The Insider Reviews team tests hundreds of skincare brands each year — these are the 24 we keep coming back to

Cocokind

All of Cocokind's products are 100% organic and tucked away in reusable or recyclable packaging. The brand also consistently donates a portion of its profits to organizations focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Affordable and gentle, the brand's products even and smooth out my dry, sensitive skin. Plus, I love supporting a small, woman-owned business. — Grace Wade, Associate Editor, Health Reference 

I gravitated toward Cocokind for its clean beauty products, hoping it'd tame my eczema. And like Grace mentioned, the Resurfacing Sleep Mask and Chlorophyll Mask are sensitive skin saviors. But if I had to choose one favorite, the Matcha Moisture Stick is everything I need and more, restoring hydration to different dry spots on my face and doubling as a lip balm. — Jacqueline Saguin, style & beauty reviews fellow

Weleda

All of Weleda's skincare products are made with sustainably-sourced ingredients like flower and fruit extracts instead of anything synthetic. All of its formulas are gentle, which is great if you have super sensitive skin like me, and it has a wide-range of consciously-crafted products, from thick creams to super lightweight moisturizers, which I love since my dryness changes with the weather. — Rachael Schultz, health and fitness updates editor

Cetaphil

I initially had my doubts about the Gentle Skin Cleanser's value and effectiveness, but this product actually did so much for my skin and acne. Cetaphil created this cleanser specifically for those with sensitive skin, making sure the formula is non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free. The ingredient list is also kept to a minimum. This is my go-to cleanser that helped me realize that sometimes the simplest products can be the most effective. My success with the Gentle Skin Cleanser later led me to trying the Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream, too. Like the cleanser, it's simple and gentle on sensitive skin, which is certainly important for the eye area. It's packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid and a little squeeze goes a long way. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, style and beauty reviews fellow

Neutrogena

Neutrogena is a drugstore staple that's timeless, trusty, and effective. I've been using a couple of its products for years and won't stop repurchasing them any time soon. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream with Hyaluronic Acid for Extra-Dry Skin is, for me, a year-round moisturizer thanks to its lightweight gel-cream consistency. It worked for me when I used to have extra dry skin in the winter, but also when I experience my usual oiliness. My other all-star Neutrogena product is the Norwegian Formula Hand Cream. If you too are confused by the Norwegian flag on the packaging, it's because Neutrogena was inspired by Norwegian fishermens' hand cream formula that incorporated concentrated levels of glycerin. I can really feel all of that glycerin healing my dry hands, and almost instantly at that. It's fragrance-free, extremely long-lasting, and can be applied practically anywhere on your body. I still have yet to find a hand cream that compares. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, style and beauty reviews fellow 

Cosrx

This K-beauty brand kept popping up on the web for me, especially its Advanced 96 Snail Mucin Power Essence. I resisted for so long because of the snail mucin part, but I'm glad I eventually caved in. It's not as sticky as you'd expect, luckily, but instead leaves your skin feeling smooth and moisturized. Hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and arginine assist the snail secretion filtrate in bringing moisture and radiance to your skin. Plus, it's 100% cruelty-free, as Cosrx gathers the snail mucin without causing any stress to the snails. A Cosrx product that is way less of an oddball is the Acne Pimple Master Patch. These tiny hydrocolloid bandages keep me from picking at blemishes while actively sucking up impurities and oil. I've found them to stick to all parts of my face really well — and I have oily, acne-prone skin — and store multiple packs of them in my bathroom at all times. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, style and beauty reviews fellow

La Roche-Posay

I have oily, acne-prone skin that is subject to easy sunburns, so I was hard-pressed to discover a face sunscreen that could be non-greasy and not cause breakouts. After trying several sunscreens, this one was a clear keeper — I've been using this sunscreen and only this sunscreen for several years now. It's broad spectrum and free of oil, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. The tube says it's dry touch sunscreen, which seems ambiguous at first, but La Roche-Posay is completely on point with this description because it rubs into my skin effortlessly like a lotion. It doesn't smell or feel like the sunscreens that leave your skin shiny and congested. This product is best for acne-prone skin, but also works for sensitive skin, which is certainly true because I have both when it comes to sunscreens. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, style and beauty reviews fellow

