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Just 27 Under-$20 Skincare Products Reviewers Say Work As Well As Expensive Ones

Your skin’s happy, your wallet’s happy...what’s not to like?

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by Gabrielle Moss BuzzFeed Contributor

I am a contributor and former editor who has been writing for BuzzFeed Shopping since 2020, where I'm focused on everything from home decor to beauty to where to buy the world's most comfortable high heels.

1. A bottle of Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser because it is one of the only facial cleansers I have ever used that doesn't dry out and irritate my very sensitive skin — and the other ones that worked cost $30+ for an itty-bitty bottle! But you can get 20 ounces of this sensitive skin miracle for under $14; it lasts forever, and helps my skin feel calm and nourished in every season and weather.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Just a heads up: this facial cleanser doesn't foam! Just apply to skin, massage, and rinse — no bubbles necessary.

Promising reviews: "This is my favorite face wash. This doesn't have a scent, gently but thoroughly removes make-up, and doesn't dry out my skin. I've tried many expensive brands like Estee Lauder and Merle Norman and a few other popular OTC brands and always come back to this." —deejaytee

"For years, I used an expensive oily makeup remover and then washed with expensive soap to get clean. This product does it all without drying out my skin or leaving grease behind." —California Jan

Get it from Amazon for $13.44.

2. A Briotech soothing spray that contains hypochlorous acid, the calming ingredient you didn't know your skin needed. If you have highly reactive skin, you know that almost anything can make it turn red and irritated, and it can take a long time to calm down on its own. Hypochlorous acid helps speed up that soothing cycle, calming skin that's irritated from acne, rosacea, or even dermatitis. You can also spray it on if you've sweat a lot and can't wash your face — it can help kill the bacteria that causes acne.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "As someone with sensitive skin, I love using hypochlorous acid. I’ve used other brands, and this one works similarly for much less cost. I’ve bought many bottles and the large refill over the years. I use it when I feel my face might break out or when it's feeling irritated, and it calms it." —SunshineAZ20

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in five sizes and in one-, two-, and four-packs).

3. A Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide hydrating serum to help even your skin tone, minimize pores, and give your skin some B O U N C E — like, basketball-levels of bounce.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "This line of beauty care is just incredible. I have bought many more expensive beauty products. Never see any better results." —SD

"Deserves 10 stars if it were allowed. I have been using it for a few weeks, and I noticed improvement in my skin health very quickly. It's Korean skincare at its best. My skin is more glowy, bouncy, and hydrated. I noticed the skin's appearance is more even. A few drops go a long way. It doesn't feel sticky, and the smell is pleasant. Pretty pink color. This peptide serum met all my expectations! I'm over 40, and it's now part of my skin routine to keep my skin looking young and healthy." —Maria-Helena

Get it from Amazon for $18.90+ (available in three styles and two sizes). 

4. A tube of Embryolisse moisturizer/primer, because any time you can skip a step when getting ready, you should. Embryolisse is a brand that's well-known in France, but in the US, this multi-purpose wonder can be your little secret.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I'm 77, not really looking for a miracle cream to get rid of wrinkles, but I do love healthy-looking and feeling skin, and this moisturizer is delivering. I start with a vitamin C serum, then apply the Embryolisse moisturizing cream. My skin feels wonderful all day. It goes on beautifully, has a very pleasant scent, and makeup goes on smoothly over it. I have only been using it for a couple of weeks, but I will definitely order it again. I'm really enjoying the feel and look of my skin." —Roslyn

"The product, tested and recommended by Wirecutter, was exactly as they described. Being a user of many products over the years, this Embryolisse Lait-Crème was especially great as a makeup primer and face moisturizer. It beats many more expensive products." —Lizzie

Get it from Amazon for $19+ (available in two sizes).

5. An Anua cleansing foam to deep-clean your pores and exfoliate with salicylic acid — but don't worry, it's also packed with ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid to balance out any dryness. Salicylic acid + hyaluronic acid = skin that's clean, moisturized, less inflamed, and generally unbothered.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I have to tell you, this foam cleanser really draws out impurities. So, I’ve been breaking out around my chin/jawline area. After I remove makeup and sunscreen with an oil cleanser, I lather up this foam cleanser onto a silicone brush and massage my face for a good minute or two. I wash it off with water nicely and pat it dry with a towel. It doesn’t strip away any moisture from your skin and leaves it hydrated. I noticed my skin was less inflamed and calmer after using it. The magic is that it speeds up the pimple cycle to the end stages. It 'ripens' your whiteheads and blackheads to an extractable state. Even the tiny, stubborn milia become extractable. They never come out, so I just thought you had to live with it. But it's coming out and feels like a grain of salt when you extract it. The product definitely affects the oil and impurities beneath the skin. Seriously magic!" —Amazon Customer

"I never thought I’d quit using my expensive cleanser! I bought this because so many friends loved it, and the price was amazing. It’s AMAZING! My skin is clean and exfoliated. Great product, great price, and I’m hooked!" —Kindle Customer

Get it from Amazon for $13.

