When to save & when to splurge?
Rafa & Helena are both self proclaimed minimalists when it comes to skincare and wanted to know when to save and when to splurge. Here is the skinny --
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Cleaners: A cleanser’s main job is to remove dirt, oil, and makeup—not to deliver long-lasting active ingredients. Unlike serums or moisturizers that stay on your skin, cleansers are rinsed off, meaning you don’t need to spend a lot to get an effective formula. What matters most is choosing a pH-balanced, non-stripping formula that suits your skin type.
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Moisturizers: Many affordable moisturizers contain the same key hydrating ingredients as high-end ones. You are looking for moisturizers that have some combination of
- Humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid) to draw moisture into the skin
- Emollients (ceramides, fatty acids) to soften and repair the skin barrier
- Occlusives (petrolatum, dimethicone) to lock in hydration
- Retinols: The effectiveness of retinol depends on the percentage and stability, not necessarily the price. Many affordable options contain the same active ingredient as high-end formulas, making them just as effective for improving skin texture, fine lines, and acne. If you have sensitive skin, a higher-end encapsulated retinol or one with added soothing ingredients (like niacinamide or ceramides) may be worth the investment. But for most people, a well-formulated budget retinol can absolutely get the job done!
Splurge
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Vitamin C: It is worth investing in your Vitamin C for maximum results with minimal irritation, a higher-quality formula with THD-Ascorbate is worth the price. Not all vitamin C formulations are created equal.
- THD-Ascorbate (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate) is a superior, more stable, oil-soluble form of vitamin C that penetrates deeper into the skin compared to traditional ascorbic acid. This means better absorption, enhanced collagen production, and more effective brightening—without the irritation that some lower-cost, water-soluble forms can cause.
- THD-Ascorbate is significantly more expensive for manufacturers to source and formulate due to its superior stability, efficacy, and bioavailability. While budget-friendly vitamin C products often rely on L-ascorbic acid, which degrades quickly and can be irritating, high-quality formulations with THD-Ascorbate provide longer-lasting potency, less irritation, and better overall skin benefits.
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Peptides: Investing in topical peptides for anti-aging is worth it because they are advanced, clinically backed ingredients that signal the skin to repair itself, boost collagen and elastin production, and improve firmness and elasticity. However, not all peptides are created equal—and that’s where quality matters.
- Not All Peptides Can Penetrate the Skin: Many peptides are water-soluble and cannot effectively penetrate the skin on their own. For peptides to be truly effective, they must be paired with a fatty acid (such as palmitoyl) to enhance penetration and bioavailability. Unfortunately, it’s difficult for consumers to determine whether a product contains properly formulated peptides just by looking at the label.
- More Stable & Bioavailable: High-quality peptide formulations are carefully designed to remain stable and actually reach the deeper layers of the skin, unlike cheaper alternatives that may degrade before they can work.
- Sunscreen: When it comes to mineral sunscreen, investing in a high-quality formula is worth it for better protection, cosmetic elegance, and skin benefits. While budget mineral sunscreens may offer basic protection, they often come with thicker textures, difficult blending, and less elegant finishes.