Why skincare is expensive, and how you can shop smarter🛍️

If you’ve ever looked at a $150 jar of cream and wondered if it contains liquid gold, you’re not alone. Skincare can be surprisingly expensive, sometimes even outrageously so. But why? And more importantly, how can you, as a consumer, shop smarter without sacrificing quality?

At Rooby, we don’t just want to make skincare more accessible, we want to make it more transparent. So let’s break it down: what are you really paying for?

💼 1. Marketing makes expensive

The reality? A significant portion of the price of high-end skincare goes to marketing. Think glossy campaigns, influencers, ads, and expensive packaging. So you’re not just paying for the formula in the bottle, but also for the image around it.

Smart shopping tip:
Look at ingredient lists instead of brand names. Many cheaper products contain the exact same active ingredients.

🏬 2. Distribution and retail = extra margins

A brand rarely sells directly to the consumer. There are often multiple links in between – distributors and retailers – and each party wants a piece of the pie. That drives up the price.

Smart shopping tip:
Choose platforms like Rooby, where you get direct access to overstocked products from brands and retailers. Same product, but cheaper ;).

🧪 3. Research and innovation cost money (and time)

Good skincare requires research, testing and regulation. Especially with innovative formulas or clinically proven ingredients, development costs can be high.

Smart shopping tip:
Look for brands that are transparent about their R&D. But also know: a proven formula from a previous collection can still deliver top quality, and you can often find that with us for a better price.

📦 4. Packaging plays a role

We are all drawn to luxury packaging. Frosted glass, gold foil, boxes within boxes. But all those extras are included in the sales price and have an ecological footprint.

Smart shopping tip:
Don't be fooled by the outside. Simple packaging can be just as effective, and often more environmentally friendly.

🌍 5. Overstock is not 'redundant'

A lot of skincare doesn't make it to stores in time or is left over due to marketing mistakes, seasonal changes or changing trends, not because it's bad. These products are often still perfectly usable and safe.

Smart shopping tip:
Rooby specializes in buying this overstock. This way you save money and help prevent waste.

✨ Finally: Your skin deserves honesty

Expensive skincare is not necessarily better skincare. By looking more consciously at ingredients, origin and distribution, you can make smart choices for your skin and your wallet.

At Rooby we believe: beautiful skin doesn't have to be expensive or polluting.
Check out our latest offers and discover how much you can really save.

View our collection here👀