6. A caffeine-filled under-eye cream because yes, caffeine wakes up your eyes just as well as it wakes up the rest of your body! This hydrating cream depuffs your eyes in a hurry while also lightening dark circles and priming your eye area for makeup application. If only all your favorite breakfast items were good for your skin (please do not apply bacon to your under eyes).

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "I've been using this cream for several months and think it works well. It seems to help with dark circles under my eyes, though you have to keep using it for results. For the price, it was worth it! I have tried many more expensive creams and didn't see results, even after several months. It did not irritate my eyes or cause redness. I will continue ordering this and think it would be a great gift for someone just trying out eye cream." —abigail morrow

"This is one of the most effective under-eye creams I’ve purchased, and I’ve used plenty from expensive to pharmacy brands. This cream is really good. Don’t think about it. It works." —Yvette

Get it from Amazon for $12.

7. Or a pack of caffeine eye patches, for folks who find the sensation of eye creams to be too greasy. These patches are designed to help you de-puff your peepers after yet another night when you swore you'd go to bed at 10 p.m., and then stayed up ’til 2 a.m. watching Hacks. Hey, we all have to relax somehow! But thanks to these, you're the only one who needs to know about your delayed bedtime.

Sephora

Promising reviews: "This eye mask works better than the expensive eye creams I own." —MLE09

"I find these to be very lightening and de-puffing for my under eyes. I have re-bought them several times. I occasionally try others, but I find them to be as effective as, if not more expensive than, eye masks, and always return to these. I typically use these in the morning, while drinking coffee, before applying my makeup or heading to a nice event. As someone with fair skin who never seems to get enough sleep, these are invaluable." —NicoleGraceRN

Get them from Sephora for $4 (also available in a dark circle option).

8. A viral "zombie" skin-tightening masque that reviewers love for tightening and lifting their skin — and I will add that it has really helped with my breakouts! When my skin is seriously freaking out, I apply one of these masks, and usually see a reduction in redness and new pimples within a few hours. And the relief lasts for days!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is the stuff magic is made of! I’m 42, and I have sensitive, combination skin with areas that tend to be more prone to getting breakouts. I have been using this mask for the last six months, and I’ve noticed a huge difference. My pores look minimized, and my skin is soft and lifted after every use. It is much more affordable than the more expensive brand, and I feel this works just as well. This mask is amazing because it reduces redness and irritation, tightens pores, lifts muscles, and firms skin in about 15 minutes. Just try it once and take a before and after picture to see the results." —Quality Consumer

Get a set of eight masks from Amazon for $13.98.

9. A bottle of The Ordinary exfoliating peeling solution to create noticeable changes in skin smoothness and brightness. One reviewer said, "It feels like a professional-level exfoliation," which is pretty darn impressive when you consider that a whole bottle costs less than $10. You could buy about two gallons of gas for that...or you could buy yourself some all-new, glowy skin.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I was nervous to try this because my skin is sensitive, but I’m so glad I did! I use it every week or every other week for a deeper exfoliation, and the difference in brightness and smoothness is noticeable. My skin looks clearer, more even, and just overall healthier after each use. It feels like a professional-level exfoliation without being too harsh. A little goes a long way, and it really delivers. So glad I bought this! You will experience a 'purge' the first time as expected — but now I no longer do so, it’s definitely doing its job and already seeing a reduction in sun spots, and texture issues. So worth it and way better than expensive brands! Easy to apply and wipe off — make sure to follow instructions! Leave on too long, and you’ll end up with dry, flaky, chemical peel looking skin!" —katy h

Get it from Amazon for $9.50+ (also available in a two-pack and a set).

