16 Brands Like Good Molecules for Skincare on a Budget

Discover budget-friendly skincare brands like Good Molecules offering effective, ingredient-focused products for radiant skin without breaking the bank.
Written by: 
Ash Read
Last updated: 

If you're obsessed with affordable, high-quality skincare that actually works, you've probably got a few Good Molecules products in your lineup. The brand is a cult favorite for its no-fuss, transparent approach and ingredient-focused formulas that deliver serious results without the hefty price tag - most items are under $20!

For those who love that blend of science, simplicity, and savings, there are plenty of other amazing brands ready to join your shelfie. If you’re looking to expand your budget-friendly skincare collection, here are 16 brands like Good Molecules you need to check out.

1. The Ordinary

The Ordinary is the brand that started the revolution of science-backed, single-ingredient skincare at jaw-droppingly low prices. With most products falling between $4 and $20, you can build an entire routine around powerful actives like niacinamide, retinoids, and vitamin C. Like Good Molecules, The Ordinary focuses on clinical efficacy and ingredient transparency above all else.

Their extensive product line is great for skincare enthusiasts who enjoy building their own customized regimens. If you want effective, no-frills formulas that get straight to the point, The Ordinary is an essential stop. Shop now at theordinary.com

2. The Inkey List

Consider The Inkey List the friendly, approachable guide to skincare ingredients. The brand breaks down complex ingredients into simple, easy-to-use formulas, all typically priced between $5 and $15. Their mission is to empower consumers with knowledge, much like Good Molecules does with its clear D2C packaging and straightforward website experiences.

Whether you're after a Hyaluronic Acid Serum or a Salicylic Acid Cleanser, their sleek, minimalist products deliver potent results without confusion or a high cost. A perfect choice for anyone who feels a little intimidated by skincare science but wants all the benefits. Shop now at theinkeylist.com

3. Versed

Versed offers clean, vegan, and cruelty-free skincare that's both effective and accessible, with most products priced from $10 to $20. You can find them at Target, which makes snagging their popular Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream or Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum super convenient. Their branding is playful and colorful, giving them a fun edge over some of the more clinical-looking brands.

Like Good Molecules, Versed prioritizes clean formulas, dermatologist testing, and sustainability. It's the ideal brand if you want your budget-friendly skincare to come with a side of cute packaging and a strong eco-conscious ethos. Shop now at versedskin.com

4. CeraVe

A dermatologist favorite, CeraVe is your go-to for gentle, restorative skincare that supports your skin barrier. With a core focus on ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, their products are perfect for sensitive, dry, or compromised skin. Prices typically hover between $10 and $20, ensuring top-tier skin health is affordable for everyone.

While Good Molecules often provides targeted treatments for specific issues like hyperpigmentation, CeraVe focuses more on foundational health - think hydrating cleansers and rich moisturizers. If your skin is cranky and just needs a reset, CeraVe is a must-try. Shop now at cerave.com

5. Acure

For those who love plant-based formulas, Acure offers affordable and effective skincare powered by natural ingredients. Their products, which usually cost between $8 and $20, are 100% vegan and free from parabens, sulfates, and mineral oil. From their Brightening Facial Scrub to their Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream, Acure makes clean beauty accessible.

Similar to Good Molecules, Acure is committed to providing high-quality, cruelty-free products that don't break the bank. It's the perfect match for anyone who wants powerful results driven by botanicals instead of lab-engineered actives. Shop now at acure.com

6. Intelligent Nutrients

Although slightly more premium with a price range of $15 to $30, Intelligent Nutrients is a fantastic option for those who prioritize certified organic and sustainable ingredients. Their plant-based skincare focuses on nourishing skin with cosmetologist-approved formulas. Think nourishing serums, cleansers, and hydrating elixirs that feel incredibly luxurious.

Intelligent Nutrients shares Good Molecules' dedication to clean ingredients and brand transparency but elevates it with a strict focus on certified organic sources. If you're willing to spend a tiny bit more for that organic seal of approval, this brand is worth checking out. Shop now at intelligentnutrients.com

7. Verso Skincare

Known for its chic, minimalist Scandinavian design, Verso focuses heavily on Retinol 8, a patented vitamin A complex that's eight times more effective than typical retinol but less irritating. While their full-size products are pricey, their mini line sits in the $20-$30 range, making it a great way to try potent, anti-aging formulas affordably.

Like Good Molecules, Verso is rooted in science-backed results. It's a fantastic choice if your main concern is fine lines and aging, and you want to try a premium, highly effective retinol without committing to a $100 bottle right away. Shop now at versoskincare.com

8. Paula’s Choice

Paula’s Choice is famous for its effective, no-nonsense skincare based on scientific research. Best known for its 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, the brand offers targeted solutions for a range that's usually considered prestige but accessible enough - with many mini-size and trial kits pricing from $10 to $40. They pride themselves on ingredient transparency and fragrance-free formulas that actually work.

