Skincare Under $15: Acne Solutions and Sunscreen

A few weeks ago we highlighted the best cleansers and moisturizers under $15. Lots of you agreed with the selections and some of you offered your picks for the best products. It appears that Cetaphil is the cleanser of choice for a lot of folks, and at around $5, we can see why.

We continued our cheap skincare search and asked around for the best sunscreen and acne solutions that wont break the bank.

If we are missing your favorite sunscreen or acne solution that is under $15, leave a comment and let us know what your must-have product is. All of the products are under $15, and some are as low as $5.99.


Contrary to popular belief, acne does not just affect teenagers. While it is most common in teenagers, it can happen at any age. Acne occurs when your pores become clogged. When your glands produce too much oil, the pores can become blocked with dirt and bacteria. Sounds lovely, right? Thankfully, you do not have to go to a pricey dermatologist to keep acne at bay. We asked 5 people who have struggled with acne what their favorite, inexpensive acne solutions are. Some solutions are as cheap as $5.99!


University Medical AcneFree Oil Purifying Cleanser | Price $5.99

"It won't win any prizes for cute packaging, but University Medical AcneFree Oil Purifying Cleanser does the trick on adolescent and adult acne. The key is the active ingredient: Benzoyl Peroxide, it has just 2.5%. The lower percentage really does work wonders, and is less irritating. Instead of dabbing a strong concentration of Benzoyl Peroxide directly onto a blemish, with this cleanser the medication is applied all over the face. Don't believe 2.5 is a magic number? Look at the active ingredient in the repairing lotion in that celebrity-endorsed miracle acne treatment program. It works, and there's no need to shell out big bucks to try it."

Recommended by: Holly Quinn, 39, Delaware


Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment | Price $6.62

"Whether it's hormones or stress, sometimes my skin loves to break out like a teenagers. This spot treatment doesn't make my sensitive skin dry out, but does greatly reduce the size of a pimple (and quickly). It won't magically turn zits into silky smooth skin overnight, but I did notice a great improvement."

Recommended by: Erica Loop, 35, Pennsylvania


Origins Spot Remover | Price $12

"My favorite, product of all time is Origins Spot Remover. It costs $12 and comes in an itty-bitty bottle, but just a tiny dab is all you need. I have put a little of this product on a huge pimple at night and the next morning the pimple was gone. Basically it is required in everyone's medicine cabinet. It is not just for women either, my husband uses it all the time."

Recommended by: Christine Wans, 32, New Jersey





Oxy Maximum Daily Cleansing Pads | Price $11.55

"I am 18 years old and ever since I was about 15 I have had some pretty bad acne but I use 2 things to keep my acne under control. One of them is Oxy Maximum Daily Cleansing Pads. You wipe one pad on your face for about 30 sec and it works great you. You may feel your skin drying out a little bit but that means that it's working. Another product that I recommend is the Clearasil Ultra Pimple Blocker Pen. It is great and very convenient. It can fit right in your pocket and when ever you feel a zit or a breakout coming you just put a little on the spot and it stops the zit right in its track." Price: Oxy Maximum Daily Cleansing Pads $11.55 | Clearasil Ultra Pimple Blocker Pen $8.97


Recommended by: Will Casey, 18, Illinois

Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion | Price $13.50

"I was attacked by adult onset acne at 25 and struggled with it for years. I'm 35 now. Those itchy lumps on my chin, the unicorn horns that popped up between my eyes. It was unsightly, sure, but it was also painful and the lumps lasted for weeks. I used all kinds of products and cleaners and powders and bases. Nothing worked. A friend suggested I try Clinique's Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion. Each bottle of solution runs between ten and fifteen dollars. You can get a foaming cleanser, a mask, moisturizer, and my favorite that cleaned up my skin for good, the astringent. If you apply the astringent and nothing else several times a day, maybe five or six times a day, you will be shocked at the results. You don't need anything else. I know if you work and wear makeup, it can be difficult to find the time and opportunity to clean your skin that many times a day. I can't believe that I can now, after two months of using only the Clinique Acne Solutions astringent, go out without the itchy lumps, the breakouts, the icky morning face. You can experiment with the other products they offer in the Acne Solutions line of products. They all are wonderful." Price: $13.50

