23 Customers Share the Most Expensive Item in Their Skincare Routine (& Why It’s Worth It)
Sadaf Razi is Adore Beauty's Senior Beauty Editor.
She's a former fashion editor (who worked at various glossy mags) and stylist-turned digital beauty and lifestyle writer. She has been in the lifestyle/media industry for over 10 years and her work has also been featured on international covers like Elle France and Vanity Fair Mexico.
Some of her fave Adore Beauty products include Cicaplast B5, CeraVe Cleansing Oil and Lancôme Renergie Triple Serum.
When it comes to beauty and skincare, no one needs to buy expensive products.
Sure, if you want targeted serums with advanced formulations, you will likely be dishing out a few dollars.
But we repeat, this is not essential. You can still find good, affordable skincare that does its job.
But that's not what we're talking about today.
Today, we are talking about beloved skincare products that make our bank accounts weep.
We asked the lovely AB customers in our Beauty IQ Uncensored podcast Facebook group (join if you haven't already!) to share the most expensive skincare product in their routine.
But importantly, we wanted to know why they rate it, and think it's worth the $$$.
From predictable favourites to some unexpected finds, keep scrolling for a nosey look into people’s skincare routines…
1. HydroPeptide Eye Authority.
What:
HydroPeptide Eye Authority is a targeted eye treatment containing multi-performance peptides, pearl peptides, and antioxidants to hydrate, brighten and protect the eye contour area.
Why it’s worth the money:
This little-known brand might not be on your radar, but according to Shannon, maybe it should be.
"I got a large sample of this in an Adore Beauty order, a couple of weeks was enough time to get hooked. Damn, she is pricey but I am on my second bottle."
"I love how hydrating the formula is, especially because I’m dry around my eyes, have some fine lines, and experience creasing with concealer. This helps so much!"
"In the past, I have always thought eye cream was a waste of money and unnecessary; boy was I wrong."
2. Dermalogica Smart Response Serum.
What:
Dermalogica Smart Response Serum 30ml is an all-rounder, cosmeceutical serum with a cream-gel texture that soothes, firms, brightens and hydrates skin.
Why it's worth the money:
Lots of AB staffers rate this serum, despite the marketing claims being a little tricky to understand.
AB customer Kylie adds, "Love it and won’t give it up, but... my bank account."
3. Murad Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector.
What:
Murad Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector 15ml is a dark circles eye cream.
The formula contains two forms of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid and tetrahexydecyl ascorbate) to brighten the appearance of dark circles over time with consistent use.
Why it’s worth the money:
At $115 for 15ml of eye cream, this product ain't cheap.
According to our Senior Editor Amy, it's "one of the best eye creams for dark circles" because the light-reflecting particles "give the under-eye area an instant (but temporary) glow".
AB customer Olivia adds, "I rate this eye cream... it hurts to purchase, though. At least it lasts for ages coz you only need a teeeeeeny bit."
4. Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6.
What:
One of the most popular brands for retinol users, the Medik8 Crystal Retinal range makes it easier to find the vitamin A strength best suited to your skin.
There are options from beginner through to advanced:
- Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 30ml is baby's first vitamin A treatment, great for true beginners or sensitised skin-havers.
- Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 30ml is gentle to moderate, a very popular starting point.
- Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 is a best seller, a strong all-rounder treatment.
- Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 is your advanced, high-strength option (not for beginners!).
They do everything from even skin tone and texture, reduce the look of fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and blemishes, and boost collagen for a radiant complexion.
Why they’re worth the money:
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 is by far the most popular among AB customers.
In fact, many in our FB group are tossing up whether it's time to graduate to Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 after working their way up.
Here's what people are saying about the Medik8 vitamin A range:
“Do I really need to explain why I won’t give it up? Since using Crystal retinal 6, I’ve noticed a visible difference in my skin clarity and texture. I really like the creamy yet ‘thin’ consistency. I also love the packaging!! I could use it down to the last drop!" - Sarah.
"I absolutely love Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10. I worked through a tube of 3, then 6, and now I'm on the 10 and it is so good!" - Maddy.
5. Trophy Skin RejuvaliteMD.
What:
Trophy Skin RejuvaliteMD is a medical-grade at-home LED that uses four different coloured UV-free wavelengths to treat a bunch of different skin concerns.
Why it’s worth the money:
LED treatments in clinic are always going to be more effective than at-home devices, but if you're consistent, nothing beats the convenience.
Beauty IQ Uncensored podcast co-host Joanna reckons this high-powered LED tool is worth it if you're using it a couple of times a week.
AB customer Rachel adds, "Luckily, i's not something I should have to purchase again, so it's totally worth it."
6. Osmosis Rescue Serum.
What:
Osmosis Skincare Rescue Epidermal Repair Serum 30ml calms, soothes and repairs impaired, redness-prone skin.
Why they’re worth the money:
The Osmosis cosmeceutical serums come with a hefty price tag thanks to their patented and advanced technologies.
