Powerful Dupes for the Most Iconic Skin Care Products, According to Dermatologists

There's a kind of frenzy that surrounds a skin care launch: When the product first circulates into the beauty sphere, there's a fever-pitch reaction—everyone wants to try it!—but this popularity is often short-lived. The main reason? It didn't deliver what it promised, so it fades into the background. This happens more often than you'd think, which is why most people gravitate towards tried-and-true products with longevity; they have stood the test of time simply because they work.

These cult-favorite formulas are the ones we buy over and again, replacing each bottle as soon as we've run out of product. Their formulas don't change—they're that good—but they always seem to have a waitlist; plus, they're the ones that celebrity, beauty editors, and skin care gurus frequently tout. And while there are times when you get lucky and find one of these iconic skin care workhorses on sale, most of these products, that have become household names and staples in our routines, aren't cheap.

This makes sense. Many of these beloved products—from toners and serums to cleansers and moisturizers—were the first of their kind and originality comes at a price. It didn't take long, however, for other brands to catch on and begin making their own versions at much lower price points. While the original versions will always be special, there are some lesser-known and less expensive skin care items that compare to the originals. Here, combined with the help of in-the-know dermatologists, we've rounded up some of our favorite iconic skin care products and matched them with less-expensive alternatives so you can have glowing skin, whatever the cost.