05-04-2025
27 Skincare Products So Good, You'll Send Them Straight To Your Friend Group Chat
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Glow so great, your friends will think you're an influencer.
1. A cult classic Tula hydrating face wash, which I use *daily* and absolutely swear by, as it offers such a deep yet gentle, refreshing clean while leaving my skin soft and smooth as butter. Oh, and did I mention it lasts FOREVER, as a little pump goes a long way each time?
Promising review:"I have a very sensitive face and this stuff works great. I'm pushing into my fourth decade, and this has been part of my skincare routine for the last few years." — Maggie
Get it from Amazon for $14+ (available in five sizes).
2. A sensitive skin-friendly Vanicream moisturizer that's unscented, free of common irritants, *and* great to use all over your face and body. Tackle common skin problems from eczema and psoriasis to itchiness. Here's to bringing back your happy skin.
This has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.
Promising review:"I have suddenly and inexplicably developed an allergy to fragrance. It was super annoying, and I was itchy and bumpy, especially on my face, until I figured out my fragrance-full products were likely the culprit. I have Vanicream EVERYTHING at this point. Body wash, lotion, face wash, sunscreen, and this moisturizing lotion. All of it is great! I live in Colorado and this heavier moisturizing cream keeps my skin from, well, falling off! It is so dry here! I use the lighter lotion on my face, and it is delightful, too. If you have super sensitive skin, this just might be something that works for you too!" — Adrienne
Get it from Amazon for $13.56.
3. A 2% BHA liquid acid exfoliant that went viral on TikTok for good reason: it's gentle, nonabrasive, ~and~ helps your skin shed extra, dead layers, leaving you brightened, restored, and hydrated as heck.
Promising review:"This stuff should be called a miracle in a bottle. When I use it on my (pretty dry) skin, it transforms it from congested, irritated, and bright red to calm, clear, and glowing overnight. Most of the people reviewing this are using it incorrectly. It's an acid exfoliator. That means you should use it once a week, twice at the most (if your skin is oily and needs a lot of work). Also, it should never be used during the daytime. BHA, or salicylic acid, interacts terribly with the sun. If you absolutely must put it on in the morning, follow it up with heavy SPF, but I wouldn't do it. This stuff is like anything else — it only works if you know how to do it properly." — Audrey Brock
Get it from Amazon for $14+ (available in two sizes and a two-pack).
4. A soothing Nature Republic aloe vera gel from one of my personal favorite skincare brands, as it always delivers results without causing sensitive skin any trouble. Put it on your legs after shaving, or use it on your face and watch redness, sunburn, and bumps begone.
Promising review:"I have had acne for a long time and have tried everything from Accutane to Proactiv to Rodan + Fields. I got this after running out of another pricier aloe cream. This works wonders! It keeps my face and skin clear and acne-free. My skin is naturally really dry and I use this 2x a day after washing my face. It goes on under my makeup and works as a nice moisturizer/primer for my foundation, too. A little bit goes a long way. One 300 mL lasted me 11 months." — Amber A.
Get it from Amazon for $8.67+ (available in three sizes).
5. A detoxifying peel-off face mask so you can say sayonara to dry, dull skin and *hello* to a refreshed, dewy, glowing face. It's like spending the day being pampered at the spa, only way more affordable. Plus, it's REALLY satisfying to peel this off your skin.
Target
Promising review:"So fun to use! I loved slathering this metallic/iridescent mask onto my face. It smelled great and was so fun to peel off after. It came off in one piece! My skin is very soft now." — Leanner
Get it from Target for $24.
6. A Skin Gym LED gua sha device which is your new 3-in-1 secret weapon that blends heat, vibration, and LED light therapy to lift, tighten, and boost circulation for a complexion that glows like you just left a spa.
Ulta
Promising review:"I had been eyeing this product on the company website for weeks, then one morning, I checked Ulta's new arrivals and saw it! My husband bought it for me for V-day, and I've been using it morning and night since. Can't speak to the long-term effects, BUT I've really enjoyed having this in my routine. The warmth and vibration feature is so relaxing; it's a nice, quick form of self-care added to my daily routine." — H
Get it from Ulta for $69.99.
7. Or an original gua shua tool that's basically a mini spa day in your hand. Use it to boost circulation, de-stress, de-puff, and let your serums and oils sink in like they've just entered a luxury retreat. Just a heads up: dry skin is a no-go, so always make sure to glide it over a moisturizer or oil for max benefits.
