These Are The Best Skin-Care Products, According to Vogue Editors

All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may earn affiliate revenue on this article and commission when you buy something.

Have you ever looked at someone and wondered what was their secret to healthy, glowing skin? Though we’ve begged experts to spill the best skin-care products, now we’re posing the same question to our editors. From diminishing fine lines to combatting stubborn acne and eliminating dark spots, we try to handle our skin with care. Skin care is incredibly personal—aiding you to look and feel your best, after all. 

Here, 49 editors open up their vanities to detail their holy-grails. From moisturizing creams to transparent sunscreens, these are the best skin-care products, according to the editors of Vogue. 

Vogue Verified

Many Vogue editors swear by the NuFace to lift, firm, and tone. The buzzy tool uses microcurrent technology to sculpt and contour the face in minutes. Essentially exercise for your face, the NuFace is excellent to diminish puffiness or prep for a big day. 

NuFace Trinity+ Starter Kit

Virginia Smith, fashion director

When I can’t get to Rescue Spa for a facial with Diana, Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream still works magic.

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream

Lisa Aiken, executive fashion director

Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Hyaluronic Serum was a game-changing discovery for me while at her spa on Mount Street in London. I struggled to ensure high moisture levels while balancing combination skin…but this is so light and so dramatically hydrating I was blown away from a few days of using a travel sample. I use morning and night below Sisley’s Black Rose moisturizer.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum

Sisley Paris Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream

Irene Kim, production and editorial coordinator

The Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum is so good that I had to make a request to our wonderful former Global Director of Social Media Steff Yotka to purchase this for me while she was in the midst of reviewing, social-ing, and filming during Paris Fashion Week to make a trip to the French pharmacies to purchase this for me. It clears and brightens up any dark spots on your skin and my skin looks incredibly dewy after using it and it’s the one skincare purchase I’ll repurchase forever. This paired with my other hero product item the Etude SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream makes for one winning combo.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Dark Spot Serum

Etude SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream

Tonne Goodman, sustainability editor 

I met Joanna Vargas through Vogue in 2006, before she became a celebrity to celebrities, and I have been devoted ever since. She is known for ‘hands from heaven’ for her facials, and her products are flawless. I’m now committed to her new nighttime serum. It’s a retinol serum that smells delicious, is hydrating, stimulates collagen, and tightens (important for me!). Say no more, it ticks all the boxes.

Joanna Vargas Super Nova Serum

Alexis Bennett, commerce writer

Since it launched a couple of weeks ago, I have been religiously using PCA’s Skin Resurfacing Serum night and day. There’s a big difference in the texture of my complexion; it’s smoother, brighter, and fine lines are starting to dissipate. Even my husband notices a difference and often asks me if I’m wearing makeup when I’m not. Next, if you want your pores to completely disappear and your face to look as smooth as a dolphin’s fin, then you have to try these wipes. They are a holy grail in my skin-care routine. I’ll never forget the first time my BFF witnessed me using one. She immediately complimented my skin and ordered a container for herself. I might switch up my serums and cleansers from time to time, but these wipes are a constant in my skin-care routine.

PCA Skin Resurfacing Serum

Vivant Skin Care Daily Repair Pads

Charlotte Diamond, associate fashion editor 

I have been on Accutane for the last four or so months (masks really did a number on me), and while it has helped clear up my skin, I have been suffering from the dreaded dry, cracked lips. Aside from my trusty Aquaphor, my solution for this decidedly unsexy problem has been Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask. I apply it quite liberally before I go to sleep and wake up the next morning with quenched, soft lips. A good solution indeed!

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Hamish Bowles, international editor-at-large 

In a pre-COVID-19 world I was on a plane several times a month, and in the interest of not inducing a second hernia I had to pare down the panoply of products ranged on far too many of my bathroom shelves at home. Luckily, my Paris- and London-based dermatologist, Dr. Antoni Calmon, made life very easy for me when he told me that I could get away with a morning application of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum, a generic sunblock SPF 50 (although I barely set eyes on the sun through most of the spring of 2020), and the cutaneous Differin cream at night before bed. (If I really wanted to spoil myself at home, I might mitigate the tingle with a luxurious moisturizer: La Mer’s The Moisturizing Soft Cream is my first choice here, but after one of the jars broke in my luggage, I decided not to travel with it, although I’m sure the clothes it was packed with have never had a silkier softener!)

