A luxury skincare product can deliver amazing results for your skin – plus, who doesn’t love the occasional splurge? Gifting yourself or a loved one a luxurious ‘treat yourself’ moment can be a great way to indulge in a special self care moment, and it’s even better when the price is worth the reward.
Luxury skincare brands come with high price tags, and when you’re taking the plunge on expensive skin care, it can feel like a costly gamble that might not work out for your skin. Instead, we wanted to save you the stress (and money!) by reviewing the best luxury skincare brands that actually work and are worth trying.
Motif is one of best affordable luxury skincare brands on the market, and its results are backed by extensive scientific research and dermatologist-developed formulations. You don’t have to pay ultra-luxury prices to see results as their collection starts at $65 and above. Moreover, its science-backed lineup is also suitable for all skin types, is fragrance-free, clean, and pregnancy-safe. Their resident dermatologist advisor, Dr. Indy Chabra, is also heavily involved in ingredient research, ensuring that ingredients used are well-researched and added in clinically proven doses.
Motif’s mission is to create products that truly work and are enjoyable to use (because consistency is key to seeing results!), so it’s no wonder that their products are beautifully packaged and feature sensorially-elevated formulas. Motif’s Abundance Plumping PhytoCeramide Cleanser ($65) is a gentle ceramide-rich face cleanser that doubles as a brightening mask when you’re wanting more of a spa-like experience. It can be used with their glow-inducing Power Brightening Bicelle Serum ($115) for an extra boost in antioxidant protection for long-term skin health. Both are formulated with breakthrough botanical extracts such as Monkeyfruit, French White Orchid, and Pineapple Ceramides to address common skin concerns such as damaged and dry skin, hyperpigmentation, dull and uneven skin texture, and rosacea.
La Mer is a brand with no shortage of celebrity devotees like Ariana Grande and Kate Hudson. Physicist Max Huber initially developed their moisturizer, Créme de la Mer ($200), using nutrient-rich sea kelp to heal his own burn injuries from a lab accident. Even today, Créme de la Mer continues to claim a permanent spot in medicine cabinets and vanities as one of the most beloved expensive skin care products.
La Mer is lauded for skin-cleansing and enriching components such as natural pearl dust, marine algae, and their patented Miracle Broth. Their marquee ingredients continue to be inspired by nature and the science of skincare, but if you have any fragrance allergies, some of their products contain synthetic fragrance and essential oil allergens which could be irritating for sensitive skin. Moreover, not all La Mer products are vegan or clean as they may contain beeswax and/or petroleum-based ingredients.
A highly beloved science-backed skincare brand is SkinCeuticals. This brand was formed after years of dermatological research into the combination of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, or “cosmeceuticals”. Their award-winning skincare formulas such as their best-seller, C E Ferulic Serum ($182), still have cult status today.
While some of their products are vegan, not all are, so be sure to double check each product’s ingredient list. Moreover, SkinCeuticals is not certified by any organizations to be cruelty-free. Nonetheless, for shoppers whose primary concerns are performance and efficacy – SkinCeuticals is certainly worth the splurge.
Professor Augustinus Bader founded his luxury line of products after an acclaimed career as a biomedical scientist, physician, and a leader in the field of regenerative medicine. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston, Margot Robbie, Victoria Beckham all trust this science-backed brand.
Their products are vegan and cruelty-free which is great for those who want clean products that don’t compromise on performance. However, be ready to splurge! Their best-seller, the Rich Cream is a whopping $290 for 50mL, making it the most expensive skin care product on our list. Nonetheless, it remains an Instagram-favorite for good reason as it features a proprietary complex (TFC8) of amino acids, vitamins, and synthesized molecules.
Much of Hollywood’s elite owe their brilliant skin to Dr. Barbara Sturm. A background in medical science coupled with simple components brought the effervescent flare of European beauty products to the masses. Hydrating creams and anti-inflammatory serums comprise Sturm’s eponymous skincare line, whose celebrity clientele includes Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Olivia Culpo, and Oprah.
This company adds a touch of innovative ingredients such as skullcap and purslane extract to enrich the formulas that have garnered lifelong customers. The anti-aging effects of their products (serums, cleansers, moisturizers, etc.) are especially coveted by users who credit Sturm’s consistency and scientifically-sound formulation for their bright and smooth complexion. Not all products are vegan however most are, with the exception of some that contain Beeswax and animal-derived Xanthan Gum.
One of the best-selling products from Clé de Peau include the UV Protective Cream, which contains SPF of 50+ that protects against UVA and UVB. Reviews claim the cream applies smoothly while providing hydration and provides a radiant glow to skin that needs that extra boost. While Clé de Peau products aren’t considered vegan or cruelty-free, many users love the extra glow and hydration that their products impart, making it a splurge-worthy self-care gift.
While this list isn’t exhaustive, the secret to the best luxury skincare brands are the ones that make the splurge worth it. For us, that means finding products that work well for you and are ones that you continue to reach for (which is why an indulgent spa-like experience can go a long way).
To see results, prioritize scientifically proven, dermatologist-backed brands that invest in heavy research to ensure a high-quality product that works. And for an added delight factor, ask yourself whether a product’s scent, texture, packaging, and overall experience is something you can look forward to using. If it checks all the boxes, you’re on the right track to finding your next favorite expensive skin care brand.
Are you ready to discover your next favorite luxury cleanser? Read more here on our top picks for a luxury face wash and cleanser.
