Skincare Products I HATE...But Would Still Recommend

[@shellyf5456]

I have to disagree with The Ordinary stance. I found out I was allergic to Niacinamide by using their product. When you have a reaction to a product and they're all multi-ingredient products it can be hard to figure out which ingredient is the culprit or if you have highly sensitive skin and just want whichever ingredient works for you without any extra's it can be really helpful. Now that I know what my skin likes and dislikes, I have stepped away from The Ordinary for more multi-ingredient products but The Ordinary was a great help for me in the beginning.

[@alwaysjojo_]

OMG finally someone else who is allergic to Naicinamide! I also found out through using The Ordinary products. It helped me know what to look out for in product ingredients - I would never have known specifically if it wasn’t for their single focus products.

[@jessicamarshall1975]

Completely agree. I found out through The Ordinary I was allergic to Azelaic Acid. Now I know what to avoid going forward.

[@samuel-no8yp]

I love both the simplicity and complexity of The Ordinary. The simplicity allows me to pick the specific ingredients I know works for my skin, and them being in separate bottles makes me feel like a scientist mixing up the perfect concoction in my lab aka my bathroom. Also i'm cheap AF and the ordinary is my most trusted budget brand. I can see that our philosophies towards skincare are the complete opposite but I still love seeing all the products you talk about on the channel. Now its time to watch the other video that just got posted!

[@laceyshanahan8655]

This!! This has been my joy in my skin healing journey. They make it all so simple. I just found their niacinamide powder after being a daily user of their serum.. game changer. You put a scoop into your moisturizer and it's INCREDIBLE. So much better than the serum itself honestly. And it's lasting me forever. But my point is, I will only use it in my "bland" moisturizer

[@060525]

Exactly, I feel that they bring me the joy in skincare he was talking about!

[@thenopedetective]

The main issue I have with the ordinary is that I love the idea of them, but I never see any positive results from their products. Maybe the base products just don't suit my skin, but I feel like their formulations are often sub therapeutic (I have no evidence for this).

[@laceyshanahan8655]

@ that stinks, I will say there are better formulas out there like the video says, but when i started out with the ordinary it changed my skin & their products helped me build my skin barrier back after curology stripped it down

[@edgybarbie77]

💯

[@frogbIog]

I feel very called out by the thumbnail… I use CeraVe SA for cleanser, Thayers Witch Hazel for toner, Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence, and the CeraVe lotion! Completely understand the points about skincare being something “special” but I def use cerave because I have eczema & sensitive skin. I’ve gone through trying to use “fancy” stuff but it never works and is too expensive!

[@ericalampley480]

THIS!

[@joydiggs2441]

I use all of these products

[@katl8825]

this is exactly why I use the Thayer's toners lol!! I've been using them since middle school (I'm 5 years out from college now...) because I notice a positive difference in my skin when I use it, I've had bad reactions trying other brands of toner, AND it's cheap. I have no reason to change!

[@thenopedetective]

I love cerave for skin barrier stuff, but it and Nivea break me out so bad!

[@feelthejoy]

James likes CosRx tho!

[@Annej-isnt-gomez]

So fascinating cause I love medical blandness of cerave. It brings me joy how bland it it. My house is also poster, painting and Knick-knacked up so I call it balance.

[@sailorsoldier567]

He called it the fruit and veg of skincare in another video, perfect description.

[@msk-qp6fn]

Same 😂

[@shelleytee1]

I really appreciate how well you explain things and how much you care. I found CeraVe after several years of suffering from eczema that would not respond to any treatment, prescription or otherwise. So to me, starting to use those gentle products *was* joyful - soothing and ultimately healing for the first time in a very long time. Now, after over a decade of healing, I am able to add far more interesting and fun kinds of products into my routine so I only turn to CeraVe at rare moments when I have a bad flare-up. It's no longer a source of joy (although it's not joyless either - just neutral) and I love that I can instead truly immerse myself in many incredible skincare products and sensations that were denied to me for a long time. So I can see what you mean ... but I hope you can understand those of us who see it as a line of products that heal(ed) us from suffering, which is a different kind of comfort if not necessarily full-on joy. Thank you for all you do! 🫶

[@OG_Fuzzybubbles]

I appreciate your perspective. I think my dislike for the brand originates from unfulfilled hope. I looked to them for the same thing you described but unfortunately they not only didn't provide relief but instead caused further irritation. I recognize that my experience isn't shared by everyone but I appreciate hearing others share theirs.

