When you open up TikTok or Instagram, it seems like there are a million and one skincare products everyone recommends. So, what exactly is worth your hard-earned money—and which creams, serums, and acne products really work?We’ve rounded up 41 of the best affordable skincare items, including products that we’ve tested and others that our experts love. And, they’re all from Amazon (hooray for two-day shipping on some of these products).Whether you’re restocking your skincare drawer or need a stocking stuffer this holiday season, we think you’ll love these skincare picks—and you’ll love the prices. Your skin is about to get the glow-up it’s been waiting for!
The Ole Henriksen brightening serum that could help you age backward
Okay, aging in reverse might be impossible, but the Ole Henriksen dark spot serum can definitely prevent premature aging. This formula is packed with 15% vitamin C and 5% PHAs and hyaluronic acid to minimize the appearance of dark spots, pores, and wrinkles and give your skin a hydration boost. This serum is also normal, dry, combination, and oily skin-approved!
The ceramide-infused cream that could keep dry skin at bay
If you open up TikTok, then you’ll know that K-beauty (Korean beauty) has been having a moment. This rice cream from I’m From might be the last moisturizer you’ll ever need, thanks to its 41% rice bran essence, rich ceramides, and phytic acid for sebum control. This rice cream is fragrance-free and can be used day or night!
The Glossier oil serum hybrid that gives you the ‘glazed donut’ look
Has your skin looked a little dull ever since the weather started getting colder? You might need a little help in getting your glow on. Cue the Glossier Futuredew Oil Serum Hybrid, the product that could help you (finally) achieve that ‘glazed donut’ look that celebs like Hailey Bieber have. This plant-based and cruelty-free formula gives you a dewy look that lasts all day long—use it as a makeup primer or tap it in after your SPF.
The Roc retinol treatment that could improve your fine lines and forehead wrinkles
Retinol this, retinol that. What’s actually the right way to use retinol? If you want to add retinol to your skincare routine, look no further than the Roc Retinol Correxion serum, which puts pure Roc retinol in easy-to-use capsules. This formula is designed to improve the look of fine lines, dark circles, crow’s feet, and even out skin tone. In just one week, your skin could look more visibly hydrated!
Brighten under-eyes with these cooling patches
Tighten and hydrate your under-eyes with these cooling patches. They’re infused with electrolytes, glacial water, and minerals to boost your skin’s radiance.
The TikTok-approved dewy Glow Recipe serum that brightens, hydrates, and smells good
Want to achieve the dewy look in one easy step? The Glow Recipe niacinamide dew drop serum is about to be your best friend. This vegan and cruelty-free product is formulated with amino acids and vitamins C and A, and is designed to hydrate your skin and minimize the look of pores. Even better, this serum smells just like fresh, juicy watermelon.
The Fenty 2-in-1 toner-serum that gives you that post-facial glow
Having a 12-step skincare routine is so overrated. Why not put two products in one with this Fenty toner-serum? With just a splash of this vegan, alcohol-free, and noncomedogenic formula promises, you could visibly even skin tone and target pores with its star ingredient, niacinamide.
The at-home facial set that turns you into an esthetician
Facials can be a luxury experience, but who said luxury needs to be expensive? Bring the experience home with the Hanacure facial set, which comes with four Octolift ampoules, four Octolift solutions, and a brush. Giving yourself an at-home facial could help detox your skin and result in firmer, brighter skin tone!
The Tatcha lightweight water cream that hydrates without the sticky sensation
Why does it seem like every moisturizing cream is so, well, sticky? Not all of us want to sacrifice comfort for hydration, which is why we love the Tatcha Water Cream. This oily skin-friendly cream is so lightweight that you might just forget you’re wearing it … at least until you see how smooth and hydrated your skin is after massaging it on.
The 2-in-1 double cleanser that melts makeup, sunscreen, and sebum
If you’re not double cleansing, then what are you even doing? You’re missing out on the cleanest skin of your life, but not if you add the APRILSKIN cleansing balm to your routine. It’s Korea’s #1 cleansing balm, thanks to its non-irritating and noncomedogenic formula and Carrotene IPMP ingredient, which could reduce your skin’s oil and sebum production.
The soothing face and body balm that you can bring anywhere
Just like any other K-beauty product, the KAHI multi balm is a hit thanks to its all-in-one hydration for your under-eyes, neck, face, and anywhere else on your body. What really seals in the hydration and improves skin elasticity is the salmon complex ingredient, which is Sodium DNA (yup, that’s PDRN from salmon sperm). You could get up to 48 hours of moisture from this stick balm and a more visibly youthful appearance.
The forehead wrinkle patches that could help you avoid getting Botox
While getting wrinkles is a natural part of life, they’re not necessarily something we love about aging. Want to improve their look without Botox? These SILKDERMIS forehead wrinkle patches with vitamin E might do the trick. They’re designed with aloe and collagen for extra hydration, and you can wear them day or night!
The Elemis nourishing facial oil that really penetrates your skin barrier
You might think facial oils don’t do much, but this moisturizing Elemis facial oil might just change your mind. This facial oil is packed with flax seed oil and nine antioxidant-rich superfood oils that truly absorb into the lower levels of your epidermis for that smooth and baby’s bum feel (but on your face and neck).