Mario Badescu

Many of us on the Insider Reviews team swear by Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion — myself included. If a blemish shows up that doesn't quite warrant a Mighty Patch sticker, I use this overnight and wake up to visibly reduced inflammation and severity. Calamine lotion helps reduce redness and swelling, salicylic acid exfoliates and reduces sebum production, and zinc oxide and sulfur draw out impurities. It typically clears anything minor up overnight (really), but for anything more severe, you may want to use a Mighty Patch sticker or chat with your dermatologist about options. — Mara Leighton, senior reporter

I like Mario Badescu's whole skincare product line, which I generally find to be simplistic but effective. The Seaweed Cleansing Soap makes an excellent face wash, and the bits of algae work to exfoliate in lieu of plastic microbeads which seem to get stuck everywhere. Plus, the Shaving Cream forms a dense lather that lends to a clean, close shave. I also use the Drying Mask from time to time, and especially after wearing mineral sunscreens that tend to clog my pores. — Owen Burke, senior reporter

Raw Elements

I'm also a big fan of Raw Elements' sunscreen line. They use all certified natural ingredients, come in a nice aluminum tin, and rub in better than most mineral sunscreens, which usually leave a white cast on your skin all day. The Tinted Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30 is also a good option that tends to blend in with most skin colors, and although it does a superb job of deflecting the sun's harmful rays, it's exceptionally greasy, so I make sure to use the aforementioned Mario Badescu Drying Mask after washing it off. — Owen Burke, senior reporter

Hero Cosmetics

I've reordered the Mighty Patch hydrocolloid stickers four times already since initially trying them out because they work so well at absorbing pus and fluids from pimples and unexpected breakouts. The stickers don't contain any harsh chemicals or drying products. They also protect blemishes from dirt and dust, and prevent me from picking at my skin. — Connie Chen, senior reporter

This is the best acne weapon I've found since I started my search about seven years ago. The company says the stickers work best on whiteheads (and that's true), but in my experience, they're also just as useful — and perhaps even more so given the scarcity of other effective topical options — on severe or cystic blemishes. It won't alter any major biological process that's making you prone to severe acne, but it will drastically reduce the severity of your blemishes and cut down your recovery time. — Mara Leighton, senior reporter

The Ordinary

The Ordinary makes affordable and accessible skincare, though it's the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution that's impressed me the most. It's a 10-minute exfoliating facial that uses AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) and BHA (beta hydroxy acid) to combat blemishes and dull skin and improve overall texture. At first, it may feel fleetingly masochistic — the formula stings a bit for about 20 seconds before fading away — but the results are visible to the naked eye; my pores look smaller and my skin tone has become more consistent and softer over time. — Mara Leighton, senior reporter

After fearing serums and solutions might be too much for my skin to handle, I eventually gave in to The Ordinary and tried two of its favorites. First up is the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, which has improved my skin texture and pore congestion. Following the first application and despite the tingling sensation it produces, my skin felt soft and squeaky clean. One spot in particular had even flattened out. There are, however, some important notes to keep in mind, which you can find here. Next is the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, which helps with my oily, acne-prone skin. It minimizes the appearance of blemishes and controls oil production. After six months of use, this product has played a part in my acne being at bay, a more even skin tone, and a more radiant complexion. And with The Ordinary's prices, there's definitely no room for any complaints. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, style & beauty reviews fellow 

If you want to step up your skincare game, The Ordinary features a wide and inclusive collection of serums, oils, cleansers, and more, that won't intimidate even the most novice user. I use the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum for a boost of hydration on my dry, sensitive skin. And at $7, I'm happy to restock again and again. The Squalane Cleanser works as a gentle makeup remover when applied to dry skin and as a moisturizing everyday cleanser when applied to wet skin. — Jacqueline Saguin, style & beauty reviews fellow

CeraVe

My dermatologist (and TikTok skincare influencers) put me on to CeraVe and the brand definitely forms the foundation of my routine and it's something I won't switch out. The hero ingredients in every one of CeraVe's products are ceramides, which help restore your skin barrier, making it soft and moisturized and protecting it against irritation and air pollution. My favorites are the Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser, which is gentle and has a pleasant, creamy texture, and the retinol serum, which has noticeably reduced the appearance of my acne scars and made my skin look smoother. — Connie Chen, senior reporter

