Are These Revolution Skincare Products Bargain Dupes for Your Cult Favourites?

Fact: Our Customer Experience team responds to thousands of different customer beauty questions every single day.

But ask them for the most common query, and there's a good chance it'll have something to do with dupes.

A dupe refers to a product that's very similar to a cult original, but either more affordable or accessible (e.g. when products aren't available in Australia or are expensive to ship from overseas).

It's not that we don't love and appreciate cult products. They've earnt their cult status by being the best of the best.

But sometimes, your bank account doesn't care for cult. That's where bargain dupes come in.

So, when our skincare buyer announced the launch of Revolution Skincare on Adore Beauty, everyone got a bit excited.

The British brand is known for bringing out incredible dupes for high end skincare products and best-sellers that are always out of stock.

Aside from the 'dupe' aspect, Revolution Skincare products have a lot going for them.

They're cruelty-free and vegan, and all of the serums, toners, moisturisers and masks contain your favourite active ingredients.

Revolution skincare products also look great in shelfies. Oh, and the Revolution Skincare serums start from just $12.

But what is Revolution Skincare and are the products good, or too good to be true? Let's find out...

What Is Revolution Skincare?

If the name Revolution rings a bell, that's because the UK beauty brand (full name Revolution Beauty London) is well known for their affordable makeup and skincare products.

They're also pretty trendy. Not like the skate shoes you wore in primary school (although they were very trendy), but if everyone's talking about a buzzy new ingredient or product, you can bet this brand will come out with a dupe.

Revolution Skincare features a range of targeted skincare and body care products that contain active ingredients, but without the cosmeceutical price tag.

They're also designed to slot into your existing routine, so you can mix and match products depending on your skin concerns.

Revolution Skincare vs The Ordinary.

We know what you're thinking... some of these Revolution products seem very similar to ones from The Ordinary.

You're not wrong. Both affordable skincare brands make serums with similar ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, retinol, acid peeling solutions, and even caffeine eye serums.

So, which brand is better? Nice try, we love them both! Really, it comes down to personal preference.

Our Revolution Skincare Review.

This brand has a lot of products to choose from:

Like the Revolution Skincare hydrating serum. And the Revolution Skincare eye serum. Revolution Skincare hyaluronic acid. Revolution Skincare retinol. And don't forget all the Revolution Skincare salicylic acid products.

Yeah. It’s confusing. So, let's break down a few of the best Revolution Skincare products (plus the cult skincare favourites they're often compared to).

1. Revolution Skincare Salicylic Acid Serum, $16.

What:

Revolution Skincare 2% Salicylic Acid Serum 30ml

• As the name suggests, this is an oil-free serum containing 2 per cent salicylic acid.

• Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (or BHA) that exfoliates within the pores to remove excess sebum and dead skin cells.

• Reduces the appearance of enlarged pores, blackheads, blemishes and congestion.

• Best suited to those with normal to oily or combination skin.

Reminds us of: The Ordinary's beloved Salicylic Acid 2% Solution that's been out of stock worldwide since the brand decided to reformulate.

Shop it here:

2. Revolution Skincare Overnight Blemish Lotion, $20.

What:

Revolution Skincare Overnight Targeted Blemish Lotion 20ml

• An overnight spot treatment suitable for all skin types, to reduce the appearance of blemishes.

• This pimple treatment has a biphase (two-part) formula containing salicylic acid, plus zinc oxide to reduce inflammation and calamine to soothe irritation.

• Store upright and don't shake before use (you want to see the two layers separated).

• Dip a clean cotton tip down into the pink solution and dab onto any pimples.

Reminds us of: The cult Mario Badescu Drying Lotion - they look identical, right down to the blue packaging and pink solution.

Shop it here:

3. Revolution Skincare Retinol Overnight Cream, $24.

What:

Revolution Skincare Retinol Overnight Cream 50ml

• An overnight retinol treatment/retinol night cream suitable for most skin types.

• Thick, hydrating formula helps to reduce the appearance of skin tone, texture, congestion, fine lines and wrinkles - without irritation.

• Contains 0.1 per cent of retinol, an effective form of anti-ageing ingredient vitamin A, but at a lower, gentler concentration.

• Also formulated with rosehip seed oil, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants to help brighten the appearance of skin.

• Start by applying one pump after cleansing at night once a week, and work your way up to every other night.

Reminds us of: A gentler (and more affordable) version of the Kate Sommerville +Retinol Vita C Power Cream.

Shop it here:

4. Revolution Skincare 2% Salicylic Acid Tonic, $20.

What:

Revolution Skincare 2% Salicylic Acid Tonic 200ml

• This toner/exfoliant is another great Revolution Skincare for oily skin hero.

• A liquid chemical exfoliant with 2 per cent salicylic acid, plus marshmallow extract to hydrate the skin, and calm inflammation and redness associated with blemishes.

• At night after cleansing, drench a cotton pad and swipe over congested areas before applying serums and moisturiser.

• Suitable for normal and oily or combination skin types, or anyone who wants to target the appearance of congestion.

Reminds us of: The best-selling Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.

Shop it here:

5. Revolution Skincare Niacinamide Serum, $20.

What:

Revolution Skincare 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc SUPER SIZED 60ml

• A supersized 60ml serum designed for all skin types, but especially oily and blemish-prone skin.

• Contains a familiar mix of active ingredients...

• 10 per cent niacinamide (vitamin B3) helps to support the skin's barrier, refine skin texture and reduce the appearance of pores.

• 1 per cent zinc calms and soothes skin and reduces the look of active breakouts.

Reminds us of: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% - The Ordinary's cult niacinamide serum (obviously).

Shop it here:

Now, for the million dollar question: Are these skincare products bargain dupes for your cult favourites?

We’ll let you decide.

But you’ve got to admit… launching products *inspired* by the world’s most popular skincare buys is both a bit cheeky and clever marketing.

Shop the Best Revolution Skincare Products Here:

Want more affordable beauty content? Check out these stories below:

• I’m a Dermal Therapist and This Is How I'd Build a Skincare Routine for Less Than $100

• 8 Beauty Products Under $30 I’ll Honestly Never Stop Using

• The $9 Brow Wax That's a Bargain Dupe for My Old Discontinued Favourite

• BARGAIN ALERT: 10 Serums Under $70 That Actually Work