Let’s talk dupes,

Have you ever really wanted a product that was out of your price range or sold out? 

If so, we totally understand the feeling ,that is why we have created an article highlighting 6 dupes for popular skincare products. 

In this article we break down the price, ingredients and more in depth details of each product! 

Paula’s Choice BHA Exfoliant vs. COSRX Blackhead Power Liquid

In the world of skincare the Paula’s Choice BHA exfoliant is a holy grail product. It’s great for preventing and removing blackheads without needing to use too much product; however, it retails for $34!

If you don’t want to spend as much or would like to explore a similar product we’ve got just the right product for you. Introducing the COSRX BHA Black Head Power Liquid. Available for only $16.50 at our store, it will act and produce very similar results as the Paula’s choice BHA for less than half the price! 

Ingredients

Paula’s Choice BHA: Aqua, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid (BHA), Polysorbate 20, Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol 

COSRX Blackhead Power Liquid: Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water, Butylene Glycol, Betaine Salicylate, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Arginine, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Hexanediol

Similarities: 

• Both products contain BHA

• Both require some time before you can see results

• Both are cruelty-free and vegan

• Both are fragrance-free

• Both products were created for all skin types in mind but specifically for normal, oily and combination skin

Main Differences:

• COSRX contains 67.8% Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water and 4% Betain Salicylate while Paula’s Choice has 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA)

• COSRX Blackhead Power Liquid has 2% Niacinamide while the Paula’s choice BHA does not

• Paula’s choice BHA is 18 ml bigger than the COSRX Blackhead Power Liquid

• Paula’s choice works faster than COSRX BHA

• COSRX BHA is half the price of the Paula’s Choice BHA

As someone who has tried both products, I genuinely like both and believe they will be a great addition to your routine if you’re looking for a gentle BHA exfoliator. If you have the budget, I would suggest purchasing Paula’s Choice BHA; However, I also suggest not sleeping on a budget friendly option that is the COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid.

Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant $34: Shop Now

COSRX Blackhead Power Liquid $16.50: Shop Now

Source: https://theskincareculture.com/BHA-COSRX-vs-paulas-choice/  

Aestura 365 Cream vs. Make Prem Safe Me Relief Cream

I first heard of the Aestura moisturizer from @hkjennylee on tiktok. At the time I was really struggling with dry skin and since I was used to normal or oily skin I wasn’t sure what moisturizer to use. I tried brands like cerave and cetaphil but I felt that the formula and consistency felt too heavy on my face and wasn’t hydrating enough. Finally, I tried the Aestura moisturizer and I fell in love with how hydrating it was, it immediately added moisture into my dry skin.

Although I loved my Aestura moisturizer, it cost $28! At the time, I was working in retail and could not afford to restock once I ran out of moisturizer so I did some research, and tried different moisturizers. I tried the iUNIK beta glucan daily moisture cream, the Etude House Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream, and the Etude House Soon Jung Moist Relief All In One Gel. All of these were either not hydrating enough or made me break out. 

Finally, I tried the Make P:rem safe moisturizer that had a similar consistency and hydration as the Aestura moisturizer but it wasn’t like the other products I had tried. The product was moisturizing, not heavy on my skin, but most importantly it didn’t break me out. 

Ingredients

 

Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream: Purified Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Squalane, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate Behenyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide MEA, Cyclohexasiloxane, C14-22 Alcohol, Hydroxypropyl Bislauramide MEA, Mannitol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Cholesterol, Polyacrylate-13, Allantoin, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax Extract, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Arachidyl Glucoside, Dimethiconol, Polyisobutene, Phytosphingosine, Glyceryl Caprylate, Acrylate/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Glucose, Methylarachidic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Caesalpinia Sappan Stem Powder, Oleic Acid, Tocopherol

Make P:rem: Water, Glycerin, Squalane, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil, Carbomer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Tromethamine, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate

Similarities 

• Both products have Squalane and glycerin

• Both are Hypoallergenic

• Both provide long lasting hydration

• Both are ideal for sensitive to dry skin

Differences 

• Make P:rem only has 12 ingredients of those 93% are plant derived

• Make P:rem moisturizer is also vegan

• Aestura provides up to 100 hours of hydration while Make P:rem only provides up to 48 hours of hydration

• Make P:rem has a PH of 5.5 which is similar to natural level of skin

• Aestura is fragrance-free while Make P:rem is not

Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream $32: Shop Now

Make P:rem Safe Me Relief Cream $20.50: Shop Now

Nature Republic Vitapair C Dark Spot Serum vs. Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum

 The Beauty of Joseon glow serum has become a fan favorite at our store, it’s no surprise given its amazing brightening properties! If you’re looking for a Nature Republic Vitapair C Dark Spot Serum dupe, look no further because we’ve got you covered! The Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum is a great alternative that costs less than half the price of the Nature Republic serum.