After trying body lotions that could never hold me to the good habit of moisturizing my skin, I finally settled on the Moisturizing Cream. Many of our team members apply it to their faces, but I stick to smearing it all over my arms and legs. CeraVe says it's a barrier-restoring moisturizing cream and the brand is definitely spot on, as I haven't had dry, cracked, or irritated skin since I started using this product every night. This is all thanks to hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which hydrate and maintain a healthy skin barrier. After a few minutes of the cream sinking into my skin, my arms and legs feel silky smooth. I can't get enough of this moisturizer and can sometimes skip a day and still have soft, nourished skin. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, style and beauty reviews fellow

Drunk Elephant

Drunk Elephant was the first skincare line I found that seemed to universally exceed expectations. Every product I've tried, I've been impressed by. The Protini Polypeptide Cream is like a protein shake for your skin — packed with "superfoods'' and nine plant-derived peptide growth factors that bump the skin's collagen for a more youthful appearance. It intensely hydrates, but it sinks into the skin completely and quickly without any kind of greasy film or pore-clogging layer. The T.L.C Sukari Babyfacial is essentially an at-home, 20-minute facial that gives you pro results. It contains a whopping 25% AHA and 2% BHA, and combines a powerhouse blend of glycol, tartaric, lactic, citric, and salicylic acids to slough off dead skin to reveal clearer, brighter, and softer skin overall. — Mara Leighton, senior reporter

Tatcha

Japanese skincare is all about practicing extreme kindness to your skin — both in the sense of what you put on it and how you apply it. I love Tatcha's formulas because they're gentle on my skin, but way more effective than I ever thought possible from a non-abrasive or astringent product. Lately, I've been really into Tatcha's face wash called The Deep Cleanse because it does exactly what it promises. The gel-like texture creates a foam that lathers away residual makeup and grime, and ground fibers from the luffa fruit exfoliate my skin without stripping its nutrients. 

I've also been loving The Pearl Tinted Eye Illuminating Treatment, which is a tinted treatment that brightens my dark circles while also providing an extra layer of hydration. It goes on silky soft like an eye cream but effectively functions as a concealer (though you can also put more concealer over it). — Sally Kaplan, deputy editor

Maelove

Maelove is one of the skincare brands I recommend the most. The startup was developed by a group of MIT grads, and the company takes an appropriately scientific approach to its formulas. My favorite product is the brand's Night Renewer cream because it's a perfect balance between efficacy and gentleness. It uses 10% medical-grade AHA, a blend of soothing ingredients, and hyaluronic acid to resurface the skin overnight for better texture and tone without the harshness that can make AHAs a no-go for sensitive skin types. — Mara Leighton, senior reporter

Brickell Men's Products

Most guys hate the idea of having a long, drawn-out skincare regime and Brickell understands that. Created specifically for men, the startup has become one of my favorite skincare brands because it's simple and effective. Steering clear of toxic, synthetic chemicals, the brand uses high-quality natural and organic ingredients in all of its products. I've been using the Purifying Charcoal Face Wash since I discovered it in a Birchbox and it's honestly amazing. The charcoal does a great job at deep cleaning my pores, while the blend of peppermint and eucalyptus oils give an invigorating sensation. The best part is that it doesn't leave your skin feeling tired and dry afterward. — Amir Ismael, senior reporter

Simple

I really love Simple's full range of Kind to Skin products because they're fragrance-free and don't include harsh chemicals. I have sensitive skin and most products irritate my face, but Simple's cleanser and moisturizer have never done me wrong. My skin is clearer, less red, and totally calm thanks to Simple's skincare line. Best of all, everything Simple makes is super affordable. — Malarie Gokey, deputy editor

Farmacy

For daily facial sunscreen, I've been trying a few different kinds that aren't chemical-based. Of those, I've been using Faramacy's Green Defense Daily SPF 30 the most on my face. It uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect my skin from the sun, while the antioxidants in the echinacea give my skin a boost. The addition of marigold extract seems to help calm my skin and prevent redness or inflammation. The sunscreen isn't oily, thick, or sticky and it blends in well, too. — Malarie Gokey, deputy editor

Dr. Dennis Gross

The Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel smells delicious, feels rich in its gel-like form and then light and gentle as a lather, and works exceptionally well — so well I've had to fight the urge to use it less because it almost feels like a luxury item. It's also plant-based, vegan, cruelty-free, pH-balanced, and formulated without soap or fragrance. The Alpha Beta Exfoliating Moisturizer strengthens the skin's moisture barrier without clogging your pores and aids in cell turnover with seven acids and replenishing actives. It's lightweight, moisturizes well, and adds additional micro peeling to my routine. After four weeks, the moisturizer is supposed to seal off water loss, helping your skin maintain its natural hydration balance better on its own. — Mara Leighton, senior reporter

