4 Luxury Skincare Dupes, Straight from a Dermatologist

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Published Aug 12, 2019

Sure, it would be nice to use La Mer every day, but let’s be real: We’re on more of a Neutrogena budget. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have luxurious, effective products. Actually, quite the opposite—there are plenty of great formulas within our price point, we just needed a little help narrowing them down. So we tapped board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Sperling of Sperling Dermatology for some of her favorite products and their (much) less expensive duplicates. Here, four that will make your wallet oh so happy.

Splurge: Sunday Riley A+ High-dose Retinol Serum ($85)

Save: Differin Gel ($11)

“Differin, which used to be prescription only, but is now available over the counter, is a great product for acne and anti-aging,” explains Dr. Sperling. “It helps promote cell turnover, stimulate collagen, reduce discoloration and restore your skin’s natural texture and tone, just like Sunday Riley’s retinol serum promises—but for nearly eight times less.”

Shop: Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum ($85); Differin Gel ($11)

Splurge: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic ($166)

Save: Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Anti-aging Serum ($68)

True, people swear by SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, but we totally get not wanting to spend $166 on one tiny bottle. Dr. Sperling recommends Image Skincare’s vitamin C serum instead, saying, “This vitamin C serum has hydrating and anti-aging properties that rival SkinCeuticals’.”

Shop: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($166); Image Skincare VITAL C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum ($68)

Splurge: Tata Harper Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer ($116)

Save: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-cream ($21)

Tata Harper is praised for its clean ingredients, but adding $112 to our monthly beauty spend is a bit aggressive. Dr. Sperling recommends trying Neutrogena Hydro Boost instead because it’s made with the same active ingredient, hyaluronic acid, which helps the skin retain moisture.

Shop: Tata Harper Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer ($116); Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream ($21)

Splurge: Clinique Deep Comfort Body Wash ($29)

Save: Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash ($5)

Let’s not forget about body care! Dr. Sperling says there’s no need to spend more than $5 on body wash; just want to look for a product like Dove that “is a gentle moisturizing cleanser that won’t dry out the skin.” Thanks, Dr. Sperling! We’ll keep it on our Prime subscription.

Shop: Clinique Deep Comfort Body Wash ($29); Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash ($5)

Brianna Lapolla

Writer

Brianna Lapolla formerly held the role of Senior Commerce Editor at PureWow covering all things shopping across beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. Now, she's putting her 12 years of professional experience to use on a freelance basis. When she's not typing away, you can find her somewhere in Europe or at home catering to her dog, King Louis.

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