The Best Skincare Products of 2026

We never want shopping for skincare to feel complicated, so we've done months of testing and research so you don't have to. For your best skin ever, our team has selected 27 standout formulas to complete any gap in your current routine. From basics like an invigorating (yet gentle) cleanser to luxurious add-on treatments like a multipurpose mask made from raw, medical-grade manuka honey, we've created the ultimate one-stop shop.

Best Serum for Dark Spots

La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.Z. Gel

La Roche-Posay

Effaclar A.Z. Gel

We like to call this fast-absorbing hydrating gel from La Roche-Posay the Swiss Army knife of any skincare routine. It boasts dual acne- and wrinkle-fighting powers thanks to star ingredients like azelaic acid and 1.2% salicylic acid; prepare for your clearest, brightest, and smoothest skin yet.

Why experts love it: "This is what I recommend when clients are breaking out and want to throw 10 products at it. Don't. Use this. It's gentle enough not to destroy your barrier (which most acne products do, making everything worse) but effective enough to actually address inflammation and accelerate healing. The niacinamide and piroctone olamine combination reduces both acne and post-inflammatory marks without the drama of harsh actives. It's boring. It works. That's enough." — Sophie Carbonari, Celebrity Aesthetician

"La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.Z. Gel Cream is a product I recommend to patients with acne-prone and oily skin. The combination of azelaic acid and salicylic acid helps exfoliate skin, reduce inflammation, kill acne-causing bacteria, and clear pores. It works well both as a treatment for active breakouts and as a preventative step to prevent future breakouts. Ten percent azelaic acid is high enough for the product to be effective for mild to moderate acne without being too drying or irritating." — Sapna Palep, MD, Board-Certified Dermatologist and Cofounder of Journelle Skin

Best Light Moisturizer

Sofie Pavitt Face Jelly Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer

Sofie Pavitt Face

Skin Jelly Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer

We didn't think the perfect gel moisturizer existed until we tried this launch from Sofie Pavitt. The bouncy jelly texture feels light and soothing on the skin while still offering 48 hours of enduring hydration. It's oil-free, noncomedogenic, and features key ingredients like beta-glucan, allantoin, plus zinc and copper PCAs.

Why experts love it: "A really well-executed moisturizer for oily and acne-prone skin types. The lightweight gel texture gives hydration and comfort without feeling heavy or contributing to congestion." — Candace Marino, Founder of The L.A. Facialist

"I absolutely swear by this product, and anything by Sofie Pavitt. It’s lightweight enough that it won’t take years to absorb yet simultaneously leaves the skin looking glowy for hours after application. It also will not break you out!" — Lila Childs, Makeup Artist

"Only incredible things to say about Sofie Pavitt Face. All her products are truly developed for healthy and clear skin in mind. No notes." — Justine Marjan, Celebrity Hairstylist

Best Acne Treatment

Kat Burki Skincare VitaBiome Active Skin Optimizer

KAT BURKI

VitaBiome Active Skin Optimizer

A truly innovative product, this spray from Kat Burki is backed by dermatological grading and microbiome sequencing. Flavonoid-rich bioferment, ginseng root, snow mushroom, and konjac root work in tandem to balance the skin's microbiome while reducing breakouts and redness.

Why experts love it: "I'm interested in anything addressing the skin microbiome because we're finally understanding that skin health isn't just about killing bacteria; it's about supporting the beneficial ones. This combines prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics with actives that support barrier function. For sensitized skin that's been overtreated, overexfoliated, or is dealing with inflammation from gut-skin axis issues, this actually helps rebalance rather than just suppress symptoms." — Carbonari

Best Multitasking Serum

Plated Skin Science Intense Serum

Plated Skin Science

Intense Serum

Everyone from Hailey Bieber to Alix Earle loves this potent blend of antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and platelet-derived exosomes. Touted as bottled liquid gold, this serum can tackle everything from wrinkles and fine lines to the tone and brightness of your complexion.

