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Rachael Parnell

When Rachael Parnell heard Aldi was offering a recent skincare range that looked akin to products from high-end label Augustinus Bader, she was "super excited".

She dashed to her nearest shop to pick up the store-brand face cream for a low price for 50ml - a tiny percentage of the £240 cost of the Augustinus Bader 50ml product.

Its smooth blue packaging and gold top of the two creams look remarkably similar. While she has not used the high-end cream, she states she's pleased by the alternative so far.

She has been purchasing beauty alternatives from mainstream retailers and supermarkets for a long time, and she's in good company.

Over a 25% of UK consumers state they've tried a skincare or makeup alternative. This increases to nearly half among millennials and Gen Z, based on a recent poll.

Alternatives are skincare products that copy established companies and offer affordable options to premium items. These products often have comparable names and packaging, but sometimes the components can vary substantially.

Victoria Woollaston

'Costly Is Not Always Superior'

Beauty specialists argue certain alternatives to high-end brands are decent standard and aid make beauty routines more affordable.

"In my opinion costlier is always more effective," comments consultant dermatologist a doctor. "Not every low-budget product line is bad - and not every premium skincare product is the finest."

"Some [dupes] are truly amazing," notes a skincare commentator, who runs a podcast featuring celebrities.

Many of the products inspired by luxury labels "disappear so quickly, it's just unbelievable," he remarks.

Scott McGlynn

Aesthetic and dermatology doctor a doctor believes dupes are acceptable to use for "simple routines" like moisturisers and cleansers.

"Alternatives will do the job," he comments. "They will perform the basics to a satisfactory standard."

A consultant dermatologist, thinks you can save money when seeking single-ingredient items like HA, niacinamide and squalane.

"If you're buying a simple item then you're likely going to be fine in using a budget alternative or something which is very affordable because there's not much that can cause issues," she adds.

'Do Not Be Sold by the Packaging'

However the professionals also advise consumers investigate and state that higher-priced items are occasionally worthy of the premium price.

Regarding high-end skincare, you're not only funding the brand and marketing - at times the higher price also stems from the formula and their standard, the potency of the active ingredient, the science utilized to produce the product, and studies into the item's efficacy, Dr Belmo explains.

Facialist Rhian Truman argues it's valuable questioning how some dupes can be priced so cheaply.

Occasionally, she states they might include less effective components that don't have as numerous advantages for the complexion, or the materials might not be as well sourced.

"One big doubt is 'Why is it so low-priced?'" she remarks.

Expert McGlynn notes in some cases he's bought beauty products that look similar to a big-name brand but the item has "no connection to the premium version".

"Don't be fooled by the packaging," he added.

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Regarding potent products or those with components that can irritate the skin if they're not created properly, such as retinols or vitamin C serums, Dr Bhate recommends sticking to medical-grade brands.

The expert explains these will likely have been through expensive trials to assess how successful they are.

Beauty products need to be tested before they can be sold in the UK, says consultant dermatologist Emma Wedgeworth.

If the label advertises about the efficacy of the product, it must have data to support it, "however the manufacturer doesn't always have to do the testing" and can alternatively use studies conducted by other companies, she clarifies.

Examine the Ingredients List of the Bottle

Are there any components that could signal a product is low-quality?

Ingredients on the back of the bottle are arranged by amount. "Potential irritants that you need to be wary of… is your petroleum-derived oil, your sodium lauryl sulfate, fragrance, benzoyl peroxide" being {high up