The Internet Crowned These 11 Products As Skincare Dupes
- But are they really dupes? Let's talk about it.
Beauty dupes have been popular for at least a decade now. But, it seems easier to find makeup dupes more than skincare dupes.
Maybe it’s because beauty brands are more secretive about their skincare formulas, or that skincare products tend to have more ingredients with varying amounts so it’s hard to replicate.
Either way, I’ve explored social media, my beauty collection, and purchase history, and some handy websites to bring you 11 so called skincare dupes.
I’m going to try most of these products (over time) and let you know if I think they are dupes.
If you’ve tried the original products and their dupes, let me know if their a dupe to you in the comments!
Olaplex Browbond Building Serum Eyebrow Dupe
Long lash baddies say that The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum ($14.90) is a dupe for the Olaplex Browbond Building Serum Eyebrow Enhancer ($68).
The first few ingredients of these brow serums are almost identical, and in the skincare world that means a lot.
The first 3-5 ingredients represent the highest concentration in the formula.
Are these products skincare dupes? TBD – I’m currently using a drugstore eyebrow serum, but these are next on my list to try!
Warning: The Ordinary Lash & Brow Serum is advertised and a lash AND brow serum but the Olaplex is ONLY a lash serum. But, Olaplex does offer a Lashbond Building Serum ($68) as a separate product.
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream Dupe
Luxury skincare lovers say that the ELF Skin Holy Hydration Face Cream ($13) is a dupe for the Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream ($69).
They both have a hydrating, creamy gel like texture and may improve your skin’s overall tone (aka “evens out skin tone”).
Are these products skincare dupes? No, not in my opinion – but they are both great products that I’ve enjoyed in my collection.
The Drunk Elephant Cream is focused on skin firming through its proprietary polypeptide formula, while the ELF Cream is all about reducing the look of pores and an even skin tone using Niacinamide (with the hydration).
Both products have a creamy gel texture that is somehow hydrating and smooth but not greasy and wears beautifully under makeup.
I continued to use these products back and forth for weeks, and they are similar but not dupes.
Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser Dupe
“Clean” skincare lovers say that the Pacifica Kale Detox Face Wash ($11.99) is a dupe for the Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser ($39).
With over 20 ingredients that match, the Pacifica cleanser could be a solid dupe for the Superfood cleanser.
But, dry skin beauties beware, both cleansers can be a little too squeaky clean for you.
Are these products skincare dupes? TBD – I reviewed the Superfood Cleanser (YTTP), but haven’t started my Pacifica Face Wash so ill be back with an update soon!
Read: Youth To The People – Cleanse & Hydrate Skincare Set Review
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Dupe
Skincare lovers are raving about the ELF Skin Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen SPF 35 ($14) being a dupe for the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 ($38).
Both of these sunscreens are described as velvety smooth with an invisible finish that can be used alone or as a makeup primer.
The ingredients to both sunscreens are very similar with the same common chemical sunscreen ingredients, just slight variations in percentages or amounts of the sunscreen.
Are these products skincare dupes? Yes, but I do think there is one small difference.
The Supergoop has a very natural finish (ie. doesn’t add a shine), however the ELF Skin sunscreen does add a subtle sheen to the skin.
Not nearly as much as the ELF Skin Woah Glow Sunscreen ($14), but its noticeable, especially after 10 + hours of wear with makeup on.
Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil Dupe
Luxury beauty lovers say that the Naturium Fermented Camellia Creamy Cleansing Oil ($19.99) is a dupe for the Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil ($50).
Both of these formulas feature Camellia oil, a botanical oil with antioxidant properties that “nourishes” the skin.
The cleansing oil formulas remove makeup and sunscreen without “stripping the skin” or making it feel dry, and are described as being good for all skin types.
Seems like they might be dupes right?
Well, the Tatcha cleanser is a classic thin cleansing oil, but the Naturium cleanser is a gel-oil formula so the textures are different.
I guess it depends on what you consider a dupe.
If two products have different textures but give the same results be considered a dupe?
Are these products skincare dupes? Maybe/TBD – I have the Tatcha cleanser, and ill be back to report on the Naturium.
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Dupe
Beauty lovers consider the Paula’s choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant ($35) a must have/an OG exfoliating toner.
Some say that the Peach Slices Acne Exfoliating Toner ($10.99) is a dupe for the cult classic Paula’s Choice Exfoliant.
Both of these products feature salicylic acid which helps prevent breakouts, reduces the look of pores, and improves skin texture.
They also include a soothing ingredient, Camellia Oleifera in the Paula’s Choice and Cica with Allantoin in the Peach Slices product.
Looking at the ingredient list, these products look really similar.
Are these products skincare dupes? TBD – I live for a liquid exfoliant, but I’m using something else right now (review to come). I’ll report back with my thoughts.