Why experts love it: "Exosomes in skincare are new enough that we don't have decades of data, but the mechanism makes sense, these are cellular communication particles that can signal repair and regeneration. This formulation is clean, the concentration is meaningful, and I'm seeing results in clients using it consistently. It's expensive. It's also one of the few genuinely novel approaches in a market full of reformulated basics. For someone already doing everything else (retinoids, sunscreen, good lifestyle), this is the kind of addition that might provide incremental benefit." — Carbonari

"This has quickly become one of the top best sellers in my clinic. I’ve seen it make a noticeable difference in a wide range of skin concerns, including melasma, acne, post-inflammatory pigment, rosacea, and impaired skin barriers. The exosome technology supports the skin’s natural repair processes and improves overall skin quality, resilience, tone, and texture, making the skin healthier, stronger, and more youthful." — Marino

"I truly can’t live without this. I have one on my nightstand and every bag. I love that I can still feel it on my lips when I wake up and it leaves my lips so hydrated and shiny." — Marjan

Best Serum for Hydration

PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum

PCA Skin

Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum

We're after plump, supple skin, and this serum from PCA Skin 100% delivered. The gentle formula plays well with all skin types and is brimming with MVP ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and the brand's HA-Pro Complex.

Best Facial Essence

Mara Pearl Peptide Glaze

This pearly hybrid elixir gave our testers the most angelic and gasp-worthy of glows. Pearl powder, algae, and collagen peptides join forces to moisturize the skin while simultaneously addressing balance, tone, redness, and barrier support.

Before and after Beauty Director Erin Jahns applied Mara's 3-in-1 Pearl Peptide Glaze

Best Mineral SPF

Lightsaver Triplesome Serum SPF 40

LIGHTSAVER

Triplesome Serum SPF 40

Lightsaver is the underrated sunscreen brand our testers desperately want you to know about. Our winner is a dermatologist-formulated clinical tinted mineral facial sunscreen with SPF 40 and has a light, silky, and glowy texture to boot. Good-for-your-skin additions include green tea extract, Centella asiatica, zinc oxide, panthenol, and the brand's Triplesome Repair Complex-3, which includes three DNA repair enzymes (encapsulated in liposome for peak stability and absorption) to help rejuvenate sun-damaged skin.

Senior beauty editor Jamie Chevron applying Lightsaver's Triplesome Serum SPF 40

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Best Lip Mask

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Laneige

Lip Sleeping Mask

This icon hardly needs an introduction, but our testers couldn't be more smitten with Laneige's luxuriously rich sleeping mask and the whimsical choice of shades and flavors.

Why experts love it: "This has been around long enough that its inclusion might seem obvious, but it's here because it actually works. Most lip products sit on the surface. This penetrates and repairs. The consistency stays put overnight without feeling suffocating. I recommend this to clients constantly because dry, damaged lips age you and there aren't many products that actually fix the problem rather than just temporarily mask it. This does." — Carbonari

"An overnight moisture mask for your lips that does not make your lips feel dry. Instead, your lips feel plumper and more hydrated. Game changer!" — Bridget Brager, Celebrity Hairstylist

"A longtime staple of mine. It delivers lasting hydration, smooths texture overnight, and consistently performs better than many newer lip treatments on the market." — Renée Loiz, Celebrity Makeup Artist

"This is my favorite, and for good reason. It melts onto lips and makes them immediately feel hydrated and works all night to boost lips' moisture levels while you sleep. It comes in so many fun scents and tints. I often find myself applying some in the morning as a tinted lip balm." — Palep

Best Eye Masks

Dieux Forever Eye Mask

Dieux

Forever Eye Mask Reusable Patches

When possible, we'll always prioritize a high-quality skincare staple that has a reusability factor, and Dieux's medical-grade silicone eye masks have become our gold standard. Simply apply your favorite eye cream or serum, let it dry until tacky, and then place these patches on top. Leave for at least 20 minutes and then remove, rinse lightly with soapy water, dry, and replace in the tin.

