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  ISTOCK/FRESHSPLASH 

 

 

 

 [Grooming](/grooming) 

 



 /  05 March 2021  

#  Affordable Skincare: What To Know &amp; What To Buy  


 New insights and healthy competition mean not all the most effective grooming products come with hefty price tags. Here is SLMan’s guide to great products at the right prices…  
 

 



 

  ISTOCK/FRESHSPLASH 

 

 

 

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

 



 

 

 

 

### Don’t Be Lured By Branding

“It’s easy to fall into the trap of buying a product because it looks or smells good. My advice is to spend no more than £30 on an individual skincare product. The high street is full of fantastic products that tick all the boxes. So many people still think an expensive product must be better than a cheaper counterpart, but this isn’t always the case – often, the extra price point is associated with more expensive branding, packaging and marketing costs.” – *[Dr Anjali Mahto](https://www.skin55.co.uk/dr-anjali-mahto), consultant dermatologist*

### Do Your Research

“If you have problem skin – for example, you suffer from acne or rosacea – it’s worth doing some research into pharmaceutical options. There’s a huge difference between a cosmetic product and a pharmaceutical product, which can mean much frustration for individuals when they find their skincare problem fails to resolve with the ‘right’ cleanser or toner, leading to much chopping and changing of products, and lots of money being spent but little difference in skin quality. The Inkey List, The Ordinary and Superdrug’s B. Skincare range are good options for those on a budget.” *– Anjali*

### Save On Cleansers, Spend On Serums

“As a general rule of thumb, cleansers and moisturisers don’t need to be expensive, but anything containing ‘active’ ingredients, such as serums, is worth spending more on. Active ingredients like vitamins A and C, need to be packaged correctly and be in the right formulation to see results. Some great high-street cleansers include CeraVe’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser, Biore’s Charcoal Anti-Blemish Wash and The Ordinary’s Squalane Cleanser.” *– Anjali*

### Avoid Overly Fragranced Products

“Lots of cheaper brands mask the fact that their products don’t contain decent amounts of active ingredients by piling on fragrance and alcohol. Always look on the back of a product at the ingredients and avoid fragrance and alcohol where possible, as these can lead to irritation and inflammation. On the flip side, keep an eye out for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinoids and niacinamide.” – *[Benji Dhillon](https://www.defineclinic.com/dr-benji-dhillon/), skincare expert &amp; cosmetic surgeon*

### Affordable SPF Does Exist

“There’s a misconception that suncare is expensive. La Roche-Posay, Vichy and Avène all do great SPFs at good prices. La Roche Posay’s Anthelios range is particularly good for men as the formulas are light, absorb quickly and don’t get stuck in beards.” – *Anjali*

### Give Your Body Some TLC Too

“High street and pharmacy shelves are also packed with products for your body that are handy if you suffer from dry or sensitive skin. Products to try include Aveeno’s Daily Moisturising Body Cream and Ameliorate’s Transforming Body Lotion. Eucerin is also a brand to keep on your radar – its Dermatoclean Mild Cleansing Milk is a fantastic product.” *– Anjali*

Want in? These are the brands worth knowing…

 

 

 

## CeraVe 

 

 

 

This brand arrived in the UK just over two years ago and has quickly proved popular with both consumers and industry experts. Developed with dermatologists, its cleansers, moisturisers and SPFs are no-frills formulas that guarantee real results at accessible price points. Its range of foaming cleansers comes highly recommended, and there’s something for all skin types.