Recommended by: Lisa Rusczyk, 35, Alabama





Sunscreen is top of everyone's mind right now with summer almost in full swing. There are hundreds of sunscreens to choose from which can be very overwhelming. Hopefully, the days where people slather on baby oil to lay in the sun are over. Protecting your skin from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays is really important. We asked around to what the best sunscreens are that won't break the bank. From a water rafting guide to a Texas native who is no stranger to the sun's strong rays, we found 5 sunscreens that will help to protect your skin this summer. And, all of these sunscreens will protect your wallet! They are all under $15.




Coppertone Sport | Price $10.31

"As a raft guide working in the Rocky Mountains, I need to use sunscreen on a daily basis. The best product is Coppertone Sport. I prefer 50 SPF because I only have to apply it once on an average day. Without it I look like a 50 year old stock broker with high blood pressure: red. With it on I don't burn. Unlike most sunscreens that leave you burned if you don't reapply over and over again, Coppertone Sport gets the job done with one application. In addition, it spreads thin and even. Most sunscreens spread so thick and irregular that it looks like an extra cautious mother put it on. I also like Coppertone Sport because it dries quickly so that your hands are not slick for hours after application. Finally, this sunscreen is superior because you don't need a ton of it to have effective protection. Even though it comes in a relatively small bottle, its watery formula allows you to quickly cover large areas of application quickly with less product. "

Recommended by: Travis Cooke, 29, Colorado


Badger Company, SPF 30 Sunscreen | Price: $13.60

"Sun protection is essential for beautiful, healthy skin. A great lotion for protection from the rays is Badger's 30 SPF Sunscreen. This moisturizing sunscreen uses organic ingredients and protects using Zinc Oxide instead of harmful chemicals. Badger's offers broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection and is great for both face and body. The lotion blends into the skin well and smells like lavender. As summer nears be sure to protect while having fun outside."

Recommended by: Jenna Wendel, 22, Illinois


Neutrogena Healthy Skin with SPF 15 | Price: $10.89

"All of you girlies out there who like getting out into the sun listen up! Neutrogena by far makes the best skin cream that will leave your skin feeling soft and give you an added protection from the sun. This is also a face cream guys can benefit from – my boyfriend loves it!"

Recommended by: Fotini Taylor, 35, New Jersey


Pure and Free Baby Sunblock Lotion SPF 60 | Price $10.99

"When it comes to sunscreen I can't afford to take a chance with something that will not protect me or my kids. I am fair skinned and have given up tanning. Neuturogena simply has the best sunscreens for face & body. I like Pure and Free Baby Sunblock Lotion SPF 60 . It is so gentle it can be used on a baby or yourself. I buy it for myself but keep it in my bag for my kids if they need some sunscreen. With an SPF of 60 I never get burnt, & never ever have that greasy feeling. This is under $10 as well and can be purchased almost anywhere. Buy it early because late in the summer it can be hard to find!"

Recommended by: Christine Wans, 32 New Jersey



Smart Shield | Price $11.99

"Living in Texas the sun is always a concern. I have a pool in my backyard and as the hostess the safety and comfort of my guests is paramount. I provide fresh towels, beverages and plenty of sunscreen. Like many, I have suffered through sunscreens that just did not deliver, SmartShield's Sunscreen does. It is non-greasy, and has great coverage with a light feel. And a huge bonus - it does not leave that greasy film on the top of my pool or stain towels and clothing." Price: $11.99

Recommended by: Stacey Yates 42, Texas



Is your favorite sunscreen or acne solution missing from our list? Please leave a comment below or fan us on Facebook and let us know there. It is your duty to share your best beauty (products)!

Want more beauty? 5 Cures for Cellulite | Cleansers and Moisturizers Under $15 | The Best Sunscreen Products

---