You asked, and we’ve answered with our next instalment of Skincare Substitutions - helping you navigate the wide ranging prices of skincare products, including what we think is worth the higher spend and what will do the job on a budget.
First off, a hyaluronic acid serum or essence is THE skincare product to have in your arsenal if you want hydrated, bouncy skin (note - sometimes, a moisturiser just isn’t enough!)
A trending ingredient in the beauty world for the last few years, hyaluronic acid has been proven to plump the skin, minimise fine lines and reduce signs of dryness and dehydration. Basically, it works to attract and retain moisture in your skin - just don’t forget to lock it in with a moisturiser on top!
With pages upon pages of products containing this so-called wonder ingredient, ranging from £5 to over £200 (yes, really - don’t worry, we haven’t included those), we asked our founder and senior facialist Joanna to round up her faves to cover ALL budget ranges.
HYALURONIC ACID
La Roche-Posay are high on our list of most recommended brands due to their array of soothing, repairing and hydrating products, one of which happens to be the Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic acid serum. A little pricier than most at £38 for 30ml, but worth it to know you’re using a trusted brand, widely recognised for their impeccable formulas and high-quality ingredients. This formula contains two different sized molecules of hyaluronic acid, both of which inject skin with moisture. The larger molecule works on the surface of the complexion to hydrate, whilst the smaller molecule penetrates deeper to plump skin with moisture and smooth the appearance of fine lines. BINGO! Sold? You can shop here.
If you know us as a brand, you’ll know we champion the older sister brand to The Ordinary - NIOD, and more specifically their Multi Molecular Hyaluronic Complex. Priced at £38 for 30ml, this formula can work out expensive if you use it regularly but if you want a product that is guaranteed to show dramatic results, this is the one we’d recommend. Containing 15 forms of hyaluronic, this superstar serum will strengthen your skin’s structure and add 400% more surface hydration. Say hello to youthful, comfortable and smoother skin! Believe the hype and shop here.
Jordan Samuel Hydrate facial serum comes highly regarded by many skincare gurus - including ours! At £26 for 30ml, we’d say this is reasonably priced for the quality of the product you’re using. Interestingly, Jordan Samuel Skin came about after JS himself spent years suffering from chronic skin irritations before deciding to develop his own line - a surefire sign that this product is going to be suitable for most (if not all) skin types and tones. Containing aloe leaf and cucumber extract, you’ll feel a super calming effect as soon as you apply and this one DOESN’T leave a sticky residue! Find out if this is the one for you and shop here.
More of an essence than a serum but just as effective, Dr Jart’s Vital Hydra Solution is perfect for you if you hate the stickiness that is often associated with hyaluronic acid serums. At £15 for 50ml, you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck with this one, and its triple-hyaluronic, probiotic offerings will safeguard your face from transepidermal water loss all day long. Shake well, drop 4-5 drops into your palms and press into your face gently. Et violà. No fragrance, making it a star product for sensitive skin too! The perfect example of a less expensive product which stands up with the best of them. Get your hands on this power product or read reviews here.
We’ll be back soon with more Skincare Substitutions - we’d love to know which product ranges you’d like us to review and condense into one of these blog posts!
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