April Basi.

"This serum uses L-ascorbic acid, pure vitamin C, the most potent, most studied form, not a derivative. Ascorbic acid is third on the ingredient list and it's super high in concentration. Most brands avoid L-ascorbic acid because it's notoriously difficult to stabilize and it can irritate sensitive skin, but the formula is built around making it work, with propanediol and other humectants to support dissolution and reduce degradation, plus ferulic acid and other antioxidants for stabilization and amplification. Every single ingredient here is really earning its place. The only caveat is that you have to use this within three months or it will oxidize, so if you're not consistent with your vitamin C use you may waste this product, and it's not for sensitive skin or beginners since pure L-ascorbic acid at this concentration will tingle and potentially irritate reactive skin. My final thoughts on this product is it's the most scientifically rigorous formula in the entire video. If you have resilient skin, use your vitamin C consistently, and want the most evidence-backed form, this is the one."

"This one has two vitamin C forms in it, sodium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbic acid, alongside a bioactive blend that includes plum, which is rich in vitamin C, and a gold complex for stability. The formulation pH is around 5.5 to 6.5, which is high for L-ascorbic acid to penetrate effectively since pure vitamin C needs a pH of about 3.5 for optimal skin penetration, so at this pH the ascorbic acid is probably not doing the most potent work, but that doesn't mean it's not working, it's clearly formulated for someone with more sensitive skin. The Vitamin C Complex Serum is honestly one of my favorites so far, it's super gentle, it worked really well on my skin, and my skin barrier absolutely loved it, I used every single drop out of the bottle. The vitamin C forms are legit, but the pH issue will limit the potency of that acid unless you have sensitive skin, in which case you would absolutely love this."

"This serum uses two vitamin C forms, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and ascorbyl glucoside, which is a really smart combination. THDA is oil soluble so it penetrates the skin membrane more efficiently, and ascorbyl glucoside is a stable derivative that converts to active vitamin C once absorbed. The supporting cast is excellent, with ferulic acid to stabilize and amplify, ectoin for barrier protection, vitamin E, and sunflower shoot extract positioned as an NAD+ booster. The NAD+ claim is ahead of the science though, the research on topical NAD+ penetration is limited. That said, two stable, well-chosen vitamin C forms, ferulic acid, ectoin, no fragrance, this is well-formulated. This is worth it if you can access it, especially if you live in the UK."

"This formula has two vitamin C derivatives, 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid and ascorbyl glucoside, both stable forms. Niacinamide is the first ingredient after water, so it's in a really high concentration, which is a wonderful brightening bonus, plus squalane for hydration and peptides for anti-aging support. But this formula contains multiple fragrance components, several of which are known allergens like linalool and citronellol, and for a brightening serum that people often buy specifically for sensitive, reactive, or hyperpigmentation-prone skin, a fragrance cocktail like this is a real red flag, since fragrance in leave-on products can cause contact dermatitis or contact sensitization. The vitamin C complex is legit and the niacinamide concentration is genuinely really good, but the fragrance load in the brightening serum is a significant concern, especially for anyone with sensitive or reactive skin. Beautiful packaging, great ingredients, but the fragrance is something to definitely watch out for."

"The Peptide Glazing Fluid is the product that made Rhode famous, and I need to be honest about what's actually in it. It contains one peptide, acetyl hexapeptide 8, but it's listed well down the ingredient list, meaning it's not at a high concentration, so the hero ingredient in a product called Peptide Glazing Fluid is low on the ingredient list. What is actually doing the heavy lifting is glycerine and butylene glycol, marula oil for emollient hydration, niacinamide for brightening and barrier support, and sodium hyaluronate for plumping. Niacinamide is a win for us specifically, with solid research for fading hyperpigmentation and post acne dark marks, but the estimated concentration here based on list position is around 2 to 3 percent, which is on the lower end for meaningful dark spot work, so it's contributing, not leading. Glyceryl caprylate is in this formula too, which is another potentially comedogenic ingredient for acne prone skin, and benzyl alcohol is listed, which functions as both a preservative and a fragrance, so that's something to keep in mind if you're fragrance sensitive. The glazed finish is real, the glow is real, but it's coming from the marula oil and the formulation texture, not the peptide, and calling it a peptide fluid and centering that as a hero ingredient is just marketing winning again. Honestly, it really is a beautiful hydrating serum, but it really is for the finish and the niacinamide, not the peptide claim, because the peptide isn't doing what it suggests."

