High end vs drugstore skincare, which is worth it?
Written By Jenny Wu on
This is a question that goes through everyone’s mind when they’re purchasing a beauty product for the first time: should I purchase the inexpensive, drugstore brand or the upscale, expensive brand?
After years of trying out both high-end and low-end skincare products, I’m going to breakdown for you which are splurge-worthy, and which aren’t.
My review scale
💰💰💰💰 Definitely splurge-worthy, 99% of the time you get what you pay for
💰💰💰 If you can afford it, go with an expensive brand for the bougie experience and slightly better results
💰💰 You can’t go wrong either way, it’s totally up to you
💰 Go with the cheaper options, or buy the expensive brands when they’re on sale
💸 Totally splurge-unworthy, there’s no reason to pay more other than to be extra
Makeup removers 💸
I’ve tried Lancome, Clinique, Neutrogena, Almay, Pond’s, Biore, and CVS’s makeup removers. Do the high-end brands work well? Absolutely! What about the drugstore brands? They get the job done just as well.
There are some slight differences still (packaging, ingredients, etc), but performance wise there is no significant difference. My favorite makeup remover to this date is the Bioderma Sensibio, which is definitely more drugstore than high-end.
Read also: Which first cleanser do I need? 7 types of makeup removers compared
Face wash 💰
After trying out several high end face washes, I’ve concluded that both get my face just as clean, and their main difference is in the experience.
First of all, realize that a lot of the high-end brands and drugstore brands are owned by the same company (e.g. L’oreal owns both Lancome & L’oreal), which means that the difference between their 2 product lines is that the high-end one includes better ingredients and newer technology – none of which really matter when it comes to face washes, because the anti-aging/brightening ingredients don’t stay on your skin long enough to do squat.
The only ingredients that matters are the BHA and/or AHA, which helps get rid of dead skin cells, and can be found in a myriad of drugstore cleansers. However it’s important that the face wash is low pH for the actives to work, plus it’s better for your skin overall.
If you’re concerned with harsh ingredients in drugstore products, you’ll be happy to know that there are now plenty of brands that use gentle ingredients. CeraVe and Simple are two that come to mind.
So why would you ever buy expensive face washes? Because some of them feel like mini spa sessions, and who doesn’t like to treat yo’ self? I’ve used both high end and drugstore face washes, and honestly there are great products in both price ranges, so pick one that you love and your skin loves!
Exfoliants & scrubs 💰💰💰
For physical scrubs, 100% go with high end options.
Drugstore brands *cough* St. Ives *cough* like to use walnut shells which sound good, but can actually cause micro-tears on your skin, leading to inflammation. Definitely not what a scrub should do.
High end brands typically use finer particles that are gentler on the skin, think of the difference between fine and rough sandpaper.
With the arrival of The Ordinary and Cosrx, you can now get great chemical peels & exfoliants at drugstore prices. I still think high end brands offer better formulas and ingredients (and thus results), but they’re not absolutely necessary.
Further reading: The AHA moment: 13 exfoliant for baby smooth skin
Sheet masks 💰
I don’t get what high end brands are doing with sheet masks, but they’re doing a pretty awful job in my opinion. $20+ for a single sheet that delivers the same results as my drugstore sheet masks? For shame!
The only high end sheet mask that’s impressed me so far are the Instytutum Sheet Masks, but otherwise I rely on my trusty Asian brands: My Beauty Diary, My Scheming, Common Labs, and Papa Recipe are just a few with fantastic sheet masks that don’t cost an arm and a leg.
Further reading: $2 indulgences – my top 5 affordable sheet masks
Wash off masks 💰💰
It used to be the case that cheaper drugstore brand wash off masks were mostly deep cleansing clay masks, which were fine, but lacked variety. You had to splurge to get better ingredients and features.
However nowadays, especially with how accessible (and affordable!) K-beauty has become, you can find all sorts of amazing wash off masks without breaking the banks. My own stash of wash off masks is a nice mix of both affordable and high end brands!
I will admit though, the usage experience with these pricier masks are usually a bit better, ie. better scent, better texture, etc, than their drugstore cousins. Not a deal breaker, but something to consider if masking is part of your pampering routine and you want to make it a whole experience.
Further reading: The non-sheet mask roundup: 10 masks for every skin situation
This is it for part 1, keep reading for part 2 where I talk about the big guns: essences, serums, and moisturizers!
Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.
Skin profile: 35+, dry/combination, focused on well-aging, hydration, and a healthy glow ✨
Comments & Questions
Amber
I really like this entry. Make-up removal is always a difficult choice for me. I was currently using Almay, but that felt way too oily on my eyes. I switched to Neutrogena and felt the same but not as much. I finally found one in St. Ivy which made my skin soft and removed my make-up.
I don't usually do anything else. I wonder if I am missing anything from doing that. I look forward to your next entry. I like your reviews on facial items and make-up.
Jenny
I guess it depends on skin type, but since my skin gets oily in the summer, scrubs/exfoliants and masks are necessary. Glad to hear that you like my reviews :D
Amber
I really like this entry. Make-up removal is always a difficult choice for me. I was currently using Almay, but that felt way too oily on my eyes. I switched to Neutrogena and felt the same but not as much. I finally found one in St. Ivy which made my skin soft and removed my make-up.
I don't usually do anything else. I wonder if I am missing anything from doing that. I look forward to your next entry. I like your reviews on facial items and make-up.
