7 Affordable Skincare Products in Nigeria

Looking good goes beyond just how one dresses and what one eats; the way you pampers and treat your skin matters too. 

However, it is a common concern that skincare products can be expensive and finding suitable products can be a struggle. One shouldn’t have to break the bank or compromise on quality to maintain glowing skin. 

If you’re reading this, you’re likely someone who has been trying to find good skin care products that work for you without emptying your purse.

We will share 10 affordable skincare products in Nigeria that you can seamlessly incorporate into your routine.

But before we delve deep into affordable skin care products available in Nigeria, let’s address some common concerns that you, as a consumer, might have and should be aware of:

1. Quality vs. Price

One of the foremost concerns for many is finding affordable skin care products while balancing price and quality. You certainly want a product that works while fitting your budget. More often than not, this means you are on the lookout for sales, discounts, and affordable brands that don’t compromise on quality.

2. Skin Suitability

Everyone’s skin is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. Finding affordable skincare products in Nigeria that are compatible with your skin type (whether oily, dry, combination, or sensitive) and address specific skin issues is a vital concern. Knowing your exact skin type is the most important rule when selecting effective skincare products.

Dr. Whitney Bowe a renowned dermatologist advice on choosing products based on specific concerns alongside understanding your skin type.

Once you know your skin type, you can choose products formulated for your needs.

For instance, if you have oily skin, you’ll want to avoid products that contain comedogenic ingredients like mineral oil, coconut oil, and shea butter (meaning they can clog pores) and look for oil-free formulas. If you have dry skin, avoid products containing alcohol, and sulphates that can exacerbate dryness. Instead, you’ll need a moisturizer that is rich and hydrating.

The key is to identify your skin type first, and then look for products with ingredients suitable for you. Don’t just buy skincare products because they are popular or trendy. Instead, understand what your skin needs before making purchases.

3. Ingredient Safety

You should be conscious about what you put on your skin. Particularly getting assurance from the manufacturer that the products you buy are genuine and safe, ideally with natural and non-toxic ingredients.

If you have sensitive skin or specific concerns about a particular ingredient in a product, perform a patch test before applying the product to the preferred areas and wait for 24 hours to see the effects.

4. Effectiveness

You’re not just looking for any product, you want one that delivers the promised results. You’ve probably tried some products already and are seeking reliable options that truly work.

Many consumers in Nigeria are sceptical about the effectiveness of affordable skincare products. There’s a common belief that higher-priced products perform better, leading to doubts about whether affordable ones can provide the desired results.

However, this perception is not always accurate. Some people prefer to buy from luxury brands, believing that their higher price tags indicate the use of rare and potent ingredients, leading to the perception that these expensive products will be more effective. A friend recently compared expensive and less expensive skincare products and found they gave absolutely the same results.

Ultimately, it’s more advisable to choose products with the required formulation that suits your skin type and need, regardless of price.

5. Consistency 

Effective skin care requires consistency. Once you find products that work for you, stick to a regular routine. Skin improvements may take time, so be patient and give products a chance to show results, particularly over several weeks.

7 Most Affordable Skincare Products in Nigeria

Face Wash

A face wash is an absolute necessity for your daily skincare routine. It plays an important role in removing excess oils, dead skin cells, and daily environmental pollutants that accumulate on your face throughout the day.

Face washes come in various forms, including liquid, gel, and bar formulations, most of which create a gentle, foaming solution to effectively cleanse the skin.

Based on recommendations from dermatologists some of the essential ingredients in face cleansers should comprise, retinol, salicylic acid, ceramides, vitamin C, glycerin, and chemical and physical exfoliants all depending on your skin’s concern.

However, if you are prone to acne or have oily skin go for a cleanser with retinol or salicylic acid. For people with sensitive or dry skin type use cleanser with glycerin or ceramides. A good cleanser should be gentle and non-irritating.

When it comes to affordable face wash options in Nigeria, one product that stands out is the Simple Face Wash.

The simple moisturizing facial wash goes for ₦6,000 (Nigerian Naira) at the last time of purchase. You can check out online stores such as – Jumia, and Konja or physical skincare stores near you like Health Plus, and Medplus.

As part of my skincare routine, I apply a simple face wash morning and night. It helps remove dark spots and brightens my skin complexion.

Face Mask

Sheet masks are such a treat for your skin! They’re essentially thin cotton sheets soaked in skin-loving serums and essences. When you unfold the sheet mask and place it on your face, all those good-for-you ingredients get absorbed right into your skin. It’s like giving your face a super nourishing drink of hydration.

The great thing about sheet masks is how convenient and pampering they feel. You just slip one on for 15-20 minutes while you relax. The cooling sensation is so refreshing and calming, especially if your skin is looking dull or aggravated. Sheet masks can really help soothe redness, dryness, and irritation.