"Torriden's low molecular hyaluronic acid serum is genuinely interesting from a chemist perspective. After water we've got glycol and glycerin, your standard humectant base, then panthenol sitting high on the label, which tells me it's there at a meaningful amount, excellent for hydration and barrier support. Then there's the hyaluronic acid complex, and this is where Torriden does something most serums don't: five different forms of hyaluronic acid at different molecular weights, so you're getting hydration working simultaneously at different depths of the skin, not just on the surface. It also has allantoin, one of my favorite soothing humectants, plus ceramide NP for barrier support and bitter glucan for antioxidants and barrier repair. This formula has a lot going on and all of it is working toward the same goal: deep, sustained hydration with barrier support. There's no fragrance, no essential oils, and it's alcohol free. This is a very well thought out formula, the five form hyaluronic acid system isn't just marketing, the molecular weight variation is a real formulation decision, and the label backs it up. If you have sensitive or reactive skin and want something fragrance free, this is one of the most well formulated pure hydration serums I've seen at this price point, and the label fully backs up what it promises."

"Innisfree's green tea seed hyaluronic serum is one of their most iconic products and it has a genuinely devoted following, people go crazy over it on social media. After water, propanediol, and glycerin, niacinamide sits at position five, then green tea seed oil, the brand's hero ingredient, at a meaningful position on the label. When you get to the hyaluronic acid forms, sodium hyaluronate is disclosed at 103 parts per million and hyaluronic acid at 100 parts per million, and even though that sounds like a big number, those are very low concentrations. The hyaluronic acid forms here are playing a supporting role, they're not the primary driver of hydration the way they are in Torriden. The primary hydration work is being done by green tea extract, saccharide, and other humectants earlier on the label. This product also has essential oils, citrus, lemon peel oil, limonene, and citral, which are fragrance components that can be irritating for sensitive skin, and some of the older Innisfree formulas contained denatured alcohol that could be really drying. That doesn't make it a bad product. The formula feels beautiful on the skin. If you love the sensorial feel of K beauty and your skin isn't reactive, this is for you, you get gentle brightening benefits alongside hydration, so it's really a double whammy product. Just know that the HA concentration is lower than the name suggests and the essential oils are there."

"This is Sephora's number one selling niacinamide serum and it sells out constantly, but if you bought it specifically to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, the niacinamide is only in the fifth position on the ingredient list, at an estimated two to three percent concentration. At that level you get real benefits like barrier support, reduced inflammation and redness, and some mild brightening, but the research shows four to five percent is where you actually see meaningful correction on hyperpigmentation and dark spots, so at two to three percent this product is not optimized for that goal. That said, I'm not here to bash it. The watermelon extract, sodium hyaluronate, and marula oil make it genuinely excellent for instant glow and hydration, and the niacinamide at that concentration is actively supporting your skin barrier and calming mild redness. It layers beautifully and the glow it gives you is real. It does contain a small amount of fragrance, less than zero point five percent from natural plant extracts, which could be an issue if your skin is sensitive or reactive. I personally have used it consistently in my routine, and if you want that glow, hydration, and gentle barrier support, it delivers, but if you're specifically trying to treat hyperpigmentation and dark spots, the concentration isn't optimized for that goal, and you should know that before you spend the thirty five dollars."

"Drunk Elephant TLC Framboos is one of the most talked about exfoliants in Sephora right now, and it's ninety dollars for a one ounce bottle. Glycolic acid sits close to water on the ingredient list so it's probably around seven percent, doing a lot of the heavy lifting, with lactic acid and tartaric acid as supporting AHAs, which tracks with the ten percent AHA total on the label. The salicylic acid is at one percent, not two percent, and that's a deliberate formulation choice, not a shortcut, so you're getting real BHA activity and genuine pore penetration, but at a concentration that's gentler and better tolerated for regular use. This is not a weak formula by any means, I think it's a thoughtfully calibrated formula. The rest of the formula, the horse chestnut extract, raspberry fruit extract, marula seed oil, cross polymer hyaluronic acid, and allantoin, is where it really earns some of its price tag. If you have congestion, blackheads, enlarged pores, or oily skin alongside texture concerns, you need both AHA and BHA working together, and this is an actual AHA and BHA treatment where both things are working. The price tag is real, but the functionality difference is also real, so pay the ninety dollars if that's what your skin needs."

"The main ingredient is viniferine, derived from resveratrol, which has antioxidant benefits, and the formula also contains squalane and bisabolol to prevent the irritation some people experience with vitamin C. This is for anyone with dark spots and hyperpigmentation who has sensitive skin and is looking to brighten their skin without irritation. If you've found vitamin C to be a little too sensitive for your skin in the past, this is a great substitution."

"This claims to provide forty four percent hydration even after eight hours of application. The formula has two different forms of lower molecular weight hyaluronic acid that absorb easily into the skin for continuous hydration, plus antioxidants like polyphenols and organic grape water to help reduce the effect of free radicals, which I love to see. This is for someone looking to increase hydration with antioxidant benefits, though if you're solely looking to increase hydration and don't want to spend fifty two dollars on a hyaluronic acid serum, there are cheaper options out there."

