What The Budget Dermatologist recommends: 446 products reviewed

Every review.

All 446 products The Budget Dermatologist has reviewed, grouped by product type. Click a product to see the full guru consensus.

All takes Yay takes Nay takes Against the gurus

Type

Serums78 reviews

L'Oreal Revitalift 10% Glycolic Acid Serum

"A good drugstore glycolic acid serum by L'Oreal, at 10% glycolic acid. I like that one more specifically for acne-prone skin."

✓Yay

80%Guru Score

Good Molecules Mandelic Acid Serum

"You can get a mandelic one from Good Molecules. Again, they have such great key active products at really affordable prices."

✓Yay

80%Guru Score

Anua Azelaic Acid 10% Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum

"Anua's Azelaic Acid serum is a super viral product I've been using for a long time and love. It has the maximum 10% azelaic acid [...] you can get over the counter, which is great if you have sensitive, redness prone skin, even acne or post acne dark marks, it brightens the skin, can improve acne, and cuts down redness while staying gentle. [...] It also has niacinamide, panthenol and ceramides in it, an overall multitasking, really gentle, great formulation. It's right around $15 for Prime Day."

✓Yay

67%Guru Score

Prequel Redness Reform Soothing Serum

"For redness prone skin, [...] the Redness Reform Soothing Serum by Prequel is amazing, and I love pairing it with their sulfur based cleanser, which I rub on and leave for a few minutes like a mask with no irritation as it cuts the redness away, then I follow up with the soothing serum. [...] If you have red, irritated, damaged skin barrier, this duo is absolutely incredible. It's 20% off and it's an actual discount, not a trick."

✓Yay

81%Guru Score

Olaplex No.3 Plus Complete Treatment Repair

"The No.3 Plus by Olaplex is a new product that came out this year, 30% off, the first sale [...] I've seen since it launched. It's a three minute treatment, [...] you wet your hair, apply it root to end, wait 3 minutes and rinse off. I am very impressed with this so far, the strengthening and less hair breakage and damage. It's not cheap, but it's an awesome one."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum

"Timeless makes a very viral product, two actually: a 10% version and a 20% version. It's one of my favorite budget vitamin C serums and a great swap for the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic."

✓Yay

70%Guru Score

Trader Joe's Vitamin C Serum

"It's just a very simple, straightforward, yet effective Vitamin C Serum for under $10. [...] I want to note about this is that this has a hefty dose of vitamin C in it, which means it's going to work very well and very fast if you can tolerate it. 15% L-ascorbic acid can be a little irritating and stinging on the skin because it's a low pH, so that can irritate some skin types."

✓Yay

79%Guru Score

Reale Actives Go Deep 8% Mandelic Acid Serum Concentrate

"I like the formulation here. It also has licorice root extract in it. It has centella that's good for soothing redness prone skin. It also has some oil reducing ingredients and antioxidants in it as well. Overall, very solid formulation, but $39 is fairly steep for a very basic serum with mandelic acid, which is a very cheap ingredient, and that's really the main ingredient in this product."

~Mixed

78%Guru Score

iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Pro-C Vitamin C Serum Brightening Solution

"Since I have been trying this product out, I have not gotten any irritation on my skin. No increased redness, no burning or stinging throughout the day or with other skincare products, which can be so common when you're using pure [L-ascorbic] acid active vitamin C serums. [...] The three types of vitamin C in this 15% complex are [L-ascorbic] acid, 30 ethylcorbate, and THD ascorbate. [...] I like that this is an airless pump, so no dropper bottle format."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

Timeless 10% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum

"This is a 10% L-ascorbic acid plus vitamin E and ferulic acid serum, which are the same three trifecta ingredients that you will find in Skinceuticals C E Ferulic, but this one is way, way more affordable and in my opinion, in my experience, it is every bit as good as that one and you save over $100 on this one. Vitamin C serum [...] is an absolutely crucial ingredient in a very well-rounded anti-aging routine."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

Remedy Daily Defense Vitamin C Serum

"So I just love that texture so much. [...] It's $28. That's an incredible price for a vitamin C serum that is more in line with the price that you will find on L-ascorbic acid types of vitamin C serums. [...] I love that this is equally competitively priced with those for $28. [...] Both of these vitamin C serums get a thumbs up from me in terms of formulation and feel on the skin such that they are not irritating and they don't sting."

✓Yay

88%Guru Score

SkinFix 15% Vitamin C and Ferulic Acid Serum

"So overall, I give the formulation of this product thumbs up. It is very thoughtfully formulated and hits a lot of the targets and the key points that I look for when I'm reviewing vitamin C serums, which actually is hard to find. So I am very impressed by that. [...] The texture is very nice, just a lightweight milky serum that does not feel stinging or irritating when I put it on my skin. And I am a sensitive skin person. So this definitely passes the test there."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

Medik8 C-Tetra Lux Vitamin C Serum

"The biggest selling point in this is the vitamin C component. Now I will say the other main difference between these two, the 14% this is an oil-based serum. So if you are not used to or not looking for an oil-based type of serum this might not be for you. I actually like it. I like to use this at night, which vitamin C works at night. But the serum is so hydrating and just restores my skin and prevents dryness so well. So I like to use this one at night actually."

✓Yay

69%Guru Score

RoC Derm Correction Firming Serum Stick

"This is one I have been using in the past that I really like. It's by Rock. It's the firming serum stick that has retinol in it. The thing I love about this is it also contains another ingredient. Starts with a T. I don't remember exactly what it's called. TPE or something like that that gives almost an instant tightening effect. So you could use this in the morning, this at night, but this in and of itself is a super super well-rounded product for your neck."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum

"Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum, their vitamin C serum is a really, really good, even suitable level good swap for skin suiticles. It's expensive. It's $80, but that's going to still save you over $100 if you were thinking about getting skin suiticles. You can get this one instead. Very similar: vitamin E, ferulic acid, low pH, 15% L-ascorbic acid."

✓Yay

71%Guru Score

The INKEY List Exosome Hydroglow Complex Serum

"I've noticed from using the Inky List Exo product this year so far that I honestly do feel like my skin barrier has improved because of this product. When I use my retinoids, I am getting less peeling and less discomfort or burning of my skin. Overall, I kind of want to attribute it to this product here. It is really good. It feels nice on the skin. It also can make your skin just look a lot more glowy and hydrated and dewy."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

"Another option you can get over the counter that I really like is by The Ordinary. It's their 10% azelaic acid suspension. It's under $30. [...] This is another crowd favorite from you guys and me as well."

✓Yay

75%Guru Score

The INKEY List Redness Relief Super Solutions 10% Azelaic Acid

"I love to start with an over-the-counter 10% azelaic acid and see how much improvement we can get there. See if our skin agrees with it, which it probably will. And you may be surprised to learn that that's all you need. You might not even need to bump up to the prescription strength at all. [...] The INKEY List is right around $20. It is 10% azelaic acid, right around the strongest you can get over the counter. It also has allantoin in this which is very soothing."

✓Yay

92%Guru Score

Naturium Azelaic Acid Emulsion 10%

"This is another crowd favorite from you guys and me as well by Naturium. They make one right around 20 to $22. It's an azelaic acid again with 10% concentration in it. This one also has niacinamide in it which is another good ingredient to help reduce the redness on the skin."

✓Yay

81%Guru Score

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with Hyaluronic Acid

"One of my all-time favorites is from Neutrogena, their Hydro Boost. It comes in a gel."

✓Yay

82%Guru Score

The INKEY List Ectoin Hydro Barrier Serum

"It's the Ectoin Hydro Barrier Serum. It's about $15 and [...] when I use it, I feel super super hydrated. It makes my skin look more bouncy. It feels really nice. It can be a key product in your glass skincare routine, and it's from the Inkey List, so it does not break the bank."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

Clinique Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum

"Their products can be a little more pricey, but this new glow serum they came out with is so nice on the skin. I've loved using it. I've been using it almost every day lately. Has vitamin C in it, has hyaluronic acid in it, and it also has that ingredient I mentioned earlier called ma. So you put this on your skin and you are glowing and shimmering and you feel so youthful and it feels really great on the skin. It's very gentle. It's fragrance-free. Clinique is leveling up."

✓Yay

82%Guru Score

L'Oreal Revitalift Pure Vitamin C 12%

"It has 12% [L-ascorbic] acid, vitamin E, and salicylic acid, which I love because salicylic acid can help get down into the pores. It's a BHA, it's oil soluble, so it has preference to get into the pores and helps unclog them. This is a great option if you want the benefits of vitamin C, you have acne or acne prone skin, you want to unclog the pores, and if you have post acne dark spots, this is such a great option. It's a great price."

✓Yay

66%Guru Score

Prequal Hypochlorous Acid Spray

"I use and recommend this one because it is a very high quality formulation for one of the best price points I have seen online. [...] This is very simple, you just spritz it right on to your eyelashes, close the eyes and you spritz. You can do this a couple times a day. Hypochlorous acid is one of these fix all ingredients that can make so many skin conditions so much better and it's really easy to use and it's very affordable."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Timeless Matrixyl 3000 Serum

"This is one I would highly recommend, peptide serum. It's a Timeless Matrixyl 3000 Serum, extremely affordable, well formulated serum. Peptides are generally not irritating, they are tolerated by all skin types, [...] so I love a peptide serum for the face and we're just going to bring it right down the neck. This is [...] a top, top, top budget pick that is way less than $100 that I think is going to give you better results."

✓Yay

75%Guru Score

CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

"This has 10% pure vitamin C serum. I [...] really like this product. I'm loving this package because it is opaque so it will protect it against the light breakdown of it. It's an airtight container that also can protect it from air getting to it to break it down. [...] The vitamin C ingredient is really obviously the hero ingredient here."

✓Yay

70%Guru Score

Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skin Injection Amplified Wrinkle Fix Refillable Serum

"Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skin Injection is a little more pricey but this has that argireline in it and it has some other great ingredients in it as well."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

Vanicream Vitamin C Serum

"5% Vanicream, 10% CeraVe, 15% Bishi or even 20% from Neutrogena or RoC that are packaged in individual doses, these are some of my favorite budget vitamin C serums that really work from the drugstore."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Neutrogena Collagen Bank 15% Vitamin C Serum

"Even 20% from Neutrogena or rock that are packaged in individual doses"

✓Yay

70%Guru Score

RoC Multi Correxion Vitamin C Serum

"RoC Multi Correxion Vitamin C Serum is one of my favorite budget vitamin C serums that really works from the drugstore. It comes in individual doses and contains 20% vitamin C."

✓Yay

80%Guru Score

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum

"For double the price of the Timeless product, you can get this one by The Ordinary, the Multi-Peptide + Copper Serum. It has Matrix C 3000 copper and one of those neurotransmitter blocking peptides that I mentioned, acetyl hexapeptide 8. This is definitely a popular and very reasonable choice."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Maylove Hydro Relief Amino Acid and Peptide Cream

"This is a really nice lightweight moisturizer, very hydrating, it wears well for daytime under makeup. It contains soy and rice peptides which are anti-aging because they help prevent the breakdown of collagen. It also contains other skin hero ingredients like niacinamide, squalane, shea butter, and jojoba esters."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Timeless Peptide Serum

"I love this brand of skincare products. It contains Matrixyl 3000 in it for just about $10 more, but overall the ingredients in that product are a little bit more simple."

✓Yay

81%Guru Score

Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Brightening Treatment Serum

"Glow Recipe is such a fun little brand, and this also has several types of vitamin C in it. The most concentrated one is the THD ascorbate, so it's an option if you're looking for a vitamin C serum that's not quite as expensive as the Peter Thomas Roth but with that form of vitamin C in it, which is actually hard to find."

✓Yay

67%Guru Score

The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum

"The soothing and barrier support serum contains lipids, [...] ceramides, and other epidermal barrier repair ingredients. [...] This is going to go on your skin after you cleanse, put a little bit on, and you can put a moisturizer over it and repair your skin day and night. You can use this up to twice a day. It's a very great price point and you can use this to reset your skin barrier without breaking the bank."

✓Yay

76%Guru Score

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Hyaluronic Acid Serum

"I found at Sephora a peptide skincare set with three Ordinary products in it. It contains the peptide for your lashes and brows that is safe to use. I actually started using that just recently and it contains two peptide products: a Multi-Peptide serum for your face and a Multi-Peptide Eye Serum, all bundled in this cute little gift."

✓Yay

75%Guru Score

Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C Plus Glutathione Clinical Serum

"The vitamin C in the morning is a great one, it actually has 15% L-ascorbic acid in it."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster

"This brand is one of my favorite skincare brands because their products are just formulated so well. [...] You can see that this one has just a little bit of a thicker texture or consistency, but again it absorbs in really nicely and quickly and finishes very nice and smooth on the skin, so not much to say about that, which is what we want. [...] This is your treatment step. It's going to do your anti-aging, skin brightening, and skin barrier strengthening, and help your skin reset."

✓Yay

71%Guru Score

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C and Turmeric Face Oil

"If you are a vitamin C fan, [...] this is a vitamin C product. This one is really good, but the sale on this is amazing because this is usually very expensive. It is usually $80. [...] The reason I like this product is because it's not just any vitamin C. It has one of my favorite types of vitamin C in it. [...] The active form is L ascorbic acid, which is kind of our traditional vitamin C product that we think of."

✓Yay

76%Guru Score

PCA Skin ExLinea Pro Peptide Serum

"This is by PCA Skin, it's the ExLinea Pro Peptide Serum. It's a peptide that is supposed to target the muscle that causes these dynamic wrinkles. [...] They call this Botox in a bottle in the skincare world. I got this on Amazon Prime Day so I got it on a big discount because it's actually really expensive, but not expensive compared to Botox."

~Mixed

78%Guru Score

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

"This one is 33.99 so it's kind of pricey for a vitamin C derivative that isn't my top pick."

✕Nay

68%Guru Score

Pacifica Glow Baby Booster Serum

"Pacifica has the glow baby serum, which is their form of vitamin C serum. [...] It also has sodium ascorbyl phosphate as the type of vitamin C in it, so again not my favorite. This also has glycolic acid, which is great for smoothing that skin texture and brightening the skin overall, not my top pick here. This one is eighteen dollars, so it's at a much better price point than the Mad Hippie, but again probably not your best bet here."

✕Nay

74%Guru Score

Paula's Choice Niacinamide 20% Treatment

"One of my personal favorites niacinamide serum is by Paula's Choice. These serums are really great for acne prone skin or if you want to decrease the look and size of your pores."

✓Yay

68%Guru Score

La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Intense Serum

"I like to pair that one with a moisturizer. [...] This will give you a little extra hydration and soothing of the skin. I do not think this one is as effective as the Avène anti-redness product but it does feel really nice and soothing on the skin, not quite as drastic of a difference in terms of redness here though in my opinion. It does have ambophenol which is a natural extract and it has neurosensing which can soothe the skin and create a great hydration barrier."

~Mixed

73%Guru Score

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

"Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dewdrops is not something I would usually go for, but I love it. It smells really good and is so nice, dewy, and hydrating on the skin. [...] I actually ended up using this a lot when I traveled because I don't like to do a heavy skincare routine when I travel. It has a [...] dewy finish, rubs in nicely, and smells so good."

✓Yay

68%Guru Score

Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster

"The 10 percent is a great concentration of azelaic acid. This also contains salicylic acid and licorice root which are going to help fade those dark spots and smooth the texture of the skin and unclog the pores. [...] It's a medium weight cream texture and it's something that I think is an absolute standout product by Paula's Choice. It's hard to find comparable ten percent azelaic acid products like this one, so this is a must."

✓Yay

81%Guru Score

Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster

"The C15 Super Booster is a holy grail from Paula's Choice because it is a stable form of vitamin C, L ascorbic acid, and it has vitamin E and ferulic acid in it as well. It's a great product at a fraction of the price of the SkinCeuticals one. I like to use vitamin C in the morning skincare routine to help build new collagen, to help lighten dark spots and fade hyperpigmentation, and just brighten and tone the skin."

✓Yay

82%Guru Score

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

"You use one dropper full and apply it to the face and neck and let it dry. The main complaint I have about this one is that it can feel a little bit tacky on the skin, which isn't my favorite thing if I'm going to be applying a full face of makeup over it. [...] But if you are looking for something that works and that's affordable, you cannot go wrong with this. I really love this product."

