If You're Overwhelmed By All The Skincare Options Out There, Here Are 25 Top-Rated Options

Buzz Feed

28-02-2025

1. A pore-clearing cleansing oil to magically eliminate makeup residue, blackheads, and sebum while preventing pore congestion — perfect to incorporate into a double cleansing routine! It's also hypoallergenic and works wonders for sensitive, acne-prone skin.
BTW, a lot of reviewers say they use this as part of their double cleansing routine. As the name implies, double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face twice: first with an oil-based cleanser, and again with a water-based cleanser to help get all the yucky stuff out of your pores.
Promising reviews:"This is my first time ordering an oil-based cleanser, and I'm so glad I purchased this one. I originally saw this product on TikTok and wanted to see what the hype was all about. After using the cleanser on my dry face for 2-3 minutes, I could visibly see my white/black heads on my fingers. I was a little hesitant to try oil cleansing as I have acne-prone skin, however, my face has never looked better. After each use, my face is as soft as a baby's bottom and my scarring doesn't look as deep! The cleanser has a light clean scent. Not super strong! I am currently pairing this cleanser with the Anua heartleaf soothing toner to achieve glass skin. #glassskinera" — Myshel Cagle
Get it from Amazon for $17.69.
2. And a lightweight Cosrx mild gel cleanser, which works *perfectly* as the second step in a double cleansing routine! Its relatively low pH helps balance and protect your skin from acne-causing irritants without stripping it and making it feel bone-dry afterward. It's also enriched with tea tree oil and BHA to help keep your skin nice and smooth.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
All Cosrx products are dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and have no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.
Promising reviews:" Especially if you're looking for glass skin, you can definitely go for this product. I really loved it. Really comfortable to use regularly. It clears all the dirt off and makes my skin feel fresh and glowy. Really value for the money. Just go for it." — Dheeraj
"After hours of exhaustive research on Korean gentle cleansers, I finally decided upon a cleanser. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made for my face! I have sensitive, combination, and very volatile skin, so if I ever make it unhappy, it definitely lets me know. This cleanser is light enough that it doesn't feel thick or cloying, it has a very subtle smell (which I love), and the ph of the cleanser is so low that the only thing I am worried about for my face anymore is the ph of the water I am splashing on my face. It hasn't caused any bad breakouts or negative reactions like drying or tightness of skin but it can certainly handle itself in the department of a full face cleanser. This has caused me to look forward to trying more Cosrx products!" — Haley Hart
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
3. A hydrating Cosrx snail mucin repairing essence because it'll soothe and rejuvenate your skin so effectively, it'll make you think the exact opposite of "ew" when you think of snail mucin. It can also give your skin a natural "I woke up like this" glow that has earned it over 56,000 5-star ratings!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
And tell Gary not to worry! The snail mucin is obtained in a safe way, so no snails are harmed!
I've personally been using this for months now and it's amazing how it's improved aspects of my skin that I didn't even know needed improving. I didn't think my skin looked too dull before, but after see how this brightened and soothed my skin, I'm never going back. I spray my face with rose water, gently pat the essence into my skin while it's still damp, and let it absorb. Plus, it absorbs so quickly, it's like your skin is saying "gimme gimme gimme!!".
Promising review:"OBSSESSED!! Purchasing for the rest of my life. If you haven't been using snail mucin yet.....like literally what are you doing! game changer for keeping the skin hydrated! The proper way to use this is put on your toner and while your sin is still wet apply this over it and let it dry then go in with the rest of your routine. It's changed my skin so quickly and has made it really hydrated, brighter, and bouncy — definitely has been helping with my "glass skin" complex. Love love love it!" — calico
Get it from Amazon for $18.99.
4. Mighty Patch's super popular pack of pimple patches to evict those pesky pimples that have no business invading your face. These are coated with hydrocolloid to protect and heal the blemish more effectively — you officially have no excuses for picking at those pimples! Oh, and they have over 127,000 5-star ratings. (If you listen closely, you can hear my mind exploding.)
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Here's what BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Ciera Velarde says:"I've used this specific brand for years now and have found them to be the best at reducing the size and redness of breakouts! Whenever I notice a zit popping up, I put one of these one right before bed, and it stays put all night, even when I toss and turn a lot. By morning, it's much less noticeable and is practically nonexistent when I cover the zit with makeup. It's such a great practically zero-effort way to treat blemishes!"