Ingredients   

Nature Republic Vitapair C Dark Spot Serum: Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa (Tumeric) Root Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Water, Choleth-24, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Glutathione, Tocopherol, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance (Parfum)

Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Water, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Lotus Corniculatus Seed Extract, Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil, Betaine Salicylate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Tromethamine, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dextrin, Pentylene Glycol, Octanediol, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer

Similarities: 

• Both serums have a lot of ingredients in common such as Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Tromethamine, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Corallina Officinalis Extract

• Both can be used on all skin types

Differences:  

• The Nature Republic serum is 15ml bigger than the Beauty of Joseon serum

• Nature Republic serum cost $33- $34 while we sell the Beauty of Joseon serum for $12 

• Nature Republic serum has 4% niacinamide while Beauty of Joseon serum has 2% niacinamide

• Beauty of Joseon main ingredient is 60% propolis while Nature Republic is 79.9% Lemon extract

• Beauty of Joseon serum is Cruelty-free and Fragrance-free

• Beauty of Joseon serum has 0.5% BHA

If you haven’t tried any of these serums or are looking for an alternative, I would suggest trying out the Beauty of Joseon serum as they both seem to perform the same and have a lot of the same ingredients.

Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum $12: Shop Now 

Nature Republic Vitapair C Dark Spot Serum $34.90: Shop Now

Source: https://skinsort.com/products/beauty-of-joseon/glow-serum-propolis-niacinamide/dupes 

Some by Mi 30 Day Miracle Acne Clear Foam vs. COSRX  Salicylic Acid Cleanser 

When I had oily skin, I experienced the most breakouts and irritation I’ve ever seen on my skin. Thankfully, I learned about the COSRX salicylic acid cleanser. I felt that it didn’t strip me of my natural oils and provided me with a clean and refreshed face. Prior to this I was using the simple cleanser but I felt that it didn’t do a good job cleaning my face. I know there are a lot of options when it comes to choosing a cleanser that is right for your skin type but that is why I’d love to break down two of the most popular Korean cleansers for oily skin.

Ingredients

SOME by Mi AHA BHA Acne Clear Foam: Water, Glycerin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Myristic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Lauryl Betaine, Butylene Glycol, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Beeswax, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Salicylic Acid(5,000 ppm), Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Hydroxyacetophenone, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Calamine, Gluconolactone(10 ppm), Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Citric Acid(10 ppm), Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid

COSRX Salicylic Acid Cleanser: Water, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Lauric Acid, Butylene Glycol, Glycol Distearate, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Salicylic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Oil, Sodium Chloride, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethyl Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA

Similarities  

• Both products contain Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurat, Sodium Chloride, Melaleuca Alternifolia(Tea tree), Citric Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol

• Both are for all skin types but specifically for oily and combination skin

• Both products are great for treating acne prone skin and removing dead skin cells

• Both are hypoallergenic

• Both are not fragrance-free

Differences  

• COSRX  salicylic acid cleanser is available for $9.75 on our website while Some By Mi AHA, BHA foam cleanser cost $13.60 ~ $17.75

• COSRX cleanser is 50ml larger than Some by Mi cleanser

• Some by Mi cleanser is not cruelty free or vegan while COSRX cleanser is cruelty free and vegan

If you’re looking to save a few bucks and get your money’s worth, I’d suggest buying the COSRX salicylic acid cleanser as it’s cheaper and bigger than SOME by Mi AHA, BHA, PHA Acne Foam cleanser. They also have a lot of similar ingredients so why not save some money that can be better spent elsewhere.  

COSRX Salicylic Acid Cleanser $9.75: Shop Now

Some by Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam $13.60 – $17.75 : Shop Now

Source: https://whatsinmyjar.com/product/COSRX-salicylic-acid-daily-cleanser/dupes 

Source: https://skinsort.com/products/COSRX/salicylic-acid-daily-gentle-cleanser/dupes 

La Roche Posay Anthelios Sunscreen vs. Beauty of Joseon Rice Probiotic Sunscreen

When La Roche Posay sunscreen went viral on TikTok I was curious to see what the hype was and bought the sunscreen. It was my first time using La Roche Posay. I had always heard good things about them but at the time the brand felt that it was out of my price range. I had only used really cheap sunscreens and felt that buying an expensive sunscreen would be a luxury. I finally gave in and decided to spoil myself and hoped it would live up to its expectations and it did!

