Can You Mix Skincare Brands?
The Smart Guide to Building a Balanced (and Affordable) Routine
Did you know some face oils retail for $500? Yes there are luxury brands charging half a paycheck for a single step in your skincare routine. The truth? You don’t need to spend that to get luxury-level results.
In fact, most of us already mix and match brands every day whether it’s a cult serum from The Ordinary, a cleanser from Go-To, or an oil from Drunk Elephant. And that’s perfectly fine, as long as you follow a few simple rules.
The Case for Sticking With One Brand
There’s real science behind using one brand’s system. Products are often designed to complement each other textures layer seamlessly, pH levels align, and actives are balanced to maximize results.
Dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe explains: “A skincare line is often formulated as a system. When you use the whole system, the formulas are designed to maximize benefits and minimize risk.”
That’s why Go-To Skincare encourages pairing its cleanser, exfoliant, and moisturiser as a set, or why Tata Harper builds her line as a step-by-step “ritual.”
But does this mean you should never mix? Not at all.
The Reality: Most of Us Mix
Look at your own bathroom shelf. Chances are you’ve got:
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A Go-To cleanser for everyday balance.
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A Drunk Elephant retinol for targeted anti-aging.
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Maybe a Tatcha mist for hydration.
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And finishing with a natural, nourishing oil like our Samson & Charlie Famous 24K Glow.
This is not only normal, but smart. It allows you to:
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Customise. Choose what works for your skin type and goals.
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Balance budgets. Splurge on one hero product, save on others without compromise.
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Discover synergy. Pairing a retinol with a natural oil, for example, helps reduce irritation while boosting results.
Natural vs Synthetic: The Pros and Cons
| Approach | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| All-Natural Range (Samson & Charlie, Tata Harper, Go-To) | Gentle, noncomedogenic, barrier-friendly. | May take longer for visible results with stubborn issues. |
| Synthetic Actives Only (Drunk Elephant, The Ordinary, SkinCeuticals) | Fast results with high-potency formulas. | Higher risk of redness, dryness, purging. |
| Blending Both | Best of both worlds: naturals calm and protect, synthetics target specific concerns. | Requires mindful layering to avoid overdoing actives. |
Dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss sums it up: “Your skin barrier is like the foundation of your house. If you damage it with too many strong actives, nothing looks good on top.”
The Hidden Truth: Natural Formulas Cost More to Make
Here’s what’s rarely discussed: truly natural formulations are more expensive to create than synthetic ones.
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Rare oils like Prickly Pear Seed Oil can cost five times more than synthetic fillers like silicones.
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Plant-based actives require careful extraction, while lab-made versions are cheap and mass-produced.
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Better skin compatibility. Naturals nourish and support the skin barrier rather than simply masking problems.
This is why brands like Tata Harper 100% natural and farm-to-face price their oils and creams at $250+.
At Samson & Charlie, we choose the same high-quality naturals, but make them accessible.
The Price of Great Skin
Let’s take a closer look at how prices stack up.
Face Oils
| Brand | Product | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Barbara Sturm | Face Oil / Glow Drops | $470–$500 |
| Tata Harper | Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil | $180–$250 |
| Drunk Elephant | Virgin Marula Oil | $120 |
| Go-To Skincare | Face Hero Oil | $45 |
| Samson & Charlie | Famous 24K Glow Oil | $79 |
Moisturisers & Serums
| Brand | Product | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Barbara Sturm | Super Anti-Aging Cream | $460 |
| Tata Harper | Crème Riche Anti-Aging Moisturizer | $360 |
| SkinCeuticals | C E Ferulic Serum | $250 |
| Drunk Elephant | C-Firma Fresh Day Serum | $120 |
| Samson & Charlie | Renewal Moisturising Cream | $59.95 |
| Samson & Charlie | Vibrant C Brightening Oil | $69 |
Why Samson & Charlie Is Smart Luxury
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Premium naturals, fairly priced. We use rare oils like Prickly Pear and Marula the same found in $250+ formulas.
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No prestige markup. You’re paying for the ingredients, not celebrity endorsements or gold-plated jars.
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Accessible indulgence. At our price point, you can use the right amount every day without rationing drops.
Dermatologist Dr. Ranella Hirsch reminds us: “One of the biggest myths in skincare is that more expensive means more effective. It doesn’t.”
At Samson & Charlie, we believe luxury skincare should feel indulgent and attainable.
Practical Rules for Mixing
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Layer by texture. Serums first, oils second, moisturisers last.
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Don’t double-dose actives. Retinol + strong acids in one night? Too much.
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Use naturals as buffers. Our Famous 24K Glow or Vibrant C Oil calm and protect after stronger treatments.
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Transition slowly. Replace products step by step your skin (and wallet) will thank you.
Why Samson & Charlie “Gets Along With Everybody”
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Noncomedogenic: Won’t clog pores even when layered.
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Sensitive-skin friendly: No petrochemicals or harsh fillers.
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Barrier-loving: Antioxidants and humectants that act as peacekeepers.
That’s why our products slip seamlessly into routines with Go-To, Drunk Elephant, Tata Harper or whatever else is already on your shelf.
Final Thought
Mixing skincare brands isn’t just okay it’s often the smartest approach. The secret is balance: let strong actives do the heavy lifting, and let naturals like Samson & Charlie protect, nourish, and restore.
And when natural formulations this good cost under $80 (not $500), it feels less like a compromise and more like smart luxury.
✨ What’s on your shelf right now? Share your brand mix in the comments I’d love to hear how you make your routine work for you.