Promising review:"I am a 40-something woman who still gets pimples. I tried a wide swath of pimple patches. These are the best. Like the goldilocks of patches — some were very adherent but took off skin to remove, some fell off very quickly — these are just right. And they work. They reduce the inflammation and keep gunk from getting in. They also keep you from picking at the zit. My teenage daughter also uses them and they work for her. I have very fair skin and she is much darker and they seem to blend nicely with both skin tones." — K. Dahl
Get a pack of 36 from Amazon for $12.99 (also available as a 72-pack).
5. CeraVe Retinol Serum — if you're just starting to explore the world of retinoids, this is a great option to start with! This gentle yet effective serum uses *encapsulated* retinol to help reduce scars and pores without flaking or redness. Plus, many reviewers rave about how they like it better than more expensive alternatives!
www.amazon.com
And remember, like with any retinol (that actually works) *just do not use it every day.* Start slow and work yourself up if needed, paying attention to your skin.
Promising review:"I bought this for my teenager to use for his acne scars, but he ended up not using it. I ran out of my Murad retinol serum, so I gave this a try. I actually like it better than the Murad! It absorbs quickly, with zero smell or irritation. As with any retinol product, be sure to wear sunscreen when you're going to be outside." — C. Munsterman
Get it from Amazon for $18.68.
6. Or a gentle LilyAna Naturals retinol cream that this reviewer (an esthetician of over 13 years) has deemed "The BEST hidden gem!!" This magical cream supports natural collagen production, combats uneven skin tone, and smooths rough texture. How, may you ask? It comes jam-packed with all the goods, including botanical hyaluronic acid, shea butter, organic green tea, organic jojoba oil, and vitamins A and E.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
LilyAna Naturals is a small business!
Promising review:"The older I get- the drier my skin seems to get. I read about this brand from a blog I follow. So I checked the reviews - and decided to try it. To say that I am blown away would be an understatement! I simply cannot express how pleased I am after literally just three uses. Normally, my skin is so dry that nothing seems to help, but this. THIS! It makes my skin feel great, and it even looks great! It's not greasy, but it moisturizes. The texture feels like whipped velvet!! It is so luxurious and feels amazing on my skin. My skin feels hydrated and normal. I feel like shouting from the rooftops how amazing this stuff is! The eye cream is just as good and a little goes a very long way. I am sold! This product is superior!!" — Shanon L. Edwards
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in three sizes).
7. Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Hydrating Multi-Balm, aka one of the new beauty products TikTok is particularly obsessing over — and for good reason. This multi-talented magic stick works on your face, eyes, lips, *and* neck. It uses collagen and salmon complex to help minimize fine lines, enhance your natural glow, and give a major hydration boost to quench your thirsty skin. I think you just found a new beauty staple to have in your bag at all times.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the wrinkle balm in action.
Promising review: "Okay! So I was skeptical at first, but honestly this stick is life changing!!! In a matter of minutes my skin felt hydrated and plumped. After an hour, still hydrated. No greasy after feeling, very light, and you can feel your skin hydrated and absorbing. I love the fact that you can use it on your eyes, lips and wrinkles!! Game changer for me, will def try the others!" — Kristy
Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in seven styles).
8. A fragrance-free CeraVe eye cream because don't you just love it when everyone points out how tired you look? This hydrates and repairs your undereye's delicate skin barrier with three essential ceramides so that you can say "see ya" to those dark circles.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"The CeraVe Eye Repair Cream is exceptionally effective for reducing puffiness and under-eye bags. Formulated with essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it hydrates and restores the delicate skin around your eyes, helping to diminish the appearance of dark circles and swelling. The lightweight, non-greasy texture absorbs quickly, making it ideal for daily use under makeup or on its own. If you're looking for a reliable eye cream that delivers visible results, this product is a great choice for achieving a refreshed and rejuvenated look." — Chandan
Get it from Amazon for $14.44.
9. And a pack of Grace and Stella under-eye masks — say hello to the next staple in your skincare routine. They're infused with retinol, which is known to help increase skin cell production and help with elasticity. If you're looking to help your under-eyes with dryness, puffiness, and dark circles, this will be your new best friend (especially during the colder months!).
Promising review:"These are a must have for the morning. I've tried a million different brands and these are the best. They are thicker than most and best if you pop them in the freezer for a couple of minutes before applying. They definitely help with swelling and bags." — TR
Get 48 pairs from Amazon for $29.95 (available in three styles and three pack sizes).
