I've Wasted a Lot of Money on Skincare
Let me start by saying I'm not a dermatologist. I'm just someone who spent way too much money on skincare over the last few years and learned a few things the hard way.
Some products I bought because of Instagram ads. Some because a Reddit thread swore by them. Some because the packaging was just really pretty and I'm weak.
Most of them ended up in a drawer, half-used, until I finally admitted they weren't working and threw them out.
Here's what I regret buying — and the few things I keep repurchasing.
The Regrets
That One Expensive Vitamin C Serum
You know the one. $80+ for a tiny bottle, came in fancy packaging, the reviews were amazing. It oxidized within 3 weeks — turned brown and started smelling weird. I stored it in a dark cabinet, did everything right. Didn't matter. Three weeks.
What I learned: Vitamin C is unstable. An expensive bottle doesn't stay fresh longer than a cheap one. If you're not going to use it fast, get a stable derivative (like ascorbyl glucoside) or buy smaller bottles.
A Foaming Cleanser That Stripped My Face Raw
Bought it because the bottle said "deep cleansing" and I thought that meant cleaner skin. Used it for a week and my face felt tight and squeaky after every wash. Took me another two weeks to realize that "squeaky clean" feeling is actually damage — you've stripped your moisture barrier.
What I learned: If your face feels tight after washing, the cleanser is too harsh. Doesn't matter what the label says. Your cleanser should leave your skin feeling comfortable, not stripped.
Three Different Niacinamide Serums
I fell into the trap of thinking a higher percentage = better results. Bought a 10% niacinamide serum that stung my face. Downgraded to 5%, much better. Also learned that niacinamide is niacinamide — the $10 one works just as well as the $40 one.
What I learned: More is not better. 5% niacinamide is plenty. And price doesn't correlate with quality on this one.
A Physical Scrub That Was Basically Sand
We've all been there. Walnut shells, crushed apricot kernels, whatever. Bought it, scrubbed my face with it, wondered why my skin was red and angry afterward. This one I should have known better.
What I learned: Physical exfoliation is fine if it's gentle (rice powder, jojoba beads). If it feels like sandpaper, don't put it on your face.
The Repurchases
A Simple Gel Cleanser ($12)
No fragrance, pH-balanced, gets the job done without stripping. I've bought this one at least 5 times. It's boring. That's the point.
Disposable Face Towels
This was a newer addition to my routine, but I've already repurchased twice. I wrote about this in my last post, but the short version is: pat drying made a noticeable difference in how my skin feels after cleansing. No bacteria, no friction, no laundry. I keep a stack on my bathroom counter and grab one every time I wash my face.
SPF 50+ That Doesn't Pill Under Makeup
Took me forever to find one. Most sunscreens either feel greasy or pill up under foundation. Finally found one that works for my skin type and I buy it on repeat. Not cheap, but worth it since I actually use it every day.
Good Old Aquaphor
$8, lasts a year, works for everything. Dry lips, peeling skin from retinol, cracked cuticles, whatever. This is the one product I'd recommend to anyone regardless of skin type.
What This Taught Me
After all the trial and error, here's what I've landed on:
- Your cleanser and moisturizer don't need to be expensive — they need to be gentle and consistent
- Treatments (vitamin C, retinol, acids) are where quality matters, but even then, mid-range usually does the job
- How you dry your face matters as much as what you put on it
- Sunscreen is the only product worth spending real money on
- If a product stings or burns, stop using it. Your skin is trying to tell you something
I still waste money on skincare sometimes. Old habits. But I waste a lot less than I used to, and my skin is better for it.
What's a product you regret buying? I want to feel better about my bad decisions.