The Best Skincare Products of 2024, According to Byrdie Editors and Experts

We all want the ultimate skincare routine. That being said, finding the perfect products can feel very tough. So, we compiled a list of the products that make us feel our best (and really work) so you can find the formulas that’ll keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and happy. Below, take a look at our 2024 Beauty Award Winners in the skincare category.

Best Gel Cleanser: Rhode Pineapple Refresh Daily Cleanser

“Cleanser is usually the least exciting category to me, but ever since Rhode dropped this gem, I actually look forward to washing my face every night. The unique, yummy texture is a balm–gel hybrid that turns into a fluffy foam. It takes all my makeup off—even mascara—and leaves my skin feeling bouncy and soft, thanks to the enzymes in the formula. I never thought a cleanser would be one of my favorite launches of the year, but I just can’t get enough.” — Bella Cacciatore, news editor

Best Milky Cleanser: Bioeffect Facial Cleanser

“The texture of this cleanser is what makes it so incredible—that, of course, and its ability to melt away makeup, SPF, and all the other stuff lingering on your skin from a day out in the world. It dispenses as a gel, cushiony and comfortable, and when mixed with water, it turns into a silky, milky lather. The blend of squalane, barley beta-glucan, and Icelandic water reduces redness, softens your skin, and keeps everything hydrated and happy. It’s an absolutely luscious experience.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Cream Cleanser: Beauty Stat Universal Microbiome Barrier Balancing Cleanser

“I love this cleanser for its gentle yet effective formula that supports the skin’s microbiome. I’ve been using it for a few years now, and it leaves my skin refreshed and balanced, creating the perfect canvas for makeup and maintaining a great skincare routine.” — Jaleesa Jaikaran, makeup artist + beauty educator

Best Cleansing Balm: Eadem Dew Dream Hydrating Cleansing Balm

“The Eadem Dew Dream Hydrating Cleansing Balm is a delight to use. I love how it melts away to nothing when emulsified with water. I love the scent, too—it’s truly a sensorial experience that leaves my skin feeling hydrated, smooth, and supple.” — Sofie Pavitt, licensed esthetician and founder of Sofie Pavitt Face

Best Firming Moisturizer: Dr. Loretta Concentrated Firming Moisturizer

“I am such a devotee of Dr. Loretta’s namesake brand; I use so many of her products. The Concentrated Firming Moisturizer, a new addition to my skincare arsenal, works to reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines while also firming and smoothing skin texture. The formula features retinoic ester, which is a topical vitamin A but far less irritating than other retinoids I’ve tried. I use it only two to three times per week, and It keeps my skin protected, hydrated, and supple.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin: Sisley Paris Sisleÿa L’Intégral Anti-Âge Fresh Gel Cream

“While I love the lightweight, nongreasy feel of a gel cream in the spring and summer, most formulas skimp on ingredients. It’s tricky to find a moisturizer that delivers on moisture, doesn’t feel heavy on my skin, and packs a powerful preventative punch, but this Sisley Paris moisturizer does just that. It’s absolutely a splurge, but if you have the means and desire to spend on something luxe and efficacious, you can’t do better than this dreamy jar of cloudlike, cushiony moisture. The high-tech formula was created specifically to target what the labs at Sisley Paris identify as the “behavioral” signs of aging—aka, the way the stress from your day-to-day life manifests on your skin. As someone who is simultaneously juggling a demanding job, wedding planning, the New York City subway, and endless familial stressors, I can say with certainty that my skin is brighter, fresher, and firmer after going through a full jar. All my coworkers have been asking what I’ve been doing differently to my skin—and that’s high praise in an office full of beauty editors.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin: Drunk Elephant Bora Barrier Repair Cream

