Are you looking for dupes for Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, Drunk Elephant Protini, Drunk Elephant Lala Retro, Sunday Riley Good Genes, SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, and more?
Check out these affordable drugstore skincare dupes that won’t break the bank.
![Drugstore Skincare Dupes on Tray](https://www.abeautyedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/drugstore-skincare-dupes-d.jpg.webp)
I’ve always been interested in affordable low-cost skincare products that perform as well as or even better than their high-end luxury counterparts.
So whenever I see an article or post on drugstore skincare dupes, I’ll make a note to give the skincare dupes a try.
When you can purchase a dupe at drugstore prices, it won’t be a huge expenditure, and you never know. You may find a new favorite!
Today I am compiling a list of budget-friendly drugstore skincare products that you can switch out for expensive skincare products without sacrificing performance to an extent.
While there may be a few drawbacks to drugstore skincare dupes, such as packaging for one, you may be surprised to find that you like the dupe even better than the original.
Let’s take a look at the first luxury/dupe pair:
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Luxury Skincare: Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm is an award-winning makeup remover and face cleanser.
It contains sunflower and ginger root oils to dissolve dirt, oil, eye makeup, and even long-wearing foundation. It doesn’t strip the skin or leave any unwanted residue either.
Papaya extract gently exfoliates and retextures the skin. A blend of lime, bergamot, and orange essential oils invigorates and awakens.
This cleansing balm melts on the skin and makes quick work of makeup, dirt, and oil, leaving your skin soft and supple.
Drugstore Dupe for Farmacy Green Clean:
1. Physicians Formula The Perfect Matcha 3-In-1 Melting Cleansing Balm
Physicians Formula The Perfect Matcha 3-In-1 Melting Cleansing Balm is formulated with antioxidant-filled Matcha Green Tea, Bamboo Shoot, and Lotus Extract. It removes makeup and impurities and leaves the skin hydrated.
Sure this cleansing balm doesn’t have the exact same active ingredients as Farmacy, but it has the same green sherbet-like texture that instantly melts away makeup, dirt, and oil.
It feels like a very similar product to Green Clean and produces nearly the same result: soft clean skin without any left-over residue.
This cleanser comes in a small 1.4 oz jar, but ounce for ounce, it works out to be $9.64 an ounce for Physicians Formula, versus $12.94 an ounce for the 1.7 oz jar of Farmacy Green Clean.
Luxury Skincare: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II
I’ve used Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II on and off for many years, so I am well aware of what it does for the skin.
It provides intense hydration from hyaluronic acid, along with radiance and brightening that is noticeable for me after one use. It uses ChronoluxCB™ Technology for skin repair at the correct time.
Advanced Night Repair also boasts antioxidants and purifies the skin, supporting the skin’s repair process.
The serum contains Lactobacillus Ferment, a probiotic that protects the skin against environmental aggressors, plus has anti-acne and anti-inflammatory qualities. It’s lovely, and it’s not cheap.
Drugstore Dupe for Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair:
2. MISSHA Time Revolution Night Repair Probio Ampoule
MISSHA Time Revolution Night Repair Probio Ampoule comes packaged in a glass jar with a dropper similar to Advanced Night Repair.
It contains ten probiotic components to increase skin’s strength, including Lactobacillus Ferment, plus a form of vitamin E, squalane, and hyaluronic acid, all ingredients found in Advanced Night Repair.
Time Revolution Night Repair Probio Ampoule contains ceramides and antioxidants beetroot extract, carrot root extract, and soothing blueberry extract.
Plus, it contains one of my favorite ingredients, niacinamide, which acts as a potent anti-ager and skin soother.
The serum is formulated to improve skin elasticity, moisture, and texture.
Time Revolution Night Repair Probio Ampoule is very similar to Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, not only in packaging and ingredients but also in color and texture.
The liquid is slightly thinner than Advanced Night Repair, but it sinks into the skin without any stickiness.
My skin looks clear, smooth and my pores appear smaller on mornings after I use it.
While Advanced Night Repair may provide more immediate results, I’ve really enjoyed using this product that feels just like Advanced Night Repair.
For the affordable price, I’d say that this is a great Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair dupe.
Please see this post for more dupes for Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair.
Related Post: The 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine
Luxury Skincare: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer is beloved for its Nine Signal Peptide Complex and hyaluronic acid, which firms and plumps the skin.
It also contains pygmy waterlily stem cell extract, filled with antioxidants to calm and soothe the skin. Soybean folic acid ferment extract from vitamin B helps the skin maintain its elasticity.
