Some people like splurging on their “main” skincare product. But what about those not-so-crucial steps in your routine? Do you still need to spend a fortune on each one?
If you don’t think that’s wise, then you’re in the right place!
Today, I’ll share with you five of the best skincare dupes on the market.
This post contains affiliate links.
Top 5 Skincare Dupes
1. Care:Nel Lip Sleeping Mask (vs. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask)
Back in 2022, the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask was having its moment. After a while, people realized there were cheaper yet similar alternatives, like Carenel.
The packing, scent, texture, and hydration level are all a close match. Some reviewers even believed they were the “exact same” product!
Carenel offers the overnight treatment in apricot, pomegranate, and lime variations. For the best match, I’d recommend the berry-scented mask.
Pros:
- Visually similar to the Laneige mask
- Comes in a set of three
- You can mix and match scents
Cons:
- Scent can be annoying for some people (but it’s a concern with both products)
2. Purito Centella Buffet Serum (vs. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Serum)
The Cicapair Tiger Grass might be good for fighting redness and dryness. But for about a third of the price, you can get double the amount of Purito’s Centella Buffet Serum.
Both products contain Centella extract along with humectants like glycerin and butylene glycol.
Pros:
- Not too greasy and not too tacky
- Available in an unscented version
- Comes in upcycled sugarcane packaging
Cons:
- Could cause a burning sensation
3. Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser (vs. Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9)
I’ve seen people use Byoma’s Milky Oil and Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly to “double cleanse.”
But could you do this routine with two Byomas? Maybe.
Byoma makes a jelly cleanser close to the Beste No. 9. It’s good at breaking down makeup and set at a more affordable price point.
Pros:
- Cool packaging with pump design for easier use
- To be used solo or as the second step in a two-part cleansing routine
- Contains antioxidant-rich licorice root extract
Cons:
- Could be a little drying
4. Peach Slices Acne Exfoliating Toner (vs. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant)
I haven’t gotten the chance to compare the Peach Slices Acne Exfoliating Toner to the Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant yet.
However, people (including James Welsh) on TikTok are talking about how close of a match the toners are.
Don’t worry if you get a bottle that doesn’t look like the one in the TikTok reviews. They changed the design a bit, but it’s the same formula.
Pros:
- More gentle than the Liquid Exfoliant
- Light and not sticky consistency
- Available as an acne-fighting bundle with cleanser and oil-free moisturizer
Cons:
- Could be irritating (use all exfoliating products with caution!)
5. XBC So Fresh Watermelon Toner vs. (Glow Recipe Watermelon Toner)
There are lots of Watermelon Glow Toner dupes on the market, but the XBC one caught my eye. After all, it made headlines for being jaw-droppingly cheap!
The catch?
This dupe is mainly sold in Home Bargains (a British chain). So, if you’re in the US, you’ll have to look around on eBay to find one.
Alternatively, you could ask a friend who’s visiting soon to bring you a bottle or two!
Pros:
- XBC nailed the watermelon smell
- Even larger than a full-size Watermelon Glow Toner
- The feel and consistency are a close match
Cons:
- Not easy to find
3 Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying a Skincare Dupe
Before you start hunting for dupes, check out my golden tips:
1. Ingredients Don’t Have to Be an Exact Match
The dupe doesn’t have to offer a mirrored ingredient list of the original product.
Even if the main ingredients are all the same, there are too many factors to consider – percentages, raw material quality, PH, and more.
Instead of worrying too much about finding an exact ingredient match, look for something that’ll provide comparable experience and results.
2. Product Type Matters
Some experts believe certain skincare product types are easier (and safer) to experiment with than others. Think cleansers, lip balms, and moisturizers.
On the other hand, you might want to be more picky when it comes to products with “tricky” active ingredients, like vitamin C and retinol. They can easily become unstable quickly!
3. Not All Products Are Dupe-able
Some of the technology used in formulating skincare products is patented.
If the company that makes your favorite product uses patented tech, save yourself the trouble. Odds are, you won’t find a competitor who uses the same formulation.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this guide has helped you find a dupe that fits right into your routine. Give it a go and let me know how it goes!
Do you have any favorite skincare dupes that you love? Let me know in the comments below!