When it comes to skincare, one big question is always out there: should we spend a lot on expensive products or can affordable ones do the same job? You see a cheap moisturizer right next to an expensive one, both promising perfect skin. But is the high price really worth it?
Honestly, it depends. Expensive skincare usually puts money into fancy and cutesy packaging, texture and sometimes special ingredients. It feels nice to use and looks good on your shelf. But affordable brands like CeraVe or the Ponds use ingredients dermatologists recommend, things like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, and those both are proven to work regardless of price.
As Erno Laszlo, a founder of the Erno Laszlo skincare brand, famously said, “Beautiful skin requires commitment, not a miracle.” That means what really matters is how consistent you are, not how much you’ve spent.
Truthfully your skin doesn’t know your serum is $15 or $150. It only reacts to the ingredients.
And as Stacy London once said, “Smart beauty is about looking your best and feeling your best and never overpaying for it.” That totally makes sense, why pay extra if a cheaper product does the same thing?
Still, people enjoy spending more, not because the product is going to be better, but because it feels like a luxury or a part of self-care. Skincare can sometimes be less about results and more about experience, like treating yourself with a spa at home. Expensive creams might come with rich texture, calming scents and luxury packaging that make the routine special.
It’s also important to realize that affordability doesn’t mean low quality. Many drugstore brands are tested and recommended by dermatologists, and some of their best selling products have been around for a long time because they consistently work. For example, a simple $12 sunscreen can protect your skin just as effectively as a $60 sunscreen because what matters most is SPF strength and coverage, not price tag.
Another thing to consider is marketing. Skincare ads often use rare ingredients to justify the price. They sound impressive, but they don’t necessarily improve skin health. What really matters is proven actives such as retinol for anti-aging, salicylic acid for acne and sunscreen for protection. You can find all these at affordable prices.
At the same time, affordable doesn’t always mean basic. With social media and ingredient-focused beauty trends, budget-friendly brands have been stepping up. Many now release toners, serums and moisturizers with concentrated ingredients that replicate luxury brands without the heavy price tag.
At the end of the day, skincare is personal. Some people love their luxury creams, while others stick to simple, affordable products. What matters is treating your skin kindly over time.
As esthetician Jana Elston puts it, “ Your skin has a memory. In ten, twenty, thirty years from now, your skin will show results of how it was treated today. So treat it kindly and with respect.”
So expensive or affordable? What works is what your skin actually needs, and sticking to it consistently and not getting distracted by shiny packages or over the top promises.