I’ve used Drunk Elephant Protini in the past, and while I liked it, I actually prefer their thicker moisturizer, Lala Retro Whipped Moisturizer. (Read on for a dupe for Lala!)
So when I tried e.l.f. Hello Hydration! Face Cream with hyaluronic acid and peptide complex, I immediately thought of Drunk Elephant Protini due to the similar ingredients.
Drugstore Dupe for Drunk Elephant Protini:
3. e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream
E.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream is a lightweight cream that contains anti-aging peptides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide (my favorite), squalane, and vitamin B5. Even the texture is luxurious.
After using Holy Hydration! Face Cream I was shocked at how much I enjoyed the texture, scent, and performance! It is very similar to Drunk Elephant Protini but at less than 1/5 the price!
It hydrates and brightens nicely and works well on top of other skincare treatments.
This e.l.f. moisturizer feels much more expensive than it is. It must be one of the least expensive full-size drugstore face creams from a large beauty brand!
I am so impressed with this cream that I would take this over Drunk Elephant Protini Face Cream, so I would say that it qualifies as an all-star drugstore skincare dupe!!
It’s available in a lightly scented version or fragrance-free version, as shown above.
Related Post: These 7 IT Cosmetics CC Cream Dupes Will Save You Money
BONUS Dupe for Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer:
The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer
The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer is formulated with a peptide duo to hydrate and support collagen formation.
A 2% concentration of Royal Epigen P5 works to even skin tone and stimulate skin renewal for increased smoothness.
A 1% concentration of Hydrating Peptide Solution supports the skin barrier, which keeps the skin’s acid layer balanced and helps defend against environmental aggressors.
The packaging of The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer is strikingly similar to Drunk Elephant Protini, as it dispenses from the top of the jar by pressing down on a pump, just like Protini.
The texture and consistency are reminiscent of Protini as well.
This moisturizer is lightweight and hydrating, and for under $15, this is a great inexpensive alternative to the $68 Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer!
Related Post: The Inkey List Skincare Review
Luxury Skincare: Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Moisturizer
Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Moisturizer might just be my favorite Drunk Elephant product. I adore the whipped texture of this cream and the rich formula for use during the cold winter months.
It is formulated with six African oils: marula, mongongo, baobab, kalahari melon, ximenia, and passion fruit.
Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer deeply penetrates the skin for superior hydration, while fermented green tea seed oil provides antioxidant protection and supports anti-aging.
Lala has recently been reformulated with Ceramides AP, EOP, and NP, which help protect the skin’s barrier and maintain moisture levels.
It is formulated at a pH level of 5.2, right on target for the skin’s needs.
Drugstore Dupe for Drunk Elephant Lala Retro:
4. Paula’s Choice Omega + Complex Moisturizer
Paula’s Choice Omega + Complex Moisturizer is formulated with chia and flaxseed, which boast Omegas 3, 6 & 9 to support the skin’s moisture barrier.
Passion fruit protects the skin from environmental aggressors, while antioxidant guava extract is a rich source of vitamin C.
It also contains meadowfoam and olive oils, shea butter, sodium hyaluronate, and ceramides for hydration and moisture balance.
Paula’s Choice describes their Omega + Complex Moisturizer as “cloud-like”, and I would have to agree!
The whipped texture of Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturizer rivals that of Drunk Elephant Lala and contains many of the same ingredients as Drunk Elephant.
It is supremely hydrating and lasts all day. Several hours after applying, my skin still felt dewy and soft.
This is a fantastic Drunk Elephant dupe, and for the price, I probably won’t go back to Drunk Elephant!
Luxury Skincare: Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment is one of my favorite skincare products. I do not love the steep price, but this skin brightener provides the most consistent results every time I use it.
The treatment is formulated with purified lactic acid, a hydrating alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). This is the star active ingredient that exfoliates the surface layers of the skin improving skin clarity.
It clears away dead skin cells and excess oil and reveals brighter skin. An added bonus is that lactic acid is less irritating than glycolic acid, another popular AHA.
The lactic acid serum also helps to reduce the appearance of discoloration and dark spots.
Licorice brightens, lemongrass works as an astringent (plus gives it a fantastic herbal/citrus scent), and arnica is soothing. But is there a dupe?
Related Post: Sunday Riley Good Genes Drugstore Dupes from The Ordinary and The Inkey List
Drugstore Dupe for Good Genes:
5. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA is a 10% lactic acid formulation that works similarly to Good Genes. It exfoliates dead skin cells and reveals brighter, smoother, younger-looking skin.