Promising review:"Too simple to believe, but it's amazing! I was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma on my face. Surgery left two internal and 17 topical stitches on my face. Most of the scar healed quickly but I got this lump in the scar tissue. Did an internet search and they suggested massage to break down the scar tissue. My daughter-in-law is an aesthetician who recommended the gua sha stone! Immediately, it broke down the lump, which was great, but I started using it all over my face. After just a few days of using this, even my husband started saying, 'Wow, I can't believe the difference in your face!' Don't wait 'til you're 71; start using it now, especially, if you have any scars." — Pamela
Get it from Amazon for $6.59+ (available in 15 styles).
8. A peptide facial serum created and curated by a woman-owned small business that was designed for anyone who wants a little plumping with their pampering, as it locks in moisture like an absolute pro and is made from organic, plant-derived ingredients that are cruelty-free.
ShineSkincareCo / Etsy
Promising reviews:"I have used this serum for years. It is light but makes my skin feel amazing! I put it on at night, after using toner." — Beading Buddhist
"First-time buyer, and won't be my last. The seller went above and beyond, even including some samples and cute goodies. The product is as described and of excellent quality, and I'm looking forward to trying my new product. 😊" — Julia V.
9. A pack of Cortibalm designed to bee your best friend when it comes to healing chapped, flaky lips. With a blend of beeswax, petroleum jelly, and hydrocortisone, it's a dermatologist-approved miracle worker. 🐝
Promising reviews:"I've struggled my entire life with dry skin, especially dry lips. This is the only lip balm that actually HEALS my lips. I also use it on any other dry spots on my face. Stop using any other brand." — Emily Hughes
"This is the BEST lip balm out there. I am never without it and have given it to all my family and friends!" — J c
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in two pack sizes).
10. A two-pack of this downright delectable Eos shea butter shaving cream that glides on like silk and leaves your legs, underarms, and intimate areas feeling soft as a cloud. Moisturized, protected, and smelling like paradise — because why settle for less when you can have smooth, scented ~perfection~ in every shave?
Amazon
Promising review:"Try this — seriously, throw out that shaving cream! This stuff glides on silky smooth and will leave your legs soft, supple, and looking like you applied body lotion after showering. Plus, the scents are wonderful. I actually look forward to using it." — Catherine
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $7.94+ (available in seven scents/pairings).
11. A travel-sized Tarte whipped moisturizer so light and luxurious, every vacation that came before it will suddenly feel like it was missing the most important thing: this absolutely heavenly hydration.
Tarte
Promising review:"Love this moisturizer!!! Perfect for dry winter skin! I use it around my eye area, which gets extra dry, and it definitely does the trick! Nice light citrus smell, which I find pleasant and doesn't bother me or my skin. Would recommend!" — B R.
12. A pack of washable, reusable cleaning cloths for an eco-friendly alternative to disposable makeup wipes. Clean away all that gunk and goo, and leave your face fresh and flawless once more. Bonus: They're sensitive-skin friendly, so your skin gets the TLC it so deserves without the irritation (or waste).
Promising review:"This is a holy grail for those who have sensitive skin! Removes all makeup with just water and is super soft!" — Caitlyn Rogrs
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in three pack sizes and two colors).
13. And a reusable, handmade cotton facial sheet mask to go with it (as a treat!) so your skin can happily soak in your fave facial formulation of your choosing. Simply add the product of your choice to a plate, soak the mask in it, and lay the mask smooth over a freshly-washed face. Then, lay back and get ready for 15–20 minutes of pure bliss.
madebytyng / Etsy
14. A retinol moisturizer, which is basically the triple threat of skincare: It fades acne scarring, smooths out texture, and prevents breakouts from making a surprise appearance. The best part? It's gentle enough to leave your skin feeling soft and smooth, with no irritation. Just a pure, flawless glow.
