The 17 Best Affordable Skincare Brands, According to Wade Review Editors
Whether you’re looking for an anti-aging oil or an everyday sunscreen, there are plenty of affordable skincare brands out there that prove you don’t need to splurge on luxury skincare to see results. Unfortunately though, standing in the skincare aisle of your local drugstore staring at all the options isn’t exactly conducive to choosing good products. That’s why having personal recommendations, especially from, say, your favorite Wade Review editors, is key to finding quality skincare picks.
As editors, we’ve tested a lot of products from a lot of brands. We know what’s good and what isn’t; what’s worth splurging on and what’s not. And we know not to get swayed by pretty packaging and luxury name brands—many times, the best skincare products have lower price tags, straightforward ingredient lists, and unfussy designs.
What is affordable skincare?
When we talk about “affordable skincare brands,” we’re focusing on brands that sell a majority of their products for under $40.
So, I polled the entire Wade Review editorial team on their favorite affordable skincare brands and products. Overall, I got dozens of responses with 17 brand recommendations, including reliable drugstore staples, Korean beauty mainstays, and new launches. Plus, we talked to plastic surgeon David Shafer, MD, FACS, for his take on budget beauty brands that are worth buying. Read on for the best skincare brands that won’t break the bank—and are beloved by Wade Review editors.
CeraVe
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The product assortment is great for sensitive or severely dry skin.
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There aren’t high concentrations of active ingredients.
CeraVe was by far the most recommended brand, with six editors praising its product line. That’s no surprise—CeraVe is one of the most popular skincare brands, period, with an emphasis on sensitive, very dehydrated skin. “I think this brand is a safe bet for anyone with sensitive, acne-prone, dry, or oily skin, as it has a wide array of products. Plus, multiple dermatologists have directly recommended its products, which made me even more confident in my purchase,” says associate shopping editor Quinn Gawronski.
In fact, five editors specifically recommended one product in particular: The Moisturizing Cream. This versatile cream can be used on the face and the body, and has the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association. “In the winter, I use the Moisturizing Cream for my hands and other dry spots as needed,” says shopping director Kate Geraghty. “I even keep a travel-sized bottle in my bedside drawer to apply to the backs of my hands right before I go to bed. I love that it’s gentle, unscented, and sinks in super quickly, so I’m not leaving greasy fingerprints behind on my keyboard or phone screen.”
If you’re worried about potential irritation, fear not: “I have rosacea and dry, sensitive skin, so my face gets easily irritated by many products,” says shopping writer Lauren Taylor. “I use the CeraVe cream every morning and night, and it never burns or leaves my skin feeling tight. It’s thick enough to moisturize dry, flaky skin, but it doesn’t make me feel or look greasy.”
Editor-in chief Lauren Iannotti uses both the Moisturizing Cream and the Daily Moisturizing Lotion: “My acne-prone skin guzzles the oil-free lotion with nary a breakout. In winter I switch to the tub of Moisturizing Cream, which is rich but non-comedogenic. Both protect my skin barrier and my bank account. I have tried other moisturizers, including some very pricey stuff. They mess up my skin, every time. CeraVe FOREVER.”
CeraVe also has a range of body products that target specific issues like psoriasis, rough or bumpy skin, and even itch relief. In addition to creams and retinols, CeraVe offers a range of face washes that are super gentle and moisturizing. Overall, we can’t recommend this brand enough, especially if you have very sensitive skin or are combating severely dry skin.
Price Range: $11-$32 | Skincare Concerns: Dryness, acne, eczema psoriasis, rough and bumpy skin
CeraVe Editor Picks
Cetaphil
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It’s designed with sensitive skin in mind.
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This line doesn’t feature a lot of targeted treatments, like serums.
Cetaphil offers straightforward formulas at an affordable price point with dermatological backing. And, since all of the products come in larger sizes, the brand is one of the more budget-friendly options—and you can easily find it across drugstores and other mass retailers.
Cetaphil is a favorite of assistant editor Hannah Dorough, who recommends the DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash: “I’ve been using the same Cetaphil oily skin face wash and moisturizer since I was a teenager and it’s never failed me. It’s relatively affordable, available at my local drugstores, and never breaks me out. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it!”
Senior food editor Samantha Leffler has a similar story: “I’m prone to breakouts, which means I need to be very careful about the products I use on my skin. I’ve been using Cetaphil products since my teens and have no intention of stopping.” Her favorite products are the Gentle Skin Cleanser, which “has never aggravated my sensitive skin,” and the Daily Facial Moisturizer, which “nourishes and hydrates my skin without making it feel greasy or heavy.”
When we asked a dermatologist how to manage combination skin, they recommended the Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion.
The entire product line is designed with sensitive skin in mind, with an emphasis on fragrance-free formulas and simple ingredients. Key ingredients used by the brand are niacinamide, panthenol, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, all of which have moisturizing benefits. You won’t find a lot of targeted treatments (like serums), but you’ll find plenty of basic skincare essentials like cleansers, moisturizers, and creams.
Price Range: $11-$29 | Skincare Concerns: Acne, eczema, oily skin, irritation, dryness
Vanicream
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It offers no-frill formulas that are perfect for sensitive skin.
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The product assortment is small.
Those with sensitive skin types or skin-related concerns like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis know formulas with minimal, nourishing ingredients are a top priority. Vanicream is the clear winner in that category, offering a curated selection of products that protect the skin barrier without exasperating pre-existing conditions or clogging pores.
Shopping writer Steph Osmanski swears by Vanicream’s Moisturizing Cream: “I first started using the Vanicream moisturizer during a time when my skin was really, really dry. I ended up loving how well it locks in moisture and doesn’t break me out, so I haven’t felt the need to go back to higher-end, luxury moisturizer. My skin and my wallet don’t mind. (I’ve heard it’s great for eczema, too!)”
Ceramides are one of the best skincare ingredients for eczema because they trap moisture in the skin.
Vanicream's formulas are free from additives like fragrances, dyes, and parabens—not to mention, they’re all gluten-free. Six products, including the Moisturizing Cream, have the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association, a seal that isn't the easiest to come by when shopping for affordable skincare.
Price Range: $4-$20 | Skincare Concerns: Eczema, dryness, sensitivity