10. A bottle of the internet-famous Cosrx Snail Mucin Power Essence, because I know, I know: when you hear the words "snail mucin," you may not instantly think "let me put it on my face!" But this serum is beloved by folks with dry skin — it boosts hydration and clarity and soothes redness, all with just a few squirts. Oh, and if you think anything related to snails has to be slimy and sticky, think again — reviewers say it goes on smoothly, and is absorbed by skin quickly. Thank you for all your help, little shelled friends. 🐌

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I’ve been using this morning and night for about two weeks, and I can say I understand the hype! My skin looks better than it has in so long. Firstly, the texture surprised me. When you think of snail mucin, you think slimy and gross. This wasn’t sticky or slimy whatsoever. I was afraid it was gonna leave my skin feeling gross and slippery. Surprisingly, my skin drank it right up! No residue whatsoever, and it’s a nice primer before makeup. I have oily skin, and it’s helped with that as well. My skin is so soft, with a nice, healthy glow. I’ve noticed my red spots from past acne are fading, and my skin just looks great overall. Highly recommend!" —Sarah Downs

"This is great! I have older, sensitive skin. I use it twice a day after cleansing my face. Then, the moisture lotion. Lovely results. Both of my daughters use it every day, too. This has replaced an expensive product and does a better job!" —MJP

Get it from Amazon for $18.99+(available in two sizes).

11. A bottle of Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner, to soothe your precious lil' face. This toner's key ingredients, like polyglutamic acid and cica, can calm redness and irritation, while also locking in moisture and giving it an all-over dewy glow.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "Welp, this stuff is amazing. I tend to avoid anything trendy or that 'goes viral' due to my stubborn nature, but when I searched Amazon for a red-reducing toner, this one kept showing up, so I swallowed my pride. Social media did not betray us on this one, friends. I saw immediate results. My skin looked much calmer right after the first use, and it feels so smooth. The price is amazing, the bottle is fun, it has no scent (not necessarily a positive for me, but I know it's important to others), it feels good to put on, and looks good on the skin. I have a feeling that I will be repurchasing this toner, highly recommend." —Kimberly B

"I have used toners three times this price without as good a result. Yes, it seems to be marketed toward younger women a little more, but I am in my '50s and find this to be very moisturizing. It makes my skin feel wonderful. It goes on really nicely underneath my serums and moisturizer. Even if some of the more expensive ones were on sale for the same price, I would still buy this one. Byoma is a great product line, and I have been happy with every purchase I've made from this company." —Just Sherry. That's all

Get it from Amazon for $14.99. 

12. A Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliantthat left me shocked — shocked, I tell you! — when I tried it. Just gently dab this exfoliant on your skin and...that's it! It then gets to work unclogging pores, evening out skin tone, and revealing a new, glowing layer of skin. Whenever I use this, I feel like I look like someone who actually drinks three liters of water a day and gets eight hours of sleep, aka the perfect version of me who absolutely does not actually exist. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I have every skin issue you can think of. Rosacea, acne (hormonal, cystic, whiteheads, blackheads), dehydration, excessive oiliness, redness, all of it. I’ve probably spent thousands on a multitude of products, trying to find one that would at least make a dent. I’ve had many procedures and many trips to the dermatologist. Nothing I’ve ever used or done has made such a profound difference in the appearance of my skin. Having rosacea, my face often felt hot, bumpy, and burned. While my complexion is naturally fair and pink, this has seriously covered all my bases in a gentle and effective way. I’ve been trying to turn my skin around for YEARS!! This was the product that did it. If I could give it 100 stars, I would. It has seriously changed my life!!!" —hc

"Absolute game changer! I have tried so many products, and some that are seriously expensive. This completely transformed my 51-year-old skin! Shrinks pores, reduces redness and dry patches, and tightens my skin as if I’d just had Botox after a week of everyday use. Doesn’t have an intense burning sensation. Very mild and tolerable. My skin is absolutely glowing!

Many people have commented on my skin and noticed a significant change. I’m dumbfounded, honestly! I had read the reviews and decided to give it a try, and I’m so glad I did! Add to cart! You won’t be disappointed." —Kelly A Lafler

Get it from Amazon for $15+ (available in three sizes and a two-pack).

13. A tube of cult-favorite LilyAna Naturals eye cream, because fans call it a "holy grail" item. Gentle, natural ingredients like aloe vera juice and hibiscus extract help soften and firm skin around the eyes, while also banishing dark circles to whatever evil dimension they came from.

