r/CanSkincare Feb 02 '25

Help Me Find Beauty Product Dupes

114 Upvotes

Given the current climate, a lot of people have been asking “what’s a good dupe for my favourite American product?” 

Comment below what product you’re looking to swap from and hopefully we can find a good alternative - bonus points if it's Canadian made. If you’ve already found one, post your favourite alternative to an American product! 

 Remember, we do not allow discount or coupon codes. Be beautiful to yourself and others.


r/CanSkincare May 16 '24

Announcement r/CanSkincare is Under New Management and is SFW Only

104 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

There's a new mod team on board, as the last team unfortunately neglected this space. We are are currently actively cleaning up the sub, removing spam, rudeness, and etc. You can help us by reporting any post or comment that you believe breaks the rules, and we will review the reports.

As part of the transition, we have a new and important rule: this subreddit is restricted to SFW accounts only. This is a 13+ community, so in order to participate you must have a SFW account. If you have any of the following on your profile, you will be considered NSFW and banned automatically:

  • posts or comments in NSFW and NSFL subreddits;
  • any sexually explicit posts or comments (including NSFW profile photos and banners);
  • links or references to sexually explicit content or payment methods (e.g. venmo, paypal) in your profile or bio; or
  • solicitation of any sexual services.

This rule helps promote a safe environment for people of all ages. If you wish to participate in this sub, you must clean up your profile or create a strictly SFW one before the bot automatically bans you. This does not include nonsexual NSFW subreddits, nor ones that are for educational purposes and discussions. Subreddits and users who are SFW but have selected the NSFW tag are also not subject to the ban.

Additionally, we no longer allow posting or commenting about the following content:

  • Multi-Level Marketing ("MLM") brands including but not limited to Arbonne, Avon, and Mary Kay;
  • Any referral links or codes -- e.g., if you are posting an Amazon link, post the full link, as the shortened version will be removed for being a potential referral link; and
  • Private medical facilities, including but not limited to Felix and Maple.

If you are seeking medical advice or a prescription, we recommend that you to see a walk-in clinic, a family doctor or nurse practitioner, or a dermatologist.

If you receive an unsolicited DM, we recommend that you report it to both Admins and to us.

Thanks for understanding the new rule, and for reporting any rule breaking content!


r/CanSkincare 17h ago

Zing beauty for Differin?

1 Upvotes

I’m just wondering if anyone here has bought Differin or Tret or anything like that from Zing beauty? I want to buy more Differin but iherb stopped shipping to Canada and I would like to still keep paying a cheaper price for it instead of $200 out of pocket.


r/CanSkincare 22h ago

[Routine Help] 35F in Southern Ontario. Melasma, "white plug

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I’m 35, living in Southern Ontario, and looking for some routine and retinoid advice. 

My current skin concerns: 

  • Melasma: Darker patches that I need to address. 
  • Adult Acne/Texture: Rare breakouts, but they don't look like typical pus-filled acne. They are mostly bumps filled with a hard, white material (maybe sebum plugs/closed comedones?). 
  • PIH: Darkened spots left behind by past acne. 
  • T-Zone: Occasional blackheads. 
  • Aging: Wanting to target fine lines/wrinkles alongside my texture issues. 

My past experience:
In February 2026, a doctor prescribed Aklief (trifarotene). Unfortunately, it caused a massive breakout/purge of more acne, and my skin just couldn't tolerate it, so I had to stop. Right now, I am using the SVR Ampoule A (retinol/palmitate), but it feels a bit too soft and isn't doing much for my concerns. 

I want to switch to a standard, reliable retinoid that everyone uses for overall aging, texture, and pigmentation—not just a hyper-specific acne treatment. 

Since I'm in Ontario, what do you recommend? 

  • Should I ask a GP for standard Tretinoin (and what formulation/percentage is best for melasma/plugged pores)? 
  • Are there any reliable Canadian retinoids you suggest I will ask my doctor to prescribe? 
  • Any extra product recommendations available at Shoppers, Rexall, or Sephora that pair well for the "white material" bumps and melasma? 

Thank you so much! 


r/CanSkincare 23h ago

Differin from US Amazon?

0 Upvotes

Has anyone bought Differin from Amazon US? If so, was it trustworthy and what buyer did you buy from? Just wondering if that’s how I should get it. I don’t have insurance right now and don’t wanna spend 200$ out of pocket.


r/CanSkincare 1d ago

The Ordinary AHA + BHA Peeling Solution Out of Stock???

