Starting a new skincare routine can be an overwhelming process once you realize there are millions of skincare products to choose from. It’s even more discouraging once you see how pricey some of these products can be! Thankfully, it is possible to have a skincare routine without spending half of your paycheck on dozens of products every month. Read on to learn how to create a skincare routine on a budget.

Keep it simple

A skincare routine does not need to be complicated. In fact, a basic skincare routine only requires a few products. Every routine should start with a gentle cleanser to remove excess dirt and oil from the skin, a moisturizer to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier, and an SPF to protect the skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays during the day. All three of these products come in a variety of offerings and price points, but your standard drug store cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF is a great place to start.

If you have a specific skincare concern like acne or wrinkles, then you'll want to add an additional product into your routine. Look for products that have FDA approved active ingredients and formulations that support skin health. Typically, acne treatments and anti-aging serums should be applied right after cleansing and before your moisturizer.

Check out some of our budget-friendly cleansers, moisturizers, and SPF below!

Favorite budget cleansers

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser For Normal To Dry Skin Fragrance-Free - $10.99 

This non-comedogenic cleanser contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to cleanse the skin while supporting the health of the skin barrier and locking in moisture.

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Creamy Facial Cleanser - $8.29

This gentle cleanser is ideal for those with sensitive or dry skin. It thoroughly removes excess dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping the skin dry.

CLEANSE with Benefits AM/PM Cleanser - $15.29

This is another gentle cleanser that is pH-balanced to cleanse the skin without causing irritation and over-drying it.

Favorite budget moisturizers

Neutrogena Oil-Free Daily Sensitive Skin Moisturizer - $10

This lightweight, hypoallergenic, oil-free formula is for sensitive skin. It’s non-greasy and quickly absorbs to hydrate.

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion - $15.99

This oil-free and fragrance-free, lightweight moisturizer is formulated with ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, calm, and protect the skin.

e.l.f. Happy Hydration Cream + hemp-derived Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil - $12

This moisturizer is formulated with hemp seed oil to nourish, hydrate, and condition the skin. It also contains vitamin B5, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide for additional skin soothing and hydration properties.

Favorite budget SPFs

Alba Botanica Very Emollient Fragrance-Free Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 - $10

This sunscreen is reef-friendly and made with natural, botanical ingredients. It protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays without causing irritation or drying the skin.

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Facial Moisturizer - SPF 30 $15

This non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and oil-free sunscreen is mineral-based and contains calming ingredients to protect and soothe the skin.

Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 60 - $9

This sunscreen is water-resistant, hypoallergenic, and oil-free. It’s mineral-based and formulated for sensitive and acne-prone skin.