The 36 Best Skincare Products Of 2024, Tested And Vetted By Experts

These cleansing tabs provide you with the perfect amount of product and foam up when combined with water. The lather is gentle on skin and the vitamin C-based formula brightens and reduces oiliness. Just place a tab in your palm, add water, lather, and rinse. "My favorite part about these is that they're waterless, making them a great option for travel," says Women's Health beauty director Brian Underwood.

Hyaluronic acid, flower acids, and alpha hydroxy acids allow this wash to go beyond the surface, giving pores the deep clean they sometimes need (especially if you wear makeup daily or sweat it out at the gym on the regular). "The soothing gel texture transforms into a light froth that cleans without over-stripping," Underwood says. "My skin always feels great after I use it."

A makeup remover developed with oily and acne-prone types in mind—it's totally non-comedogenic—this quickly eliminates grime without clogging your pores. You'll feel it melting into skin as you smooth it on, leaving behind a silky-smooth feeling—and not a trace of anything else.

A multi-purpose product that can do it all, this 5-in-1 formula cleanses, tones, hydrates, removes makeup, and mildly exfoliates. “It easily takes off all my makeup, leaving my skin feeling super-clean and refreshed,” says Cosmos Labs founder Mary Berry, who’s also a fan of the herbal scent and silky texture that she insists is gentle enough for all skin types.

What starts out as a luxurious oil lathers into a rich foam for a deep cleanse that won't strip your skin. It contains hydrating heroes—like glycerin and plant-based lipids—to moisturize and give you the ultimate glow.

Designed to work synergistically with neurotoxin injections to soften expression lines, this formula is worth trying even if you don't get Botox. It's packed with peptides, short chains of amino acids that can help stimulate collagen production, as well as a gentle exfoliant to enhance radiance and niacinamide to tackle discoloration and fortify your skin's barrier. The results speak for themselves: "I've been using this serum for a month, and I'm truly impressed with how glowy and taut my skin looks," Underwood says. "It layers nicely with my other skincare products and I haven't had any issues with sensitivity either."

Retinol products are a dime a dozen these days, but as far as we know, Mother Science is the only brand that has combined this tried-and-true line-fighting active ingredient with Malassezin, a compound derived from yeast that's found naturally on our skin. It's been research-proven to tackle hyperpigmentation and in the company's own clinicals was show to enhance retinol's smoothing powers. "What I like most about it is how gentle the product is," says Underwood. "I had to discontinue use of another retinoid due to sensitivity and swapped to this one and haven't had an issue."

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that works wonders at flushing trapped dirt and oil from pores to reduce breakouts. Problem is, it can be irritating on some complexions. Not so with this product, which contains a water-soluble version of the ingredient that's gentler on skin. Also in there is a proprietary oil-clearing complex that keeps skin from getting too greasy. "I'm in love with this product," says Underwood, who suffers from occasional breakouts. "It's weightless on skin and the dropper automatically dispenses the right amount of product so I know I'm not using too much. I've layered this with other potent active ingredients and have yet to experience any adverse reactions."

The easiest way to tackle body breakouts is in the shower, and board-certified dermatologist Mina Amin, MD, recommends this drugstore facial cleanser as a hack for an all-over treatment. It contains 4% benzoyl peroxide, which battles acne-causing bacteria, and lathers wonderfully, allowing the product to cover a larger surface area when needed. “As someone who deals with folluculitis, this has become one of my go-to cleansers after a good sweat sesh,” says Women’s Health beauty assistant Sabrina Talbert.

Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition marked by tiny bumps that can pop up on the arms, legs, and torso. It's notoriously tough to treat, and many products—like gritty body scrubs—can actually make things worse. No worries, though, as Dr. Amin has the perfect solution: This blend of active ingredients that target KP in multiple ways. "This product contains urea, retinol, and lactic acid which help gently exfoliate the skin," she says. Gentle exfoliation is necessary to remove the tiny plugs of keratin that characterize keratosis pilaris; per Dr. Amin, "ceramides hydrate the skin" to minimize its appearance.

