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30+ Best Skincare Products of 2024: Tried and Tested
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Whether you’re simply in need of a new moisturizer or are looking to overhaul your whole skincare routine, discover the products that will help you glow from the inside out.
A casual stroll down the aisles of your local drugstore can be an enjoyable experience, but it can also be incredibly overwhelming.
With marketing campaigns for new products promising to restore your radiance or cure your acne, you may be unsure how to separate the claims that are true from those that are simply designed to make a buck.
To help you find the newest addition to your collection, we’ve outlined our top picks for every situation. From the most thirst-quenching moisturizers to wrinkle-fighting under-eye patches, we’ve created a guide to the best skincare products on the market today.
So if you’re in desperate need of a new skincare stash but don’t know where to start, read on for our recommendations.
A Quick Summary of the Best Skincare Products
- Best face moisturizer – Olay
- Best face moisturizer with SPF – Neutrogena
- Best firming cream – XYZ Smart Collagen
- Best anti-aging eye cream – Peter Thomas Roth
- Best anti-aging serum – SkinCeuticals
- Best face cleanser – SkinCeuticals
- Best dark spot treatment – L’Oreal
- Best acne treatment – La Roche-Posay
- Best sunscreen – Banana Boat
- Best exfoliating face wash – Blu Atlas
- Best under-eye patches – Augustinus Bader
- Best body butter – Mario Badescu
- Best body lotion – CeraVe
Top 39 Best Skincare Products
We’ve broken down our skincare favorites into 13 categories, exploring the key features, pros, and cons of each product to help you decide which one is right for you.
#1 Best face moisturizer
Whether you’ve got extremely dry or oily skin, moisturizer is a staple for men and women in the best skincare routine to keep your oils balanced, maintain a good level of hydration, and feed your skin with the essential nutrients that it needs to glow.
When selecting a moisturizer for your collection, look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid that have hydrating effects and may even help to prevent acne. The protein collagen is another common inclusion, which upholds the skin’s structure and keeps wrinkles at bay.
- Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide hydrates and firms the skin
- Diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines with peptides
- Protects the natural skin barrier
- Restores an even skin texture
- Ideal for all skin types
- Paraben-free and dermatologist tested
- Not fragrance-free
- Treats the signs of aging with marula oil
- Strengthens the skin barrier
- Maintains long-lasting moisture
- African oil blend protects skin against everyday stressors
- May be pore-clogging
- HydraDrench Complex provides 72 hours of hydration
- Protective antioxidant blend containing vitamins C, E, and mulberry
- Pollution Shield Technology protects the skin barrier to prevent damage
- Can leave skin feeling sticky throughout the day
#2 Best face moisturizer with SPF
Staying inside on a hot day is the best way to protect your skin from sun damage, but this isn’t always possible. So, if you are spending your day outside, it’s essential to wear an SPF.
When combined with a moisturizer, this protects against premature skin aging by stopping free radicals from damaging your collagen and elastin stores. SPF moisturizers also provide an essential boost of moisture, another factor that prevents photoaging.
- Shields from UVA and UVB rays
- Provides skin with antioxidants like vitamin E to protect against environmental aggressors
- Non-greasy and fragrance-free
- Hyaluronic acid leaves the skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated
- The strong fragrance is very noticeable
- SPF30 keeps the skin protected and hydrated
- Powerful antioxidants reduce signs of UV damage
- Lessens the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
- Safe for all skin types
- Leaves the skin looking dewy and nourished
- Relatively expensive at $76
- Lightweight enough to sit under makeup
- Provides a smooth, demi-matte finish
- Packed with SPF40 to protect against harmful radiation
- Contains amino acids, antioxidants, and electrolytes to prevent dryness
- Strong scent of vanilla, ginger lily, and mandarin
#3 Best firming cream
Although developing wrinkles is a natural part of the aging process, it can dent your confidence. However, there are a number of products on the skincare market, such as the XYZ Smart Collagen Cream, designed specifically to slow this process down and restore your skin’s natural youthfulness.
These products typically contain nourishing and firming ingredients such as collagen, retinol, and hyaluronic acids to fill in fine lines and wrinkles. Discover our top 3 skin-tightening creams below:
- Stimulates skin’s natural collagen production
- Smoothes wrinkles to prevent sagging
- Restores elasticity and firmness
- Contains plant extracts that moisturize and nourish the skin
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
- Targets 5 types of wrinkles
- Tackles the glycation process that causes skin aging
- Provides 24-hour hydration for dry skin
- Antioxidant compounds protect skin against pollution
- Contains no parabens, alcohol, or dyes but isn’t cruelty-free
- Counters fine and deep wrinkles
- Creates even skin tones and textures
- Hyaluronic acid locks in moisture
- Restores elasticity
- Alleviates dullness and brightens skin
- The formula is slightly sticky
#4 Best anti-aging eye cream
The skin around your under-eyes tends to be much thinner than on the rest of your face, making this area more prone to wrinkles. Under-eye wrinkles can, therefore, develop due to facial movements like squinting, sun damage, smoking, and stress.