~Mixed

69%Guru Score

Avène Cicalfate+ Intensive Skin Restorative Serum

"This has a very short ingredient list and is designed to improve acne breakouts. It has silymarin extract and can be paired with your other acne medications or skincare routine products. If you have never tried silymarin before and want to test this ingredient out without a ton of other ingredients in the product, then start here. This product is very simple and with a price like this you cannot go wrong."

✓Yay

80%Guru Score

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

"For a vitamin C product, choose a product with the L ascorbic acid form and make sure it has a concentration of at least 10 percent and contains the antioxidants vitamin E and ferulic acid. You can try the gold standard Skinceuticals C E Ferulic."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

Bio-Oil Bio-Oil

"There has been some anecdotal evidence that Bio-Oil can help improve and prevent stretch marks, but I hypothesize that it may be the massaging effects more than the product itself that are most beneficial. Regardless, this is an enjoyable product to use and it is unlikely to cause side effects."

~Mixed

45%Guru Score

Avène Physiolift Serum

"The Physiolift Serum is basically a hyaluronic acid serum with two weights of hyaluronic acid to plump the skin. I don't think you need a hyaluronic acid serum; however, if you must have one in your routine, there are cheaper ones that are likely as good. I recommend the Vichy Mineral 89 instead, which can be used as a serum or a moisturizer."

~Mixed

75%Guru Score

Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream with Polyhydroxy Acid

"Eucerin is extremely affordable and they have really effective products. There's a ton of research and development that goes into their products, so I highly recommend you check those out. [...] The Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream comes in a jar and is just a really thick consistency, so it's really going to give you a lot of hydration back and help create that barrier on top of the skin to decrease how much water your skin is losing. [...] It goes on the skin really nicely."

✓Yay

87%Guru Score

Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Vitamin C Serum Capsules

"Or this one by Neutrogena, which is in biodegradable capsules. This has 20 percent vitamin C in it."

✓Yay

82%Guru Score

La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum

"If you have acne prone skin, I like the La Roche Posay 10 option because it also has salicylic acid in it. This does have a fragrance in it which doesn't bother most people but it's good to know so that you can take that into consideration."

✓Yay

60%Guru Score

Maelove Night Renewer Glycolic Acid Cream

"One of my favorite examples of a leave-on moisturizer with glycolic acid in it is the Maelove Night Renewer. It's a glycolic acid cream. You can think of this like basically an overnight facial: do your skin care routine, put a thin layer of this on, go to bed, and when you wake up in the morning and rinse, your skin is going to feel brighter and more smooth."

✓Yay
Sponsored

83%Guru Score

Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow 15% Vitamin C Serum

"Recommended as a budget alternative to SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic for those without access to Trader Joe's. It carries the full antioxidant trifecta: 15% L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and ferulic acid."

✓Yay
Sponsored

83%Guru Score

Maelove Glow Maker Vitamin C Serum

"Maelove, the Glow Maker, it is a holy grail of mine. It has the trifecta antioxidants in it: the vitamin C, 15% L-ascorbic acid, the vitamin E, and the ferulic acid."

✓Yay
Sponsored

80%Guru Score

Maelove Peptide Squad Collagen Renewal Serum

"The Peptide Squad Serum is a favorite of mine. [...] This is one of the best peptide serums on the market because it is very well-rounded. It has all of the key types of peptides that you want in a peptide serum if you're really after those anti-aging benefits. [...] The reason this is such an incredible peptide serum is that it has my favorite type of anti-aging peptide in it, called Matrixyl 3000."

✓Yay
Sponsored

81%Guru Score

Maelove Super Smooth Resurfacing Serum

"What I love about this particular exfoliation product is it doesn't sting, tingle, or burn the skin like so many glycolic acid and exfoliants can. This is actually very comforting to use, which is so rare. I'll just do a dropper full of this, dab it into the face, little bit on the neck, and that's it -- moisturizer on top and we're done. [...] I would do this about once a week depending on how your skin feels and your skin texture is."

✓Yay
Sponsored

84%Guru Score

Maelove Forever Firm Peptide Neck Treatment

"It's their anti-aging neck cream, the Maelove Forever Firm Peptide Neck Treatment. [...] You can put this on morning and night and it absorbs really nicely; if you have your hair down, it doesn't stick to it or anything. It has giralene in it, the peptide that targets those muscles of contraction, so this is really great for those vertical bands that you get down the neck. It also has Matrix Cell 3000 peptides to build collagen and help fight those crepey neck signs of aging."

✓Yay
Sponsored

74%Guru Score

Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP+ Serum

"This is the one that I think is absolutely superior to peptide serums out there. It's the Medik8 Liquid Peptides because this has a whopping dose of peptides in it. This has a 30% peptide complex. [...] This peptide serum has signal peptides in it, which are the peptides I look for. It's called Matrixyl 3000, it's actually a blend of two peptides. Signal peptides are the ones that are so well studied and have lots of evidence for building collagen in your skin."

✓Yay
Sponsored

84%Guru Score

Geek & Gorgeous Power Peptides Pro Collagen Multi Peptide Serum

"Like I wouldn't pair a topical acid with a retinoid. I wouldn't pair a vitamin C with a retinoid. Too much risk of irritation. But peptides, this is an example of a great budget friendly peptide that has the key player peptides in it as well. Power Peptides by Geek and Gorgeous. It's under $19. [...] This is good for all skin types. Peptides are generally very well tolerated. So I would put a layer of this on my skin first. Let it fully dry and absorb in. Then you can put on your retinoid."

✓Yay
Sponsored

82%Guru Score

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum

"From Peter Thomas Roth, which has a whole line of very splurgeworthy products, [...] this vitamin C serum was my product of the year from 2023, the product that I splurged on most and got the best feedback from my followers. It's [...] a little pricey but you can get it for 15% off with my code. It's better tolerated by a wider range of people and skin types than traditional L-ascorbic acid types of vitamin C serums."

✓Yay
Sponsored

72%Guru Score

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C™ Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment

"This is a niacinamide discoloration treatment that has 15% vitamin C in the THD ascorbate form, and this is aimed more towards dark spots to really kind of supercharge that. So if you deal with uneven skin complexion, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, maybe you want to try this."

✓Yay
Sponsored

76%Guru Score

The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum

"This is their Hyaluronic Acid Serum, this is $10 but it's not just hyaluronic acid. This also has in it Matrixyl 3000, which is my favorite peptide for anti-aging. It's one of the peptides that has the most research behind it that shows that it can rebuild collagen in the skin. So for $10 you get hyaluronic acid and peptides that's going to simplify your routine and not overdo it for your skin barrier."

✓Yay
Sponsored

86%Guru Score

Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Brightening Skin Corrector Serum (15% formula)

"I consider this just a best all-around product. It is a very good formulation. I love Vichy, it's a French skincare brand because so many of their products they have such simple straightforward formulations with just the quality ingredients, not a lot of fluff, and that is how I feel about this product. My favorite thing is this new and improved bottling packaging of it. It is a dropper bottle formula so the top just turn it over, a couple drops, and you put it on."

✓Yay
Sponsored

73%Guru Score

Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

"I love this option if you've already tried the lower percentage and you're ready for something more. No irritation, you're going to go up to this one. Or if you have redness prone skin because this has some added ingredients into it to reduce redness of the skin, which is such a problem for me, it's such something I struggle with. So this is a really good option for wanting vitamin C benefits, sensitive skin, rosacea prone, redness skin. I love this option for that group of people."

✓Yay
Sponsored

64%Guru Score

The INKEY List Collagen Peptide Serum

"If you should want an even lower cost option for a peptide, my top pick on a budget is the Collagen Peptide Serum by The INKEY List."

✓Yay
Sponsored

86%Guru Score

Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum

"I used to use Vichy Mineral 89 very often in my routine, which I still love, but this one to me personally for my skin is even more hydrating than that one, and it has the 6% niacinamide in it, so I consider this a combination serum, hyaluronic acid based serum and a niacinamide based serum. It's honestly a very affordable price overall."

✓Yay
Sponsored

83%Guru Score

Qure Epidermal Growth Factor Rejuvenating Serum

"The growth factor serum is going to be great for resurfacing the skin, more improvement of those fine lines and wrinkles and the texture of the skin."

✓Yay
Sponsored

84%Guru Score

Goodal Green Tangerine Vitamin C Dark Spot Care Serum

"This is exceptionally well formulated for sensitive skin people because the vitamin C content in this is very unique. It is derived from real fruit extract, specifically the green tangerine, which has ten times more vitamin C than other fruit, and it has centella asiatica in it to soothe the skin. This one has a jelly-like texture to it, so it is very smooth on the skin. You can layer this with other skin care products or makeup."

✓Yay
Sponsored

63%Guru Score

The INKEY List Super Solutions 20% Niacinamide

"I recommend this if you have very oily skin. [...] This can actually reduce the amount of oil on your skin and it is really one of those skincare ingredients that can do so many things. It can calm down acne, brighten the skin, fade dark marks, and really just help fight signs of aging. If you have acne prone skin, active acne, oily skin, acne scars, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or other signs of aging, a niacinamide serum can be a very nice addition to your routine."

✓Yay
Sponsored

71%Guru Score

The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum

"My top choice [...] is the Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum, which contains two percent salicylic acid. You can use this in the morning, [...] at night, or even twice a day. This one is very lightweight, it is a serum that [...] rubs in almost instantly and is very lightweight. You can wear makeup or other skincare products right over it without any pilling or clumping up on the skin. It is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, and it is going to help unclog your pores."

✓Yay
Sponsored

84%Guru Score

Avène RetrinAL 0.05% Serum

"The Avène Retinol Serum is my 2021-2022 product of the year. [...] This is a retinol serum, so again for anti-aging it gives very much of the same benefits as retinoids but without the side effects. Retinol is an awesome anti-aging ingredient. [...] This is the perfect thing to use in the morning in your skincare routine as your serum step if you want to double down on your anti-aging results. Maybe you use this at night and then you use this in the morning, which is what I do."

✓Yay
Sponsored

84%Guru Score

Maelove Fade Away Dark Spot Correcting Serum

"They have a great serum for dark spots that's formulated very nicely. It's called the fade away serum."

✓Yay
Sponsored

77%Guru Score

Avène RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum

"The Advanced Correcting Serum for your morning time anti-aging serum is one I recommend. If you saw my recent post on my channel, I gave that one the 2022 product of the year in my opinion."

✓Yay
Sponsored

84%Guru Score

Avène A-Oxidative Serum

"You can bring in a bakuchiol serum like this one by Avène. I actually use this every day in the mornings. [...] You can certainly use this at night as well and alternate this with a retinol. Bakuchiol is an ingredient that I became so knowledgeable about this year and I'm loving in my own routine. This gives retinoid-like results but with way less side effects, so it's perfect for those with really sensitive skin."

✓Yay
Sponsored

75%Guru Score

Moisturizers63 reviews

Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream

"A long-standing favorite of mine is the Ceramide Concentrate Cream by iUNIK. It's great to use with retinoids at night because there's a very low chance of irritation, and it has an almost balm-like texture with little ceramide [...] capsules that melt into your skin as you massage it in. I recommend this to people all the time to pair with retinoids."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

Anua Rice 70% Ceramide Moisturizing Milk

"The new Water Gel Cream from Anua reminds me of [...] the Neutrogena Hydro Boost, super lightweight and very hydrating, giving that classic K-beauty [...] glass skin look instantly. This one is amazing, I absolutely love it. It's really good for sensitive skin too, fragrance free. It's right around $20 on sale for Prime Day."

✓Yay

87%Guru Score

Seen Blowout Cream

"I also use the Blowout Cream by SEEN, also on Amazon Prime Day, [...] good for detangling and protecting your hair as a heat protectant before you put heat on it. SEEN is dermatologist developed, so it's safe and not going to contribute to scalp problems or hair fall."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

BYOMA Moisturizing Gel Cream

"This newer one that I recently started using from BYOMA, their gel cream moisturizer. It's also $15. It's so nice on the skin. BYOMA has so many great products at such affordable prices."

✓Yay

74%Guru Score

La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream

"My holy grail moisturizer for dry body skin is La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M. The emollients in this cream, like shea butter and plant oils, soften the skin and fill in the gaps between dry skin cells, which is why the skin feels almost instantly smoother. This cream also contains ceramides, which are lipids naturally found in your skin that help repair and restore your skin barrier over time."

✓Yay

88%Guru Score

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

"Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer is a very great option. It's under $15. It has hyaluronic acid in it. It has ceramides in it. And it is very lightweight. So we don't have a heavy or greasiness if you want to put makeup over it. It's such a versatile [...] moisturizer. [...] Very budget friendly and it gets the job done. It is simple. It is a workhorse. Good for all skin types. It has the seal of approval from the eczema association."

✓Yay

90%Guru Score

Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream

"The tolerance control cream is a 10 out of 10. Not going to irritate your skin. [...] A little thicker, a little heavier, and a little more hydrating in and of itself. If you're super super sensitive and the budget ones just still are not quite doing it for you, this is going to be where you would go to next in my opinion."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

Avène RetrinAL Ceramide Lipid-Replenishing Balm

"I compare any retinaldehyde that comes across my desk to this one right here by Avène. This is my personal gold standard retinaldehyde that I use in my own routine for many years. It is a drugstore brand French skin care product from Avène. It's the Retinal 0.1 intensive multi-corrective cream. It is a little pricey for a drugstore product."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Mederma Advanced Scar Gel with Allantoin

"The fourth product I do not want you to buy is a fancy scar cream, Mederma or vitamin E or anything super fancy because again I think we have a theme here: allergic contact dermatitis. You are more likely to get an allergic reaction to this cream than any benefit you hope to be getting to fade your scar."

✕Nay

51%Guru Score

Benadryl Topical Cream

"It's very common that people will grab this at the drugstore if they have poison ivy rash or some type of itchy, inflamed, bothersome rash on their skin. People think, 'Ooh, Benadryl is going to calm that down. Let's slather that on the rash.' Topical Benadryl is diphenhydramine. It's an antihistamine. So you would think that if you put it on your skin, it's going to decrease that sensation for itch and irritation."

✕Nay

51%Guru Score

Neutrogena Collagen Bank Non-SPF Peptide Moisturizer

"If you want a good, very good moisturizing night cream that also has some very gentle anti-aging benefits, check out Collagen Bank by Neutrogena. It really leaves such a hydrating feel on the skin. Quite luxurious. [...] You are getting a really luxurious moisturizing finish and [bakuchiol] in it. So, it's a unique product. I love it."

✓Yay

82%Guru Score

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (reformulated)

"One of my all-time favorites is from Neutrogena, their Hydro Boost. It comes in a gel."

✓Yay

79%Guru Score

Strivectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus

"I would rather go with a peptide cream for my neck that has Matrixyl 3000 or the Syn-Ake form or copper in it rather than swapping those very well-known peptides out for an unknown peptide with less evidence behind it and that is costing me way more. So I am not willing to take that risk. Possibly this will give you results that you were happy with, [...] but so will other creams that [...] cost less money. In my opinion, I recommend starting there instead."

✕Nay

63%Guru Score

Number Seven Restore and Renew Multi-Action Face and Neck Cream

"My top recommendation for you is by the brand Number Seven. It is way, way, way more affordable than the $100 one. It is called the Restore and Renew Multi-Action Face and Neck Cream. It's fragrance-free and it has Matrixyl 3000 in it. It is very affordable. [...] I love that for anti-aging neck skincare routines. So if you are looking for a great neck product, I would consider swapping this $100 peptide cream out for a more affordable peptide serum or a Matrixyl 3000 peptide cream."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

The INKEY List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing & Plumping Moisturizer + Barrier Strengthening

"It's incredible, full price this is $20 but right now it's on sale for $15, so a moisturizer for your face that lasts this long is a great price. [...] It's by The INKEY List, it's a bioactive ceramide repairing and plumping moisturizer. The reason this is topnotch is because it has ceramides in it in a really nice and nourishing base. Please only use a little bit of this, a little bit goes a very, very long way. This will really last you."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

Hero Cosmetics Rescue Balm+ Red Correct

"This formulation is really hydrating on the skin [...] and it's a very simple formulation that I think would work for a lot of skin tones. It has methanol in it to soothe the skin and it has some peptides in it to help your skin barrier. [...] Since I found this product and seen how good it works on my skin, it is what I'm exclusively wearing instead of makeup on work days [...] because it does just enough to correct all my redness and give me an even skin tone."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream

"The CeraVe night cream is in this nice balm-like texture and it has added skin barrier boosting ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramide."