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "Seriously, try this eye cream! Holy grail status. I don’t think I’ve ever left a review on Amazon before. This eye cream is THAT good. I was a makeup artist for years. I’ve been using an eye cream daily since I was 19 (over a decade), so I've tried lots of brands, and this stuff is phenomenal! It’s now become my go-to cream for my face, eyes, neck, AND décolletage. My skin veers toward dry, and I haven’t found a face cream I like as much as this that isn’t $75, so I just use it all over. The jar is big enough for that, and a little goes a LONG way. Use this cream twice a day for the eyes — in the morning under the eye and before bed under the eye, and also on the eyelid up to the brow bone — and you will fall in love, too." —L.R.

"Love this product, noticeable difference. I've used expensive eye creams, this one is just as good!" —Andrea

Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in three sizes and a two-pack).

14. A dark spot fading soap that fans say can help fade acne scars and dark spots on your face and all over your body — and yes, they also say that a good ol' bar soap is more effective at this than a lot of pricey creams and serums! This soap is packed with hyaluronic acid, turmeric, vitamin E, retinol, and other ingredients that may soothe skin and help marks fade.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Wow! Amazing product! I saw a difference after the first use. My skin looked brighter, and I noticed the dark spots on my face lightening. And it is far less expensive than all the serums and creams I’ve purchased that didn’t work at all. I’m sold on this soap. I’m a happy customer. I highly recommend this soap." —petal

Get it from Amazon for $14.98+ (available in 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-packs, as well as with accessories like a bag or a soap holder).

15. A bottle of Mixsoon Bean Essence, because this K-beauty fave is the secret ingredient behind "glass skin." Its combination of ingredients like fermented beans, barley, and Korean pear helps to gently exfoliate and deeply hydrate, leaving you with what one reviewer called a "moisturized glow."

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I saw this all over TikTok/Instagram and decided to buy it because I have a lot of sebaceous filaments on my chin and nose. It's a little expensive, but I took a gamble: it works! You can physically see the sebaceous filaments come out of your pores; it is not the product bunching up. My problem areas were so much smoother after using and are left with a moisturized glow. I then had my boyfriend use this product to see if it worked as well on everyone on the first try, and it worked on his nose as well. Amazing stuff. 🩷" —Losa

"Compare with overly expensive items out there, this is far more worth its money, and quality proves it." —Brian C.

Get it from Amazon for $14.90+ (available in three sizes). 

16. A hydrating the Saem eye stick that uses Icelandic glacial water and niacinamide to soothe, smooth, and help you fake being well-rested like nobody's business. Plus, reviewers love that it feels cool going on — great job, lil' polar bear! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I used this product to help with the bags under my eyes. It’s great!! My second purchase. I had to come back and get this one after I tried a few other, more expensive eye creams. This is the best." —Nancy

"Best hydration for eyes I've used. If I could, I would give this product a higher rating. It's amazing. It's cool to the skin and smells amazing. My eyes feel hydrated and cooled. It comes with a cute bear design and is easy to take with you on the go. I feel my skin glow, and it works nicely. It doesn't feel thick or heavy on my skin, either." —Jay

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in one or two packs and combo packs). 

17. A jar of Medicube collagen jelly cream to pump up your skin barrier and get skin so fresh and dewy, you'll look filtered in real life. The collagen is mixed with active ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane to hydrate and soften your skin, with glowy results that last all day.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This stuff is unreal. I bought it on sale just to see. I thought, 'Why not?' Good thing I like to gamble. I have had Botox twice. I use Skinceuticals. Pish posh.

I cannot lift my eyebrows because my forehead is so tight. My cheeks are bouncy. Double chin, loose skin? Never heard of her. Turkey neck? No, ma’am. I feel 23 — like my whole life is ahead of me. This is better than any expensive product or injectable I’ve ever had. It is sticky when applied, but pull your hair back and let it dry, then apply a moisturizer on top. My life is saved. Yours can be too! Buy this!" —Lindsay

Get it from Amazon for $14.90+ (available in two sizes and a hyaluronic ceramide version).

18. A Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum that actually contains *two* different types of hyaluronic acid, so you can get twice the benefits of this skin-quenching ingredient. Use this serum between your toner and moisturizer to lock in ridiculous amounts of hydration that will make your skin look and feel plumper and bouncier all day long.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "Soft luxury vibes. A little goes a long way with this serum—just a few drops and my skin feels instantly hydrated, smooth, and bouncy. It layers beautifully under moisturizer and makeup without ever feeling heavy. The formula feels far more expensive than it actually is, and the results appear fast. Truly a quiet-luxury staple at a drugstore price." —Amazon Customer

"Absorbs fast and hydrates the skin very well. My skin looks nice and healthy. I’ve had more expensive hyaluronic acid serums, and this one is better." —Anak

Get it from Amazon for $5.97 (available in two sizes and up to a pack of three).

