Moisturizer
It can take time to find a moisturizer that’s right for your skin type. Check out Healthline’s top picks
with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides,
and shea butter below.
Cleansing is an essential skin care step that
removes dirt, impurities, and excess oil from the pores. Try Healthline’s favorite cleansers
for every skin type below.
Dermatologists recommend ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and witch hazel to help treat acne. Try the best over-the-counter options below.
Acne Treatment
Toners help balance the skin’s PH and can help hydrate with the right ingredients. Check out Healthline’s favorite picks with aloe, sweet almond, and
neroli blossom below.
Toner
Look for serums with potent concentrations of active ingredients, like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and retinol, depending on your skin care goals.
Try our favorites below.
Serum
Physical exfoliators contain small grainy particles, while chemical exfoliants use acids and enzymes to slough off dead skin cells. Try Healthline’s favorite gentle,
non-abrasive options below.
Exfoliant
To protect your skin against sun damage, wear a
broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily. Give Healthline’s top picks a try below.
Sunscreen
Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen
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Oily skin, darker skin tones
Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate
$
Not tested on animals, vegan
Non-greasy, invisible formula.
Comes in a small bottle.
Unsun Mineral Tinted Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen
BEST FOR:
Redness, dark spots
zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
$$
Not tested on animals
Acts as a primer, color corrector, and sunscreen in one
May rub off easily
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Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen
BEST FOR:
Enlarged pores, uneven skin texture
zinc oxide, octisalate
$$$
Not tested on animals, dermatologist-tested
Protects and calms skin
Contains parabens.
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Zo Skin Health Daily Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 50 *
BEST FOR:
Dark skin
Avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate
$$
Developed by a dermatologist
Provides a non-greasy, lightweight finish
Only water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
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Zo Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads
BEST FOR:
Dark skin, excess oiliness
Glycolic acid, botanical extract blend
$$
Developed by a dermatologist
Texture of the pads provides exfoliation
May sting initially
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Savor Beauty Pumpkin Enzyme Peel
BEST FOR:
Dullness, breakouts
Pumpkin enzyme, lactic acid, gluconic acid
$$$
Organic, Not tested on animals
Contains AHAS
Goopy texture.
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Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
BEST FOR:
Blackheads, whiteheads, enlarged pores
Salicylic acid, green tea
$$
Not tested on animals, third-party tested
Popular choice for skin care enthusiasts.
May cause skin purging.
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OLEHENRIKSEN Transforming Walnut Scrub
BEST FOR:
Oily and combination skin
Walnut powder, ginseng, and chamomile extracts
$$
Not tested on animals, vegan
Paraben and sulfate-free
May be irritating for sensitive skin.
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La Roche-Posay Pure Niacinamide 10
BEST FOR:
Dark skin, hyperpigmentation
Niacinamide, HEPES
$$
Dermatologist-recommended
Correct dark spots and hyperpigmentation
Contains alcohol which may irritate sensitive skin
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Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum
BEST FOR:
Enlarged pores
AHAs, hyaluronic acid, honey
$$$
Not tested on animals
Glowing reviews
Expensive.
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Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Serum
BEST FOR:
Combination skin
Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids
$$
Not tested on animals, vegan,
Evidence-based.
May cause breakouts.
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Mad Hippie Vitamin A Serum
BEST FOR:
Preventing wrinkles
Retinol, hyaluronic acid
$
Not tested on animals
Contains 9 active ingredients.
Some users may find it irritating.
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The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum
BEST FOR:
Dry skin, dullness, uneven skin texture
Hyaluronic acid, Matrixyl 3000, vitamin C
$
Not tested on animals
Budget-friendly
Doesn’t last long
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Medik8 Daily Refresh Balancing Toner
BEST FOR:
Dark skin, all skin types
Aloe vera, niacinamide, allantoin, witch hazel
$$
ISO certified
Alcohol-free, and pregnancy safe
Not suitable for anyone with an aloe vera allergy
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Savor Beauty Hydrating Toning Mist
BEST FOR:
Combination and acne-prone skin
Lavender, tea tree, rose, neroli blossom, lemongrass
$$$
Certified natural and organic
Free from fragrance
Expensive
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Lancôme Tonique Confort
BEST FOR:
Dry skin
Acacia honey, sweet almond oil, hyaluronic acid
$$
Dermatologist-tested
Hydrating formula
Not cruelty-free
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Pixi Glow Tonic
BEST FOR:
Oily skin
Glycolic acid, aloe vera, ginseng
$$
Not tested on animals
Exfoliates.
Contains fragrance that may be irritating.
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IS Clinical Active Serum
BEST FOR:
Dark skin, acne, dullness
Willow bark extract, arbutin
$$$
Pharma grade, 95-98% botanical
Pregnancy safe
Can cause some dryness when you first start using the serum, which is normal.
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Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
BEST FOR:
Oily skin, non-inflammatory acne
Salicylic acid, green tea
$
Not tested on animals
Absorbs quickly.
Increases sun sensitivity.
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The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
BEST FOR:
Non-inflammatory acne, mild inflammatory acne
Azelaic acid
$
Vegan, Not tested on animals
Affordable.
May not be effective on severe forms of acne.
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Differin Gel
BEST FOR:
All types of acne
0.1 percent adapalene, retonoid
$
The first FDA-approved OTC acne retonoid
Treats acne and reduces inflammation.
May be irritating.
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CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
BEST FOR:
Dark skin, acne-prone skin
Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5
$$
Developed with Dermatologists
Non-comedogenic, paraben free and fragrance-free
Comes in a pump bottle so you can sometimes use
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Osmia Purely Simple Face Cream
BEST FOR:
Sensitive skin, allergy prone skin
Aloe vera, plant-based oils, vitamin E, glycerin
$$$
Not tested on animals, vegan
Made with plant-based ingredients.
Contains essential oils which may be irritating for some, and high price point.
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Youth to the People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream
BEST FOR:
Oily and combination skin
Hyaluronic acid, vitamins C, E, and K
$$
Vegan, not tested on animals
Lightweight hydration boost.
Some users may prefer a richer texture.
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Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
BEST FOR:
Mature skin, signs of aging
Hyaluronic acid, amino peptides, niacinamide
$$
Climate pledge friendly
Packed with hydrating active ingredients.
Contains fragrance, which may cause irritation.
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Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre
BEST FOR:
Dry Skin
Aloe vera, beeswax, shea butter
$
Dermatologist-tested
Suitable for all skin types.
Contains fragrance, which may cause irritation.
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Skinceuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser
BEST FOR:
Dark skin
Glycolic acid, phytic acid, aloe leaf, juice, glycerin
$$
Dermatologist-tested
Promotes skin clarity.
Tested on animals
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EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
BEST FOR:
Oily skin
Bromelain
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Dermatologist recommended
PH balanced and noncomedogenic.
Foaming formula could be drying.
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SkinMedica Facial Cleanser
BEST FOR:
Combination skin
Camellia oleifera leaf extract, vitamin B5
$$$
Dermatologist-recommended
Addresses both oiliness and dryness.
On the pricier side.
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Super Calm Gentle Milk Cleanser
BEST FOR:
Sensitive/irritated skin
Probiotic extracts, Colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera
$$
Cruelty-free
Can be used as a makeup remover.
Milky consistency may not be for everyone.
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CeraVe Hydrating
Facial Cleanser
BEST FOR:
Dry Skin
Ceramides, hyaluronic acid
$
Developed with dermatologists, accepted by National Eczema Association
Includes effective hydrating ingredients.
Tested on animals
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EXPLORE PRODUCTS
Healthline's Interactive Guide to Essential Skin Care Products