Purified Tasmanian pepperberry helps to reduce inflammation and skin sensitivity that can come along with lactic acid.
Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer works to hydrate and plump the skin. It is a smaller form of hyaluronic acid and can provide moisture deeper into the layers of the skin than hyaluronic acid.
The Ordinary’s product is an excellent product, somewhat of a dupe, and one of the best lactic acid treatments I’ve used. But Good Genes is such a unique product that a close dupe is really hard to find.
The Ordinary will brighten and smooth skin, but Good Genes has something extra that sets it apart from other lactic acid treatments.
When it comes to price, The Ordinary is highly affordable compared to Sunday Riley Good Genes. Even if you alternate it with Good Genes here and there, you will save money and still get the benefits from lactic acid.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA is so inexpensive that it’s worth picking up a bottle and seeing if it provides some benefits for your skin before shelling out the $$$ for Good Genes.
NOTE: If your skin is sensitive, The Ordinary also makes a lactic acid at 5% strength. You can check it out here.
Luxury Skincare: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (Pitera Essence)
Nicknamed “miracle water” in Asia, a bottle of SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (Pitera Essence) is sold every two seconds!
It is formulated with pitera, also called galactomyces fermented filtrate, a bio-ingredient derived from yeast fermentation similar to skin’s natural moisturizing factors.
It contains 50 micro-nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and organic acids to condition and treat the skin.
Considering this is an extra step between toning and serums or moisturizers, it should produce results for the high price.
After using this essence, I am happy to say that it brightens my skin and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It also helps to improve skin texture, clarity and provides a lovely glow to your skin.
Drugstore Dupe for SK-II Facial Treatment Essence:
6. PURITO Galacto Niacin 97 Power Essence
PURITO Galacto Niacin 97 Power Essence is a Korean skincare product that contains 92% galactomyces fermented filtrate. Galactomyces fermented filtrate balances oil and water in the skin, just like skin cells.
During the extraction process, enzymes that are beneficial to the skin are removed from fermenting bacteria. The essence brightens the skin, moisturizes, controls oil production, and improves elasticity.
The essence also contains 5% niacinamide which is an all-star anti-aging skincare ingredient all on its own. Niacinamide helps to calm inflammation and redness while brightening the skin.
Niacinamide minimizes hyperpigmentation and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and regulates oil production.
It’s an all-star anti-ager and one of my favorite skincare ingredients.
PURITO Galacto Niacin 96 Power Essence is very impressive. It has the same silky feel as SK-II and leaves a non-greasy glow on your skin.
Although I usually use it at night after toning, I’ve tried it in the morning, and it works well with makeup too.
It brightens and evens out my complexion. I think it even soothes my skin when using it in conjunction with retinoids. An excellent skincare dupe at a budget-friendly price!
For more affordable alternatives to SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, see my SK-II Essence dupe post.
Luxury Skincare: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
The following patented best-selling vitamin C serum comes up repeatedly on dermatologists’ lists of the best anti-aging products for your skin.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum contains 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), and 0.5% ferulic acid.
The serum protects against environmental damage caused by free radicals and neutralizes free radicals caused by UVA/UVB, infrared radiation, and ozone pollution.
This antioxidant powerhouse brightens the skin and protects against photoaging. It also improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin firmness.
Vitamin E neutralizes free radicals while improving lipids in the skin. Ferulic acid also neutralizes free radicals while enhancing the efficacy and stability of vitamins C and E.
Vitamin C is a volatile ingredient and quickly oxidizes, but SkinCeuticals holds a patent for stabilized ascorbic acid composition.
SkinCeuticals states that once applied and absorbed by your skin, the serum will remain effective for at least 72 hours.
That’s some great antioxidant protection if I do say so myself. This serum has been studied by over 20 international dermatological publications and tested to support its claims on effectiveness.
Drugstore Dupe for Skinceuticals C E Ferulic:
7. Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum
Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum is a very similar product to the SkinCeuticals serum. It also contains L-Ascorbic acid (but at 20%), tocopherol, ferulic acid, panthenol, and sodium hyaluronate.
For years it was packaged in a glass bottle with a dropper, just like SkinCeuticals but recently changed its packaging to the yellow container with a pump.
This serum is formulated to treat dull, stressed skin as its antioxidants protect from environmental pollutants. It brightens and evens skin tone while building collagen.
I’ve used SkinCeuticals on and off for years, and I never liked the texture as it would leave my skin a bit sticky. (It doesn’t smell so great either.)