Estee Lauder Advance Night Repair Serum Dupe
The Estee Lauder Advance Night Repair Serum Multi-Recovery Complex ($85) has always been popular among luxury skincare lovers, but drugstore lovers are not excited about the price.
Lucky for us, L’Oreal may have duped this product with their Cell Renewal Anti-Aging Midnight Serum ($43.99).
Both of these products combat multiple signs of aging using hyaluronic acid and their own exclusive formulas; a tripeptides complex (Estee Lauder) and antioxidant complex (L’Oreal).
The night repair serum formulas look very similar, with the key ingredients (at the top of the list) matching almost identically.
My first impression is that both formulas have the same feel/consistency, but more to come on that.
Are these products skincare dupes? TBD – I have both products now, and ill report back on my thoughts.
Sunday Riley Good Genes Dupe
This dupe is a little different because beauty lovers are certain that The Ordinary has duped Sunday Riley’s Good Genes with their Lactic Acid 10% + HA Serum.
The day after using either of these serums (or by the end of the day), my skin feels smoother and I can tell that my pores are smaller.
The skin just looks better, and more radiant after using Lactic Acid, so I’m a fan of both formulas.
These products are very similar in their results but there are some differences.
The Sunday Riley Good Genes ($85) pairs its Lactic Acid with a “botanical blend” that makes it more gentle (sensitive skin beauties can use it as a mask).
But, The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 10% + HA Serum ($9.20) has a more bare bones formulation.
It does have Hyaluronic Acid to balance out the acid, but for a lot of beauties it may be too harsh.
Also, the textures are slightly different.
The Sunday Riley is a thin white serum, while The Ordinary’s version is a more clear (slightly golden) color.
Are these products skincare dupes? Yes, the end result is the same for both products.
As with most dupes, the luxury price comes with a more gentle luxurious experience.
The Ordinary became popular for simple formulas and great prices.
In this case, it works. The price tag for the Sunday Riley is way more expensive to essentially do the same thing.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Drops Dupe
Skincare lovers are debating on TonyMoly’s Watermelon Dew All Over Serum ($15) as a dupe for the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops ($35).
Both products add a visible glow to the skin with a pleasant Watermelon scent.
They also have a thin gel formula that is suitable for all skin types.
That’s where the similarities end.
The TonyMoly Serum is a hydrating serum that uses soothing and calming ingredients Cantella Asiatica, and Aloe Leaf Extract.
The Glow Recipe Dew Drops however, is a niacinamide serum that uses Hyaluronic Acid and Moringa Seed Oil to hydrate.
It can also be used as a makeup primer.
Are these products skincare dupes? No. I’ve been using both of these products and they are not dupes.
The texture is similar, the scent is similar but they have different functions.
The TonyMoly is a traditional style serum that doesn’t work well as a makeup primer (nor does it claim to be), while the Glow Recipe formula hydrates, soothes, AND creates a nice barrier for makeup.
La Mer Crème De La Mer Moisturizer Dupe
Skincare lovers jumped at the chance to crown the Nivea Crème ($10) as a dupe for the La Mer Crème De La Mer Moisturizing Cream ($200), but they only share one similarity. They are both thick, rich creams.
The La Mer moisturizer is a heavy cream that targets fine lines, elasticity, irritation, and of course hydration with its “miracle broth” of ingredients (their words not mine).
While the Nivea Crème is really a body cream that is somehow marketed as a face cream as well.
While both formulas bring ultra moisture, only one of them has skincare benefits through its ingredients.
Nivea does have vitamin B5 (for added moisture), but it also has mineral oil, paraffin, and other ingredients that aren’t great for the face.
Are these products skincare dupes? No.
The La Mer Crème De La Mer is very expensive, but has a lot of benefits as a facial moisturizer.
The Nivea is one of my favorites products but for the hands and body, but not as a facial moisturizer.
I used both of them (for a few days), and they are thick and sit on the skin like a heavy balm.
They are not dupes, and also not products I would recommend as facial moisturizers unless you have very very dry skin.
Paula’s Choice Peptide Booster Serum Dupe
The skincare community is obsessed with the polypeptides in The Ordinary’s Multi Peptide HA Serum ($19.90).
This product has been shared a lot as a dupe for the Paula’s Choice Peptide Booster Serum ($58).
Polypeptides are known to plump firm and tighten in the skin and both of these products feature hyaluronic acid with their own set of ingredients (ie. proprietary blends).
So. these products are not going to be exact matches.
Each brand is offering the same thing (a Hyaluronic Acid with Multi-peptides) but in their own unique way.
Both products could give you those same amazing results though.
Our wallets will be happy about this!
Are these products skincare dupes? Yes, but ill be back with my thoughts once I’ve thoroughly tried both products.
How to find more Skincare Dupes
If you’re looking for a skincare dupe, there’s tons of resources online but not all of them are up to date with their product suggestions.
Places to find current skincare dupes:
This post was all about skincare dupes, check out more skincare posts below!