Promising review:"I wished there was a way to give this product 10 stars. Let me first say I'm a VERY picky retinol user. I usually use a high-end organic product (aka Origins), but I thought I'd give this one a whirl, given the reviews. I'm a tried and proven convert now. I LOVE this product. It is so luxurious and never causes burning, peeling, or redness. Truthfully, I think this is the best retinol cream I've ever used, and that's just how it FEELS on my skin. Let's talk results. This product changed the playing field. With one use, I could tell this was different. People at work ask me what I'm doing to my skin. They tell me how super soft, supple, and radiant my skin looks. I thought it was just me that noticed but others have too. I'll be ordering this full-time from now on." — GFresh
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in three sizes and a two-pack).
15. A pack of miracle-working Hero Cosmetics pimple patches that suck the life out of your pesky pimples — literally. In just six to eight hours (yep, they're snooze-friendly), these bad boys extract all the gunk from whiteheads and zap those zits into oblivion.
Promising review:"I do not claim to understand the science behind these tiny miracles, but they have changed my life. I spent my work day looking forward to going home and putting one of these bad boys on my newly erupted Mt. Zit and the overnight results were shocking. Not only is it grossly satisfying, but it saved me several days of walking around with a bloody crater in my face because my previous method of dealing with unsightly blemishes was to pick pick pick." — Adg
Get a 36-pack from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in a 72-pack).
16. An acne foaming wash that's not just effective but actually fun to use, as who among us doesn't love a good foam party? Plus, it's packed with the maximum amount of benzoyl peroxide you can get without a prescription, making it your secret weapon for banishing those pesky pimples for good.
Promising review:"I have struggled with acne consistently since I began hitting puberty in elementary school. Nothing helped, and this was my last ditch effort before I got on Accutane. Within DAYS, it started working miracles. Now I can finally feel comfortable without makeup, this is something I haven't felt since childhood. Within a month, my skin was pretty much clear. I still have minor hormonal breakouts around my period, but it is nothing in comparison to how it was. It does bleach fabric, so be careful, and you have to pair it with a daily moisturizer because it will dry out your skin. These are very small prices to pay for a product that finally works. Try it before you get on any medications!!" — Destiny
Get it from Amazon for $9.77 (also available in a two-pack).
17. An exfoliating scrub that works like a magic eraser in buffing away those tiny red bumps caused by keratosis pilaris (aka KP). KP is harmless but so annoying. I own and swear by this stuff, and yes, it totally works.
Promising review:"I started seeing an increase in red bumps on the backs of my arms and outer thighs. I started making sure to shower IMMEDIATELY after working out and stopped using oils to moisturize because I thought they would make it worse. Then I found out that what I had was most likely KP and the *lack* of moisture was actually a big problem. Anyway, I ordered this stuff right away and went back to moisturizing a lot. All of the bumps cleared up in probably about a week. I'm so thankful, and I've even recommended to a few friends!" — LWK
Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in five sizes and a two-pack).
18. A rosehip oil made with a rich blend of fatty acids and antioxidants that your skin will rose to the occasion for, especially if you're trying to fade acne scars and ditch the layers of foundation and BB cream.
Promising review:"I am super busy and not one to ever write reviews, but based on my results with this product, I had to take the time. I am so impressed with the softness and glow the next morning. In addition, I get adult acne, and the healing process, as well as the reduction of previous scarring, has been amazing. Today, someone commented, 'You look are you doing???' For a product under $20, you can't go wrong. Worth every penny." — max jenkinson
Get it from Amazon for $14.95.
19. A pack of 24-karat gold under-eye patches that won't cost you a fortune but will successfully help banish dark circles, puffy, skin, and basically anything that makes you look less than fully rested. Your eyes will be shining brighter than your future.
Promising review:"This is the first time I have tried anything like this. I just had cataract surgery that eliminated my need for glasses (which I have worn for 60 years). As one might guess, the absence of glasses uncovered dark circles and bags under my eyes, which are now very pronounced. I purchased this product and used it a few times (so far) and my housemates tell me they can see a marked improvement, as do I! I would certainly buy these again." — Cathi
Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $9.95 (also available in other pack sizes).
20. An ultra-light milky toning lotion that balances pH, exfoliates, soothes, and hydrates, leaving your skin udderly radiant. Plus, it restores lipids for softness that lasts. 🐄
Good Light
Good Light is a Brooklyn, New York-based small biz that creates vegan, cruelty-free beauty products designed for people of any gender.