 

 

 

 ![Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25](https://media.slman.com/74DNGSA_9qUW4J5jBvhIaQwMqNs=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F03%2Fcerave-am-facial-moisturising-lotion-spf-25-r.jpg?itok=4_Lm0IBW)

 

[#### Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25](https://www.boots.com/cerave-facial-moisturising-lotion-spf25-10246705-)

 

£13

 

 

 

 ![Foaming Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin](https://media.slman.com/b9jnhUM_BN7122F2yWtaPrec5BQ=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F03%2Fcerave-foaming-cleanser-r.jpg?itok=9m74RdQ1)

 

[#### Foaming Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A//www.boots.com/cerave-foaming-cleanser-236ml-10246702)

 

£9.50

 

 

 

 ![Hydrating Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin](https://media.slman.com/Jx_Lop9hgTr_Edo4MQMLie6WD-A=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F03%2Fcerave-hydrating-cleanser-r.jpg?itok=nP2APbEN)

 

[#### Hydrating Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A//www.boots.com/cerave-hydrating-cleanser-236ml-10246701-)

 

£9.50

 

 

 

 ![PM Facial Moisturising Lotion](https://media.slman.com/LE_nDx_e4Y6XIcOskXKTPJjjNSg=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F03%2Fcerave-pm-facial-moisturising-lotion-r.jpg?itok=vvcqUben)

 

[#### PM Facial Moisturising Lotion](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A//www.boots.com/cerave-facial-moisturising-lotion-52ml-10258275)

 

£13

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

## La Roche Posay 

 

 

 

One of the great things about French pharmacy products is that they are often targeted to particular skin problems and types. La Roche Posay is good at this. Its Toleriane range is a good choice for those with sensitive skin, Effaclar is great for oily skin, while Rosaliac will tackle redness.

 

 

 

 ![Effaclar Duo+ Blemish treatment](https://media.slman.com/1SzgJ8Ht-aNeg-WvU8-2JGDgPnc=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F03%2Fla-roche-posay-effaclar-duo-r.jpg?itok=VfAwSknc)

 

[#### Effaclar Duo+ Blemish treatment](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A//www.boots.com/la-roche-posay-effaclar-duo-40ml-10169551)

 

£17

 

 

 

 ![Hyaluronic Acid Serum](https://media.slman.com/P7sMwWVq7lk0wD01OCa-V2fduRk=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F03%2Fla-roche-posay-hyalub5-hyaluronic-acid-serum-r.jpg?itok=PvWrszve)

 

[#### Hyaluronic Acid Serum](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A//www.boots.com/la-roche-posay-hyalu-b5-serum-30ml-10242622)

 

£38

 

 

 

 ![Anti-Redness Light Cream SPF 15](https://media.slman.com/UnXLLMLyhMfqCGeeL_fxiDbhEWI=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F03%2Fla-roche-posay-rosaliac-anti-redness-light-cream-spf-15-r.jpg?itok=DkebHGtK)

 

[#### Anti-Redness Light Cream SPF 15](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A//www.boots.com/la-roche-posay-rosaliac-uv-light-40ml-10105297)

 

£17.50

 

 

 

 ![Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser Sensitive Skin ](https://media.slman.com/D6AhK5DaEfGP62tL0I0cx5cUbUE=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F03%2Fla-roche-posay-toleriane-dermo-cleanser-sensitive-skin-r.jpg?itok=E0LoYV0F)

 

[#### Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser Sensitive Skin ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A//www.boots.com/la-roche-posay-toleriane-dermo-cleanser-200ml-10083653)

 

£12.50

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

## The Ordinary 

 

 

 

From vitamin-packed moisturisers to silky-smooth serums, The Ordinary’s line-up delivers serious results on a £10 budget. Foregoing unnecessary packaging and misleading ingredients, each bottle makes it easy to see what you’re buying. Bestsellers include the fine-line reducing Buffet, moisturising Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and the Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution.

