Updated Apr. 26, 2021
We can't get enough of these skin saviors. Anti-aging serums, sunscreens, lip balms, moisturizers, and more—we can't stop raving about these skin care products for the face, eyes, lips, and body.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
The skin is the largest organ in the human body, so of course good skin care is essential to keep it strong and healthy. The use of skin care products, or lack thereof, can affect your skin health—for better or for worse.
As health editors, we’re hyper aware (maybe sometimes to a fault) of what we choose to put or not put on our skin and are always doing extensive research, buying, and testing. After all, when it comes to choosing skin care products, there’s an overwhelming amount to choose from. We confess: It’s sometimes just a lot of trial-and-error before we land on our favorite must-haves. (Here are the signs your skin care products are bad for you.)
We’ve found that many of our skin care saviors don’t come with a hefty price tag. But we do have a few that are definitely worth the splurge. (These are dermatologists’ favorite OTC products.)
Here, our team weighs in on the skin care products we can’t live without for the face, eyes, lips, and body.
$9, 8 oz.
“I’ve had problems with dermatitis and mild rosacea so I need a cleanser that is super gentle without unnecessary ingredients. This cleanser cleans my face so gently and leaves my face feeling super clean and smooth!” —Mackenzie Williams, Photo Editor
$16, 16 oz.
“This is my go-to facial cleanser every morning. I have oily and sensitive skin, so I typically opt for gel or gel-like facial products that are gentle and won’t clog my skin. I love this formula because it’s ‘oil control’, fragrance-free, non-drying, or irritating. Also, it has hyaluronic acid that helps keep the face feeling hydrated and supple.” —Lizette Borreli, Senior Editor
$17, pack of 10
“This is one of my favorite facial masks to use during the colder months because it’s extremely hydrating and soothing for my skin when I spend ample time outdoors. It’s also a cotton cloth mask which means it’s gentle on my skin. The recommended time to leave it on is between 10 to 20 minutes, but sometimes I go over, especially if I’m taking a bath. Bonus: I use the leftover serum in each package to apply to my neck after I’m done.” —Lizette Borreli, Senior Editor
$70, 1.4 oz.
“This is a fun and easy product to use. It’s based on professional pressurized oxygen facials, so when you apply the mask it bubbles and foams for a few minutes. It easily rinses away and then you can forget about it until the next day when you might find yourself thinking “hmm my skin looks good today.” It’s pricier than I would normally buy for a face mask, but it lasts forever.” —Theresa Tamkins, Editorial Director
$16, 1 oz.
“Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost skin care products have been a lifeline for me, especially this serum with hyaluronic acid. For my skin type, it’s difficult to find a serum that isn’t too thick or oily, but this oil-free water gel formula comes on smooth without feeling too heavy.” —Lizette Borreli, Senior Editor
$27, 1.02 oz.
“There are a ton of vitamin C serums out there, and I’ve tried a lot. This version from Mad Hippie seems to be a step above the rest, and really seems to help my skin look better.” —Theresa Tamkins, Editorial Director
$56, 1 oz.
“As I get older my usual moisturizers don’t do it for my dulling skin. I put this serum for grownups on 2x a day, and my skin feels immediately smoother, firmer, and glow-ier. In the age of constant Zoom meetings, this is a lifesaver! Bonus: It’s clean, cruelty-free, and vegan.” —Emily Christner, VP/General Manager of Website Products. (Here are more vegan skin care products you might enjoy.)
$60, 1.7 oz
“This two-in-one product leaves my skin plumper and firmer—and it saves time! I alternate my skin care products but use this in my regular morning skin care regimen, after toner but before moisturizer.” —Emily Christner, VP/General Manager of Website Products
$15, 1.7 oz.
“I’ve always struggled to find the right moisturizer for my skin type. A lot of moisturizers are creamy and thick which doesn’t work for me. This water gel moisturizer strikes the perfect balance of hydration and weight. I apply this after using the Hydro Boost serum—both of which absorb pretty quickly.” —Lizette Borreli, Senior Editor
$79, 2 oz.
“This is a great moisturizer to wear under makeup. It has a creamy texture that helps foundation go on smoother, look better, and last longer. Bonus: It’s an anti-wrinkle formulation, which is always a plus.” —Theresa Tamkins, Editorial Director
(Here are the best foundations for your skin.)
$67, 1 oz.
“If I want a glow-up without the makeup or moisturizer, I skip straight to this collagen support balm after applying serum. This formula uses plant-based ingredients to make the skin look sun-kissed, supple, and moist. It also has an earthy scent, which makes me feel instantly relaxed, and calms my skin. Bonus: It’s USDA organic and vegan.” —Lizette Borreli, Senior Editor
$59, 1.7 oz.