While there is something to be said of SkinCeuticals being the industry standard for this type of product, if it is not in your budget, Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum is a great place to start.
I’ve used both the old and the new packaging of the Timeless serum, and it appears as if the new packaging is an attempt to preserve the formula for longer before oxidation sets in.
There is no need to open the bottle and expose the product inside to air as the old packaging did.
This vitamin C serum sinks in and does not leave my skin sticky like SkinCeuticals. It dries quickly, does not irritate my skin, and works well with makeup.
Given vitamin C’s volatility and relatively short shelf life, I’d rather save and purchase this drugstore dupe while investing the $166 (current SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic price) elsewhere.
Related Post: A Guide to The Ordinary Vitamin C Skincare Products
Luxury Skincare: La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream
Crème de la Mer moisturizer is the epitome of a luxury skincare product. I’ve been slightly obsessed with this product for many years, and it was one of the first luxury skincare products that I tried.
As an alternative to the original Crème de la Mer, La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream is a lighter but just as effective sibling to Crème de la Mer.
The consistency isn’t as greasy as the original and works well for combination and normal skin types.
Both are formulated with La Mer’s proprietary Miracle Broth that deeply hydrates, soothes, and supports the skin barrier while softening lines and wrinkles. The formulas are ideal for sensitivity, redness, and irritation.
The Miracle Broth is made from hand-harvested Giant Sea Kelp off Vancouver Island. At $180 an ounce for La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream, the price is outrageous, making it the perfect candidate for a dupe.
For a fascinating read on the history of Creme de La Mer and its creator, Max Huber, check out this article: The Truth About Crème De La Mer.
Drugstore Dupe for La Mer The Soft Cream:
8. Weleda Skin Food Light Nourishing Cream
As it turns out, Weleda Skin Food has been heralded as a natural dupe for La Mer by many. Weleda Skin Food is also extremely rich and ideal for dry skin.
Initially launched in 1926, this plant-based cream contains wild pansy, calendula, and chamomile extracts in a rich, thick base of oils and beeswax.
Just as the Soft Cream is a lighter version of Creme de La Mer, Weleda Skin Food Light Nourishing Cream is a lighter version of Weleda Skin Food.
Weleda Skin Food Light Nourishing Cream works as a dupe for The Soft Cream with its ability to instantly hydrate and sink into the skin quickly.
Like Weleda Skin Food, Skin Food Light is formulated with an herbal blend of chamomile, calendula, and wild pansy. As a bonus, this La Mer dupe can also be used on your body.
Related Post: These Creme de la Mer Dupes Will Save You Money
Luxury Skincare: Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Antioxidant Facial Oil
Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Antioxidant Facial Oil is produced using a proprietary raw, cold-press extraction and filtration process.
This creates a pure and concentrated form of marula oil that is easily absorbed. This process preserves the antioxidant polyphenols and fatty acids that protect the skin’s barrier.
This oil comes from the marula fruit and is unrefined. The oil will reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and provide a gorgeous glow to the skin. This oil is ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Drugstore Dupe for Drunk Elephant Marula Oil:
9. The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil
The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil is obtained from the kernels of the fruit of the Marula tree, rich in oleic acid and linoleic acid as well as procyanidins, catechins, and flavonoids.
This oil contains 100% unrefined cold-pressed virgin African Marula Oil. It comes in a UV-protective glass bottle and can be applied to both hair and skin as needed.
With Drunk Elephant Marula Oil, you clearly are paying for the proprietary extraction and filtration process and their commitment to working with only Certified Free Trade producers of the oil.
You can decide the value of these differences.
If you want to save $30, purchase The Ordinary Marula Oil, and you will get a very similar product for a lot less money.
Related Post: The Ordinary Dupes for Luxury Skincare Products
Luxury Skincare: Tatcha The Essence
Tatcha The Essence is an award-winning facial treatment that hydrates, plumps, and resurfaces the skin with 98.7% anti-aging Japanese superfoods.
This beloved high-end essence is a Tatcha customer favorite. It helps to reduce the signs of aging with Tatcha’s Hadasei-3, a proprietary blend of double-fermented Uji green tea, Akita rice, and Mozuku algae.
This complex nourishes, plumps, and hydrates the skin while supporting the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
These active ingredients undergo a natural fermentation process, which produces lactic acid.
Lactic acid exfoliates the skin by sloughing off dead skin cells and speeding up cell turnover for a smoother texture and more radiant complexion.
