The Secret to Building an Affordable Clean Skincare Routine

Learn the savvy shopper’s secret to incorporating fine products into your clean skincare routine without feeling guilty about the bill at checkout.

Wondering if it’s possible to maintain an affordable clean skincare routine without breaking the bank? To answer this question, I’m going to reveal some of the industry secrets known only to top skin care professionals.

But first, tell me if this sounds familiar.

You’ve researched and curated an impressive lineup for your new clean skincare routine in your online shopping cart. It’s all there. You have a luxurious cleanser. A refreshing toner. A rich, anti-aging moisturizer. An ultra-hydrating mineral sunscreen. And to top it all off, you’ve selected a bevy of natural serums to address seemingly every dermatological problem under the sun.

You’re already anticipating your new twice-daily self-care regimen and imagining your new dewy, radiant face.

Then you see the total at checkout and you get cold feet.

Skincare products can be expensive – especially when you’re just getting started with your clean skincare journey. But the truth is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to maintain a healthy skincare routine.

Fortunately, there are some fantastic products on the market today that you won’t second guess at checkout. And if you’re savvy, you can even incorporate some pricier products into your overall affordable clean skincare routine without feeling guilty about the bill at checkout.

Read on to learn how to build a budget-friendly clean skincare routine to keep your skin (and your budget) on track.

Affordable Clean Skincare on a Budget is Possible

Ready for the number one secret to affordable clean skincare?

Avoid impulse buys.

Really — that’s it!

Instead, think carefully about precisely what you need and when you’ll need it. Look at ways to optimize your product lineup to achieve maximum results with minimal investment. Here’s how to do so effectively.

1. Look for versatile products.

Many people make the mistake of buying multiple products that essentially serve the same function. This brings us to secret number two — you don’t necessarily need a daily moisturizer and a night cream. Alternatively, look for a lightweight but hydrating moisturizer that will work day and night.

Once you’re on the lookout for affordable clean skincare versatility, you’ll be surprised by how many “Swiss Army Knife” products are on the market. Here are a few examples of versatile multi-task skincare items to help you keep things simple:

• SPF moisturizers – A moisturizer that contains sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect your skin and simplify your skincare routine. Make sure it’s SPF30 or above, and you won’t even have to think about buying another bottle of sunscreen.

• BB Creams – If you could only take one affordable, clean skincare product to a deserted island, this would be the one to take. “BB” stands for beautifying balm, and serves as a moisturizer, sunscreen, and foundation all in one tiny bottle. Some go even further and have anti-aging or anti-blemish properties too. So if you’re a skincare minimalist, a clean BB cream is your best friend.

• Night and Day Products – Any product you can incorporate into your morning and evening skincare routine is worth your money. Cleansers, moisturizers, toners, and serums should be able to serve double duty in your routine.

2. Look for Affordable Clean Skincare Products

Just because it’s more expensive doesn’t mean it’s better. Most of the “holy grail” skincare products that people swear by are the inexpensive, unassuming ones that are affordable enough to keep in rotation and effective enough to have a fanbase.

3. Consider Talking to an Expert

Scouring the internet for skincare products can be overwhelming. The skincare and cosmetics industries have a unique way of rattling off adjectives and ingredient lists that makes every product seem like a panacea for all the world’s ills. Sometimes, it’s best to enlist the help of someone who knows what they’re talking about.

Best Affordable Clean Skincare Products UNDER $50

I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite products under $50. Some of these are perfect in their simplicity; others I love for their versatility. All of them pass muster for clean, anti-aging, ethical skincare. Of course, the fact that they’re affordable is a major bonus!

Lily Lolo BB Cream – $22

I first came across Lily Lolo when I was looking for a vegan BB cream. This silicone free beauty balm nourishes skin with anti-aging ingredients and mineral pigments to blur any imperfections and create a more even skin tone.

As a natural hybrid product that blends skincare with natural makeup, you can use Lily Lolo for light coverage or as mineral foundation for added coverage and longevity.

Suntegrity 5-in-1 Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen – $45

I’m always on the lookout for ways to pare down my AM routine, and Suntegrity 5-in-1 Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen is a godsend for those mornings when I just need to get out the door.

This is my go-to BB cream because it’s super hydrating and nourishing, and it provides the perfect amount of coverage. This affordable clean skincare product practically does my skincare routine for me – it’s a moisturizer, a sunscreen, a serum, a primer, and a foundation all in one.

Pink Cloud Soft Moisture Cream – $44

Few products can truly claim to work for all skin types, but I’ve found that Herbivore Botanicals Pink Cloud Soft Moisture Cream really does target dryness and soothe dehydration for any skin type. It penetrates the skin barrier to hydrate well below the surface, leaving your skin glowing with a natural dewy finish.

Best of all? You can recycle the packaging and the jar once you’ve used up the product—it’s a win-win for you and our beautiful environment.

Bathing Culture Golden Hour Hydrosol – $20

I’ll admit it – Bathing Culture Golden Hour Hydrosol was initially a bit of an impulse buy. They managed to woo me with their adorable branding last summer, and I loved the idea of a refreshing mist for hot summer days.

But they won me over entirely with their beautifully fragranced formula, and it left my skin feeling so dewy and invigorated. I don’t want a toner that’s fussy or overformulated. At $20, this toner has easily achieved holy grail status in my clean beauty rotation.

Final Thoughts

If you find the world of skincare products overwhelming, you’re not alone. Stop trying to incorporate every lotion and potion that people rave about into your routine. Instead, narrow your search to clean, affordable skincare products that you can use every day.

Beautiful You Naturally created a Clean Beauty Quiz to help you pinpoint the products that will help you get the most out of your skincare budget. Looking for more info about Clean Beauty? Check out our comprehensive Clean Beauty 101 guide here.