Fans of skincare and Kim K collided earlier this year when the super-celebrity launched her newest venture: SKKN by Kim.
The brand – which is available in the UK through mail-order from America (at a price) – has been met with varying reactions. While some like the trending ingredients and chic packaging, the brand has been accused of extortionate pricing and even greenwashing.
I reviewed the collection earlier this year, and found that while there were a couple of gems within the selection, on the whole the products were just not worth the ultra-high spend in this current climate.
That said, if you do want to experience Kim K-approved formulas without the price tag, I’ve selected some of the best affordable dupes for the ones I’ve tried:
The SKKN product: The Cleanser, £48
A pleasant cleanser, this milky wash-off formula is one of the stronger products in the line, but at £48, it sure isn’t purse-friendly. The Cleanser focuses on removing makeup effectively and providing skin with moisture, which it achieves with its star ingredient line-up of 17% glycerin and aloe vera.
The affordable dupe for SKKN’s Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, £15.50
Real talk: you do not have to spend buckets of money to get an effective hydrating cleanser. Case in point: TikTok favourite CeraVe’s bestselling Hydrating Facial Cleanser, which is just £15.50. The product does everything you need in a great cleanser: it removes product, cleans the face and hydrates with the brand’s ceramide-strong formulation. It also has a similar texture to Kim’s, so there’s really no need to fork out for the pricier option.
The SKKN product: The Toner, £48
A classic exfoliating toner, SKKN’s liquid formula is packed full of AHAs and BHA Salicylic acid, as well as niacinamide and witch hazel. The product effectively sloughs away dead skin and brightens the complexion, but for a price.
The affordable dupe for SKKN’s Cleanser: Starface Exfoliating Night Water, £9.99
For under a tenner, Starface (the brand responsible for those super cute spot stickers shaped like yellow stars) offers a water with a very similar ingredients list, including niacinamide to smooth and calm, and salicylic acid to exfoliate. Its pump applicator is also far more fuss-free than SKKN’s, which I personally find a bit of a faff (the reusable bottle – although a good idea – is constantly coming out).
The SKKN product: The Hyaluronic Acid Serum, £95
Aaaah hyaluronic acid: it’s the star hydrating ingredient you’ve likely heard about for years. And yes, it really is a game-changer for dry or dehydrated skin, but the disparity in price points of different formulations across the market is frankly wild. Kim’s is an eye-watering £95, making it a real investment. The serum contains multi-molecular weights of hyaluronic acid that promise to lock in moisture at the skin’s surface and deep down.
The affordable dupe for SKKN’s Hyaluronic Acid: The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid, £6.99
As far as budget hyaluronic acids go, you really can’t beat The Inkey List’s, which I would argue rivals some of the most expensive options I’ve ever tried. It has a lovely lightweight texture without feeling sticky, and like SKKN’s, also features multiple molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid for ongoing hydration.
The SKKN product: The Face Cream, £90
This was my favourite product from the range; it’s buttery soft, has a whipped texture, sinks into skin beautifully, and has shea butter, squalane, and a complex that promises to replicate that of retinol. It’s the one product I’d recommend investing in if you’re desperate to try Kim’s range, but there are plenty of similar products out there, available for far less.
The affordable dupe for SKKN’s Face Cream: Byoma Moisturising Rich Cream, £13.99
Fans of Byoma (myself included) have nothing but high praise for this rich moisturising cream, which nourishes skin perfectly. Like SKKN’s product, this has a natural retinol alternative (bakuchiol), as well as shea, to renew and refresh skin while also providing all the hydration you could need. The only issue is the pump applicator, which is often called out by fans for inefficiency. I’m hoping this is something they will address soon!
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