MoneyLion
Oct 29, 2026

I'm a Dermatologist: These 5 Beauty Buys From Five Below Have Fabulous Results

Wondering where to start on a budget? The $4 sunscreen is the first thing to put in your cart.
Written by Kathryn Jackson
|
Edited by Ashleigh Ray
I'm a Dermatologist: These 5 Beauty Buys From Five Below Have Fabulous Results

Think great skincare requires a great big bank account? Think again. Some of the most effective products on the shelf cost less than a fancy latte, and a few of them are waiting at Five Below.

New York City board-certified dermatologist Debra Jaliman has weighed in on which budget finds deserve a spot in your beauty bag. Her picks have one thing in common: they perform well above their price tags.

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Whether you need sun protection, lip care or a quick cleanse, these five buys prove that cheap doesn’t have to mean compromised. Here’s what made the cut.

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  • Price: $4

Jaliman recommended this lightweight sunscreen that can help prevent sun damage and skin cancer. She also said that it is never too early to start using sunscreen, especially for teens.

The Sun Bum SPF 30 sunscreen is great for daily wear on the face and body with a broad-spectrum formula that blocks 97% of UVB rays. Reapply every two hours and pay special attention to the spots people often miss, like the back of the neck and the ears.

  • Price: $4

Remembering to protect lips from harsh sun rays is just as important as protecting the skin, in Jaliman's opinion. The Sun Bum SPF 30 lip balm does just that. This SPF lip balm not only protects, but it also moisturizes thanks to aloe and vitamin E. Plus, it's small enough to fit in your pocket, so you can always have it with you when you need it.

  • Price: $1

According to Jaliman, Palmer’s cocoa butter formula with vitamin E is a great product for hydrating the skin.  

Whether you’re dealing with a cold, dry or hot climate, cocoa butter keeps skin nourished, softens cuticles and helps prevent chafing. Used on the face, it can help guard against windburn, improve skin’s elasticity and smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

  • Price: $5

This three-pack of cleansing facial wipes is perfect for daily use or while traveling. Its ingredients include hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide, collagen and vitamins E and B5. These facial wipes can easily remove makeup and dirt while keeping skin nourished and looking its best. 

Jaliman reminded readers that hyaluronic acid delivers deep hydration and is gentle enough for all skin types.

  • Price: $3

Jaliman also advised using skin products containing coconut water to help soothe sensitive skin and reduce acne breakouts. The Burt’s Bees micellar facial towelettes combine coconut and lotus water to lift oil and makeup residue, leaving skin feeling fresh and hydrated. The micellar liquid means no rinsing is required, and it’s gentle on sensitive skin. The towelettes are also made with 60% or more repurposed cotton.

Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change.

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.

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Kathryn Jackson
Written by
Kathryn Jackson
Kathryn Jackson is a credentialed educator with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She also has a background in bookkeeping and personal finance management. She provides these services as a personal assistant, helping individuals develop budgeting systems that fit their lifestyles while empowering them to achieve financial stability. Kathryn has ghostwritten for various personal finance blogs, sharing her knowledge.In her spare time, she likes to cook innovative meals for her family and enjoys exploring her creative side by making custom jewelry.
Ashleigh Ray
Edited by
Ashleigh Ray
Ashleigh is an editor specializing in personal finance and banking content, with four years of experience — first at GOBankingRates, then at MoneyLion — turning complex financial topics into advice readers can actually understand and use. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of South Florida and brings that same care for clarity and voice to every piece she edits. She's based in Tampa, Florida.