"My next favorite vitamin C is this one by Innisfree. I just love Innisfree as a brand, I feel like they really get it with most of their formulations, and it's K-beauty so it already has my heart. This formulation has 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid pretty high up in the ingredient list, so we know it's in there at a pretty high amount. That derivative is only shown to be functional between 2 to 5%, but it's nice to know it's in there at a really good amount, at least it's not below that 1% line. There's also niacinamide and allantoin for soothing the skin, and tocopherol and folic acid to increase the potency of that vitamin C."

"I fell for the hype on the VT Reedle Shot 100. It's basically a serum with cica, a very popular ingredient that's great for soothing the skin, and madecassoside, which is great for anti-inflammatory benefits. What's really popular about this specific serum is that it has microneedles that create tiny little punctures in the skin so all the functional ingredients in the formula can go deeper into the skin, like injecting it in, versus a regular serum that still has to create pathways to get in. I used this on a test portion of my skin and it did not feel good."

"The product I recommend for dry skin is CeraVe's 10% Vitamin C Serum. It's lovely for dry skin because it has three ceramides, ceramide NP, AP, and EOP, which are naturally found in the skin, so the product having these ingredients is very complementary because your skin instantly recognizes it and it really helps to start repairing that skin barrier. There's also hyaluronic acid to really add a lot of hydration and attract more moisture into the skin, glycerin as another great humectant, and dimethicone which is a great occlusive to help seal that moisture into the skin. Plus it's very budget friendly."

"For sensitive skin I recommend Maelove's Glow Maker Vitamin C Serum. It's unscented, there's no fragrance, because fragrance can be an allergen and cause a lot of irritation. It has a potent ascorbic acid for its brightening effects, plus vitamin E and ferulic acid, which help boost the antioxidant properties of the vitamin C. It will hydrate your skin as well as leave your skin with no irritation, and there's a reason why it's popular and called the dupe for C E Ferulic."

"The Geek and Gorgeous C-Glow has 15% vitamin C plus ferulic acid. People say this is a dupe for SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. I don't ever say dupe on my channel because there are so many nuances when it comes to formulation, no two products are ever the same, there are so many different factors that come into making a product. So I would say this is a great alternative, because so many products, including SkinCeuticals, have different pathways to which they arrived at their vitamin C, and I'm pretty sure it has a patented ingredient as well."

"The good molecules discoloration body treatment is even more affordable, it's twelve dollars. It's got niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and salicylic acid, which I love as an oily skin girly because it really helps go inside the pores and declutter anything that could potentially cause acne. Whenever I used this lotion I really enjoyed it, my skin was glowing when I used it. I will say it doesn't last very long, it doesn't have a lot of product in it. This one is a lot more oily skin friendly, it doesn't have shea butters or waxes, it just has jojoba oil, so it wouldn't protect your skin from losing water as much as the other one, especially this winter season. It's very light and airy, and it's amazing if you have more oily skin."

"I have been using The Ordinary Copper Peptide Serum and I'm obsessed, it has been a game changer in my morning skincare routine. It's aesthetically pleasing but it's also really functional. Studies have shown it's a lot more effective than some vitamin C serums and it's even better for people who have sensitive skin, although it's not compatible with vitamin C and it's not compatible with retinoids because they just cancel each other out. It's very effective for hyperpigmentation and also firming your skin, so if you're older this might actually be a better investment for you compared to vitamin C. I have definitely seen a huge difference in brightening my skin. This is definitely my number one hands down."

"The Paula's Choice Discoloration Serum targets hyperpigmentation with three percent tranexamic acid, five percent niacinamide and five percent bakuchiol, which is a plant derived version of retinol. So if you have sensitive skin or if your skin just cannot handle retinol, this would definitely be a great alternative for you. Tranexamic acid is great for discoloration, targeting dark spots and uneven skin tone, and niacinamide is great for controlling oil as well as pigmentation."

"The Naturium Multi-Bright Tranexamic Acid Serum has a five percent emulsion of tranexamic acid, kojic acid, alpha arbutin which is a plant derived version of hydroquinone, and acetyl glucosamine, which help target dark spots, discoloration, fade uneven skin tone and brighten your skin for a more brighter looking complexion. I definitely think this would be a great bank for your buck, it's also very inexpensive so anyone can really get their hands on this one. I really like Naturium as a brand, I think they're always exploring and trying different things."

"This is the newer Aquaresh version, and I'd be slathering this one on myself. They've added panthenol to the original formula, so it's the same excellent SPF 50 protection with PA+++ for UVA coverage, and the panthenol is provitamin B5 that converts to pantothenic acid in the skin, so it's soothing and helps with barrier repair for melanin rich skin managing active hyperpigmentation, reducing the inflammation that triggers more pigmentation. It gives me a hydrated glow finish and the texture applies so easily. Honestly, if I had to choose between both of these, for melanin rich skin specifically, I'd lean towards the Aquaresh because the panthenol edition is so good for our skin, it's such an upgrade with an excellent formula. My final ranking is that this is the best overall finish, it's beautiful."