The main benefit of this essence is that it maximizes the performance and effectiveness of the skincare products applied after the essence. The essence is formulated for all skin types.
Related Post: Is There A Tatcha Essence Dupe?
Drugstore Dupe for Tatcha The Essence:
10. Neogen Dermalogy Real Ferment Micro Essence
Neogen Dermalogy Real Ferment Micro Essence is a naturally fermented essence that preps your skin for the rest of your skin care products.
The powerful hydrating formula boosts skin health, just like Tatcha The Essence. With a 93% concentration of Neogen’s unique Micro Bio Ferment Complex, the essence rejuvenates, hydrates, soothes, and firms your skin.
Formulated with Bifida Ferment Lysate, a probiotic enhancing moisture and elasticity, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate for soothing your skin, and Rice Ferment Filtrate (Sake) to boost moisture levels, this essence is brimming with beneficial fermented ingredients.
Like Tatcha, Real Ferment Micro Essence 93% also contains Camellia sinensis leaf extract (green tea) and betaula alba juice, which are powerful antioxidants.
Sodium hyaluronate (the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid) hydrates and niacinamide brightens and soothes.
The silky texture is lightweight yet non-sticky on your skin.
Related Post: Tatcha The Water Cream Dupes
Luxury Skincare: Mario Badescu Witch Hazel & Rosewater Toner
Mario Badescu Witch Hazel & Rosewater Toner uses astringent properties to remove impurities without stripping the skin.
A black rose, rosewater, and rose oil blend offer antioxidant protection while aloe vera soothes the skin.
This Rosewater Toner freshens your complexion while supporting your skin’s natural moisture barrier. It brightens the skin and preps it for the rest of your skincare routine.
Related Posts: The Best Mario Badescu Products, Mario Badescu Drying Lotion Dupes
Drugstore Dupe for Mario Badescu Witch Hazel & Rosewater Toner:
11. Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner with Aloe Vera
Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner with Aloe Vera contains Thayer’s proprietary witch hazel extract, rose-petal water, and aloe vera.
It is pH balanced to cleanse, tone, and moisturize the skin while tightening pores and controlling oil production.
Thayers doesn’t distill their witch hazel which preserves tannins that are known to offer antioxidant benefits.
The light rose scent is so soothing. This toner removes any residual dirt and makeup and leaves my skin feeling balanced and fresh. Plus, the huge bottle lasts a long time.
Luxury Skincare: Sunday Riley ICE Ceramide Moisturizing Cream
Sunday Riley ICE Ceramide Moisturizing Cream is all about ceramides to hydrate and strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
This rich cream also contains beetroot and coconut extract to hydrate the skin.
In addition to ceramides, vitamin F and pomegranate sterol lock in moisture, minimizing transepidermal water loss.
Best for normal to dry skin, this cream smoothes and balances skin with its luxurious texture and formula.
Drugstore Dupe for Sunday Riley ICE Ceramide Moisturizing Cream:
12. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream uses the brand’s patented MVE Delivery Technology which releases active moisturizing ingredients throughout the day.
The cream is formulated with three essential ceramides plus hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin and strengthen your skin’s natural protective moisture barrier.
CeraVe Moisture Cream is not as thick as Sunday Riley ICE, but it provides similar benefits at a fraction of the cost. CeraVe Moisture Cream absorbs quickly and is non-sticky but highly moisturizing.
Plus, CeraVe Moisture Cream is formulated to be used all over your body. The huge tub makes it easy to use generously all over your body.
Luxury Skincare: Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is a cult favorite for its lightweight and smooth texture that melts upon contact with the skin.
It’s formulated with safflower seed oil to easily remove makeup, dirt, oil, and even sunscreen without leaving a greasy residue or uncomfortable film on the skin.
While some cleansing balms are too thick, too thin, or grainy upon application, this is one of the silkiest cleansing balms and effectively removes even stubborn waterproof eye makeup.
Drugstore Dupe for Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm:
13. e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
E.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm is formulated with sunflower seed oil and is enriched with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides.
This cleansing balm has the same silky smooth texture that Clinique Take the Day Off has.
It does an excellent job of removing makeup, dirt, and other impurities while leaving the skin soft and nourished.
Hyaluronic acid draws water to the skin for a plumped appearance. Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 Ii, and Ceramide 1 support the skin barrier to help the skin stay moisturized.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, otherwise known as Matrixyl 3000, work to reduce wrinkles, per the manufacturer.
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm has the feel of a luxe cleansing balm but is only 1/3 of the price of Clinique Take The Day Off and is enriched with good-for-your-skin actives.