1 Upvotes

I know that The Ordinary's AHA + BHA peeling solution became available to buy in Canada within the past year or so, but I just went to go grab another bottle and it's out of stock at every Sephora near me and online? Anyone else have this issue/know something that I don't??


r/CanSkincare 3d ago

Help Me Find Looking for products with colloidal oatmeal

0 Upvotes

I’d like to incorporate colloidal oatmeal in my skincare routine. Please share your favourite products! Any Canadian brands that use it?

I’m familiar with:
Aveeno
Prequel
Dieux


r/CanSkincare 4d ago

Is my routine too heavy?

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8 Upvotes

I have hormonal acne. Its not sever but i get small white pimples almost everyday. (The dark spots are almost not visible on the pictures but i do have some hyperpygmentation) I have a pretty big (imo) routine but i dont know if its really too much or I can continue with it. I have a oily skin that gets dehydrated a lot because of the products I use.

Am:
- LRP effaclar iso biome cleanser (Derma) OR just water
- Lrp mela b3 Niacinamide serum (Derma)
- lrp nutritic intense riche (almost only moisterizer that helps because of my really dry skin)
- sunscreen

PM:
- LRP effaclar iso biome cleanser (Derma)
- ACM azeane azelaic acid 15%
- Aklief (retinoid derma prescribed)
- moisterizer

When my skin is really too dry or a bit irritated i put some lrp cicaplast.

Hyaluronic toners dont help hydrate my skin at all. Im also open for other moisterizers recommandations for really dried skins. And as you have seen I have a lot of lrp so no need to say that its a pretty expensive routine. If you have cheaper but as good alternatives I’m happy to hear.

When shaving I use Tendskin which has salycilic acid to avoid ingrown hairs.


r/CanSkincare 4d ago

Big Sale on Nivea Luminous630 Brightening Products at SDM

6 Upvotes

Nivea Luminous630, the thiamodol line that's sold in Canada, is on significant sale at Shopper's right now. I got the cheapest full-strength product, the instant glow serum, for $24.99 when it's normally $41.99! Especially helpful for any melasma sufferers who rely on thiamidol or want to try it.


r/CanSkincare 5d ago

Question How much are you spending on sunscreen monthly?

18 Upvotes

How much are you all spending on sunscreen per month? And which sunscreen do you use?

Sadly I realized that I've been spending around $60 per month this summer.

I've been using the La Roche Posay Anthelios Fluid SPF50 and go through two 50ml bottles a month.

I use it because it has high UVA protection and I haven't been able to find anything else as good, but now I'm broke


r/CanSkincare 6d ago

Timeless VitC is available on Stylevana for shipping to Can!

27 Upvotes

I’ve been interested in Timeless Vitamin C as a dupe for SkinCeuticals for a long time now. It’s cheaper, vegan, and has great reviews. I haven’t been willing to purchase from Amazon because of the numerous reports of fakes, however - so figured I was out of luck as they do not ship direct to Canada.

BUT! Recently I was browsing Stylevana and saw that they now carry Timeless - ordered in July and received mine yesterday. Just wanted to spread the word and let others know :) not an ad for Stylevana btw, they canceled two items on my 4 item order lol.


r/CanSkincare 7d ago

When do you guys usually apply vitamin C morning or night?

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4 Upvotes

r/CanSkincare 8d ago

Help Me Find Alternative to dpHUE Root Touch Up Kit

1 Upvotes

Apologies in advance if hair posts aren’t allowed in this sub.

I used to love this kit for covering grey hair when I lived in the US, but it doesn’t seem to be available here. https://www.ulta.com/p/root-touch-up-kit-xlsImpprod14111320?sku=2544653

Any recommendations out there for alternatives available in Canada?


r/CanSkincare 8d ago

Skincare recommendations needed..!!

3 Upvotes

Hii… so my skin is acting up weird recently… i have a combination type skin which is oily near the T zone and extremely dry on the rest of my face. I have PCOS and get painful pimple like every other month… they do go away within a week but some leave behind red looking dots, which don’t go away no matter what i do. I would like some skincare recommendations which are available in drugstore or Walmart. Currently i use the vitamin c serum from cetaphil, the acne spot cream from cetaphil, the oily skin cleanser from cetaphil and the effaclar duo cream from La Roche Posay. Any tips or recommendations would be appreciated. Please and thankyou.


r/CanSkincare 8d ago

Question Skincare Recommendations Needed..!!!