Here's why customers love this serum sick:
"Osmosis Rescue my ride or die. Bank account literally dying, but my skin loves it." - Nathalie.
“Osmosis serums have done wonders for my skin. The scent [of Rescue] did shock me at first, but now I like it.” - Shelley.
7. Murad Professional Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil.
What:
Murad Professional Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil 30ml is a multi-tasking cosmeceutical oil that targets visible signs of ageing and boosts hydration.
The formula is infused with six powerful vitamins (A to F) to help your skin fight and prevent free radical damage.
Why it’s worth the money:
AB customer Ashleigh says this is "GOAT (greatest of all time) of oils".
"It makes my skin super hydrated and silky, especially in winter."
8. Medik8 Peptide Serums.
What:
Medik8 not only boast a well-loved range of vitamin A treatments, but they also make some popular peptide products.
You've got the purple Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides 30ml as well as the fancy-sounding Medik8 Liquid Peptides Drone-Targeted Peptide Complex 30ml that help reduce visible signs of ageing.
Why they’re worth the money:
According to AB customers, these Medik8 peptide serums give visible results.
"Anything Medik8 just works for me, but Liquid Peptides will always be in my routine. Layers beautifully and I get results. The will always be in my routine.” - Phillipa.
“I can't use retinol while pregnant, but the bakuchiol peptides serum has brought my dull skin back to life.” - Chloe.
Shop Medik8 peptide serums here:
9. Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream.
What:
Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream 60ml is a triple resilience-boosting and anti-ageing soft cream.
The formula is powered by Sulwhasoo’s famous Ginsenomics™, and the packaging is super lush, too.
Why it’s worth the money:
Sulwhasoo is one of the most popular K-beauty brands, and for good reason.
With 50 years of ginseng research behind them, their powerful benefits yield glassy skin results within weeks.
I can personally vouch for this Sulwhasoo cream, and AB customer Annie can too.
“It is divine!! In fact, their entire ginseng line has done wonders for my skin. I am currently using it for my night time routine.”
10. Cosmedix Clarify Salicylic Acid Foaming Cleanser.
What:
Cosmedix Clarify Salicylic Acid Foaming Cleanser is a water-based exfoliating cleanser with a gentle lather.
It works to help eliminate excess oil, without stripping the skin, to give you a clearer complexion.
Why it’s worth the money:
Think of this as combining your cleansing and exfoliating steps.
AB customer Victoria says, "This has been the only face wash that has cleared my mask-ne."
11. Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense.
What:
Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense is a super hydrating serum.
It contains the power of the original best-selling Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Liquid Rehydration Serum 30ml but with added technological advances.
Why it’s worth the money:
Dull, dry and dehydrated faces can rejoice thanks to this cosmeceutical serum that contains a triple blend of hyaluronic acid to improve skin’s hydration levels.
AB customer Shannon’s review says it all.
"This is a must for my dehydrated skin in winter. Thankfully, I only purchase this in winter, and switch to their regular B5 serum in the warmer months."
12. Aspect Pigment Punch.
What:
Aspect Pigment Punch+ 30ml has you sorted you’re looking for a tried-and-true product for treating age spots and promoting clear and even skin tone and texture.
This advanced formula works to give you illuminated skin via its blend of antioxidants, extracts and peptides.
Why it’s worth the money:
Beauty IQ Uncensored podcast co-host Hannah swears by this serum for managing her melasma.
AB customer Grace adds, "This was a recent purchase... I’m loving it so far, don’t think I’ll be giving it up any time soon.”
13. Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF.
What:
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating Facial Sunscreen 75ml is a broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen that contains chemical/organic filters.
With a cream texture and a peach tint that dries sheer/clear, the invisible finish makes skin look and feel moisturised and radiant.
Why it's worth the money:
We'll let the customer reviews of this three-in-one moisturiser, sunscreen and primer do the talking.
"It's not cheap, but it's the only SPF that doesn't break me out!" - Brittany.
"It’s the perfect all rounder, I’d never use anything else. Sun protection and moisturiser in one. Saves me time and feels glorious on!" - Heather."A great sunscreen that feels so lovely on the skin. I'm onto my third tube and have been gifting to my friends, too." - Amy.
14. Aspect Fruit Enzyme Mask.
What:
Aspect Fruit Enzyme Mask 50g is an exfoliating mask that hydrates, smooths and calms skin.
With brightening and energising ingredients bromelain and kakadu plum, you’re left with a smoother and more healthy-looking complexion.
Why it’s worth the money:
Because you can wave goodbye to dull skin forever!
AB customer Clara especially likes how this enzyme exfoliant is suitable for sensitised skin, too.
“I love the Aspect fruit enzyme mask. It changed the texture of my super sensitive skin, without any damage.”
15. Alpha-H Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum.
What:
Alpha-H Midnight Reboot Serum 50ml is a resurfacing serum that targets signs of ageing, and uneven skin tone and texture.
