Home Parenting Parents head to Boots for the essentials they refuse to skimp on Some things are false economies. Here are the products that Mumsnet users won’t buy cheap, from skincare to toothpaste. By Rebecca Roberts | Last updated Jul 28, 2026 Advertisement Feature This article has been Created by There’s a special kind of irritation that comes from trying to save £1, only to realise the cheaper version needs twice as much product, doesn’t work properly or has everyone complaining by Tuesday.On our Talk boards, users are very clear about where they’ll cut back and where they won’t.* Fancy candles? Negotiable. A shampoo that doesn’t leave your hair feeling like straw? Less so.Personal care comes up a lot: moisturiser, face wash, SPF, deodorant, body lotion, toothpaste and toothbrush heads. Baby and toddler toiletries are another regular mention, especially when sensitive skin, nappy changes and the general mess of family life are involved. Summer essentials loved by Mumsnet users Now £31 No7 Future Renew Day Cream SPF40 50ml Boots.com Buy now £8 Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Sensitive Advanced Sun Cream Kids Anti-Sand Mist 150ml Boots.com Buy now £3 Vital Baby Hygiene Aquaint Cleansing Water 50ml Boots.com Buy now One Mumsnet user says their “moisturiser, face wash, SPF, deodorant and body lotion” all come from Boots. Another rates Boots Ingredients as a cheaper alternative to pricier active skincare, especially when there’s an Advantage Card offer involved.That’s where Boots ends up on the weekly mental shopping list. It’s useful for the boring-but-important stuff, the repeat buys and the occasional “go on then” treat, with own-brand ranges, No7 skincare, baby essentials, oral care and regular offers in one place.Afterall, saving money is one thing; having to buy the same thing twice is another. Shop everyday essentials at Boots *mumsGPT conversational analysis, 8 July 2025 to 8 July 2026