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.
1. COSRX's Snail Mucin Repairing Essence gives dullness and dehydration a serious talking to with — yes 😌 — 96% snail sludge (that's harvested in a *100%* ethical and environmentally friendly way). Thanks for sharing the goods, friends! 🐌
Promising review: "So I have been using this for a month and I have to say — AMAZING. It really has helped my dark spots, which are also tied to my hormones. So the fact that it lightens them and keeps them from getting dark again during my period is a testament to the power of this stuff. Plus, this stuff just keeps going!! One pump is enough for my face, or two for my face and neck. Because of this it will last! It works amazingly well and considering how much you get, this is an amazing product. I highly recommend it." —J.H.
Get it from Amazon for $14.22.
2. Isle of Paradise's Confidently Clear Body Cleansing Wash decongests pores with lactic and salicylic acids — making it an incredible option for those with dreaded bacne and buttne — and locks in moisture with polyglutamic acid so you don't have to worry about stripping your skin in your quest to ban breakouts.
PS: It's also available as a body polish and moisturizer, too!
Promising reviews: "Noticed a difference on my sensitive, spotty, fair skin after first wash. Very smooth, soft, and glowy. I don’t usually write reviews out of laziness but this product was worth the effort! Will def buy again." —shellbomb00
"Smell is SO GOOD, kind of a clean and sweet smell. Texture is thicker and makes my skin feel so hydrated and smooth after using. I can already tell a difference after using this for a week. Love it." —danielleross
Get it from Sephora for $22.
3. Primera Alpine Berry Watery Soothing Gel Cream absorbs ⚡️lightning fast⚡️ while providing a refreshing cooling and soothing effect. If you're prone to redness, tightness, or general irritation, this deeply moisturizing gel will be your BFF.
I just started using this moisturizer, from K-beauty brand Primera, a few weeks ago and I've already vowed to repurchase it when I hit the bottom of the pot. I have combination skin and often creams make me oily while gels aren't quite hydrating enough. This stuff right here though?? This makes my skin downright luminous. It swipes on SO nicely and absorbs almost instantly which I appreciate because I hate feeling tacky or greasy. The slight cooling effect is also extremely refreshing and makes my skin feel even cleaner after I cleanse it (if that makes sense?). A little goes a long way, too, so I think it's worth the price.
Get it from Amazon for $37.99 (available in two consistencies).
4. Seraphic Skincare's Korean Exfoliating Mitt scrubs away dead skin leaving you ready for a biggggg night in of applying your fake tanner. And if that's not your thing — no worries — it also helps unclog pores, prevent ingrown hairs, and eliminate bumps caused by keratosis pilaris.
Promising review: "Right out of the box I could tell these mitts were going to be exactly what I needed. Excellent quality and easy to use! I’ve tried them twice already and my skin is now incredibly smooth! After I scrubbed my arm, I looked at the mitt and saw it was covered with dead skin cells. I’ll be buying more of these as gifts for girlfriends (in a fun spa gift basket)!" —Danielle Gill
Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available individually or as a pair).
5. Or Evridwear's Exfoliating Gloves come in clutch when you commit to an "everything" shower and have plans to exfoliate from head to toe.
Evridwear is a small business that specializes in gloves for work, personal care, and weather use.
Promising review: "This is one of my favorite purchases. Not gonna lie, TikTok make me buy this. So I buy it and I’m still a little nervous because it’s literally a glove. But nah, I used it with liquid body soap and I’ve never felt so clean in my whole life. I got out of the shower feeling like a freshly birthed baby. My skin had never felt so clean and I questioned how I went 32 years without this." —Brittney
Get a pair from Amazon for $6.74+ (available in three textures, various colors, and as sets of two or three).
6. Juvia's Place's Magic Lip Oil is a surefire way to keep your smackers soft and supple. The lightweight, non-sticky formula is packed with vitamin E and fruit extracts which not only smell delish, but keep you hydrated.
The five flavors are Mango, Honeydew, Watermelon, Blueberry, and Sweet Orange.
Juvia's Place is a Black woman-owned small biz dedicated to inclusive beauty for all genders and skin tones, and their vibrant products celebrate founder Chichi Eburu's African heritage.