✓Yay

76%Guru Score

Drunk Elephant Bora Barrier Rich Repair Cream

"I love that this is very thick texture and it has ceramides and peptides in it so it's going to be very hydrating and repairing of the skin barrier."

✓Yay

76%Guru Score

Three Ships Radiance Daytime Moisturizer

"This one has grape stem cells, has squalane in it. It is very refreshing. It feels more nourishing and repairing than a lot of daytime moisturizers and has sugar cane in it. It's all natural, very fast absorbing. I think this pairs well over serums as well, depending on what your morning routine is. It smells nice too."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Aveeno Calm + Restore Redness Relief Moisturizing Cream

"Another great option would be Aveeno Calm Plus Restore Redness Relief Moisturizing Cream. [...] This one passes my test."

✓Yay

80%Guru Score

Prosacea Sulfur Gel

"Sulfur has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties and has been shown to cut down on pathogens like C. acnes, some strep and staph species which are all implicated in causing rosacea. It's also been shown to kill Demodex mites which are another possible cause of rosacea and it calms inflammation. One of the great benefits of sulfur is that it does not cause antibacterial resistance like topical and oral antibiotics can."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Moisturizing Cream

"No other product can nourish and hydrate the skin quite like the [...] La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP Plus Body Balm. It is my go-to and I use it all the time."

✓Yay

97%Guru Score

First Aid Beauty Dew Point Moisturizing Gel Cream

"The Dew Point is amazing. This is a gel cream, very lightweight. This got me through summertime, so definitely keep this in your stockpile."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm

"I recommend the Tolerance Moisturizer, either the balm if you want something thicker or the cream version which is a little bit less occlusive, on nights that you need to repair or just let the skin rest."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Vitamin C Moisturizer

"This is my favorite product lately. It has five percent stabilized vitamin C in it that is going to brighten your skin so it doesn't look dull or lackluster. I use this in the morning because this can also prevent that free radical damage from the sun, so pair this with an SPF for maximum anti-aging and protection."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

"Vanicream makes a cream which is heavier than a lotion that is wonderful on the skin. I actually buy the cream in the tub not the tube because we love it so much and we use it so much. It's great for the whole family from babies to adults. This is [...] okay for the face and for the body and we use this in my house for body skin care. This is another super affordable option and this is what I would recommend that you use on babies."

✓Yay

89%Guru Score

Vanicream 1% Hydrocortisone Itch Relief Cream

"Vanicream actually makes an over-the-counter topical skin medication called Vanicream HC. It has one percent hydrocortisone in it to treat minor skin flares of eczema, skin inflammation, itching, and psoriasis. Hydrocortisone is a very gentle topical steroid that you can get without a prescription that helps calm inflamed skin. It can even help bug bites stop itching. So this is another thing to keep in mind if you need something a little stronger than just a moisturizer to treat problem skin."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

SkinFix Barrier+ Restoring Gel Cream

"I really love this product specifically for acne-prone skin, if you have fungal acne or malassezia folliculitis, if you have a damaged skin barrier. I really love this for nighttime use [...] on nights that you take off from using a retinoid to really help reset the skin barrier or strengthen it."

✓Yay

76%Guru Score

SkinFix Barrier+ Triple Lipid & Peptide Cream

"It has clinical studies showing improvement in the quantity of lipids [...] and is clinically shown to improve the softness, smoothness, and radiance of the skin. [...] The texture [...] is thick and creates a barrier on top of the skin, and it [...] takes a little bit of time [...] to absorb, [...] but once you get it applied evenly it does feel nice and soothing. [...] For 50 dollars for 1.7 ounces, this is a huge savings from the 136 dollar option."

✓Yay

91%Guru Score

e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream Fragrance Free

"Another one by e.l.f., the Holy Hydration fragrance free is a little bit of a thicker texture moisturizer. I love this one, this one's almost gone too."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

Avène Tolerance Extreme Cream

"This is partly possible because of the unique sterile packaging so they don't need a bunch of fluff preservatives for this product. These ingredients are all about maintaining the skin microbiome, which is very important in hypersensitive skin. [...] So if the simple cheaper options like CeraVe and Vanicream are not working for your sensitive skin, definitely give these a try. I do not think that you will be disappointed here at all."

✓Yay

89%Guru Score

Avène Hydrance Cream

"The cream and emulsion are at a higher price for essentially just a moisturizer. I believe you can get incredible hydration of your skin in a simple moisturizer without spending a fortune."

✕Nay

65%Guru Score

Avène Cleanance Hydra Soothing Cream

"The Cleanance Hydra Soothing Cream is essentially a barrier repair moisturizer. It is not mattifying. I do not think this one is worth the spend. Instead, I would opt for a more affordable barrier repair moisturizer by CeraVe, Eucerin, or La Roche Posay."

✕Nay

70%Guru Score

Avène XeraCalm A.D. Lipid Replenishing Cream

"Both of these are great options but they are expensive and atopic dermatitis people tend to go through a lot of products. I would say if you are not getting improvement with products like Eucerin and others mentioned in my drugstore dry skincare must-have video, then these Avène Xericom products are certainly worth a try. I would say yes, these are worth it if the first line more affordable options are not working."

✓Yay

82%Guru Score

Avène A-Oxidative Cream

"These are essentially just moisturizers and I firmly believe that you can get very high quality moisturizers for way less money than these. [...] Both of these are a no for me. You should save your money instead."

✕Nay

62%Guru Score

Eucerin Skin Calming Itch Soothing Cream

"The Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream has colloidal oatmeal in it, which is a protectant of the skin and it can help soothe it and repair that skin barrier. This one is one of my top recommendations for people who truly have eczema, more than just dry skin."

✓Yay

86%Guru Score

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lotion with Urea

"La Roche-Posay also makes a Lipicar Eczema product. This is also very hydrating and it feels nice, but this one has colloidal oatmeal in it and dimethicone, so it is a little bit heavier and very nourishing and restoring to the skin. [...] If you really are more eczema prone or have eczema flares, go with this one."

✓Yay

82%Guru Score

Cetaphil Healthy Renew Purified Peptides Night Cream

"The Cetaphil Skin Renewing Night Cream is one of my all-time favorite night creams. [...] I love this one because it is the most effective at really repairing dry skin, flaky skin, or eczema prone skin. It is more of a balm like texture, so it's kind of even thicker than a cream but it's not an ointment. It's [...] very occlusive on the skin but not greasy or anything like that compared to Vaseline or something. This is an incredible product."

✓Yay

94%Guru Score

Eucerin Original Healing Cream

"The Original Healing Cream is an even larger jar. This is also really incredible for more everyday dry skin hydration. This is an incredible product too."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

Eucerin Roughness Relief Lotion

"Eucerin has a roughness relief line that consists of a lighter weight lotion, a thicker cream, and a spot treatment product. These products aim to do three things all in one: they smooth the skin, exfoliate the dead skin cells away, and hydrate the skin barrier. These contain urea, which is moisturizing and serves as an exfoliant, lactic acid, and ceramides."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

Eucerin Roughness Relief Moisturizing Cream

✓Yay

80%Guru Score

Vichy Mineral 89 72-Hour Moisture Boosting Cream

"Everyone needs this product. It's for all skin types from dry to oily, sensitive or rosacea prone skin, and you can use it all year round. [...] This is a hybrid serum moisturizer product with a super simple ingredients list of only 11 ingredients. [...] Hyaluronic acid is the hero ingredient here as well as French volcanic water with essential minerals. The best thing about this product is the way it feels on the skin."

✓Yay

86%Guru Score

Aveeno Positively Radiant Night Cream

"I would choose this one if you have particularly dull skin or suffer from hyperpigmentation because this one has a total soy complex in it which brightens the skin and can correct hyperpigmentation over time. The texture of this one is a little more lightweight than the CeraVe one, which wears a little closer to a balm, but both of these are great options for a night cream."

✓Yay

76%Guru Score

Avène RetrinAL 0.1% Intensive Cream (reformulated)

"My favorite drugstore brand for a retinaldehyde is Avene. Their 0.1 Retrinal, more recently reformulated, is even better for sensitive skin. A long-time favorite of mine, and I get tons of messages from you guys that this has worked for you. So it's a staple."

✓Yay
Sponsored

84%Guru Score

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5

"I personally love to use it at night [...] in a thick layer, and my skin feels soothed almost immediately upon application. It's useful for dry to very dry skin, dry or chapped lips, cold-weather chapped hands, chafing, and even diaper rash. But if your skin is healthy, balanced, and your current moisturizer works for you, you don't need this product."

✓Yay
Sponsored

88%Guru Score

Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream

"What stood out to me is that this gives you the benefits of a traditional ointment like protection and repair, but without the heavy greasy feel."

✓Yay
Sponsored

90%Guru Score

Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion

"The Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion [...] keeps the skin hydrated for 72 hours. I was able to put my lotion on at night before bed and then get up and go and not have to worry about it in the morning, and just know that my skin's hydration would hold up throughout the day. [...] The key ingredient system here is something called the triple oat complex. Oat is one of those ingredients that's been used in dermatology for decades."

✓Yay
Sponsored

82%Guru Score

Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

"This is my favorite product to do that with, the Avène Cicalfate+, and I am just like giving my skin barrier a break, resetting it and waking up the next day, glowing, ready to go and restart my treatment routine the next night."

✓Yay
Sponsored

87%Guru Score

The INKEY List Omega Water Cream

"I would personally pair that with their Omega Water Cream. It's a very lightweight and hydrating moisturizer."

✓Yay
Sponsored

75%Guru Score

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Brightening Vitamin C Moisturizer

"This comes in a vitamin C moisturizer which I also love. If you really want to simplify your routine and use kind of a combined hybrid vitamin C serum/moisturizer, this is an amazing product. This one is 10% THD ascorbate, so a little bit less. If you are super super sensitive skin you could maybe start here, level up to this if your skin tolerates."

✓Yay
Sponsored

84%Guru Score

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

"Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream has niacinamide and panthenol and glycerin to restore your skin barrier and provide 48 hours of lasting hydration. For dry skin, I am recommending the Moisturizing Cream over a lotion because creams are more hydrating and tend to be more lightweight lotions."

✓Yay
Sponsored

80%Guru Score

Versed Weekend Glow Vitamin C Moisturizer

"It's also good at bringing more antioxidants into our routine, because it has some other additional antioxidant extracts in it to protect our skin throughout the day. And it does not pill on the skin, so it's really perfect for daytime use. Now, this is actually less money than some of my favorite drugstore moisturizers, especially when it's bundled into my skincare routine here, and it really is just one of the best products that Versed sells. I have this one linked below too."

✓Yay
Sponsored

Notverified

The INKEY List Bakuchiol Moisturizer

"The Inky List one is comparatively more lightweight. You will use that up much more quickly. It does not have the niacinamide and ceramides in it. This is a better product, but if you want to just dip your toe in and not spend a ton of money, start with the Inky List product. I think that is a very solid choice as well."

✓Yay
Sponsored

76%Guru Score

Tula Bright Start Vitamin C Antioxidant Brightening Moisturizer

"Tula actually also has an amazing option for a vitamin C moisturizer, smells a little bit like oranges so that may be a pro or con to you depending on your preference, but that one does have THD in it as well as [3-O-ethyl] ascorbic acid but it also has ferulic acid and tranexamic acid to help your skin tone and fade dark spots so it is a really amazing product."

✓Yay
Sponsored

66%Guru Score

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Rich Barrier Moisturizer

"This has the silkiest feel on the skin ever. It [...] contains a 30 hyaluronic acid complex. It has a thicker texture so it's a little more hydrating and a little more occlusive on the skin."

✓Yay
Sponsored

73%Guru Score

Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer

"It's just really a nice formulation. It has that oat extract in it too, like most Aveeno products contain that ingredient. So I love this for a lot of skin types, sensitive skin, rosacea skin type."

✓Yay
Sponsored

89%Guru Score

Tula 24/7 Moisture Cream

"This 24/7 is going to give you a good 24 hours worth of hydration, it is very luxurious feeling on the skin. I love [...] Tula products. It's a cream-based moisturizer, so it is a lot thicker. It has antioxidants in it, it has the pre and probiotic extracts in it, it has squalane and peptides, so it's a very good well-rounded moisturizer."

✓Yay
Sponsored

81%Guru Score

SkinFix Barrier Repair Cream

"Skin Fix also has a great Barrier Repair Cream. I actually prefer the gel version, though it is a bit more pricey."

✓Yay
Sponsored

82%Guru Score

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer

"This is the matte kind of gel option. I like this one because it's pretty lightweight so I will go with this on nights that I do my peels and I just put a really little amount on it. La Roche-Posay is actually in the Derm store sale too for 20 percent off so it's definitely a good time to restock skincare staples."

✓Yay
Sponsored

82%Guru Score

e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Hydrogel Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides

"If you've never tried any ELF products or you're looking for new affordable products and you can only get two ELF products, these are the top two I recommend. These do a really good job getting makeup off your skin and hydrating your skin without breaking the bank."

✓Yay
Sponsored

Notverified

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

"This one by CeraVe is my top favorite budget pick. It has peptides, ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid in it. You cannot beat this for the price."

✓Yay
Sponsored

80%Guru Score

e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream

"e.l.f. has the Holy Hydration Face Cream in the fragrance-free version and that's amazing and very affordable."

✓Yay
Sponsored

81%Guru Score

e.l.f. Pure Skin Moisturizer

"I think it's actually very similar in feel to the Cetaphil Skin Renewing Night Cream, which I told you is a holy grail of mine. This is super affordable at just twelve dollars. It comes in a pump bottle, which I love because these are so much easier and nicer to use. It [...] rubs in super quickly and really feels very similar to the Cetaphil one again just at a lower price point. I love this entire Pure Skin line by ELF. It's an easy three step, super affordable."

✓Yay
Sponsored

72%Guru Score

Sunscreen58 reviews

EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Sunscreen Green Tinted

"This is my actual most favorite luxury sunscreen splurge of all time, [...] maybe my number one favorite sunscreen ever. It's EltaMD UV Skin Recovery, [...] the green tinted version, because I have rosacea prone, redness prone skin and green cuts red. [...] This leaves my skin better than before after I use it because [...] the UV Skin Recovery formulation can repair your skin barrier while it's protecting your skin from the sun. No white cast, [...] this is all mineral."

✓Yay

98%Guru Score

BYOMA Ultra Light Face Fluid SPF 50

"I think it comes in an SPF 32 too, but get the SPF 50, more is better. The reason I like this so much is because it is extremely lightweight. It [...] just absorbs almost immediately, no white cast, and it feels like you are wearing nothing on the skin. [...] It also has some ceramides in it, [...] antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and it's so super affordable. This [...] has been every morning for me and I absolutely love it."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

EltaMD UV Clear Blemish Prone and Oil Balancing SPF 50

"This is really great for people who have oily, acne prone skin because this also contains 5% niacinamide. Niacinamide can help smooth and refine the pores. It can help acne. Can help prevent excess oiliness on the skin. It has zinc, like I mentioned, antioxidants. It's just a great great sunscreen."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

CeraVe Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

"This mineral sunscreen is probably one of the most invisible mineral sunscreens I've ever tried. I'm talking minimal to no white cast. When I started using it, it really reminded me of a certain bougie sunscreen that we all love. It is really giving that a run for its money. And this one is under $16. That's an incredible price. So, a very budget friendly, invisible mineral sunscreen."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

EltaMD UV Skin Recovery SPF 50

"It's a subtle natural soft finish. It's not this dewy, oily, shiny, glass skin kind of gimmicky sunscreen. It's straight up a workhorse sunscreen that will keep your normal skin looking normal. [...] This is [...] all mineral and absorbs and spreads very nicely over the skin with minimal white cast. It has no sunscreen scent. It does not smell like you're putting the beach on your skin or [...] any other fragrance. It just has a very neutral, it's not even there type of scent."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen SPF 40

"This sunscreen is so nice and glowy on the skin. It is only $10. That is such a good price."

