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Let’s be real – we all love a great dupe: they make beauty so much more accessible, whether it is because of cost or simply giving us more shopping options. When it comes to k-beauty, road shop and indie brands are constantly innovating and it’s not surprising that many of their formulas are on par (and sometimes arguably better) than their high end counterparts. Here’s a list of some great k-beauty dupes for you to consider when building your own skincare routine.
It’s also important to note that there can be a very fine line between a proper ‘dupe’ and a copycat product, so all of the products discussed here are proper dupe – whether it is a similar product type or formulation. Copycats are fully excluded!
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence vs Missha First Treatment Essence Rx
Perhaps one of the best known dupes in k-beauty, Missha’s First Treatment Essence Rx (USD$24, on sale from USD$49) has long been hailed as a dupe for the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (USD$185). Comparatively, the First Treatment Essence has a stronger focus on hydration and nourishing skin, using 80% Fermented Yeast Concentrate. I do believe that there are differences between the two but, depending on what your skin needs, you can save yourself some serious cash!
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair vs Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Probio Ampoule
Another popular one from Missha, their Time Revolution Night Repair Probio Ampoule (USD$29, on sale from USD$50) is a popular dupe of Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair (USD$105). This is in essential night time ampoule that contains a minimum of 50% Bifida Ferment Lysate (the same ingredient featured in the Estee Lauder), along with other additional ferments and ingredients.
Note: The original ‘dupe’ from Missha was their Borabit Ampoule, but it has now been reformulated and upgraded as the Night Repair Probio Ampoule.
Fresh Sugar Face Polish vs Skinfood Black Sugar Mask
The Skinfood Black Sugar Mask (USD$11) is one of their cult favourite products and, compared to high end counterparts like the Fresh Sugar Face Polish (USD$62), is just a fraction of the price! Although it doesn’t contain the exact same nourishing ingredients (for example, the Skinfood uses Shea Butter instead of Strawberry Fruit Extract, Mango Seed Butter and Grape Seed Oil), it may already be more than enough!
Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots vs COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches
Anyone with acne prone skin will know that pimple patches are an absolute essential and honestly, with how many of them I go through, I’m all about affordable and effective dupes. The COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch (USD$12 for 3 packs of 24 – 72 in total) is highly raved about and, for many people, considered an OG. If you want something even thinner though, you can also check out the Pyunkang Yul Spot Patches (USD$2.50, on sale from USD$4.40, for a pack of 15).
Both of these are a fraction of the price in comparison to high end products like the Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots ($32 for 6 packs of 12 – 72 in total), which means you don’t need to worry about ‘wasting’ any!
Fresh Rose Floral Toner vs Mamonde Rose Water Toner
If you’re after a simple, effective toner, then the Mamonde Rose Water Toner (USD$13.60, on sale from $USD$17) is a great option. A potential dupe for the Fresh Rose Floral Toner (USD$40), this one also contains Damask Rose Water but – comparatively – also uses fragrances. If that isn’t a deal breaker for you, it’s a great way to save a lot of money.
Have you ever used any of these products before? Or perhaps you have some other dupes that you want to share with the community. Leave a comment below or send them through to me on Instagram for inclusion in the next post!