You can tackle these lines using eye creams containing ingredients such as antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and retinol, which can be found in the following products:
- Minimizes the appearance of deep wrinkles, crow’s feet, and puffiness
- Smoothes the look of the delicate under-eye area with a peptide complex
- Reduces under-eye bags over time to help the skin appear fuller
- Provides instant, but only temporary, eye-tightening results
- Moisturizes dry, aging skin
- Tackles crow’s feet and wrinkles
- Reduces dark circles for enhanced radiance
- Contains antioxidant-rich blueberry extract to fight free radicals
- May be out of a lot of customers’ budgets at $105 per tub
- The cucumber gently soothes the delicate under-eye area
- Brightens dark circles with vitamin C
- Green tea extract reduces the appearance of puffiness and bags
- Boosts blood circulation and moisturizes skin
#5 Best anti-aging serum
Anti-aging serums are smooth, thin oils that can be used as a base for your moisturizer to really lock that hydration into your skin. The best serums deliver active ingredients in small doses to tackle wrinkles, puffiness, and bags, which include vitamins C and E, hyaluronic and glycolic acids, and retinol.
- Antioxidants reduce free radical damage generated by UV, ozone, and diesel exhaust
- Improves the appearance of wrinkles
- Tackles photodamage
- Vitamin C serum remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours
- Relatively expensive, costing $182 for 30ml
- Evens skin tone and texture
- Reduces skin aging
- Prevents fine lines and wrinkles
- Contains hyaluronic acid to increase hydration
- Brightens dull, dry skin
- Some customers complain that it is too sticky
- Phyto-retinol blend hydrates the skin overnight
- Supports the skin’s natural renewal process to reduce the look of wrinkles
- Niacinamide strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier
- The primrose extract improves elasticity
- Works as a serum for dry skin, and a moisturizer for oilier types
#6 Best face cleanser
A good face wash should feature in every skincare routine. They work to remove any dirt, oil, makeup, and dead skin cells that may have built up throughout the day, stopping your pores from becoming clogged. This helps to prevent acne and breakouts while ensuring skin stays hydrated too.
We’ve selected the top 3 products that fit this criteria:
- Gently removes impurities
- Foam turns into an emulsion on contact with the skin for a mild yet effective clean
- Soothes sensitive, compromised, or post-procedure skin
- Effectively removes makeup
- Soap, paraben, alcohol, and synthetic fragrance-free
- Gentle, fragrance-free milky facial wash for dry and sensitive skin
- Provides hydration while cleansing to avoid disrupting the skin barrier
- Stops skin feeling stripped or dry
- Removes daily buildup, makeup, and impurities
- Currently not available on the official Thayers website
- Micelles lift away makeup, dirt, and oil
- Doesn’t require harsh rubbing, which leaves skin clear without drying
- Hyaluronic acid and aloe re-plump skin’s look and feel
- Contains no oils, alcohol, or fragrance
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- May not be tough enough to remove waterproof mascara
#7 Best dark spot treatment
Dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, appear on the skin due to the overproduction of melanin, the pigment that determines your skin color. This may happen for a variety of reasons, from acne and psoriasis to sun damage. Luckily, dark spots can be corrected with products containing vitamins C and E, antioxidants that fight the free radicals that cause damage.
These active ingredients can be found in the products below:
- Antioxidants boost radiance and neutralize free radicals
- Prevent premature skin aging
- Evens and brightens skin tone to reduce dark spots
- Non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula
- Some customers complain that the scent is off-putting
- L-ascorbic acid reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots
- Improves the appearance of wrinkles
- Vitamin E reduces oxidative damage caused by free radicals
- May be out of some customers’ budgets, $182 per bottle
- Promotes surface cell turnover for radiant skin
- Antioxidants fight the damaging effects of free radical toxins and pollutants
- Vitamin E maintains the skin’s hydration levels
- Gently exfoliates
- Some customers prefer the old formula
- Strong, slightly artificial fragrance
#8 Best acne treatment
Acne is an uncomfortable skin condition that can not only sometimes be painful but also often causes low self-esteem. Non-prescription acne treatments come in various forms, from cleansing gels and lotions to serums and face masks.
These products typically contain a combination of active ingredients like niacinamide, benzoyl peroxide, and adapalene, along with salicylic, azelaic, and alpha hydroxy acids.
