10 Best Skincare Dupes For The Most Popular Skincare Items in 2020

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Did you know that drugstore skincare dupes can be as effective for treating skin conditions as high-end products? More often than not, when we purchase products from a high-end skincare line, we end up paying for the brand, not necessarily the ingredients.

So, what’s the best procedure to go about when looking for affordable skincare dupes for popular products?

Well, when it comes to taking care of your skin, it helps to invest in products that are not only made with high-quality ingredients but have also proven to be scientifically effective.

Korean skincare has this nailed down to a T and thankfully the West is catching up to the trend too. Brands like the Ordinary have been making waves this year by really focusing on delivering skincare based on ingredients with an unbeatable price.

So, with brands like the Ordinary around, more and more consumers are becoming curious to know what exactly is inside expensive skincare products and where their money is going. Well, as you’re about to find out, sometimes there isn’t a magic ingredient and it’s all down to either clever marketing or a good formula.

With that in mind, let’s jump into the top 10 best skincare dupes for the most popular skincare items!

1. La Mer Dupe: Nivea Creme

Skincare Dupes: La Mer Creme De La Mer ($170) | Nivea Cream (also available here)

Cremé De La Mer is most definitely one of the most well known luxury creams and it comes with a pretty outrageous price tag. It may have a nice, heartwarming story behind it about a scientist fixing his burns with the cream, but that doesn’t mean that it’s any more powerful than other creams on the market.

In fact, when you dig into the formula, the only interesting ingredient is kelp extract that produced lactic acid and some antioxidants. Other than that, the ingredients are pretty basic and most of the moisturizing ingredients are the same.

For example both contain mineral oil, glycerin, microcrystalline wax and petrolatum – occlusive agents that will help prevent trans-epidermal water loss. For $170, you’d want a bit more than that.

If you still want the benefits of antioxidants and lactic acid from seaweed, I suggest ordering the $7 lactic acid serum from the Ordinary and using it with the Nivea cream – this way you’ll save approx $155 AND get the same effect. For a bonus effect, you can also add in the $8 antioxidant serum with resveratrol from the Ordinary. Boom. Huge savings and scientifically better results than with Creme De La Mer.

If you want to dive deeper into the difference between the formulas of Creme De La Mer and Nivea Cream, head over to Beautiful With Brains where she does a full analysis.

Read More Reviews About Nivea Cream Here

2. Tatcha Water Cream Dupe: Make P:rem Hydrate Me Micro Tension Cream

Skincare Dupes: Tatcha The Water Cream | Make P:rem Hydrate Me Micro Tension Cream

Tatcha’s The Water Cream has an almost cult following and it’s Sephora’s #1 top selling moisturizer. It has a unique formula that isn’t too greasy or too gel like, and thus gives the perfect amount of hydration to normal, combination and oily skin.

Because of it’s unique formula, it’s no wonder that it’s constantly sold out in Sephora, even if the price tag is a whopping $78.

However, there’s now a new kid on the block: Make P:rem’s Hydrate Me Micro Tension Cream offers almost exactly the same moisturizing experience as Tatcha’s Water Cream.

At first sight, the cream may look heavy inside the jar, but when you apply it to the face it hydrates the skin intensely, delivers a nice cooling effect and leaves behind a lightweight finish that is prefect under makeup. Like Tatcha’s cream, Make P:rem’s dupe is also inspired by Japanese botanicals and contain ceramides that are excellent at preventing transepidermal water loss during the day.

Everything about the Hydrate Me Micro Tensions Cream provides the same experience as Tatcha’s cream, except that it has a different, lighter fragrance and a price tag that’s 60% cheaper than the original

Read More Reviews AboutMake P:rem Hydrate Me Micro Tension Cream Here

3. Fresh Soy Face Cleanser Dupe: COSRX low-pH Good Morning Cleanser

Skincare Dupes: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser | COSRX low-pH Good Morning Cleanser (Also available here)

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is a water-based cleanser that contains soft and calming ingredients that help wash away impurities gently after your oil cleanse.

However, for a similar gentle cleanser consider using COSRX low-pH Good Morning Cleanser.

