasty Cream and Ginseng Essence Water. It’s not as cheap as other brands, but all products are below $50 and you can often find them on sale. (I ordered two Radiance Cleansing Balms on Prime Day at a major discount!) I wish it was more widely available, but that’s a minor qualm for an otherwise fabulous skincare brand.

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

Celimax

Celimax is another Korean beauty brand that I’ve recently tried out, and I’m impressed enough to want to experiment with more products. It’s a fairly new brand that was founded in 2019 with just one product: the Ji Woo Gae Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad, which is designed for exfoliating and toning congested skin. Since then, the brand has expanded with four more pads for different skincare targets, as well as cleansers, toners, serums, and more. 

I’m currently using the Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream, which I found after researching sensitive skin-friendly moisturizers that contain no squalane (an irritant for me). This cream is everything I want in a moisturizer: lightweight, moisturizing, and gentle enough to make my skin happy. It absorbs super quickly and doesn’t make me feel oily after a few hours, and I can genuinely say that I’ve seen a difference in my skin barrier.

This is a good brand to shop if you want to address acne or oily skin, as well as dark spots and texture. There are only a few products focused specifically on aging concerns, including an eye cream and serum, but that doesn’t mean you won’t see anti-aging benefits from the other products. For such a young brand, it sells an impressive assortment—and all products are under $30. 

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

e.l.f

You probably know e.l.f for its amazing, affordable makeup and beauty tools, but it has some standout skincare products as well. You’ll find everything from skincare staples like cleansers and moisturizers, as well as targeted serums and treatments for a range of skin concerns. The brand’s standout products, unsurprisingly, are its makeup removers—specifically the Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm.

In addition to the cleansing balm, bestsellers include other skincare basics like cleansers and moisturizers. The brand’s most popular serum is the Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum, a hyaluronic acid serum that costs just $12. Other standouts include the Youth Boosting Blue-ty Sleep Night Oil for nighttime use and the Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel for stubborn pimples.

As you’ve probably guessed, the Holy Hydration! line is the brand’s core skincare line—in addition to the cleansing balm and serum, it also has a cleanser, moisturizers, eye creams, and exfoliants. This is where you’ll find the best of e.l.f. skincare, although there are a few gems outside that line.

In addition to the products above, there’s also a pretty good sunscreen line (check out the Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen SPF 35). While e.l.f.’s primary focus is definitely makeup, its skincare offerings are gaining popularity—plus, they’re widely available at drugstores.

Price Range: $4–$22 | Skincare Concerns: Dryness, acne, dullness, aging

Pond’s

Pond’s is one of the oldest skincare companies in the U.S., and nowadays it’s one of the most affordable, too. The Pond’s product line is pretty simple, with mostly cleansers and moisturizers (currently, there’s only one serum).

One of the brand’s most recognizable products is Pond’s Cold Cream, which is famous for being the first moisturizer not to require refrigeration. The unique formula acts as both a cleanser and a moisturizer, making it a good multitasker for any skincare regimen. 

That formula has expanded to include a few creams for different skin concerns, like dryness, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Because the product line is so small and consists of mostly aging-focused creams, it’s not a good brand for tackling other skin concerns like acne, sensitivity, or oil production. Instead, it’s best for those who want a streamlined, no-frills routine that will take them through the years. 

Price Range: $6–$13 | Skincare Concerns: Aging, dryness

Byoma

Byoma is a new brand launched in 2022 that focuses on skin barrier repair and protection. Its colorful packaging helps it stand out in the aisles of Target and Ulta, and none of its products cost over $20.

The product assortment features mostly serums, cleansers, and moisturizers, with an emphasis on gentle, plant-based ingredients versus potentially harsh actives (for example, the brand uses bakuchiol instead of retinol.) 

Standout products include the Moisturizing Gel Cream, which has a lightweight, cooling feel, and the Creamy Jelly Cleanser, which is both alcohol- and fragrance-free. Byoma is an easy brand to build a routine with, since the product line isn’t particularly large but includes all the basics plus a few more targeted treatments for different skin types and concerns.

The serums in particular are designed to be gentle yet highly effective—the Sensitive Retinol Oil is made with natural oils to simulate the effects of retinol, while the Clarifying Serum offers gentle exfoliation.

In addition to skin barrier repair, this is a good brand for tackling acne and congestion. While the brand isn’t yet available at drugstores, you can find it at Target and Ulta, as well as Amazon and Byoma’s website. Plus, you can’t deny how fun the colorful packaging is. 

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

Good Molecules

Good Molecules is a newer brand that stands out for its super affordable serums and oils. None of its serums cost over $12, with most of them in the $6 to $10 range, so you can get targeted skincare without the high price.

Additionally, there are a variety of cleansers with different formulations—not only are there traditional cleansers, but you can also buy a cleansing balm, two different cleansing bars, and even a cleansing powder.

The brand’s bread and butter, though, is targeted treatments, especially for dullness and hyperpigmentation. One of its most popular products is the Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel, which is designed to reduce puffiness and increase hydration in the under eye area; other standouts are the Discoloration Correcting Serum and Niacinamide Brightening Toner, which focus on boosting radiance and minimizing dark spots and acne scars.

If you’re not sure where to begin, you can browse the brand’s many bundles, which include themes like “Blemish Scar & Discoloration Set” and “The Daily Essentials.”

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

The Inkey List

Unfussy, affordable, and highly effective, The Inkey List has grown in popularity every year since it landed in U.S. Sephora stores in 2019. Its product line is focused on acne, aging, and hydration concerns, and it specializes in simple serums and cleansers—all of which cost under $20.

Many of the products have one “hero” ingredient, like the Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which is the brand’s top seller. (We reviewed it here.) Other straightforward bestsellers are the Salicylic Acid Cleanser, Retinol Serum, and Oat Cleansing Balm.

The Inkey List also makes it easy to find a good routine, since it has a skincare quiz on its site and offers discounts when you create your own bundle. You can also filter to include products that are suitable for teens, as well as if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. One thing to note is that all of the serums come in a tube instead of a dropper bottle.

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