Skincare and toiletries: compare price per 100 ml, not the bottle
Pack sizes in health and beauty vary widely between retailers, so the cheapest bottle is rarely the cheapest product.
The same moisturiser, shampoo or sunscreen is sold in three or four sizes, and retailers promote different ones. A £9 pot can be dearer per 100 ml than a £14 one. UK shelf labels show unit prices in store, but online listings often do not, so work it out from the size in the product name.
What to compare
- Price per 100 ml or per 100 g, using the size in the listing title
- Whether a multibuy or loyalty price applies only with a card or app
- Expiry and pump or tube format if a large size will take months to use
- Delivery thresholds, since toiletries are often bought to reach free delivery
- Whether the listing is the retailer’s own stock or a marketplace seller
Pharmacy chains, supermarkets and online beauty retailers all discount different brands in different weeks. Comparing the exact product and size across them, and watching the unit price rather than the saving sticker, is where the real difference is.
Put your shortlist to work
Compare products or a shopping list across available UK retailers, or browse offers by category.