I had severe cystic acne throughout my teen years and used every skin care product on the market with prices for each item ranging from $30-$180. Nothing worked. It wasn't until I randomly washed my makeup off at a yoga class with SoftSoap Antibacterial Hand Soap that by the next day, ALL of my blemishes had completely disappeared. I have used nothing else since. The cost for each bottle? $2.00. Now that I'm getting older and my skin has been consistently clear for around 5-6 years, I do treat myself to a pricey tightening night cream that I love.
Something I find hilarious is that beauty bloggers who boast bathroom shelves stocked full of lotions and potions have recently created a viral challenge called, "Skin Cleanse" where all they use is water to wash their faces are are "amazed" at the clearing, soothing results. Half of all skincare products are designed to cause irritation (the remedy is another product from their line, of course)