Skincare looks different to anyone and everyone. Some people wash their face with a bar of Dove soap, while others have a 20-step skincare routine. 

Personally, I have a two-step skincare routine that consists of a CeraVe face wash and a CeraVe moisturizer. Meanwhile, my sister has a seven-step skincare routine that consists of two different face cleansers, four different serums and creams, and some spray that I personally think is just water in a fancy can.

The reason for the question, “Are skincare products a scam?” is because of the outrageously high prices associated with many products. Don’t get me wrong there are some good skincare products out there that are reasonably priced, but then there are many products that tend to be on the higher end of the scale price-wise. The way I think about it is, that the most expensive products are the best products for you; but if that were the way the world worked, we would all be broke. 

Skincare does not have to be expensive, but some brands make it look that way. Certain brands sell products in such small containers and jack up the prices for no reason. The brand Sunday Riley has a product called C.E.O GLOW Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil that is 0.5 fluid ounces for 40 dollars. That is ridiculous! What does this product even do? The sad thing is that more expensive products are out there than this one.

Maybe I am missing some factor of skincare, but I truly do not understand what goes into companies’ minds when pricing things. Yes, I understand that the company needs to make a profit from selling products, but some of the prices are outrageous.

Another way people could answer the question is to say, “No skincare is not a scam. Everyone has different skin that has different needs.” So, for some people, Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil could be the one product their skin needs. So, again, why is it so expensive? Why could the one product someone needs not be at a lower price?

The supposed reason that some of these products are so expensive is because of what is being put in them, which I think is dumb. Just because my skin needs more hydration does not mean I should pay more money to keep my skin healthy. 

Another way brands get you is through the type of advertising they use. Brands can get your favorite creators or celebrities to post with their product, which can make you believe it’s the best when it is otherwise. Multiple companies have sent content creators on thousands of dollar trips to get them to promote one product. Why do companies do this? They take the money we pay for products and send people on trips for more PR.

There are so many opinions about skincare products and prices but in reality, we are still going to buy the products we need and promote what works for us. Whether your skincare routine is two steps or 20 steps, no one really cares because it is what works for you. Overall there is no definitive answer on whether skincare is a scam or not because everyone has their own opinion.