Skincare doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. Knowing which products deserve investment and where you can safely cut down on cost helps you build a routine that actually delivers results—without wasting money.
Where You SHOULD Spend Your Money
1. Serums with Proven Active Ingredients
Serums are designed to deliver highly concentrated actives deeper into the skin. This is where quality, formulation, and stability truly matter.
Worth investing in:
- Vitamin C – Brightens skin, boosts collagen, protects from pollution
- Retinol – Gold standard for anti-ageing, acne, and texture improvement
- Azelaic Acid – Excellent for acne, redness, rosacea-prone skin, and pigmentation
- Niacinamide – Controls oil, strengthens skin barrier
- Hyaluronic Acid – Deep hydration without heaviness
Why spend here?
Poor-quality serums often have unstable formulations or ineffective concentrations, leading to irritation or no results.
2. Retinol & Treatment-Based Products
Retinol and prescription-grade actives require proper formulation to be effective and safe.
✔ Better penetration
✔ Controlled irritation
✔ Visible long-term results
This is one category where cutting corners can backfire.
3. Targeted Treatment Products (When Needed)
These include products meant to treat specific concerns, not just maintain skin.
Examples:
- Azelaic acid for acne & pigmentation
- Prescription acne treatments
- Chemical exfoliants (AHA/BHA)
- Barrier-repair creams for sensitive skin
Why invest?
These products directly treat skin conditions. Ineffective formulations delay results and worsen concerns.
Where You Can SAVE Without Harming Your Skin
1. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is essential—but it does not need to be expensive.
✔ Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or 50
✔ Consistent, generous application matters more than brand
✔ Affordable sunscreens work just as well when used correctly
Spend more only if texture or cosmetic elegance improves daily compliance.
2. Cleanser
A cleanser’s job is simple: clean the skin, not treat it.
✔ Gentle
✔ Non-stripping
✔ pH-balanced
You don’t need luxury cleansers for healthy skin.
3. Basic Moisturiser
A moisturiser supports hydration and the skin barrier—but doesn’t need to be fancy.
✔ Look for ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid
✔ Choose texture based on skin type
✔ Fragrance-free is often better
Save here unless you have very dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin.
Products You Don’t Always Need to Splurge On
❌ Fancy toners
❌ Physical scrubs
❌ “Detox” or charcoal masks
❌ Overpriced anti-ageing creams without active ingredients
These may feel luxurious but rarely deliver long-term skin benefits.
Quick Budget Priority Guide
Spend More On
- Serums (Vitamin C, Retinol, Azelaic Acid, Niacinamide)
- Prescription or dermatologist-recommended treatments
- Chemical exfoliants (when indicated)
Save On
- Sunscreen
- Cleanser
- Everyday moisturiser