"This SPF 36 is a classic, super lightweight, and great for layering under makeup, with a texture that's relatively elegant for a daily wear product. There's no white cast, and I truly think it's a great entry point K beauty SPF for everyday use. If you're outdoors a lot and actively managing hyperpigmentation, I'd probably go higher than SPF 36, but it's good for office days and general protection overall. It's my pick for best budget entry, a solid daily SPF, just go higher if you're outdoors often."

"This SPF 50 has an NAD peptide complex, a coenzyme involved in cellular energy and DNA repair, and the research on topical NAD is still developing, but the peptide complex alongside the SPF creates an interesting protect and repair positioning. The texture is lighter than other products in this lineup, it absorbs pretty fast, and feels more like a sunscreen serum than a true sunscreen, so for oily skin types or anyone who hates the tacky feeling of sunscreen, this is a wonderful entry point. I genuinely think this one has one of the best textures in this lineup for oily and combination skin. It's my pick for best for oily combination skin, the NAD peptides, the light texture, the SPF 50, the formulation direction, it's chef's kiss, such an amazing take."

"The last product I love for dry skin from CeraVe is their SPF 50 Facial Lotion. This one is great because it has pretty much all the things I talked about earlier, niacinamide to control transepidermal water loss, and ceramides for the skin barrier. There's also SPF 50, so if you're someone who doesn't like having so many different products, like a separate sunscreen and a moisturizer, this would be great for you because you have an SPF and a wonderful lotion that's great for your skin all in one. You can't go wrong with this."

"This one is another chemical sunscreen, by Naturium, their Sheer Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50. If you like a sheer sunscreen, it applies really well, the texture and formulation of it is really watery, very lightweight, and it protects against radiation and pollution. I really like the sunscreen, I think it's a great product. I haven't worn it for a long time though, I've really wanted to show it whenever I'm doing a video, but I've been seeing so many reviews on social media about this sunscreen, so yeah, I really really think it's a great sunscreen and you're not going to go wrong with it."

"This is the first mineral sunscreen on my list, also by Murad, SPF 50 with PA++++. Always look out for PA+++ if you're darker skin, because it's just so good on our skin. This one protects against broad spectrum UVA, UVB, pollution, and blue light from devices, so it's amazing. It doesn't leave a white cast when you first put it on, you'll have a hint of a white cast, but it slowly dissipates and you pretty much won't see it anymore. I think it's my favorite mineral sunscreen right now, I am obsessed with it, it's so good. I think it's a little bit pricey, but honestly it's so justifiable because it's just so good, you're really well protected, and again barely any white cast on my skin tone."

"This is a sunscreen I've really been enjoying lately, Murad's Multivitamin Clear Coat Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++. It's a chemical sunscreen, and one thing I really love about it is that you can literally use it as a primer as well, so you can wear it under makeup or just as your sunscreen. It's pretty lightweight and transparent or translucent, so it goes on really clear, so if you're not a fan of any finish on your sunscreen, this is it. I like that it has PA++++ because that boosts its power against UVA rays, which age us, and for melanin skin we tend to show that aging really fast, so I love that this one has a lot more power against UVA rays, especially if you're darker skinned like me."

"The Barrier Restore Cream is where Rhode put their most serious formulation effort. There are four peptides, palmitoyl tetrapeptide 2, palmitoyl heptapeptide 27, palmitoyl oligopeptide 78, and palmitoyl tripeptide 24, palm oil peptides, and pomato peptides specifically have better research for collagen support and skin firmness, so this peptide investment is more meaningful than the glazing fluid. But shea butter is the fourth ingredient in this formula, not a trace amount, not low on the list, that's a primary ingredient, and shea butter is high in oleic and stearic fatty acids which are known to be comedogenic for breakout prone skin, so if your breakouts leave marks that linger for months, that's a concern. It also contains a lactic acid slash glycolic acid copolymer, which is an exfoliating acid in your last step, so if you're already using a BHA or AHA in your routine and you layer this on top, you may be stacking exfoliants without realizing it, and for melanin rich skin that can trigger PIE. The peptide complex is real and working for normal dry melanin rich skin focused on anti-aging and firmness, but the shea butter position and the hidden exfoliants make this a careful patch test situation before you fully commit if you're acne prone."

