It seems like every day on social media, we see videos of people sharing duplicates (better known as "dupes") for uber-trendy products. You know the ones — someone is highlighting affordable makeup or cleaning products, excitedly sharing that they rival more expensive, buzzy finds.
And while there's nothing we love more than discovering a less expensive version of a product that delivers the same results, the truth is, not every item can be "duped." There are some products that, no matter how hard other brands may try, simply cannot be replicated. The results that they provide are unmatched, which means that they are worth every penny.
Here, we asked our editors to share the products that they think are simply impossible to duplicate, from beauty must-haves to sleep essentials.
The best beauty products that can't be duplicated, according to editors
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel
- Prevents dead skin buildup
- Good for anti-aging, too
- Two-step system
Key ingredients: Alpha beta acids, retinol, chamomile, green tea extract | Size: Pack of 5
“As a former beauty writer, I feel like I have tried everything on the market (and I just might’ve) but very few products have stuck with me through the years,” editor Vivien Moon shares. “One of that has stood the test of time? Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads. This product is what I turn to when my skin is in need of rescuing or feels like it has been through it (especially after travel). They are tiny but mighty and offer me a glow within one use which is harder to maintain now that I am in my 30s and more cautious about what I put on my skin and how I take care of it. I love that they are travel-friendly and come in a pack of multiple because I know if I travel with a friend, they will want to grab one too — if they weren’t already influenced by me to pack one ahead of time. The ingredients are strong enough to provide results but not so potent that they feel stripping which I love personally.”
Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm
- Glowy finish
- Minimal product needed
- Absorbs quickly
- Scent could be distracting
- Limited shades available
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide | Size: 1.1 oz.
"I try a lot of beauty products so something has to be really great to blow me away. This is it," says associate editor Kamari Stewart. "Everything Danessa makes is a hit but this is next level. I am super oily and it feels like most primers that promise 'mattifying' properties never deliver. This is the real deal. I can put this on and know that no matter what foundation I put over it, it's going to look matte and I won't have to worry about it for the rest of the day. It goes on super easily and you see the blurring effects immediately. I use it so much that I'm starting to hit the bottom of the container and plotting on when to restock!"
Gisou Wildflower Honey Infused Hair Perfume
- Long lasting
- Light and pretty night
- Only a few spritzes are needed
Key ingredients: Argania spinosa kernel oil, honey | Size: 1.7 oz.
"Since perfume isn't great for your hair, I'm SO happy that hair perfumes are on the rise and this one has become my signature hair scent," Moon shares. "I no longer care if my shampoo/conditioner makes my hair smell good because I know that this will do the job. I spray it after every time I style my hair and am constantly surprised at how well it holds up throughout the day. I have been guilty of smelling my own hair and enjoying the scent of this perfume throughout the day. I have recommended it to many friends and they all know that if they're giving me a hug and my hair smells good, it's because of this magical scent. It's perfectly sweet and refreshing, just feminine enough that it makes you do a double take."
Glossier You Fragrance
- Unique, universally flattering scent
- Not too strong or overpowering
- Some say scent fades quickly
Key ingredients: Frankincense, palo santo, violet | Size: 1.6 oz.
"I first discovered Glossier You after smelling it on someone sitting next to me in college," says associate social editor Dani Musacchio. "It was one of those 'What perfume are you wearing because I need to purchase it right now?' moments. Since then, I've gone through several bottles of You, and people are always asking me what perfume I'm wearing and telling me that I smell good. The scent is soft, warm and a little musky. It's called 'You' because it smells a little different on everyone's skin. How cool is that? Glossier recently released several different iterations of You scents, but my favorite will always be the OG. I've tried to find cheaper warm and musky scents, but nothing else compares to this one, in my opinion."
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Acid
- Brightening
- Smoothing
- Test beforehand
Key ingredients: Ferulic acid, vitamin C | Size: 1 oz.
This one is famous for having a proprietary formulation and editors and experts agree that it is a high-quality ferulic acid. “Previously, I used it on its own at night or in the morning with my sunscreen. It’s one of the best anti-aging skin care products I’ve tried to date,” says SEO writer Jannely Espinal.
Moon agrees that it really works as advertised saying "It made my skin brighter and more even after a few months of use and I hardly ever am sad when I finish a product but was sad when I finished this because of how good it is."
Dyson Airstrait Straightener
- Easy to use
- Automatically shuts off
- Can be heavy
Heat settings: 3 heat, 3 speed | Weight: 2.2 lbs.
Moon says that she has repeatedly been reaching for this hair tool since it was gifted to her by the brand. "It lets me dry my hair and straighten it at once, speeding up my beauty routine and making it seamless. I have SO many other hair tools that I've used and loved but once this came on the market, it's become my go-to. I truly 9 times out of 10 will reach for this because of how easy it is to use. If mine broke and needed to be replaced, I would gladly spend the money to get a new one."
