Boots' budget-friendly HABI skincare has been tested on teen skin and costs under £7.50
It feels like over the years, skincare routines have grown more and more expensive, often requiring a science degree to decipher the inkey list. But Boots has come to the rescue with a new brand that proves looking after your skin doesn't have to break the bank, or have you turning to ChatGPT to work out how to use it.
Habi is a high-performing, low-cost skincare line that's putting the fun and simplicity back into skincare. After launching a range of health supplements earlier this year, Habi - a brand built on cultivating good habits - took the next step into skincare earlier this month.
I knew it was going to be an affordable brand, but I must admit I was stunned when I saw the price list. Every single item in the collection priced at £7.50 or under, it undercuts even Boots' own affordable No7 Good Intent line (£15 and under) and competes with the likes of Byoma and Bubble for Gen Z-friendly, budget-conscious beauty.
The packaging is bold and playful, the formulations are vegan, cruelty-free and dermatologically tested, and the actives inside, from niacinamide to triple ceramides, are the kind of ingredients usually found in much more premium lines. I've tried five of the eight products in the Habi skincare range, and here's the full verdict.
Pros:
Affordable with every product £7.50 or less
Well-formulated featuring trusted active ingredients
Vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologically tested - including on teenage skin
Aesthetic packaging and textures
Layer well and are refreshingly simple
Cons:
Jelly cleanser underperformed for me personally
SPF pump is finicky and didn't dispense consistently
HABI Clean Slate Jelly Cleanser - £7
For those into sensory skincare, this jelly cleanser delivers. It's got a light, bouncy texture that's satisfying to massage in, and contains soothing ingredients like Green Tea Leaf Water and Allantoin. It reminds me a lot of the Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser, which costs £9.99, and also harnesses the power of green tea extracts.
While the Habi formula is great as a morning or second cleanse, it didn't fully remove my makeup and did sting a little around the eyes, so I'd opt for Habi's Moisture Melt cleansing balm next time for a bit more oomph.
That said, it's already earned some five star reviews from fans, with one commenting: 'This felt very gentle on the skin and removed make up residue leaving my skin feeling nice and fresh.'
However, one did leave a one-star rating, noting that they had experienced 'sensitive skin' after using the product. Another shopper said: 'This cleanser is so good. Once used it doesn't leave your skin feeling tight and dried out. It also has no scent which can make it usable for sensitive prone skin. The packaging is so sleek and easy and effective to use.'
HABI Spritz Saviour Face Mist - £6.50
Perfect for sensitive skin, this lightweight mist contains a triple ceramide complex and anti-irritant allantoin. It feels really refreshing on the skin, and can be used under or over makeup, making it a great summer skincare staple for at home or on the go.
'It is very effective as it gives my skin a beautiful refresh,' another shopper agreed. 'Also the packaging is so aesthetically pleasing. The product is lightweight on my skin which makes it not overstimulating.'
Some people disliked that it was unfragranced, commenting: 'The scent isn't the most appealing it's not really got a scent, just sort of smells like the container.' For those looking for fragranced mists, I really like the Mario Badescu range.
Their Spritz. Mist. Glow. set, worth £34.50, is currently £20.50 and gets shoppers three different sprays. One is a cooling Aloe, Cucumber, and Green Tea to cool and quench skin, while Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater revives dehydrated skin. Finally, there's the Aloe, Chamomile, and Lavender mist for delivering calm, balanced and bright skin.
HABI Hydra Glow Hydrating Serum - £6.50
Containing niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, this is a thick serum that absorbs quickly without feeling heavy on the skin. It delivers exactly what it promises - glow and hydration, leaving the skin feeling bouncy and plump while over time, smoothing the appearance of skin texture.
Skincare enthusiasts have already hailed it their 'new favourite serum'. They added: 'My skin just after a few days is hydrated and looks more fresh. It's not scented which is nice and the packaging is cute. I use this under my No7 moisturiser.'
Another added: 'Really impressed with this serum. It feels super lightweight on the skin and soaks in quickly. My face feels more hydrated and looks a bit more glowy after just a few uses. Love that it has niacinamide and hyaluronic acid – perfect for daily use without feeling heavy or sticky.'
HABI Hydra Boost Hydrating Moisturiser - £7
I love the dispenser for this moisturiser, which is packed with triple ceramide complex and squalane. It's got a rich and creamy consistency with an almost gel-like texture that doesn't overwhelm pores. It feels way more luxurious than its £7 price tag, and has been tested on teen skin, so you can rest assured that it's not overloaded with unnecessary ingredients that will break you out or damage the skin barrier.
If I had to compare it to a higher end product, I'd be inclined to pit it against Drunk Elephant's Protini Polypeptide Cream, which has a similar dispenser and texture - though the ingredients and actives vary. The Habi Hydra Boost is a great choice for dry skin, but for those with oilier complexions, the Habi Moisture Magic Water Moisturiser, starring Green Tea Leaf Water and Niacinamide, might be a better option.
HABI Sunny Shield SPF 40 - £7
Finally, there's the Sunny Shield SPF, had a shaky start with an awkward pump that delivered an inconsistent amount of product, but it redeemed itself fast. Applying it to the skin, I thought I'd applied too much but all at once it seems to sink in and the glow it leaves behind is unreal. Plus the slightly tacky finish makes it a brilliant makeup primer. It may not be for those who prefer a matte finish on no-makeup days.
Overall, Habi is a really exciting new addition to Boots' shelves. It takes the term budget skincare to a whole new level. They're even on three for two and Advantage Card holders can get 10% off. That means shoppers could essentially get all eight products in the range - the others being spot stickers, the cleansing balm and an alternative moisturiser - plus an additional product for £35.10 (or less than £4 each). While not every product is for me, some will definitely find their way into my rotation and I would happily purchase products in this range for my tween niece.
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