"The first product I recommend for dry skin is CeraVe's Daily Moisturizing Lotion. I recommend this for dry skin because it has all three ceramides naturally found in the skin, ceramide MP, ceramide AP, and ceramide EOP, which dry skin tends to lack because the skin barrier has been compromised. This lotion will help optimize that skin barrier back to health. It also has MEA, an occlusive that helps lock any moisture onto the skin, which dry skin needs because it loses water fast when the barrier is compromised. There is also hyaluronic acid to help boost hydration in the skin, as well as hydrating surfactants that help increase hydration."

"If you have dry skin or just really irritated skin, the Skinfix Triple Lipid Peptide Cream is a must, there's a reason why it's won so many different awards. This one also has all three of the ceramides I talked about earlier, as well as peptides to really work on the collagen levels in your skin, repair the skin barrier, and increase elasticity and strength. There's also a lot of emollient in it, like hemp seed oil. It's always sold out everywhere, it's amazing for dry skin."

"Topicals Faded Serum has been on everybody's lips since TikTok blew it up, and I personally bought this serum but I honestly could not stand the smell, it just drove me nuts. The smell comes from glutathione, the brightening ingredient, which has a sulfur grouping that causes that smell. I heard they came out with a version that doesn't have that smell, but I haven't tried that one. The one I had was very functional, but I couldn't really use it on my face because it has shea butter and I try to stay away from oils, waxes and butters since I have oily skin. If you have drier skin you'll probably find this more valuable, it's definitely going to help with pigmentation, discoloration and brown spots. It's also got licorice root, azelaic acid and centella asiatica to help soothe your skin and prevent it from feeling itchy or burning. I definitely recommend it for drier skin types especially."

"The pineapple refresh cleanser markets itself as a pineapple enzyme exfoliating formula, but the actual exfoliating ingredient is whole pineapple fruit extract, not isolated bromelain enzyme, and contact time is maybe 60 seconds, so the pineapple exfoliation story is mostly marketing. What this actually is is a gentle non-stripping cleanser, and honestly that's fine, that's what a cleanser should be, and for melanin rich skin that matters because a compromised skin barrier makes hyperpigmentation worse. It also contains poly glutamic acid which is five times more hydrating than hyaluronic acid, and the formula overall is well constructed, though seabuckthorn oil is in here which is high in oleic acid, usually fine but worth knowing if your skin is very reactive. Overall this is a good daily well formulated cleanser, but for $32 for a cleanser, spend your budget somewhere else, there are comparable options out there at a fraction of the price."

"For the first step of cleansing off makeup, I recommend the INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm. I love it because one of the main ingredients is oat kernel, which is really great for moisturizing and hydrating the skin, and there's also colloidal oatmeal, which helps reduce any irritation that could happen from makeup. I really like this product, it's under ten dollars, and it's just an all around amazing product that works for any skin type."

"I'm starting off strong with The Ordinary 7% Glycolic Acid Toning Solution. This chemical exfoliant, if I could drink it, I would. It's everyone's favorite for a reason, and on the body it works wonders. The pH The Ordinary formulates it at is amazing for the body because that 7% is optimal for your body to handle. Glycolic acid helps speed up cell turnover, fading hyperpigmentation, smoothing KP texture, and brightening overall. Since adding this to my routine it has been night and day because nothing else was working. For KP specifically, chemical exfoliation is fundamentally more effective than physically scrubbing, because KP is caused by a buildup of keratin around hair follicles and glycolic acid dissolves that buildup. I apply it to dry skin after showering, let it absorb, and don't rinse it off. I honestly can't say enough good things about the Ordinary Glycolic Acid. It has made such a huge difference in my overall skin."

"K beauty has my heart, and the rice bran extract in here plus niacinamide is wonderful for hydrating and brightening. There are three types of hyaluronic acid for multi weight hydration, and it also has a ceramide complex, but it's lightweight, milky, and less emollient than the others. It's going to be amazing for my oily skin girlies to combo skin who are wanting brightening and lightweight hydration without the heaviness, and it's truly a way for my oily and combo skin baddies to get that glass skin glow. But if you're looking for actual barrier repair, this is not going to be very functional for that. It's more of a brightening toner, not repair support."

"Niacinamide is the fourth ingredient here, so you know it's going to be active, and it has rice bran extract, panthenol, and a ton of ceramides to soothe, revitalize, and hydrate your skin. But looking at other videos and the ingredient list, this is more of a watery essence than a true milky toner. It's best for all skin types wanting lightweight hydration and brightening properties, but in all honesty I think this is just a niacinamide toner. I don't think it would pair well with a ton of products because of the ingredient profile, so it's not going to be my top choice for ceramides or barrier repair. And if you have oily combination skin, I would probably stay away from this because it contains a good amount of oils."

"I did not want to include this one because it's more of an essence than a toner. One of the top ingredients here is C12-15 alkyl benzoate, a heavy hitter ingredient that helps with texture and moisture. It also has coconut alkanes, which is an occlusive that helps seal in moisture, and four types of hyaluronic acid, so it's going to be very well layered hydration for your skin. The texture is more of a rich milky sensation, so it'll feel more substantial than the others. This product will also be great for dry to normal skin types that want serious moisture plus barrier repair. So if you have oily skin, I would skip this one, but if your skin is dry and you want that rich milky essence formulation, this is your girl. This one is solid."

"This one is my favorite. It has poly glutamic acid, which holds five times its weight in water compared to hyaluronic acid, so you know it's going to have your skin shaking with hydration. It also has panthenol to help soothe and support your skin barrier. Out of all the ones I've reviewed so far, this one gives you that true milky texture and a really creamy feel. It's great for dry, dehydrated, sensitive skin, or for anyone with a compromised skin barrier, and it's the most barrier focused of all the toners so far. It also has a legitimate ceramide complex, ceramide AP, NP, and EOP, plus supporting cholesterol and hyaluronic acid. This is such a well formulated product, and if skin barrier is your goal, it actually delivers on the claims. They actually formulated what they're marketing."

"This has the highest concentration of niacinamide, five percent, higher than all the other toners I've talked about, plus multiple emollient esters for a rich occlusive texture, tranexamic acid, and four ceramide complex ingredients to help repair your skin barrier. This is the richest, most textured of all the toners I've talked about, but the oils at the top of the ingredient list make this formula more of a lightweight moisturizer than a toner. If you have really dry skin and you want aggressive brightening effects and heavy hydration, this is for you, but it's definitely not for my oily or acne prone skin, because it's basically a brightening emulsion disguised as a toner. So if you're dry skin and chasing brightening effects, chemist approved, but if you're oily skin, it's a hard pass because it's way too rich and will most likely break you out. I've personally been using this on my skin this winter because my skin leans dry during the season, and it has been a great add to my skincare lineup. My skin loves it, it has not broken me out, but I would not use this in the summertime. If you're combo skin and you feel like this is something you want to try, I absolutely recommend it. It's such a great product layered with other products as well."

"Body deodorant is amazing, though I don't use it as much, just every now and again, especially when it's really hot and your body is sweating in more places than your underarms. Dove has great formulas, they have ones that are fragrance free, and this one has coconut and vanilla and smells so good. I really love this one, there's no aluminum in this formula, so if you're worried about aluminum in your body care this one doesn't have any. It's a great formula if you want an all over body deodorant to prevent chafing or friction."

"The first product is the Verse retinol lotion. I've actually personally used this lotion and I love it so much. It's only nineteen ninety nine dollars, and it's better for dry skin, I'll say that right away. It has retinol, which is great for turnover, great for hyperpigmentation, firming the skin, and keeping it looking luscious, younger, and tight. The retinol in it is encapsulated, which means it stays stable until it gets deeper into the skin before it bursts open to start taking effect."

"The next one is the Gold Bond overnight retinol body lotion. This one is unscented, so if you're not a fan of fragrance this is right up your alley. It's about twelve dollars, so it's pretty affordable, and you can find it at your local CVS or Walmart. It also has niacinamide and shea butter, so if your skin is drier, especially heading into winter, it's going to help protect your skin from losing water, and the niacinamide helps control oil in the skin. It's just an all around amazing affordable product that does all the retinol functionality as well as controlling oil and protecting your skin from losing water, so I think it's even a more amazing product."

"The last one is the Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum, and this one is going to be a little bit more pricey at thirty dollars. It's got AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid to really help slough off dead skin cells that can build up and potentially cause acne. It's also got urea for moisturizing the skin, as well as encapsulated retinol so it stays stable and doesn't get compromised before it reaches the areas it's targeting, the dark spots. I think this is a really great product, really amazing if you have oily skin because it doesn't have all those thick butters and waxes that could potentially make you feel congested. I'm currently using it and I'm loving every minute of it."

"I have been really liking the Necessaire body wash, the internet has been going crazy about it and it's probably for a good reason. It actually has a trifecta or quadrifecta of AHAs in there, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and it also has pyruvic and tartaric acids. Even though those aren't as functional as glycolic and lactic, they still help work together to make the product better. This one doesn't have any fragrance, so I tend to mix it with the Fenty Cherry body scrub and it works amazing together. After I get out of the shower I can't get enough, it's really that amazing."

"Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment is six dollars for a one ounce bottle. There's water, glycolic acid, sodium citrate, glycerin, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and sodium hyaluronate. Glycolic acid is confirmed at about eight percent so the AHA strength is genuinely comparable to Framboos, with lactic acid at about one percent and sodium hyaluronate for hydration. But the salicylic acid is only zero point one percent, which is essentially a trace amount, so you're not getting meaningful BHA activity or real pore penetration and you're not clearing congestion. This is primarily an AHA exfoliant, it resurfaces the skin, smooths texture, brightens, and helps with cell turnover, and it does that genuinely well for six dollars. If your concern is surface texture, dullness, and uneven skin tone and your skin doesn't have significant congestion or pore issues, this delivers real results at an almost unfair price. But if you've been using it consistently and your pores still look congested and your blackheads aren't budging, it's not going to address that."