[@dogatadisco]

This is SO beautifully put, thank you for sharing -- I completely agree with your idea that finding joy is a very personal one and can often be more about the process of breaking and rewriting past negative experiences that had been holding us back. Can totally relate to that pure joyousness of using something, no matter how bland or ordinary it might be, that finally feels RIGHT as opposed to causing pain or damage. I think we often underestimate the value and significance of simple things like this. Thank you :D

[@shelleytee1]

​@@dogatadisco😘😘

[@iylishr9756]

The little section about The Ordinary made me giggle, because recently (a few months ago) you tried and discussed their new Soothing & Barrier Support Serum, which is more of a formulated multi-ingredient product rather than a one-ingredient one. I tried it based on your experience and I LOVE it, I'm on my second bottle. I wish they would make more products like this, tbh, because I've moved on from the desire to have a million single-ingredient steps in my routine. I completely understand your criticisms, but thank you in retrospect for recommending one of my new staple products!

[@Roguechan]

I've bought both their basic serum, as well as their retinol one-would you recommend that I exchange the normal serum for the soothing & barrier one? I'm not sure how it interacts with the retinol...

[@shelleyfreeborn8290]

Thank you James for bringing back the hell of my teens being Clean & Clear as well as Proactiv- my oily skin was constantly so dry and tight 🤣

[@antoniusdamar1583]

I love the ordinary because of your first explanation tbh. I do find them joyful skincare to put on. It’s like, ‘ooh what kind of serum do i need for today, hydration or skin barrier?’ It’s like playing cooking. It’s about progression over perfection!

[@daisyjohnson7588]

I agree!! It feels like I can tailor my routine to how my skin is from week to week When the changing weather affects my skin maybe I need all the hydrating ingredients and a prayer. Or being at a different point in my cycle, maybe I just want to back off some activities for a minute. And that sort of okay what do I want today is a joyful experience.

[@veronicajade20]

I use the Japanese Hada Labo Gokujyun line. It's based on hyaluronic acid, very moisturizing, has good packaging, & doesn't break the bank. I'm pretty lazy when it comes to skin care, so having an entire product line that caters to my dry, acne prone skin needs is great.

[@OG_Fuzzybubbles]

Japanese and Korean skincare have been for me what CeraVe is for so many. Effective, non-irritating, and affordable. Hado Labo specifically is great.

[@raisinbreanncrunch]

The ordinarys glycolic acid is my holy grail for my armpits lol. For that reason alone i love them.

[@Skirtis81]

And for 'active' men, it keeps it all fresh down there, til the end of the day 😇

[@lolobee313]

Yes. It also works on the groin area and underbelly area.

[@maggiieb.3170]

Hi, can you tell me what is does to your armpits? :)

[@daisyjohnson7588]

Literally I keep it in a spray bottle next to my deodorant. Step one the glycolic and once it's dried down step two the deodorant. Frankly it makes less of a difference now because I don't get as nasty but when I worked outdoors in south Florida this was a life changer

[@daisyjohnson7588]

​@@maggiieb.3170prevents body odor. Apply, let it dry, and then use your deodorant as usual. You'll stay smelling fresher for longer. But don't use if you've just shaved your pits!!

[@Purple_Alien2511]

I love joy in skincare too. But I also love simple, effective formulas. The way I find the balance is use the ordinary and ceraVe for the active steps, like retinol, exfoliating acids, etc, and the fun skincare for my hydrating serums, cleansers, sunscreen and toners stage. The gentle actives don't really do much for my skin, and most of the fun skincare is either that OR too expensive for my budget (because we pay for the packaging and marketing, not just the product). But I love watching your videos and seeing whats new and interesting in the skincare market without having to buy them myself. ❤

[@serriayisasia]

Joyful skincare is the only way my ADHD will continue to derive dopamine from self-care and hygiene routines. Especially also being physically disabled with little energy, all my routines have to be established and maintained by how much enjoyment I get out of doing them. Hell, my shower and hair routines are already ridiculous and my hair has never been better. My skincare is my daily self-care. That, and my face is so damn dry that I feel like a raisin if I don’t do it.

[@umassigkap]

THIS!!!!!

[@13realmusic]

Omg, back to back good ones! I think my biggest recommendation from this list is the CeraVe hyaluronic niacinamide toner. It’s super soothing and affordable while also eliminating the need for a separate niacinamide serum.

[@jenniferpetty5238]

Bring back the parabens! I’m tired of dropping money searching for shit that won’t burn my face or make me break out in hives. The only thing that I can tolerate for added moisture is emu oil and I don’t like putting that on my face. My rosacea flared up trying the Avene cicalfate serum.

[@dogatadisco]

That bit you played from your Tik Tok really resonated with my experiences of using skincare as a teenager in the UK; I've genuinely never stopped to consider the negative effect of always feeling ashamed and embarrassed buying anti-acne cleansers from some well-meaning checkout person in Boots (who would often comment something like, "oh your skin's not that bad!" which, while obviously meant as a kind comment only ever made me feel even more self-conscious). Thankfully my attitude towards skincare has dramatically shifted since I stopped needing those types of stigmatising and over-medicalised products, but like you I absolutely LOVE that this stuff can bring me so much joy now and feel like such an affirming, holistic part of my self-care. I can definitely appreciate how people with our experiences would seek ways to somehow 'reclaim' our formative experiences and rewrite that into something more positive and nourishing. Thank you for putting that into words so eloquently, and reminding us that human brains are insanely complex and subtle in how they find ways to help us live our best life :)

[@kkkkoxoxo6088]

2 uploads at the same time!?

