The Ultimate Guide to the Best Skin Care Products: Expert-Tested Beauty Award Winners

Discover expert-tested beauty award winners in good skincare. Find the best skin care products for sensitive skin and more.

If you're looking for the best skin care products, you've come to the right place.

We've delved into the glitzy world of beauty awards, carefully curated and assessed by industry experts, to bring you the most fabulous finds. 

We've handpicked the absolute best products that truly excel in terms of quality, performance, and innovation.

Whether you have oily, dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin, we have something for you.

These are the products that will make your skin look and feel amazing, and earn you the compliments you deserve.

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Here are our beauty award winners for the best skin care products:

1.Best Cleanser for Oily Skin: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash

If you have oily skin, you know how hard it is to find a cleanser that removes excess oil, dirt, and makeup without stripping your skin or causing irritation. That's why we love Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, a gentle yet effective formula that contains salicylic acid to treat and prevent breakouts, with two percent salicylic acid. This acne-fighting exfoliating face wash contains MicroClear Technology, a powerful technology scientifically shown to boost delivery of salicylic acid acne medication to the source of breakouts. If you want a cleanser that leaves your skin feeling fresh, clean, and balanced, without any dryness or tightness - this is the one! It's also affordable and easy to find at any drugstore.

2. Best Cleanser for Dry Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Dry skin? You need a cleanser that moisturizes and nourishes your skin while removing impurities. That's why CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser made our list. It is a minimal ingredients, gentle formula that contains unique skin-nourishing polyglycerin formula. Cerave's hydrating creamy face wash cleanses skin and is ideal for sensitive and dry skin care. This cleanser also has a pH-balanced and non-comedogenic formula that won't clog your pores or irritate your skin. It's suitable for sensitive skin and can be used morning and night.

3. Best Serum for Glowing Skin: Queen Exfoliating Pineapple Face Milk Serum with Olive Leaf Extract and Allantoin

Achieve a radiant and even skin tone with a serum that brightens and smooths your skin. That's why we adore this Pineapple Face Milk Serum, a lightweight and fast-absorbing serum that contains natural enzymes, such as Bromelain, which gently exfoliate the skin, helping to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores to exfoliate and illuminate your skin. This serum is also enriched with Olive Leaf Extract, known for its powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. This botanical treasure nourishes the skin, protecting it from free radicals and environmental damage, while also helping to soothe and calm irritated skin.

4. Best Serum for Anti-Aging: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex

Fight the signs of aging, with a serum that repairs and rejuvenates your skin. That's why we swear by Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex, a cult-favorite and best-selling serum that has been proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and dullness. This serum also has great actives such as Squalane, Jojoba oil that boosts your skin's natural renewal process and strengthens its defense against environmental stressors. It's suitable for all skin types and best used at night.

5. Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Daily Moisturizer for Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, you need a moisturizer that hydrates and mattifies your skin without clogging your pores or making you look greasy. That's why we appreciate La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Daily Moisturizer for Oily Skin, a oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizer that contains Sebulyse technology to regulate oil production, and lipo-hydroxy acid to refine your pores and smooth your skin texture. This moisturizer also has a lightweight and non-sticky texture that absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling soft and shine-free.

6. Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin: Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

This moisturizer quenches and plumps your skin without feeling heavy or greasy. That's why we rave about Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, a gel-cream moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and caffeine to deliver intense and lasting hydration to your skin. Moisture Surge moisturizer also has an auto-replenishing technology that helps your skin create its own internal water source and keep it hydrated for 72 hours. It's allergy-tested, fragrance-free, and oil-free.

7. Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème

If you have dark circles, you need an eye cream that brightens and firms your eye area. That's why we admire Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème, a collagen rich and creamy eye cream that contains vitamin C, banana powder, and collagen to diminish the look of dark circles, fine lines, and wrinkles. This powerful Vitamin C eye cream also has a yellow tint that reflects light and creates a luminous effect. It's vegan, cruelty-free, and free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

8. Best Eye Cream for Puffiness: Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream

If you have puffiness, you need an eye cream that cools and depuffs your eye area. That's why we enjoy Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream, a lightweight and refreshing eye cream that energize and revitalize your eye area. This eye cream also has a peachy tint that brightens and conceals any discoloration. It's formulated without parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, or synthetic fragrance.

