5 dermatologists share their favourite under £10 products

Photo credit: Cosmopolitan UK
Photo credit: Cosmopolitan UK

From Cosmopolitan

Sometimes it feels like we're all on an endless quest for better, smoother, glowier-looking skin. Whether that means spending hours trawling through Reddit skincare forums, stalking Boots' new-in section for the latest wonder creams, or just staring longingly at that Instagrammer's heavily face-tuned selfie. Ugh.

And it's not just our time that we're giving up in the hopes of a glowier complexion, putting together an effective skincare routine can also be suuuper expensive (I'm looking at you, La Mer). So, to help ease the pain on our wallets, I spoke to some of the UK's best dermatologists, to find out where we can afford to save a little. Turns out, affordable skincare can be just as awesome as the pricey stuff, but don't just take my word for it, here are the under £10 products dermatologists recommend time and time again...

Photo credit: Courtesy of brand
Photo credit: Courtesy of brand

1. CeraVe Moisturising Lotion, £9

"I love Cerave Moisturising Lotion. This affordable basic is non-fragranced and non-clogging, so great for sensitive, acne-prone skin - I see so many women in the clinic who are terrified of using moisturiser as so many anti-ageing formulations break them out. This provides great barrier support due to ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. It’s an excellent product at a great price." Says dermatologist and YouTuber, Dr. Sam Bunting.

Photo credit: Courtesy of brand
Photo credit: Courtesy of brand



2. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion, £8

"Retinoids are the cornerstone of an anti-ageing skin care routine but often cause irritation and flaking of the skin, particularly if you have dry, sensitive skin like mine. This formulation is much gentler, but equally effective so I can still enjoy the benefits of a retinoid without the irritation." Says dermatologist and hair specialist, Dr Sharon Wong.

Photo credit: Courtesy of brand
Photo credit: Courtesy of brand

3. La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, £7

"When it comes to budget products I love La Roche Posay. The Thermal Spring Water is made up of a combination of mineral salts and trace elements, e.g selenium, which has excellent soothing and anti-oxidative properties. Ideal to use instead of a toner, and can be sprayed on as often as wanted during the day to freshen up." Says dermatologist and co-founder of ALLEL DNA skincare, Dr Anne Wetter.

Photo credit: Courtesy of brand
Photo credit: Courtesy of brand



4. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, £7.81

"I recommend Bioderma Sensibio Micellar H20 to patients with all skin types. It's an effective cleanser and makeup remover (including stubborn eye makeup), plus it's well tolerated by sensitive skin. I even use it myself." Says Dr Susan Mayou, consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic.


Photo credit: Courtesy of brand
Photo credit: Courtesy of brand


5. La Roche Posay Cicaplast Repairing Lip Balm, £4.50

"I really like La Roche Posay's Cicaplast Lips - a protecting and soothing lip balm that restores dry and chapped lips fast. It contains 5% panthenol and rehydrating MP-lipids.” Says dermatologist and co-founder of ALLEL DNA skincare, Dr Anne Wetter.


Photo credit: Courtesy of brand
Photo credit: Courtesy of brand



6. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, £9

"My favourite product for under £10 is the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser. Although very effective at removing grease and dirt, most foaming cleansers leave the skin feeling dry and parched. Not this one. It contains ceramides and hyaluronic which means that skin stays hydrated despite the deep clean. Even better news is that this gentle gel cleanser contains niacinamide to calm inflammation and is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, so it’s perfect for acne sufferers." Says consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Kluk.

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