10. A bottle of widely popular Bio-Oil with vitamins A and E, chamomile, sunflower, and lavender oils to help fade scars and stretch marks while helping your skin retain moisture and achieve a more even tone. One reviewer even compares this stuff to sorcery.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:"Acne scars? Read this. I found out about this product while scrolling through TikTok last week. It came highly recommended, so I decided to look up the price on Amazon. After reading several reviews, I figured I might as well try it out. Today is the fourth day I used the product on my face. My skin looks dewy and nice. The discoloration on my cheeks from a few-years-old acne scars is improving. My skin looks younger — it's hard to describe, but I can see a difference. It looks less rough. I've been using it morning and night." — Yasmin Rodriguez
" It works magic. I've had three babies. After my second I had awful stretch marks because I didn't give my skin the care it deserved during my first two pregnancies. I'm not kidding; this was the best choice I've made. It completely made my stretch marks from my first two pregnancies almost completely unnoticeable. My skin looks so healthy. I highly recommend this product; it's a game-changer. I can't give this product the full credit for that, but I do believe it's helped! Lastly, I have wicked sensitive and very dry skin. This gentle product is AMAZING." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $10.26.
11. A TikTok viral overnight collagen mask, which has taken over my entire FYP for weeks — and now I see why! Give your skin a big ole' drink of water with this probiotic-packed mask, which starts as a milky-colored hydrogel mask, and as the hours go by, it gradually turns clear, signaling that it's working its magic on your skin. It'll not only strengthen your skin's barrier and improve elasticity, but it'll also refine the appearance of large pores and help smooth out fine lines. Many reviewers also say it's surprisingly comfortable to sleep in!
www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of this mask in action.
Promising review: "Oh…my god….🤯 No scent. It starts milky white and turns clear. I left it on overnight , woke up, and I was shook!! Pores? Where? Dry patch? Where? Fine wrinkles? Whheeerrrrrre??? Put it on over my lips as well, and it almost looked like a had fillers. It was so plump! 10/10 recommend. Holy grail of face masks. <3" — Kichi
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $14.25+ (also available in a 16-count).
12. A popular pack of Skin1004 pore tightening and lifting masks that has surprised reviewers with its immediate results. These fast-acting masks are made with albumin, aloe vera, and centella asiatica extract to hydrate and lift your skin, tighten enlarged pores, clear small breakouts, and give you that "just came fresh from the spa" glow.
To use, mix the powder and activator and apply it onto your face. FYI — you'll look like a character from The Walking Dead as the mask works its magic (it's called the "Zombie Pack" for a reason!). But once you rinse it off after 10-15 minutes of letting it dry, you'll have some happy and radiant skin.
Skin1004 is a Korean skincare brand that provides high-quality skincare items made of plant-based ingredients from Madagascar. Its signature ingredient is centella asiatica extract, a soothing and hydrating antioxidant that is known for its ability to help heal wounds and protect the skin.
Promising reviews:"After years of trying different products on my sensitive, acne-prone, red, rough skin, I saw this mask and all of the positive reviews and thought 'what the hell, I'll give it a go.' Even after the first application, I was really impressed with the results. My rough skin is smoother, I have no additional breakouts and when I do wear makeup it actually blends into my skin. It also helps the deep wrinkles on my neck. I even got a compliment on my skin the other day — this NEVER happens. I use the mask twice per week. I'm on month two and I recommend it to anyone with problem skin. My only caution is that is smells kind of funky (who cares) and it's a little hard to remove. I only apply the mask when I'm going to shower and wash my hair. It's zombie life for me here on out!" — Charlie B
Get it from Amazon for $18.50 (also available in a two-pack and in a variety three-pack).
13. A vegan and cruelty-free lip scrub because your lips need some lovin' too! This nourishing lil' tub uses the combined powers of coconut, sugar, avocado oil, and jojoba oil to nourish and soften your lips while exfoliating dead skin and reinforcing your skin's barrier. Get ready to achieve the luscious pout of your dreams. 😍
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This was my first time using a lip scrub. The results were phenomenal. My lips have always been dry and gray-ish in appearance because of eczema. I rubbed the product into my skin for about three minutes and then rinsed it off with warm water. The results were lips that were soft, smooth and pink. I really wish that I had taken before and after pictures. Really pleased with the results. Adding this lip scrub to my skin care regimen." — Stella Bellafontay
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three styles and in multipacks).
14. And a cult-fave Laneige lip mask with vitamin C, coconut oil, shea butter, and antioxidants, it nourishes and protects your lips while giving them a supple, glossy finish. It's truly a splurge-worthy staple you'll probably love as much as the reviewer who called it "absolute magic."