Get it from Juvia's Place for $10 (available in five flavors).
7. CeraVe's Hydrating Facial Cleanser combines hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin to rid your pores of makeup, dirt, and excess oil while also locking in moisture. It's certainly no secret, but if you've been looking for a sign that it's time to finally try it, consider this it. ⬇
Promising review: "I wasn't sure if this would work at first because the texture is like body lotion, but after a couple of days I could really see the difference both in terms of hydration and acne! It’s such a great face wash! I have struggled with my acne for years and have tried a billion different products and none of them worked like this one. My face looked flawless just two weeks after I used this. I don't do a lot of reviews but I’m glad I bought this and I'm writing this review after having bought it for the third time. Trust me, this is a really good product." —RONGHUI XIE
Get it from Amazon for $13.84+ (available in two sizes).
8. Florence by Mills' Mind Glowing Peel-Off Mask uses charcoal to draw out icky dirt and oil before tagging in witch hazel to reduce inflammation, tighten pores, and generally soothe your skin. If you're dealing with dullness, this is a simple way to regain your glow.
The peel-off mask is super easy to use! Apply a thick layer all over your face, let it ~marinate~ for 20 to 30 minutes (or until it dries), and then simply start peeling it off from the edges. And be sure to follow it up with your favorite moisturizer to lock in all the benefits!
9. Cosmedica Skincare's Hyaluronic Acid Serum visibly plumps, hydrates, and smoothes skin at SUCH a deliciously affordable price, you won't cry when it's time to repurchase it.
Promising review: "I love this stuff! This is my second order and won't be my last. I use it with my vitamin C moisturizer, and it works great. Just as advertised, it is not greasy and soaks into my skin quickly, so I am makeup-ready before you know it. Highly recommend." —Mary Buker
Get it from Amazon for $14.98+ (available in three sizes).
10. Loops' Double Take Glow Hydrogel Face Mask is "everything you need to put heads on swivel" according to the brand, and as a frequent user, I'm inclined to agree! Ten minutes is all you need for the sunflower seed oil + anti-sebum complex + hyalurosmooth +aloe vera to sink into your skin leaving you looking like a lil' dew drop.
Promising review: "I love how juicy it is, it leaves my face and skin super hydrated and refreshed! The results are amazingggg." —Britian S.
Get a pack of five from Loops for $30.
11. Lee Beauty's Callus Remover eliminates the hard skin on your hooves (ahem, :::clears throat::: feet) if you're too terrified to face the glorified cheese grater at your local salon.
Promising review: "I have the driest heels and this is the ONLY product that has ever worked. Before I used this my heels had some pretty deep cracks and now they're almost baby soft again. BUT please follow the directions...left it on my super dry thick callused heels for only three minutes and the calluses were literally melting off! Wonderful product! So glad I don't have to go soak my feet in those used tubs at the nail salon anymore." —Key2Del
Get it from Amazon for $15.19.
12. Aveeno's Daily Moisturizing Body Oil Mist promises noticeably smoother skin in just a week thanks to vitamin E and fatty acid-rich ingredients like oat and jojoba oils. PS: Reviewers with sensitive skin (and even eczema) say it's a winner for them too.
13. Tower 28's SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray uses just three workhorse ingredients — good ol' H2O, sodium chloride, and hypochlorous acid — to put redness and dullness in its place. 🥊 Used faithfully a.m. and p.m., it'll leave your complexion even and glowing.
Tower 28 is an LA–based clean beauty brand specializing in nontoxic, nonirritating vegan and cruelty-free makeup and skincare. Amy Liu, the founder and CEO, worked for 15+ years as a beauty exec before leaving to create products that would suit her sensitive eczema-prone skin.
Full disclosure: Many reviewers say the SOS spray's scent isn't super pleasant (think: chlorinated pool water) BUT it has helped them with hormonal breakouts and rosacea.
Promising review: "This is a holy grail product. I swear I have glass skin now thanks to this spray. My texture, pores, skin tone, hydration, everything seems better. I love how it looks, how it smells, and especially how happy it makes my skin. I’ll be buying this for the rest of my life. I’ve already repurchased it twice. Worth the hype." —Sephora reviewer
Get it from Sephora or Tower 28 for $12+ (available in two sizes).
