24 of the Best Skincare Products Worth Adding to Your Regimen

Best Daily Moisturizer

L'Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care Normal/Oily Skin

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Anyone and everyone needs a moisturizer in their daily routine, and this one fits the bill as the perfect simple and straightforward option. It delivers lightweight hydration for up to 72 hours (thanks to aloe and hyaluronic acid), and comes in both this version, which is great for normal to oily skin, as well as a slightly more moisturizing one for normal to dry skin.

Price at time of publish: $18

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, aloe water | Skin Type: Balanced, oily, dry | Size: 3.04 fluid ounces | SPF: SPF | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Sunscreen

ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50+

4.9

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Like moisturizer, sunscreen is another non-negotiable, no matter how simple or extensive of a skincare routine you’re curating. This is a go-to for dermatologist Jordan Carqueville, founder of The Derm Institute of Chicago. She says the mineral-based formula applies and blends in seamlessly, and also offers the added benefit of containing protective antioxidants to act as a second layer of defense against free radical damage.

Price at time of publish: $60

Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, DNA repairsomes, vitamin E | SPF: 50+ | Size: 3.4 fluid ounces | Free of: Oxybenzone, octinoxate | Water-Resistant: Up to 40 minutes | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Gentle Cleanser

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

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When it comes to choosing a cleanser, the simplest is usually best. All you need is a formula that will remove dirt and makeup but is gentle enough that it won’t strip or dry out your skin—just like this pick. Three types of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide keep it nice and hydrating, yet, unlike many other gentle cleansers, it still delivers a pleasantly rich lather.

Price at time of publish: $16

Active Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide | Skin Type: Balanced, oily | Benefits: Cleanses, removes oil, hydrates | Size: 12 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Tinted Sunscreen

Alastin Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36

4.5

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True story: If we were forced to only use one skincare product for the rest of our lives (horrors), this would be it. Yes, you get your daily dose of SPF, but the multi-tasking formula also offers the perfect amount of hydration and a subtle tint that delivers just enough coverage to make your complexion look even and glowing.

Price at time of publish: $74

Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, phytoene, phytofluene, thermus thermophilus ferment, asteriscus graveolens extract, hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone, ectoin | SPF: 36 | Size: 2.6 ounces | Free of: Parabens, gluten, oxybenzone, octinoxate | Water-Resistant: Up to 40 minutes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Moisturizer with SPF

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

4.6

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If you’re one of those people who has trouble remembering to apply sunscreen daily, opting for a moisturizer with built-in SPF is your best bet. Try this one, a favorite of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ife J. Rodney, founding director of Eternal Dermatology in Fulton, MD. “It contains ceramides, niacinamide, and glycerin to keep the skin hydrated for up to 48 hours, and is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores,” she says. Plus, while many moisturizers cap the SPF at 15, this has SPF 30, the level recommended for daily use by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Price at time of publish: $21

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, ceramide-3, niacinamide, glycerin, silica, dimethicone, La Roche Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water | Skin Type: Sensitive, balanced, combination, dry | Size: 2.5 ounces | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Exfoliator

Renée Rouleau Triple Berry Smoothing Peel

5

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Use this peel weekly and prepare to watch your skin transform before your eyes. A blend of alpha-hydroxy acids and fruit enzymes leaves your complexion smoother, more even, clearer, and generally glowier, and it’s also packed with antioxidants, always a good thing. Try using it on your hands, chest, or even to address KP on the backs of your arms, too. The delicious smell (it honestly could be mistaken for raspberry jam) is just an added bonus.

Price at time of publish: $89

Type: Peel off | Active Ingredients: Mandelic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, blueberry extract, raspberry fruit, raspberry seed oil, pomegranate extract, bromelain, strawberry fruit | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Mask

Klur Supreme Seed Delicate Purification Mask

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If your skin is in need of a reset, look no further than this purifying mask from Klur. Formulated with potent antioxidants and bio-dynamic plant extracts, it helps to decongest the skin of daily environmental debris while soothing it with a blend of calming panthenol, calendula, and cacao. The result? Skin that’s smoother, brighter, and oh so glowy.