Though some of its prices run higher, its core philosophy of "smart, safe beauty" mirrors the science-first approach of Good Molecules. If you're curious where to get started, they have great trial kits. It's a trusted brand for when you're ready to tackle stubborn skin concerns with proven formulations that really work. Shop now at paulaschoice.com

9. Beauty of Joseon

Rooted in traditional Korean herbal medicine, Beauty of Joseon combines ancient wisdom with modern skincare science. Their gentle, effective formulas often feature ingredients like ginseng water, rice bran, and honey to hydrate, brighten, and soothe the skin. Products typically cost between $10 and $20, making this brand a beloved K-beauty staple.

Beauty of Joseon shares Good Molecules’ minimal aesthetic and focus on clean, high-quality ingredients. Notably, its beloved sunscreen offerings like its Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics focus on nourishing botanicals and elegant textures. If you're looking for an alternative to Western-focused drugstore brands and want a gentle daily UV protectant, you'll love adding the TikTok favorite from this line into your daily lineup. Shop now at beautyofjoseon.com

10. Bombay & Cedar

Bombay & Cedar delivers cruelty-free, vegan skincare with a focus on natural ingredients, with prices sitting comfortably between $8 and $15. Their lineup includes gentle toners, potent serums, and calming cleansers that are especially suited for sensitive and acne-prone skin. The brand emphasizes transparency and clean formulations, making it a great dupe for the philosophy underlying Good Molecules' ethos.

If you're seeking a lesser-known gem in the affordable clean beauty space, Bombay & Cedar offers beautifully simple products that work. It’s perfect for building a calming, effective routine on a strict budget. Shop now at bombayandcedar.com

11. Mediheal

While Good Molecules offers a full range of daily skincare, Mediheal is the uncontested champion of affordable, targeted treatments in the form of sheet masks. As a top Korean brand, they offer an incredible variety of masks for $3-$8 each, tackling everything from severe dryness to excess oil and breakouts.

Their masks are saturated with potent essences and are perfect for giving your skin a quick, effective boost. Think of them as a great supplement to your daily Good Molecules routine when your skin needs a little extra attention. Shop now at mediheal.com

12. L'Oreal Paris Skincare

This drugstore giant has seriously stepped up its skincare game, offering formulas packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and vitamin C, usually for under $25. Their Revitalift and Age Perfect lines offer dermatologist-validated products that rival more expensive brands in efficacy and research.

Both L’Oréal and Good Molecules make powerful ingredients accessible to the masses, proving you don’t need to spend a fortune to see real changes in your skin. For convenient and reliable skincare, L’Oréal is a classic for a reason. Shop now at lorealparisusa.com

13. Sheer Miracle

Sheer Miracle offers organic, natural mineral makeup and skincare with all products priced under $20. Its skincare designed for sensitive skin focuses on eco-conscious and cruelty-free formulas with gentle serums and moisturizers packed with botanical ingredients.

Similar to Good Molecules, here you'll find affordable skincare designed for even the most sensitive skin types. They prioritize minimalist skincare, transparent ingredient sourcing, cruelty-free production, and eco-friendly packaging. If you want results-driven products at a price you can smile about, they're definitely worth a look. Shop now at sheermiracle.com

14. The Creme Shop

Infused with K-beauty charm, The Creme Shop makes skincare fun, cute, and fantastically affordable. Best known for their animal-themed sheet masks and adorable packaging, most of their products fall under $10. They offer everything from hydrating treatment masks to daily moisturizers and creative acne patches.

This is the skincare brand for that playful and expressive side of yourself. The Korean beauty brand offers everything from lip tints to sun cuts and a cute Hello Kitten and Friends collection. It complements the more serious vibe of Good Molecules while you experiment with new products at an approachable price. Shop now at thecremeshop.com

15. Pixi Beauty

Famous for its iconic Glow Tonic, Pixi Beauty creates skin-loving products that give you a radiant, healthy-looking glow. While their prices are a step above Good Molecules - most items are between $10 and $30 - they make radiance-boosting ingredients accessible and easy to use.

From their Vitamin-C Serum to their Hydrating Milky Mist, their formulas are packed with botanical extracts and beneficial ingredients. If your primary goal is bright, luminous skin, Pixi offers a targeted, user-friendly approach that has earned it a huge following. Shop now at pixibeauty.com

16. The Body Shop

A longtime leader in ethical beauty, The Body Shop offers skincare focused on natural ingredients, fair trade sourcing, and sustainability. Their product lines, like the Tea Tree range for oily skin or the Vitamin E range for hydration, are beloved worldwide and priced fairly, mostly from $10-$25.

The ethical focus of The Body Shop on community-based trade and natural ingredient formulas makes them and Good Molecules like-spirits, appealing to consumers who value eco-friendliness. If conscious consumerism is as important to you as effective skincare, then you should be buying from them both! Shop now at thebodyshop.com

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