9.Best Sunscreen for All Skin Types: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

If you want to protect your skin from the sun, you need a sunscreen that shields and smooths your skin without leaving a white cast or a sticky residue. That's why we trust Supergoop -  oil-free sunscreen protection for all skin types, tones, & lifestyles! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, a clear and weightless sunscreen that contains avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene to provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. This sunscreen also has a velvety texture that glides on easily and doubles as a makeup primer. It's reef-safe, cruelty-free, and free of oxybenzone, parabens, and fragrance.

10. Best Mask for Detoxifying: Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment

If you want to detoxify your skin, you need a mask that draws out impurities and unclogs your pores. That's why we recommend Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment, a clay-based mask that contains activated charcoal, kaolin, and a blend of six acids to deeply cleanse and exfoliate your skin. This mask also has a tingling sensation that lets you know it's working, and a satisfying result that shows you your pores being cleared. It's suitable for all skin types and can be used once or twice a week.

11. Best Mask for Hydrating: Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

If you want to hydrate your skin, you need a mask that moisturizes and soothes your skin. That's why we love Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask, a creamy and nourishing mask Enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Glycerin and Antioxidants Helps Nourish Skin for a Renewed, Radiant Complexion. This mask also has a cooling effect that calms and refreshes your skin, and a versatile use that allows you to apply it as a mask, a moisturizer, or an eye cream. It's vegan, cruelty-free, and free of sulfates, parabens, and synthetic dyes.

12. Best Exfoliating Treatment: Drunk Elephant Baby Facial

This exfoliating treatment works wonders in just minutes, leaving your skin transformed. Packed with a powerful mix of 25% AHA and 2% BHA, it effortlessly removes dead skin cells, clears out pesky pores, and evens out your complexion. With added ingredients like chickpea flour, matcha tea, and apple extract, this mask also provides a balancing, brightening, and soothing effect. You will love your soft, radiant, and youthful-looking complexion that feels absolutely refreshed and renewed.

How do I choose the right skincare products for my skin type?

Choosing the right skincare products for your skin type can be tricky, but not impossible.

Once you know your skin type, you can look for products that are suitable for your needs. These are some general tips on how to choose the right skincare products for your skin type:

Oily Skin

• Look for water-based, oil-free, and non-comedogenic products that can help control oil production and prevent breakouts.
• Avoid heavy or greasy products that can clog your pores.
• Use a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
• Use a lightweight moisturizer to hydrate your skin without adding shine.
• For example, Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash is worth a shot as a cleanser. It does wonders in clearing up those pesky breakouts. For exfoliation, We highly commend Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. It will leave your skin feeling ultra smooth and refreshed. And to keep your oily skin in check, give La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Daily Moisturizer for Oily Skin a go.

Dry Skin

• Look for oil-based, creamy, and hydrating products that can help restore moisture and nourish your skin.
• Avoid harsh or drying products that can strip your skin of its natural oils. Use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t foam or lather too much.
• Use a rich moisturizer that can lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
• For example, Give CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser a go! It's a fantastic cleanser that you'll love. And if you're in need of a brightening boost, why not try the Glow Recipe Pineapple-C Bright Serum? It's a delightful serum that will leave your skin feeling refreshed and radiant.

Combination Skin

• Look for medium-weight, balanced, and gentle products that can address both the oily and dry areas of your skin.
• Avoid products that are too harsh or too rich for your skin.
• Use a mild cleanser that can cleanse without irritating your skin.
• Use a moisturizer that can hydrate your dry areas and mattify your oily areas.
• For example, you can try Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser as a cleanser, Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex as a serum, and Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream as an eye cream.

Sensitive Skin

• Look for hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and soothing products that can calm and protect your skin.
• Avoid products that contain alcohol, artificial colors, fragrances, or preservatives that can trigger allergic reactions or irritation.
• Use a gentle cleanser that can remove dirt and makeup without stripping your skin.
• Use a moisturizer that can hydrate and repair your skin barrier.
• For example, you can try La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser as a cleanser, Curology Custom Formula as a treatment, and La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer as a moisturizer.

Mature-looking Skin

• Look for anti-aging, firming, and brightening products that can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and dullness.
• Avoid products that are too drying or too harsh for your skin.
• Use a gentle cleanser that can cleanse without compromising your skin’s elasticity.
• Use a serum that can boost your skin’s natural renewal process and strengthen its defense against environmental stressors.
• Use a moisturizer that can plump and smooth your skin.
• For example, you can try L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser as a cleanser, Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème as an eye cream, and Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 as a sunscreen.

