Ever since I first tried Good Molecules, I’ve had this strange feeling that someone has finally come up with skincare that isn’t made “for the masses,” but specifically for people like me. For people who are tired of paying $60 for a bottle of product that promises everlasting youth and seeing… no results… nothing. That’s how my passion for brands that make real cosmetics began — simple, with transparent ingredients, that just work.
I’ve tried all of these brands myself — and here is my personal list of the best discoveries. Some were perfect serums, some were failures, but it’s all part of the journey to healthy radiant skin.
Moreover, along the way, I came to understand that even good ingredients may not work if the texture is poor, if the scent is irritating, or if the product simply doesn’t “feel” well on your skin.
I’ll start, of course, with Good Molecules. The niacinamide serum is my savior during periods when my skin becomes oily and breakouts appear. It doesn’t dry out or irritate the skin, but rather seems to gently “soothe” it. I love their Pineapple Exfoliating Powder. It smells like pineapple, but it leaves the skin smooth, like after using acids, only without any irritation.
But their SPF is a typical example of how texture can ruin everything: it leaves your skin white, which is not the most pleasant aspect, let’s face it. And the question is why do they still use synthetic fragrances?
1. The Ordinary
A classic brand without which this whole topic of affordable skincare would’ve never started. The first time I’ve tried their Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA, my skin really started to lighten after a couple of days!. Then there was the iconic Buffet — and yes, it doesn’t work magic, but it provides excellent hydration. An important fact: despite their good ingredients, some of their products are difficult to call suitable for everyday use. For example, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% requires careful application: no more than 2 drops, otherwise it rolls off. And Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA is technically moisturizing, but it feels like a thick film on the skin. It’s not the ingredients that matter here, but how it feels and how it works in combination with other products.
2. Versed
I really love their Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm — it has amazing scents and feels like a spa at home. It melts on your skin easily, smells like eucalyptus and even washes off waterproof sunscreen. They have a good retinol gel — slightly weaker than what you would buy at a pharmacy, but it doesn’t make your skin dry at all.
Overall, the brand feels like it was created by people who have gone through acne themselves, carefully selecting the formulas and ingredients rather than just ending up in pretty packaging.
3. Naturium
If you need a “more serious” alternative to Good Molecules, try Naturium. I had Retinol Complex Serum — the mildest but most effective retinol product I’ve ever tried and I would definitely recommend it for daily use. I really like the formulas of their products — there are no fragrances (synthetic fragrances), the textures are very smooth and nice, and what is most important is that all products go well with each other. And believe me this is quite rare. All their products are really good. You know sometimes it happens that one product works great, and the other one suddenly causes irritation. Here, everything is harmonious and without a doubt it’s one of the best brands.
4. Byoma
I have been using Byoma for a long time, and of course I was attracted by their packaging and marketing. I wouldn’t call this brand affordable as their prices are slightly above average. The brand’s entire philosophy is to restore the skin barrier so that you can feel it. Their cream with ceramides is one of a few that doesn’t feel oily on your skin after a couple of hours.
If you have both dry and oily skin (hello to those who have combination skin), this is a real lifesaver. There are also many different products that include Gel-Cream SPF or are designed for long-lasting hydration. Their products work really great, so be sure to try them. The only downside is that the amount of product is not as big as you might expect.
5. Krave Beauty
I ignored them for a long time because of their aggressive Instagram marketing, but Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser turned out to be a very unexpected and useful finding for me. It’s very gentle, but cleanses like a good cleanser should do it.
I would especially highlight their Great Barrier Relief — it’s a real remedy for skin that you’ve accidentally damaged with acids or retinol. No burning feeling, no fragrance, just a soothing, restorative emulsion. Many people in the Reddit community have also noted that Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser is an excellent product, which is interesting.
6. Facetheory
You know what I like most about them? Exactly! They offer scented and unscented versions of their products. Because, honestly, fragrance in cream isn’t always pleasant, some scents are just awful.