“I discovered the miracle of tretinoin last year, and for the most part, it’s changed my skin for the better. But as an unwanted side effect, my skin gets painfully red and dry around my eyes and neck and in the corners of my nose and lips. Anytime I feel that raw, flaky dryness start to form in stubborn patches, I use Drunk Elephant’s Bora Barrier Repair Cream as my morning and evening moisturizer, and it works immediately. Within seconds of applying Bora Barrier, the formula soothes that burning, cracking feeling that can be so uncomfortable. And within a few hours, all the signs of peeling and flaking start to smooth over. This is an absolute essential in my beauty arsenal and a product that has saved my skin multiple times when I overdo it on the exfoliation.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Moisturizer for Reactive Skin: Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Cream

“Reactive, sensitive skin is no match for this rich cream, and my skin is the proof. After just a couple of uses, I started to see a reduction in the flaky red patches that decorate my cheeks during wintertime. Brimming with all the good stuff, including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin E, Cetaphil’s Rich Hydrating Cream hydrates and strengthens the skin’s natural moisture barrier, protecting it from dryness all day and night. Combating irritation, roughness, and tightness—all while being fragrance-free and hypoallergenic—doesn’t hurt either.” — Abby Dupes, associate editor

Best Moisturizer for Extra Glow: Dr. Barbara Sturm Glow Cream

“This new launch from Dr. Barbara Sturm is everything I’m looking for in a moisturizer: It offers potent hydration, antioxidant protection, and instant aesthetic effects (i.e., rosy, radiant, plumped-up skin). Naturally, you can apply it in both the morning and at night for all your skin-health needs, but I especially love it ahead of a night out for that ever-elusive lit-from-within glow beneath my complexion products or on days when I don’t feel like wearing makeup but want my skin to offer up an extra oomph. It’s creamy, satisfying, and absolutely delicious on the skin.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Toner: Joanna Czech Skincare The Toner

“I had the opportunity to see the esthetician GOAT—Joanna Czech—during a time when my skin was really sensitized. I was blotchy, red, irritated, and frustrated. Czech worked her magic for almost two full hours, and I left with far happier skin and a list of really simple, safe products for me to use until my skin found its way back to stasis. Included in that list was her toner, a formula specifically meant to hydrate, balance, reduce inflammation, and repair a stressed-out skin barrier. In just days, my skin was practically transformed. I’ve used it every day since.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Chemical Exfoliator: Sofie Pavitt Face Mandelic Clearing Serum

“After two rounds of Accutane, I thought I would never have to worry about my skin again, but while I’ve luckily been free of cystic pimples (knock on wood), I’m still dealing with clogged pores and whiteheads. Luckily, this serum, created by “acne whisperer” and celeb esthetician Sofie Pavitt, has totally kept them in check and has faded some of my lingering hyperpigmentation. Even if you don’t deal with acne, I can’t recommend this serum enough for gentle exfoliation and an unmatched glow.” — Bella Cacciatore, news editor

Best Physical Exfoliator: Benefit The Porefessional Wow Polish

“Absolutely do not sleep on Benefit’s skincare. This product is so good that I *almost* want to gatekeep it, but that’s not what we’re about at Byrdie, so here we are. This is a gentle, finely milled powder exfoliant infused with ingredients like lactic acid (so you get both physical and chemical exfoliation) that slowly foams into a face wash as you get it wet. I use it once every other week for deep but gentle exfoliation or anytime I want to have an extra-good skin day. It makes me look like I got an expensive facial every single time.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Vitamin A Serum: Environ Vita-Peptide C-Quence Serum

“I have had a long and winding journey with vitamin A. I tried to incorporate formulas that weren’t right for my skin (read: I thought I could game the system and start with a far higher concentration and frequency than recommended) only to end up with irritated, sensitized skin and a barrier that was painfully disrupted. It was bad. And along with basically every other skincare professional out there, I’m here to tell you: Don’t do that. Instead, I’ve been going low and slow with Environ’s Youth EssentiA range—the lowest dose—to build up my tolerance the right way. This product combines vitamins A, C, and E to stave off visible signs of aging while peptides firm. My skin has absolutely transformed over the course of six months. Smoother, more even, and absolutely firmer. I use this only three times a week, for now, and will go through at least two bottles before progressing to the next step. Take it from me: You don’t want to mess this up. Because when it works, it really works.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Serum for Hyperpigmentation: Lion Pose Unspotted 4x Acid Jelly Night Serum

