8 Cult-Favorite Skincare Products That Are Worth the Splurge (& 8 Cheaper—Still Incredible—Alternatives)

If you want to save on cleanser

A blend of AHAs plus a generous lather equals this gentle-yet-effective cleanser. It’s exfoliating without being harsh, leaving behind nothing but a soft, fresh face upon first rinse. The minty scent is especially invigorating in the mornings.

If you want to splurge on cleanser

If you’re going to spend $88 on a face wash, please make it this all-natural delight. The lightly scrubby texture does double duty and exfoliates dead skin cells while whisking away the day’s grime, and a dose of pink clay keeps blackheads at bay. In our humble opinion, it’s worth the sticker-shock.

If you want to save on moisturizer

Fast-absorbing? Check. Won’t clog your pores? Check, check. Lasts all day? Yep, we’ve found the holy grail of moisturizers. It doesn’t hurt that it’s packed with hyaluronic acid and feels like a cool drink of water for your skin.

If you want to splurge on moisturizer

Think of this day cream as a protein smoothie for your face. Aside from being hydrating, it’s made with a blend of nine peptides to combat the loss of tone and firmness that comes with aging, and it even reduces sun damage with each use. We’re also suckers for the fun packaging and pump dispenser, but that’s beside the point.

If you want to save on serum

For an instant boost in brightness and hydration but for a fraction of the cost of some pricier serums, this blend of niancinamide and hyaluronic acid will do the trick. Bonus: It leaves behind a dewy glow, so you can use it in place of your highlighter.

If you want to splurge on serum

This cult-y oil is brightening, hydrating, balancing, anti-aging…and good for pretty much any skin type. At least three of PureWow’s editors give it a rave review, and we believe the hype. A blend of 22 active botanicals (the brainchild of former winemaker April Gargiulo) leaves your skin so impossibly glowy, you won’t feel bad about the hefty price tag.

If you want to save on eye cream

This brightening eye cream is chock-full of peptides, hyaluronic acid and date seed extract to protect your delicate under-eye region while plumping to minimize fine lines. The gel cream formula absorbs quickly and layers well with makeup.

If you want to splurge on eye cream

According to the brand, this rich cream fights the “five types of eye-area wrinkles” (we definitely have more than five), thanks to a blend of hyaluronic acid and squalane. We love that it’s moisturizing, smoothing and works well under makeup, and thankfully, a little goes a long way.

If you want to save on retinol

Sometimes the best things come in inexpensive packages, and this wrinkle-slash-acne treatment is one of them. This top retinol is tough on clogged pores and creases, but gentle on your skin thanks to its slow-releasing formula and squalane. You can bet we’re stocking up.

If you want to splurge on retinol

This triple-threat treatment uses a combo of retinol, vitamin C and wild gooseberry extract to smooth texture, reduce wrinkles and banish dullness, while protecting against future damage. But it’s also gentle enough for daily use, so you don’t have to worry about the dreaded peeling and redness that accompanies some harsher vitamin A products.

If you want to save on toner

Apply this fast-absorbing toner after cleansing to rebalance your skin's hydration levels. The refreshing formula delivers lightweight hydration while nixing shine (thanks to green tea harvested in Jeju Island, Korea).

If you want to splurge on toner

Like a drink for thirsty skin, this hydrating toner delivers panthenol and hyaluronic acid to plump and soothe your complexion after cleansing. Use it morning and night by sweeping it over your face and neck with a saturated cotton round.

If you want to save on face oil

We love this pure, cold-pressed rosehip seed oil from The Ordinary. In addition to being incredibly moisturizing, it's also been shown to help with any redness or hyperpigmentation leftover from past acne marks.

If you want to splurge on face oil

The grande finale to your skincare routine? Why, a luxurious face oil, of course. This one is loaded with sugarcane-derived squalane oil and vitamin C to visibly brighten skin and give it a soft glow without feeling overly greasy.

One place to save

This floral face mist features rose extracts and clarifying thyme extract to help keep your pores clear and hydrated. Spray it on before your face lotion for an added boost of moisture and in the afternoon to refresh your makeup.

One place to splurge

Gentle acids are essential for reviving tired skin without stripping moisture. A thick layer of this creamy treatment will do the trick, thanks to superfood antioxidants and two types of vitamin C. (And who could resist that bright purple hue?)