You know you’re curious. Whether you’re at the drugstore buying $5 moisturizer or at Saks shelling out $95 for a pre-toning cleanser, it’s pretty hard not to ask: is there REALLY a difference? Beauty and skin care is a multi-billion dollar industry, and it can’t all be just advertising, right? There has to be something that separates the best luxury skin care products from their generic-brand equivalents.

So, here’s the multi-billion-dollar question: Are luxury salon products worth it? If so, why?

The answer: YES! Not all skin care products are made equal.

The difference? The ingredients of luxury skin care products are drastically different from the common brands on the drugstore shelf. It’s not just about the quality or type—it’s in the percentage of active or raw ingredients that each product contains.

This is not to say that the more expensive the better. When shopping for luxury skincare brands, you need to do your homework. You don’t want to go with a less expensive product that will be nice on your budget, but not so nice to your skin. Conversely, you don’t want to buy an expensive product and hope that it will have the right combination of ingredients that will keep your skin soft, clear, and healthy.

Salons are a great resource, because they can take care of the due diligence and provide you with much more relevant choices. Not just that; talking to a specialist who can help you create a customized skincare routine is important for everyone, especially because we’re not always good judges when it comes to our own skin. Just buying a high-end product and expecting a miracle is not the way to go: you need to ensure that your goals are compatible with your skin and your budget.

Two excellent products we believe are worth the price:

Lancôme Absolue L’Extrait Regenerating Ultimate Elixir ($350 for 1.7 ounces)

When it comes to using state-of-the-art technology for beauty, the Absolue L’Extrait is top of the line. Each jar contains up to 2 million native cells that have been extracted from a rare, specific variety of rose plants (the so-called Lancôme Rose). This biotechnical extraction process, referred to as Fermogenesis, was a breakthrough 10 years in the making, as Lancôme scientists carefully researched and experimented a variety of ways to cultivate new and healthy ingredients.

The native rose cells in Absolue L’Extrait help regenerate skin cells and present firmer, more elastic and radiant skin. This ingredient is the master of rejuvenation with the ability to enhance your skin and bring out its finest qualities.

Beauty by Clinica Ivo Pitanguy Specifics Vital Elixir ($345 for 1 ounce)

Specifics Vital Elixir was also a breakthrough in the extraction and use of natural ingredients. In this case, it’s Nature Pisum Extract, taken from Pisum Sativum—also known as the common pea. These peas, which were famously used by Gregor Mendel in founding modern genetics, now help us solve genetic skin conditions by providing an extract which has vital amino acids and proteins that boost the healing abilities of the epidermis. It restores the skin, and resists the aging process by providing the necessary production of collagen and elastin, while protecting the skin during tanning by reinforcing the skin’s natural defense in fighting free radicals.

The other main ingredient in the Vital Elixir formula is an exclusive Triple Radiance Complex, which works with chromo-active plant fractions that target skin color. This ingredient helps reduce the appearance of dark spots or age marks, even as complex sugars help repair and strengthen your skin cells. The Vital Elixir leaves your skin with a brighter, more refreshed glow.

So, do ingredients matter?

You might still be asking, does it REALLY matter if my skincare products contain these rare and expensive ingredients? Many generic brands promise the same effects with shea butter or aloe vera, without the high cost. Or maybe I can splurge, but not go overboard.

The answer: Your skin is worth it.

Having spoken to a specialist at a salon (or to your dermatologist), you know what works for YOU. The nature of these ingredients, however, remains crucial. Remember, you are not only applying these topically so that they work, they’re also being absorbed into your body. Ultimately, the substances you put on your skin are absorbed into your body and can greatly affect your overall health and well-being.

So while cheaper brands may promise quick and easy results, they often rely on man-made chemicals that, over time, can be toxic and lead to harmful side effects. Great skin might be worth many things, but it’s not worth your health!

Ultimately, the effectiveness of this week’s products lies in the high-quality, natural, and healthy ingredients that they contain. These luxury skin care products aren’t just a simple purchase: they are an investment in the health of your skin. The cost may be high, but in the long-run, your body will thank you.