✓Yay

61%Guru Score

Merit The Uniform Tinted Moisturizer SPF 50

"I am using a Merit SPF tint. It's called the Uniform. It comes in a ton of colors. It's all mineral SPF 50. It is all I wear on makeup free days because it's just enough tint to cover my redness and then give me a good amount of sunscreen."

✓Yay

74%Guru Score

Bliss Blockstar Tinted Daily Mineral Sunscreen

"It's under $20. Usually, you can get it on sale under $20. It's such a good deal. [...] When I put this on my face for the first time, I immediately was like, 'Oh my gosh, this is exactly like another sunscreen that is a longtime favorite of mine, but it's kind of more of a bougie sunscreen.' I'm a skincare nerd and I am obsessed with this. It's easily my favorite budget sunscreen I found in like the last 5 years at least."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

MD Solar Sciences Mineral Tinted Cream SPF 30

"This one by MD Solar Sciences, which is an amazing sunscreen, the mineral tinted cream, SPF 30. This one is a longtime favorite of mine, but it's kind of pricey. It's $35, which is a lot for a sunscreen, so I don't use it that much. I don't buy it that much."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Versed Multi-Serum Skin Tint Foundation SPF 40

"I have to use it sparingly. No, we are using this to its full potential. [...] You can see this is all I have on my face and it has the best natural, dewy, hydrated, just normal skin look. It's not doing too much. It's not doing too little. I am so obsessed with this product. I am loving this so much. [...] This is very similar, but better than other skin tints that are almost $50 that I've been using. The Ilia one. This honestly, it's half the price and it's so good."

✓Yay

88%Guru Score

Eucerin Advanced Hydration Plus Hyaluronic Acid Sunscreen SPF 50

"This is so good. [...] This is great in my opinion because not only is it super lightweight, it doesn't feel like you have a heavy sunscreen on your face, but this has an antioxidant profile in the formulation. Antioxidants are super super important for your skin because the SPF is great to protect against UV damage, but antioxidants as well as your UV filters, it's very important to prevent additional free radical damage, which damages your collagen in your skin."

✓Yay

88%Guru Score

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 70

"This sunscreen has an amazing price, super high SPF, all mineral. It's not going to irritate and sting the skin, and it has antioxidants with vitamin E. It's a no-brainer for your summer sunscreen collection. Great to use everyday if you want to use your more bougie sunscreen less often. Definitely fill your stockpile with something that you are not afraid to slather on your skin so you are getting enough SPF."

✓Yay

73%Guru Score

Vacation Crystal SPF 50 Invisible Face Gel

"I really like it because it has a nice soft focus finish, kind of [...] velvety on the skin. It doesn't leave your skin looking too dewy, so it's really not going to mess up your makeup. It's going to just absorb nicely into the skin and have this really soft focus finish. [...] This is invisible and goes really nicely right over makeup on the skin. [...] It actually works well for a primer too."

✓Yay

78%Guru Score

Naked Sundays Glow Balm Mineral Peptide Stick SPF 50

"I find one easy way to do this actually is with a sunscreen stick this is by Naked Sundays it goes on completely clear i love to bring this with me on the go and reapply throughout the day because the sunscreen you put on in the morning really has about a life span of about two hours so you need to be reapplying during the day however that makes sense for you however it's easy for you figure it out because you've got to be protecting this area from excessive UV exposure and damage that's going to make your aging accelerate so much more quickly so slow that down by using your SPF"

✓Yay

71%Guru Score

CeraVe Ultra Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

"One of my favorite products for step three is the CeraVe Ultra Light Moisturizing Lotion that also has SPF 30 in it. I love this one because it is so lightweight on the skin. People with oily skin types actually really love this, and also it has a matte finish so that helps reduce some of the shine on the skin as well."

✓Yay

78%Guru Score

DRMTLGY Matte Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46

"Day six, this could have been my favorite product of the year, I've used it so much and just loved every time I've used it. [...] My favorite tinted SPF this year is by DRMTLGY, it's the matte version of their Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46. Before this was just the Universal, and this year they launched a matte version, which I love. What's amazing about this matte sunscreen is that it gives you a matte look without drying your skin out, which can really happen with some matte products."

✓Yay

79%Guru Score

Tula Radiant Skin Brightening Serum Skin Tint SPF 30

"The other favorite from Tula that I always keep on hand is the Radiant Skin Tint. This comes in so many different shades you can find your perfect match, but this is going to give a much more medium to full coverage on the skin so it'll take the place of your foundation and it has SPF 30. This is going to give a nice shimmery radiant finish on the skin. [...] It's so good, I love this. It's one of my Tula must-haves. I always get these when they're on sale."

✓Yay

63%Guru Score

Vanicream Sunscreen SPF 30

"Vanicream for example is a really great simple SPF product."

✓Yay

71%Guru Score

Naked Sundays Cabana Clear Water Gel Serum SPF 50

"This is one I have been using, it's almost gone. It's by Naked Sundays, [...] it's called the Cabana Clear Water Gel Serum, it's SPF 50 and it's completely clear. It blends right over the makeup, you can still see all of your makeup under it, and it dries with a powdery nice finish. That is how I would recommend reapplying sunscreen."

✓Yay

89%Guru Score

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

"I really love this sunscreen option for this routine because it has ceramides in it, it has niacinamide in it, and the SPF in this one is zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, so a very good, well balanced, well formulated sunscreen that is going to complement a Skin Barrier reset routine just beautifully. One of my key reminders is to make sure you use enough sunscreen to get the SPF on the label, so either put a couple layers on or put a lot on to begin with."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

"You can get this by Australian Gold All mineral Botanical tinted, this one is amazing and it also comes in a couple different shades which is an added benefit, and it finishes really similarly to the EltaMD, less than half the price."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

Versed Total Package Replenishing Body Lotion SPF 30

"There's the most subtle little white cast to it, not enough to really notice it or worry about using it on a daily basis. I love this because it really feels more like a lotion, less like a sunscreen, so this is going to be what you should be putting on your skin every day if you're going to be wearing short sleeves and shorts, going to be outside, even just running errands, doing stuff like that. This is your go-to, super affordable."

✓Yay

82%Guru Score

Banana Boat Protection Plus Vitamins Sunscreen SPF 50

"Banana Boat Protection Plus Vitamins SPF 50 is a very simple basic sunscreen, white chemical based sunscreen, but the vitamin C is what makes this different and it's so affordable. I love the price point. Vitamin C gives you extra antioxidant protection on the skin, so if you want a really good workhorse sunscreen with antioxidants in it for all of your outdoor adventures, get this one."

✓Yay

82%Guru Score

Naked Sundays Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion SPF 50

"It matches your skin tone really well. It is a little more radiant than the other one and it has a little bit higher zinc concentration than the Paula's Choice one, but I would consider these really similar. I actually love and use both. [...] Naked Sundays is just an awesome sunscreen brand with a lot of different SPF interesting products on their website."

✓Yay

75%Guru Score

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

"The Super Serum Skin Tint is amazing for makeup plus SPF coverage. It's SPF 40, all mineral, and it also has niacinamide in it. Such great coverage and it comes in 30 shades so most everybody can find a good shade match."

✓Yay

66%Guru Score

L'Oreal Bright Reveal Daily SPF 50

"This one is $26, it also has a scorable glucoside in it, no niacinamide, and it also is a chemical SPF 50. This one is even a little more lightweight and here they are very similar on the skin, so just grab the $10 one because it feels very similar and it has niacinamide in it, but if you feel compelled for something even a little more lightweight, this is great too."

✓Yay

62%Guru Score

Babo Botanicals Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

"It's mineral only, tinted. I think it's like 20% zinc oxide in it, but it's tinted, it's SPF 50. This one is 25% off. It is weightless and it absorbs immediately and just blends in so nicely. Obviously no white cast because it's tinted really nicely. [...] It just absorbs so quickly. [...] On the face it goes right in. It's already blending in and it's so quick to rub in. It's not thick, it's just like a really nice lightweight fluid. This is such a must and it is such a good price."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Neutrogena Purescreen+ Mineral UV Tint Face Liquid SPF 30

"One of the greatest budget new sunscreen releases this year"

✓Yay

92%Guru Score

MD Solar Sciences BB Cream SPF 50

"The best of the best tinted mineral sunscreens is this one, the MD Solar Sciences tinted matte BB cream. [...] This is my favorite finish when looking for a velvety, powdery, soft finish on the skin. It's a little bit matte but it's not drying. It is so luxe, it's not heavy. It gives very nice coverage. You can kind of use this in place of a lightweight foundation. It's SPF 50. [...] This one looks absolutely gorgeous on the skin. Do not pay full price for this."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

La Roche-Posay Tinted Mineral Sunscreen

"I love the one by La Roche Posay, their Tinted Mineral Sunscreen."

✓Yay

73%Guru Score

Cetaphil Redness Relieving Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 40

"Cetaphil makes a redness relieving moisturizer for daytime with mineral SPF in it and also a night cream version. These are great and they are super affordable."

✓Yay

75%Guru Score

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 30

"Vanicream even makes a facial sunscreen which is one of their newer products. This is lightweight. It's not greasy. It is not going to clog your pores. It is 100 mineral, it's SPF 30. It has non-nano zinc oxide in it and it has ceramides for skin barrier strengthening. It's just a super simple formulation. It's effective and it is not irritating to your skin. So if you have really sensitive skin and you want something affordable that works, this sunscreen is for you."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

Avène Very High Protection Unifying Tinted Fluid SPF 50

"These sunscreen options seem to me to have some of the highest iron oxide concentration that I have tried. This is the most important for people with melasma, hyperpigmentation, and those with darker skin tones. The tinted versions also have niacinamide and skin soothing bisabolol and allantoin. So if you have any of these conditions I mentioned like hyperpigmentation or melasma this is definitely worth the spend in my opinion. So yes for the tinted cream."

✓Yay

69%Guru Score

Avène Sunscreen Non-Tinted Lotion SPF 50

"If you have a very light skin tone you can choose the non-tinted version, but I would say to skip this and choose a more affordable non-tinted sunscreen option, for which there are plenty of good drugstore products. I only think their two tinted options are worth the spend because those are unique enough."

✕Nay

63%Guru Score

CeraVe Tinted Mineral Sunscreen

"I also think it's really hydrating and looks nice on the skin, obviously no white cast. I believe this only comes in one shade so you know if it doesn't happen to match your skin try one of the others and switch up the shade. This is really nice, it's hydrating. If you've used this one and find that it is drying for whatever reason for your skin then you can give this one a try. It is also affordable. This one is another really awesome product that I love."

✓Yay

78%Guru Score

Colorescience Unforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50

"My number one recommendation for a sunscreen is Color Science Unforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50. The unique thing about this sunscreen is it's claimed to go beyond just UVA and UVB protection and additionally protect against blue light, but also it gives environmental protection from pollution and infrared radiation due to their patented EnviroScreen technology. This sunscreen has niacinamide in it, which is one of my favorite skincare ingredients."

✓Yay

90%Guru Score

Paula's Choice Super Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30

"This is my top favorite tinted mineral sunscreen, the Super Light Daily Wrinkle Defense. It's all mineral and [...] tinted so it doesn't give a white cast. I love it because it's weightless on the skin, it absorbs right in instead of sitting like a thick layer like a lot of mineral sunscreens do. It also has vitamin C in it for an extra antioxidant boost. For Prime Day it's 30% off, as big a discount as Paula's Choice ever offers."

✓Yay
Sponsored

86%Guru Score

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30

"The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair is a longtime favorite of mine, but I've been leaning a little more towards this one lately."

✓Yay
Sponsored

85%Guru Score

The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30

"You can follow it up with their polyglutamic acid dewy SPF 30 sunscreen. [...] It's very lightweight and sheer on the skin. And at the end of your routine after those three products, you will have a very glass glowy skin look."

✓Yay
Sponsored

67%Guru Score

EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41

"This is EltaMD for $44. It's tinted mineral. It's a really nice sunscreen option that is one of their best sellers. It is nice, all mineral tinted."

✓Yay
Sponsored

91%Guru Score

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

"They are really great because they give you good protection and iron oxides, which are great for melasma prone skin. I think they come in several shades. They blend in quickly so easy to wear. They are a little more pricey. I do not use it like as my number one every day because they get expensive. But you can almost always always find these for 25 maybe 30% off during sales of the year. [...] I love to wear this on no makeup days where I just want a nice little glowy look."

✓Yay
Sponsored

79%Guru Score

Tula Protect + Glow Daily Facial Sunscreen Gel SPF 30

"It is so luminous and so radiant and glowy. I love to wear this alone. It is non-tinted so anybody can wear this. [...] Once this is on the skin it is so amazing. I always go back to this multiple times a year. I restock this. It is not cheap but you can usually get it on sale if you time it right. It is so nice on the skin. I get a ton of comments from people loving this one too. It comes in a jumbo size now which was on like 57% off for the holidays."

✓Yay
Sponsored

74%Guru Score

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Glow Screen SPF 50

"This finishes with a lot more of a shimmery glow. These are both all mineral. [...] I have loved these for years. Good iron oxide coverage in these Colorescience ones. I love it."

✓Yay
Sponsored

76%Guru Score

EltaMD UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40

"EltaMD UV Restore is you can't beat this. This is a really amazing sunscreen. I use that one a lot too, but it is more pricey."

✓Yay
Sponsored

82%Guru Score

EltaMD UV Luminous

"EltaMD UV Luminous is on sale. I love Elta MD."

✓Yay
Sponsored

64%Guru Score

The INKEY List Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Tinted

"The mineral tinted sunscreen is really really nice. It blends in nicely. [...] It does not have a glowy finish, it does not have a matte finish. It's what I would describe as a really good normal kind of finish, just like adapts to your normal skin look. No white cast and blends in nicely. So that is an awesome awesome option."

✓Yay
Sponsored

70%Guru Score

Avène Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50

"The Avène Mineral Sunscreen Liquid Tinted has a high iron oxide concentration in it, so it's amazing for melasma. If you have hyperpigmentation or melasma prone skin, the darker the sunscreen the better protection you get. I actually love to recommend tinted sunscreens to my melasma prone patients."

✓Yay
Sponsored

68%Guru Score

Avène Sunscreen Compact SPF 50

"The Avène Mineral Sunscreen Compact is perfect for travel, perfect for on the go, and for reapplying sunscreen. It comes in [...] several shades. It's a compact with a sponge and a mirror, and it's a cream sunscreen with SPF 50."

✓Yay
Sponsored

80%Guru Score

Naked Sundays SPF 50

"This is all mineral with iron oxides so it is tinted but it is actually barely tinted, just enough to take that white cast away but not actually add color to your skin, which means this will blend for a very wide variety of skin tones. It's a collagen glow sunscreen so it really finishes with a nice glow. [...] This is 22 percent zinc oxide with no other chemical filters in it, a very clean formulation and vegan. I love this and I'm going to be using these like the rest of spring and summer."

✓Yay
Sponsored

85%Guru Score

EltaMD UV AOX Elements SPF 50

"The UV Elements is my top pick, the tinted one for sensitive skin."

✓Yay
Sponsored

71%Guru Score

EltaMD UV Glow Broad-Spectrum SPF 36

"The EltaMD UV glow is really hydrating and gives you a nice glow finish."

✓Yay
Sponsored

71%Guru Score

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

"The UV Clear has niacinamide [...] and is really going to be geared towards or marketed more towards acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation of the skin. [...] It blends in nicely with [...] a pretty normal soft finish, not overly matte and definitely not like a hydrating dewy luminous look at all. [...] If you have acne prone skin, this is one that I recommend."

✓Yay
Sponsored

74%Guru Score

EltaMD UV Daily

"The UV Daily does not have niacinamide and is going to be more universal so all skin types can use it. It does contain hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. Between UV Clear and UV Daily, [...] the UV Daily is just more of a universal option for all skin types."