14. Cocokind's Mymatcha All-Over Moisture Stick is a versatile lil' product you can use on your lips, under eyes, and dry spots. The hydrating formula is packed with coconut oil, sunflower oil, and vitamin E which are gentle on your skin barrier as well as caffeine-rich matcha which can help relieve puffiness.
Check out a TikTok of the matcha stick in action.
Promising review: "If your face is the Sahara...then buy this. I cannot keep putting lotion on at work because I wear gloves most of the day, but I carry this little guy in my scrubs and apply when needed and it's mess free. Also makes me want a matcha latte all day as it smells wonderful." —sam
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in two formulas).
15. Pacifica's Glow Baby Booster Serum brightens dull skin and helps with texture thanks to superstar ingredients vitamin C and glycolic acid. You can use it on its own or combine it with your favorite moisturizer for an extra boost if ya need it.
Promising review: "Pacifica has been my favorite lately. I didn’t discover them till 2022 and when I tried the Glow Baby Booster Serum it worked wonders. I’m medium to brown skin tone and this serum just enhances my skin color and I feel like I look more beautifully brown! Even my boyfriend noticed it one time when I was in the passenger seat and the sun was hitting my face. I thought yaaassss! I use the serum alone sometimes too because I feel it moisturizes my face. It also smells amazing and I’d rate the scent at least 8/10. It also makes my face feel plump :)" —Evey_smilies
16. Cuccio's plant-based Cuticle Revitalizing Oil helps nails that have been hurting from months of missed manicures. The natural formula hydrates dry skin and strengthens your nails so you can work on growing them out, if that's something you've always dreamed of doing!
Promising review: "This product... There is so much I can say. I’ve used so many other cuticle oils, and they’ve only kept them oily and smooth for about two hours... This stuff not only smells like heaven, but it’s a HUGE bottle for the price, which was the first perk.... Then I used It for my own manicures and OMG. My cuticles were still smooth the next day when I went to work. It not only softened them, but helped the dry skin on the areas that it got on. The smell is wonderful. I’ve been putting it on at night before bed, and it lasts ALL DAY the next day. About a week of use so far, and I’ve had at least two people ask me how my cuticles look like they do, and did I JUST get a manicure?! NOPE! It’s this stuff. I swear I would buy stock in it if I could." —Whitney Bryant
Get it from Amazon for $7.93+ (available in three sizes and seven scents).
17. Peach & Lily's Glass Skin Refining Serum is packed with peach extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and peptide complexes — all of which help your skin look brighter, dewier, smoother, and just downright radiant. Apply a small amount after you cleanse and tone your face but before you moisturize!
Peach & Lily is an Asian– and woman–owned small business that specializes in Korean skincare products made of natural and toxin-free ingredients.
Promising review: "I saw this serum all over my TikTok for you page, and I knew that I had to try it out, as their serum is so versatile and can cover and help so many kinds of skin concerns that I've been dealing with since my early teens. And now, ever since using it, I honestly swear by it. If you are considering trying the Peach and Lily collection products, I 100% recommend this serum repeatedly. My skin had never looked this great until I first tried it out. And my face looks so glowy, clear, and radiant." —Natalie Y.
Get it from Peach & Lily or Ulta for $39.
18. Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Water Gel gives your skin a big ol' gulp of hydration with a hyaluronic acid-based water-gel formula. Use it at night, and you'll wake up with baby-soft skin.
Promising review: "I went from very dry, flaky, and angry skin to soft and supple in about one week. I noticed a change instantly. My acne has even started clearing up. Keep in mind I also added vitamin E oil serum to my skincare routine at the same time. I highly recommend. The product has a great consistency, is cooling/calming, light, and has a pleasant smell." —Victoria Couty
Get it from Amazon for $15.98.
19. La Roche-Posay's Hydrating Gentle Cleanser was made for sensitive faces as its milky formula preserves your skin's natural protective barrier and pH level.
Promising review: "Love this simple cleanser — it’s gentle and has a pleasant feel/faint smell. One bottle lasts me a long time — I use this followed by micellar water. Easy!" —Dan Shaffer
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in three sizes).