19. A cleansing balm, for folks who feel like their usual makeup remover doesn't quite get everything off (or folks who are tired of having to apply their usual makeup remover five times just to clean off all of their eyeliner). This balm will erase all makeup from your face, leaving your skin hydrated and clean — and not covered with a weird residue that makes you worry that your pores are now clogged. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "This is the best cleansing balm on the market. It removes makeup perfectly (even mascara) and leaves my skin feeling amazing. You apply it to dry skin, and then I remove it with a wet disposable face cloth. This is SO much better at removing makeup (anyway less expensive) than Elemis. I would compare this to the Farmacy Green Clean balm in terms of texture. But for the price, this one can’t be beat. There isn't much scent to it, if that is important to you. Absolute holy grail." —MeghanB80

"A tiny amount goes a long way!! I ALWAYS have makeup under my eyes after washing my face, but this takes it ALL off! Not even a speck of makeup left! Just massage a little on your face, then rinse it off, and your makeup is washed clean off! It’s very moisturizing too! I don’t notice a scent at all, which is perfect for me since I don’t care for scented facial products." —Audra S.

Get it from Amazon for $14.99. 

20. A viral Dr. Melaxin "Peel Shot" that actually makes your dead skin and sebum peel off — how excitingly gross! But that's not why people love it; they love it because it quickly and gently unclogs pores, refines skin texture, and leaves you with glowy, awake-looking skin.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I love this stuff. I work in a high-end spa at a 4.5-star Marriott resort, and I have to say that, hands down, this product works better than a lot of the expensive products we sell. I was at first skeptical, but once I used it 3x a week, I could see and feel a difference. You immediately feel a difference with the first application, but I used it two or three times a week because I noticed once I started using it, I no longer had acne breakouts (especially around that time of the month). So far, I have found that this product works extremely well and very delicately to remove dead skin cells, help reduce acne breakouts, and make your skin super soft and glow… so I would say this is a triple threat compared to other products out there lol. Highly recommend this. Definitely works better than Proactiv." —Kandis Popejoy

"OMG, this product right here has been a total game changer for my skin! I was dealing with some really bad clogged pores that wouldn’t go away with anything I used. Within the first application, my skin felt less congested and clearer. Mind you, I was pretty skeptical at first, especially since my skin is very sensitive, but it worked, and now my skin is looking way better!" —Michelle Sanchez

Get it from Amazon for $19+ (available in black rice, white rice, kojic acid, and TX versions).

21. A Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask to hydrate your skin as you sleep. While you snooze away, having that weird dream where you're somehow canoeing around inside your elementary school (how did it get filled with water??), this mask uses ingredients like niacinamide and collagen extract to deeply moisturize, so when you wake up, your skin will look radiant. Yes, all your hair will kind of be pointing to the left. But your skin will look radiant.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I tried this product and brand for the first time and I absolutely love it. I have sensitive skin, and this irritates me at all. The mask is very refreshing and feels cool when put on. It has a gel-like consistency and helps improve skin hydration and glow. I like that it peels off in the morning, but I do think that washing it off is better. The ingredients are clean, and using this product has opened the door to wanting all Korean skincare now. Love this product!" —Courtney D

Get it from Amazon for $19 (also available in three other versions).

22. A jar of O'Keeffe's hand cream that is the thing to apply to cracked heels and so-dry-they-hurt hands. The moisturizer is extremely concentrated, so you only need a little to massage into your skin, where it will begin soothing right away. When I put this on my painfully dry hands at night in the winter, I always wake up with skin that feels back to normal.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This hand cream is a true game changer, proving that big things truly do come in small packages. With just a tiny amount applied to troubled spots, it works wonders in swiftly banishing dryness and replenishing moisture, leaving hands feeling incredibly soft and supple. What truly sets this cream apart is its surprising efficacy; it effortlessly tackles stubborn dry patches and heals cracks with just a couple of applications, delivering results that exceed expectations." —The Chicken Man

"This is the one! I get dry hands because I work in an area exposed to outdoor weather, and I have to type, so my hands are always out. I've tried medical lotions and expensive lotions, and nothing has come close to this. This one just works and doesn't feel oily. It is a little greasy when you first apply, don't believe the reviews that say otherwise, but once it's dry, it's all good." —Angel

Get it from Amazon for $8.89+ (available in three sizes and in 2- or 12-packs).