The Nécessaire rich hand cream that nourishes without making your hands greasy
Thought hand cream was always going to be greasy? That’s not the case with this eczema-friendly luxe hand cream from Nécessaire. Ingredients like ceramides, peptides, 2.5% niacinamide, Marula butter, and Marula oil keep your hands and cuticles moisturized and healthy.
The facial cream that uses royal honey and jelly to soothe and moisturize
Did you know honey has more properties than just sweetening your food? Farmacy’s Honey Halo facial cream has a royal honey and jelly blend enriched with ceramides and fig fruit extract to really lock in moisture and heal your skin barrier. Hydrated, plump skin is one swipe away!
The weightless, clean serum that makes it easy to get the ‘glass skin’ look
If you’re on #skintok, then you know the internet is obsessed with “glass skin,” aka smooth, luminous skin that really glows. It might be easier than you think to achieve this look, at least if you have Peach & Lily’s refining serum. Add this alcohol-, fragrance-, and cruelty-free serum to your daily routine to firm, brighten, and hydrate your skin!
The La Roche-Posay hyaluronic acid serum that could heal your damaged skin barrier
Winter brings a lot of things, and one of the worst things is how dry it leaves your skin feeling. This pure hyaluronic acid serum from La Roche-Posay could be the key to keeping your face feeling soft and supple during the coldest time of year. Add three to four drops in your morning and/or evening skincare routine for an extra moisture boost!
The drugstore brandbody lotion infused with retinol that could visibly firm your skin
You’ve heard of retinol for your face, but did you know you might be missing out by not adding it to your body lotion? You could get the firming and lifting properties of retinol—but for your body!—with Gold Bond’s Age Renew Retinol Overnight lotion. This hypoallergenic lotion is also packed with nourishing shea and cocoa butter to hydrate your skin for 24 hours.
The firming neck cream that could improve the look of even the deepest wrinkles
They say one of the first signs of aging is the neck, so why not care for it like we do our faces? Your neck deserves TLC, after all. Just add the goPure Neck Firming Cream to your skincare routine to target and prevent sagging skin on your neck and chest. You might just visibly lift your décolletage so much that it gives the impression you got wrinkle filler!
The Tatcha spray moisturizer that makes your skin glow, even with makeup on
Do you ever wish you could just wear moisturizer without actually dipping your fingers into a jar? Meet the Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist, a spray-on moisturizer that can be used as a facial spray before applying makeup or after as a finishing spray. This fine-mist moisturizer can instantly hydrate your skin and give it a truly luminous look, thanks to ingredients like sugarcane-derived squalane and Hadasei-3.
The Kiehl’s Amazonian clay face mask that detoxes your skin for an instant refresh
Who doesn’t love a face mask, especially one that can visibly brighten and detox your skin? The Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask is infused with fairly traded Amazonian white clay to eliminate bacteria and toxins on your face, all while minimizing your pores and moisturizing your skin with aloe vera and bentonite clay. Say hello to glowing, clean skin!
The facial treatment pads that will gently brighten and exfoliate your skin
If you hate how wasteful it can be to use liquid products straight from the bottle, you’ll want to add these First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads to your routine. These cruelty-free and noncomedogenic pads are infused with glycolic and lactic acid to effectively exfoliate your skin, and you might just see a more glowy, smooth appearance after using them for four weeks!
The Dr. Jart color-correcting treatment that has SPF coverage for daytime wear
It seems like not enough of our skincare (aside from actual sunscreen) has SPF in it, which is why we love the Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment. This product has SPF 30, meaning you can wear it confidently under your makeup knowing your skin has additional protection. Put a dollop on your face and blend—this green-to-beige cica cream will instantly neutralize redness and your skin tone for an even look.
The retinol under eye mask that could make it look like you haven’t been up all night
Did you stay up all night celebrating? Or did you have a little crash out (aka cry session)? Regardless of the scenario, the grace & stella under eye patches could reduce the look of puffy eyes and dark circles. They’re developed with an innovative blend of sea moss, ceramide, and fatty acids that gently work to restore the look of your delicate under-eye. Never get told, “You look tired” again!
The collagen wrapping mask that can help restore a youthful look
Aging backward might be impossible, but refreshing your skin isn’t! The TOSOWOONG face mask is Korea’s #1 mask in the ‘Collagen Cream Category,’ thanks to its incredibly potent collagen that truly hydrates and tightens skin for a more youthful appearance. Just slather it on with the silicone brush and wait for the mask to develop into a thin, clear film to gently tear off.
The daily SPF that protects but doesn’t irritate sensitive skin
All the skincare you’ve been using doesn’t really make much of a difference if you still aren’t using sunscreen on a daily basis. Hate how some formulas weigh you down or irritate your skin? The EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen is about to be your new best friend. It offers SPF 46 without causing breakouts, and it can even prevent breakouts for anyone with acne-prone skin!
The tinted version of the EltaMD sunscreen that can even out your skin tone
Do you want your sunscreen to double as makeup? Your wish is EltaMD’s command. EltaMD’s award-winning UV Clear Face Sunscreen comes with tints to even out skin while protecting it from harmful sunlight with its SPF 46.