- Prescription-strength topical retinoid
- Contains adapalene gel, the first over-the-counter ingredient approved by the FDA to treat acne-prone skin
- Regulates skin cell turnover
- Clears and prevents blackheads, whiteheads, acne blemishes, and clogged pores
- Contains parabens
- Salicylic acid deeply exfoliates and decongests the skin
- Niacinamide minimizes the look of pores and keeps the skin hydrated
- Protects acne-prone skin to improve skin texture
- Polyphenols provide an antioxidant protective shield
- The aroma of lemon and mint essential oils
- Diminishes breakouts in just one hour
- 10% sulfur content reduces sebum product and dries out spots
- Antibacterial properties prevent future acne
- Improves redness and inflammation
- Unsuitable for those allergic to sulfur
- Costs $28 for 1ml, which is more expensive than competitors
#9 Best sunscreen
Great sunscreens for the face should protect against both UVA and UVB rays, as the former tend to penetrate the skin much deeper. Select those with an SPF of at least 30, and avoid products with harsh ingredients like added chemicals, fragrances, and dyes.
You’ll need to re-apply the SPF, particularly in hot climates, so be sure to choose one that offers lightweight comfort, such as the following 3 products:
- Fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula that easily rubs in clear
- Absorbs excess moisture from oily skin
- Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation to protect against UVA and UVB rays
- Water-resistant
- Available in SPF 50+
- The scent may be too strong for some
- Water-resistant for 80 minutes, so it won’t drip into your eyes or sting when you sweat
- Zinc oxide reflects and scatters harmful rays
- Octinoxate increases UV protection
- Antioxidants like vitamin E diminish the signs of aging
- Has a slightly oily finish
- Protects skin from 97% of UV rays
- Nourishes and hydrates skin with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants
- Doesn’t clog pores
- Contains no chemical ingredients, parabens, or fragrances
- Some customers complain that it feels sticky
#10 Best exfoliating face wash
Exfoliation is another important step in your skincare routine, as it not only helps to eliminate dry or dead skin, but can also prevent acne, boosts circulation, and helps other products penetrate deeper.
You can use either a physical exfoliating face wash, which contains beads or grains to manually remove buildup, or a chemical exfoliant, made from ingredients like lactic acid that dissolve debris on the skin. To help you find your ideal product, we’ve recommended exfoliators from both categories below.
- Antioxidant-rich hibiscus fights skin-damaging free radicals and pollutants
- Jojoba oil penetrates deeply to nourish and hydrate skin
- Improves acne, dark spots, and inflammation
- 98% of ingredients are from natural origins
- The product’s scent is stronger than other brands
- Removes buildup from dirt and pollution
- Salicylic acid clears dead skin cells
- The bamboo powder acts as a physical exfoliant to prevent clogged pores
- Helps skin feel refreshed and radiant
- Silica exfoliating beads may be too harsh for some
- Benzoyl peroxide helps tackle acne and prevents new breakouts from forming
- Thoroughly dissolves dirt and excess oil
- Niacinamide hydrates skin
- Maintains the skin’s barrier with 3 essential ceramides
- May not be moisturizing enough for dry skin
#11 Best under-eye patches
Whether you’ve had a stressful week, a bad night’s sleep, or are struggling with under-eye wrinkles, popping a set of patches on is a great way of tackling puffiness and brightening your eyes. They generally contain soothing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, along with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, green tea, and aloe vera.
Under-eye patches also target the signs of aging, including fine lines, crow’s feet, and wrinkles, with ingredients such as collagen and retinol.
- Brightens dark circles and illuminates the eye area
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles
- Tackles puffiness and under-eye bags by locking in moisture
- Calms redness and irritation
- Contains a unique proprietary blend of amino acids, vitamins, and peptides to support cellular renewal
- Spirulina extract boosts cell turnover for youthful, radiant skin
- Hyaluronic acid and plankton extract moisturize the skin
- Fills in under-eye wrinkles
- Can be stored in the fridge for a cooling and de-puffing effect
- Cruelty-free
- HydraSurge Moisture System accelerates the delivery of essential ingredients
- Caffeine improves circulation for reduced puffiness
- Encourages collagen synthesis to reduce signs of aging
- Improves skin hydration, elasticity, and tone
- Rich in vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids to brighten
#12 Best body butter
If you’re looking for a thick, luxurious product that is deeply moisturizing, then body butter may be the one for you. Containing naturally derived ingredients such as cocoa or shea butter, body butters protect against dryness with their concentrated oils. Use them on the areas that get extra dry, including your elbows, knees, and feet.