 Although I loved their sunscreen, I couldn’t justify restocking it and continuing purchasing from La Roche Posay as my ethics went against their beliefs so at the end I decided to stick to my COSRX aloe soothing sunscreen which has become one of my favorite sunscreens!

As previously mentioned, my skin has recently changed from oily to dry skin. With winter in full swing I noticed my skin becoming extra dry so I decided to use another viral Tiktok product; the Beauty of Joseon rice probiotic sunscreen. I was a little nervous but as soon as I put the product on my fingers I realized how incredibly hydrating and lightweight it was. 

Ingredients 

La Roche Posay: Active: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 15%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 10%. Inactive: Water, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Silica, Caprylyl Methicone, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Peg-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Panthenol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Triethanolamine, Peg-8 Laurate, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Chlorphenesin, P-Anisic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Xanthan Gum, Disodium Edta, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Maltodextrin, Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate

Beauty of Joseon: Water, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract (30%), Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Niacinamide, Methylene Bis-benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Coco-caprylate/Caprate, Caprylyl Methicone, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract, Bacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Monascus/Rice Ferment, Pentylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Decyl Glucoside, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol,Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Lactobacillus/Rice Ferment, Aspergillus Ferment, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate

Similarities 

• Both meant for all skin types

• Both light weight

• Both have no white cast

• Both are fragrance free

Differences 

• Beauty of Joseon sunscreen consist of 30% rice extract and contains Niacinamide

• La Roche Posay is a mineral sunscreen while Beauty of Joseon is a chemical sunscreen

• La Roche Posay retails for $25 – $29. While the Beauty of Joseon sunscreen cost $12.25 at our store, so La Roche Posay is a little over 2x more expensive

• Beauty of Joseon sunscreen is 50ml and La Roche Posay is 90ml so La Roche Posay is 40 ml larger

• La Roche Posay non-comedogenic while Beauty of Joseon sunscreen has some comedogenic ingredients

• Beauty of Joseon cruelty free while La Roche Posay is not cruelty free

Overall I’ve had a great experience using both sunscreens. If you’d like to treat yourself I would suggest trying the La Roche Posay Sunscreen but if you are on a budget do not worry as the Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen performs very similarly. 

La Roche Posay Anthelios Melt in Sunscreen $26: Shop Now

Beauty of Joseon Rice Probiotic Suncreen $12.25: Shop Now

Source: https://skinsort.com/products/beauty-of-joseon/relief-sun-rice-probiotics/dupes 

Vegreen Skin Purifying Tea Tree Serum vs. iUNIK Tea Tree Serum

Since I’ve had normal skin for the majority of my life, I wasn’t sure how to care for oily skin and was breaking out like crazy. Fortunately, I was lucky enough discovered a creator who shared my skin type and skin concerns, so I began experimenting with different products. The iUNIK tea tree serum was one of those item. After using it, I found that my skin was less inflamed and that I wasn’t experiencing as many breakouts. If you’re new to skincare and have oily skin or want an alternative to the Vegreen serum, I recommend the iUNIK serum because it’s inexpensive and functions similarly to the Vegreen serum.

Ingredients

Vegreen: Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Water, Glycereth-26, Ceramide Ns, Centella Asiatica Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Betaine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Madecassoside , Asiaticoside, Beta-Glucan, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid

iUNIK: Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Water, Glycereth-26, 1,2-Hexanediol,Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Betaine, Cellulose Gum, Allantoin, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Xanthan Gum, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata (Cabbage) Leaf Extract, Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Extract, Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Seed Extract, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Extract, Beta-Glucan, Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Root Extract, Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract

Similarities   

• Both are the same size 50ml 

• Both have 13 ingredients in common the main ingredients being tea tree and centella asiatica. Glycereth-26, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Xanthan Gum ,Ethylhexylglycerin, Beta-Glucan

• Both can be used  on all skin types but are specifically for Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Acne-prone

Differences  

• Vegreen is $5 – $6.50 more expensive than iUNIK tea tree serum

• iUNIK serum is cruelty free while Vegreen serum is Cruelty free and vegan

• Vegreen contains fragrance while iUNIK is fragrance free 

• Vegreen has 70.1% tea tree + Centella asiatica while iUNIK has 67% tea tree + 19.5% Centella Asiatica Leaf Water and Niacinamide 

 

Vegreen skin purifying tea tree serum $18.41 ~ $20 : Shop Now

iUNIK Tea Tree Serum $13.50 ~ 15: Shop Now

https://skinsort.com/products/iunik/tea-tree-relief-serum/dupes 

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If you’d like to share how your skincare journey is going and what products have and haven’t worked for you, please email me or leave a comment below.