The cult-favorite SK-II Facial Treatment Essence counts beauty obsessives, celebrities, and Redditors as fans — but it’s very, very expensive. That’s why Strategist beauty contributor Rio Viera-Newton has been on a mission to find convincing (and much more affordable) dupes for it, including COSRX’s Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence, which might be even better than the SK-II — and happens to be on sale right now on Amazon for nearly 40 percent off. With niacinamide for dark spots, galactomyces ferment filtrate for brightening, and adenosine for smoothing (especially for skin-pickers, Viera-Newton says), the hydrating, hyperpigmentation-fighting formula has helped even out Viera-Newton’s complexion unlike anything else in her updated Google doc of skin-care must-haves. And at just $14 — compared to SKI-II’s $185 — we would stock up, stat.
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