People can buy skin care products to suit different skin types, concerns, and needs. Some products may not be suitable for individuals prone to allergic reactions, and some can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. For this reason, people should research different skin products to find the best one for them.
A quick look at the best skin care products
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best for exfoliation: TATCHA The Rice Polish: Classic
Key features:
- Skin type: Normal
- Best for: Exfoliation
- Key ingredients:
- green tea
- rice
- algae
- silk protein
- Fragrance-free? No
- Vegan? No
- Pro: pH neutral formula
- Con: Expensive
This nonabrasive exfoliator transforms into a creamy foam when a person applies it to their skin.
The manufacturer claims the product promotes a healthy glow, massaging the skin without removing any moisture. It contains the following key ingredients:
- green tea
- rice
- algae
- silk protein, which is not suitable for vegans
The manufacturer’s recommended price for this product is $65.
Best for puffy eyes and dark circles: CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
Key features:
- Skin type: Suitable for all skin types
- Best for: Eye puffiness and dark circles
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free? Yes
- Vegan? No
- Pros: Fragrance-free and noncomedogenic.
- Cons: May still cause skin irritation in some people.
This cream claims to help reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. It is suitable for all skin types.
The product contains hyaluronic acid, which helps with retaining skin moisture.
The manufacturer recommends that individuals apply the cream in small dots around the eyes and smooth it gently until it absorbs.
This product is available for about $13.
This product is fragrance-free and suitable for people with sensitive skin.
Best for hydration: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
Key features:
- Skin type: Very dry
- Best for: Very dry skin
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free? Yes
- Vegan? No
- Pros: Noncomedogenic and hydrating.
- Cons: Some users report allergic reactions.
This gel cream is suitable for people with very dry skin. It contains hyaluronic acid to help attract and retain moisture. The manufacturer claims that the product provides a long lasting moisturizing effect.
The product is fragrance-free and noncomedogenic, meaning it will not block pores and cause acne.
People can apply this cream after washing and cleansing the skin.
The manufacturer’s recommended price for this product is about $20.
Best for body washing: CeraVe Body Wash
Key features:
- Skin type: Rough and bumpy
- Best for: Body washing
- Key ingredients:
- salicylic acid
- ceramides
- hyaluronic acid
- niacinamide
- Fragrance-free? Yes
- Vegan? No
- Pros: Contains multiple ingredients for skin health.
- Cons: Some users state that the product is not effective.
This exfoliating body wash claims to improve the texture of rough and bumpy skin.
The product contains salicylic acid to exfoliate and soften the skin and ceramides to help repair the skin’s protective barrier. The manufacturer claims that the product offers long lasting moisturization.
People can apply this product to the skin when washing or bathing.
The manufacturer’s recommended price for this product is $13.99.
Best for acne: Hers Prescription Acne Cream
Key features:
- Skin type: Acne-prone
- Best for: Acne
- Key ingredients:
- tretinoin
- clindamycin
- azelaic acid
- niacinamide
- zinc pyrithione
- Fragrance-free? Yes
- Vegan? Yes
- Pros: Convenient access to prescription acne treatment
- Cons: Requires a subscription
Hers is a telehealth company that specializes in women’s health. Their prescription acne cream requires a person to attend an online consultation with a doctor. The doctor can then determine whether the product is suitable for the person’s skin.
Some of the product’s ingredients include:
- tretinoin, which helps to treat acne and bring new skin cells to the surface
- clindamycin, which helps to prevent future breakouts
- azelaic acid, which reduces inflammation and helps to manage hyperpigmentation
- niacinamide, which reduces flushing and moisturizes the skin
People can apply this serum after cleansing the skin and before using a moisturizer.
This product costs $45 per month and is only available through a subscription to Hers.
Learn more about Hers here.
Best for anti-aging: The Inkey List Retinol Serum
Key features:
- Skin type: Oily, normal, dry, and combination
- Best for: Anti-aging
- Key ingredients: Retinol
- Fragrance-free? No
- Vegan? No
- Pros: Time-released retinol for anti-aging with a reduced risk of skin irritation
- Cons: Lower retinol content compared to some other retinol products
This serum contains retinol, which is a derivative of vitamin A that may help to prevent and treat the following signs of skin aging:
- fine lines and wrinkles
- dark spots
- uneven skin texture
The serum contains time-released retinol to reduce the risk of skin irritation.
The product is suitable for normal, dry, oily, and combination skin types.
People can apply this serum after cleansing the skin and before using a moisturizer.
The manufacturer’s recommended price for this product is $9.99.
Learn more about retinol here.
Best for sensitive skin: CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion
Key features:
- Skin type: Dry, sensitive, oily
- Best for: Moisturising sensitive skin
- Key ingredients:
- Fragrance-free? Yes
- Vegan? No
- Pros: Suitable for use on the body, hands, and face.
- Cons: Some users report that it has an unpleasant smell.
This moisturizing lotion has a smooth, lightweight consistency that rapidly absorbs into the skin. The manufacturer claims that it can provide 24-hour hydration.
The formulation contains hyaluronic acid, which helps retain the skin’s natural moisture, and ceramides, which restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier. It is suitable for dry, sensitive, and oily skin.
The product is fragrance-free and allergy-tested. It also has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.
People can apply this cream after washing and cleansing the skin.
The manufacturer’s recommended price for this product is $13.99.
Best for eczema: Neosporin Eczema Cream
Key features:
- Skin type: Mild to moderate eczema
- Best for: Mild to moderate eczema
- Key ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal
- Fragrance-free? Yes
- Vegan? No
- Pros: Can alleviate mild to moderate itching and dryness
- Cons: Some users state that the product was not effective, and some report negative skin reactions
The National Eczema Association has given this anti-itch cream its Seal of Acceptance. The product contains colloidal oatmeal, which protects the skin and relieves irritation. It does not contain steroids, fragrances, or antibiotics.
The product page states that the cream is effective for mild-to-moderate eczema.
People can apply the cream after washing and cleansing the skin. They can use it twice daily or as needed.
The manufacturer’s recommended price for this product is $12.62.
Best for rosacea: La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Intense
Key features:
- Skin type: Sensitive, normal, and dry
- Best for: Rosacea
- Key ingredients: Ambophenol, spring water
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Vegan? No
- Pros: Can soothe skin and reduce redness.
- Cons: Some users reported problems with the pump handle breaking.
Skin experts specifically formulated this product for people with rosacea.
The formulation has a gel texture and does not contain common skin irritants, such as:
- fragrances
- colorants
- preservatives
- parabens
- alcohol
The product is suitable for sensitive, normal, or dry skin.
The manufacturer recommends using two to three pumps over the face after using a mild cleanser and before moisturizing the skin. They recommend using the product in the morning and evening.
The manufacturer’s recommended price for this product is $42.99.
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