If you choose to shave your legs or armpits, you’re likely all-too-familiar with painful ingrown hairs—they can really ruin your day. To the rescue: This best-selling product, which sloughs away the dead skin cells that can trap hair underneath the skin’s surface. “I’ve tried quite a few anti-ingrown products over the years, and after using this one, I noticed significantly fewer bumps between shaves,” says WH beauty assistant Sabrina Talbert.

The promises sound too good to be true: Thicker hair with fewer grays in just three months, but our beauty director, who's been using the serum all summer long, can attest to this serum's powers. "I apply it every morning to my scalp and then massage it in and I've begun to feel baby hairs on my crown and see fewer grays in the mirror. I was so skeptical when I started using this one, but I'm a convert now. I'll never go anywhere without this hair product."

"This lightweight formula has been clinically developed to target the appearance of thinning and sparse eyelashes," says esthetician Joie Tavernise. "Studies show that this serum can help promote the growth of both eyelashes and eyebrows, resulting in thicker, longer lashes. It is a favorite of mine because it is compatible with eye makeup and eyelash extensions and has not been associated with darkening of the eyes, color changes, or periorbital hollowing, like some other lash serums."

A velvety blend of rose extract and a special salicylic acid that reduces fine lines and other signs of aging. Pricey, but well worth the splurge, says our panel. "I cannot stress enough how much I love how this feels on my skin," raves Women's Health senior beauty editor Danielle Jackson. "It's not too heavy and I can actually feel my skin getting softer and plumper every time I wear it."

If oil and shine are your enemies, both board-certified dermatologist Wallace Nozile, MD, and Dr. Amin recommend this affordable hydrator that provides all day shine control. That’s because it’s made with ceramides that help the skin retain moisture, La Roche-Posay’s own thermal spring water (which has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory benefits), and, most importantly, niacinamide, a powerhouse ingredient that helps control oil production.

"Don’t be fooled," says Jackson. "Sure, the word 'moisturizer' is in the product name, but it's also a medium coverage complexion product, that can be used to lightly fill in pores and fine lines without feeling heavy or greasy." You can apply this one with a makeup brush or with your hands like you would a traditional, non-tinted moisturizer. Plus, it’s a chemical and physical SPF hybrid, so you don’t have to worry about an unflattering white cast if you’re looking for a deeper shade (this one comes in 24 total).

If you were to ask Dr. Amin what her favorite thing about this non-greasy sunscreen is, she’d say that it’s how easily it blends into the skin without pilling. If you were to ask the WH beauty team the same question, we’d say that it’s the perfect cocktail of everything you’d want in a sunscreen: SPF 50, moisturizing hyaluronic acid, and an invisible finish.

An invisible formula featuring a cocktail of ingredients like mushroom extract (to hydrate), antioxidants (to prevent sun damage and reduce visible signs of aging), and bisabolol (to prevent irritation). “It's great for sensitive skin types, and it blends in beautifully on all skin tones," says Atlanta-based dermatologist Wallace Nozile, MD.

For an eye cream, this might be a bit of a splurge, but to Dr. Amin, it’s a small price to pay for the results you'll experience. "I love that it’s fragrance-free which is important around the gentle eye area,” she says. “It also contains Vitamin C, which helps brighten, and caffeine to depuff."

"This is one of my all-time favorite moisturizers," says Jackson. "It adds so much moisture back to my face after I wash it at night, and it never makes my combination skin feel oily or heavy." And if firmness and even skin tone are on your complexion wishlist, the peptides and pre- and pro-biotic complex within will make your dreams come true.

Seaweed extract may not be an ingredient you'd expect to find in a moisturizer, but in this body lotion recommended by Berry, it works in tandem with spirulina and vitamin E to soothe skin that may be irritated after facing the elements. "I love this body lotion because it keeps my skin incredibly soft, smooth, and moisturized throughout the entire day," Berry adds.

Tired of stinky SPFs? Boy, do we have a formula for you! “This mineral lotion has a sweet beachy aroma that’s just strong enough to linger without being overpowering,” says Jackson. It also features Brazilian Cupuaçu butter to lock in moisture without stickiness. Underwood, who used the lotion during a weeklong vacation to the Caribbean, agrees: “This one blends in really well,” he says. “And the fragrance? I’m just going to say it: Heaven-scent.”