"This has been the gold standard BHA for a long time. The active is salicylic acid, the most researched form of BHA with decades of clinical backing, and it's oil soluble so it gets down into your pores, dissolves buildup, and clears congestion from the inside out. It's formulated at 2%, the maximum dosage allowed in over the counter products in the US, at an optimal pH so the salicylic acid is actually active and doing the job. I use it all the time, my skin loves it, and every time I have makeup on it's a non-negotiable in my nighttime skincare routine. It also has green tea extract for antioxidant support and soothing, plus it hydrates the skin while it exfoliates, which some formulations miss, and an ingredient that helps the exfoliant absorb deeper into the skin. It's a straightforward, effective formulation and the label backs up everything they claim. This one is for you if your skin can handle acids well, you've been exfoliating for a while, you have oily or really congested acne prone skin with consistent blackheads, and your skin barrier is in good shape and not reactive. If your skin got red, irritated, or angry using it, that's not a sign BHA doesn't work for you, it just means 2% salicylic acid at a low pH might be more than your skin barrier can handle right now. And if you're allergic to aspirin, don't use products with salicylic acid, since it shares the same chemical composition and some of the same properties as aspirin."

"The active ingredient in this one is betaine salicylate, not salicylic acid. They're two completely different molecules. Betaine salicylate is derived from salicylic acid and from sugar beet, and it's a gentler, milder form of BHA. It's listed as 4% BHA, but you need roughly double the concentration of betaine salicylate to get a similar effect to salicylic acid, so 4% betaine salicylate is equivalent to about 2% salicylic acid in exfoliation strength. The marketing is technically accurate, it does contain 4% BHA, but it's not the same BHA, and the way it's marketed makes it easy to assume you're comparing the same molecule at different price points when you're not. This one is for you if you're newer to chemical exfoliants, your skin gets reactive or sensitive easily, you've tried BHAs before and found them too harsh, or you want something you can work up to using more regularly without the intensity of a true salicylic acid. It also has niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate built in for hydration and barrier support alongside the exfoliation, which is a genuinely smart formula decision, especially for anyone whose skin leans dry or combination. Price per use, it actually stretches further because you use less product per application and the bottle lasts longer, so if budget matters and your skin leans sensitive, this isn't a compromise option, it's genuinely the smarter buy for your skin type. It's also a safer choice if you're allergic to aspirin."

"This one is an AHA tonic as well but the AHA in here is lactic acid. Lactic acid is a step down from glycolic acid, it has bigger molecules and doesn't penetrate the skin cells as quickly as glycolic, so it's a lot milder, especially on people of color, it's a lot gentler, it's not as harsh, and I love that for us. It has 4.5% lactic acid, so not as high as the one from the ordinary, and it also has a pH between three and four. I personally found it very hydrating. I love the dropper on this one a little bit better, though I wish the dropper was a little different because it kind of squirts out everywhere when you use it, but that still doesn't deter me from picking it. It also has salicylic acid to help refine the skin as well as BHA to help unclog the pores and prevent any potential acne from forming. It's very hydrating, it just really feels amazing on the skin, while the ordinary wasn't doing anything for my skin and my skin felt sticky and dry, with this one my skin felt moisturized. Without question I picked this one because it feels so much better on the skin. This product is definitely a really really awesome product, I think Ren really did a wonderful formulation here."

"This one from L'Oreal is one that I really love. It's really gentle on the skin and super functional. A lot of people have used it and said it has great benefits: it's good at turning over your skin cells, good at increasing collagen levels in your skin so your skin doesn't start to sag and get fine lines and wrinkles, and it's good at preserving the skin cells. But it can only do so much, it's still a relatively mild retinol with limited strength, so it might just not be the right one for you."

"I love their caffeine 5% de-puffing eye serum. Caffeine is a wonderful ingredient because it helps stimulate blood flow in the under eyes, since blood flow starts to reduce as we get older, so caffeine in there really helps speed things up, helps your skin cells proliferate faster, and helps bring collagen faster to the surface of the skin to keep that area tight. There's also glycerin and hyaluronic acid in there to really help plump that area up and give the feeling of that area looking fuller and more volumized. This is one of my favorite eye creams, and for under $10 you can't beat it."