[@dinasilva9263]

Cerave hydrating cleanser, nivea and la roche posay saved my skin, i really love those brands. But it depends on the person. Every skin is different, what is good for me may not be good for everyone.

[@YllonaRichardson]

Love your content ❤. Let me just say, my teenage years were the ‘70s, and drug store skin care options were *extremely harsh*. Thankfully my Mom and Grand-mom were devoted Erno Laszlo users. So yes, Ponds cold cream to remove makeup, grit, grime and sunscreen, followed by Neutrogena bar soap, then Thayers lavender/witch hazel toner, and a Neutrogena moisturizer. On the weekends, when my Mom would wash and braid my hair, I’d also get to use the full Erno Laszlo skin-care regimen - which was absolute bliss 😍. Nowadays, having passed through more luxury brands than I can remember, I’m back to Ponds for makeup/sunscreen removal, CeraVe foaming oil cleanser, Thayers toner, CeraVe retinol, Vitamin C, eye cream, moisturizer and sun screen for everyday. I keep a full Erno Laszlo kit for when I need some pampering, and I will be buried with that same full kit - to maintain luminous skin in the afterlife 😂!

[@renewedhope7638]

When you mentioned that the price of cerave had almost doubled I had to lookup which company purchased it and sure enough it’s owned by L’Oréal 🤬 they buy other brands and then the raise prices a crazy amount!! Every time a brand’s prices go nuts…9/10 the brand has been taken over by L’Oréal!!!

[@nyangret]

A DOUBLE UPLOAD??!!

[@THEMamaVicky]

Right? I'm bouncing back and forth 😂

[@kravistelly]

Merry Christmas from James to us 🎄 🎅

[@xgreydovex]

We have been blessed.

[@erinbyrd5181]

Over time watching several Derms and really good influencers, I have 4 Ordinary products that have worked better for their particular ingredient/use than any other brand. It lets me splurge more on my favorite Avene Retinal and Vichy Mineral 89. BUT EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT and that’s why I love that we have so many great product lines to fit what folks like and need. That’s part of the fun!

[@briana5002]

I think The Ordinary has a few good products that there aren't really affordable alternatives for (correct me if I'm wrong) like the lactic acid, peptides, etc, but overall totally agree. K-beauty formulations are often much more enjoyable to use and a similar price point

[@albertqhumperdinck]

I feel you on the joy issue, although for me theres this odd through line; the earlier in my routine, or even the farther away from the sink the product resides, the more I value I place on that joy component. My cleansers can be clinical and boring, they are my acne defense steps, that feels like a more medical concern for me, and then they get washed down the sink so who cares. Next level up, my serums need to be nicer, and feel effective, because they are staying on my face, and hydrating toner should feel like a refreshing treat! A sunscreen absolutely NEEDS to be a lovely experience in order to keep me compliant with using it daily, and top tier for me, my moisturizer is part of my pre-bedtime ritual, why on earth would I put on a bad moisturizer that I don`t adore, so I can be grumpy right at the end of my day!? Nuts to that! So I agree with the premise, just on a sliding scale.

[@_sleepy_panda]

I actually cannot stand micellar water and cleansing foams, but there are so many good ones on the market that I would recommend. I think its just a personal issue. My skin always feels too damaged after cleansing, though i never got an actual problem from it. edit: oh btw, I would love a video about the inkey list and other affordable options that are suitable for rosacea! I recently struggeling with it and some guidance here would be really awesome

[@panickedantics7761]

Yeah, I tried the Cerave night cream, which is more like an ointment, and I don't like it lol but my skin was going through the gigs with dryness, and everybody recommended it. I hate it. It was $23. Yes, it works... but there's no joy, and I feel like it's a chore to use. I would LOVE recommendations for a moisturizer specifically for nighttime! Something soothing for my redness, something for dry skin, and something that makes me feel pretty 😂

[@lisastankiewicz1926]

Love the Hydro boost line for my aged skin!

[@TheBwil32]

I love skincare and I too need it to bring me joy! Great video. Every time I pass cerave I “how boring” 😂

[@neurospicyrainbow]

I cannot stand fragrance so I do have to be particular about skincare. Drugstore skin care does have a time and a place, especially when you don’t want to wait for shipping for the punkyang yul or go over $20 in your skin care products

[@crafting_joy]

Because I have very very dry skin the Neutrogena Hydro Boost line is amazing especially since it is affordable. I'm always on the look out for affordable quality skincare for very dry skin. Which is something that I find actually hard to find because a lot of people who talk about skin care don't tend to cover products or make videos focused on dry and very dry skin. The skincare market itself also tends to gear it's products to oily and combination skin. And I can't afford to be trying all sorts of different products to find what is good and what isn't, what works and what won't for very dry skin. I do wish there would be coverage about products for dry and very dry skincare partially affordable ones. I know that Cerave and Cetaphil make products, but I personal can't handle stand the smell. So for now the Hydro Boost line is my skin saver. Them and Aveeno.