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Samantha Sussman, associate director, social creative

This is a new cleanser I recently tried and I have to say I am converted. I have had a hard time finding a cleanser that I feel like is actually changing my skin for the better. A facialist told me, “I can tell” when I admitted that I do not, in fact ,exfoliate regularly, this cleanser does the job and is gentle enough to use on a daily basis. Consider your skin clarified!

iS Clinical Cleansing Complex

Mai Morsch, associate market editor

I have super dry skin and this Avène cleanser is absolutely perfect. After taking off my make up, I apply it liberally and simply wipe off the excess with a damp cotton pad. I find the no-rinse formula really locks in moisture. I’ve also been using Embryolisse for years—nothing has come close to beating it!

Avène Tolérance Extrême Cleansing Lotion

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré

Ian Malone, experiences manager

I recently fell in love with Augustinus Bader products. After a month of using them, my skin has never felt or looked better. The steep price tag is justified by the rich, effective, and luxurious products. The Cream is my absolute favorite. You will not regret it.

Augustinus Bader The Cream

Taylor Lashley, social media manager

I recently started using Sunday Riley’s Afterglow Brightening Gel Cream and I’m obsessed. Not only does it leaves my skin looking brighter, but this moisturizer is lightweight (which is perfect for these summer months!!) and has a gorgeous non-greasy satin-like finish.

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Moisturizer

Daisy Shaw-Ellis, jewelry director

I’ve been using SK-II’s Facial Treatment Essence religiously morning and night, winter and summer for years now. It’s a lightweight serum (so much so it feels like water), doesn’t clog or irritate my fussy skin, is next to scentless, and works to give me a healthy glow with all the moisture I need in the summer and a trusty layer in the winter. (I always layer moisturizing products in the cold months, as one is never enough.) Although it’s got a hefty price tag, a bottle lasts me exactly a year—not something I can say often.

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

Liana Satenstein, senior fashion writer

Supergoop! has a cornucopia of sunscreen…it’s like a kid—or an adult scared of sun damage!—in a candy store. The ray-blocking options are endless but I am personally in love with the Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40.

Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40

Chloe Schama, senior editor

I’ve vaguely followed the benefits of vitamin C and retinol, so when I came across Kate Somerville’s two-in-one cream, I was intrigued. Apparently, using the two ingredients in tandem can cause irritation, but that hasn’t been the case for me—in fact, the moisturizer seems to preempt the drying that can sometimes occur with retinol. An added bonus: Subtracting a step from my routine means one less thing to worry about, means less stress, means better skin—or so I like to think!

Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer

Taylor Anderson, associate social media manager

I’ve incorporated Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Minimizing Cleansing Clay Mask into my Sunday skincare routine and I haven’t looked back since. It is the perfect product to make you feel refreshed and ready for the week ahead. After using, I can clearly see my pores minimized, leaving my skin refined and smooth.

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Minimizing Cleansing Clay Mask

Lilah Ramzi, features & commerce Editor

My facialist Raquel at Joanna Czech (where skin miracles happen) instructed me to incorporate this gel into my regime as I have very redness-prone, sensitive skin. It feels great on and the ingredients—which include Green Tea, vitamin C and vitamin E—really help to even out my complexion. I’d consider it one of my best skin-care product discoveries. Thanks Raquel!

Environ Vita-Enriched Colostrum Gel

Kiana Murden, beauty commerce writer

It’s so hard to pick just one holy grail. My skin has transformed in the last year after religiously doing my morning and nighttime routines (I literally don’t skip a day!). Keeping my skin balanced and hydrated is key to glowing, supple skin. I rely on Klur’s serum for a daily moisture boost, and Avène’s mist for a refresh throughout the day. As for eye creams, I swear by the SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex to quell dark circles and fine lines. Lastly, at night, I’ve been loving Omorovicza’s serum which is powered by a non-irritating form of retinal (also a derivative of vitamin A, similar to the popular ingredient retinol) to rejuvenate skin while I sleep.  

Klur Symmetry Fluid Anti-Pollution Serum

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex for Dark Circles

Omorovicza Midnight Renewal Serum

Avène Eau Thermale Thermal Spring Water

Arden Fanning, contributor

I discovered Auteur’s new line during a luxurious trip to The Spa at Casa Cipriani, where the incredibly knowledgeable (on another level) facialist, Sam Susca, let me know that it’s now her preferred brand after trying everything—and even works well for reactive skin types. Auteur worked with German hospitals and scientists to develop super-concentrated ingredients with intelligent delivery systems, all vetted by European Union Cosmetic standards and unlike the US, they require pre-market safety assessments and much, much more. It feels like the Hermès of skin care for the price and quality, though the products don’t have to be used every day (or night, which I prefer) to work, and the Definitive Hyaluron Activator Serum in this Hydrate set seems to already be a star for mirror-finish skin.