✓Yay
Sponsored

81%Guru Score

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

"This is invisible because it's more clear than anything. [...] The feel of this is actually more close to a primer than a sunscreen and that's why this one wears tremendously well under makeup. It feels very velvety on the skin once you rub it in, it is weightless and it is absolutely invisible since it's colorless so it's going to work for all skin tones. This one is actually not a mineral sunscreen, this has chemical filters in it but it does not have any oxybenzone in it at all."

✓Yay
Sponsored

75%Guru Score

Supergoop Zinc Screen 100% Mineral SPF 40

"Compared to the other two I showed you, this one will actually finish on the skin a little bit more dewy or have a little bit more of that shiny hydrated look. [...] You can check this one out for 42, and [...] make sure you check out the Zinc Screen for being the most translucent and invisible look on the skin."

✓Yay
Sponsored

Notverified

Supergoop Glow Screen Sunscreen SPF 40

"It's really more than just dewy—it's definitely pearlescent and almost shimmery on the skin. It even has this little bit of golden hue in some lighting, but I love that the formulation contains some great skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and niacinamide so this will soothe and nourish your skin. [...] I would not use this as my sole sunscreen all over the face because the finish is too shimmery for my taste."

~Mixed
Sponsored

65%Guru Score

Supergoop Mineral Sheer Screen SPF 30

"This is an amazing sunscreen in my opinion because it leaves an extremely minimal white cast on the skin even though it has no tinting in it, and that is a very hard thing to accomplish with a mineral sunscreen. Supergoop is able to achieve this with their sheer matrix technology [...] and it finishes lightweight on the skin. Get this if you want to wear makeup over it or if you want to tint your own sunscreen. It is not my first choice as a sunscreen to wear totally alone."

~Mixed
Sponsored

67%Guru Score

e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30

"When you put it on the hand it actually feels so similar to the Supergoop super screen one in texture. This one has chemical filters in it as well so we really don't worry so much about the white cast there. It just feels nice and great on the skin. It has a little bit of a scent to it so this one has a fragrance in it [...] but I really love these two options. I feel like they wear very similar on the skin and they're a little bit different price point."

✓Yay
Sponsored

90%Guru Score

Cleansers42 reviews

Prequel Non-Drying Glycolic Acid Cleanser

"Another option for a cleanser is by Prequel, it's their Glanser. This has 5% glycolic acid in it. Another great entry point to trying this ingredient in your routine."

✓Yay

78%Guru Score

L'Oreal 3.5% Pure Glycolic Acid Cleansing Gel

"I love this option if you've never tried glycolic acid before or you have sensitive skin. Using a wash off form of it, like a cleanser, can help decrease your irritation and get your skin used to it before you go all in with a leave-on product. 3.5% is a good entry-level glycolic acid. This is going to give you more of the exfoliation benefits, less likely to give you the anti-aging benefits where it's penetrating into the dermis more because of less contact time on the skin."

✓Yay

87%Guru Score

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

"I cannot stand it when people spend crazy money on cleansers like the Elemis Cleansing Balm, it's $72, $50 right now on Prime Day. I do like that they now made a fragrance-free option, but $50 for a cleanser is out of control."

~Mixed

75%Guru Score

CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser

"One of my all-time favorite cleansers is the Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser from CeraVe. If I'm not using a cleansing balm for heavy makeup or waterproof sunscreen, I'll just use this, it gently removes makeup in one step, basically turning a double cleanse into a single cleanse, without leaving the oily residue behind that [...] cleansing balms can leave, while still getting all the makeup off. It's the quickest, easiest, and very affordable way to get all your makeup off."

✓Yay

81%Guru Score

Remedy Derm Dissolve Cleansing Balm

"The other cleansing balm I love so much I'm out of it is by Remedy, around $13 on Prime Day. It's good for eczema skin, works every bit as well as the Elemis Cleansing Balm, which I've used a lot in the past, and it's better than that, for $13 versus $72 on sale for $50."

✓Yay

79%Guru Score

Dr. Althea Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm

"Instead of an overpriced cleansing balm, I'd use the Grinding Cleansing Balm by Dr. Althea, around $16 on Prime Day. They also make a version in light blue that I love."

✓Yay

74%Guru Score

Reale Actives Get Bare Cleansing Balm

"For $29, that's kind of a steep price for a cleansing balm. You really only need a cleansing balm if you're wearing makeup or maybe heavy waterproof sunscreen. This is the first step of a double cleanse. [...] This looks like a great product. People seem to really love it. It looks like it does a great job removing makeup. Safe for acne prone skin."

~Mixed

79%Guru Score

Burt's Bees Dissolve Cleansing Balm

"Another option for a cleansing balm is one that I have used for many years from Burt's Bees. It's also $18. It will work just as well as the Reale Actives one."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

Prequel Redness Reform Sulfur Cleanser

"Since I started using these, my skin has been so much less red than is average for me. [...] The reason it works so well for rosacea-type skin is that it has sulfur, which is kind of one of those catch-all ingredients that can help a wide variety of skin conditions: acne, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis. It also has azelaic acid. Do not sleep on azelaic acid. It's such a good ingredient for the skin, especially for redness-prone skin, and that's why it's in here."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

Cetaphil Nourishing Oil to Foam Cleansing Face Wash

"It does a good job being an oil-based cleanser, lifting the makeup off the skin, even waterproof mascara, and then foams to really take all of that and rinse it away with no residue. It has flax seed oil, [...] which doesn't bother me. [...] The ingredients formulation is very simple, which I like. [...] It has cocamopropylene, which is an ingredient that can for some people be an irritant, but it's fine for me. It has Panthenol, which is soothing, and niacinamide in it."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

The INKEY List Hydrating Cream to Milk Cleanser

"Tonight's cleanser of choice for me, the Inkey List Hydrating Cream to Milk Cleanser."

✓Yay

78%Guru Score

Sunday Riley Aquamarine Melt Hydrating Gel Balm Cleanser

"Got all my makeup off. And you guys saw me rub that right over my eye. And two things I want to point out. No stinging of my eye. And I don't have that oil cleanser film that when you wash with some cleansing balms or cleansing oils, you feel like you get this film or coat over your eyeball and then like everything looks blurry until it kind of washes away. I have none of that with this. And I really went all over my lash line. [...] It's runnier than I would expect it to be."

✓Yay

76%Guru Score

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

"The one I recommend is by Vanicream. It's the Gentle Facial Cleanser. This is perfect for retinoid skincare routines because it's a very simple formula. It's great for all skin types, especially sensitive skin, which your skin can be sensitive once you are starting a retinoid."

✓Yay

92%Guru Score

Geek & Gorgeous 101 Mighty Melt Cleansing Balm

"If you are wearing makeup, I recommend a double cleanse where you are first starting with a cleansing balm like this one. This is by Geek and Gorgeous. [...] This really helps loosen up makeup, even waterproof mascara, waterproof sunscreen. Remove it from your skin."

✓Yay

95%Guru Score

PanOxyl 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Wash

"A benzoyl peroxide wash that you can use in the shower, I like this by PanOxyl, it goes up to 10%. I will link that one as well. It's a great option to treat acne on the chest and the back as well."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

"You can use a salicylic acid cleanser in your morning routine. This one is a salicylic acid cleanser that actually is an acne cleanser, and acne cleansers tend to have a little bit higher concentration of salicylic acid which potentially means better faster results. It's so gentle you can actually use it every day or even just a few times a week will still give you great results."

✓Yay

75%Guru Score

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Cleanser

"Neutrogena also makes a good example of this cleanser for your anti-aging routine acne wash. Check it out, 2% salicylic acid. You might recognize this from like many years ago if you are a millennial like me who probably used this in your teenage years, but this is not the same cleanser that you use when you are a teenager. This is actually now reformulated to be fragrance-free and dye-free, so it's not actually orange, it's just the label."

✓Yay

62%Guru Score

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

"It doesn't need to stay on your skin, it doesn't need to do anything fancy, it doesn't need to cost a fortune, you just need it to do its job. $10 will get the job done. I'm going to show you one of my all-time favorites, CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

Versed Purest Antioxidant Cleanser

"Versed antioxidant cleanser, that's a great one, super affordable."

✓Yay

80%Guru Score

Dollar Tree Gentle Skin Cleanser

"First let's start with a cleanser. [...] This is [...] supposed to be similar to Cetaphil. I love that it's paraben free, fragrance free. [...] It has this ingredient called MI, which is actually a common contact allergen, but if that's not a problem for you then that would be fine. So overall a decent option."

~Mixed

76%Guru Score

La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil

"Use a cleansing oil in the shower for optimal hydration. This one from La Roche-Posay, from the Lipikar line, [...] I use in the shower. It just gives another layer of hydration to the skin, and then when you get out within 30 seconds you are putting moisturizer on your skin and you are going to have optimal hydration even through the winter months."

✓Yay

82%Guru Score

Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm

"One of my all-time favorite cleansing balms for double cleansing and removing makeup from the face is the Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm. This is a jumbo size of it, which I think is new, and the jumbo size makes this even more affordable."

✓Yay

79%Guru Score

Facetheory Vitamin C Cream Cleanser

"There is another option by Facetheory for $18. This one has sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which is a different type of stable vitamin C."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid

"In contrast, the SA renewing cleanser is not regulated as a medication and it contains an undisclosed percentage of salicylic acid with no active ingredients specified on the label, which suggests that it is likely less potent than the dedicated acne cleanser. [...] Look for an active ingredient with salicylic acid listed as 2 percent in your acne cleanser, and get a medicated cleanser which you can identify by the presence of an active ingredient section on the back of the label."

✓Yay

82%Guru Score

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser

"The LaRoche Posay option is better in my opinion. Although both products contain 2 percent salicylic acid, the formulation from the La Roche Posay one is in my opinion the better choice. It is a little bit more pricey but the quality justifies the cost. The LaRoche Posay option is free from fragrances and dyes, both of which you want to avoid when dealing with acne treatment if possible."

✓Yay

88%Guru Score

PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash for Face and Body 4% Benzoyl Peroxide

"If you want to try a benzoyl peroxide cleanser, buy Panoxyl creamy acne wash. [...] Benzoyl peroxide is incredibly affordable and you absolutely do not need an expensive cleanser with benzoyl peroxide in it. Panoxyl is so cheap and it is so effective. It has a very long standing track record of actually working and it is recommended by dermatologists across the board. [...] Panoxyl in this example is exceptionally cost effective and proven to work incredibly well."

✓Yay

87%Guru Score

Aveeno Calm + Restore Redness Relief Foaming Cleanser

"You can choose the Aveeno Redness Relief line. They have a foaming cleanser that is soothing and it is free of all these harmful irritants that we want to make sure we avoid."

✓Yay

78%Guru Score

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

"CeraVe makes a Cleanser with niacinamide and ceramides in it that is really great as a gentle cleanser."

✓Yay

79%Guru Score

La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash

"My favorite body wash is the La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP Plus Moisturizing Body Wash because it has niacinamide in it and is very nourishing for the skin."

✓Yay

90%Guru Score

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

"For a gentle cleanser in this routine, I have this one by La Roche Posay [...] linked below. You can see it is one of my favorites."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

"If you have on makeup like I do today, I usually have a second part of my routine where I use a micellar water to make sure everything is off, especially if I have on waterproof sunscreen. This by Bioderma is my favorite micellar water from the drugstore. But the drugstore has a lot of options. Just choose one that is fragrance free."

✓Yay

96%Guru Score

Avène Cleanance Cleanser

"This line also contains two cleansers which are fine but for the price I prefer more affordable options like Vanicream or CeraVe. I do not think that you should spend your budget on cleansers in your routine. Save it for the Cleanance products, so skip these two."

✕Nay

66%Guru Score

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser with 4% Benzoyl Peroxide

"This is the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser. This has 4% benzoyl peroxide. You can get benzoyl peroxide over the counter in strengths up to 10%, and the higher the strength the more potential it has to irritate your skin. I like to start low. 4% can get the job done and balance the side effects of that irritation. I specifically chose this cleanser by CeraVe because not only does it have that benzoyl peroxide, but it's in a really great formulation to decrease that risk of irritation."

✓Yay
Sponsored

76%Guru Score

The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm

"The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm is one of my favorite cleansing balms. A cleansing balm is really your secret weapon to carefully remove makeup and waterproof sunscreen from your skin with a very gentle massage technique that helps it just lift right up off the skin without needing to use any harsh abrasive makeup wipes or eye makeup remover that can pull and tug the skin or irritate the eyes and the skin."

✓Yay
Sponsored

75%Guru Score

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

"This is an acceptable cleanser to use for a water-free cleanse. This is going to very gently remove those impurities from your skin with their micellar technology. So basically, micelles attract, they capture and lift away dirt, oil, and makeup [...] without harsh rubbing or drying. And it's budget and derm approved. You can get this for less than $10."

✓Yay
Sponsored

80%Guru Score

LMS Cleansing Balm

"This is one of the most popular cleansing balms of all time. I really describe this as like a spa-like experience because it just feels and smells so nice on the skin. It works very well to remove makeup and soften the skin."

✓Yay
Sponsored

69%Guru Score

The INKEY List 2% Salicylic Acid Cleanser

"The salicylic acid cleanser has two percent salicylic acid in it, which is the highest strength you can get over the counter, so this is a strong acne cleanser. I recommend this one [...] if you have mainly whiteheads and blackheads [...] because salicylic acid is oil soluble and will really get down into the depth of your pores, break up the debris there, unclog the pore, and smooth away the dead skin cells."

✓Yay
Sponsored

83%Guru Score

Avène XeraCalm A.D. Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil

"This is the best thing to remove them, and even if not, this is just a really gentle cleanser if you have eczema, dry skin, or sensitive skin. It's great in the winter. It's lipid replenishing and hydrating, and it is not stripping like so many soaps and cleansers and body washes can be. This one is always on hand at our house. My kids use this. The whole family uses this. It's a super good product."

✓Yay
Sponsored

85%Guru Score

Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm

"I am using my water-based cleanser, which is my eight dollar Banila Co cleanser. I love the way that this one foams up but it does not strip the skin. Do not buy a luxury cleanser; save your money for a luxury peel instead."

✓Yay
Sponsored

67%Guru Score

e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm

"One of the best budget tips I have is do not overspend on cleansers and moisturizers. This is a cleansing balm and moisturizer. You can get these for right around ten to fifteen dollars now that it's on sale, way less than that, but these do a really good job getting makeup off your skin and hydrating your skin without breaking the bank."

✓Yay
Sponsored

84%Guru Score

e.l.f. Pure Skin Cleanser

"My top affordable gentle cleanser pick is e.l.f Pure Skin Cleanser at $9, which is an amazing price for a really great product. It has niacinamide, which is a crucial ingredient in my gentle skincare routine to help strengthen and restore your skin barrier. This one also contains ceramides for skin barrier support, allantoin which helps soothe the skin especially if you have irritation or a damaged skin barrier, and hyaluronic acid for added hydration."

✓Yay
Sponsored

77%Guru Score

e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Daily Cleanser

"The ELF Holy Hydration cleanser is really good at removing the makeup and skincare products from the skin, and it's affordable at around ten dollars."

✓Yay
Sponsored

82%Guru Score

Other32 reviews

Medik8 C-Tetra Advance

"Their newer version, the C-Tetra Advance, is very lightweight and absorbs much quicker and it's not oily. This would be for you if you really are not going to love an oil. This one is going to wear better under makeup in the morning."

✓Yay

89%Guru Score

The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F

"There's another option out there that is far less money that also has the Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate ingredient in it at an even higher percentage, 20%, from The Ordinary. It's also in an oil formulation. [...] You can try that one out instead if that's better for your budget."

✓Yay

88%Guru Score

The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%

"The Ordinary Argireline Solution is a very affordable one. This specific type of peptide, Botox in a bottle, [...] will target muscle contraction and help prevent that from [...] firing quite so hard, and that is supposed to lessen the amount of wrinkles on your face."

✓Yay

71%Guru Score

Sleep and Glow Omnia Pillow

"My Sleeping Glow pillow is one of the splurge-worthy skincare things I do for my own routine. [...] I am a side sleeper and I cannot change that about myself, and I really want to avoid these terrible sleep wrinkles that can get etched into the skin and that not even Botox can fix, because they are not from muscle contraction. They are from positional changes of the skin. So with a pillow like this, when I sleep, my face sits here instead of getting smooshed. It's an investment."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite LipWare Pro

"I started using this lip device this year by Dr. Dennis Gross, red light, three minutes a day. So you can use this to get red light benefit of your lips and around your mouth where you get those vertical wrinkles. Because this spares the lips right, so then this hits the lips. I am all about red light. These are two devices that I really love I think are worth it."

