If dropping a few Benjamins on the newest and greatest cleansers, serums, and moisturizers makes you totally cringe, we hear you. While we’re all for splurging every once and a while, taking care of your skin definitely doesn’t (and shouldn’t) have to set you back an entire paycheck. Finding skincare products that are both affordable and effective is no easy task, but lucky for you, we’re pretty good at it. Thanks to our trusty algorithm that factors in social buzz, beauty blogger faves, and real user reviews, we’ve pinpointed exactly which skincare products are the best bang for your buck—under $20, to be exact. From a cult-favorite collagen mask to the gentlest exfoliating cleanser, these affordable skincare scores from Sephora promise to work just as well—if not better than—products five times the price. Keep scrolling for 10 top-rated products that will majorly benefit your skin (and your budget). Opening image: @sephora
Love our 10 Best Sephora Buys Under $20? Check out our 10 Best Silk Pillowcases for more top-ranked finds!
February 21, 2019
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask
BEST FOR: Dry, dull, or sensitive complexions in need of a lift
USERS SAID: “I cannot say enough good things about this mask. I originally got it just to keep things a bit tight, but it's done so much more. Since using the mask two times a week starting in mid-May, my skin has transformed—redness down, no acne, the works [edit].”
NuFACE Prep-N-Glow Cloths
WHAT IT DOES: These little babies allow you to cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate skin all in one single step.
HELPFUL TIP: Toss a few in your purse, car, desk, and overnight bag so you’ll never have an excuse to skimp on skincare.
Clinique Pep-Start 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser
BEST FOR: If you're looking for an exfoliating cleanser that’s powerful but super gentle, this is an excellent choice.
HELPFUL TIP: You should always be cautious when adding an exfoliator to your routine as overdoing it can damage your complexion, but Pep-Start is gentle enough to use twice a day.
Kiehl’s Since 1851 Ultra Facial Toner
LOVED FOR: The mega moisturizing power
USERS SAID: “This is amazing. It's not super expensive, it lasts forever, it's hydrating rather than drying, and my skin looks and feels wayyyy clearer than it did before I started using it—particularly my forehead, which is my second worst breakout area. The smell of this toner is nice too.”
Sephora Collection Nourishing Moisturizer - Hydrate & Repair
BEST FOR: An anti-aging moisturizer
FUN FACT: This product is formulated with 91% natural plant ingredients.
Origins Super Spot Remover Blemish Treatment Gel
WHY YOU NEED IT: If you have yet to find an effective treatment for those stubborn, hormonal breakouts, look no further. Origins Super Spot Remover kicks breakouts to the curb ultra fast (we’re talking overnight) while correcting discoloration and soothing redness.
HELPFUL TIP: The bottle is small, but a little goes a long way.
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
BEST FOR: Exfoliating, toning, and brightening for a smooth, glowing complexion and flawless makeup application
USERS SAID: “Wonderful exfoliator with AHAs, which are a must for removing dead skin cells and keeping the complexion clear and tight. Really helped balance my skin and some recurring acne I had on my chin. I'm already on my third pot of this, can't live without!”
Peace Out Acne Healing Dots
WHAT IT DOES: These breakthrough blemish dots take a different approach to acne healing. With a combination of hydrocolloid technology, salicylic acid, and vitamin A, they fight redness, pain, and irritation in as little as six hours.
USERS SAID: “I'm blown away. I bought these a couple days ago after an especially nasty and painful breakout. Popped one on that beast last night, and OH MY GOD—it's freaking gone!”
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
BEST FOR: Those looking to give their lips some serious TLC
HELPFUL TIP: Slather it on at night to wake up with lips that are soft, plumped, and moisturized.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
WHAT IT DOES: Don’t let the fancy scientific name scare you. Niacinamide is just another word for vitamin B3, which is a miracle worker when it comes to reducing the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion.
WHY WE LOVE IT: “Recently I’ve been struggling with hormonal acne and just when I was ready to give up hope, this stuff came in and saved the day. Blemishes, blackheads, and redness were gone in a matter of days and my skin looks so much smoother and brighter. My holy grail product!”—Kate Ferris, Copywriter
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