[@AnonymousAnnie]

I also have horribly dry skin, and the hydro boost line is great. I’ve added Vaseline for a slugging step to help protect my skin during winter. Every time I try other products, I always go back to this routine.

[@crafting_joy]

@AnonymousAnnie I use A+D ointment on my eyes in the winter to keep the wind from cutting up the skin around them. I will say that Elf's skin care line for dry skin is also good I don't of you've tried it. I have their full size makeup remover balm and it was a game changer for me especially for removing eye makeup because a lot makeup remover would just dry me out more. I do have the mini/travel size of their (elf) dry skin care line for when I travel because I was able to buy it as a set. Thankfully between the Elf line and Hydro Boost line are decently priced otherwise I don't know what I would do. Same goes for Aveeno which I use for full body care. Have you tired Aveeno or Elf's dry skin care line? Also have you tried Shea butter because that in the winter after a shower on really dry areas is amazing. Do you have any recommendations, because I'm always open to suggestions and recommendations?

[@auklett]

I use la roche as a second cleanse and thayers for toner, because to me they’re a basic step so I’m fine with whatever works. What gives me joy are oil cleansers and serums! I remember to wash and tone my face more regularly because I love that part of the routine 😂

[@tigerlily515]

so glad you mentioned the cerave price point! i recently purchased it for my grandma and was shocked at the price bc i had always assumed it was something that was a much more “affordable” option when in reality it costs just as much as any other decent skincare product

[@aleksap5459]

I really understand your thoughts on ‘joyless’ skincare. I also grew up in the era where ‘skincare’ wasn’t really a thing and we used things like Proactiv to ‘fix’ ourselves rather than actually care for ourselves. It turns out I really enjoy minimalist and to the point products so I’ve settled on The Ordinary. But I use their products in a therapeutic way and focus on using their products that feel nice (as well as work) enjoying applying them. It’s even more satisfying that I’m enjoying products that are very affordable (I used to use more high-end brands for some time). So I 100% agree on everything you’ve said in this video!!

[@BeHealing]

When I was a teenager in the 80's the only skincare was Clearasil which smelled so bad and it stung, it didn't work, so you still had teenage acne but you'd also stink & sting, yay. I'm with you on the Cerave POV James, it's joyless & there are just better alternatives that are more luxurious yet still cheap

[@entityvoid]

I 100% agree with your take on 'joyful skincare' and I apply this to everything in my life because everything feels like a chore to me. Before I discovered skin care, hygiene and selfcare tiktok/youtube I literally didn't take care of myself or my basic personal hygiene because I hated it so much. Now I have shower, hygiene and skin care routines that I will stick to everyday because I actually enjoy it, I use nice looking and smelling products and that motivates me to take care of myself.

[@albertqhumperdinck]

I agree with and relate to this very much!

[@thebabythesavage]

This so much!!

[@CreekSideLagotto]

I just got some ordinary stuff for significantly less than neutrogena or cera ve

[@loveandhappiness1111]

I have fungal acne and cerave is the only moisturizer I can use. It’s no frills and not super moisturizing but it doesn’t feed the yeast bumps on my skin.

[@Yolk421]

Your fungal problem is most likely what you’re eating. I myself had an over growth of candida and reduced my sugar intake to 19 grams and it went away.

[@loveandhappiness1111]

@ I will try that, thank you! 😊

[@AmoraTheEnchantress]

Your content has completely changed my skincare regimen. Thank you! Merry Christmas

[@rebeccasartcorner]

I love skincare as self care, but most days I just need it to work so I keep it very simple. My armpits love cerave sa smoothing cleanser😅 it’s the only product that I have found that I feel like actually remove my deodorant. I also jumped on the ordinary glycolic acid train. I haven’t used it for very long but so far my feet and legs seem to like it😅

[@13realmusic]

That’s a good tip

[@BlahBlahAllyson]

I have Prurigo Nodularis and just generally sensitive ginger skin…My Derm has said the thicker the lotion the better and to go with stuff that comes in the tub like Cerave. I feel like that’s my only really affordable option besides Vaseline or Aquaphor.

[@GenXfrom75]

Dollar Tree has phenomenal dupes for the Glow Recipe Watermelon 🍉 items…. Their serum and toner dupes are genuinely wonderful! I used mine up because my face LOVED THEM! So when I finally found more at a DT in the next town over, I literally bought ALL they had in stock. Don’t sleep on DT skincare if you’re on a tight budget!! ❤

[@jessicamarshall1975]

I complete understand your views on Cera-Ve. While it is very basic, it was sort of my introduction to skin care beyond medicated creams and as someone who had very bad eczema as a kid and sometimes has flare ups its moisturiser is one of the few I can use during them, so I keep it on hand.