✓Yay

68%Guru Score

Latisse Latisse

"Latisse is prescription, and these work. I am not telling you not to use them; I am simply wanting you to know the risks here so you can weigh these pros and cons before you start using them. If you are considering an eyelash serum, you need to thoroughly evaluate the label to see if your product contains a prostaglandin."

~Mixed

61%Guru Score

The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA

"The [...] Ordinary, extremely affordable price. [...] It's just a thin serum. There's really not a lot to say about it. It's supposed to be put on your fresh cleansed skin and then absorb in a lightweight manner, which is exactly what it does. It does not finish heavy on the skin, or sticky, or tacky, or anything like that. It is just a very lightweight, smooth absorption. Very simple."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

Peter Thomas Roth Instant FirmX Temporary Eye Tightener

"I got this a while ago not for me but I have a couple people that I wanted to try this on, couple friends and family. It's this instant eye tightener. I'm going to put up some before and after pictures on the screen. It is insane the results that this can get instantly. It's like almost face lift type of results in minutes. [...] These before and after pictures are actually real. This stuff is really cool."

✓Yay

68%Guru Score

PMD Clean

"You can use this with cleansing balms or regular cleansers or just alone if you want. It also has this side you can use that as like a facial massage or to apply serums. I think this is kind of like a novelty, you don't have to have this but it's really nice on the skin, it's gentle. There are a lot of [...] different speeds of vibration in there. It's normally 69 but it is on sale right now for 41.40."

✓Yay

71%Guru Score

Makeup Eraser Original MakeUp Eraser Cloth

"This is a cloth that has millions of these tiny little fibers that work as a suction to lift all of the makeup, dirt, and oil off the skin and out of your pores. All you need is to apply a little warm water to this cloth to remove everything from your skin. You don't need eye makeup remover or cleansers or anything like that. It's actually very impressive. This should last three to five years. It will work for waterproof mascara and sunscreen and all that, so it's a really great product."

✓Yay

65%Guru Score

Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-MD

"The problem is that women don't realize what they're putting on their lashes and don't know to watch for these side effects, so they may not stop using it even when complications begin. These side effects start appearing as early as eight weeks of use and can be permanent."

✕Nay

49%Guru Score

Allergan Latisse

"Patients get red eyes from vasodilation of blood vessels, [...] discoloration of the eyelid skin from increased melanin production in [...] about 18 percent of patients, and about 10 to 15 percent will get red eyes. Other side effects include discoloration of the iris [...] and permanent eye color change in 3 to 8 percent of patients. [...] The most concerning side effect is prostaglandin-associated periorbitopathy, which causes fat atrophy around the eyes."

✕Nay

56%Guru Score

Avène High Redness Concentrate

"This is my top pick for redness reduction. It is pricey but if you know my love for this brand you know that these products are worth it because their formulations are absolutely unmatched in this space. [...] This one is actually going to reduce the redness and soothe the skin, decrease the swelling of the face that can sometimes be subtle but come along with rosacea."

✓Yay

88%Guru Score

Vichy Mineral 89 Prebiotic Recovery and Defense Concentrate

"The Vichy Mineral 89 Serum is a hybrid serum-moisturizer that I use year round and is one of my favorite skin barrier repair products."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection

"This is a top luxury sunscreen pick of mine, but they are expensive when it is full price. I know you've seen me mention this one in several of my videos over time on my channel. This one has a really good concentration of iron oxides in it, which is going to help give you full spectrum UV protection, and that's especially important for people with hyperpigmentation or melasma. So this is a really good option. They actually have several different types of their Unforgettable line."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Avène Retrinal Prequel

"For the anti-aging must-haves, [...] the 0.1 Retro Now Intensive for your face cream is one I recommend."

✓Yay

82%Guru Score

SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF

"I am specifically recommending the SkinCeuticals product in this routine because it is an ideal combination of three main components. It has 15 percent pure L ascorbic acid vitamin C and ferulic acid just like what is found in the industry gold standard vitamin C serums. The C, E, and ferulic in this product is what is going to be your powerhouse anti-aging ingredient to rebuild the collagen in your skin, fade dark spots, and serve as an antioxidant."

✓Yay

82%Guru Score

Dove Sensitive Skin Fragrance-Free Beauty Bar

"I really recommend the Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar as one of my top choices for eczema prone people. You definitely want to choose the sensitive skin one because this is the fragrance free option, which is absolutely a must have criteria for cleansers for eczema."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Certain Dri Prescription Strength Clinical

"One of the most recommended products by dermatologists is Certain Dry. You can find this in the drugstore or on Amazon and it is very affordable. [...] Their single most effective product is Certain Dry Prescription Strength Clinical, which has 12 aluminum chloride, [...] and it has a very simple ingredients list—this is just a pure antiperspirant—and it is only about six dollars on Amazon."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

Shark Beauty FacialPro Glow

"I think it can be a great alternative to the more expensive spa hydrofacials. I love a good home device. I think they can be a good investment upfront that will save you time and money over the long run."

✓Yay
Sponsored

Notverified

Shark Beauty Depuffy

"I like to use the Shark Beauty Depuffy after the facial to soothe and calm redness. [...] This is a contrast therapy tool. It uses both cool and heat to stimulate, rejuvenate, and calm the skin. [...] I turn it on to cooling mode, and you can use it almost like a gua sha tool across the face. Add your favorite serum to help it glide more easily. When I tell you this is cold, it's cold. It gives that depuffing, massage action and soothes any redness on the skin."

✓Yay
Sponsored

Notverified

Dove Beauty Bar

"Dove Beauty Bar uses Dey technology, which combines a gentle cleanser called sodium laurel isothionate, a mild synthetic surfactant compared to the harsher surfactants found in ordinary soaps. Because of this Dey technology, this Beauty Bar is able to create a creamy mild lather that doesn't strip your skin while it deposits skin natural moisturizers as you cleanse, so your skin is left feeling soft and hydrated."

✓Yay
Sponsored

74%Guru Score

Geek & Gorgeous A-Game range

"The A-Game serum has [...] three versions [...] starting with 0.5, the lowest strength, then they have a 0.1 and then a 0.2. The 0.5 and 0.1 are under $20. The 0.2 is just above $20 and it is worth it if you need to scale up to that to get better results. This is a very lightweight consistency serum. It's yellow in color. We love yellow when it comes to retinaldehyde or retinoids because yellow means retinaldehyde. It's naturally yellow in color."

✓Yay
Sponsored

91%Guru Score

Frownies Forehead and Between the Eye Wrinkle Patches

"They're extraordinarily affordable. They come in a box with a whole bunch of patches that are perforated, you tear them apart into triangle sizes and you use them across the forehead. [...] I use just a little thermal water spray on the side that goes skin down, let it warm up for a second, rub it in and then I patch my forehead."

✓Yay
Sponsored

62%Guru Score

Three Ships Dew Drops

"This is a [...] serum kind of all-in-one called Dew Drops and what makes this natural is that the hyaluronic acid in this is derived from the tremella mushroom and then it has added plum that contains a powerful vitamin C that is 100 times richer than vitamin C in oranges so this is like your hyaluronic acid and vitamin C serum all in one. The texture and the slip of this over the skin is so unique I always always look forward to using this product in my routine."

✓Yay
Sponsored

86%Guru Score

Versed Glow Drops Mood Lighting

"They come in two different shades. [...] These are actually a serum consistency that are packed with skincare ingredients like polyglutamic acid to improve hydration and actually strengthen your skin barrier. You can wear these two ways. You can wear this on top of your last skincare product for an instant light reflecting glow, or if you want a more soft focus effect, put it under your makeup or you can mix it in with a moisturizer or your makeup."

✓Yay
Sponsored

73%Guru Score

Sleep and Glow 3D Beauty Pillow

"This 3D pillow has a cradle where you can rest your face so you're not smooshing your skin, so you have no distortion when you sleep. This can also prevent puffiness that can happen on your skin when you wake up. [...] The design of it supports the neck and back alignment, so potentially less neck and back pain when you wake up in the morning."

✓Yay
Sponsored

Notverified

Avène Thermal Spring Water

"The Avène Thermal Spring Water is not just like every other water. It's Thermal Spring Water from France. The deal with this water is that it's really soft. It has a really low mineral content, so it's really good for people with sensitive skin because harsher, harder waters can really irritate the skin. This is awesome to just have to freshen up the face."

✓Yay
Sponsored

65%Guru Score

Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads

"These have two percent salicylic acid and ten percent glycolic acid in this, so you can use this maybe once or twice a week on nights that you are taking off from your retinoid. I like these pads because there is a textured version and a smooth version, so you can really get a nice gentle peel to help break up the dead skin and make your skin glow."

✓Yay
Sponsored

83%Guru Score

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

"Please for the love of skincare do not spend 140 on this triple lipid restore by SkinCeuticals product. You do not need this. I mean it feels nice, it smells nice, I get that, but this is not the answer to your skin prayers. Save your money for your treatment product."

✕Nay
Sponsored

77%Guru Score

Peace Out Instant Pore Perfector

"It's okay, but it's not my favorite primer. I'm kind of picky about primers. I think Bare Minerals is one of my favorite primers that I actually love. This one is tinted and it's super light. It [...] goes on pretty quickly and is really light. I like it, but there are so many primer options out there and it probably wasn't my favorite one. I don't know if I'll get this one again. But if you're looking for a new primer, it's not bad. It's tinted, rubs in nice and smooth."

~Mixed
Sponsored

65%Guru Score

Supergoop Mattescreen

"This has both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in it. If you prefer a mattified finish, more like a blur with less noticeable pores, this is going to be your best option. It is a bit more pigmented and will be a little bit more difficult to match as wide of a variety of skin tones as the Zinc Screen will. This is oil-free and it will be a great option for oily skin types if you want shine control."

✓Yay
Sponsored

82%Guru Score

Body & Tan26 reviews

Remedy KP Exfoliating Body Scrub

"If you are struggling with something like KP or keratosis pilaris, that rough, bumpy skin, you can incorporate a body scrub gently, just in the areas you need. I don't love scrubs in general because sometimes we overdo it with them, but if you are able to gently use a scrub, the brand Remedy makes a KP glycolic acid scrub."

~Mixed

77%Guru Score

Paula's Choice 10% Glycolic Body Blend

"A premium example of one of my favorites by Paula's Choice. This has 10% glycolic acid, which is a lot, but it's still very gentle on the skin. I absolutely love this one. It also contains other antioxidants in it. This is a great one to help keep your body skin more smooth and a brighter look to it."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

Naturium Skin Renewing Retinol Body Lotion

"If you want to target more of the crepey texture or aging skin look, you can try a body retinol. [...] I have another one from Naturium, the Skin Renewing Retinol Body Lotion. These can help as well. But [...] you have to protect your skin from the sun. If you're going to be using these, especially, you need to be wearing body sunscreen or pants, UPF clothing to balance that out so you're not making matters worse."

✓Yay

72%Guru Score

Good Molecules B5 Hydrating Body Serum

"I also love one, I think it's called the B5 body serum from Good Molecules."

✓Yay

80%Guru Score

Naturium Smoother Glycolic Acid Body Wash

"This is one that I use right now. It's by Naturium. It's the Smoother Glycolic Acid Body Wash. It has 5% glycolic plus lactic acid, other acids in it. I really like it for the glycolic acid content. This [...] is a chemical exfoliant, which is so important for your KP skincare routine. [...] There is no beads or texture to this at all. It's very smooth. [...] I added water and you can see the nice lather. It's going to do the job for your skin. You don't need a rough texture for this at all."

✓Yay

86%Guru Score

The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick

"The Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick by The Inkey List. [...] You can rub it on the skin right like that. It's super quick and easy. Hands-free. This is another one that is a go-to for me."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

CeraVe Intensive Foot Repair

"You put a nice thick layer of this all over the feet. I put socks over it, go to bed. I wake up in the morning after just one use. It is so good and so helpful for the feet. You don't need to do too much. Just get a tube of this."

✓Yay

90%Guru Score

Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion

"I am coming back to one of my tried and true super affordable Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight. [...] It is a workhorse. Use it and use it up. Super affordable. I cannot say that I have found a more expensive one that I felt like has been worth it. So we are circling back to one of our holy grail tried and true, just like the cleanser situation. This one body retinol, if you are looking for one in your routine, just grab this one. It's so good."

✓Yay

89%Guru Score

Dove Sensitive Skin Hypoallergenic Body Wash

"Dove Sensitive Skin, this is like dermatologist number one recommendation that's actually true. This is great for the body to cleanse with it, it's hypoallergenic, this is fragrance free. I love this."

✓Yay

76%Guru Score

Paula's Choice 5% Niacinamide Body Serum

"[Paula's Choice] has this one this is a 5% niacinamide serum that I am obsessed with this is so helpful it has completely resolved that dry kind of crack skin appearance that is so rampant in the winter and then I lock in that hydration with my moisturizer so this one is absolutely incredible if you feel like your normal body moisturizer is just not enough add a body serum under it"

✓Yay

79%Guru Score

Necessaire Deodorant Gel

"It's different than other deodorants because it contains five percent AHA, or alpha hydroxy acids, and niacinamide, and together these can significantly lighten dark spots on the skin. It has no aluminum in it, so it's aluminum free, has no baking soda, no parabens, no synthetic fragrance. It comes in this [...] glass bottle, it's a roll-on, it's clear. Necessaire is truly a great and sustainable skincare brand, and this is one of their standout products in my opinion."

✓Yay

80%Guru Score

Paula's Choice Clear Acne Body Spray

"Paula's Choice has a Clear Acne Body Spray with maximum strength 2% salicylic acid in it. It also has allantoin in it which is soothing to the skin and licorice root extract in it that can help fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne spots. Overall this one by Paula's Choice is a very simple formulation so I really like this option."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

Versed Firm Ground Retinol Body Lotion

"Versed makes a Body Retinol that is a good option."

✓Yay

91%Guru Score

Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil

"Bioderma makes an Oil Cleanser for the body that I like."

✓Yay

81%Guru Score

Aveeno Nourishing Oats Body Cleanser

"I really like the Aveeno Oil Cleanser for the body because it is so effective at preventing dry flaky skin and creates a nice hydration layer [...] on the skin."

✓Yay

79%Guru Score

Glytone Exfoliating Body Lotion (Glycolic Acid)

"The Glytone Exfoliating Body Lotion has a free acid value of 17.5. This is good for larger surface areas."

✓Yay

86%Guru Score

Verso Firm Ground Retinol Body Lotion

"The first product is by Verso, it's the Firm Ground Retinol Body Lotion. [...] This has encapsulated retinol in it so it will be most effective at firming the skin, smoothing out the rough texture and make it look all over brighter. Use this at night to preserve the effectiveness of the retinol. This has squalane cocoa butter and vitamin E which all give it the luxurious feel while still containing the powerhouse retinol to do the heavy lifting."

✓Yay

86%Guru Score

Aquaphor Healing Ointment Body Spray

"You can see it goes on really lightly like a foam and then [...] when you blend it in, it feels like an ointment on the skin but it's just applied a lot more quickly and easily with a lot less rubbing and tugging. [...] This is an absolute must-have in my skincare stockpile ever since I first discovered it. I love it for myself and children and I highly recommend this. It's so cool."

✓Yay

86%Guru Score

Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Wash

"Eucerin also has an eczema line with a body wash and an eczema relief cream. These both have colloidal oatmeal which is a skin barrier protectant and helps soothe irritated skin and they have ceramides. [...] These are all suited for dry skin and eczema-prone skin."

✓Yay

82%Guru Score

CeraVe SA Cream for Rough and Bumpy Skin

"These also have ceramides in them and other skin nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. So this is a great all-in-one product to hydrate, nourish, and exfoliate."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA

"The specific percentage of each of these is not listed, though the package says it's a combined 10 percent. This is not super helpful; I'd prefer the breakdown listed instead. It does contain a longer list of ingredients with added extracts aimed to soothe and nourish the skin, and people really seem to love this product in general. However, I am not overly impressed with this particular ingredients list."