Promising review: "This is honestly one of the best products I've used in forever. I look forward to using it every night and then using the back of my washed, clean hands to softly bounce it against my plump, dewy, hydrated cheek to feel how silky and supple it is. Words can't really explain the feeling of this; it just needs to be experienced. It's very light and envelops your face in only what I can describe as a dewy, gossamer veil of supreme hydration. Hyping this forever and all the evers. This brand and mission rules, and I'm so glad they exist. Fan for life." — Angela S.
21. A Mario Badescu moisturizing lip balm to keep your pout soft, smooth, and totally smooch-worthy because chapped lips have never been a good look (or feel, for that matter).
Promising review: "This lip balm is seriously unmatched! Nothing beats it for me. I have extremely dry lips, especially in the colder months. I've tried so many different lip balms, overnight masks, oils, and so many other types of products for chapped lips. Even natural things, like coconut and petroleum oils. This is the only lip product that's consistently worked well for me. I swear by it; I absolutely love it. It is undoubtedly worth the price in my eyes, and the small tube lasts quite a while, considering I use it daily. I absolutely recommend." — Darienne
Get it from Amazon for $8 (available in four flavors).
22. A skin-brightening snail mucin and Niacinamide serum to achieve what many reviewers call "glass skin," blurring pores and hydrating your skin like a dream until your face looks smoother than a freshly glazed donut. 🍩
Promising review: "This serum is a miracle worker. I use nothing else but this serum after I wash my face. I used to have incredibly dry, flaky, and bumpy skin. This serum has smoothed my skin out so much. I just love Cosrx products. You only need one pump of this serum, it covers your whole face perfectly without it being too much or too little. If you have dull or dry skin, give this a go!" — Lep
Get it from Amazon for $22.18.
23. An anti-chafe balm if you want a permanent solution to the dreaded chafing that comes around with warmer weather, 'cause the only thing that should be burning this season is your desire to wear cute sundresses, not your inner thighs.
Amazon
Promising review: "Chafing season has never been the same since I found this amazing product. I rub it on my thighs every time I wear shorts, leggings, dresses, or rompers, and it is a LIFESAVER. After walking between 10 and 15 miles a day while I was in Europe, I never had any chafing or irritation. I felt moisturized, comfortable, and confident. And pro tip: You can rub this on your bra line, heels, toes, or arms to prevent chaffing, blisters, and general irritation. Trust me, you need one of these." — Aryanna
Get it from Amazon for $9.92+ (available in two sizes).
24. A carbonated bubble clay mask, which probably should not be THIS fun to use but hey, some things in life really are just that awesome. Come for the foaming bubbles, stay for the ultra-hydrated, glowy skin.
Promising review:"I have used this mask twice, and so far, I love it. I have acne scars, enlarged pores, and blackheads, and after two uses, I can already notice a difference in the appearance of my skin. My pores look smaller already, and the blackheads are clearing. I have used everything on my face, and nothing has worked on my pores. I LOVE this mask. It looks so funny!" — jb107711
Get it from Amazon for $9.80.
25. A Neutrogena makeup remover stick perfect for those "oops" moments when your eyeliner or lipstick decides to take a little detour. Pop it in your purse or pocket for a quick fix, and keep on slaying without the need of a full-on makeup redo.
Amazon / Neutrogena
Promising review:"I have issues with my allergy eyes that water and mess up my mascara and eyeliner — this works perfectly for those needed repairs! I never leave home without it!" — Jennifer K.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
26. A Supergoop! sunscreen spray SPF 50 since shielding your skin from the harsh UV rays is always of utmost importance. Spray it on, feel the protection, and enjoy the sun without worrying about what it's doing to your skin. (Just don't forget to reapply frequently!)
Amazon
Promising review:"This sprays on beautifully. It's even and a light mist. I love that it has vitamin C in it, so I feel like I am multitasking with skincare. I would warn that it's not good for sweating, though." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in two sizes).
27. And an Embryolisse face cream and makeup primer that's like a backstage pass to flawless skin. Thick and luxurious without the greasy aftermath, it gives your foundation a smooth, flawless base and, trust me, a little bit goes a long way. Perfect for keeping your makeup locked in place all day long.
Promising review:"This is the perfect moisturizer to use on clients as a pro makeup artist and also if you're looking for a nice inexpensive moisturizer. 100% recommend this product. It's lightweight, does not have a smell to it, and it really helps hydrate the skin!" — Cosmetic Cole
Get it from Amazon for $17+ (available in two sizes).
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
