The Ultimate Guide to Affordable Skincare in 2024: Achieving Radiant Skin Without Breaking the Bank

My personal go-to is Adapalene, which you might recognize by the brand name Differin. I'm currently using the Walgreens brand Adapalene gel, which is practically identical to Differin but significantly cheaper. \ As I always say, I love saving money on skincare so I can splurge on other things! (Full disclosure: I recently bought a tube of Differin because it was on sale. Brand loyalty? Not my thing.)

Adapalene is particularly recommended for acne-prone skin, but it also boasts anti-aging benefits.

While Retinoic acid (prescription-only) has even more extensive anti-aging research, strong over-the-counter retinols (like the Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 20) are a fantastic alternative. I have significantly more experience with Adapalene, but retinol is definitely worth considering if you're looking to address anti-aging concerns.

Whether you opt for a prescription or over-the-counter option, retinoids are a game-changer. Of course, nothing works for everyone, so if retinoids don't agree with your skin, that's perfectly okay.\ But if you can incorporate them, I think you'll be impressed with the results.

I use a variety of cleansers, from milky cleansers (like the Bioma Milky Moisture Cleanser and the Pacifica Vegan Ceramide Extra Gentle Face Wash) to gel cleansers (like the ones from Bubble and Geek & Gorgeous) and even an exfoliating cleanser (the Rosen Super Smoothie Cleanser). Each type offers different benefits and caters to different skin needs. Milky cleansers are gentle and hydrating, perfect for dry and sensitive skin. Gel cleansers offer a deeper cleanse and are suitable for oily or combination skin. Exfoliating cleansers help remove dead skin cells and brighten the complexion.

Ultimately, for this category, my winner has to be an acne-fighting cleanser. I'm incredibly grateful for my clear skin now, and two products have been instrumental: Adapalene (as mentioned above) and a benzoyl peroxide cleanser.

I'll be honest, I don't enjoy using benzoyl peroxide cleansers, but I need them. It's like taking medicine – you might not like it, but you do it because it helps. That's how I feel about the PanOxyl 4% Benzoyl Peroxide Creamy Wash. It's nothing special in terms of formulation or usage, but the results are amazing. I apply it to dry skin, let it sit for a few minutes (short contact therapy), and then rinse. I avoid the eye area, which is why I'll be discussing first cleansers next.

Notice how beat-up my PanOxyl tube is? I can't believe I'm still using it! Long-time followers might remember I used to use the CeraVe benzoyl peroxide cleanser. But the price went up, and the PanOxyl one looked similar. Turns out, this thicker formula means I use less product, so it lasts much longer than the runny CeraVe cleanser. I use it 2-3 times a week, and it's a lifesaver.

Bubble's First Class Oil Cleanser is a great basic option, effectively removing makeup and impurities without stripping the skin. The E.L.F. Cleansing Balm is another fantastic choice, offering a luxurious cleansing experience at an affordable price.

But my personal favorite this year is the Cosnori Speedy Mascara Remover. You apply it like mascara, and it effortlessly melts your mascara away. It's perfect for light makeup days and simplifies my cleansing routine.

Remember, cleansing is one of the harshest steps in a routine. Less is more, but you need enough product to effectively remove all your sunscreen and makeup.\ Find the right balance for your skin.

My winner this year is The Ordinary's Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner. I love how much information The Ordinary provides about their products. They have a whole blog post explaining this toner's brightening and hydrating benefits. I appreciate their transparency, especially compared to brands that hide behind "proprietary information."

This toner is small but mighty – a little goes a long way. And that brings us to a recurring theme: thicker textures often mean you need less product, which can save you money in the long run.

For dehydration, peptide serums (like The Ordinary's) are excellent. Peptides are humectants and may also have anti-aging benefits.

For hyperpigmentation, vitamin C is a good choice (like the Milano CC Essence). My favorite form of vitamin C is Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (it may also help with acne).

I've long loved the Bubble Daydream Serum, but I've realized it can be irritating when my skin is sensitive. So, I'm slightly compromising here and choosing the Radelica Immunity Support Essence. It's technically an essence, but it functions like a serum for me. It's also cheaper per ounce than the Bubble serum and less irritating.

This highlights the importance of considering price per ounce and texture. Something that seems more expensive upfront might be a better deal in the long run.

Stratia Lipid Gold is amazing for sensitive skin. It's restorative and reparative, but it's a bit lightweight for my dry skin, so I use it under my Adapalene.

The Bioma Barrier Plus Repair Treatment is a thicker, more moisturizing option. So, it comes down to repair with some moisture or moisture with some repair. Both are excellent choices depending on your skin's specific needs.

Objectively, Aquaphor wins. It's a multi-purpose product you can use on your elbows, lips, feet – everywhere! It's incredibly effective at healing and protecting dry, cracked skin.

However, I don't love the feel of Aquaphor on my face. Subjectively, I prefer the Versed Barrier Balm's texture. It's more luxurious and absorbs beautifully into the skin.

My favorite matte option is the Suncut UV Perfect Milk. It contains alcohol, which helps with the dry-down, but I have alternatives if you prefer to avoid that ingredient.

I'm not a fan of Western sunscreens. I wish I could easily purchase K-Beauty and J-Beauty sunscreens in the US, but our regulations are behind. So, I'm often stuck with mineral sunscreens, which aren't my favorite.

When I'm in a pinch, I grab the Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30. It's only $12 and readily available. It's not perfect, but it's affordable and accessible.

Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots are affordable hydrocolloid patches that help absorb excess oil and protect blemishes.

Tony Moly makes my favorite microdart patches for pimples that haven't yet surfaced. These patches contain tiny needles that deliver acne-fighting ingredients directly into the blemish.

And my absolute must-have is Lion Pair. It's more effective than salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for me. Pro tip: apply Lion Pair, let it sit, and then cover it with an acne dot for maximum effectiveness.

That concludes my ultimate guide to affordable skincare for 2024! I hope you found this information helpful. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to check out my K-Beauty skincare guide for even more budget-friendly recommendations.