~Mixed

69%Guru Score

CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough and Bumpy Skin

"I like salicylic acid as an ingredient to treat KP because we know that it collects preferentially in the hair follicles and the oil glands, so it does a really good job smoothing out the bumps of KP. [...] Research studies in our dermatology literature show that both salicylic acid and lactic acid are effective at treating KP, but lactic acid seems to be even more effective than salicylic acid."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

First Aid Beauty KP Smoothing Body Lotion

"This has 10 percent alpha hydroxy acids, which is partly lactic acid, if not all lactic acid. It's hard to tell exactly from just looking at the label. It also has urea at an unknown concentration and one form of ceramide only. Compared to the AmLactin option, I give the nod to AmLactin, which has a higher percentage of lactic acid and more ceramides. The First Aid Beauty one does contain other skin-soothing additives, which could be good or bad depending on your own skin tolerability."

~Mixed

70%Guru Score

Glytone KP Body Kit

"Glytone is actually a brand that I really love and think has many higher-priced products that are worth the splurge. They have a KP kit that contains two key products: a body wash and a body lotion, and it also contains a shower loofah, which does give you the flexibility to turn the gentle body wash into a physical exfoliant if you prefer."

✓Yay

92%Guru Score

CeraVe Rough and Bumpy SA Body Wash

"I haven't talked too much about body washes for KP yet, but this one by CeraVe is a good option. It is gentle all around but should have some benefit for treating these rough spots. I think this is a reasonable option to keep in the shower if you suffer from textured or bumpy skin."

~Mixed

78%Guru Score

Paula's Choice Retinol Skin Smoothing Body Treatment

"You can also use a retinol body lotion like the one from Paula's Choice, also 30% off, another good option for firming."

✓Yay
Sponsored

85%Guru Score

Masks & Peels22 reviews

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant

"An example from Paula's Choice has no glycolic acid in it, it's actually a 6% mandelic acid and a 2% lactic acid. It's a good AHA blend that will be a little more gentle on your skin. Really good exfoliation benefits from this."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Prequel Multi-Acid Milk Peel AHA Exfoliating Solution

"One's a little more gentle, sensitive skin friendly, by Prequel. It's the multi-acid milk peel, has 15% glycolic in it."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

Paula's Choice Glycolic Acid Leave-On Exfoliant

"A premium anti-aging glycolic acid option by Paula's Choice, at 8%. You will apply this by cleansing the skin with a gentle cleanser, then applying a thin even coat across the face, [...] and following with the rest of your skin care routine such as moisturizer or moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning."

✓Yay

74%Guru Score

St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub

"The last product I do not recommend you buy is a harsh scrub. St. Ives Apricot Scrub. I'm looking at you. These are so harsh and so abrasive on your skin barrier. They are more likely causing more damage than any benefit you are looking for them to do on your skin."

✕Nay

41%Guru Score

Good Molecules All-In-One Exfoliating Treatment

"Good Molecules is an amazing brand that has affordable products and they are very transparent with their key actives in the product. They often tell you the exact percentages of the exfoliant in the product or the ingredient, the key active in the product. And that is so important to me when trying to pick quality products. They have an overnight exfoliant. It's under $10."

✓Yay

89%Guru Score

PanOxyl 2% Salicylic Acid Liquid Exfoliant

"It is very affordable and it contains 2% salicylic acid which is the highest percentage you can get over the counter. This is a leave on solution that you kind of would use almost like a toner in your routine. The way this works is that salicylic acid, which is a beta hydroxy acid, it's oil soluble. It gets down into the pore and the oil gland where it can help break up that debris and unclog the pore. So this is going to be the most effective type of acid that I recommend for acne routines."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

AcneFree Acne Clearing Sulfur Mask

"This product also by AcneFree is an Acne Clearing Sulfur Mask. This has 3.5% sulfur in it. You can find products with higher percentages, maybe up to around 10% sulfur, but again it can be drying to the skin, so I like to start low at least in the beginning. You can increase as needed, but this is a great product that will help cut down on the amount of oil and sebum on the skin and that will help clear your acne."

✓Yay

80%Guru Score

DRMTLGY Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

"This is one of this brand's bestsellers, it's a viral skincare product. [...] This has obviously pumpkin in it but it also has ceramides which are going to replenish and maintain the hydration of your skin barrier. It has peptides in it which are good for building collagen and anti-aging and it has clay so that's really good to draw out the gunk from your pores and help them shrink down and look way more less noticeable."

✓Yay

70%Guru Score

Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask and Enzymatic Dermal Resurfacer

"So I had to try the pumpkin mask. This one I would not love it or recommend it for sensitive skin because it really does give you more of a tingle on the skin. [...] It feels like it's doing something because it can kind of sting the skin a little bit, so not everybody will love that if you have really sensitive skin, beware. The texture of this is a little bit more again, sensitive skin I don't love it for that. But overall I think it's a really good formulation."

✕Nay

68%Guru Score

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

"They're called their microfoliant cleansers and it's basically just powder, it's like rice powder, it has salicylic acid and some other ingredients in it. You just pour the powder in your hand, add some water to make this paste, and then apply it to your skin for a very gentle skin polish and exfoliation. I love this concept because you can add as little or as much of the powder as you want to create the texture that you need for your skin."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

Three Ships Soothe Vitamin C Clay Mask

"I love a good mask in my routine once a week or just some self-care or nights that I take off from doing kind of my whole traditional routine. This is called Soothe, it has two types of clay in it, it has rose hip extract and oil in it, and that's pretty much it. It's super clean. This is actually a little bit unique because it comes in this powder and you mix it yourself and then apply it. You can mix it with water, a toner, an oil if you want it to be more hydrating."

✓Yay

90%Guru Score

Three Ships Detox Mask

"I really love that Detox Mask for skin barrier maintenance routines, especially if you have normal to oily skin or if you wear makeup a lot or if you have acne prone skin. It is a great way to keep your pores unclogged. You can do that once a week, every other week, however much you feel like your skin needs that and it's just a really simple clean mask."

✓Yay

90%Guru Score

Versed Doctor's Visit Instant Resurfacing Mask

"Versed has one of my favorite masks with glycolic acid in it, the Doctor's Visit Instant Resurfacing Mask. [...] It is gentle enough that you can incorporate this one into your skin cycling routine and literally use it once and you notice a lot of amazing results."

✓Yay

82%Guru Score

Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Peel Pads

"Another option is in the form of a peel pad by Peter Thomas Roth. It's the Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Pads. They have 20 percent glycolic acid and 1.5 percent microencapsulated retinol. The budget hack for you is that you can almost always shop these on sale, and that is when I make sure to get my pricey skincare items. You can usually get these at least 20 percent off if you do a little digging."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Mask

"The Ordinary 2 percent salicylic acid mask is great for acne prone skin because of the salicylic acid ingredient, which is a great treatment for acne. It contains charcoal and clay which help unclog the pores and further improve the texture of the skin. This is super affordable and really easy to incorporate into your routine because you only need it once or twice a week."

✓Yay

87%Guru Score

Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

"It's a 2% BHA, which means it's a salicylic acid liquid exfoliant. This is a long-term, viral holy grail product, and you can get it on sale right now. I love this product. If you have bumpy skin complexion or bumpy skin texture, or a lot of comedonal acne, [...] this gets down into the pores because it's salicylic acid, which means it's oil soluble. So it does a really good job getting down into the pores and helping clear those out."

✓Yay
Sponsored

88%Guru Score

Three Ships Super Fruit Exfoliating Mask

"This scrub has such a super fine texture, which is so rare because a lot of these physical exfoliant scrubs from other brands have such harsh and abrasive textures, but this one is so fine that it literally polishes the skin. It just removes that dead layer of skin cells and it does not mess up your skin. I am in love with this specific product from Three Ships."

✓Yay
Sponsored

Notverified

Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Acne Mask

"Peter Thomas Roth, a brand I love, has a 10% sulfur mask. It's almost this like clay-like consistency."

✓Yay
Sponsored

86%Guru Score

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Pads

"The universal daily peel pad has a five AHA and BHA blend compared to the seven of the one I just did, so this one is a little more gentle. You can really use this nightly depending on your skin condition and skin type."

✓Yay
Sponsored

70%Guru Score

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

"This is kind of a wild product. It can be very beneficial but you need to be super careful with this and patch test it before using. It has a 30 percent AHA combination. This is not 30 percent glycolic acid, it's an AHA mixture including glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acid, and it has two percent beta hydroxy acid in the form of salicylic acid. You will apply this precisely as recommended on the label."

~Mixed
Sponsored

58%Guru Score

SkinFix Resurface+ AHA BHA Enzyme Exfoliating Pads

"The Skinfix Resurface+ Enzyme Exfoliating Pads have more ingredients compared to the L'Oreal option. These ingredients help offset that tingling feeling associated with the glycolic acid, so I find these a bit more tolerable to use. It has a strong acid content in it including five percent glycolic acid, five percent lactic acid, and two percent salicylic acid, and it has niacinamide as well."

✓Yay
Sponsored

82%Guru Score

e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Sleep Mask

"I haven't tried it yet because I don't usually use a sleeping mask. I don't feel like my skin is that dry, I don't really need one that much. But I think I might try it out, I'll keep it on hand if I do feel like I get dry or irritated."

~Mixed
Sponsored

Notverified

Eye Care21 reviews

Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal

"Another incredible K-beauty under eye treatment, the [retinal] for the under eye by Beauty of Joseon, is more focused on rebuilding collagen. It's super affordable, around $11 or $12, and on sale for Prime Day."

✓Yay

94%Guru Score

Numbuzin No.9 NAD+ Retinol Volumetox Eye Cream

"This under eye cream by Numbuzin is an NAD+ retinol with niacinamide and peptides, a multitasking treatment for fine lines and wrinkles that also brightens the under eyes. What I really love is that it has ceramides that give it a shimmer, so when I rub it in it instantly makes the light bounce off my under eyes and the dark circles seem to disappear, while the niacinamide gradually improves the under eye color. It's right around $13."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Eye Balm

"This is another one of my favorite dedicated eye products by RoC. It's the RoC Multi-Correction Revive and Glow Eye Balm. Touch-free -- you just swipe and go."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Cream

"This really started it all when I first discovered this product from Medik8, it led to my whole deep dive into finding their best products. [...] This was my favorite product last year when I discovered it, so I called it my 2024 product of the year. I did a whole deep dive video on why this was my favorite product of the entire year last year and I'm still on my game with this because there is nothing better in my opinion."

✓Yay

87%Guru Score

RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream

"Another one that I really love more affordable price by Rock is the Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream. This has retinol, not retinol, so not as strong. Better if you are a beginner or have really sensitive skin or you just want something more affordable that still works."

✓Yay

78%Guru Score

DRMTLGY Luminous Eye Corrector SPF 41

"I hack that to get sunscreen there by using a concealer or corrector that has SPF in it. [...] Another one of my holy grails that I used religiously last year is by dermatology. Same concept. This has SPF 41."

✓Yay

87%Guru Score

CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Eye Cream

"This has 5% L-ascorbic acid, which is pure active form L-ascorbic acid. [...] You just need a teeny little bit of it and you dab it [...] under the eyes. I love this one, it's super gentle. I am a very sensitive skin person and this has never irritated my under eyes or my skin at all. It also contains ceramide, so it's going to help strengthen the skin barrier in this delicate area."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

Goodal Vitac C Eye Gel Patch

"I'm going to link these because these are my current obsession eye patches right now. My favorite thing about them is all these little grippies so they don't slide down your face. This is a natural vitamin C alternative so it is really great for sensitive under eye skin. You only have to wear these 5 minutes. They jellify and kind of melt into your skin so when you go to take them off they are super thin. They brighten the under eyes so quickly. I am obsessed."

✓Yay

68%Guru Score

Tula Glow & Get It Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm

"These eye balms, this is the glow and get it, I also love the rose glow and get it one, it's the pink one. So these are great to put right under the eyes. I think eye care is so so important, it's one of the biggest things that shows our age so quickly because that skin is so thin, you really have to protect it. So the glow and get it, it's a brightening and cooling stick, so again touch-free swipe, nice little glow up under the skin under the eye. [...] It's really really nice to keep on hand."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

RoC Vitamin C Based Eye Cream

"At the drugstore this one by RoC is a top pick vitamin C eye product for me"

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum

"You can find a dedicated peptide serum for the eye area at a reasonable price by The Ordinary called The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum. This also has niacinamide in it."

✓Yay

69%Guru Score

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Eye Cream

"There's an eye serum in this line too if you need targeted help to brighten the under eye skin. This one has 10% THD, 3% vitamin E, and 2% ferulic acid, very similar to the power serum. This is a great addition if you want a dedicated eye cream in your routine."

✓Yay

81%Guru Score

Paula's Choice C15 Super Boost Eye Cream

"I have been using this one since last year, [...] the C15 Super Boost Eye Cream. Another great option. I think this is a little less than that. It is probably going to go on sale during the holidays. I don't know if it is on sale yet but check it out. [...] This one by Paula's Choice has a different type of vitamin C in it, and this one has more of my favorite type of vitamin C."

✓Yay

64%Guru Score

Pixi Depuffing Eye Patches

"Pixi has eye patches for just $24 now, unfortunately neither of these are quite as good as the Peter Thomas Roth in terms of formulation because this has the trifecta of antioxidants in it vitamin C, E, and ferulic acid, so this is truly a superior formulation."

~Mixed

62%Guru Score

Versed Smooth Landing Advanced Retinoid Eye Balm

"This one is the Versed Smooth Landing Eye Balm [...] and it is a great product if you want a retinol under the eye but you have super sensitive skin. This is really tolerable. The texture really helps seal in water and hydrate the under eye. Versed is really just such a good skincare brand [...] and this is one of them."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Avène Physiolift Eye Cream

"That's the only time I think eye creams are worth it. Other than that, if you want just moisture, just use your moisturizer. But eye creams are what I use at night because I choose one with retinaldehyde in it, which is the same line as my face cream but it's an eye cream version, which has a much lower strength of your retinoid in it so that your thin fine eyelid skin can tolerate it without getting irritated."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

Medik8 Eye Cream

"They have a three, six, and a ten so multiple strengths of the Eye Cream. The key of these products is it has retinaldehyde, which is the closest thing to prescription strength. It works like 11 times faster to give you results for your fine lines and wrinkles and building new collagen than other forms. So it is a really unique brand and unique style of retinoid that you can find. I am loving it."

✓Yay
Sponsored

84%Guru Score

The INKEY List Retinol Eye Cream

"The Inky List also has a specific Retinol Eye Cream that is far more gentle. It has a different stabilized form of retinol in it that will not be irritating to the delicate skin here."

✓Yay
Sponsored

68%Guru Score

Avène RetrinAL Eyes Eye Cream

"Do not put this too close to the eyes. If you are like me and you are having crow's feet and fine lines around the eyes, a retinoid can do a great job to decrease those, but get something that is formulated specifically for the eyes because it will be so much lower strength but still effective. This is what I love to use. In my nighttime routine after I cleanse, I will dab a little bit under the eyes with this first, then use another product."

✓Yay
Sponsored

85%Guru Score

Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol Plus Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum

"This is a correction eye serum. I got this to try because not only does it have a retinol blend but it has bakuchiol in it too, which is what I am trying to use more often on my skin to avoid irritation, so this one is really unique. It has a unique texture to it so it's like a serum but when you put it on it's actually kind of thick texture but it's still clear and lightweight. [...] It feels kind of refreshing to put on."

~Mixed
Sponsored

88%Guru Score

e.l.f. Holy Hydration Eye Cream

"I've tried it out a few nights and it's good, I like it a lot. I think it is very moisturizing, hydrating and plumping under the eyes. [...] I kind of have an opinion on eye creams that it adds one more step to your routine and one more expense to your bill if you're trying to buy a bunch of skincare items. [...] On nights that I don't use retinoids under my eyes, sure you can incorporate an eye cream to kind of rehydrate that skin and get rid of any irritation that might be there."

