When I turned 28 a couple of months ago, I decided that it was finally time to establish a proper skincare routine (I’m fashionably late to the party, I know). Throughout my 20s, I thankfully didn’t experience any major skin issues, just the occasional hormonal blemishes and pores larger than I would prefer.

With this in mind, I didn’t approach my search for skincare products from an immediate, need-based perspective. Instead, I wanted to improve my overall skin texture, complexion, and appearance by building a routine that includes effective and budget-friendly products with clean ingredients. 

My search spanned multiple brands and retailers, but following extensive research in which I scoured tons of customer reviews, I circled back to Amazon and found Good Molecules. After using a handful of its products for over a month, I am blown away by the quality and affordability of the line.

Good Molecules Skincare Favorites From Amazon

Related: Ask a Beauty Editor: What Is the Right Order to Apply Skincare Ingredients?

Whether you’re like me and exploring skincare for the first time or are just looking to experiment with new products, here’s everything I bought from Good Molecules to build my entire routine. All of these finds are $12 or less, and if you opt to buy the whole set, everything comes out to just under $40 (which is why I can’t stop talking to my friends about it).

Good Molecules Hydrating Facial Cleanser

I’ll admit I’ve never given facial cleansers much thought. When shopping, I used to just opt for the first gentle cleaner I saw, but Good Molecules’ successfully balances and hydrates my skin. The cleanser has a smooth, gel-like consistency that feels super light on the skin as you lather it. It contains ingredients like rosewater to help brighten and pineapple extract, which is known for its purifying and clarifying capabilities. I love using this first thing in the morning to kick off my routine. 

Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel

After cleansing and using toner, I apply Good Molecules’ Wake Up Eye Gel. As someone who experiences dark circles and moderate puffiness around my eyes in the morning, this gel has worked wonders for me. It’s light, absorbs nicely into the skin, and only requires a little dab to do the job. The gel is packed with nourishing ingredients, like caffeine and hyaluronic acid, to reduce puffiness and lighten under-eye circles. It also contains yerba mate, which—thanks to its antioxidant properties—helps protect the skin from damaging UV light. 

Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum

If there’s one skincare problem I’ve consistently struggled with, it’s large pores. My pores are definitely a sore spot in terms of how I view my skin, so when I discovered this serum for $6, I knew I had to try it. Niacinamide, aka vitamin B3, is a powerful ingredient that’s frequently used in skincare products to minimize pores and reduce inflammation. I use this serum to help even out my complexion, and on top of loving how it instantly brightens and adds a glow to my skin, I am over the moon at how much my pores have shrunk since I first started using it. 

Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream

I didn’t think I would care about skincare products with anti-aging properties in my 20s, but it happened. The market is flooded with retinol creams and gels that can be pretty expensive, but Good Molecules’ costs just $8. It’s formulated with 0.1 percent retinol, as well as plant-based ingredients like bakuchiol, grape seed oil, and allantoin that help make your skin more elastic while plumping fine lines and wrinkles. I use the cream at night after cleansing and toning, and have noticed a huge difference in my skin’s overall appearance come morning. 

Good Molecules Clarify and Cleanse Bar

I am prone to sweating during the summer months, and as a result, experience breakouts on my upper arms and chest. While my usual body wash smells lovely and works great as a general cleanser, it doesn’t address my blemishes. This clarifying and cleansing body bar, however, has cleared my breakouts after just a few uses due to ingredients like salicylic acid and tea tree oil that work to reduce skin inflammation. I can finally wear short-sleeve T-shirts and tank tops again without feeling self-conscious. 

These products aren’t the only ones Good Molecules has to offer. Scroll down to browse more serums, creams, and moisturizers from the brand.

Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Good Molecules BHA Clarifying Gel Cream

Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum

Good Molecules Vitamin C Booster Powder

Good Molecules Lightweight Daily Moisturizer