[@TheMidwestPrincess]

I love my Thayers, but I also enjoy a lot of Korean skin care for daily use and stuff like Peter Thomas Roth and Dr. Jart for spa days. I use prescription strength tretinoin, also. My skin has improved drastically. Thank you so much, James, for introducing me to Korean skin care.💜🙏🏽

[@morgiemango6242]

I totally understand why people have fun with their skincare or makeup. They want it to be exciting and bring them joy! As a user of Cerve who is lazy I do the slap shit on my face and go to bed/school routine. I have sensory issues so spending a long time on my skin isn’t just for me and thats ok! But yeah Cerave does work great, easily accessible, affordable, and its boring 😂

[@SosoGamerChick]

I only knew about the new Thayer toner from you. I actually got a bundle off Amazon and I use their stuff before bed bc their thick moisturizer is great for a thick overnight cream. I put the toner into a spray bottle which helped with the foaming.

[@erikakronvold4211]

😂 I do believe joy and Cerave can be combined. ❤ It’s not that hard, really.

[@kmdfs4433]

I am also a millenial (33 years old) and i wouldn't be excited by cerave or neutrogena products either. There is so much choice now, and like you, a lot of these types remind me of the only things that were available when i was younger. I also find it a therapeutic self care experience.

[@Espritlumiere]

I've tried many Cerave products and the only products that didn't irritate my sensitive, rosacea and acne prone skin was 1 cleanser (and that burned my eyes), and 1 eye cream. I get that Cerave works for many people, but I do absolutely agree that it feels old fashioned and outdated too! I'm Aussie and Cerave is so pricey here compared to our similar brands and products like Cetaphil and Dermaveen.

[@patti1044]

Great video. I am so "mature" that skincare was not any more than a cleanser and moisturizer when I was a young adult. At this point I am looking to what can help me retain my 72 yr old skin. I really like the Neutragena Hydroboost gel and use it regularly though am also enjoying a snail muscin product so I think the texture is important.

[@emmakatemedina]

I totally get wanting to love your skincare routine. For me it’s a chore that I do so my skin doesn’t feel like an oil slick in an hour and I feel confident. Sometimes I add something fun to get excited, but considering the oiliness, I HAVE to stick to my $5 grocery store toner or pay the price (literally).

[@Suedetussy]

I‘ve learned from you that it is more effective and cheaper to not buy a single ingredient serum. In fact, many serums already contain niacinamide (which is what i need). Thanks to you, i‘ve saved a lot of money and clutter.

[@Sammy-jh6fz]

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer is the best moisturizer I've ever used till now...not only that it weightlessly hydrate and moisturize my skin,it also make my skin looks glowy and make my skin texture look very smooth

[@thisizshortlycherifa7810]

really?? it does nothing to my skin and sometimes felt like dihydrating to my skin 😅😅

[@Sammy-jh6fz]

​@@thisizshortlycherifa7810Yes,it literally make my skin feel and look so smooth, hydrated and plump...It also makes my pores looks smaller...I've tried so many moisturizers for years,but nothing can beat the Neutrogena Hydro Boost..we all have different skin,which works for 1 person might not work for the other and vice versa...Yoi can try their gel cream or nourishing cream version too if u want..

[@a.r.mproductions5616]

@@thisizshortlycherifa7810everyone’s skin is different obviously

[@tanya-xoxo]

@@thisizshortlycherifa7810 same. Every time I used it, my skin would be really irritated and red the next day. I don't think my skin like hyaluronic acid.

[@raisinbreanncrunch]

Their body gel is one of my holy grails. I absolutely love this line too and had to chime in about their micellar water and how awesome it's been. Everyone's skin is different so test wisely 😊

[@dfue0797]

JAMES YOU ARE GLOWING BABYYYY I need your skincare routine!!! 😂

[@adamccopy]

It's just a shiny serum slapped on before filming to give the illusion of gLaSs SkiN 🤪

[@nikitatavernitilitvynova]

I love cerave but as you said their pricing is kind of crazy. I switched to them after using elf skin because they were not as readily accessible to me as they are now. I could only get them at an affordable price from Douglas online as they didn't carry it in store and when I ran out of the holy hydration with spf 30 I couldn't find it anywhere. It was out of stock online. I couldn't buy it anywhere around Nice France nor my hometown Genova in Italy. While cerave was more easily accessible. It's a shame I really like that moisturizer and constantly look for sales if and when I run out (happened this year). I don't think I could go back to elf skincare if I can find the cerave one on sale somewhere. Also I understand the skincare joy. I don't really feel it though. I just want something that works and makes my skin feel nice and is easy to use. That's why I literally use an spf moisturizer with a hydrating serum and that's all. Hell yesterday I was raving about the airless pump packaging of my super cheap serum I just ran out of. Because it's sturdy plastic and the label came off easily so now I have a travel size bottle for shampoo since I gave mine to my brother. Or I could put hair conditioner inside. I seriously can't wait until I run out of the new one I got just so I can have another empty container to store things in. I don't travel much but I often go to my dad's place and I'd rather be prepared since he's bald and has no shampoo. Or if I go visit my relatives next year or something.

