12 Affordable Skincare Dupes Worth Trying in November

Quality skincare can often feel expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. There are so many affordable alternatives that can work just as well as high-end brands, giving you the same results for less. Whether you’re looking for a daily moisturizer or a night cream, there are plenty of options that offer excellent value. The trick is knowing which products are worth your money and which ones truly make a difference.

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The Ordinary Matrixyl 10 percent and HA

This serum offers a high concentration of Matrixyl peptides, paired with hyaluronic acid, to help improve the appearance of fine lines and skin firmness. It works well for those looking to address signs of aging while maintaining smooth, hydrated skin. The price typically ranges from $10 to $15, making it an affordable choice. For November, when the skin can start feeling drier, this serum helps boost hydration while improving skin resilience. It’s a great value option that provides the benefits of more expensive anti-aging treatments without the steep price tag.

When applying, make sure to use it on slightly damp skin and follow with a moisturizer to seal in the hydration. This serum is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, as it is gentle and free from unnecessary additives. Its formula is simple and effective, making it easy to incorporate into any skincare routine. The bottle design helps preserve the formula’s integrity, and it’s a product you can confidently layer under other treatments. This serum’s combination of peptides and hydration makes it a top choice for anyone looking to maintain a youthful glow.

The Inkey List Retinol Serum 30 ml

The Inkey List Retinol Serum delivers a moderate strength of retinol in a formula that helps with the appearance of fine lines, texture, and skin tone. It’s ideal for those new to retinol or looking for a gentler option than stronger retinol treatments. The typical price for this product ranges from $12 to $20. It’s a great pick for November when the skin is transitioning between seasons and can use a little extra help with cell turnover. For those wanting to begin incorporating retinol into their routine without committing to expensive products, this is a solid option.

This serum has a simple, effective formula that ensures retinol works without overwhelming your skin. Apply it at night and pair with a moisturizer to reduce potential irritation. Over time, you’ll notice smoother skin and a more even tone. If you’re unsure about how your skin will react, start using it two to three times a week. This gentle retinol serum makes it easy to introduce an anti-aging ingredient into your routine.

Timeless Skin Care 100 percent Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

This hydrating serum delivers pure hyaluronic acid, helping your skin draw in moisture and retain it for plump, hydrated skin. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting to add a layer of hydration before their moisturizer. The price typically falls between $10 and $18, offering great value. In November, when cooler air can lead to skin dehydration, this serum provides an essential boost of moisture. The formula is straightforward, with no added fragrances or fillers, ensuring it delivers exactly what you need without irritation.

When using this serum, apply it to slightly damp skin for the best results, as hyaluronic acid works best when it can attract water from the surface. It’s a lightweight product, so it layers well under moisturizers or sunscreens without leaving a sticky residue. Suitable for all skin types, this serum is especially beneficial for those with dry or dehydrated skin. Use it daily or as part of your nighttime routine to maintain skin moisture. Timeless Skin Care’s reputation for high-quality, simple products shines through with this affordable and effective serum.

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum

Olay’s Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum combines retinol with niacinamide to help renew skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a night serum that targets both texture and tone while promoting skin’s overall health. The price for this product typically ranges from $25 to $35. November is a great time to incorporate a product like this into your routine, as it works while you sleep to reveal smoother, more even skin by morning. It’s a cost-effective retinol option that doesn’t compromise on quality or results.

This serum is formulated to minimize irritation, making it ideal for those new to retinol or with more sensitive skin. The niacinamide helps soothe and brighten the skin, counteracting the dryness that can come with stronger retinol formulas. It’s easy to apply at night and absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy residue behind. For best results, follow it with a rich moisturizer to lock in hydration and support your skin’s barrier. This serum offers a nice balance between performance and affordability, making it a must-try for anyone seeking a reliable retinol product.

Skin Republic Hyaluronic Acid 1 percent Serum

Skin Republic’s Hyaluronic Acid 1 percent Serum is packed with high-quality hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin. This serum works well for those dealing with dehydrated skin or looking to restore moisture balance. The price usually falls between $8 and $15, making it a budget-friendly option. With cooler temperatures in November, this serum is ideal for keeping your skin hydrated and feeling soft. It’s a straightforward and effective product that supports moisture retention, helping your skin stay plump and smooth.

Apply it after cleansing, and let it absorb fully before layering other products. The 1 percent concentration is potent enough to provide hydration without being too heavy, making it suitable for daily use. It’s also fragrance-free, which is a plus for those with sensitive skin. For optimal results, follow up with a moisturizer to seal in all the hydration. Skin Republic offers great value with this simple but effective serum that meets the needs of any skincare routine.

One Thing Hyaluronic Acid Complex

One Thing’s Hyaluronic Acid Complex features multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to target different layers of the skin for deeper hydration. It’s a wonderful choice for anyone looking to deeply hydrate and restore their skin’s moisture levels. The price typically ranges from $12 to $20, making it an affordable option for multi-layer hydration. This serum is perfect for the drier months of November when your skin may feel parched from indoor heating or colder weather. Its simple yet effective formula helps keep your skin looking and feeling moisturized all day long.

The multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid ensure that your skin receives moisture at various depths, providing a more comprehensive hydration experience. This serum is easy to layer with other products, making it a versatile addition to your skincare routine. For best results, apply it on damp skin and follow with your favorite moisturizer to lock in the hydration. This serum is an excellent way to maintain healthy, hydrated skin during the colder months. It’s a fantastic value, offering professional-grade hydration at an affordable price.

Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream

Weleda’s Skin Food is a rich, nourishing cream that helps restore dry, rough skin, especially in the colder months. Its formula includes natural oils and extracts that provide long-lasting moisture and protection. This product typically costs between $15 and $25, depending on size and location. For November, when the weather is dry and your skin needs extra care, Skin Food is a go-to option for keeping your skin smooth and hydrated. The ultra-rich texture makes it perfect for use as a night cream or as a targeted treatment for dry patches.

Apply this cream generously to your face or body, focusing on areas that need the most hydration. It’s thick and protective, providing a barrier against dry air and environmental stressors. Although it’s ideal for dry skin, it can be too heavy for oily or combination skin types, so it’s best used as needed. If you’re dealing with cracked hands, elbows, or feet, this cream is excellent for restoring moisture and softness. Weleda Skin Food has been a trusted product for generations, offering rich hydration with a natural formula.

The Ordinary Retinol 1 percent in Squalane

This product from The Ordinary combines 1 percent retinol with squalane to promote skin renewal while ensuring hydration. The retinol helps with fine lines, texture, and discoloration, while the squalane protects and locks in moisture. The price for this retinol serum is around $9 to $12, making it a very affordable option compared to other retinol treatments. It’s an excellent choice for November, when skin can be more sensitive to active ingredients due to the weather shift. Retinol helps rejuvenate skin while squalane ensures it doesn’t feel dry or irritated.

Apply the serum at night after cleansing, and follow up with a gentle moisturizer. As retinol increases sun sensitivity, always use sunscreen the following morning. This product is suitable for those who want to address skin texture and signs of aging without spending a lot of money. With consistent use, you’ll notice smoother, more even skin. The combination of retinol and squalane makes this an ideal product for those new to retinol or those looking for a more gentle option.

Augustinus Bader The Cream

Augustinus Bader The Cream is a luxurious moisturizer known for its high-quality ingredients and remarkable ability to rejuvenate and hydrate the skin. It contains TFC8, a complex of amino acids, vitamins, and synthesized molecules that work together to support skin’s natural renewal process. The price is on the higher end, typically around $200, making it more of an investment. For November, when skin might be feeling the effects of cooler temperatures and dry air, this cream can offer much-needed nourishment and protection. It’s designed to improve overall skin appearance, targeting dryness, fine lines, and uneven skin tone.

The texture is rich, making it ideal for dry or mature skin types. A little goes a long way, so the product lasts for a long time. The cream is best applied after serums, as the last step in your skincare routine. While the price may be high, it’s an excellent option for those willing to splurge on an effective, high-end moisturizer. If you’re looking for an all-in-one treatment, The Cream offers luxurious hydration and skin improvement in one product.

Tree to Tub Double Hyaluronic Acid Serum

This serum works together to hydrate and plump the skin at various levels, ensuring deep moisture retention. Perfect for those with dry skin, it helps lock in hydration throughout the day, especially during colder months. The price typically falls between $20 and $30, offering excellent value for the effectiveness it provides. With colder weather and indoor heating making skin feel parched, this serum set is ideal for keeping skin smooth and hydrated. It can be layered together or used separately, depending on your skin’s hydration needs.

The double serum approach ensures that moisture reaches different skin layers for more thorough hydration. The lightweight formula makes it easy to apply before your moisturizer or sunscreen, leaving no sticky residue. This product is great for those with sensitive skin, as it’s gentle yet effective. If you notice your skin feeling tight or dry, this serum helps restore balance. Overall, it provides excellent moisture at an affordable price, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to maintain hydrated skin during the fall and winter months.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel is a lightweight, hydrating gel that helps replenish moisture to the skin without making it feel greasy. Its main ingredient, hyaluronic acid, works to deeply hydrate the skin, while the gel texture leaves a refreshing, non-oily finish. The price typically ranges from $15 to $25, making it a great budget-friendly option for those looking for effective hydration. With cooler weather in November, this product is ideal for helping to prevent the dryness that often accompanies the change in seasons. The gel absorbs quickly, making it a perfect choice for both day and night use.

This water gel has a unique formula that’s both light and hydrating, perfect for all skin types, including oily and combination skin. Its non-comedogenic formula means it won’t clog pores, which is a major benefit for those prone to breakouts. The texture is smooth and refreshing, leaving your skin feeling soft and rejuvenated without any heavy residue. For best results, apply it after cleansing and follow with sunscreen during the day. This hydrating gel is a dependable, everyday product that provides long-lasting moisture and maintains skin’s natural balance.

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5 percent in Squalane

Another excellent retinol product from The Ordinary, this serum combines a 0.5 percent retinol concentration with squalane for a hydrating, non-irritating experience. This retinol strength is ideal for those who want to slowly incorporate retinol into their skincare routine without overwhelming their skin. It typically costs around $8 to $10, making it a very budget-friendly option. For November, when colder weather can affect your skin’s moisture levels, this retinol in squalane will help improve texture while preventing dryness. Retinol works best when combined with a moisturizer, and this product ensures you don’t compromise on hydration.

This serum is gentle enough for beginners but still effective for addressing signs of aging and skin imperfections. The squalane ensures that your skin stays hydrated and soft, even with the inclusion of retinol. As with any retinol product, be sure to apply sunscreen the following day to avoid sun sensitivity. Start by using it a few times a week and gradually increase frequency as your skin adapts. This product offers a great entry-level retinol treatment at a very reasonable price.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.