How to Save Money on Skincare (+ The Best Affordable Products From Rach’s Dermatologist)

These days, there are so many skincare options, it’s hard to know where to begin — especially when you don’t want your wallet to take too big a hit!

Luckily, Rach’s dermatologist, NYC-based Dr. Anne Chapas has tried pretty much everything and says there are plenty of affordable picks you can find at drugstores that she loves.  

“As a dermatologist, having a good skincare routine is so important,” says Dr. Anne, “but good products can be so expensive. I am going to show you some ways to save money when it comes to skincare without compromising, well, your skin!”  

Up first, cleansers… 

CLEANSERS AND MAKEUP REMOVERS 

“One category of products you can definitely save on are the items that contact your skin and do a job for a short time period — like cleansers and makeup removers,” says Dr. Anne. “They have inexpensive ingredients, and you need to buy them every one to two months, so don’t splurge here!” 

Doctor’s orders! Dr. Anne’s picks:  

1. BioDerma Micellar Water  

2. CeraVe’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser 

MOISTURIZERS AND SUNSCREENS 

Another category where it “doesn’t make sense to splurge,” says Dr. Anne, is the one that includes products you need a lot of: moisturizer and sunscreen. “[These] should be applied to all of your skin – not just the face, but also the body!” she says. “Shop for these items at ‘big box’ stores, because you often need a large amount.” 

And a friendly reminder on SPF from Dr. Anne: “SPF is the most cost-effective, anti-aging skincare step, because sun damage is the number-one cause for signs of aging. If you’re diligent about sun protection, you will save money in the long run on treatments and wrinkle creams.”  

Say it with us: It’s cheaper to prevent wrinkles than treat them!    

Dr. Anne loves these moisturizers… 

3. Avene XeraCalm 

4. Cetaphil Moisturizer 

…and these two sunscreens (one of which you can pick up at your next TJ’s run!). 

5. UV Pure  

6. Trader Joes  

DOUBLE-DUTY SKINCARE 

Dr. Anne loves a good “double duty” product for saving money. “They can work on multiple different areas!” says Dr. Anne – which means you don’t have to buy so many supplemental products.  

And perhaps her favorite double-duty product? Aquaphor. “I like Aquaphor, as do a lot of other dermatologists, because it can be used to strengthen nails, help dry lips, and even treat eczema,” she says.  

7. Aquaphor 

 ANTI-AGING SKINCARE 

Now, this is where things get tricky. “For anti-aging products, there are a few best buys – but these are tougher because ingredients and their concentration matter!” says Dr. Anne. “High-quality formulas tend to be a little more expensive, but there are a few with great price points I swear by.” 

Specifically, these two: Urban Skin Rx Even Tone and CeraVe’s Resurfacing Retinol Serum. “Urban Skin Rx’s Even Tone is a 10% vitamin C and a 2% kojic serum that is a great price point,” she says, while, “CeraVe’s Resurfacing Retinol Serum is wonderful because it combines retinol and moisturizer into an all-in-one night step.” 

8. Urban Skin Rx Even Tone 

9. CeraVe’s Resurfacing Retinol Serum  

BUNDLED SKINCARE 

Another hot tip from Dr. Anne? If you love a brand, check their website! “Check the product’s direct website for the brand you’re shopping for instead of shopping through a third party,” she says, and you’ll often find bundle deals!  

For instance, she notes, “La Roche Posay often have bundles and deals on their website, like for their popular Cicaplast balm and Effaclar.” 

10. La Roche Posay Cicaplast Balm and Effaclar Bundle 

*THE* ALL-IN-ONE PRODUCT 

Have you considered adding retinol to your routine? If so, you’ll be pleased to hear that there’s a very effective one that won’t break the bank! “Instead of getting a million different serums and active ingredients that treat all different things like acne, dark spots, etc., I cannot recommend the ‘prescription strength’ retinol from La Roche Posay enough,” says Dr. Anne. “It’s [around] $30 and covers all the bases. It is the most important product I use!” 

She adds, “[It’s] cheaper than some of the fancier over the counter retinol products I’ve tried and way more effective.” 

11. La Roche Posay Retinol  

TESTERS ARE A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND! 

As Dr. Anne notes, “Many brands offer bundles of their most popular products in smaller sizes to try out — like Supergoop’s sunscreen sampler kit. This is a great way to find products you like and that work for your skin without buying things and realizing you don’t like them after spending full price!”  

We couldn’t agree more!  

12. Supergoop’s Sunscreen Sampler Kit 

AND REMEMBER… 

Perhaps the #1 way to save money on skincare? “Use the proper amount of your product,” says Dr. Anne. For instance, retinols should be applied in a pea-sized amount. (Yes, that little!)  

“Less is more with a lot of skincare,” she promises.