20. O'Keeffe's Working Hands Cream is just the cure for mitts dried out by nonstop Purell applications. Keeping 'em clean is of the utmost importance, but if you already suffer from dry skin, hand sanitizer probs has you in a world of hurt.
Promising review: "I have a skin condition (related to eczema or psoriasis) on my hands that causes blisters, dryness, and cracking, especially during the winter. I used to scald my hands with hot water to get relief from the itching. I also used to keep bandages with me wherever I want to cover the bleeding cracks. The only things that has brought my condition under control are refraining from all caffeine and alcohol, limiting spicy food intake, and using O'Keeffe's after showering or washing my hands. It took about 30 years for me to realize these things and I'm glad I finally am able to manage my skin condition. O'Keeffe's has a protective barrier and works its way deep into the tissue to get at those thick callused areas on my knuckles. I keep O'Keeffe's with me wherever I go and it's provided me with relief far better than anything else I've tried over or under the counter." —SoulRaker
Get it from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in packs of 1, 3, or 12).
21. Biossance Squalane + Rose Vegan Lip Balm blasts your pout with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and Wakame algae which — if that means little to you 🙃 — basically just means it packs a powerful punch of hydration. Basically, if your lips could use some moisture + plumping, have at it!
Promising review: "I love using this lip balm. It's very hydrating and you don't have to apply a million times. It's a very smooth, non-sticky, non-greasy formula. Would recommend!! I've bought three already! But don't be fooled — they DO last!" —JeanGrey06
Get it from Sephora for $16.
22. Grace & Stella's Spray All Day is a pick-me-up in a bottle. The refreshing rose water, collagen, and hyaluronic acid mix reduces redness and oiliness while balancing your pH level. You can spritz it on bare skin or use it as a setting spray when you finish your makeup.
Promising review: "I’ve been using this product for months and months now instead of moisturizer everyday and it keeps my skin feeling refreshed and moisturized without making it too oily! It also gives me a nice glow! highly recommend!" —Marisa
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in two sizes).
23. Jack Black's Intense Therapy Lip Balm protects you with vitamin E, natural emollients, and SPF 25 because yes — you can sunburn your kisser and no, I don't recommend it.
Promising review: "I have used Avon's Beyond Color sheer lip conditioner for over a decade and they DISCONTINUED IT!!! WHY!? So, I've been hunting for something comparable and WOW...it's not easy. Everything is greasy, or actually makes my lips peel!! Haven't had that issue since I was a dehydrated teenager. I've wasted a lot of money, but this!! Not only is it just as nice as my beloved Avon, dare I say — it's better!! AND I'm not needing to use it 20 times a day. I think that's a true testimony to a product working and doing what it's supposed to do. You actually don't need it as often! Thank you Jack Black for designing a product that does what it says it does. I'm a customer for life." —T-NAY
Get it from Amazon for $10 (available in six flavors).
24. Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow BHA + PHA Pore-Tight Facial Toner smoothes your complexion and refines pores to reveal glowier skin. Just slap some on after cleansing and enjoy Beyoncé-level flawlessness.
25. I Dew Care's Chill Kitten Moisturizer combines prickly pear extract, heart-leaf extract, and aloe vera leaf in a deliciously cool-to-the-touch gel that hydrates and replenishes skin without feeling heavy or greasy.
I recently started using this, and I love it!! I have dry, sensitive skin, and one of my favorite things about it is that it's fragrance- and oil-free. It goes on soooo smooth (it's not tacky or greasy), and it leaves me feeling like a glazed donut for a few minutes before it sinks into my skin.
Promising review: "Seriously I am not exaggerating when I say this is the best stuff I’ve ever used before this. I was using a product that cost me $400 a month & this stuff is better. Just be careful not to use too much because then it’ll get a little pill-y because it won’t all absorb, but as far as the way my skin looks and feels, I’ve never found anything I like more. I’ve gone through dozens of options over the years and only discovered this because I ran out of my expensive stuff on vacation and a friend offered this - I’ve been using it for 10 months now and I could not be happier." —Jennifer Noel
Get it from Amazon for $20.70.
26. Blume's Meltdown Acne Oil can help clear skin without depleting moisture. The nourishing rosehip, blue tansy, tamanu, and black cumin seed formula can be used as a spot treatment or mixed into your moisturizer for a full-face treatment.