Price at time of publish: $60

Benefits: Decongests, calms redness, provides antioxidant protection, boosts radiance | Active Ingredients: Cacao, vitamin B5 | Skin Type: Balanced, sensitive, dry | Size: 2 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Anti-Aging Cream

LilyAna Naturals Face Cream Moisturizer

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Broadly speaking, anti-aging products can cost you a pretty penny, making wallet-friendly alternatives (that actually work) all the more noteworthy. Case in point: This affordable option that’s packed with natural ingredients like vitamins A, C, and E, meadowfoam seed oil, and more. It’s ideal for targeting a wide array of concerns, from spots to wrinkles, and works well on a variety of skin types, too.

Price at time of publish: $23

Active Ingredients: Vitamin C ester, rose petals, organic cranberry extract, meadowfoam seed oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Luxury Anti-Aging Cream

Augustinus Bader The Cream

4

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The cream that both Hollywood celebs and Byrdie editors alike swear by really is worth every penny. Bader (a German physician, scientist, professor, and researcher) developed a proprietary complex known as TFC8, which the brand claims will help the skin renew itself naturally—and the results continuously have us coming back for more. It’s also meant to take the place of all of your other serums, toners, and moisturizers, which makes the price tag more reasonable.

Price at time of publish: $89 for 0.5 oz

Active Ingredients: TFC8, vitamin A (retinyl palmitate), vitamin C (absorbic acid), vitamin B5 (panthenol), hydrolyzed rice protein, aloe vera leaf juice | Skin Type: Oily, combination, acne-prone | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces, 1 fluid ounce, 1.7 fluid ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Eye Cream

Youth To The People Dream Eye Cream

4

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The skin around your eyes is the thinnest and most delicate on your body, so it’s super important to make a dedicated eye cream a part of your regimen. This is one of our absolute favorites. It's rich and creamy but not greasy, loaded with hydrating ingredients as well as vitamin C and goji berry extract. It’s also super gentle and is less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

Price at time of publish: $48

Active Ingredients: Prickly pear, goji stem cell, squalane, moringa, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C (THD ascorbate) | Benefits: Reduces fine lines and wrinkles, firms, hydrates | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Retinol

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

4.8

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Rodney says retinol is one of the best ingredients you can look for in a night cream—it's highly effective at stimulating cell turnover and collagen production, leaving your complexion smoother and more even. While this may be called an acne relieving formula—and indeed, it may be great for that—you can also use it as an effective anti-ager to reap all of those said benefits.

Price at time of publish: $15

Active Ingredients: Adapalene | Retinol Concentration: 0.1% | Dosage: A thin layer | Size: 1.6 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Retinol Alternative

OLEHENRIKSEN Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Sleeping Crème

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Yes, retinol is great, but not everyone can tolerate the potent ingredient. Enter this alternative, which uses bakuchiol, a plant-based ingredient that’s been shown to offer similar effects as retinol without causing any irritation. It’s a favorite night cream of Rodney’s, who says it’s ideal for sensitive skin and lauds it for also containing hydrating shea butter.

Active Ingredients: Bakuchiol, edelweiss stem cell, glycolic acid, lactic acid, shea butter, lemon extract, sugarcane extract, sandalwood extract, licorice root extract, chamomile extract | Skin Type: Balanced, oily, combination, dry | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best With Vitamin C

BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner

4.7

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When it comes to powerful vitamin C products, BeautyStat’s Universal C Skin Refiner doesn’t mess around. Formulated with 20% of L-ascorbic acid—the highest percentage of pure vitamin C allowed for use in skin-care products—as well as other skincare greats like squalane, EGCG, and tartaric acid. This serum claims to refine skin texture, brighten the complexion, and reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and redness. It’s no wonder it sold out in less than 24 hours when it first launched.

Price at time of publish: $30

Benefits: Fades hyperpigmentation, boosts radiance, boosts collagen production, firms skin, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, minimizes pores, exfoliates, provides antioxidant protection | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fluid ounce, 1.7 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Acne Treatment

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx Blemish Solutions Acne Eliminating Gel

4

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In our experience, using this gel for only a few days knocks out even the most stubborn of blemishes, as close to a miraculous complexion clearer as you can get. It contains ingredients to help dissolve excess oil and unclog pores, but is unique in its use of monk’s pepper, an ingredient that claims to address oil production and ensures the oil produced isn’t as thick (and therefore is less likely to clog pores).

Price at time of publish: $42

Type: Gel | Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, monk's pepper | Size: 0.5 ounces, 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Drugstore Acne Treatment

Stridex Medicated Acne Pads

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This is one of Carqueville’s favorite for acne relief. Thanks to its two-percent concentration of salicylic acid, she says a quick daily swipe of these pads on any breakout-prone spots helps both treat existing breakouts and ward off new ones.