Auteur Definitive Exploration Set

Sarah Spellings, fashion news editor

I love the process of using this product just as much as I love the results. This powder-to-foam exfoliant sloughs away my uneven texture, and leaves my skin feeling clean and soft. A truly luxurious experience from beginning to end, and I hear Meghan Markle is also a fan! 

Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder

Alexandra Gurvitch, creative development associate director

I love the Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask. I have been really honing in on my skin care because I feel like being stuck inside is the time to really work out problems, and this mask is my luxurious mainstay. I typically keep one in my desk at work and one in my travel bag because I love it so much.

Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask

Lauren Valenti, senior beauty editor 

For years, Renée Rouleau’s cult-favorite Triple Berry Smoothing Peel has been my go-to treatment, both as part of my regular weekly maintenance regimen and if I need an instant glow before a big event. It’s technically an at-home chemical peel, but fear not if you have sensitive skin (and/or rosacea) like me. In just five minutes, its potent yet gentle blend of five fruity AHAs, BHAs, and enzymes leaves my skin smoother and more luminous. No redness or irritation, ever! Bonus for the senses: It looks, feels, and smells like fresh raspberry jam.

Renée Rouleau Triple Berry Smoothing Peel

Celia Ellenberg, beauty director

I fell in love with Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum when it first launched six years ago, just as face oils started peaking in the U.S. Its grape-seed oil base, which founder April Gargiulo comes by honestly (she is, in fact, a vintner’s daughter), is light and noncomedogenic, which means unlike so many other face oils now on the market, it will not cause you to break out. Also unlike so many other face oils now on the market, its blend of potent essential oils actually helps repair your skin while providing hydrating nourishment. I’ve gone back to it sporadically over the past few years, but it’s now back in my daily quarantine rotation because it scores high marks in the only categories by which we should be judging products right now: It makes me feel good, and it works.

Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum

Atalie Gimmel, senior social media manager

I like to keep things as simple as possible when it comes to my skin-care routine, and this cleanser fits that bill. I’ve been using it every morning for the past five years or so, and my skin has stayed consistently moisturized and overall clear, give or take the occasional stress breakout, of course.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser

Willow Lindley, accessories and collaborations director

I can’t live without Naturopathica. The line has saved and continues to save my very sensitive and reactive skin. This white tea mask is a staple in my routine for added moisture or to calm any redness or inflammation. It’s magic: I put it on at night, go to sleep, wake up, and my face has self-soothed.

Naturopathica White Tea Antioxidant Mask

Naomi Elizée, market editor

The two skin-care lines that are heavy in my rotation are Dr. Barbara Sturm and Epi.logic by Dr. Jeanniton. I religiously use the Vitamin C serum from Epi.logic to help with my hyperpigmentation, which I’ve struggled with for over 10 years now. I’ve been using it for about six months and have seen a major improvement in my dark spots and an evening out of my skin tone. My go-to product from Dr. Barbara Sturm is, hands down, the face cream from their Darker Skin Tones line. This moisturizer never feels too heavy or oily and gives my skin just the right amount of hydration it so desperately needs.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Darker Skin Tones Face Cream

Ciarra Lorren Zatorski, associate fashion editor

Finding the right skincare for my sensitive skin has never been my forté. Lost and overwhelmed in the endless sea of products, a skincare regime was nonexistent until nearly a year ago when I discovered Pevonia’s products. They are now my tried and true beauty hacks that keep my skin both clean and refreshed no matter the day.

Pevonia Power Repair Hydrating Cleanser

Pevonia Soothing Sensitive Skin Cream

Christian Allaire, fashion and style writer

I have dry skin, and in the fall-winter, it’s even worse—so Glow Recipe’s watermelon drops and Tatcha’s dewy skin cream have been my two hero skincare items. Both boost the skin’s hydration and give me a luminous glow. I’ll also pat on Drunk Elephant’s luxury oil for even more shine—but any face oil would do!

Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

Julie Tong, commerce director

I’m a big fan of Aesop’s skincare line. Once a week, I like to use their Primrose Facial Cleansing Masque for a luxurious spa-like experience. On the day-to-day, their Primrose Facial Hydrating Cream is a go-to staple of mine to keep my skin fresh and hydrated. 

