These 6 Budget Beauty Buys Are Replacing Luxury Brands in 2026

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This year, more than ever, it seems that people are looking for ways to get quality products without draining their bank accounts. A search for #budgetbeauty on Instagram brought up over 185,000 posts with many dermatologists posting their recommendations for budget beauty buys that are replacing luxury brands in 2026.  

To round up these brands, GOBankingRates checked out recommendations from dermatologists to get insights into what products to look for. Here’s what they shared.

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

• Amazon price:  $9.97

Recommended by dermatologists, Dr. David Kim, board-certified dermatologist at SoHo Dermatology, said you can use Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser to replace high cost cleansers like La Mer. Not only is it free of fragrance, dyes, lanolin, parabens, formaldehyde and more, it’s PH-balanced and the soap-free formula removes makeup — all this for less than $15. 

Aestura Atobarrier365

• Amazon price: $32

According to Dr. Maren Locke, board-certified dermatologist and founder and director of Carlyle Dermatology, Aestura Atobarrier365 can replace the SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore as a way to moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier. The best part is that this beauty product costs $32 instead of $155. 

Vaseline

• Amazon price: $5.98

This product has been around for ages and it’s still going strong as a budget beauty buy that does a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to skin care. Dr. Kim rated Vaseline lip therapy as a 1000/10 (yes, that’s correct). You can also use Vaseline Petroleum Jelly for a range of skincare needs, including mixing it with sugar to create a body scrub, moisturizing dry cuticles, reliving post-shave itchiness and more. 

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

• Amazon price: $18.37

Aquaphor Healing Ointment replaces more expensive lotions and ointments and is great for dry, cracked or irritated skin. It’s dermatologist recommended and Dr. Kim said that it can even be used on eyelids and lips — all for less than $20. 

Vanicream Vitamin C Serum

• Amazon price: $17.97

According to a Harvard Health article written by Dr. Neera Nathan, Harvard-trained dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon, topical vitamin C can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It can also reduce dark spots and acne. Luxury brands like Paula’s Choice and SkinCeuticals can cost between $50 and $185, but Vanicream Vitamin C Serum offers vitamin C benefits for under $20.  

Numbuzin No.9

• Amazon price: $17.50

Recommended by Dr. Nathan to tighten and snatch the face, you can find a four-pack of Numbuzin No.9 on Amazon for $17.50. You may also be able to find it in some Costco locations. Compared to other Korean face mask brands that can cost $10 or more per mask, this is a great budget beauty buy for 2026.

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