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
BTW, some people use it as a daily lip balm or lip protectant over their lipstick too!
Laneige is an Asian-owned brand that has been in the beauty game for years. (Seriously, since the 90s!) The luxury brand prides itself on being affordable too, and has many fan favorite products because of it.
Promising reviews: " I'd have a hard time pulling the trigger on this for the coat, but when you have seasonally dry lip irritation you can't escape, you get desperate. I finally decided to splurge, glad I did! A little goes a long way so should last a good while, and never had a quicker turnaround on fixing dry lips. My kids are now asking for it, definitely worth the splurge." — Michelle
Get it from Amazon for $24 (available in six scents).
15. A Seoul Ceuticals Snail Repair Cream because it's got organic green tea and vitamins that brighten dull skin and help fade discoloration. And, thanks to its high concentration of snail mucin extract, your complexion will look plumped and ✨glowy✨.
www.amazon.com
This snail cream is cruelty-free and non-comedogenic. (So no need to worry about clogged pores!)
Promising review: "When I apply this product to my skin, it feels different from a regular moisturizer—almost like a refreshing burst of vitamins. It has a refreshing, cool sensation that lifts my mood. Even with just a small amount, the cream's moisture seems to absorb well into my skin." — Orion Park
Get it from Amazon for $20.
16. A Paula's Choice liquid exfoliant, which has salicylic acid that penetrates your pores to help catch breakout before they reach the surface. And bonus! Its green tea leaf extract quickly calms redness and soothes skin sensitivity.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I have seriously annoying skin. I have bad sunspots, freckles, redness, you name it. I hate the sun and my skin does, too. I even had some lovely melasma 'stache going. I've been using this stuff every couple of nights and also derma-planing and my skin looks so much better! Even my coworkers have noticed! It's super gentle, too, so it's really easy to use." — Kristina Escobedo
Get it from Amazon for $14+ (available in two sizes).
17. EOS Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion so silky, it might just give more expensive brands like Philosophy and Bath & Body Works. It provides lightweight, long-lasting moisture *and* its delicious scent has notes of whipped vanilla and caramel. No wonder TikTok is going *feral* over this.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Heaven sent for your skin; heavenly scent to enjoy. This feels absolutely amazing going on. Gets absorbed quickly, for a lotion rich with oil. Doesn't leave a greasy feeling, as long as you give it a minute or two to fully absorb. The scent is, for me anyway, like aromatherapy. It smells like an iced sugar cookie, and is a great base layer for fragrance. Very relaxing." — Dragonheart Jo
"Better than TikTok said! OMRyan Gosling, this is an amazing lotion!!! Run, don't walk, and buy this lotion! The name is vanilla cashmere and that is exactly what this is! Love love love!" — DeeDra Billings
Get it from Amazon for $8.98.
18. Or a Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream that has such a heavenly scent, it might just make you ditch your perfume altogether. Enriched with caffeine, guarana extract, and coconut oil, this miraculous little jar of cream will help tighten *and* smooth your skin like nobody's business.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check in out in this TikTok.
Promising reviews: 'This smells super amazing! Not usually one to splurge on a little canister for a somewhat expensive price, but this is worth it! Will be buying big canister next time! Very appealing scent ;)" — Claire
"I never buy expensive beauty products for myself. This is the one exception. I got a little sample tub of it as a freebie, and I fell in love with it. It smells absolutely incredible, and the scent lasts for hours. Not only is it extremely moisturizing, but it's fast absorbing, which is perfect for someone like me who works with her hands all day. Plus, you don't have to use a ton of it at a time, so the tubs last a long time! This stuff is ABSOLUTELY worth the price, and I couldn't recommend it more!" — Starr
Get it from Amazon for $24+ (available in two sizes).
19. A deeply hydrating and plumping Laboratoires Embryolisse daily moisturizer — truly a magical, multi-purpose cream in a bottle. It's enriched with soybeans and aloe vera to soothe and moisturize, as well as beeswax and shea butter that protect and nourish the skin. Plus, reviewers rave about how smooth of a canvas it provides as a makeup primer!
www.amazon.com
See it in action in this TikTok.
Promising review: "My glass skin secret! This face cream has earned a permanent spot in my skincare routine. It's lightweight yet incredibly hydrating, making it perfect for all skin types. As a makeup primer, it creates a smooth canvas for foundation application and helps in extending its wear time. Makes my skin look like glass, supple, and super youthful. I can't recommend it enough and can't live without!" — Yahaira Perez
Get it from Amazon for $17+ (available in two sizes).