[@strawberrydialectics]

im laughing because i use the first 2 brands mentioned & i used to use thayers witch hazel because my mom did. not bothered at all since everyone is different. its important that you said its purely preference based. finding products that are enjoyable to use is great, though for many of us its not practical/affordable to experiment in order to find items that go beyond "just works". interesting that people have reactions to the grapefruit range of neutrogena- maybe an allergy? i use the grapefruit vitamin c face wash as its fairly affordable and doesnt irritate me. BUT i accidentally picked up their aha/bha one and it literally gave me a chemical burn for a month after a single use. boots kept denying my review too LOL. cera ve isnt very affordable but my skincare is small & moisturizer is the most important for me. at the moment im using the basic moisturizing creme as its the first alternative i have found to the old cetaphil cream before the formula changed. i was in a pinch & had to use my friends cera ve "moisturizing lotion" and had a reaction to it so idk.. i stick to what works because my skin is sensitive & things are expensive 😂

[@nicodranasien]

I will always like the Ordinary but only for one product: their copper peptide serum! One of the cheaper options for copper peptides on the market. when i switched to a job with lower pay and still needed a good moisturizer on a budget, the inkey list defo had me covered. But really thats it, i dont often shop from either of them on a regular basis

[@alijoc]

As a broke uni student, i absolutely LOVE The Ordinary and their affordability. It’s definitely not for everyone in the sense that if you just want skin maintenance, i don’t think it’s the best brand for you. They DO have a lot of single/double ingredients only products and for my post-cystic acne skin it’s amazing because i DONT need all sorts of ingredients, i just at the moment need the ones that will target the bigger problems :))

[@consciouscrypto3090]

For me, Thayers Witch Hazel toner isn't for adding moisture. It's for removing any last dirt/makeup/cleanser without drying my skin in the process. That's is. I have other toners I use to add moisture before locking in with serums and moisturizer/sunblock. You can't use witch hazel to add moisture! It's an astringent.

[@KatieB1995]

The Ordinary has absolutely transformed my skin over the last 8 months or so. Nothing has ever helped with my oily, acne-prone skin with large pores full of sebaceous filaments. As a tenager, I had the same experience as you- strip the oily skin dry, scrub the absolute sh** out of it, and even worse, do not use moisturiser because your skin is already oily enough. I am so glad we know better now. 🤣 I cleanse with Cetaphil's gentle face wash in the morning, then use The Ordinary's salacylic acid if I have time, niacinamide, then moisturiser. There products sit beautifully under makeup, and that was hard to find with any other products. I double cleanse at night with Cetaphil's Oily Skin face cleanser, The Ordinary's salacylic acid, niacinamide, moisturise with Simple, then use their retanoid in squalane. It may sound terrible to use both salacylic acid and a retinol together at the same time, but my skin not only handles it but thrives with it. I guess maybe there's so much crap on my face by the time I put the retinol on, it is far less concentrated. Ha. Anyway, I have no breakouts while doing this. My hyperpigmentation is fading more and more. My skin is much less oily. My pores appear smaller. My T-zone is full of sebaceous fillaments, still, but are improving slowly. I feel so much more confident within my skin and nothing else has worked for me in my whole life. I'm sure there are much better products that are more "enjoyable" to use, but for those of us who don't want to or cant spend a fortune on skincare, it is a godsend. 😊

[@noepp]

I love the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Micellar Water. Had the Bioderma sebium and sensitive one and also Garnier but always come back to the Neutrogena.

[@GoufinAround_]

I actually just saw that the price difference between la roche posay foaming cleanser for normal to oily skin is so close to the nearest sized bottles from cera ve and switched. It’s become so much more expensive than it used to be

[@msk-qp6fn]

I really enjoyed cerave's moisturizing cream. The texture was a lot more lightweight than I thought it would be yet moisturized my skin so well. Didn't sting my skin either. That being said, I get what you mean in that it's very clinical and basic. Heck, I'd argue even La roche posay lipika ap+ balm is more interesting than cerave moisturizing cream, both are meant for eczema prone skin too. I do prefer avene trixera balms over the two moisturizer though.