Read More Reviews About COSRX low-pH Good Morning Cleanser Here

4. Drunk Elephant Dupe: Benton Fermentation Eye Cream

Skincare Dupes: Drunk Elephant Shaba Complex Eye Serum | Benton Fermentation Eye Cream (Also available here)

The Shaba Complex Eye Serum is an effective treatment that aims to fight all signs of ageing that could result in tired-looking and weary eyes.

However, if you are looking for an affordable alternative, consider trying Benton Fermentation Eye Cream that hydrates, repairs, and protects the sensitive skin around your eyes from sun damage.

Read More Reviews About Benton Fermentation Eye Cream Here

5. Eve Lom Cleanser Dupe: Heimish All Clean Balm

Skincare Dupes: Eve Lom Cleansing Balm | Heimish All Clean Balm (also available here)

Eve Lom cleansing balm is an effective solution when it comes to removing makeup as well as deep-seated dirt that may be stuck in between your pores.

While this luxurious makeup remover is definitely popular, budget-savvy users may find Heimish All Clean Balm just as effective when it comes to starting their oil-cleansing ritual.

Read More Reviews About Heimish All Clean Balm Here

6. Summer Fridays Mask Dupe: Dr. G My Skin Mentor Crystal Deep Peeling Gel

Skincare Dupes: Summer Fridays Overtime Mask | Dr. G My Skin Mentor Crystal Deep Peeling Gel (Also available here)

Summer Fridays Overtime Mask is an effective clarifying mask that helps revitalize dull and congested skin by gently removing dead skin cells to leave behind a radiant complexion.

However, if you aren’t willing to spend a hefty budget or an extra 10 minutes to get the mask working, try Dr. G My Skin Mentor Crystal Deep Peeling gel which only takes a minute to rub into your skin while still boosting the same radiant effects.

Read More Reviews About Dr. G My Skin Mentor Crystal Deep Peeling Gel Here

7. Charlotte Tilbury Dupe: Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm

Skincare Dupes: Charlotte Tilbury Multi-Miracle Glow Cleansing Balm | Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (Also available on Walmart)

The Multi-Miracle Glow Cleansing Balm from Charlotte Tilbury made waves for being an effective oil cleanser with skin regenerating benefits. For instance, other than the face, this product can be applied to your elbows and knees which hydrates and keeps them soft.

For a fraction of the price, consider using Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm, a K-beauty staple that cleans the skin without stripping away your skin’s natural oils.

Read More Reviews About Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm Here

8. Drunk Elephant Dupe: Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum

Skincare Dupes: Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel | Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum (Also available here)

Moisturizers with gel-like consistencies are especially handy for people with oily skin. Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel contains vitamin B5 as well as other ingredients that moisturize without clogging pores.

However, for a more budget-friendly option, consider Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum works a light and effective essence that keeps your skin hydrated and fresh.

Read More Reviews About Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum Here

9. Glossier Dupe: A’PIEU NonCo Tea Tree Stick

Skincare Dupes: Glossier Zit Stick | A’PIEU NonCo Tea Tree Stick

Pimples can be a struggle to deal with, especially when you’re working through a period of stress. The Glossier Zit Stick is effective as it provides a handy way to treat pimple spots while remaining invisible.

However, if you are looking for a more gentle option, A’PIEU provides a spot treatment stick that not only contains Tea Tree Oil but can be reapplied as often as necessary without being too harsh on the skin.

Read More Reviews About A’PIEU NonCo Tea Tree Stick On YesStyle Here

10. Sunday Riley UFO Dupe: iUNIK – Tea Tree Relief Serum

Skincare Dupes: Sunday Riley – UFO Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil | iUNIK – Tea Tree Relief Serum

Oily skin is generally prone to pimples and blackheads which is why investing in products that clears the pores and skin fast is a great investment.

However, if you are not ready to try UFO Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil from Sunday Riley then try Tea Tree Realief Serum from iUNIK which more or less offers the same benefits.

Read More Reviews About Tea Tree Clean Skin Super Serum Here

With these options in mind, it is safe to say that everyone deserves access when it comes to treating their skin right. While many of these options are certainly budget-friendly, it still helps to do research as well as a perform skin patch test to make sure they are safe.

Let me know if you want to see more skincare dupes and I’ll make sure to update the list with my current findings!

Pst! If you liked this article, check out my other designer dupe articles and see my latest designer inspired finds here. You can also directly search for your favourite dupes by typing it in the search box!