20. An affordable prescription-strength Differin retinoid gel, aka the strongest thing you can purchase without a prescription. This miraculous (yet affordable) gel helps reveal a new skin layer and dives deep into your pores to clear breakouts before they can even...well..."break out." Say sayonara to those painful zits. 👋
www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:"Look I don't know what kind of magical potion is in this little bottle but I've used it approximately four times in the past week and my skin is GLOWING. My pores are suddenly nonexistent and my blackheads have shrunk. This stuff is amazing. Also it's really moisturizing and not as irritating as other retinoids I have used in the past. The bottle is smaller than I was expecting but it is worth every penny. Great stuff. 11/10." — Demi
"This stuff actually works. I work in a spa and I've tried dozens of different products that cost five times the price to try to clear up my acn- prone skin and NOTHING has worked as well as Differin gel. One of my esthetician coworkers recommended it to me and dang if she wasn't right. It will dry out your skin pretty badly so make sure you have and use a good moisturizer but my skin cleared up in less than two weeks and I'm still amazed." — Rin Wisell
Get it from Amazon for $13.10+ (available in four sizes).
21. An alcohol-free Thayers facial toner with a witch hazel and aloe vera formula that might just make your skin texture squeal with joy. This unique formula works to reduce the look of pores, balance oily skin, and maintain the skin's moisture barrier. It's seriously like giving your skin a tall glass of water.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"I've been hearing the rave about this skincare product so decided to try it out since the price is low. This is a great all-natural toner without alcohol and harsh ingredients. Very gentle on my sensitive and acne-prone skin. I use this everyday as a final cleansing step to remove any dirt or makeup left, and add some fast-acting hydration before night cream. I can immediately feel my skin moisturized and soft after patting this generously on my face. This worked like magic! Immediately calmed down my skin and restored skin balance. The fragrance is a bit too much but it brings a nice smell." — Colin L. Zollars
Get it from Amazon for $8.16+ (available in six scents).
22. Or a bottle of I'm From goami rice toner that reviewers with dry skin say is hydration in a bottle. Its vegetable-originated extracts will leave your skin looking supple, smooth, and glowy without any heavy or sticky residue.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This toner is vegan and cruelty-free.
Promising review: "I love this toner! I've finished the whole bottle. It's light and moisturizing. I can definitely tell the difference, my skin is smoother and plump. I love it cause I have both oily and dry skin and it makes my skin normal again! Best of all it doesn't burn or irritate my skin, if anything it calms it down. Will definitely be buying again." — Rachael
Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in two sizes).
23. A radiance-boosting vitamin C serum, which many reviewers over 50 have raved about for giving them a smoother and happier complexion after just a few days of use. This multitasking serum is infused with ferulic acid to increase plumpness as well as vitamin E to help smooth the appearance of fine lines. Basically, it's the ultimate glow-up your skin deserves.
www.amazon.com
24. Cult-fave, multi-talented Mario Badescu Facial Spray — the perfect "pick-me-up" in a bottle. Spray it on your face to help rejuvenate and clarify your skin, refresh your makeup, or if you just need a little spritz of rosy mist. You can even use it on your hair for some quick moisture (with a delightful scent!).
mariobadescu / Via www.instagram.com
Promising review:"I enjoy the refreshing, cooling sensation this gives when sprayed on the face; it gives a boost of hydration before my moisturizer, and also works well as a setting spray. But the best benefit I've gotten is from spraying it in my hair! My limp, thin, baby-fine hair has never looked better or felt stronger." — Laura B
Check out this BuzzFeeder's Mario Badescu Facial Spray deep dive for more info!
Get it from Amazon for $6+ (available in five sizes and in packs of two).
25. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face SPF 60 Serum perfect for anyone trying to be better at protecting their face from harmful UV rays. Luckily, this packs three steps into one! This genius mix of primer, moisturizer, *and* sunscreen is all the prep you'll need (whether you're going for a cute makeup look or it's a bare-faced kind of day!)
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I've gone through several sunscreens to wear with make-up and this has been the best for me. I'm a simple girl. I apply this with vitamin C cream, let it absorb then apply my It Cosmetics CC cream. It acts like a primer for me, and my CC glides nicely over it, no pilling, no heavy or cakey feeling. It's def lightweight but provides great protection." — Emily Haynes