Running low on your go-to’s but can’t get them asap? Looking for more affordable but quality options?
Check out these best bang-for-your-buck skincare products that are available at your local grocery store and drugstore (Watsons, Mercury).
DISCLAIMERS
The products listed below are most suitable for people with normal, combination, and oily skin. Other skin concerns were not considered.
Some of the recommended products are available only in the Philippines.
The currency is Philippine peso. The prices are as of May 2020.
⚠️ Your experience may vary. ⚠️ It has worked for some but it might not work for you.
THE BASIC SKIN CARE ROUTINE
Morning Routine
Facial Wash > Moisturizer > Sunscreen
Night Routine
First cleanser > Facial Wash > Moisturizer
Want to learn more about this routine? Read my Skincare Routine for Oily Skin or Skincare Routine for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin. Both are complete with product recommendations.
FIRST CLEANSER
First cleansers dissolve waterproof makeup and sunscreen that are tough for regular facial washes to remove.
Cleansing oil, cleansing balm, micellar water, and makeup wipes are first cleansers.
What to look for
✅ pH-balanced (pH 7.0 or lower)
✅ Alcohol-free* (preferred)
✅ Non-drying
*ethanol or ethyl alcohol, denatured alcohol, methanol, isopropyl alcohol, SD alcohol, and benzyl alcohol
Recommended First Cleansers
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water (pink)
Php 99 for 125 ml, Php 249 for 400 ml
Biore Cleansing Oil
Php 349 for 150 ml
Nivea MicellAIR Extra White (pink)
Php 99 for 125 ml, Php 169 for 200 ml
PRO TIP: Save more when you shop online using Shopback. Get up to 60% cashback on Lazada, Shopee, Watsons, Uniqlo, Zalora, and more. Sign up with my referral link to get a FREE Php 100 welcome gift.
FACIAL WASH
Facial wash or face wash is a water-based face cleanser that removes dirt and sebum.
Always wash your face with a facial wash before going to bed. Washing your face in the morning is optional.
What to look for
✅ pH-balanced (around pH 5.5)
✅ No sodium lauryl sulfate
✅ No tight, squeaky feeling after
Recommended Facial Washes
Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Wash
Php 94 for 50 ml, Php 176 for 100 ml
Human Nature Nourishing Facial Wash
Php 80 for 50 ml, Php 200 for 200 ml
Read my review
Belo Skin Hydrating Whitening Face Wash
Php 150 for 100 ml
iWhite Korea Gentle Morning Gel Wash
Php 22 for 8 ml, Php 199 for 85 ml
More options: 11 Best Drugstore Facial Washes in the Philippines
MOISTURIZER
No matter how gentle your cleanser is, it can still strip away essential moisture and oil that keep your skin balanced and healthy.
Always moisturize your skin after cleansing and as needed.
What to look for
✅ Gel type
✅ Oil-free
✅ Alcohol-free* (preferred)
*ethanol or ethyl alcohol, denatured alcohol, methanol, isopropyl alcohol, SD alcohol, and benzyl alcohol
Recommended Moisturizers
Celeteque Hydration Facial Moisturizer
Php 250 for 100 ml
iWhite Korea Aqua Moisturizer (blue)
Php 22 for 6 ml, Php 195 for 50 ml, Php 280 for 80 ml
Read my review
iWhite Korea Aqua Moisturizer Glow (pink)
Php 25 for 6 ml, Php 205 for 50 ml
Read my review
More options: 7 Best Drugstore Moisturizers For Oily, Acne-prone Skin
SUNSCREEN
Sunscreen must be applied every day to protect the skin from harmful UV rays, which can pass through clouds and glass.
Some negative effects of UV rays are: skin discoloration, premature skin aging, worse acne, and stubborn hyperpigmentation (dark spots).
What to look for
✅ Broad spectrum
✅ SPF 30 or higher
✅ Alcohol-free* (preferred)
*ethanol or ethyl alcohol, denatured alcohol, methanol, isopropyl alcohol, SD alcohol, and benzyl alcohol
Recommended Sunscreens
Belo Sun Expert Face Cover
Php 349 for 50 ml
Belo Sun Expert Tinted Sunscreen
Php 450 for 50ml
Celeteque Sun Care Matte Moisturizer
Php 230 for 50 ml
PRO TIP: Save more when you shop online using Shopback. Get up to 60% cashback on Lazada, Shopee, Watsons, Uniqlo, Zalora, and more. Sign up with my referral link to get a FREE Php 100 welcome gift.
Has this article helped you? Say thanks by buying me coffee!
READ NEXT: 12 Best Serums for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin Philippines
Like this kind of posts? Get an email notification whenever a new one comes out! SUBSCRIBE NOW 🤗
The Glow Hacker 