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Save vs. Splurge

Get the inside scoop on when to save your dime or shell out cash on skincare products.

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On the other side of the aisle, however, are skincare treatments, such as serums. Unlike cleansers and basic moisturizers, they are not all created equal. The appearance, smell and feel of the store brand can match the name brand product, but the same efficacy cannot be guaranteed. I find the difference usually comes down to the quality of the ingredients being used such as standardized extracts versus what I call whiffle dust (aka an ingredient that just sounds good). Standardized extracts are analyzed to prove that they contain a bioactive element while whiffle dust ingredients serve no purpose other than to look good on the ingredient label.

MORE: The Best Skincare Strategies for Your Lifestyle

How much of the active ingredients are used in a skincare product is also important (ingredients are listed in order, with the highest amount first). So do the name brands have the highest concentration of the bioactive ingredients, while the store brand use the lowest level in order to cut costs? It depends. My take: Since most treatment products take at least four weeks before you can see an improvement in your skin, I suggest saving yourself some time and spending the money up front when it comes to treatment products.

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