[@charlene5293]

As a foreigner who lives in Asia I avoid the ordinary because there’s lots of fakes on the market 😅

[@michaelkennedy2888]

You put it so well when you said Cera Ve products are joyless… they work I guess, but do they feel nice on the skin? In my experience, no. Are they fun to put on? No. Plus Cera Ve moisturizers make me way too oily and breakout more than other skincare products that give me all the benefits, plus an elevated and enjoyable experience on top of that. They really do feel like old timey pastes and sunscreens.

[@zeskiyo]

The Clean & Clear years. Oh my gosh... I'm suddenly transported back to the days of buying that mini kit 3 products for an "entire" skincare routine! They're probably the reason it took me so long to get into real skincare as an adult. 😂

[@habiba-__-27]

omg the way you describe cera ve is exactly how i feel about ALL the boring brands 😭😭😭 i literally just wanna have fun✨

[@skyerainart]

A note on the Aldi dupes - Trader Joe's makes super affordable skincare and they have a lot of "dupe" type products but really they are unique to Trader Joe's. They are quite good. I'm surprised they have done so well for how cheap they are.

[@emmal7227]

The only Aldi dupe I’ve used is their version of ‘Head & Shoulders’ purely because I really needed some shampoo and was going to be buying my preferred one the next day, so just figured I’d get a cheap one. It was NOTHING like head & shoulders. Dried my hair out, felt horrible, not even remotely similar.

[@maddiek3352]

BRUH. I literally just bought the Thayers Milky mushroom toner an hour ago.

[@GenXfrom75]

I use lots of Neutrogena… Hydroboost gel cleanser is nice to my older combo skin. And their Ultra Gentle face gel hydrator is lovely. ❤

[@T.Walker1502]

I'm still very thankful for the ordinary. For some reason my skin gets angry when using products with to much ingredients in it. All of my skin though, head and body too. I react to favourites like glow recipe and even some of those available at the pharmacies here in Europe (vichy). So all my love TO.

[@SLSwithOscartheGreat]

The Aldi skincare is shocking good for the cost. I could care less what it’s duping, and honestly they just shouldn’t. We’d still buy it up. It’s great for the price. Awesome backup stuff in my opinion. Or stuff just to have extra of, for random spots if the house, guest bathroom, car, or everyday. Worth it.

[@riddlememphis]

I love the one or two CeraVe products in my routine bc rhey dont just kinda work. They WORK, without the negatives. But, beyond cleanser and a basic moisturizer, yeah, i want my skincare to feel like im treating myself.

[@verditerthistle]

for some reason even mildest the cera ve products were irritating my skin so now vanicream is my go-to✨ i’m looking forward to using your recommendations for more enjoyable skincare at some point in the future when my skin calms tf down LOL

[@xFolkmore]

I usually recommend Cerave due to its basic nature and accessibility (being in most drugstores and amazon). None of their products “wow” me though 😅

[@OldLadyCrinkumCrankum]

Please oh please what are the equally affordable toners that you feel are better than Thayer's? I've used it for years and feel that it is extremely meh but don't know what I should be using instead.

[@CCCC-fj3kf]

Yes, I’m so tired of being lectured about how I must use CeraVe. My ex fiancée used to push me into using it and I just hated it. I get it, it’s effective for a lot of people, but for me not only was it totally joyless, it just did not work for me. The ceramides, fatty/waxy alcohols, and dimethicones combined broke me out so bad on my legs, thighs, neck, buttocks. And it really rubbed me the wrong way that I was constantly being told that I *had* to use CeraVe as a man bc it was the only brand acceptable for everyone.

[@Elrewin59]

Cerave definitively upped their prices - at least for some products. I was looking for a basic hydrating serum with ceramides, so I obviously turned to them: 21€! For 30ml! Luckily, they kept some of their products at a low price, but yeah, they're not really a super affordable brand anymore.

[@RayRayDoesStuff]

The only cerave product I love is the healing ointment because it's good for slugging but I don't use anything else from them because they're too basic haha but that product is great for lots of things and lasts forever

[@strangersontheinternet]

Ugh! The CeraVe SA moisturizer… I hate it but sometimes it’s the only thing my skin tolerates… but it’s so boring

[@anitaevans2432]

@@strangersontheinternet It's all a psychological trick. No skincare is any more "boring" than the rest. It's your own mind-set.

[@LeahVanAntwerpen]

I currently only use Cerave; I have eczema and have suffered some skin damage this year so it’s what my dermatologist recommended. I’m weary of changing it but also want to try other products/brands. Any suggestions for sensitive skin friendly products to try?

[@sdfba4648]

Neutrogena had a Rapid clear face wash with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, which was the only thing at that time that helped me clear my acne. I was heartbroken when they discontinued it.

[@LEdwards-c1j]

I love a joyful skin experience as well. ❤

[@donnamacleod3289]

I agree with your comment about joy! Skincare shouldn’t be a chore it should bring you joy. I really want to love CeraVe but I just can’t. It works. It does moisturize and it is good for your skin but it just doesn’t feel silky, smooth, rich and lovely and it definitely does not bring me joy. I also agree with you about The Ordinary. Stop the product overload. In the end I accidentally over treat and sometimes I even counter act product results trying to fit in every thing I think I need.