 

 

 

 !['Buffet'](https://media.slman.com/RCblT-OHIt8ksb42alrgx-3fM00=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F03%2Fordinary-buffet-r.jpg?itok=qPghfpVI)

 

[#### 'Buffet'](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=35269&murl=https%3A//www.cultbeauty.co.uk/the-ordinary-buffet.html)

 

£12.70

 

 

 

 ![Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution](https://media.slman.com/yVsxRRswTmZ6kS7uMKQjSlYGKR8=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F03%2Fordinary-glycolic-acid-7-toning-solution-r.jpg?itok=rRuWFHIL)

 

[#### Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=35269&murl=https%3A//www.cultbeauty.co.uk/the-ordinary-glycolic-acid-7-toning-solution.html)

 

£6.80

 

 

 

 ![Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5](https://media.slman.com/eGfV6v2476R7XaWeAnRQWxv5NpM=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F03%2Fordinary-hyaluronic-acid-2-b5-r.jpg?itok=mOqGYo1X)

 

[#### Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=35269&murl=https%3A//www.cultbeauty.co.uk/the-ordinary-hyaluronic-acid-2-b5.html)

 

£5.90

 

 

 

 ![Squalane Cleanser](https://media.slman.com/iLTklworLGAtNoA3Q0-_pErDH50=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F03%2Fordinary-squalene-cleanser-r.jpg?itok=yOG62P0u)

 

[#### Squalane Cleanser](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=35269&murl=https%3A//www.cultbeauty.co.uk/the-ordinary-squalene-cleanser.html)

 

£5.50

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

## Avene 

 

 

 

Using water from a thermal spring that has been of dermatological interest since the 19th century for its properties that treat atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema and burns, Avène is ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Hero products include the Hydrance Aqua-Gel Moisturiser (the ultimate non-greasy formula) and Cleanance Comedomed, a clever cream that contains a milk thistle-derived ingredient to reduce sebum and breakouts.

 

 

 

 ![Cleanance Cleansing Gel Cleanser for Blemish-Prone Skin](https://media.slman.com/1nMK1HTMMNliaETwiLBixLy4M-M=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F03%2Favene-cleanance-cleansing-gel-cleanser-r.jpg?itok=5pm9nrCV)

 

[#### Cleanance Cleansing Gel Cleanser for Blemish-Prone Skin](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A//www.boots.com/avene-cleanance-cleansing-gel-cleanser-for-blemish-prone-skin-200ml-10286905)

 

£12

 

 

 

 ![Cleanance Comedomed Anti-Blemishes Concentrate](https://media.slman.com/-2R2Ag1wIGFOHd9BxomiZTumB08=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F03%2Favene-cleanance-comedomed-r.jpg?itok=Hp9Oz0dX)

 

[#### Cleanance Comedomed Anti-Blemishes Concentrate](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A//www.boots.com/av%25C3%25A8ne-cleanance-comedomed-anti-blemishes-concentrate-30ml-10277886)

 

£18.50

 

 

 

 ![Hydrance AQUA-GEL 3-in-1 Moisturiser](https://media.slman.com/E3SgMiVMv__LyFgpNgWljDZtIvU=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F03%2Favene-hydrance-aqua-gel-moisturiser-r.jpg?itok=xQ_C82tN)

 

[#### Hydrance AQUA-GEL 3-in-1 Moisturiser](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A//www.boots.com/av%25C3%25A8ne-hydrance-aqua-gel-moisturiser-for-dehydrated-skin-50ml-10271957)

 

£20

 

 

 

 ![Skin Recovery Cream Moisturiser for Very Sensitive Skin](https://media.slman.com/gWSaxhWQ8CN51A-rBP-uNrptFLM=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F03%2Favene-skin-recovery-cream-moisturiser-r.jpg?itok=Gmuq3voR)

 

[#### Skin Recovery Cream Moisturiser for Very Sensitive Skin](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A//www.boots.com/avene-skin-recovery-cream-50ml-10193382)

 

£17.50

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

## The Inkey List 

 

 

 

Each product in The Inkey List family is based around a single ingredient, making it easy to ascertain exactly what you’re putting on your skin. A succinct collection of products formulated by experts and scientists, these are science-backed products at a seriously affordable price tag. From cleansers to blemish treatments, The Inkey List has everything you need.