The best home products that can’t be duplicated, according to editors
Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Helps soften clothing
- Affordable for size
- Truly unscented
Scent: None | Size: 84 oz.
While there are plenty of detergents on the market, if you have sensitive skin, associate editor Allie Wise says there's "no alternative" to this pick. "I absolutely love this Tide Free & Gentle Dergent. It is affordable, hypoallergenic and dye-free. This dermatologist-tested product is a must for anyone like me who may itch from other dyes or detergents. This keeps me itch-free and my clothes pristine. Highly recommend!"
Apple AirTag
- Compact
- Discreet
- Not rechargeable
Sizes: .39 oz. | Rechargeable?: No, but battery included
When it comes to tracking items, Moon says she always opts for Apple's AirTag, since it pairs so well with her iPhone. "I especially use this with my dog so that I can have peace of mind that if anything happens, he's easy to track. I've tried other tracking options and between downloading the apps, recharging them constantly and watching them be inconsistent in their tracking, I feel safest with the AirTag. The good thing with pet tracking is that a lot of harnesses are developed with a space for a tracker, so putting it on is even easier."
LuxClub 4-Piece Queen Sheet Set
- Soft and comfortable
- Available in a range of colors
- Not cool enough for everyone
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Material: Microfiber
"This might sound horrible but I will sometimes put off changing my bed sheets because I don't want to swap out these for a different set," Moon says. "They are truly the softest and most luxe sheets I've ever slept on. Better than any hotel sheets or any other sheets I've gotten at any store. Considering the price, I would be happy to only buy these sheets for the rest of my life they are that soft and breathable. I have recommended these to multiple friends because I can't stop bragging about them and am sad when I sleep on any other sheets. If anything happens to these sheets, I will repurchase them again even if they're only available in a color I don't like."
Hatch Restore 3
- Sunrise light simulation
- Many sound options
- Customizable
- App setup can be confusing
- Option for Hatch+ subscription
Colors: Six | Features: 80+ sounds, sunrise alarm, night light
"My sleep routine has improved since I started utilizing the Hatch machine," says Espinal. "Initially, I thought it was overhyped but now I feel weird if I don't snooze to the sounds of ocean waves. The wake-up sounds are gentle with a gradual lighting that imitates a sunrise. You can create your own night and morning routine, and I use it mostly when I am about to unwind for the evening."
Purple Harmony Pillow
- Multiple heights available
- Moisture-wicking
- On the higher end
Sizes: Standard, king | Material: Honeycomb GelFlex Grid
"Purple calls this 'the greatest pillow ever invented' — and I have to agree," shares production associate Audrey Ekman. She adds that she has yet to find anything quite like the unique gel grid material, which she calls "so strangely satisfying to the touch and doesn't trap any heat."
"I am a notoriously bad sleeper and tend to wake up sweaty in the middle of the night, but ever since swapping out my pillow for the medium-height version of this Harmony pillow, I haven't been having that issue. It's more than I've ever spent on a pillow, but given that we spend 1/3 of our lives in bed and getting good sleep is so important, I think it's worth every penny. I've even gotten my boyfriend hooked!"
Vitamix Ascent X3
- Smooth blending
- Self-cleaning
- Sometimes have to use tamper
Capacity: 48 ozs. | Programs: Smoothies, frozen desserts and soups
For years, I had heard friends and influencers on social media rave about their Vitamix blenders and I always took their reviews with a hint of skepticism — because, really, how different could it be from other blenders? But when the brand sent me a model, I realized that the kitchen gadget really is a game changer. I have tried a handful of blenders, including both personal and full-sized options and this is by far the best. Honestly, I never realized how much I was missing by using other models. Smoothies, sauces, soups blended in the Vitamix are truly smooth, without chunks or slightly gritty textures, unlike the ones I was making before.
It has three pre-set blending buttons for smoothies, frozen desserts and soups (I've also tried the brand's more high-tech Ascent X5 model, which has more preset features, but this more affordable model does the trick just as well). The soup function both heats and blends your soups, and I used it quite a bit in my winter meal prep. Beyond the basics, I've used the blender to make plenty of other creations, including vegetable juices, dips and dressings. The best part? It has a self-cleaning feature that actually works! So to clean up after, I fill it with water and soap, set it to go and then follow it with a quick rinse and it's clean.
How we chose
We asked our editors to think about the products that are unmatched, in both results and the way they work, across a range of categories. All of the above items were recommended by our editors because they fit the bill.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
Fiesta Americana Bicycle Classic Rim Luncheon Plate (9 Inch)
Fiesta Americana Bicycle Classic Rim Luncheon Plate (9 Inch)