Different masks have different star ingredients too, so you can pick ones targeted for your skin concerns. Maybe you need an extra moisture boost, some brightening vitamin C, or calming ingredients like cica or green tea. Using a sheet mask 1-2 times a week is an easy way to treat yourself and your skin.

I recommend Tree City Olive Facial Mask – it is a very affordable face mask and it goes for ₦1,500 Naira on popular shopping platforms like Jumia. Olive oil and olive extracts are so nourishing for dry, dehydrated skin.

Moisturizer

Moisturizers help keep your skin hydrated, reduce dryness, and protect against environmental factors. Regular moisturizing is an essential part of a good skincare routine.

When selecting a moisturizer, choose one suitable for your specific skin type. Lotion containing vitamins and an SPF of 15 or higher to protect your skin during the day. Also, opt for oil-free, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) lotions that are allergy-tested and dermatologist-approved.

Check Out: Affordable moisturizer on Jumia

I use Clear Essence Skin Beautifying Milk, Maxi-Tone Lotion because it help clear dark spots, blemishes, and acne scars. This product truly delivers on its promises. I have been using this brand for years and have no complaints about its effectiveness. This moisturizer has consistently worked well for me in improving my skin’s tone and appearance

Sunscreen

Sunscreen protects your skin from UV radiation that causes sunburn and premature ageing. It’s best to choose a mineral sunscreen over chemical ones, as chemical sunscreens can generate heat and irritate sensitive skin types.

When selecting the right sunscreen, dermatologists recommend:

• For dry skin, choose one with moisturizing ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid.
• For oily/acne-prone skin, opt for oil-free, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) formulas.
• People with sensitive skin should consider mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is less likely to cause irritation.

Essentially, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 that suits your specific skin type and needs for adequate UV protection.

Estelin sunscreen SPF 100 is my best pick here is why; it is suited for dark skin leaves no white cast and blends well in a few seconds with my face.

Although makes you sweaty when the weather is hot. I recently purchased this product for ₦6,000 (Nigerian Naira) at a local store near my neighbourhood. If you’re interested in trying it out as well, you can find it on Jumia.

Eye Cream

Eye cream contains formulations that help remove dark circles, wrinkles and puffiness around the delicate eye area. Ingredients to look out for in an eye cream are Hyaluronic acid, Caffeine, Retinol, Vitamin C, Ceramides, Vitamin E and ferulic acid which help prevent environmental effects. 

The use of eye cream can be a good addition to your skincare routine especially in Nigeria where the climate can be pretty harsh and sunny. Eye creams with SPF can provide added protection against sunburn.

Moreover, the hydrating and soothing properties of ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides are beneficial in combating the drying effects of sun and heat. 

A close friend had noticeable dark circles around her eyes, which were especially obvious because of her light complexion. She started using Face Fact eye cream, and within a few weeks, the improvement was visible.

Before choosing an eye cream first consider your skin type and brands that have a good reputation for delivering high-quality skin care products.

Lip balm & Body wash

Lip balm is another affordable skincare essential. I like to use the Nivea lip balm because it moisturizes my lips effectively and some varieties even contain SPF to protect against the sun’s harmful rays.

Just like choosing a good lip balm, selecting the right body wash is another affordable skin care product. Popular brands for moisturizing body washes include Dove, Olay, Cetaphil, and Aveeno.

A moisturizing body wash can help keep your skin hydrated and healthy while cleansing away dirt and impurities. When choosing a body wash, we recommend that you choose a product that supports the skin’s natural pH level and skin type. 

Popular Skincare Brands in Nigeria

1. LUX Beauty is a popular Nigerian skincare brand located in IIupeju Lagos Nigeria. They offer a variety of skincare products from credible manufacturers. 

2. Beauty by Daz offers an extensive range of premium skincare products at affordable prices. They are committed to giving their customers the best value on the market. 

3. Teeka4 is an online haven for premium beauty products. They offer a range of skincare products and their mission is to make self-care accessible to Nigerians through expert guidance. 

4. Perona Beauty is a retailer of affordable skincare products in Nigeria. They are tested and trusted by a lot of consumers in Nigeria.

Conclusion

Affordability cuts across various aspects when it comes to selecting the best skincare products in Nigeria. It’s not just about the price tag; quality and suitability for one’s skin type are equally crucial factors to consider. 

When selecting affordable skincare products, it’s most vital; to prioritize quality over brand names. Reputable and effective formulations can be found at reasonable prices, often with required ingredients that deliver desired results.

While this blog post provides tips on selecting affordable skincare products, we recommend consulting a dermatologist or skincare professional for expert advice concerning any specific skin concerns or before making significant changes to your skincare routine. Our goal is to ensure you achieve and maintain healthy, glowing skin.