Cayli Cavaco Reck, founder of skincare etailer Knockout Beauty, describes this luxury cream as an “invisible glove” that heals rough skin and keeps hands moisturized for the long haul. It features ingredients like hyaluronic acid (three different types, in fact) and panthenol to go the extra mile for people with super-dry skin, like those with eczema.

We'll admit, this isn’t marketed as a foot cream. But Dr. Nozile insists it has all the elements to leave dry, cracked heels feeling “bright and new.” Lactic acid, in particular, gently promotes the shedding of dead skin cells, leaving your tootsies softer and smoother so you can really pound the pavement.

Perfect for mature skin, this toner contains peptides that smooth wrinkles, boost skin elasticity, and improve skin tone. "I always look for peptides in my skincare products, so naturally I was drawn to this one," says Tavernise. "I was especially impressed by how hydrated and dewy it left my skin."

Treat your acne- or hyperpigmentation-prone skin with this exfoliator, which is safe for daily use. "It has a powerful blend of seven alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids that gently slough away dulling dead skin cells, refine pores, reduce lines and wrinkles, and battle breakouts," says Berry. The resveratrol and green tea extract also protect against free radicals—a win for those who want to prevent future damage.

This gentle exfoliating product sloughs away dullness and discoloration with a combination of three different acids, including alpha-, beta-, and poly-hydroxy acids, making it both gentle and effective. Plus, it was designed to be safe for us on all skin tones. Simply squeeze the top of the tube, dispense the product into your palm, and slather it all over. After 15 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water—that's literally all it takes to get glowing.

This polish contains three different powders that reduce the appearance of pores and smooth out your skin. "I usually side-eye mechanical exfoliators, but I like this one because it softens my skin without being too abrasive," says Jackson. Unlike other scrubs, this one is water-activated, which allows you to customize the feel and exfoliation level.

Say hello to radiant skin with this body scrub made to speed up your cell renewal process by buffing away dead skin. With just a few uses and you'll notice visibly smoother, firmer, more radiant skin. "I love this product because not only does it deliver topical results, it actually increases microcirculation in the body and improves blood flow," says Tavernise.

"Yes, even I—a beauty editor—allowed my lips to get so dry that they were peeling," says Jackson. "But I reached for this and the problem was remedied almost instantly." The micro sugar crystals in this scrub gently buff away dead skin while key ingredients like coconut oil and vitamin E moisturize and promote cell turnover.

This pick—from a TikTok viral brand—is no flash-in-the-pan social sensation: According to Dr. Amin, it’s non-irritating and helps to lock in moisture for superior hydration. Unless you’re on the oily side or prone to acne, it’s a good option for addressing dryness and dullness.

"This is amazing for fading dark spots and improving texture and skin tone,” says Berry. “It’s my favorite weekly indulgence." The fast-acting clay base uses ingredients like vitamin C, turmeric, and aloe vera to correct discoloration and ward off blemishes. Just pop it on for ten minutes (it comes with a tiny, mess-free applicator brush), rinse away, and get ready to beam.

"This is one of my all time favorite products," Berry raves. "It deeply hydrates and smooths my lips, leaving them soft and supple with a touch of natural shine." While the balms are scented and come in six different "flavors" in corresponding colors, don't expect them to leave anything more than a small tint to your lips.

Spritz it on in place of a traditional toner, after a workout, or in the middle of the day when you need a refresh (yup, it's fine over makeup). The star ingredient? Hypochlorous acid, which "is made naturally by your skin, and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it great for reducing redness and irritation," says Dr. Nozile.

An investment in your complexion, Cavaco Reck says this micro-needling instrument is a game-changer in helping keep your skin looking firm and tight.

"If you told me that an aluminum-free, cream deodorant would keep me feeling fresh for hours, I wouldn't believe you," says Jackson. "But I gave this a try during a workout and it held up well." That's because it offers all-over, 72-hour odor protection thanks to the inclusion of AHAs like lactid acid. It's a sleeper product that'll definitely surprise you.