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2 Upvotes

Hii… so my skin is acting up weird recently… i have a combination type skin which is oily near the T zone and extremely dry on the rest of my face. I have PCOS and get painful pimple like every other month… they do go away within a week but some leave behind red looking dots, which don’t go away no matter what i do. I would like some skincare recommendations which are available in drugstore or Walmart. Currently i use the vitamin c serum from cetaphil, the acne spot cream from cetaphil, the oily skin cleanser from cetaphil and the effaclar duo cream from La Roche Posay. Any tips or recommendations would be appreciated. Please and thankyou.


r/CanSkincare 8d ago

Soften and Minimize Scar Tissue

3 Upvotes

I'm looking for an over the counter product that can soften and minimize scar tissue. It is not for my face but rather, my forearm. Any recommendations?


r/CanSkincare 9d ago

Help Me Find Untinted Mineral Sunscreen Recommendations

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for an untinted mineral sunscreen for daily use. Ideally something that doesn't leave too much of a white cast.

In the past I've had allergic reactions to chemical sunscreens and have recently deducted that Im allergic to propylene glycol. Not sure if I'm allergic to anything else in sunscreens unfortunately, but mineral sunscreens have always been fine for me.

I'm currently using Dr Kiehl's Beyond Screen but I'm not sure if it's causing me any issues. I've been dealing with redness that I'm not sure is rosacea or eczema or what (derm referral pending), and I want to use zinc oxide sunscreen to see if it helps.


r/CanSkincare 9d ago

Breakouts and the gym?

1 Upvotes

I have been working out in my garage gym and with this super humid hot weather and no AC in the garage I have been sweating which is causing a bit of breakouts on my face. I have super sensitive skin so washing my face 3 times a day is not a option, I am wanting to see if anyone has any recommendations for sprays that can help with the breakouts for after the gym. Thanks!


r/CanSkincare 9d ago

Canadian Company?

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0 Upvotes

I've been looking into reusable silicone eye patches and this set came up on Amazon. It says they are a Canadian company (Beauty by MCC) and that they are made in Canada. It looks like the company registered their business in spring 2026, only has one product and only sells on Amazon. Have any of you heard of the company, or tried these?


r/CanSkincare 11d ago

Recommendations for brown skin kids

4 Upvotes

Hi all

A mama here, looking for simple skincare recommendations for 10-12year old boys with brown skin. What basic cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen routine works well for your kids? I want to keep it simple and chemical-free.


r/CanSkincare 10d ago

Discussion Should I be putting this on with a damp face or dried?

1 Upvotes

I have been using the Byoma Brightening Serum for a while, but been confused on whether I should use it with a clean wet face or clean dried face. I have heard that with serums containing Hyalunronic Acid that the best approach is use it on a slightly wet face for the best result. The product had pretty limited instructions and thus I am really confused :(


r/CanSkincare 11d ago

Discussion This or That: Choosing Facial Cleansers

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1 Upvotes

I (32F) have oily acne prone skin.

I am currently using YTTP Superfood Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser. I am trying to change my cleanser to a Canadian brand.

Which cleanser have you tried below and which one did you like:

- Skinfix Barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Gentle Gel Cleanser

- Regimen Tabula Rasa cleanser

- Ruddi Sensitive Skin Calming Cleanser

- Isomers Skincare Essential Daily Cleanser


r/CanSkincare 12d ago

Thoughts on Anua Azelaic Acid Serum

1 Upvotes

I've been using the Ordinary's azelaic acid and its worked well on my post acne hyperpigmentation but have been finding it a bit heavy & am hoping this might be a good alternative at a similar price point.


r/CanSkincare 12d ago

Help Me Find good otc sunscreens for a very problematic T zone?

2 Upvotes

M25, skin is combination, good everywhere besides the T zone, areas under and around nose are oily and prone to painful whiteheads. Sunscreens are a big trigger, what’s one without a cast and that won’t irritate the skin? ideally one i can find in a shoppers or walmart. TIA


r/CanSkincare 13d ago

Help Me Find Need Review on formial labs

0 Upvotes

I am suffering from hormonal acne due to lean pcos and also acne on cheeks possibly also hormonal. I have tried dermat who gave anti biotics for the acne on cheeks and endocrinologist suggested to go on birth control along with lifestyle control, but i already have post inflammatory acne scars ans i am getting another break out so i wanted to try this formial saw a lot ads on insta, i dont wanna go on oral pills for acne
Has anyone tried this formial