8 Jaded Editors Told Me Their Favorite Under-$25 Skin Care Products

I don’t mind splurging on certain skin care products if the results are there. That being said, I can’t financially manage a six-step routine full of $150 products. Budget products are bountiful,and they don’t mean budget results, either. I have affordable products that work just as well, if not better than, their high-end counterparts. 

I asked my fellow editors and colleagues to share the under-$25 skin care product they can’t be without. The result is a mixture of modern classics (like Cosrx’s Snail Mucin) and under-the-radar gems (Beauty of Joseon’s Eye Serum). And, there’s a bonus: All eight products just so happen to be available on Amazon. 

Editor-Approved Skin Care Products Under $25

Roc Retinol Correxion Eye Cream

I never look bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, and I’ll tell you what’s to blame—my under-eye bags. It doesn’t matter how many hours of sleep I get, my dark circles are always giving Al Pacino in 2002’s Insomnia. Very few products have made a difference, but Roc’s Retinol Correxion Eye Cream is one of them.

I’ve been using it for a couple of months and the difference is subtle but noticeable. Retinol is really working its magic; my dark circles are at least 30 percent lighter, I seldom wake up with puffy lids, and my under-eye creases are significantly less deep. The overall effect is that I look healthier and well-rested. — Tamim Alnuweiri, Senior Beauty Commerce Writer 

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24-Night Moisturizer

I’ve seen a noticeable change in my skin’s texture since applying this cream nightly three months ago; the once-large pores on the apples of my cheeks have dissipated, leaving behind a smooth and silky complexion. Unlike most nighttime skin care, the moisturizer isn’t sticky or heavy, so it plays nicely with the other products in my routine. Its fragrance-free formula doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin, nor does its key ingredient, retinol, which can sometimes spur acne, redness, and itchiness. — Zarah Kavarana, Associate Editorial Director

Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum

I’ve been using this magic serum for over a year, and it’s changed my skin. I have a deeper skin tone, so I’m prone to hyperpigmentation—but this little bottle of goodness has significantly reduced my dark spots (with consistent use, of course). I use it morning and night after my toner but before my moisturizer; it’s easy, effective, and worth the $12. Best of all, it easily lasts me three months. — Ruby McAuliffe, Associate Commerce Fashion Editor

Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum

I’ve tried so many products for my under-eyes and I was shocked that this $15 product gave me the best results and outperformed much more expensive eye creams I’ve used. I dab a pea-sized amount nightly and have seen a serious improvement in my dark circles and fine lines. It’s very moisturizing, glides right on, absorbs within a few minutes, and leaves no sticky residue. This has become a holy grail product for me and an instant repurchase. — Hannah Freedman, Commerce Strategy Director 

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Face Cream and Makeup Primer

I tried this French drugstore classic eight years ago, at the recommendation of numerous makeup artists, and have kept a tube on hand ever since. A “multi-function moisturizer,” per the brand, it lives up to its description. I typically use it as a makeup primer, but it also works as a face cream, hydrating mask, and makeup remover. The lightly scented formula is adequately rich for my ultra-dry skin, yet milkier in texture than other heavy-duty creams I’ve tried. It smooths flakiness, enhances suppleness, and creates a subtle, healthy-looking sheen. Pair with a classic red lip, tousled tresses, et voilà; instant French girl beauty. — Sophie Wirt, Beauty Commerce Writer

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Facial Cleanser

I’ve tried so many face washes and while there were plenty I liked, I didn’t totally love any of them. They either didn’t efficiently remove makeup or made my skin feel super tight and dry. I was hooked on this K-beauty rice water cleanser from the first time I used it. The smell is super subtle but still pleasant, the lather is nice, and it removes all my makeup (even waterproof products), leaving my skin bright and hydrated. Plus, the titular ingredient, rice water, is packed with ceramides and lipids that give my skin a plump look. At $12 a tube, there’s really no beating this. — Eva Thomas, Senior Beauty Commerce Writer 

Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence

The hype is real—the Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence is my not-so-secret secret to glass skin. I started using the viral formula three years ago after I heard Emily Ratajkowski had it in her beauty regimen. Now, I rely on the ultra-hydrating serum daily—both in the morning and at night—for a plumper, smoother complexion. The product instantly delivers a youthful-looking glow and leaves my skin hydrated for hours. I’ve gone through countless bottles of the gentle yet effective essence, and I just restocked my supply during Prime Day. — Kyra Surgent, Commerce Writer

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Healing Moisturizer

Tretinoin (prescription-grade retinol) both saved and wrecked my skin; my acne went away but I was left with dry patches and flakiness. I spent months (and a lot of money) trying to find a moisturizer that could heal my dry skin to no avail until I discovered La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Balm B5 Moisturizer. The drugstore moisturizer deeply hydrates my skin, and it only takes a pea-sized amount to cover my entire face. And while it is incredibly thick, the non-comedogenic formula doesn’t clog my pores (a major acne win). I’ve now re-purchased it five times—that’s how good it is. — Kaelin Dodge, Commerce Writer