“If I so much as think about picking at a blemish, I’ll get post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. And confession: Even though I know better, I do, indeed, pick at the occasional blemish. Thankfully, few mistakes in life are irreversible, and with the Unspotted Serum, the mistakes wrought by my picky fingers aren’t even long-term. Through a potent mix of azelaic, glycolic, lactic, and tranexamic acids, this serum reveals brighter, more even skin in a couple of weeks. I use it nightly because my skin can take it (you’ll likely want to start at a lower frequency if your skin is more sensitive), and it’s become my ultimate secret weapon for clear skin.” — Eden Stuart, editor

Best Growth Factor: Element Eight O2 Growth Factor Eight Active Cream

“Growth factors are a sleeper hit for anti-aging, and Element Eight has figured out how to pair the potent ingredient with its unique “Oxygen Amplifying Therapy”—whereby a topical form of hemoglobin increases oxygen levels within the skin cells for more resilient skin. The sophisticated technology is certainly there, but the product is also delightful to use. It layers well under makeup, absorbs quickly, and leaves the skin with a glowy sheen.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Hydrating Serum: Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Serum

“It’s a mainstay for a reason. If you need an extra hydration boost underneath your moisturizer—or prefer to use a serum alone for lightweight hydration—Shiseido’s Ultimune Power Infusing Serum is the ultimate multitasker. The formula contains proven hydrating ingredients like glycerin, but it also contains fermented roselle extract to help increase the skin’s capacity for retaining moisture. It also delivers powerful antioxidant protection to your skin, which should be an essential piece of your morning skincare routine (especially if you live in a city or heavily polluted area).” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Vitamin C Serum: Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Asta C Serum

“Vitamin C is one of those trusted ingredients that dermatologists recommend constantly—but I never actually enjoyed vitamin C until I discovered Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty’s Asta C Serum. Dr. Bowe, MD—who went viral on TikTok for her no-fuss “skin cycling” skincare routine—is a board-certified dermatologist who invested most of her time and budget into reputable, unbiased studies about the efficacy of her products instead of the flashy stuff—and it really shows. After 12 weeks in an independent study, 100% of participants said they experienced a “reduction in visible fine lines and wrinkles,” 96% said “dark spots look faded,” and 100% agreed that their skin looked brighter and “overall younger.” Asta C Serum is non-irritating, features zero “hot dog water” smell (which is a common complaint consumers have about vitamin C serums), absorbs quickly, and keeps my skin protected from the free radicals in NYC with vitamin C and astaxanthin. Dr. Bowe has made it so foolproof and delightful to use an efficacious vitamin C serum—I’m so grateful and will eternally be a fan.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Barrier-Strengthening Serum: Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum VI

“This serum is iconic. Since its first iteration 27 years ago, Sulwhasoo’s First Care Activating Serum has been a mainstay for the brand and, for the last 12 months, the newest iteration (there have been six) has been a mainstay in my daily skincare routine. Brimming with ginseng and other herbs, the formula works to hydrate, smooth, brighten, and protect your skin post-cleanse. It’s an activating serum in that it helps the products that follow absorb better into your skin, which makes those formulas more effective too. I practically bathe in it and wouldn’t have it any other way. My skin drinks it up and begs for more.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Face Oil: Keys Soulcare Deeply Replenishing Squalane Facial Oil

“This squalane oil is a staple in my pro-artist kit. Along with moisturizing squalane, it contains pomegranate seed oil—which is packed with antioxidants—and prickly pear oil for a hydrating formula that leaves skin soft and smooth. I apply it before makeup for a radiant finish, it’s perfect for clients with dry skin, adding a natural, dewy glow.” — Jaleesa Jaikaran, makeup artist + beauty educator