The formula contains 14% glycolic acid and 1% granactive retinoid.
Why it’s worth the money:
There is no shortage of love for this serum in the AB office.
Staffer Gin is allergic to vitamin C, so she relies on this for radiance. Maddy's skin also loves Midnight Reboot, especially when she's using her SkinCeuticals Silymarin vitamin C serum in the AM.
AB customer Kate also says it's "absolutely divine" so yeah, we're sold.
16. Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturiser.
What:
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturiser 50ml is a powerful moisturiser that can be used twice a day, and is ideal for those wanting to address the appearance of pigmentation.
Why it’s worth the money:
Formulated with an ultra-stable vitamin C complex, hyaluronic acid and squalane, AB customer Lucy says this gel moisturiser is gold.
“I’ve spent more on serums, but never moisturisers. Honestly, it's like nothing I’ve ever tried before! It's light enough for humidity, yet hydrating enough with its five types of hyaluronic acid!"
"Plus, the vitamin C and pumpkin enzymes to brighten and assist in the skin's natural shedding cycle! Win!"
17. Aspect Extreme C 20.
What:
Aspect Extreme C 20 is an antioxidant serum that contains a combination of amino peptides, stable vitamin C, cellular antioxidants, corrective botanicals and skin-energising extracts.
Why it’s worth the money:
If you're prone to redness or have sensitive skin, this vitamin C-based serum will check a lot of your boxes.
AB customer Katelin adds, “It doesn’t matter how many other vitamin Cs I try, I always come back to this one."
"My skin always looks so bright, plump and fresh after using it, and the results are basically instantaneous. It’s kind of crazy how quick it works."
18. Lancôme Absolue Rich Cream.
What:
Lancome Absolue Rich Cream Refillable 60mL is a lush cream that encourages cell turnover and delivers luminosity, while also protecting skin from environmental aggressors.
Why it’s worth the money:
In all honesty, we can’t say spending $400 on a moisturiser is 'worth it' for everyone.
It’s a ‘treat yourself’ product, for sure, but I was lucky enough to be gifted this cream and can confirm it made my skin feel beautiful, plump and luminous.
As you can see in the image above, it was also a great canvas under makeup, and I only used a very small amount.
AB makeup artist Megan owns this cream, too.
She says it's "bougie, but so nice". Couldn't agree more.
19. PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask.
What:
PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask 51g is a hydrating, nourishing and calming treatment that can be left overnight.
It's suited to all skin types, but anyone with oily or combo skin will love how it hydrates, without leaving a greasy residue.
Why it’s worth the money:
In our humble opinion, a good face mask is always worth the splurge.
AB staff member Kathryn agrees.
“Super hydrating and calming, this is my go-to after using an exfoliant. As it's a gel texture, I often layer it with a heavier overnight mask if my skin is being uber wild," she says.
20. Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil.
What:
Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil is a weightless cosmeceutical facial oil that locks in hydration all day long to deliver dewy skin.
Why it’s worth the money.
Because it protects against free radical damage, is packed with rich oils, restores skin’s natural barrier.
Here's what one fan of this oil says:
"So tiny and so expensive, this oil glides on beautifully and smells divine! It is also a wizard for my dry sensitive skin, and great for redness and anti-ageing."
"The whole experience of using it feels luxurious, from the texture to the smell, to my pumped and smooth hydrated skin!” - Allegra.
21. Mesoestetic Hydra-Vital Light.
What:
mesoestetic hydra-vital light is a gel-cream moisturiser ideal for normal, combo or oily skin.
Why it’s worth the money:
Looking for something a bit lighter to sub in for the hotter months?
This moisturiser is for you.
“I’ve discovered that even though I have oily skin, my skin responds amazingly to hydration. And I like a light feel day moisturiser," says AB customer Letitia.
22. Estée Lauder ANR Serum.
What:
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex 30ml is an iconic serum that works night and day to give you bright, radiant skin. Not only does this serum address all signs of ageing (from loss of elasticity to fine lines, ANR has gotcha covered), but it also works to brighten and hydrate your skin for 72 hours.
Why it's worth your money:
People who love this serum really love it. Here's why...
“Within two weeks of using this product, the skin looks visibly smoother, less pores and wrinkles, and feels smoother. You don’t need a full sized dropper amount and it still does wonders. It is very nice and does not have much fragrance.”
"I purchased the full size after my sample ran out. It is so hydrating my skin just feels plumper and more nourished. Great after going hard with retinol or acids. Highly recommend if you have dull, dehydrated skin like me."
And that, friends, brings us to the end of this exxy skincare roundup!
A final word before you go blowing the budget:
What you or I deem as 'expensive' or 'affordable' might differ to the next person - it's very subjective.
We always recommend spending what you are most comfortable with, on products designed to suit your skin type and concerns.
You can check out some more of our latest skincare articles below:
