Sun, 14 Dec 2025

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 Supermarket skincare dupes could save you hundreds. But do budget beauty products work?

Budget-friendly alternatives to high-end products often have similar names and packaging, but the ingredients can vary significantly.

* A quarter of UK shoppers have bought a skincare or makeup dupe, with 44% of 18-34 year olds doing so.
* Rachael Parnell, 34, from Warwickshire, tried Aldi's Lacura face cream, which looks similar to Augustinus Bader's £240 product.
* Skincare experts say dupes can be good quality and make skincare more affordable, but also warn that not every low-budget brand is bad and not every luxury product is the best.
* Dr. Sharon Belmo says expensive products often come with advanced technology and research into their effectiveness.
* Consultant dermatologist Ketaki Bhate recommends researching ingredients and formulations before buying a dupe or high-end product.
* Experts suggest consumers look for active ingredients in the top half of the ingredient list, and avoid products containing mineral oil, sodium lauryl sulfate, and parfum.
* Victoria Woollaston says skincare dupes offer value and efficacy at an affordable price, and that these companies are not stealing customers from luxury brands.
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