Price at time of publish: $5

Type: Pads | Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Size: 90 pads | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best for Acne Scars

Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum

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Acne scars are no match for this powerhouse brightening and clearing gel from Topicals. It’s chock full of skin-care superstars like centella asiatica leaf extract, kojic acid, azelaic acid, and tranexamic acid, according to the brand. Not only will this formula help fade your most stubborn marks and scars, but it’s also great for smoothing out rough texture and reviving tired-looking skin. Just be warned: This stuff is pretty potent, so you won’t want to use it with AHAs, BHAs, or retinol.

Price at time of publish: $38

Type: Gel | Active Ingredients: Centella asiatica leaf extract, kojic acid, melatonin, azelaic acid, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, licorice root | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Antioxidant Serum

Skinceuticals C E Ferulic

4.9

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There are plenty of antioxidant serums on the market, and many of them really are incredible. But this OG is unparalleled; its carefully studied combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid are formulated in a perfect ratio to work synergistically, according to the brand. It smells a little funky, but that’s a minor drawback compared to the outstanding brightening and anti-aging results it delivers.

Price at time of publish: $169

Benefits: Provides antioxidant protection, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, firms, boosts radiance | Skin Type: Dry, balanced, combination, sensitive | Dosage: 4 to 5 drops | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Hydrating Serum

PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum

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Dealing with super dry skin? Carqueville recommends layering a hyaluronic acid-based serum (this one is her favorite) underneath your moisturizer to help keep skin hydrated longer. The hyaluronic acid in the formula hydrates, creating the perfect base for makeup, too. Have an oily complexion? Use it solo in lieu of moisturizer.

Price at time of publish: $120

Benefits: Hydrates, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, calms redness | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best K-Beauty Serum

Seoul Ceuticals Day Glow Serum

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Korean beauty products—and skincare K-beauty products, in particular—are really on a whole other level. This particular serum is one of the most beloved ones out there, packed with a 20% concentration of antioxidant-rich, line-smoothing vitamin C.

Price at time of publish: $20

Benefits: Reduces fine lines and wrinkles, provides antioxidant protection, reverses sun damage | Dosage: 2 to 3 drops | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Body Wash

Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash

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If you’re anything like us and often, erm, "forget," to apply lotion after you shower, using a moisturizing body wash is the next best thing. This budget-friendly one is the most hydrating option we’ve found, loaded with a moisturizing complex that leaves skin feeling next-level silky after even just one wash. Plus, it’s also pH-balanced and super gentle.

Price at time of publish: $12

Active Ingredients: Dove's Moisture Renew Blend | Skin Type: Mature, balanced, dry, combination | Benefits: Hydrates, softens, cleanses | Size: 12 ounces, 22 ounces, 34 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Body Wash for Breakouts

Curology Acne Body Wash

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Banish blemishes on your back, chest, booty, or anywhere else on your body with this sudser. It contains salicylic acid, a derm-favorite ingredient for unclogging pores and combating excess oil, in a two-percent concentration that’s enough to be effective without over-drying or irritating your skin. Plus, it foams up nicely and rinses off cleanly, both important criteria for any type of body wash.

Price at time of publish: $9

Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Skin Type: All | Benefits: Cleanses, prevents acne | Size: 6.8 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Body Scrub

Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator

4.8

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Don’t forget that the skin below your chin can benefit from regular sloughing sessions, too. We always have this scrub stashed in our shower; it relies on a combo of physical (bamboo charcoal) and chemical (glycolic and salicylic acids) exfoliants. Bonus points for the chic packaging and scents, though there’s also a fragrance-free version that’s great for those with sensitive skin. 

Price at time of publish: $30

Type: Scrub | Active Ingredients: Bamboo charcoal, pumice, glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid | Size: 6.1 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Stretch Mark Cream

Botanic Tree Anti Stretch Mark, Scars and Prevention Cream

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Okay, so TBH, there’s no topical cream that will completely fade stretch marks, but many can certainly help—like this one. Hydrating cocoa and shea butters are paired with centella asiatica (AKA tiger grass), to help minimize the look of both stretch marks and scars.

Price at time of publish: $23

Active Ingredients: Cocoa butter, shea butter, avocado, vitamin b5, moringa, olive oil | Application Area: Whole body | Free of: SLS | Size: 4 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes