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Skincare is a universal concern, but there is a multitude of "Holy Grail" products out there depending on who you ask.
For every person you know, there are probably four or five products that they would consider must-haves. And while it's enormously helpful to get recommendations from friends (especially those who have a penchant for reading through ingredients and percentages), it can also be useful to see what it is that other people swear by.
I decided to ask my colleagues — who are, in the first place, an abnormally good group to poll — what skincare lines they are loyal to across the board. As professional product reviewers, each of us is a particularly discerning shopper and, by nature of our jobs, has exaggerated access to, knowledge of, and exposure to the many, many options out there.
The average person can't spend their lives researching, buying, and trying each new product, but we try to do our best so we can tell people what's actually worth the money (and what's not).
Below are the 16 skincare brands we find ourselves coming back to time and time again:
Many of us on the Insider Reviews team swear by Mario Badescu's drying lotion — myself included, after hearing so many recommendations from colleagues. It also won the top spot in our guide to the best acne treatments you can buy.
If a blemish shows up that doesn't quite warrant a Mighty Patch sticker, I use this overnight and wake up to visibly reduced inflammation and severity. It's a cult-favorite for a reason, and it's full of just the powerhouse essentials. Calamine lotion helps reduce redness and swelling, salicylic acid exfoliates and reduces sebum production, and zinc oxide and sulfur draw out impurities. It typically clears anything minor up overnight (really), but for anything more severe, you may want to use a Mighty Patch sticker and chat with your dermatologist about options. — Mara Leighton, Insider Reviews senior reporter
I like Mario Badescu's whole skincare product line, which I generally find to be simplistic but effective. There are rarely mysterious chemical ingredients in their soaps and masks, and that brings me some modicum of comfort when I apply anything onto my skin. Their Seaweed Scrub makes an excellent face wash, and the bits of algae work to exfoliate in lieu of plastic microbeads which seem to get stuck everywhere, and their shaving cream forms a dense lather that lends to a clean, close shave. I also use their Drying Mask from time to time, and especially after wearing mineral sunscreens that tend to clog my pores, as it does a great job of stemming breakouts that would otherwise ensue. — Owen Burke, Insider Reviews senior reporter
I'm also a big fan of Raw Elements' sunscreen line. They use all certified natural ingredients, come in a nice aluminum tin, and rub in better than most mineral sunscreens, which usually leave a white cast on your skin all day. Their Tinted Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30 is also a good option that tends to blend in with most skin colors, and although it does a superb job of deflecting the sun's harmful rays, it's exceptionally greasy, so I make sure to use the aforementioned Mario Badescu Drying Mask after washing it off. — Owen Burke, Insider Reviews senior reporter
Though Hero Cosmetics currently only makes one product, Mighty Patch hydrocolloid stickers, its laser focus on this one product has resulted in unparalleled quality and efficacy. I've reordered the stickers four times already since initially trying them out because they work so well at absorbing pus and fluids from pimples and unexpected breakouts. The stickers don't contain any harsh chemicals or drying products. They also protect blemishes from dirt and dust, and prevent me from picking at my skin (a bad habit that remains a problem even for long-time acne sufferers). Based on the success of its first product, I have strong faith in the brand's future acne and skincare releases. — Connie Chen, Insider Reviews senior reporter
This is the best acne weapon I've found since I started my search about 7 years ago. If you only have a minor blemish once in a blue moon, you should stick to Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion since this is a bit more expensive in the long run, but for anyone who needs a bit more manpower, Mighty Patch is for you. The company says the stickers work best on whiteheads (and that's true), but in my experience, they're also just as useful — and perhaps even more so given the scarcity of other effective topical options — on severe or cystic blemishes. It won't alter any major biological process that's making you prone to severe acne, but it will drastically reduce the severity of your blemishes and cut down your recovery time. This is currently the only thing I am "subscribed" to on Amazon — and I tell everyone about them. — Mara Leighton, Insider Reviews senior reporter
The Ordinary makes affordable and accessible skincare, though it's the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution that's impressed me the most. It's a 10-minute exfoliating facial that uses AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) and BHA (beta hydroxy acid) to combat blemishes and dull skin and improve overall texture. At first, it may feel fleetingly masochistic — the formula stings a bit for about 20 seconds before fading away — but the results are visible to the naked eye; my pores look smaller and my skin tone has become more consistent and softer over time.
I also think it helped keep acne at bay, though I've also found retinol products like Differin are even more effective for my skin's clarity. — Mara Leighton, Insider Reviews senior reporter
My dermatologist (and TikTok skincare influencers) put me on to CeraVe. While I still enjoy trying out different products and brands, CeraVe definitely forms the foundation of my routine and it's something I won't switch out. The hero ingredients in every one of CeraVe's products are ceramides, which help restore your skin barrier, making it soft and moisturized and protecting it against irritation and air pollution. My favorites are the acne cleanser, which is gentle and has a pleasant, creamy texture, and the retinol serum, which has noticeably reduced the appearance of my acne scars and made my skin look smoother. — Connie Chen, Insider Reviews senior reporter
Drunk Elephant was the first skincare line I found that seemed to universally exceed expectations. Every product I've tried, I've been impressed by. Their products are neither "all organic" nor blind to consumer concerns. Products are engineered without the "suspicious 6" (silicones, chemical screens, perfumes, etc), but each product is primarily designed and assessed based on its pH and efficacy in order to use the best combination of Mother Nature and the lab.
The Protini Polypeptide Cream is like a protein shake for your skin — packed with "superfoods" and nine plant-derived peptide growth factors that bump the skin's collagen for a more youthful appearance. It intensely hydrates, but it sinks into the skin completely and quickly without any kind of greasy film or pore-clogging layer. A few months after its release, it was the #1 best-selling skincare item on Sephora.
The T.L.C Sukari Babyfacial is essentially an at-home, 20-minute facial that gives you pro results. It contains a whopping 25% AHA and 2% BHA, and combines a powerhouse blend of glycol, tartaric, lactic, citric, and salicylic acids to slough off dead skin to reveal clearer, brighter, and softer skin overall. Just take a look through the ingredients — chickpea flour, matcha, apple fruit, and milk thistle — and you'll see why this superhero facial caused such a buzz. It's expensive, but it really does work for texture, dark spots, and brightness in particular.— Mara Leighton, Insider Reviews senior reporter
Japanese skincare is all about practicing extreme kindness to your skin — both in the sense of what you put on it and how you apply it. I love Tatcha's formulas because they're gentle on my skin, but way more effective than I ever thought possible from a non-abrasive or astringent product. Lately, I've been really into their face wash called The Deep Cleanse because it does exactly what it promises. The gel-like texture creates a foam that lathers away residual makeup and grime, and ground fibers from the luffa fruit exfoliate my skin without stripping its nutrients. It's just a really nice face wash that goes deep into the pores without completely drying out or destroying my skin.
I've also been loving their Pearl Under-Eye Illuminating Treatment, which is a tinted treatment that brightens up my dark circles while also providing an extra layer of hydration. It goes on silky soft like an eye cream but effectively functions as a concealer (though you can also put more concealer over it). I use it along with the Amarte BB cream I mentioned earlier. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Reviews senior editor
Maelove is one of the skincare brands I recommend the most. It's relatively inexpensive — most products are around $30 — and you get a very consistent level of quality. The startup was developed by a group of MIT grads, and the company takes an appropriately scientific approach to its formulas. My favorite product is the brand's Night Renewer night cream because it's a perfect balance between efficacy and gentleness. It uses 10% medical-grade AHA, a blend of soothing ingredients, and hyaluronic acid to resurface the skin overnight for better texture and tone without the harshness that can make AHAs a no-go for sensitive skin types. — Mara Leighton, Insider Reviews senior reporter
Most guys hate the idea of having a long, drawn-out skincare regime and Brickell understands that. Created specifically for men, the startup has become one of my favorite skincare brands because it's simple and effective. Steering clear of toxic, synthetic chemicals, the brand uses high-quality natural and organic ingredients in all of its products. I've been using the Purifying Charcoal Face Wash since I discovered it in a Birchbox and it's honestly amazing. The charcoal does a great job at deep cleaning my pores, while the blend of peppermint and eucalyptus oils give an invigorating sensation — and the best part is that it doesn't leave your skin feeling tired and dry afterward. — Amir Ismael, Insider Reviews reporter
I really love Simple's full range of Kind to Skin products because they're fragrance-free and include no harsh chemicals. I have sensitive skin and most products irritate my face, but Simple's cleanser and moisturizer have never done me wrong. My skin is clearer, less red, and totally calm thanks to Simple's skincare line. Best of all, everything Simple makes is super affordable. — Malarie Gokey, Insider Reviews deputy editor
For daily facial sunscreen, I've been trying a few different kinds that aren't chemical-based. Of those, I've been using Faramacy's Green Defense Daily SPF 30 the most on my face. It uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect my skin from the sun, while the antioxidants in the echinacea give my skin a boost. The addition of marigold extract seems to help calm my skin and prevent redness or inflammation. The sunscreen isn't oily, thick, or sticky and it blends in well, too. — Malarie Gokey, Insider Reviews deputy editor
I found the Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleanser and Exfoliating Moisturizer by asking the first human being I've ever seen without pores — another reporter at a work dinner — to tell me all her secrets immediately. This was it — and the products do not disappoint.
The Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel smells delicious, feels rich in its gel-like form and then light and gentle as a lather, and works exceptionally well — so well I've had to fight the urge to use it less because it almost feels like a luxury item, like my grandmother's "good china." It's also natural, plant-based, vegan, cruelty-free, pH-balanced, and formulated without soap and fragrance. I never thought I'd happily spend $38 on a face wash, but now I just hope they never stop making it.
The Alpha Beta Exfoliating Moisturizer strengthens the skin's moisture barrier without clogging your pores and aids in cell turnover with seven acids and replenishing actives. It's lightweight, moisturizes well, and adds additional micro peeling to my routine. After four weeks, the moisturizer is supposed to seal off water loss, helping your skin maintain its natural hydration balance better on its own. — Mara Leighton, Insider Reviews senior reporter
I, too, am passionate about Dr. Dennis Gross products — so much so that I basically wrote a love letter to their Alpha Beta Extra-Strength Peel Pads for helping with my acne and uneven skin tone. But I'm also a big fan of their sunscreen, which is the one I carry with me to the beach or pool on weekends. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Reviews senior editor
Peter Thomas Roth is the unsung hero of skincare. They use ingredients that are scientifically proven to be effective, and their products all have high concentrations so you really get the best results. I'm deeply obsessed with the Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream, which hydrates my dry, exoskeleton-like skin in a way that nothing else does.
They also make a really incredible enzyme peel that literally sloughs off the top layer of dead skin on your face. You can feel and see it balling up as you rub the mask in — it's kind of gross, but extremely effective and satisfying (kind of like those disgusting but addictive pimple-popping videos). It leaves my skin feeling the softest it's ever been as an adult. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Reviews senior editor
Amarte is a Korean skincare brand that, miraculously, hasn't received a ton of fanfare — but I'm here to sing its praises. I absolutely love Amarte's gentle approach to skincare, though I could do without its high price tag. I don't follow the intensive 10-step process of classic K-beauty skincare routines, but I do still layer a few products at a time, and I'm currently using their Ultra Veil Ultra Light Sunscreen that has an SPF of 50 over my favorite toner from Muji and moisturizer from Peter Thomas Roth. It's not too greasy and it sinks nicely into my skin, providing the perfect base for their unbeatable Natural Finish BB Cream. The BB cream has medium coverage, making it a little more intense than a tinted moisturizer (which is perfect for my uneven skin). Unfortunately, it doesn't come in many colors because it's a Korean product, but I use the lightest one every day in lieu of foundation. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Reviews senior editor
This relatively new brand has been getting a lot of hype lately. I tried this company's products before finding out that it had any sort of following, but I have to say, I get why people love it now. The company uses mostly plant-based, natural ingredients, and keeps its formulas as pure as possible (the name NO B.S. stands for "No Bad Stuff").
I've been using their Retinol Night Cream lately and have been amazed at how much it's improved my skin. When I first started using the moisturizer, it helped my acne almost immediately, and it managed to keep my skin hydrated through a full night's sleep thanks to the high concentration of hyaluronic acid. I switch between a few different night creams depending on how my skin is doing at any given time, but this is what I go for when I'm having flare-ups or need something powerful that won't irritate me. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Reviews senior editor
Burt's Bees is a favorite of mine. I've used a lot of its products over the years, though the one I use daily is the BB Cream. I have pretty good skin, but I tend to get redness on my cheeks in particular. I mix the BB Cream with a moisturizer to blend it into my skin and even its tone. The BB Cream feels cool and doesn't irritate my skin, plus it has SPF 15 sun protection, thanks to zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Burt's Bees Night Cream is another winner. I use it at night to moisturize my face because it's cooling and doesn't irritate my skin. In general, Burt's Bees makes lots of affordable, natural skincare products that I heartily recommend. — Malarie Gokey, Insider Reviews deputy editor
Maapilim is another skincare and grooming startup for men that does a wonderful job at taking advantage of earth's natural ingredients. Inspired by the Great Sea, the Tel Aviv based company sources ingredients locally in Israel and from other fertile coastlines of the Mediterranean region. I've used the hand cream, body wash, lip balm, shampoo, and conditioner and they've all kept my skin and hair hydrated and soft. They are a bit more expensive than drug store options, but what you get is definitely worth the premium. I also appreciate that everything smells like the natural ingredients within — not the cheap cologne smell that typically defines men's grooming products. — Amir Ismael, Insider Reviews reporter
The tools you use to take care of your skin are as important as the cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens you feed them. FOREO makes the best cleansing brushes that I've tried, including my personal favorite, the Luna 2. It never fails to clean my face effectively and make it feel really soft, but still manages to do so gently. Its battery life is also impressive and I don't have to charge it often, which is convenient. I also like using the Espada Blue Light Pen, which uses blue light and special T-sonic pulsations to target acne-causing bacteria, from time to time as a spot treatment. — Connie Chen, Insider Reviews senior reporter
Just like the Mighty Patch stickers being best-in-category for me, so is the Luna 2. It's expensive, but it's worth it. Nothing cleans my face as thoroughly or as gently — Clarisonics feel abrasive and leave my sensitive skin feeling raw, I always forgot to replace the brush head after and to charge it, and they seem far less hygienic overall. And, ultimately, what you wash your face with is extremely important. It doesn't matter if you buy expensive face wash if you aren't properly exfoliating. I appreciate that the Luna 2 delivers on all its promises — including removing up to 99.5% of the dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and makeup that would otherwise cause future breakouts. Plus, its battery life is amazing.
If you're looking to save some money for the same make, tech, and (presumably) overall effect, you should get the Luna Mini 2. — Mara Leighton, Insider Reviews senior reporter
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