Why experts love it: "Most eye patches are designed for single-use and end up creating unnecessary waste, which is why I appreciate how thoughtfully this one was developed. The Dieux Forever Eye Mask is made from medical-grade silicone and designed to enhance the penetration of the products layered underneath by creating a semi-occlusive seal over the skin. It helps maximize hydration, minimizes evaporation, and makes everything from serums to eye creams work more efficiently. I love that it’s reusable enough to replace countless single-use patches, and I often recommend it to patients." — Caroline Robinson, MD, Board-Certified Dermatologist and Founder of Tone

"I love a reusable eye mask, and these from Dieux have been making the rotation as part of my evening eye treatment. I’ll apply a serum directly to the eye pads and apply them for 10 to 15 minutes, or even longer if it’s been a long day. I like that I can choose the skincare product to pair with the eye masks depending on what my eyes might need most. Some days they need hydration; other days they need antioxidants or caffeine to help with dark circles." — Palep

Associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia testing Dieux's Forever Eye Masks

Best Hydrogel Face Mask

Peach & Lily Glass Skin Ginseng Collagen Mask

PEACH & LILY

Glass Skin Ginseng Collagen Mask

Most "glass skin" products and masks we try have very temporary results—a glossy, sticky film that sits prettily on our skin but instantly washes off. Not this one. A full-size 40-gram serum bottle of ginseng, cica, peptides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, fermented extract and lipids, and 55,000ppm Vegan Collagen Complex is absorbed into the skin for lush, long-lasting results.

Why experts love it: "Before the red carpet, after a long day, this mask works to give that glass-skin, hydrated effect everyone wants. It works flawlessly! And it's dermatologist-tested, so you can trust it." — Brager

Associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia applying Peach & Lily's Glass Skin Ginseng Collagen Mask

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Best Face Mist

Rhode Glazing Mist

We're picky about our face mists, but this one is elite. The mist itself is ultra, ultra fine (no post-spritz sogginess!) and features skin-nourishing ingredients like ectoin, ceramides, and magnolia extract to re-up your complexion's moisture levels and luminosity.

Why experts love it: "The one and only face mist that does not disappear into thin air. I started bringing this onto flights to rehydrate my skin, and your skin looks and feels tacky and hydrated for several hours after putting it on. It is also one of my favorite things to use for skin prep on clients because it provides proper hydration without bulking up the skin." — Childs

"I tend to be skeptical of face mists, but this formula is surprisingly well balanced. Rhode’s Glazing Mist delivers that immediate dewy finish we want while still incorporating ingredients that support the skin barrier. The ultrafine mist layers beautifully over skincare or makeup, and the combination of ectoin, ceramides, beta-glucan, glycerin, and panthenol in the formula help to hydrate, calm, and reduce transepidermal water loss without feeling heavy or overly occlusive on." — Robinson

"I use the Rhode Glazing Mist to add moisture to skin before applying a hyaluronic acid serum. Adding a touch of moisture to the skin helps boost the efficacy of an HA serum for maximum hydration. This mist goes on superfine, and it doesn’t mess up makeup if I want a skin refresh later in the day." — Palep

"Such an easy addition to your skincare routine that leaves the skin supple and hydrated." — Marjan

Beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock testing Rhode's Glazing Mist

Best SPF Primer

YSE Beauty Skin Glow SPF 30 Primer

YSE Beauty

Skin Glow SPF 30 Primer

Say hello to a three-in-one product with serious skin-perfecting powers. Not only does this formula from YSE offer a chemical SPF 30, but it also works deeply to hydrate dry, depleted skin and wave a magic wand over any imperfections thanks to light-scattering microspheres. Beach Barbie skin, bottled.

Why experts love it: "One of my favorite products on the market right now. I use it daily! I love products that streamline the makeup process without sacrificing skincare benefits. This gives the skin a healthy glow, layers beautifully under makeup, and offers sun protection without feeling heavy or greasy." — Loiz

"Love the healthy glow this gives the skin while still functioning well under makeup. It makes daily SPF feel much more elegant and wearable." — Marino

Beauty Director Erin Jahns wearingYSE Beauty's Skin Glow SPF 30 Primer