Dollar Tree’s $1.25 copy of a drugstore facial cleanser is a hit – it’s $8 cheaper and has a shorter ingredient list
Savvy shoppers flock to discount stores to purchase affordable skincare, makeup and other beauty products.
A bargain hunter managed to find an imitation of a classic facial cleanser sold by a popular cosmetics, skin and hair care company at Dollar Tree.
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Vivian Tenorino is a social media influencer best known for her YouTube channel “Secret Life of Vivian” (@Vivian_Tries), where she has over 507,000 subscribers and more than 102 million views.
She is also active on Instagram (@viviantenorino), where she has over 52,000 followers, and runs an online retail brand, Kaeute.
On June 29, she shared some of her latest Dollar Tree finds on YouTube in a video titled “Dollar Tree Dupes You’d Never Expect to Find at Dollar Tree.”
The video has almost 200,000 views and over 10,000 likes.
Read more about product dupes
In the video, Vivian compares an iconic skin care product, Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Face Wash, with its Dollar Tree copycat product, Kissable Oil-Free Acne Wash.
Neutrogena’s version costs $9.49, while Dollar Tree’s version costs just $1.25 – saving shoppers $8.24.
However, Neutrogena’s face wash is slightly larger, weighing 9.1 ounces compared to Dollar Tree’s 7-ounce imitation.
VIVIAN TRIES
In the video, Vivian wondered how the fake would compare to a product that has been around for so long.
However, she scoffed at the price, which she considered a bit high.
“It can’t be more than $5.99,” Vivian said.
Dollar Tree Scammers
Savvy shoppers have scoured Dollar Tree to find imitations of their favorite products
According to Vivian, an acne product only needs a dose of salicylic acid and then it should work.
After checking both bottles of facial cleanser, she was able to confirm that the active ingredient was indeed salicylic acid.
Both Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Fighting Face Wash and Dollar Tree’s Kissable Oil-Free Acne Wash contained two percent salicylic acid.
Vivian then compared the smell of each facial cleanser and found that the scents were comparable.
“They also got the scent pretty accurate,” she added.
FRAUD OR COINCIDENCE?
Vivian then compared the consistency of the two detergents, saying that Neutrogena’s product was more gel-like, while Dollar Tree’s product felt like a regular soap.
However, the consistency was not enough to stop Vivian from recommending the product.
“I’d still say try this,” she said, pointing to the Dollar Tree face wash.
The US Sun asked Vivian for a comment on her review.
Dollar Tree Prices
Despite the store’s name, Dollar Tree has recently added items to its line that cost more than $1.
Most items in the store cost no more than $1.25, but items in the Dollar Tree Plus department cost up to $5.
As part of its efforts to diversify its products, Dollar Tree introduced Plus departments in 100 locations in 2019.
By 2022, Dollar Tree had added the items to over 1,500 locations.
“We believe that testing additional price points above $1 for Dollar Tree products will allow us over time to expand our assortment, introduce new products and meet more of our customers’ everyday needs,” President and CEO Michael Witynski said in a statement.
“Our brand promise is that customers get a lot for their money at Dollar Tree. We will continue to defend that promise with all our might, regardless of price.”
A DOLLAR FOR YOUR THOUGHTS
Vivian’s viewers and subscribers shared their thoughts on both face washes in the comments section of her video.
Some loved the Dollar Tree knockoff, while others said they preferred Neutrogena’s more expensive face wash.
“I use this acne dupe. Don’t have acne. Just very sensitive skin,” wrote one viewer.
“I’ve been using this acne wash on my face for 5 years now. I absolutely love it,” added another viewer.
“Dollar Tree acne wash is the truth. It was only supposed to be a temporary solution but the way it saved my skin from breakouts shocked me,” wrote another viewer.
“It was out of stock for a while, but now it’s back and I’m so happy,” they added.
“I tried the acne detergent, not as good as Neutrogena or CVS brand detergent in my opinion,” commented another viewer.
“Neutrogena is worth every penny!” chimed in one subscriber.
MORE BEAUTY BARGAINS
Dollar Tree continues to surprise its shoppers by offering high-quality copies of trendy, popular and more expensive items.
Some Dollar Tree fans are already raving about the retailer’s moisturizing facial wipes with hyaluronic acid.
Some shoppers say it’s “almost identical” to Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Face Cleansing Makeup Wipes with Hyaluronic Acid.
Another buyer recently came across a counterfeit Native shower gel.
She showed off the retailer’s wide selection of shower gels, including scents like pumpkin spice, a fan favorite for the upcoming fall.
As always, Dollar Tree prices started at just $1.25 for all shoppers, making them significantly cheaper than the brand name imitations.
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