Best Hydrating Mask: Danucera Master Mask

“Beloved esthetician Danuta Mieloch has been long revered for her expert facials, and in 2022, she launched her brand, Danucera. This allows devotees (myself included!) to take some of her techniques home. With every new launch, my fondness for the gentle, effective formulas continues to grow—Danucera’s D22 Tonic won our award for best chemical exfoliator in 2023—and the Master Mask is no exception. Neon orange in color (c/o microalgae to help soothe inflammation), the blend of probiotics, proteins, and vitamins (E, C, and F forte) does essentially all the good things: hydrates, strengthens, firms, and adds radiance. At the suggestion of Danuta herself, I use it with my LED and microcurrent devices for better penetration and more visible results.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Brightening Mask: Dr. Idriss Major Fade Flash Mask

“A combination of spironolactone and tretinoin has cleared my stubborn hormonal acne—and for that I am grateful. But after months without any new breakouts, I was still dealing with stubborn scarring on my chin and jawline. Ready to book a laser appointment before my upcoming wedding in November, Dr. Idriss’s Major Fade Dark Spot AHA Face Mask landed serendipitously on my desk, and needless to say, I never made that laser appointment. I have never experienced such a powerful chemical exfoliant that miraculously comes with no stinging or burning. Featuring a blend of glycolic and lactic acids, I used this mask once a week for three months and found that it lifted my acne scars almost completely. What was once a clear, distinct scar the color of a freckle is now practically undetectable. I recommend working this into your routine in the weeks leading up to an important event to achieve your brightest, most radiant skin or using it as a weekly staple in your routine to consistently get ahead of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.”  — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Sheet Mask: SK-II Facial Treatment Mask

“Naturally, SK-II’s Facial Treatment Mask is not new, but in rediscovering my love for it ,my skin has benefited—a lot. In fact, the OG, iconic, cult-favorite sheet mask has become an almost daily part of my skincare routine because it works so quickly. Formulated with an entire bottle of the brand’s Pitera serum, these travel-friendly treats work immediately to revive stressed-out skin. It floods your skin with hydration for 20 minutes of pure bliss, followed by even more bliss when you remove the mask and find glowing, dewy, and happy skin. SK-II just launched a Twin Pack (two masks for $30) to allow for a more accessible starting point to its offerings. Plus, it’s perfect to pack for a flight.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Warming Mask: Masktini Gone Girl Charcoal & Pearl Detox Mask

“I have combination skin that can be pretty unpredictable, especially during transitional seasons or high-stress moments. For times when my skin needs a detox and a hydration boost, I’ve found Masktini’s Gone Girl mask to be one of a few things that can accomplish both at once. It features activated charcoal and Tahitian black pearl in a creamy formula that warms to the touch as you apply it, creating a luxurious self-care experience (which I always appreciate) as it works on removing surface debris and dead cells while infusing moisture. After using this mask, instead of feeling stripped, my skin consistently feels rejuvenated and nourished.” — Ali Webb, associate editor

Best Clay Mask: Outset Purifying Blue Clay Mask

“I’ve never been super into clay masks—they always felt overly drying—until now. The Outset has created the perfect 10-minute reset for my combination skin that includes creamy Kaolin clay (that doesn’t get crusty), salicylic acid (to exfoliate, remove excess oil, and prevent white and blackheads), and pansy extract to soothe and calm the skin. After using this mask, my skin’s redness is dramatically reduced and lingering oil and breakouts are totally nixed. It’s a dream. I use it one to two times per week or when my skin is in desperate need of a refresh.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Facial Sunscreen: Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Sun Fluid SPF 50+ Sunscreen

“I recently set out to find a new everyday sunscreen and gave Dr. Jart’s Every Sun Day Sun Fluid SPF 50+ Sunscreen a try. It’s not an exaggeration to say that I fell in love with the formula on the first day. The lightweight, silky sunscreen absorbs into my skin instantly, leaving not a trace of white cast behind. I also appreciate that this chemical sunscreen is non-irritating, moisturizing, and radiance-boosting. It’s a dream formula for year-round sun protection.”  — Olivia Hancock, editor