Please note that there is a fragrance in this cleansing balm.
Luxury Skincare: Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream is a cult-favorite body cream with an addictive rich fragrance that is formulated to firm and tighten your skin.
The sought-after fragrance of this all-over body cream contains top notes of Pistachio and Almond, middle notes of Heliotrope and Jasmine Petals, and dry notes of Vanilla, Salted Caramel, and Sandalwood that blend together to create a lush warm scent that will have you hooked.
Some of the active ingredients in Bum Bum cream are caffeine-rich guaraná extract, cupuacu butter, and acaí, which help stimulate micro-circulation and smooth your skin while softening and moisturizing it.
The thick creamy consistency glides on smoothly and melts into your skin without feeling sticky or heavy either, which is a feat, considering how luxurious it feels on your skin.
Drugstore Dupe for Bum Bum Cream:
14. Tree Hut Tropic Glow Firming Whipped Body Butter
If you’re looking for an affordable dupe for Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, then Tree Hut Tropic Glow Firming Whipped Body Butter is the perfect alternative.
This Bum Bum cream dupe contains similar ingredients such as pistachio seed oil, guarana fruit extract, and cupuacu seed butter.
The cream is enriched with shea butter, a nourishing moisturizer that is rich in antioxidants like vitamins A, E, and F.
And most importantly, it smells just like Bum Bum Cream!
The body butter has a lightweight, non-greasy texture and feels much lighter on my skin than Bum Bum Cream due to the whipped formula.
For more affordable alternatives to Bum Bum Cream, see my Bum Bum Cream dupes post.
Luxury Skincare: Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, Paula’s Choice’s best-selling product and leave-on exfoliating toner, contains a 2% concentration of salicylic acid.
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates dead skin cells for a brighter, smoother complexion. It also helps to minimize the appearance of enlarged pores and improves overall skin tone.
Salicylic acid (SA) is ideal for acne-prone skin since it helps to reduce blemishes and breakouts, unclog pores, and fade acne scars.
SA also has anti-inflammatory benefits it can help reduce the redness that results from acne and breakouts.
This customer-favorite salicylic acid toner is enriched with antioxidant-rich green tea to calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stressors.
Drugstore Dupe For Paula’s Choice BHA Toner:
15. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner is a multi-tasking facial toner that is the ideal Paula’s Choice BHA dupe since it contains 2% salicylic acid, just like Paula’s Choice.
This potent concentration of salicylic acid helps remove dirt, oil, bacteria, and other impurities that can clog pores and lead to breakouts while soothing irritation.
Neutrogena’s MicroClear Technology delivers salicylic acid to where you need it the most: at the source of your breakouts. This allows salicylic acid to go to work and dissolve dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, clearing your pores for a clearer complexion.
The toner reduces shine and prevents future clogged pores, plus soothes redness and skin irritation with green tea (like Paula’s Choice) and cucumber extracts.
Please see this Paula’s Choice BHA dupes post for more low-cost alternatives.
Luxury Skincare: Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream is a high-end face moisturizer formulated with proprietary botanical extracts that provide long-lasting hydration and nourish your skin for a dewy complexion.
This luxe Tatcha moisturizer is filled with potent antioxidants and nourishing ingredients with anti-aging benefits that target the signs of aging, like wrinkles and fine lines, while evening out skin tone.
The rich cream improves the look of skin texture and firmness and leaves a radiant finish.
The cream contains Tatcha’s proprietary Hadasei-3 complex, which is enriched with anti-aging superfoods, including green tea, Japanese purple rice, and algae. This potent antioxidant-rich blend works to strengthen your skin barrier and helps keep your skin hydrated.
Other ingredients in the cream include lightweight squalane for moisture and hydrating and plumping hyaluronic acid. Several botanical extracts and oils, including ginseng, wild thyme, and sweet marjoram, hydrate and nourish your skin.
For those with normal or dry skin, this moisturizer is perfect for achieving a dewy glow. Tatcha notes that this cream can also be used by those with a combination skin type who don’t mind a richer texture.
Drugstore Dupe for Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream:
16. Honest Hydrogel Cream
Honest Hydrogel Cream is a nourishing face cream formulated with squalane and hyaluronic acid, just like Tatcha.
The lightweight cooling cream also contains moisturizing jojoba esters that pair with two different weights of hyaluronic acid for a boost of hydration and moisture retention.
The cream leaves a dewy finish, just like Tatcha, and creates a soft, smooth, bouncy complexion.
Suitable for all skin types, this Honest moisturizer feels much more expensive than it is!
For more alternatives, see my Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream dupes post.
Luxury Skincare: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Cream
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Cream is a rich moisturizer that was originally designed to prep and transform models’ skin before hitting the runway.
Charlotte’s Magic Cream contains what Charlotte Tilbury calls a “magic 8” of skincare actives to improve the look of dull and tired skin for smoother, plumper, and dewy skin.
The cream is supposed to provide an increase in skin firmness and improve skin elasticity and hydration while reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
The cream is formulated with nourishing plant oils and extracts, peptides, hyaluronic acid in the salt form of sodium hyaluronate, wrinkle-smoothing peptides, antioxidants, and vitamin C.
This Charlotte Tilbury cream is ideal for dull and dry skin types as it is rich and nourishing to provide deep hydration. It is also suitable for mature skin types that need additional moisture.
Drugstore Dupe for Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream:
17. Revolution Pro Miracle Cream
If there was ever a dupe for Charlotte’s Magic Cream, Revolution Pro Miracle Cream is it!
Formulated with beneficial ingredients similar to those found in Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream, such as shea butter, sodium hyaluronate, a peptide, and vitamin C, this cream is very replenishing for your skin.
Camelina oil and niacinamide work together to boost skin elasticity, brighten, treat dark spots, and promote an even skin tone.
This lightweight yet hydrating cream plumps and smooths your skin while enhancing skin radiance. Its luxe, creamy texture absorbs quickly, leaving behind a subtle dewy finish.
Its gorgeous jar looks so pretty on my vanity and appears so much more expensive than it is!
Revolution Pro Miracle Cream is perfect for dry or mature skin seeking a radiance boost and a fraction of the price of Charlotte Tilbury.
For more dupes, be sure to read my Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream dupes post.
Luxury Skincare: Clinique Moisture Surge 100 Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
Clinique Moisture Surge 100 Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator is a customer-favorite oil-free gel cream that is formulated to last 100 hours. (That’s 4.17 days!)
The moisturizer is designed to reach 10 layers deep into the skin’s surface and provide moisture that lasts even after washing your face.
The hydrating gel texture contains Clinique’s Auto-Replenishing Technology that helps the skin rehydrate itself and lock in moisture for a plumped complexion.
An Aloe Bio-Ferment complex made of lactobacillus, activated aloe water, and responsibly sourced and certified organic aloe extract powder helps the skin retain moisture and plumps the skin.
Antioxidants like green tea extract protect the skin from environmental aggressors.
Hyaluronic acid helps keep the skin hydrated and draws in moisture.
It’s perfect for dry skin needing a hydration boost and combination skin or oily skin looking for lightweight moisture.
Drugstore Dupe for Clinique Moisture Surge
18. Neutrogena Hydro-Boost Gel Cream
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream with Hyaluronic Acid for Extra-Dry Skin has a water gel-cream formula that absorbs easily and quickly like a gel but provides deep, long-lasting moisture, perfect for dry and extra-dry skin.
The moisturizer has the long-lasting moisturizing benefits of a cream but the lightweight feel of a gel. It also helps restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
The gel cream is infused with moisturizing glycerin and hydrating sodium hyaluronate, the salt form of hyaluronic acid.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream is fragrance-free, dye-free, and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores and can be worn alone or under makeup.
Related Post: Clinique Moisture Surge Dupes
Luxury Skincare: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops Serum is formulated with niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, which is a multi-benefit ingredient known for its ability to brighten your skin and minimize pores.
Niacinamide also evens out skin tone for a natural glow, strengthens your skin barrier for improved moisture retention, and balances oil production, making it perfect for those with acne-prone and oily skin.
Watermelon extract hydrates your skin and contains antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and moisturizing amino acids.
This illuminating serum also contains high molecular weight hyaluronic acid in the form of sodium hyaluronate to retain moisture and keep your complexion dewy and supple.
Moringa seed oil nourishes, soothes, and softens your skin. The oil is lightweight and non-comedogenic, so it won’t cause breakouts or acne.
Drugstore Dupe For Glow Recipe Niacinamide Dew Drops:
19. Essence Hello, Good Stuff! Glow Serum Primer
Essence Hello, Good Stuff! Glow Serum Primer is a hydrating serum and primer formulated with niacinamide and watermelon, just like Glow Recipe.
This serum primer dupe is lightweight and has a gel texture, just like Watermelon Glow Recipe Niacinamide Dew Drops.
