SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
From 35 Reddit threads · Updated October 10, 2026
Peptide-and-growth-factor serum that skincare Reddit treats like anti-aging HG; pricey but impressive. The catch: luxury pricing is brutal. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.
The short answer
Best Overall AlternativeWatery first-step layer · $20.00 · 150 ml
Best Cheaper AlternativeStrong OTC retinol for acne and aging · $11.90 · 29.6 ml vs $295.00 for the original
#1
Best Overall Alternative
- Size: 150 ml
- Price per ml: $0.13/ml (original $9.98/ml)
The why
One minus
Can break out acne-prone skin
Good forDry Skin, Sensitive Skin
Both recommended for Anti-Aging.
“My morning routine is just Cosrx 6 Peptide booster serum”
— Reddit, r/koreanskincare
The original, at a glance
- Why people love it
- Growth-factor heavy anti-aging serum
- Price
- $295.00 · 29.6 ml · $9.98/ml
#2
Best Cheaper Alternative
- Size: 29.6 ml
- Price per ml: $0.40/ml (original $9.98/ml)
The why
A 1% retinol in squalane serum that people use for acne and early anti-aging. Redditors say it can smooth texture and oiliness, and studies found retinol can help acne. The catch is obvious: beginners often get redness, peeling, and a nasty purge.
One minus
Rough starter strength — redness, peeling, and purging are common
Good forOily Skin
Both recommended for Anti-Aging.
“Retinol - I had some leftover TO Retinol 1% in Squalene that my face hated but I saw it suggested for chest wrinkles here and l've been using it prior to applying the patch every night.”
— Reddit, r/SkincareAddiction
#3
Best for Anti-Aging
- Size: 30 ml
- Price per ml: $0.32/ml (original $9.98/ml)
The why
A watery peptide serum that people use on forehead, 11s, and crow’s feet. It suits folks chasing temporary softening or a stopgap before Botox. Don’t expect permanent wrinkle reversal, and some users break out.
One minus
Results are mostly temporary, not lasting
Both recommended for Anti-Aging.
“I use the ordinary matrixyl and argireline under my frownies and find that the combo works really well for my fine lines.”
— Reddit, r/SkincareAddiction
Other alternatives worth a look
Starter retinoid with low-irritation rep · 72 mentions
Anti-AgingGluten-Free
10% azelaic acid for redness and breakouts · 713 mentions
AcneBrightening
Watery, fast-absorbing centella · 533 mentions
Fragrance-FreeGel Texture
Damp-skin hydration that actually plumps · 404 mentions
Gluten-FreeVegan
Hydration monster for tight, flaky skin · 365 mentions
Fungal Acne
Absorbs fast, no sticky finish · 265 mentions
Alcohol-FreeFragrance-Free
Browse more
Reddit's best serums by concern or skin type
Looking for a different product?