 

 

 

 ![Oat Cleansing Balm](https://media.slman.com/O8bJHq8P3-fdAYT8h9JHz4IhO08=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F03%2Finkey-list-oat-cleansing-balm-r.jpg?itok=IR0WPbaq)

 

[#### Oat Cleansing Balm](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=35269&murl=https%3A//www.cultbeauty.co.uk/the-inkey-list-oat-cleansing-balm.html)

 

£9.99

 

 

 

 ![Retinol Serum](https://media.slman.com/-RB53Eg25zP8mIQlzp4iPMquHMU=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F03%2Finkey-list-retinol-serum-r.jpg?itok=b_RiIULp)

 

[#### Retinol Serum](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=35269&murl=https%3A//www.cultbeauty.co.uk/the-inkey-list-retinol-serum.html)

 

£9.99

 

 

 

 ![Salicylic Acid Cleanser](https://media.slman.com/eNqAIl9KKbHGATwrr2yNBnzardw=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F03%2Finkey-list-salicylic-acid-cleanser-r.jpg?itok=9vt2Aztv)

 

[#### Salicylic Acid Cleanser](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=35269&murl=https%3A//www.cultbeauty.co.uk/the-inkey-list-salicylic-acid-cleanser.html)

 

£10.99

 

 

 

 ![Succinic Acid Blemish Treatment](https://media.slman.com/vwPxHqlNRzWctUKusRaC2SNNY6s=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F03%2Finkey-list-succinic-acid-blemish-treatment-r.jpg?itok=bdVVuW5Z)

 

[#### Succinic Acid Blemish Treatment](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=35269&murl=https%3A//www.cultbeauty.co.uk/the-inkey-list-succinic-acid-blemish-treatment.html)

 

£6.99

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

## Super Facialist 

 

 

 

While this industry-approved brand has its own collection solely for men (the hyaluronic moisturisers are particularly good), its other ranges are also worth checking out. If you are prone to dull skin, the Vitamin C range is a good choice, while the salicylic acid line is a top pick for those prone to oiliness and breakouts.

 

 

 

 ![Hyaluronic Acid Anti Ageing Day Moisturiser ](https://media.slman.com/6nxfmPO0x6r5paqzNTPmmatOpRc=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F03%2Fsuper-facialist-anti-ageing-day-moisturiser-r.jpg?itok=FApZQHqD)

 

[#### Hyaluronic Acid Anti Ageing Day Moisturiser ](https://superfacialist.co.uk/product/hyaluronic-acid-anti-ageing-day-moisturiser/)

 

£11.90 *(was £17)*

 

 

 

 ![Men Energising Face Wash ](https://media.slman.com/A9UoaeZcefMzI8scudi2DICz0K0=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F03%2Fsuper-facialist-energising-face-wash-r.jpg?itok=FSP8GH_X)

 

[#### Men Energising Face Wash ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A//www.boots.com/super-facialist-for-men-energising-face-wash-150ml--10261696p)

 

£6.75

 

 

 

 ![Salicylic Acid Purifying Cleansing Wash](https://media.slman.com/5Mv03bGEXQXcxMzFzEVJ_uIsWg4=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F03%2Fsuper-facialist-salicylic-acid-anti-blemish-purifying-cleansing-wash-r.jpg?itok=pPVyC8y0)

 

[#### Salicylic Acid Purifying Cleansing Wash](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A//www.boots.com/super-facialist-salicylic-acid-purifying-cleansing-wash-150ml-10145894)

 

£9

 

 

 

 ![Vitamin C+ Glow Boost Skin Serum](https://media.slman.com/phARlaGH1HLPpwR8_hMFwnocF1s=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F03%2Fsuper-facialist-vitamin-c-skin-serum-r.jpg?itok=xNgy4qdL)

 

[#### Vitamin C+ Glow Boost Skin Serum](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A//www.boots.com/super-facialist-vitamin-c-glow-boost-skin-serum-30ml-10160291)

 

£17

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

*For more information about our experts, visit [Skin55.co.uk](https://www.skin55.co.uk/) and [DefineClinic.com](https://www.defineclinic.com/)*

 

 

 

 

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

 

DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at <info@slman.com>.