Niacinamide helps to even out skin tone, minimize pores, and refine skin texture and tone.
Watermelon water hydrates and helps minimize redness and inflammation, offers skin-plumping hydration, and is filled with nourishing vitamins.
Made with 93% natural ingredients, this Glow Recipe dupe primes your skin for makeup application and can be worn on its own for a natural glow.
Luxury Skincare: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer that hydrates your skin for 24 hours and strengthens the skin barrier for a healthy complexion.
The nourishing cream is filled with moisturizing plant oils like apricot kernel, avocado, rice bran, sweet almond, and olive oils.
Squalane, a lightweight oily substance that resembles the natural oils in your skin, keeps your complexion hydrated and balanced.
This Kiehl’s cream also contains a small amount of salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps exfoliate dead skin cells and improve the look of enlarged pores.
This hydrating cream leaves your skin feeling silky smooth without an oily residue. It can be used both day and night for a deeply hydrated complexion.
Drugstore Dupe For Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream:
20. e.l.f. Holy Hydration Face Cream
E.l.f. Holy Hydration Face Cream is e.l.f.’s best-selling face cream that has a lightweight formula and delivers deep hydration, just like Kiehl’s.
It contains squalane, like Kiehl’s, to keep your skin hydrated and balanced.
This e.l.f. moisturizer is also enriched with niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that brightens, balances oil production, reduces the appearance of pores, soothes redness, smoothes fine lines, and supports a healthy skin barrier.
Sodium hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid, binds moisture to your skin for long-lasting hydration, while panthenol, a form of vitamin B5, nourishes and softens skin.
The result is a deeply hydrated complexion without an oily feel ( it feels even more lightweight than Kiehl’s).
While suitable for all skin types, this Kiehl’s dupe is ideal for normal, combination, and oily skin types.
Final Thoughts on Drugstore Skincare Dupes
There are so many expensive skin care products on the market that you can replace with more affordable products that provide similar results.
You often end up paying a premium for packaging or marketing from luxury brands.
Often the luxury products are not that different from their drugstore skincare dupes, as seen above.
Do you have a favorite drugstore skincare dupe? Leave a note in the comments! I’d love to know!
Ashleigh Rizzo
Tuesday 6th of June 2023
I started using Sunday Riley products a little while ago but the entire bundle gets pretty pricey. I just happened to switch to the cereve moisturizing cream & glad it seems to be on par! Thanks for this post!
Sarah
Tuesday 6th of June 2023
Glad to hear it! Thanks for sharing!
Debbie
Sunday 16th of April 2023
Do you know a good dupe for Sunday Riley Pink Drink?
Sarah
Friday 21st of April 2023
I haven't tried Sunday Riley Pink Drink, but now I want to! It looks like it has some nice antioxidants and peptides in it. Pacifica Vegan Collagen Hydrating Setting Mist contains vegan collagen, a vitamin C derivative, soothing cucumber and chamomile extracts, jasmine, and white tea (antioxidant), plus it sets your makeup. Not a dupe, but it contains some nice actives and is much more affordable!
carla
Thursday 8th of December 2022
this is AMAZING! As I was reading, I was adding these items to my amazon cart! these dupes are great and ARE affordable! I wanted some skin products for my sister's xmas stocking, maybe one or two but ended up adding more due to straight to the point explanation and great dupes! and items for myself! For sure booking marking your page! THANK YOU!
Sarah
Thursday 8th of December 2022
That's great, I'm so glad you found some skincare dupes! Thank you for the kind words!!
Chandini
Thursday 20th of May 2021
Looking for dupe for Tatcha The Silk Peony Melting Eye Cream. Do you know of anything similar ?
Sarah
Thursday 20th of May 2021
That's a tough one! I've used Tatcha The Silk Peony Melting Eye Cream and it has a very luxurious smooth and rich texture. The only other eye cream that leaves my eyes feeling silky like that is Olay Retinol 24 Night Eye Cream. Keep in mind Olay's eye cream is a different formula since it contains retinol, but it's an affordable anti-aging eye cream that also firms, smoothes, and brightens the under-eye area.
Khushi
Tuesday 11th of May 2021
Can you please suggest a good retinoil to begin with? Read that retinoil can dry your skin quite a bit.
Sarah
Thursday 13th of May 2021
Yes, retinol can dry your skin so it's a good idea to start slow to see how your skin reacts. I wrote a post on drugstore retinol that has quite a few affordable options, including one from CeraVe, which is the retinoid that I started with.