My sister and I are both super picky about our skincare, but we love to test out new products. So, when I started using a $500 serum, she wanted to try it too. We thought the pricey formula would give us a sublime, sumptuous glow that no other product could replicate. But after just a couple of days, we both broke out. Thankfully, I had a few of my go-to serums from e.l.f. SKIN on hand to soothe, hydrate, and brighten our complexions after our expensive mistake. My sister ended up loving these affordable serums and hasn't looked back since. Keep scrolling to shop the under-$23 gems worth adding to your skincare regimen.
Ingredient Transparency
When you scroll through the e.l.f. Cosmetics site, the first thing you'll notice is the brand's focus on ingredient transparency. I decided to compare the ingredients list of the e.l.f. Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum ($17) to its pricier counterpart, and I was shocked to see they had the same active ingredients. This isn't unique to this product—each e.l.f. serum is formulated with the same high-quality active ingredients as more expensive brands. I'm talking hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C, niacinamide, and more of our favorites. Not only that, but they're all fragrance-free, which is something sensitive complexions will appreciate.
Wide Variety
E.l.f. has a wide variety of serums for different skin types, textures, and concerns, from combination to oily to dry to acne-prone skin. Whether you need to soothe irritation, hydrate dry skin, or keep your pores in check, e.l.f.'s selection lets you curate an effective routine based on your skin's personal needs—and it's all within budget.
Ethical
Many consumers, including my sister and me, are pivoting away from animal-based ingredients and brands that test on animals, and instead are switching to more ethical skincare brands. E.l.f. Cosmetics is one of the OG affordable ethical beauty brands. It's cruelty-free, vegan, and PETA double-certified, so you can feel good about shopping its products.
Affordable Alternative
Editors and beauty lovers alike have endless expensive skincare products at their fingertips, but E.L.F. SKIN is one of the few affordable brands that can actually compete with (and even surpass) the pricier products we've tried. This proves that it's possible to create an effective and high-quality skincare routine at an attainable price point.