The double cleansing balm that dissolves makeup and other residue with just ten ingredients
If you’re not removing your daily skincare or makeup with a cleansing balm before going in with your actual cleanser, your skin might not be as clean as you think it is. With just ten ingredients—including Japanese Pearl Barley Magic+ and vitamin E—the JUNO & Co. cleansing balm can rid your skin of residue while keeping it hydrated.
30. The superfood facial cleanser that acts as a green juice cleanse, but for your face
Meet the Youth To The People Superfood Facial Cleanser, the award-winning daily face wash you didn’t know your skin needed. This cleanser is powered by cold-pressed kale, green tea, Vitamins B5 and E, and spinach to remove makeup remnants, prevent pore build-up, and hydrate your skin without stripping it. We recommend using it after your favorite oil-based cleanser to enjoy the full benefits!
The pimple patches that could rid you of your picking habit for good
Be honest. Are you still picking at pimples in this day and age? Sometimes the urge to pick gets bad, but you could quit the habit and heal your skin from breakouts so much faster if you use Hero Cosmetics’ Mighty Patch, a medical-grade hydrocolloid acne patch for zits and other blemishes. Your pimple gunk could be absorbed in six to eight hours, and these patches will stay on all night long without leaving any redness or irritation.
The micropoint patch that can tackle those under-the-skin blemishes
Have you ever gotten a pimple under the skin that just won’t budge? Sure, you could pick it and risk leaving a nasty dark spot. Or, you could opt for these Hero Cosmetics Micropoint patches. These are designed with 395 micropoints and salicylic acid, sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide, and willow bark to tackle early-stage or deeper blemishes.
The snail mucin serum that can instantly soothe damaged skin barriers
Before you ask—no, no snails were harmed in making the COSRX snail mucin serum. It’s formulated with 96.3% Snail Secretion Filtrate, which can truly rejuvenate dry or aging skin. You’ll love that even though it’s super lightweight and absorbs quickly, it’ll leave your skin with a fresh, lit-from-within glow!
The Paula’s Choice cult favorite liquid exfoliant that can rid your skin of pesky bumps and unclog pores
Are you still not using a liquid exfoliant a few times a week? If you aren’t, you might not be seeing the glowing skin you’ve been wanting. Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA liquid exfoliant is a best-seller for a reason—it has salicylic acid to visibly unclog pores, control oil production, and smooth bumpy skin texture. Smooth, luminous skin awaits!
The milky, moisturizing toner that gives you the ‘glass skin’ look
You’ve heard of toners, but have you heard of a milky toner? That’s what the I’m From rice toner is. It contains 77.78% Goami rice extract, a blend of four vegetable-originated extracts, and Sirtuin to soothe all skin types and even protect against sun damage. Shake this toner well to fully mix the water and emulsion layers and pat it onto your skin for the glass skin you’ve been obsessing over.
The French cream concentrate that functions as a moisturizer and makeup primer
You’ve heard of Korean skincare, but have you heard of French skincare? It’s (almost) as good as the former, and one of the standout products in any French pharmacy and any celeb makeup artist is the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, a multi-functional moisturizer. This luxe cream is filled with shea butter, beeswax, aloe vera, and soy proteins to nourish your skin inside and out.
The hypochlorous acid facial spray that can keep breakouts at bay
Open up any travel influencer’s video on their favorite travel essentials, and you might just see the Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray. This TikTok-approved, non-toxic spray has hypochlorous acid to calm your skin, keep potential breakouts at bay, and reduce redness and irritation. This Tower 28 spray even has the seal of approval from the National Eczema Association.
The teatree toner pads that could tame your acne-prone skin
Have you heard? Toner pads are the latest ‘it’ item on #skintok. These Mediheal Teatree Trouble Pads are fan favorites, thanks to their vegan, sensitive skin-friendly vegan pads and ingredients like tea tree biome and liposome-based technology. In just one swipe, you could soothe irritated skin, strengthen your skin barrier, and even remove excess oil and impurities!
The collagen toner pads that could restore your skin’s elasticity
Love the idea of toner pads but need them for a collagen boost? You’ll love the Mediheal Collagen Ampoule Pads, which have the same pad construction as the tea tree ones, but contain collagen, ceramide, and milk protein to improve the look of skin depression on almost all areas of the face. Firmer, more elastic skin awaits!
The Laneige hydrating, all-night lip mask that can keep your pout extra-soft
So you have your favorite face masks, but do you have a lip mask to keep your pout on point? You might never go to bed again without the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. This long-time favorite is designed to soften and moisturize your lips, thanks to its berry fruit complex, murumuru seed, and shea butter ingredients. Slather it on before bedtime and wake up to your smoothest, juiciest pout yet!
The moisturizing lip balm that locks in hydration all day long
If you have the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, you’ll want to add the Laneige Lip Glowy Balm to your bag, pocket, or luggage for on-the-go shine and hydration. Think of it as the sibling of your lip mask—this lip balm visibly plumps nourishes your pout with its lightweight formula of shea and murumuru seed butters.