Aesop Primrose Facial Cleansing Masque

Aesop Primrose Facial Hydrating Cream

Madeline Fass, fashion market editor

I don’t love wearing tinted moisturizers or foundations during the day so Dr. Jart’s color-correcting treatment is the perfect alternative for that no-make-up glow (and it has SPF30!). It gives me that even tone I’m after without looking like I am wearing anything at all– I’m obsessed! And after long days in the sun, I love treating myself to Dr. Barbara Sturm’s calming serum, it’s soothing and great for sensitive skin.

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30

Dr. Barbara Sturm Calming Serum

Alexandra Michler, director of fashion initiatives

This may sound sort of left field, but I would have to say classic Dove bar soap is my all-time hero item. I never break out when I cleanse my face with Dove, and it is gentle enough to not strip my skin of moisture. My mother always recommended Dove soap to me, and it turns out she was right!

Dove Moisturizing Beauty Bar Soap

Mark Guiducci, creative editorial director

I only consistently use two products after washing my face: Biologique Recherche P50 toner and this incredible stuff by SkinCeuticals. Morning and night, winter and summer. 

SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel

Jorden Bickham, contributing editor 

Connie at Christine Chin Spa has saved my face from mask-related breakouts (and general exhausted, dull, tired-looking skin)! I swear by both the facials and products at Christine Chin Spa. I love the Hydrating Facial Cleanser, Hydrating Toner, and Pollution Solution Mist, which helps neutralize the effects of smoke, smog, and other airborne pollutants. For someone with ultra-sensitive skin who has been searching for solutions for years…I have finally met my match. 

Christine Chin Pollution Solution Mist

Lucy Dolan-Zalaznick, creative development senior associate

If you don’t double cleanse or use a balm to remove your makeup: let me convert you. Makeup wipes were irritating my skin and eyes, and the oils left too much of a sticky residue, so I turned to Clinique’s Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm. It starts off as a silky balm, turns into an oil on your skin, and then washes off like a facial cleanser, taking all the makeup and dirt with it. Bonus points for sustainability (no single-use wipes!) and if you put a little on a q-tip you can precisely wipe away fall-out or stray mascara marks. And even if you don’t wear much makeup, beauty gurus say that washing your face without double cleansing is like showering with your clothes on. Converted yet? Also, if I had a dollar for every time someone has complimented my skin since using Jan Marini’s Bioglycolic Face Cleanser…I’d buy another bottle and give it to you. Holy grail glycolic acid based cleanser that has totally retextured my skin. 

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

Jan Marini Bioglycolic Face Cleanser

Chloe Malle, contributing editor 

Mila Moursi’s sunscreen is my summer go-to. I love the quick dissolving gel texture and I treat this as my full summer skincare routine.

Mila Moursi Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30

Concetta Ciarlo, special events assistant 

I love makeup, and low-maintenance is not in my vocabulary. I look for products that address my skin concerns without compromising the longevity of the contour that I spent 15 minutes painting on my face. I always come back to this Youth To The People moisturizer because its lightweight under my foundation and leaves my combination skin feeling silky. Plus, this vegan moisturizer already has hyaluronic acid in it, and takes at least one step out my beauty regimen!

Youth To The People Superfood Air-Whip Moisturizer With Hyaluronic Acid

Laura Jackson, commerce writer

Tower 28’s SOS Intensive Redness Relief Serum has quickly become a holy grail product in my skincare routine. Since using it, my skin is noticeably clearer and softer to the touch—I’m obsessed!

Tower 28 Beauty SOS Intensive Redness Relief Serum

Jill Weiskopf, vice president of communications 

I’m not exactly sure what to call this—a toner? a cleanser? a makeup remover? (I’ve used it for all of the above)—but I do know this refreshes my face, brightens my skin, and preps it for moisturizer and sunscreen like nothing else, with no irritation. It’s one of the very few items that I use to the last drop, and then re-stock immediately. 

Carolina Gonzalez, assistant to the editor-in-chief 

I’ve been a big fan of anything Glossier since day one, but I always feel that their real hidden gem is Futuredew. Both serum and oil, it’s moisturizing but not too heavy for my dry skin, unlike other thick oils. Just one pump on my face and there’s an instantaneous dewy glow! 

Fabbiola Romain, associate visual editor

Recently, I learned the importance of sunscreen use every day, even when not exposed to the sun. I stumbled across Black Girl Sunscreen which specifically caters to melanin skin and protects from hyperpigmentation and sun damage. I love how lightweight and gentle it goes on with no residue! Also, perfect under makeup! Now that’s Black Girl Magic! 

Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30

Michelle Ruiz, contributing editor 

According to my dermatologist, daily sunscreen is the most essential skincare and the crux of all anti-aging efforts. EltaMD UV Clear is my go-to light, blend-able sunscreen (with necessary zinc!) that doesn’t trigger breakouts. I panic when I run out, then buy two more.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Eliseé Browchuck, production and marketing manager of experiences

Apologies in advance but I’m not one to commit to a 12-step skincare routine. Instead, I try to maintain a simple and purpose-driven self-care regime. Active hydrating ingredients and vitamin C for brightening are non-negotiables for me. Thankfully, 4AM Skin makes maintaining my skin a breeze with two hero products that do the work of an entire beauty cabinet. 

Laia Garcia-Furtado, senior fashion news editor

My friend Christy turned me on to May Lindstrom’s products. I started with “The Clean Dirt,” which I really loved, and have since tried a slew of her other products. My current favorite is “The Problem Solver,” which similarly to the Dirt, it’s a powder that you mix with water to make into a foam that you put on your face like a mask. Yes, it’s a little pricey but it truly lasts forever — as a matter of fact when the full-size jar I ordered arrived, my first thought was, “perhaps this jar is too big?” I had a baby in January, so my skin has been going through it but I feel like this is really helping. I’ve been doing it three times a week now and I just always feel so good after!

May Lindstrom Skin The Problem Solver

Keaton Bell, entertainment editor 

Growing up, my family used Biafine the same way that the family in My Big Fat Greek Wedding used Windex. Sunburn? Put some Biafine on it. Cuts and bruises? Nothing Biafine can’t fix. I was so used to using it as a topical ointment that I never even realized it was a French beauty staple until later in life. Now I use it as a moisturizer during colder months when my face could use an extra layer of protection, but it’s also my go-to when I’m having a bad break-out or just feel like my face could use a tune-up. 

Biafine Emulsion Tube Cream

Elise Taylor, senior living writer

I have to be careful what kind of skincare products I use due to my perioral dermatitis—which means avoiding heavy moisturizers as well as any products with synthetic fragrances. Two of my go-tos? Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Face Cream light, which moisturizes without being overbearing, as well as clean beauty brand Oak Essential’s gentle restorative mask that’s made with honey and avocado oil.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Light

Clarissa Schmidt, commerce producer

A close friend recently convinced me to incorporate this powder-to-paste exfoliant into my skincare routine, and my life has never been the same since! Twice a week, I turn to Dermalogica’s rice-based cleanser to detoxify and calm my acne-prone skin. The immediate result? A thoroughly cleansed, smoother, and brighter complexion! To finish it off, I typically turn to the women of color-founded skincare brand, Topicals. I have tried nearly everything under the sun to help combat my scarring and hyperpigmentation, but nothing has made a difference for me like this duo. The Like Butter mask helps to lock in moisture all day long, while the Faded serum drastically reduces my discoloration and post-acne marks.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator

Topicals Duo for Dry, Sensitive Skin & Discoloration

Anna-Lisa Yabsley, executive director of content strategy

Ampoules, ampoules, and more ampoules. There’s something about those little glass vials. Easy to store, easy to travel with, and their individual single-use guarantees no gunk or bacteria is getting in. I recently discovered this hyaluronic acid set by Irene Forte. I can feel my skin soaking the liquid up. And they have a lovely, slightly oily (in a good way) consistency, which I just love. They’re a splurge, but worth it.

Irene Forte Age-Defying Hyaluronic Acid Vials

Chioma Nnadi, editor of Vogue.com

I’ve always taken a less-is-more approach to my beauty regimen. And now I’m beginning to whittle down my routine even further. These days my skin tends to respond best to facial oils. I use one by Lumity to lock in moisture. I like that it contains rich macadamia oil and manuka too.

Lumity Skin Nutrients Facial Oil

Michael Philouze, menswear editor 

While spending time in my second home in Paris, I met dermatologist Loubna Khenissa. Crossing paths with each other seems pre-destined as her practice and beauty products cater to everything my skin needed at the time: hydration from long flights, rebalancing from the constant change in temperature, and stimulation from the long days of wearing a mask. I believe in her philosophy and have seen results almost immediately. Unlike others where you can find products all over the web, Khenissa’s are bespoke. They are made for your skin specifically and require a personalized consultation. The way skincare should be! My specific personal protocol includes a “silispray” for optimized efficiency for other uses of products and a cream that reinforces the mico-circulations in the lymphatic cells.

All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we earn affiliate revenue on this article and  commission when you buy something.