I, too, am passionate about Dr. Dennis Gross products — so much so that I basically wrote a love letter to its Alpha Beta Extra-Strength Peel Pads for helping with my acne and uneven skin tone. But I'm also a big fan of its Dark Spot Sun Defense, which is the one I carry with me to the beach or pool on weekends. — Sally Kaplan, deputy editor

Peter Thomas Roth

Peter Thomas Roth is the unsung hero of skincare. The brand uses ingredients that are scientifically proven to be effective, and its products all have high concentrations so you really get the best results. I'm deeply obsessed with the Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream, which hydrates my dry, exoskeleton-like skin in a way that nothing else does.

Peter Thomas Roth also makes a really incredible enzyme peel that literally sloughs off the top layer of dead skin on your face. You can feel and see it balling up as you rub the mask in — it's kind of gross, but extremely effective and satisfying. It leaves my skin feeling the softest it's ever been. — Sally Kaplan, deputy editor

Amarte

Amarte is a Korean skincare brand that, miraculously, hasn't received a ton of fanfare — but I'm here to sing its praises. I'm currently using the Ultra Veil Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid that has an SPF of 50. It's not too greasy and it sinks nicely into my skin, providing the perfect base for the brand's unbeatable Natural Finish BB Cream. The BB cream has medium coverage, making it a little more intense than a tinted moisturizer (which is perfect for my uneven skin). Unfortunately, it doesn't come in many colors because it's a Korean product, but I use the lightest one every day in lieu of foundation. — Sally Kaplan, deputy editor

No. B.S. Skincare

I tried this company's products before finding out that it had any sort of following, but I have to say, I get why people love it now. The company uses mostly plant-based ingredients, and keeps its formulas as pure as possible (the name No B.S. stands for "No Bad Stuff").

I've been using the Retinol Night Cream lately and have been amazed at how much it's improved my skin. When I first started using the moisturizer, it helped my acne almost immediately, and it managed to keep my skin hydrated through a full night's sleep thanks to the high concentration of hyaluronic acid. I switch between a few different night creams depending on how my skin is doing at any given time, but this is what I go for when I'm having flare-ups or need something powerful that won't irritate me. — Sally Kaplan, deputy editor

Burt's Bees

Burt's Bees is a favorite of mine. I've used a lot of its products over the years, though the one I use daily is the BB Cream. I have pretty good skin, but I tend to get redness on my cheeks in particular. I mix the BB Cream with a moisturizer to blend it into my skin and even its tone. The BB Cream feels cool and doesn't irritate my skin, plus it has SPF 15 sun protection, thanks to zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Burt's Bees Skin Nourishment Night Cream is another winner. I use it at night to moisturize my face because it's cooling and doesn't irritate my skin. — Malarie Gokey, deputy editor

Maapilim

Maapilim is another skincare and grooming startup for men that does a wonderful job at taking advantage of earth's natural ingredients. Inspired by the Great Sea, the Tel Aviv based company sources ingredients locally in Israel and from other fertile coastlines of the Mediterranean region. I've used the Hand Cream, Body Lotion, Lip Balm, Shampoo, and Conditioner, and they've all kept my skin and hair hydrated and soft. I also appreciate that everything smells like the natural ingredients within — not the cheap cologne smell that typically defines men's grooming products. — Amir Ismael, senior reporter

Foreo

Foreo makes the best cleansing brushes that I've tried, including my personal favorite, the Luna 2. It never fails to clean my face effectively and make it feel really soft, but still manages to do so gently. Its battery life is also impressive and I don't have to charge it often, which is convenient. I also like using the Espada Blue Light Acne Treatment, which uses blue light and special T-sonic pulsations to target acne-causing bacteria, from time to time as a spot treatment. — Connie Chen, Insider Reviews senior reporter

Just like the Mighty Patch stickers being best-in-category for me, so is the Luna 2. Nothing cleans my face as thoroughly or as gently. And, ultimately, what you wash your face with is extremely important. I appreciate that the Luna 2 delivers on all its promises — including removing up to 99.5% of the dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and makeup that would otherwise cause future breakouts. Plus, its battery life is amazing. — Mara Leighton, Insider Reviews senior reporter