[@guanocurry]

Oof, I would love to use more fun products but my reactive, menopausal skin is not down for that. Cerave not wreaking havoc seriously brings joy and relief!

[@hadeslovelanguage1966]

Dude I hate Cera Ve packaging too😭I got it as a base starting point for my skin care after hs and imma be so honest, the attention it gets feels too crazy for how basic it is. As you said it feels like medical it doesn’t feel like “skin care” per se. I think that’s why I love Korean skincare so much bc they offer high quality formulas in cute packaging and it’s actually affordable if you know where to look

[@manda1804]

I never would have thought of Aldi as a place to buy skincare, in my mind it is simply a grocery store🤔

[@amandajohnson4845]

You like what you like so there should never be any rules for that, except for your own personal preference. I personally try to get the most affordable but effective products for my main gripes about my skin, but that is just me. Now, if free though I would try anything at least once..haha!😉

[@TimeTravelReads]

So, what would you recommend to skincare beginners who basically don't know any brands but Cereve? Could you please do another beginner video? Thanks.

[@beckyhansen3803]

I don’t get why people get so triggered when someone else doesn’t like the products they love 😂

[@ajfuller83]

While it's not my job, I'm 100% with you on trying new and fun skincare bringing joy 🖤💜 Also, a double upload plus a Robert Reacts video made my day!!!

[@MeredithGuthrie]

I completely agree!

[@CaityRaindrop]

The thayers one was on my try out list (im using up a farmstay snail mucus toner, and have a hada labo premium (gold) one for when it's done), my skin liked the revolution snow mushroom (discontinued) so I wanted to try it.

[@riddlememphis]

I think the ordinary and single ingredient type stuff is good for when you want to carefully add one new thing to your skincare at a time. However, once you realize this is what you're reactive too and these are things that your skin loves, yeah at that point get a one stop if you can.

[@dmvfosterkittens]

Aldi eyeshadows are great. They are intended to dupe Urban Decay but I don't think their formula has been changed in years so it isn't hard to get something like it.

[@TheWispiestKitty]

I always rinse off micellar water. Are you not supposed to do that?

[@nailkitty]

right now i'm using thayers with glycolic and lactic acids toner and a toner with salicylic acid and witch hazel along with a rice milk toner. is that too much?

[@nailkitty]

i was thinking of adding a serum. do i use serum before or after toners?

[@kristindixson1535]

@@nailkittyare you using the glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids all at once? If so, it really depends on the percentage of the acids, how often you’re using them, and how sensitive your skin is. If it’s a high percentage of salicylic acid, I would probably alternate between that and the glycolic/lactic acid toner just to avoid over doing it and compromising your skin barrier function. All of those acids are exfoliants, and you should avoid over exfoliating because you could end up with dry, peeling, irritated skin. If that happens, try reducing how often you use them to like every other night or every 3rd night. Also, are you using sunscreen? If not, stop using the acids until you find one you like. They make your skin very sensitive to sunlight and may cause more harm than good if you don’t wear sunscreen while using them. Toners usually go before serums. You want to apply products from lightest/thinnest consistency to heaviest. Water or milky toners first, then serums (they usually are a little bit thicker than toners/essences), then moisturizer/ oils/ sunscreen to lock in all in. Hope this helps!

[@rantygobshyte8219]

Yeah I want skincare that smells amazing. I don’t have sensitive skin so I will take it the smellier the better. I just bought a £30 bottle of clarins facial oil because I love the smell. Do I actually need it? Probably not. Also just bought the Farmacy papaya cleansing balm because it smells so good. Is the Clinique one as good? Sure, but is smells of nothing.

[@mouse2390]

With the rate in which new products get released, one big, 'revolutionary' thing is already dated before the next thing comes along. I tend to keep to my holy grails but research new products to maybe try when I run out of something.

[@aronhelios1734]

Relatable. Lately, it seems like everything is a trend, which is fine if you like to splurge on skincare (no judging), but it can be exhausting at times... as well as exciting bc "look at all of this new stuff!" But yeah, always a good idea to have a Holy Grail "library" at home ahah

[@mouse2390]

@@aronhelios1734 Yes--and you have to find space for it all plus you risk your skin every time you try something new then are stuck with another bottle barely used and money wasted. You can have fun trying new things but still be smart about it.

[@kelseychemist]

James your uploads always brighten my day, so thank you!! Request / suggestion : pleaaase do a tour of your skincare shelves behind you, every video I see something shiny that I want 🤣 and can’t tell what they are lol

[@Lifegoeson232-f3t]

For me I hate that Cerave isn’t cruelty free but when my eczema flares no other face wash clears it up like it.