Beauty on a Budget: Anti-Aging Products You Can Snag for Under $30

If there’s one skin care concern we will all face one day, it’s aging skin. As we age, our skin begins to lose its natural elasticity and firmness, which can result in visible wrinkles, fine lines, and sagginess. To add insult to injury, many of the anti-aging products out there, which are formulated to help reduce these visible signs are often expensive. Thankfully, some of your favorite drugstore brands feature anti-aging essentials you can pick up for less than $30. We’ve done the heavy lifting, finding out which anti-aging products live up to their pricier counterparts, and we’re sharing all our findings right here.

Product Pick #1: L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Cicacream Face Moisturizer, $17.99 MSRP

First things first, what is cica cream? Besides being a product your skin is basically begging for, this type of anti-aging moisturizer is formulated with centella asiatica, also known as tiget grass. These lightweight, protective creams are quickly growing in popularity, and with good reason. The L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Cicacream Face Moisturizer, which is also formulated with Pro-Retinol, helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, loss of firmness and other signs of aging that a weakened skin barrier can often accentuate. Immediately, you’ll notice skin feels softer and smoother, while over time, wrinkles will appear less visible and clarity will be improved.

Product Pick #2: Garnier SkinActive Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream, $14.99 MSRP

When it comes to aging, the skin surrounding your eyes is typically a major concern. It makes sense, since that’s typically one of the first areas to show signs of aging. As such, being diligent with your eye cream application is an absolute must. The Garnier SkinActive Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream is formulated with Pro-Retinol, caffeine and rice peptides and can deeply hydrate and brighten the eye area while fighting the look of wrinkles and improving elasticity. 

Editor’s tip: If you aren’t seeing the results you’re after, part of the problem could be your application technique. If you’re using rubbing motions, it’s time to switch things up. The skin around your eyes is delicate, and being too harsh can actually cause more wrinkles. We’re sharing the right way to apply eye cream, here.  

Product Pick #3: CeraVe Skin Renewing Cream Serum, $16.99 MSRP

No anti-aging regimen is complete without a serum, as they often include a higher concentration of ingredients. The CeraVe Skin Renewing Cream Serum is a prime pick, thanks to its unique, comforting formula that helps to restore tighter, smoother skin that looks healthy and radiant. Non-greasy and fast absorbing, it’s formulated with retinol, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, and can help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As if that wasn’t already impressive, the serum is also gentle, non-irritating, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free. In short, it checks all the boxes.

Product Pick #4: L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Rosy Tone Mask, $24.99 MSRP

Much of your anti-aging focus may be on wrinkles and fine lines, but they aren’t the only signs of aging we have to worry about. As skin matures, it loses the natural pink tone that so often is a mark of youth. The L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Rosy Tone Mask, tackles this problem by sloughing away dull, dead skin cells to visibly smooth skin’s surface and leave behind a rosy, radiant look. And the best part, aside from the price, is you’ll need only five minutes to start seeing results.

Product Pick #5: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light SPF 60 Sunscreen, $29.99 MSRP

Sunscreen may not be a strictly anti-aging product, but if your anti-aging skin care routine is lacking Broad Spectrum SPF, you’re doing it all wrong. No matter your age or concerns, you need to be using sunscreen daily. Exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can cause visible signs of aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and even some cancers. The FDA recommends applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF value of at least 15 daily, and reapplying throughout the day. The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light SPF 60 Sunscreen didn’t make this list solely due to its affordable pricing, but for its lightweight feel and the protection it offers against both UVB and UVA rays.

Editor’s tip: Sunscreen alone cannot fully protect your skin from the sun. When outdoors, take additional measures such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding peak sun hours—from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—when the rays are strongest.