"This one is a little pricey, a little over $50, a Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Cream, and it's amazing for helping to improve signs of aging around the eyes. I honestly recommend this one if you're a little bit older, so if you're in your late 40s to 50s this one is amazing for helping to reduce the look of crow's feet or wrinkles on the side of the eye. It'll also help to lift and depuff your eye because it contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which are amazing for really building up the skin barrier, helping to increase elasticity in that area, and making it look tighter, firmer and smoother. It also has encapsulated retinol, which only has one conversion step to retinoic acid so it's actually pretty gentle even though you'd think it might be irritating, and they've encapsulated it so it stays potent until it reaches where it's targeted to work. This product really helps bring fresh skin cells to the surface of the skin faster so your skin won't look dull or dry, and it'll help any dark circles visibly start to disappear."

"This one has niacinamide and vitamin C and caffeine. Caffeine is amazing for really increasing blood circulation. Niacinamide is wonderful because it's amazing for hyperpigmentation, since darkness starts to happen as we get older in the under eye, and niacinamide is amazing for really helping to control that darkness or hyperpigmentation as well as oil regulation. Vitamin C is obviously great for its brightening antioxidant benefits, really helping to brighten that area and stop it from looking dull or tired as you get older. So this is a wonderful product for under $15."

"A product I've been loving recently for a good glow is the L'Oreal Lumi Glotion. It's a bronzing enhancer that gives you an instant glow layer, a cosmetic glow enhancer that uses light diffusing particles to create the appearance of radiant skin, not a treatment. For melanin rich skin the key is shade selection, I'm using shade 904 Deep Glow and it comes in multiple shades. I used it on my arms and my collarbones and it is popping. The wrong shade will give you a gray, ashy cast that nobody likes, so getting the right shade plays a huge part in getting that lift, warmth from within glow. I layer it over the places where I applied my body oil, just a selective application that looks more natural and avoids that coated shimmer look."

"This one from Remedy Skin is new in the market, by Dr. Shaw. It's packed, it has 5% niacinamide, kojic acid, mandelic acid, retinol, and tranexamic acid. If you don't have sensitive skin and your skin can handle a lot, this is wonderful for you. I do, however, find that every now and again when my skin is just going through it, I can't use it because it has quite a bit of oil in it. But it's a wonderful formulation that honestly works across the board."

"I specifically recommend the Vaseline brand because they've been around for ages and they have such a unique refinement process for their petrolatum that the formulation can't be copied by any other brand. I use it as the last step of my lip mask, not directly on my lips because that actually chaps them, and I love it on the balls of my feet, my elbows and my knees when my skin gets dry in the winter. It works great as an eye makeup remover, and I've been putting a little on a spoolie and running it along the ends of my lashes to help them grow, just staying away from my tear ducts so it doesn't clog anything. It's also good on cuticles to stop them drying out, and when I slug with it in the winter my skin looks so much better in the morning even after a good skincare routine, though I only use a tiny pea sized amount or less because I have oily skin and too much will easily break me out. A little dabbed on my cheekbones gives me a really natural dewy highlighter look, and dabbing it on my wrists and neck before spraying perfume traps the fragrance so it lasts a lot longer. It's a great wound healer for something like a paper cut or a minor kitchen burn as long as you clean the area first, though I don't recommend it for deep or infected wounds, and I like using it along my hairline to protect my skin before relaxing or dyeing my hair. This is such a great invention, I wish I'd invented it five hundred years ago."

"I've been using The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Hair Serum and it's been working for me, my edges were struggling a little bit and now it's working. I just started using it so I can't tell you much yet, but I do have knowledge on ingredients, and this one has a lot of patented ingredients like Redensyl, Procapil, Capixyl, Baicapil and Anagain, and caffeine, which are really strong ingredients that I'm really impressed by, and that's what made me want to buy this product. My only wish is that they disclosed how much Redensyl is actually in it, since it's patented they never will. I'm excited to use it and see what it does."

"The glazing milk is where I started to pay attention, this one has interesting science behind it and it's a product for melanin rich skin specifically. It has four forms of hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate cross polymer, hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, and sodium acetylated hyaluronate, so that's hydration at multiple skin depths, not just at the surface. This formula has a full ceramide complex, ceramide MP, AP and EOP, beta glucan for barrier support, and copper and zinc gluconate for skin regulating benefits. For melanin rich skin specifically ceramides matter more than most people realize, because when our skin barrier is healthy our melanocytes behave much better, and hyperpigmentation is significantly worsened by barrier disruption. Oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid are listed here as standalone ingredients, and for acne prone skin those fatty acids at higher concentrations can be comedogenic, so if you have reactive oils on your face, patch test this one. This is actually the most functional formula in the Rhode lineup to me for our skin's actual needs, the multi-depth hyaluronic acid and full ceramide complex are doing real work for melanin rich skin focused on skin barrier health and long-term hyperpigmentation prevention, and this one genuinely earns its place."