Because ‘boujee’ doesn’t always mean better.
Although high-end beauty brands would probably prefer we all believe that luxury skincare is superior to drugstore products, that’s not always the case. Budget moisturisers can be just as good as boujee ones, as long as you know what to buy. Women’s Health Australia sat down with Dermatologist and Director of Chroma Dermatology, Pigment and Skin of Colour Centre, Dr Michelle Rodrigues, MBBS (Hons), FACD, to get all her advice on why expensive doesn’t mean better plus how to choose affordable moisturisers.
Are expensive moisturisers better than cheaper ones?
With some things in life, that old adage about getting what you pay for couldn’t ring more true. But, it’s not necessary to splash out on expensive skincare to get results, according to Dr Rodrigues.
“You definitely don’t need to empty your pockets to get great quality skincare products in Australia. Some of the best products are picked up at your local chemist for a fraction of the cost of the fancy ones that sit on skin care store shelves,” says Dr Rodrigues.
So, why are some moisturisers more expensive?
Well, this could be due to a few factors. “The price point of a moisturiser can depend on everything from the branding and size of the bottle or tub you purchase to size of the company manufacturing the moisturiser. Of course, some also have in-built active ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid which can raise the cost of a moisturiser,” says Dr Rodrigues.
RELATED: What’s The Difference Between Serum And Moisturiser?
How to choose the best moisturiser on a budget
Choose a formula that’s suitable for your skin type
Moisturisers come in many forms – namely gels, lotions and creams. For best results (in terms of hydration and skin suitability), choose a hydrating product designed for your individual complexion concerns.
Best moisturiser type for normal to oily skin: Lotion
“Lotions (generally found in pump packs) are great for oily skin types, hairy areas, those prone to acne and when the weather warms up,” says Dr Rodrigues.
Best moisturiser type for normal to dry skin: Cream
“People with dry skin should consider a cream-based moisturiser. These are thicker, greasier and are great for winter,” suggests Dr Rodrigues.
Opt for fragrance-free
Love something with a bit of scent? That might be OK – as long as you don’t have reactive skin. However, those with sensitive skin types should steer well clear of fragrance.
Dr Rodrigues also says it’s worth being wary that “moisturisers [containing] perfumes can end up causing dermatitis and allergy over time.”
Pay attention to ingredient lists
Check the box to see what ingredients a product has been formulated with. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides are all effective moisturising ingredients that will keep your complexion happy and hydrated. Dr Rodrigues is particularly a fan of ceramides due to their wide-ranging benefits.
“Ceramides are a great ingredient to look for. Ceramides are naturally occurring fatty molecules found in the top layer of the skin (called the stratum corneum). These help to restore the barrier function of the skin and lock moisture into the skin.
“Research has shown ceramide imbalances affect dryness, irritation, eczema and even melasma which is a pigmentary condition. So, they protect and nourish the skin, keeping it looking and feeling moisturised while preventing other skin conditions from arising. The best way to incorporate this into your skin routine is to look for a ceramide-containing moisturiser,” explains Dr Rodrigues.
The best budget moisturisers to try
Ready to find your new favourite affordable moisturiser? Here are some of our current top picks.
For normal skin: CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion
For sensitive skin: Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Balm
For dry skin: Innisfree Green Tea Seed Cream
For oily skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Anti-Acne Moisturiser
For combination skin: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors
For something that strikes the perfect balance between being hydrating without being heavy, we can’t go past this budget moisturiser from The Ordinary. With amino acids, hyaluronic acid and glycerine, it’ll keep your face moisturised and comfy.
For acne-prone skin: Bioderma Sebium Hydra
Many treatments for breakouts or pimples can strip the skin of moisture. This moisturiser is designed to combat those effects with glycerin and ceramides to restore, repair and protect from future hydration loss.
For ageing skin: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser Retinol + Niacinamide Pressed Cream
RELATED: How Perimenopause (AKA ‘The Menopause Transition’) Affects Your Skin
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