Here are 3 that we’d recommend to anyone searching for a more hydrating moisturizer to lather on:
- Blends moisturizing ingredients, including shea and mango butters and argan, apricot, and rosehip oils
- Fatty acids smooth and leave visibly glowing skin
- Softens rough and uneven textures
- Vitamins A and E firm skin and reduce the appearance of dry lines and wrinkles
- Essential fatty acids from argan oil seal in hydration
- Contains shea butter and avocado oil for moisturizing and conditioning effects
- White tea extract protects against environmental damage
- 7 scents to choose from, plus an unscented version
- Takes a while longer to absorb than other body butters
- Rich texture transforms dry, crepey skin into soft, smooth, and supple
- Clinically proven to hydrate for 72 hours
- Undaria seaweed replenishes the skin’s moisture barrier
- Contains moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, ceramides, and saccharide isomerate
- Some customers find that it clumps up when rubbed into the skin
#13 Best body lotion
From minimizing wrinkles and supporting the skin’s natural barrier to targeting cellulite, acne, and eczema, body lotions have several benefits that make them just as important as facial moisturizers.
Compared to body butter, lotions contain less oil and have a higher water content, making them much lighter. This means that they absorb more quickly into the skin, which is ideal for a post-shower moisturizer that you need to apply on a busy morning.
- Works for both face and body
- MVE Delivery Technology continually releases ingredients for long-lasting hydration
- Contains 3 essential ceramides to maintain the skin’s protective barrier
- Hyaluronic acid retains the skin’s natural moisture
- Rich, yet non-greasy and fast-absorbing
- Probiotics help maintain a balanced skin microbiome
- Prebiotics feed probiotics to fuel the moisturizing process
- Protects against external stressors
- Aloe vera leaf juice provides anti-inflammatory and soothing properties
- Citric acid treats pigmentation, clogged pores, and sun damage
- Provides 88% more moisture compared to untreated skin
- Uses oatmeal and lipids to provide long-lasting moisture
- Hypoallergenic, paraben-free, and fragrance-free formula is ideal for dry, sensitive skin
- May be a little watery
How to Choose the Best Skincare Products
When you’re pursuing the skincare aisle of your local beauty store, knowing which products to choose from can be overwhelming with so much choice. To make the selection process easier, we came up with 4 factors that you should consider before making your final choice. These factors are:
Quality
You should only select products containing high-quality, natural ingredients that come from good sources. Looking for vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants is a great place to start, and it’s even better if the product contains moisturizing or strengthening ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, or retinoids.
Price
Although you often get what you pay for when it comes to good quality, effective skincare products, there are many budget-friendly options that work just as well. We found these by looking at ingredient lists, reading clinical research, and looking at customer reviews while comparing these elements to the cost of each product.
Brand reputation
If a brand is reputable, it means that they create products trusted by both dermatologists and customers alike. Before selecting or recommending any products, we, therefore, try to look at a wide selection of online reviews to see how each company fairs in the skincare market.
Effectiveness
Whether advertised to fight acne, tackle wrinkles, or boost moisture, great skincare products are those that are effective in meeting their intended purpose. They should contain clinically-proven ingredients that pack a punch yet aren’t harmful to the skin.
FAQs
The perfect skincare routine is one that works best for your skin type, whether you’re dry, oily, sensitive, or combination. However, all routines should include a hydrating cleanser to clean the skin, a toner to balance your oils, a serum to help the skin absorb moisture, and a moisturizer for that much-needed boost of hydration.
You should first find out what your skin type is, as different types will require different products to treat their unique needs. Next, read reviews of each product before you buy them to see if customers with similar types have found them to be useful.
Cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and eye creams, are all essential skincare products for maintaining clean, hydrated, and protected skin. However, this will depend on your skin’s needs. For example, those with aging skin may also require dark spot or anti-wrinkle treatments, whereas people experiencing acne may require spot treatments.
A Word From a Dermatologist
Building a regular skincare routine for both the morning and evening is essential for maintaining healthy, hydrated skin and preventing premature aging. It’s important to select products that are designed especially for your needs, whether you’ve got an oily, dry, or normal skin type.
Look for products containing ingredients like fatty acids, collagen, vitamins, peptides, hyaluronic acids, and nourishing essential oils. Avoid those with strong fragrances and added chemicals, dyes, or alcohols, as they can cause irritation and dry your skin out.
Along with skincare, protect your skin by eating a balanced diet filled with anti-aging foods, always wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and quit smoking. If you’re unsure of how to improve your skin health, speak to a dermatologist for further personalized recommendations.
Conclusion
Whatever your skin type or concern, it’s important to have a consistent skincare routine that includes good-quality, effective products from trusted and reputable brands. The best products overall are those that contain natural ingredients which are backed by comprehensive scientific research.