I tried their Regenacalm Serum with retinol—it’s very powerful, and yes, it stung a little at first, but after a month, my skin texture really became much more even. And the packaging is simple and recyclable. It’s a small plus, but a nice one. Some users express concern about changes in Facetheory’s packaging, especially their switch to metal tubes, which some find inconvenient to use, while other users note problems with out-of-stock items and mixed feelings about order fulfillment, including less-than-5 stars customer service interactions.
7. The INKEY List
A very straightforward brand with a simple approach. The entire brand is built around strict instructions. Their website has detailed explanations of how and what to use. The INKEY List Vitamin C Serum is one of a few that did not cause irritation on my skin.
But The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum seemed too runny and thin to me — it absorbs instantly and feels like I put nothing on. So, as always, I can’t say that everything from one brand will be wow. But the most important thing is to find exactly what suits you best,to study the ingredients, instructions, and real reviews, and after all you’ll definitely find it.
8. Bubble
I immediately liked Bubble SkinSchool. It’s a section on their website where you can take surveys, determine your skin type, read a huge number of application guides, and find information about all skin types and all possible problems — definitely a thumbs up! Yes, this brand seems to be for teenagers, but I am an adult with teenage skin problems. Their Level Up Moisturizer is perfectly light, especially for the summer season. It provides long-lasting hydration, and does its job perfectly. I was also pleasantly surprised that the consultants really knew what they were talking about. This is rare, you can always turn to them for advice and get it with doctor’s precision.
9. Selfless by Hyram
Yes, this is a brand of blogger Hyram Yarbro, but I was pleasantly surprised. Their Retinol & Rainbow Algae Serum is one of the gentlest retinol products I’ve ever tried.
Their formulas are so good that you don’t have to worry about fragrances, citrus oils, and other ingredients that often cause irritation. It’s very eco-friendly and calm in a good way, but their products aren’t exactly groundbreaking — everything is simple and works well. I searched for bad and good reviews about this company, and to be honest, I didn’t find anything bad.
10. Geek & Gorgeous
The company doesn’t seem to do any marketing at all, which is really awesome, to tell you the truth. Their 12% AHA (Smooth Out) has become my must-have: delicate and effective. And here’s important things about it: no fragrances and no oils, just a formula that works. This is especially important for sensitive skin — you really don’t have to worry here. Users in online communities note the company’s excellent pricing policy (again, thanks to the lack of marketing) and Hydration Station moisturizer as their most wonderful product.
11. Beauty of Joseon
Relief Sun SPF — I can say with confidence that this is the best SPF I’ve ever come across. Light, non-sticky, non-oily. Glow Serum with propolis and niacinamide is very effective, especially when applied in the morning. This brand leaves a very pleasant feeling, as their formulas are designed to calm your skin.
12. Stratia
Liquid Gold by Stratia is something you can apply when your skin is literally in despair. Especially after winter, when your skin is not only dehydrated but also suffers from a number of other unpleasant factors, such as a lack of vitamins and antioxidants. It works as a restorative barrier. No unnecessary ingredients, everything is natural. The packaging is more reminiscent of a pharmacy, but I actually liked that.
13. Axis-Y
A Korean brand that focuses on balanced formulas that are suitable for everyone. No harsh ingredients and no unnecessary promises. Their Spot the Difference Serum is excellent for inflammation without any unpleasant sensations. It works well — definitely a thumbs up from our editorial team.
14. Skin1004
If you still don’t believe in the power of centella, start with Skin1004. Centella is a powerful anti-inflammatory and moisturizing ingredient, and Madagascar Centella Ampoule is literally a lifesaver when your skin is going crazy. After using this product, your skin feels like it’s just come back from vacation.It has no smell and isn’t sticky at all. This is exactly what we all want from natural cosmetics.
If you, like our editorial team,value natural formulas ,clear and simple ingredients, and only real results , then these brands are definitely worth your attention and, of course, they cost the price you pay for them as this list has been carefully done and tested.
Of course, these brands don’t make your skin look like you have an Instagram filter on, and honestly, no brand can do that, but using them, you can be sure that you will get the desired result.
And finally but not less importantly, they don’t make things worse, as it often happens with luxury cosmetics that cost more than $100,when you get pimples and irritation after usage and can’t return your money back. The whole point of these brands is respect for you, your skin, and your budget.