Blume is a woman– and POC–owned small business based in Canada that specializes in cruelty-free, vegan, and environmentally friendly products for skin, body, and period care.
Promising review: "Holy grail. This has changed the way my skin looks and feels! Hormonal breakouts are no longer a huge bummer, and I have officially subscribed to this product monthly!" —Ashley G.
Get it from Blume for $28+ (available in two sizes).
27. Cocokind's Texture Smoothing Cream is described as "green juice for your face." But what does that mean? Well, celery seed + squalane + tsubaki seed oil join forces to minimize pores, improve texture, and boost your skin barrier for ultimate hydration.
Cocokind is a San Francisco–based, woman–founded small business that specializes in botanical-forward skincare with an emphasis on both physical and mental health.
Promising review: "Wow, I am truly impressed by this moisturizer! My skin, especially on my face, has a lot of texture due to acne and at first I wasn’t sure if the cream would be too heavy but it’s not at all. It’s lightweight yet just a tiny bit tacky in a good way?! Lol my skin soaks it up and feels very dewy afterwards!" —Alex C.
Get it from Cocokind for $22.
28. Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream delivers on its promise to tighten and soften skin and give you an all-over glow, but really, reviewers seem to stick around for the intoxicating scent!
Promising review: “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 $22+ (available in two sizes).
29. Wishful's Thirst Trap Juice 🧃 keeps skin healthy, strong, and bouncy with THREE types of hyaluronic acid and firming peptides.
The ultra-moisturizing serum comes courtesy of Huda Kattan, the Iraqi-American makeup artist and entrepreneur behind Huda Beauty, Kayali Fragrances, and Wishful.
Promising review: "I love this serum. I am new to serums, but I watched a video review of this product and decided to give it a try. My normally dry skin soaks this up and LOVES it. I use it every morning and night directly after my toner and I have noticed a huge difference in hydration and dewiness that we all crave." —MaggieMayTrout
Get it from Sephora for $47.
30. Peach Slices Citrus-Honey Aqua Glow Hydrating Moisture-Gel delivers an instant wave of hydration with a silky formula that goes on more like a serum. The fragrance-free product also calms, brightens, and evens out skin tone with the aid of annatto seeds, grapefruit, and honey.
Promising review: "This moisturizer has become my FAVE! It really makes your skin glow without looking greasy. It's so hydrating but lightweight. I can NOT believe this moisturizer is so inexpensive! I would buy this again over any of the $50+ moisturizers I've tried." —beatsbylizzie
Get it from Peach & Lilly for $11.99.
31. Peter Thomas Roth's Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches are the quickest way to feel like you're getting a spa treatment right at home. Pop some on while you settle in for a Monday night of hate-watching The Bachelorette and say bye-bye to dryness and puffiness.
Promising review: "Tried these for the first time and am impressed! I kept them on longer, until they were pretty much dry, and when I took them off I couldn’t believe my eyes — pun intended. There was an obvious visible improvement. My under eyes were no longer puffy, looked a lot smoother, and the dark circles were much better. They are cooling gel cushions and feel very refreshing and soothing. They have no fragrance. This is now a part of my skincare regimen and will definitely be buying this again." —susanshi
Get 30 pairs/60 patches from Sephora for $55.
32. Payot Paris' Revitalizing Body Oil is made from just six all-natural ingredients, including sunflower oil and thyme essential oil, which melttttt into skin so deliciously.
Get it from our Goodful shop for $43.
33. And, if you have any *sick* ink, Mad Rabbit's Tattoo Balm ensures it looks as good as the day you committed it to your skin forever. The fatty acid- and antioxidant-rich formula prevents fading and fends off environmental stressors so you never regret spending $500 on a design that dehydration + too much time in the sun turned into a discolored blob. 😕
Promising review: "This is by far the best tattoo balm or lotion I have used in the last 30 years of getting tattooed. Speeds the healing process and works great after that to keep colors vivid. To those who gave negative reviews about the smell — they probably didn’t know what frankincense smelled like. I happen to like it, but it also comes in other scents. That is a personal preference and the fact is this stuff is great for your skin and worth your investment." —joseph hart
Get it from Amazon for $17.09+ (available in two scents).
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.