23. A bottle of EOS Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion because 1. it smells GORGEOUS, and 2. it will seriously lock in moisture all over your body, with hydration that lasts for hours. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "This lotion really moisturizes like a much more expensive brand in my opinion." —MrsBelden

"The scent is soft, warm, and slightly sweet—very comforting without being overpowering. It lingers gently throughout the day, giving a subtle fragrance that feels clean and cozy. I also like how moisturizing it is. It keeps the skin feeling smooth and hydrated for hours, and it works well even on dry areas without needing constant reapplication. The texture is creamy but still easy to spread, so a little goes a long way. Overall, this is a great body lotion for anyone who wants long-lasting moisture with a light, pleasant scent. A solid everyday skincare staple." —Lauren

Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (available in other scents).

24. An Acure brightening facial scrub that's packed with ingredients like sea kelp, Madonna lily, and French green clay to protect and hydrate skin as it gently exfoliates, revealing the fresh, glowing skin underneath that was just dying to get out this whole time!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Buy this! I have tried expensive exfoliators and everything in between, and this is without a doubt the BEST one I’ve ever tried! The only time my skin has felt this soft and smooth is after a hydrating facial at the spa. It is really amazing how baby soft my skin feels. After I use this product, I follow it with a serum and moisturizer, and they just glide on my skin. The cherry on top? The price!! This is inexpensive for the unbelievable results this product delivers. So I say again, BUY THIS!!" —Jessica Gardner

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in a one or two-pack).

25. A bottle of TruSkin vitamin C serum, because it hydrates, brightens and helps lighten dark spots, all without feeling sticky or having a yechy smell, like so many other vitamin C serums.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I started getting this after my mom recommended it to me. It's much less expensive than some of the high-priced brands I have bought at specialty stores. And yet it works far better. I haven't used any of the company's other products, though I am considering them. I have sensitive skin, and I have never had any issues with this product. It's a bit sticky when I put it on, and it tends to stay above the skin for a bit. So I tend to make time for that in my nightly routine before moisturizing. But it has made a great improvement. In the sun, I sometimes get dark brown patches on my face. This has made every single one of them disappear. (And of course, I also use a really high SPF and a sun hat to try to prevent future issues)." —Lauren

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two sizes). 

26. A jar of Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Daily Skin Therapy that, if you ask me, sets the standard for all-over hydration. The cream (which, as an added bonus, smells a little like chocolate!) moisturizes deeply, offering relief from painful dryness on lips and heels, and softening pretty much everything it touches.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Having extremely sensitive skin, I’m very selective about what products I use on my dry skin. I’ve been using this for years as it works wonders for my skin, providing the moisture it desperately needs, and it’s compact, so it’s easy to keep in my purse. It’s solidly made but glides smoothly and smells incredible! I just LOVE how it doesn’t leave my skin oily but soft and well-hydrated. I'm often complimented on my skin, and I feel as though this Palmer’s product is the reason for my overall radiant appearance. I’m beyond pleased with this Palmer’s moisturizing product that works as designed to heal and soften, and my skin absolutely LOVES it too!" —Yours Truly 💞

"I had tried several different creams, some prescribed medicines, for the skin problem on my heels. After being unsuccessful, I decided to find an older, tried-and-true cream. It is easy to use and much less expensive than any of the others. Walmart is also listed as having it." —S. Allison

Get it from Amazon for $7.68. 

27. A bottle of CeraVe facial moisturizer with SPF 30, to provide you with all the sun protection and moisture you need in a day, with no greasiness. Just apply the lightweight lotion, massage it in, and voila! Your skin is ready to thrive. CeraVe was developed with dermatologists and recommended to me by my dermatologist, who said he trusted it more than any of the pricier brands to deliver results.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This sunscreen/moisturizer has everything you need at a very reasonable price. Great for all skin types, too. It was part of my daily routine for years, and then I branched out and tried a lot of fancier, more expensive sunscreens and moisturizers. None of them performed any better than this one, but they sure cost a lot more money! I've recently come back to using this daily and am wondering why I ever strayed in the first place!" —Pupspicacious

Get it from Amazon for $14.97.

Still searching for the perfect addition to your skincare routine? Try these:

* I’ve Got You Covered With These 29 Elite Skincare Products

* Products To Help You Nip Face *And* Body Acne In The Bud

* If Your Skin Feels Like A Biscuit With No Butter, Try These 27 Hydrating Products

* If You’re Looking For Super-Effective Skincare Products Without Spending The Big Bucks, This Post Is For You

Plus, sunscreens and finds from Sephora and Walmart.

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Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.