Best Eye Cream: 111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Contour Gel

“I’m a terrible sleeper and always have been. And while it’s certainly one of my goals to get more than five to six hours of sleep on a regular basis, the 111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Contour Gel helps me fake it in the meantime. The skin around our eyes is typically one of the first areas to show fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. This skin is not only thinner and more delicate, but it also moves quite a bit. Between side-sleeping, blinking, squinting, and raising your eyebrows—all beautiful side effects of life, by the way—we put our eyes through a lot, and this formula tackles exactly that. Using a powerful blend of peptides, the Celestial Black Diamond Contour Gel specifically targets lack of elasticity from excessive facial movement. So if you’re dealing with unwanted concerns like sagging, wrinkles, and puffiness, this one’s for you. And not for nothing—the wand is easy to navigate and features a cooling applicator for a little perk in the morning.”  — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Eye Serum: Summer Fridays Jet Lag Overnight Eye Serum

“I don’t often find that eye creams are more effective than my regular moisturizer around my eye area, but this serum has truly stood out in my skincare routine. It has a medium consistency that feels deeply nourishing on the thin skin under my eyes, but it’s not so thick that it feels heavy. I love applying it before bed, but I also find that it helps smooth my under-eye area and prep it for concealer, ensuring it goes on smoothly and doesn’t look dry.” — Alyssa Kaplan, commerce writer

Best Lip Balm: Topicals Slick Salve Hydrating Mint Lip Balm

“Topicals Slick Salve Hydrating Mint Lip Balm has quickly become one of my all-time favorite lip care products. The minty, barrier-building lip treatment uses hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin to target fine lines, texture, and dryness. My chronically dry lips feel soothed and moisturized whenever I swipe this on. I also love that this balm leaves me with a high-shine, glossy finish.” — Olivia Hancock, editor

Best Face Mist: Prequel Universal Skin Solution Dermal Spray

“This aptly named face mist from dermatologist-founded brand Prequel is seriously the solution to all my skin problems—and believe me, I have a ton. Whenever I’m experiencing a hormonal breakout, feel a little oilier than usual, or am super flushed after a workout and have somewhere to be, this refreshing, fine mist calms my skin and leaves it looking and feeling its best.” — Caitlyn Martyn, commerce writer

Best Acne Spot Treatment: Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment

Neutrogena’s On-the-Spot Acne Treatment is a great product with benzoyl peroxide, an acid that can kill acne-causing bacteria and remove dead skin cells. The formula is gentle enough to be tolerated by mostly anyone but still has enough punch to speed up recovery. — Dr. Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist

Best At-Home Peel: Retrouve Skin Brilliance Priming Pads

“There is nothing I love more than a quick and easy AHA pad. It reminds me of my younger years when I first fell in love with skincare (and began using products that made a visible difference to my skin). Retrouvé’s iteration of the classic favorite is just as effective and far more sophisticated than what I used way back when—but the ease and ritual is just as sweet. Soaked in sugar maple extract and a blend of fruit acids like orange and lemon (for gentle exfoliation), as well as panthenol (for its soothing, moisturizing properties), this little pick-me-up pad nixes dead skin cells to brighten and balance your skin. I use it whenever my skin is feeling dull or sallow, and it works every time.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Tool: CurrentBody Skin LED Neck and Dec Perfector

“Someone wise once said, “Your face starts and ends at your nipples,” and I’ve lived by that rule since the first time I heard it (or read it, which is more likely). This neck and chest device uses LEDs to increase cell turnover and smooth wrinkles. The red light works to reduce hyperpigmentation, while the near-infrareds boost blood circulation for a healthy glow. The same way an LED mask works for your face, this one helps keep your neck and décolletage smooth, even, and healthy. As a side-sleeper, I certainly need it. I wear it at night before bed while I’m watching TV. It’s easy and proven to work.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief