I’m a Shopping Editor Going Through Perimenopause, and the Beauty Products I Swear by Start at $5

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Olay (1); Target (1); Thrive (1)

Olay (1); Target (1); Thrive (1)

Between night sweats, sugar cravings, and hormonal fluctuations,Perimenopausesignificantly affected my skin.

After making small changes to what I put into my body, I created a skincare regimen that keeps theworst perimenopausal symptoms— acne, dryness in targeted areas, and excess oil from sweating in others — from showing up on my face.

The goal is to stay away from anything pore clogging, greasy, or oil-inducing and protect my skin from the sun. Hormonal acne isn’t necessarily responsive to the acids I often use for other types of acne, but these products also prevent bacterial acne while combating perimenopausal breakouts.

For the past several months, certain products have helped me keep my adult acne from perimenopause in check while infusing my complexion with a radiant glow. Bonus: They’re all affordable (half are $10 or less) and most are available at the drugstore.

Perimenpausal Acne Must-Haves

Olay Cleansing Melts + Hyaluronic

Olay

$10 at Olay.com

Olay Cleansing Melts + Retinol

$5 at Olay.com

At night I swap the hyaluronic acid formula for theOlay Cleansing Melts + Retinol, which are formulated with a potent vitamin A derivative known for warding off wrinkles and improving skin texture and tone.

Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Amazon

$6 at Amazon

This serum is so good, I try to get every last drop out of the bottle. I love that the Good Moleculeshyaluronic acid serumworks as well as more costly products; it keeps my skin hydrated and soft without a heavy “product” feeling.

People / Shalwah Evans

Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum

Since excessive sweating is a perimenopause symptom, I incorporated thisniacinamide seruminto my skincare routine to keep the sweat oil from having a negative impact on my complexion. Niacinamide is known to reduce excess oil and control sebum production, which in turn limits breakouts.

Naked Sundays Cabana Clear Water Gel

Target

$21 at Target

This brand has yet to drop a product that I don’t love! I layer this serum on daily before applying moisturizer (because of its thin consistency), whether I’m going outside or not. My complexion actually looks dewy — a word I’ve never used to describe my skin before. Bonus: It includes SPF 50 for added sun protection.

Honest Ageless Firm + Even Serum

Honest

$30 at Honest.com

As someone with acne-prone skin, I’m typically afraid of face oil, but this serum surprised me. The first pump of product appeared oily, but it felt lightweight in my hand and even lighter when applied to my face. It goes on like a hydrating serum, dries down quickly, layers well under other skincare and makeup, and never pills. I mostly use it at night when my skin is in repair mode to hydrate, firm, and even out my skin tone.

Shalwah Evans

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Midnight Cream

$26 at Walmart

Though its price keeps it from my regular rotation, theMDSolarSciences Daily Perfecting Moisturizeris also worth mentioning. When I use it, my skin looks super radiant and feels hydrated but not greasy. Occlusive moisturizers tend to clog my pores or further irritate my volatile complexion, but I’ve never had an issue with this one. It’s one of the best, if not thebest face moisturizerI’ve ever used.

Thrive Causemetics Buildable Blur CC Cream

Thrive

$40 at Thrivecausemetics.com

While my other products are working their magic to keep my skin balanced, this CC cream provides extra hydration, sun protection, and cover for all the hyperpigmentation left behind from previous breakouts. It warms up my face and really melts into my skin after about 15 minutes. At that point the color match is so good, no one suspects I’m wearing anything; people just think I have flawless, healthy skin.

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source: people.com