Jenny
I guess it depends on skin type, but since my skin gets oily in the summer, scrubs/exfoliants and masks are necessary. Glad to hear that you like my reviews :D
Carol
A new post! ;D I use Avene's Gel make up remover! Not too bad!
I totally agree with you! I love Beauty Diary's sheet mask! I am lucky enough to have friends to buy them for me in taiwan! Or when I go back to Singapore! Which brands of sheet mask do you use? I tasted one from Faceshop, but it didn't work as well as Beauty diary's one.
Jenny
I love My Beauty Diary's sheet masks, they're my favorite so far :D I've also tried Dr. Morita, Shinning Way, and a various of other miscellaneous brands. Shinning Way isn't bad (I think you can only buy them online or through the shopping channel in Taiwan, haha), but the rest were so-so. I'm sticking with My Beauty Diary from now on :D
Carol
A new post! ;D I use Avene's Gel make up remover! Not too bad!
I totally agree with you! I love Beauty Diary's sheet mask! I am lucky enough to have friends to buy them for me in taiwan! Or when I go back to Singapore! Which brands of sheet mask do you use? I tasted one from Faceshop, but it didn't work as well as Beauty diary's one.
Jenny
I love My Beauty Diary's sheet masks, they're my favorite so far :D I've also tried Dr. Morita, Shinning Way, and a various of other miscellaneous brands. Shinning Way isn't bad (I think you can only buy them online or through the shopping channel in Taiwan, haha), but the rest were so-so. I'm sticking with My Beauty Diary from now on :D
Bonnie L
I agree with this post! Ahhh that lush image makes me wish I had a pot of face mask in my fridge right now! Motivates me to do a face mask tonight though :P
Jenny
Reading your comment makes me want to put my sheet masks in the fridge! A cool mask is perfect for the summer time ;)
Bonnie L
I agree with this post! Ahhh that lush image makes me wish I had a pot of face mask in my fridge right now! Motivates me to do a face mask tonight though :P
Jenny
Reading your comment makes me want to put my sheet masks in the fridge! A cool mask is perfect for the summer time ;)
Stephanie | theFantasia.com
Thank you thank you thank you for doing this post! Finally =] I completely agree with you on everything! It makes me feel so much better knowing that I'm not wasting more money than necessary =]
Jenny
Yay, I'm glad I could help :P I don't expect everyone to agree with my views, but I honestly believe in only spending as much money as necessary, even when it comes to my beloved beauty products!
Stephanie
Thank you thank you thank you for doing this post! Finally =] I completely agree with you on everything! It makes me feel so much better knowing that I'm not wasting more money than necessary =]
Jenny
Yay, I'm glad I could help :P I don't expect everyone to agree with my views, but I honestly believe in only spending as much money as necessary, even when it comes to my beloved beauty products!
Cat
I thought this was really useful! I'm in need of a new make up remover, and it's good to know that the drugstore brands are just as good. I haven't tried many peels, but I really like the one I have now (which is the Olay Regenerist one). I look forward to part 2!
Cat
I thought this was really useful! I'm in need of a new make up remover, and it's good to know that the drugstore brands are just as good. I haven't tried many peels, but I really like the one I have now (which is the Olay Regenerist one). I look forward to part 2!
nyuu
Very informative! I like how you get to the point :)Â
I agree with everything you've said so far except for the mask, but that's because I haven't tried enough mask to say whether high end or low end. I look forward to part 2!
nyuu
Very informative! I like how you get to the point :)Â
I agree with everything you've said so far except for the mask, but that's because I haven't tried enough mask to say whether high end or low end. I look forward to part 2!
tiff
Thanks for writing such an informative review! I really don't take good care of my skin, but really I should start caring. Your post is a good place to start. ;)
tiff
Thanks for writing such an informative review! I really don't take good care of my skin, but really I should start caring. Your post is a good place to start. ;)
Amy
I'm glad I stopped by to read this! Thank you for your opinions :)
Amy x
http://alittleboatsailing.blogspot.co.uk/
Latrina
I love great reviews. Thanks for this! I know very little when it comes to stuff like this... so this helped me a lot. I rarely ever use facial masks -- and that's only because I never know which ones to get. So thanks! I am going to look for those & try them out. :D
Latrina
I love great reviews. Thanks for this! I know very little when it comes to stuff like this... so this helped me a lot. I rarely ever use facial masks -- and that's only because I never know which ones to get. So thanks! I am going to look for those & try them out. :D
Mija
Great reviews!
Mija
Great reviews!
Charlie
I get the cheapest makeup removal wipes the supermarket sells, and they work just as well, as you say. In the case of the ones I use, they smell nicer too. Thank you for writing an objective review!
Charlie
I get the cheapest makeup removal wipes the supermarket sells, and they work just as well, as you say. In the case of the ones I use, they smell nicer too. Thank you for writing an objective review!
Hannah?
Great points!
So can the same be said for facial washes? I've tried some of the more expensive brands like Lancome, and while they smell and feel fabulous, I figured that since you're washing it off anyway (and not leaving on overnight like a cream), it would be more economical to just purchase cheaper alternatives. :P Very informative post.
Hannah♡
Great points!
So can the same be said for facial washes? I've tried some of the more expensive brands like Lancome, and while they smell and feel fabulous, I figured that since you're washing it off anyway (and not leaving on overnight like a cream), it would be more economical to just purchase cheaper alternatives. :P Very informative post.