Functions for Common Skincare Ingredients

Some common skincare ingredients and their functions are:

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)

• These are water-based ingredients that exfoliate the skin and help with fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and enlarged pores. They may increase sun sensitivity or cause irritation. Examples are glycolic, lactic, citric, and tartaric acids.

Beta hydroxy acid (BHA)

• This is an oil-based ingredient that also exfoliates the skin and helps with acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. It may be less irritating than AHAs. Examples are glycolic, lactic, citric, and tartaric acids.

Hyaluronic acid

• This is a natural substance that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. It helps with hydration, plumping, and smoothing the skin. It is suitable for all skin types.

Vitamin C

• This is an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage and environmental stressors. It also helps with brightening, evening, and firming the skin.

Retinol

• This is a form of vitamin A that stimulates collagen production and cell turnover. It helps with reducing the signs of aging, improving skin texture, and clearing pores.

Ceramides

• These are lipids that form part of the skin’s natural barrier. They help with repairing and strengthening the skin’s barrier, preventing moisture loss, and soothing the skin.

Niacinamide

• This is a form of vitamin B3 that has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. It helps with regulating oil production, reducing redness, minimizing pores, and fading hyperpigmentation.

Peptides

• These are chains of amino acids that act as building blocks of proteins in the skin. They help with stimulating collagen and elastin synthesis, improving skin elasticity and firmness, and reducing wrinkles.

SPF

• This stands for sun protection factor, which measures how well a product protects the skin from UVB rays that cause sunburn and skin cancer. SPF should be applied daily, regardless of the weather or season. The higher the SPF, the more protection it offers, but no SPF can block 100% of UV rays⁵.

Zinc oxide

• This is a mineral that acts as a physical sunscreen, meaning it reflects and scatters UV rays from the skin’s surface. It offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, and is gentle and non-irritating on the skin. It may leave a white cast on darker skin tones⁷.

You can learn more about these common skincare ingredients by reading the labels of your skincare products or doing some online research. Remember, not all ingredients work the same for everyone, so you may need to experiment and find what suits your skin best.

Takeaways

We hope you enjoyed our ultimate guide to the best skin care products. These are the products that have won our beauty awards for their outstanding quality, performance, and innovation.

These products that will make your skin look and feel amazing, and earn you the compliments you deserve. Try them out and let us know what you think. And don't forget to share this guide with your friends and family who are looking for the best skin care products. Happy skincare!

More reads:

1. What are the best skincare products for improving skin texture?

The best skincare products for improving skin texture in 2024 will include those that are designed to even out skin tone, minimize fine lines, and promote overall skin softness. Look for products featuring ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and brightening agents to achieve smoother and more radiant skin.

2. Can you recommend the best products for maintaining a healthy skin barrier?

To maintain a healthy skin barrier in 2024, it is important to use skincare products that nourish and protect the skin. The best toners, hydrating serums, and moisturizers will be key in helping to replenish moisture, strengthen the skin's barrier function, and keep the skin looking its best.

3. Are there any specific products that will leave my skin feeling dewy and hydrated?

A dewy and hydrated complexion can be achieved in 2024 with the help of moisturizers, face oils, and face mists. Look for products that are specially formulated to provide intense hydration and lock in moisture, giving your skin a fresh and luminous appearance.

4. Will the skincare trends in 2024 focus on addressing specific skin concerns?

Yes, the skincare trends in 2024 will focus on addressing specific skin concerns. Whether you have sensitive skin, dry skin, acne-prone skin, or any other skin type, there will be targeted products available to help address these concerns and improve the overall health and appearance of your skin.

5. Should you use a Skin Serum in 2024?

Skin serums are skincare products that have high amounts of active ingredients to address specific skin problems, such as aging, discoloration, hydration, or pore size. They are applied after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizing, to boost your skincare routine.

Dermatologists say skin serums work and you can use them at any age to prevent or treat wrinkles. However, you need to find the right serum for your skin type and needs. For example, oily skin needs a lightweight, oil-free serum, while dry skin needs a hydrating serum. Sensitive skin should avoid harsh chemicals, fragrances, or alcohol, and choose soothing and calming ingredients.

The best way to find the right serum is to ask your dermatologist.