“I am a huge sunscreen aficionado and I preach and practice wearing it every single day. I love this tinted zinc one from SkinSuit for days when I want to feel a little more put together! Wearing it helps me start my day and makes me feel more “human” on grim pandemic days. It protects against UV light as well as the light from your screens and damage from pollution, too, which is an added bonus. And yes, you need to wear sunscreen in the winter and on non-sunny days.” —Emily DiNuzzo, Associate Editor
(Here’s what to look for in a sunscreen.)
$18, 4.2 oz
“Refreshing and rejuvenating are the two words I’d use to describe this tonic. I use it in the morning before my regular moisturizing routine to set the tone for the day.” —Emily Christner, VP/General Manager of Website Products
$6, 4 oz.
“This is always in my bathroom cabinet everywhere I go. I use this immediately after cleansing but before I put on my serum and moisturizer. It leaves my face feeling hydrated and refreshed in the morning and at night. Tip: I also spritz this on throughout the day if I feel my face is getting dry or if I want to ‘wake up my skin.’ Its prime ingredients of aloe, cucumber, and green tea gives my sensitive skin the gentle boost it needs.” —Lizette Borreli, Senior Editor
$58, 0.84 oz.
“I’ve tried ALL the eye creams. What I like about this one is that it goes on seamlessly and is non-greasy. It’s substantial but not too thick. And, it doesn’t irritate my sensitive eyes.” —Emily Christner, VP/General Manager of Website Products
(Here are DIY skin care treatments from dermatologists.”
$68, 15 ml
“You only need a tiny bit of this fractionated eye contour concentrate—a couple of drops—to apply around your eyes daily. While you might not notice a difference right way, over time, this product really does seem to improve the under-eye and eyelid area.” —Theresa Tamkins, Editorial Director
$26, 0.33 oz
“As I get older, I’m paying more attention to my eyes, particularly my under-eye area. I like to apply this eye serum in the morning and at night to hydrate that area and even the skin tone. There’s a noticeable difference after I massage the serum on, which allows me to go makeup-free and skip the concealer. Also, the eye serum only consists of four simple ingredients: cranberry seed oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and avocado oil.” —Lizette Borreli, Senior Editor
(These are the best anti-aging products at every price point.)
$17, 0.32 oz.
“This is the lip balm you really need for winter. It contains lanolin, a waxy substance derived from sheep’s wool. (So it might not be the best choice if you have a wool allergy.) It’s a heavier lip balm that does a great job at relieving or preventing chapped lips. Bonus: You can apparently also use it as a cheek tint, although I haven’t tried that yet.” —Theresa Tamkins, Editorial Director
$6, 0.35 oz, pack of 3
“One of my biggest pet peeves is dry, chapped lips. I carry this lip balm everywhere I go for ultra moisture and softer lips. It really is hydrating and prevents my lips from getting itchy or cracked.” —Lizette Borreli, Senior Editor
$19, 2.5 oz
“This moisturizer was a bit of an internet sensation a while back with so many people raving about it I thought I’d give it a try. (The original Weleda Ultra-Rich Cream product has something like 13,000 Amazon reviews.) I tried the lighter version and really liked it—it’s a very rich, effective moisturizer without being too heavy. I like the scent, which is due to botanical extracts, although not everyone is a fan.” —Theresa Tamkins, Editorial Director
(Psst, here are dermatologist skin care tips.)
$10, 32 oz.
“Mother knows best, especially when it comes to skin care products. My mom recommended this body lotion to me after I complained about my legs, knees, and elbows getting dry pretty easily. This formula contains 100 percent pure cocoa and shea butters, which helps keep the skin moisturized and give it a subtle glow. It also contains Vaseline Jelly micro-droplets that helps lock in moisture for hours. It’s a family favorite!” —Lizette Borreli, Senior Editor
$18, 21 oz., pack of 3
“This is my go-to body wash and has been for years now. It has a very clean scent that isn’t overwhelming and it leaves my skin feeling super soft.” —Mackenzie Williams, Photo Editor
$9, 2 oz.
“I was recommended this oil after I had surgery to reduce the appearance of my scars. I can feel it nourishing my skin instantly after each use and I have definitely seen an improvement in the appearance of my scars over time.” —Mackenzie Williams, Photo Editor
Next, learn what’s happening to your skin during sleep.
Originally Published: December 07, 2020