✓Yay
Sponsored

75%Guru Score

Retinoids21 reviews

Anua Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha Cream

"The Collagen Retinol from Anua has retinol in it and doubles as a gua sha tool, you squeeze it out and use it to help promote absorption and sculpting. [...] This is one I've been using the most and it's so good."

✓Yay

68%Guru Score

Celimax Retinal Shot

"If you want a K-beauty swap as a retinoid, try [...] the [Retinal] Shot by Celimax. It's super affordable, with 0.1% retinaldehyde, the same type of retinol that's in the Avène one, plus Matrix 3000, making it a combination peptide and retinoid serum."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 10 Retinal Serum (0.1%)

"If you love a good budget pick, Geek & Gorgeous A-Game makes three retinaldehyde products, and you can't beat this product for this price. It's so good."

✓Yay

90%Guru Score

Paula's Choice Retinal Renew Retinaldehyde Gel 0.1%

"I find this very agreeable on sensitive skin, redness prone skin. I am not worried that this is going to flare it up and make it much worse. It's very gentle. So the 0.1% that's where I'd recommend to start, especially if you've never used retinoids. You don't even have to go up to the 0.2%. If you want to, sure, and it's not causing irritation, yes. But definitely at least start with the lowest option first."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 20 Retinal Serum (0.2%)

"This one is under $25, so it's a really great price. The lower strength ones are under $20, and the 0.05 is under $15. This is an incredible brand that makes really great products, and they're really good prices. I like that this one also contains ectoin, [...] which is really nice because it's hydrating and soothing for the skin. You really have to balance out retinaldehyde on the skin because it can be irritating, so just a little bit, dot it over and blend it in."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

AcneFree Adapalene 0.1% Gel

"It's an Adapalene 0.1% Gel by AcneFree. Many brands make an adapalene gel and I don't really care which brand you use. Choose one that's affordable and make sure it has adapalene 0.1% in the active ingredients. It's going to work to prevent new acne from forming. [...] Adapalene helps normalize your skin cell turnover and helps a lot of things on the skin, but it's really good for addressing this particular cause of acne. [...] All of these ingredients [...] are anti-inflammatory."

✓Yay

79%Guru Score

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ Regenerating Cream

"Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair is a gentle retinol, it is safe for the neck, low chance of irritation. If you are choosing to treat signs of aging with a retinol which I think can be very beneficial but you have to be really careful, an example of a great gentle product would be Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ Regenerating Cream (Fragrance-Free)

"Neutrogena has one of the best retinols you can buy over the counter at the drugstore. They actually come in several strengths. This is the Rapid Wrinkle Repair, fragrance free. [...] You can even start with low strength within one brand such as Neutrogena and build up to some of their stronger retinols. This is another longtime holy grail, tried and true version."

✓Yay

88%Guru Score

L'Oreal Revitalift 0.3% Pure Retinol Night Serum

"One by L'Oreal I love"

✓Yay

78%Guru Score

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

"This is another 20% option so now we're in the 20% let me first say you don't have to have a 20% vitamin C serum to get benefits"

✓Yay

62%Guru Score

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3

"I splurge on this one for a few reasons that make this one unique. First and most important, this has retinal, not retinol, which is the strongest form of retinoid that you can get over the counter without a prescription. You can find retinal DHEA eye creams at the drugstore, but this brand makes three versions of this in graded strength. This is the lowest strength, 3, they make a 6 and a 10, so you can start and graduate up and go slow and get more results over time."

✓Yay

89%Guru Score

Paula's Choice Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer with Retinol

"This one is by Paula's Choice. It has five skin-identical ceramides in it. This is just a really nice lightweight moisturizer. It has hyaluronic acid, cholesterol, glycerin, other oils containing fatty acids, and peptides. So I would consider this one to be kind of an all-in-one, well-rounded barrier repair product."

✓Yay

81%Guru Score

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer

"The Olay Retinol 24 [...] is not my first choice because retinol has to undergo two conversions to get to retinoic acid. [...] Retinaldehyde has to only undergo one, so retinaldehyde is closer to prescription strength. Now retinol can still be effective and you'll get even less side effects with that, but it's not the strongest option."

✕Nay

74%Guru Score

CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum

"CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum, it's a good product but it has a retinol not retinaldehyde in it."

✕Nay

74%Guru Score

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3/0.5/1.0

"There are other over-the-counter retinol products that come in higher strengths that I think would also be reasonable, such as the Skinceuticals Retinol 1.0."

✓Yay

71%Guru Score

Maelove Moonlight Retinaldehyde Serum 0.1%

"It has ceramides, it has hyaluronic acid, so it's really going to be gentle on your skin considering you're putting a retinoid on there. [...] You can use this actually morning and night. [...] Do I want you to use a retinaldehyde product every single night? No, I do not. Because I think it's important to take a few nights off as rest nights to rest and reset your skin and to take one or two nights off a week to do an exfoliation night."

✓Yay
Sponsored

80%Guru Score

Maelove Stargaze Enhanced Retinol

"If you're really sensitive, you've never tried a retinoid product, you could start with their retinol."

✓Yay
Sponsored

81%Guru Score

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6

"I really want that product to do the most and to last a long time. This is an example by Medik8. It's a pricey product, it's a [retinaldehyde] product. [...] You don't need to use it every single night to get those results. In fact, I encourage you not to use it every night because your skin barrier will thank you if you give it some rest nights. Try to space this out to every other night or even just three times a week. You can still get results."

✓Yay
Sponsored

89%Guru Score

The INKEY List Retinal and Novaretin Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution

"The Inkey List actually has a couple retinol products in their lineup, but it is specifically this one here that I recommend: it is the Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution because it has one percent retinol in it. If you use this one consistently, this level of retinol, which is converted in your skin to retinoic acid or the prescription form of retinoid, you will improve your skin. Consistency is key. This one by The Inkey List is $24.99."

✓Yay
Sponsored

81%Guru Score

Paula's Choice 0.3% Retinol

"This night treatment option for anti-aging because it has retinol at point three percent and two percent bakuchiol in it. It's giving you even more of those anti-aging benefits but without the side effects. Two percent is a really good dose of bakuchiol but it doesn't go over the board with the retinol so this is great for sensitive skin types. It's actually hard to find good quality products that have both retinol and bakuchiol in it, so this is a unique one."

✓Yay
Sponsored

84%Guru Score

Peace Out Retinol Eye Stick

"Peace Out Retinol Eye Stick is really awesome because it's your retinol product but in a nice stick form that you can just rub on. It's great for travel and on the go if you want to keep things simple. [...] I actually love this balm-like texture."

✓Yay
Sponsored

69%Guru Score

Haircare15 reviews

Rogaine Minoxidil 5% Foam

"If you have hormonal hair loss, perimenopausal or menopausal hair thinning, topical minoxidil in the 5% option from Rogaine is going to be the most effective thing you can do, research proven to slow down hair loss and even regrow new hair. It's a great deal on Amazon Prime Day."

✓Yay

86%Guru Score

Living Proof Flex Shaping Hairspray

"The Flex Hairspray by Living Proof is on Amazon Prime Day and I'm restocking it because I go through a lot of it. I think this is the softest hold hairspray that lets your hair still move without feeling crunchy, stiff, or sticky like so many hairsprays, and it doesn't seem to dry my hair out. I've been using this exclusively since I discovered it a few months ago."

✓Yay

81%Guru Score

Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (1% Ketoconazole)

"My argument is that ketoconazole shampoo will actually give you better long-term results that do not wash away. So, if you are more budget conscious and results driven, opt for Nizoral, your ketoconazole shampoo. I personally love to use it."

✓Yay

81%Guru Score

Seen Restore Scalp Serum

"They also have a scalp serum called the Seen Restore Scalp Serum. It gives more balance and hydration to the scalp and it prevents dry scalp. I use this occasionally, not that often. I feel like I have pretty good scalp health."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

"My favorite dry shampoo brand is on Prime day for 30 off. It's Klorane, the Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk. [...] It's normally twenty dollars, now it's on sale for fourteen dollars. You can also get a travel size of that as well, which is very nice."

✓Yay

86%Guru Score

Divvy Scalp Serum

"Divvy Scalp Serum is much more pricey but it does contain rosemary oil as well as numerous other topical agents that may also be of benefit in growing hair."

~Mixed

73%Guru Score

Neutrogena T/Gel Coal Tar Shampoo

"It is not as effective as an anti-fungal shampoo in my experience, but it works wonderfully in addition to your other dandruff shampoos. What I like to recommend is alternating this salicylic acid shampoo with your anti-fungal shampoo. Neutrogena has a shampoo called T/Gel that I've recommended for years because it has the strongest concentration of salicylic acid in it compared to its competitors. It is fragrance free, has three percent salicylic acid in it, and it's just under ten dollars."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Vanicream Free and Clear Hair Shampoo

"Zinc pyrithione is also anti-fungal so it can cut down on that malassezia. My favorite shampoo with this ingredient is by Vanicream, it contains two percent zinc pyrethione, which is higher than some of the competitor shampoos that contain one percent. So this one is a little more expensive at just under fifteen dollars, but that is still a great price for a shampoo."

✓Yay

71%Guru Score

First Aid Beauty Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

"Do not overspend. There is a shampoo from First Aid Beauty that's around thirty dollars and that contains only one percent zinc pyrithione in it, so don't overspend. Try a budget option first."

✕Nay

71%Guru Score

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

"This has been a total game changer for me and something that I really love and look forward to using in my own beauty routine. [...] One of my favorite things about this Dyson hair dryer are the attachments, which are so durable and so well made. The attachment I use most is magnetic and easy to adjust and twist when it's on there, and then easy to take off."

✓Yay

89%Guru Score

Vanicream Free and Clear Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

"Vanicream makes one of the best dandruff shampoos on the market that you can get without a prescription. [...] It is incredibly effective and affordable. I have a ton of patients that use this and love this because it gives them good results. This contains pyrithione zinc at two percent. It is sulfate free. It is a simple formulation and it can completely clear the dandruff or itchy flaky scalp skin."

✓Yay

87%Guru Score

Vanicream Conditioner

"Vanicream makes a gentle shampoo and conditioner that are both very effective at maintaining scalp health and not triggering skin flares. [...] The shampoo and conditioner that you use actually runs down your face and your body skin when you are washing it off and this can actually trigger your skin if you are allergic or sensitive. [...] So make sure that your shampoo is not making your skin worse."

✓Yay

82%Guru Score

Maelove Full Follicle Advanced Scalp Serum

"You can put this on at night before bed and you wake up the next day, your hair is not greasy. [...] Not with this. I put this on before bed, right down the scalp line, kind of under the hairline as well. Massage it through the scalp, wake up, hair's back to normal. So it's really an incredible product."

✓Yay
Sponsored

Notverified

Maelove Full Follicle Shampoo

"I used that shampoo and conditioner one time and it gives so much fullness and like volume and texture to my hair that I have not had in so long. It's really really impressive."

✓Yay
Sponsored

Notverified

Seen Shampoo and Conditioner Set

"One of the studies really stood out to me that showed 70% of people saw improvement in their trunk or back acne when using this shampoo and conditioner. [...] Switching to a non-comedogenic option like Scene can improve your acne without actual acne medication. [...] I recommend this for patients with acne or eczema or sensitive skin or even for early thinning hair loss. This has also been shown to create more fullness in the hair and reduce shedding by 44%."

✓Yay
Sponsored

84%Guru Score

Lip13 reviews

Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Gloss Balm

"A lip peptide I absolutely swear by is from Paula's Choice. It has the right kind of peptides in it, unlike a lot of lip peptide products, especially for lips, that use junk peptides, this is not junk. It's 30% off, the cheapest you'll find it all year from any website, an actual great deal. [...] If you put this on your lips before bed several nights in a row, you'll fix damaged lips and they'll become soft and supple. I swear by this stuff."

✓Yay

91%Guru Score

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk Fair

"My lip trifecta is Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk in the shade Fair, the lip cheat liner, the lipstick, [...] and if I'm really going for it, the lip gloss over it as well. It's just the best trifecta of all time, [...] I love it."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

The INKEY List Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm

"The Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm from The INKEY List has been a go-to of mine for well over a year now. I would put this on right before bed."

✓Yay

56%Guru Score

DRMTLGY Lip Silk SPF 40

"And last but not least, SPF for the lips. This is SPF 40, shade Soft, from DRMTLGY. Another great makeup option with SPF."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Remedy Lip Balm

"Remedy Remedy for Dry Lips is an all-in-one lip treatment. I am using this every night before bed for a while now. My lips are on point. So smooth. They're not peeling. It's so good. This has peptides, ceramide, squalane in it. It goes on really easily. It's so moisturizing. I've been slathering this on before I go to bed, and it really has been a remedy for dry lips."

✓Yay

70%Guru Score

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lip Balm

"I'll bounce back and forth between the Cicaplast lips by La Roche-Posay depending on kind of how thick of repair I want on the lips. This is a little bit thicker, more occlusive if I feel like I really need it."

✓Yay

72%Guru Score

Dr. Dennis Gross DermInfusions Plump + Repair Lip Treatment

"The Dr Dennis Gross is going to give you instant results in a matter of minutes. [...] When you put this one on, [...] the lips will literally grow in size in under 2 minutes. It also has peptides in it that over time can build the collagen in your lips too, so I would consider this one to have both immediate and delayed benefits. [...] The pro is immediate plumping results, but the con is that you will experience a tingling sensation on the lips."

✓Yay

72%Guru Score

Dermelect Smooth Upper Lip and Perioral Anti-Aging Treatment

"It is by Dermelect, it is called the Smooth Upper Lip and [...] Perioral Anti-Aging Treatment. The reason that I specifically love and recommend this one, well there's really five main reasons. First of all, this has Matrixyl 3000 in it, which is the most powerful blend of peptides that can build new collagen. So that's what's going to plump the lip up, prevent those wrinkles from forming, and then help plump and kind of smooth out those fine lines."

✓Yay

76%Guru Score

Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid Plus Peptide Lip Booster with Squalane

"I do like this nice little metal cooling applicator tip that is really nice on this product. [...] You can put this on a couple times a day morning and night peptides for your lips to maintain that lip volume."

✓Yay

80%Guru Score

Avène Lip Balm SPF

"I recommend their [...] lip product that they make because that is perfect for wintertime and that will help prevent and repair cracked lips."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

Sephora Collection Nude Lipstick

"I love these because they are super affordable and there's a ton of color options. So when the seasons change or I feel like getting a refresh, I pop in there and I pick up some new ones."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

Naked Sundays Glow + Go Lip Oil SPF 50

"Our lips can really make us look aged because we lose collagen from our lips too. [...] You can get skin cancer around your lips. I actually am a skin cancer surgeon in my real life and I do skin cancer surgery on people's lips all the time because people don't protect them. This comes in a lot of different shades, which is what I love about this one. It is unique. Whatever SPF lip product you like, just make sure you are using it."

✓Yay
Sponsored

72%Guru Score

EltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 36

"This is SPF 36 with the transparent zinc oxide. It comes in a nice applicator tip. [...] Don't forget to protect your lips."

✓Yay
Sponsored

83%Guru Score

Eye Makeup12 reviews

Tarte Tarteist XL Tubing Mascara

"The Tarte Tartlet tubing mascara is on sale, about 40% off, and it's super high on my list of favorites. [...] I love this one and so many of you guys love it too, you actually recommended it to me, so I tried it and I love it."

✓Yay

72%Guru Score

Urban Decay Tube Job Mascara

"One of my favorite things about the Urban Decay Tube Job tubing mascara that really stood out is that it did not clump at all when I was trying to put it on, unlike some tubing mascaras that can almost feel like they're clumping your eyelashes together. This was incredible."

✓Yay

86%Guru Score

Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara

"Starting with Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara. This is one that you guys would not stop telling me I needed to get. So I got it and I've tried it. It's probably one of my top three favorites. It has that [...] tapered wand, little fine tooth brush."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

e.l.f. Lash 'N Roll Mascara

"Can't beat the price for sure. It looked nice on the skin. It was a little clumpy for me. Maybe that's a personal thing. Like sometimes skincare pills on some people and doesn't on the other. [...] It was like a little bit clumpy for me, but other than that, honestly, for $8, it's really hard to beat that."

~Mixed

70%Guru Score

Dibs Double Standard Primer and Mascara Duo

"This is the mascara that started my entire search for the best tube mascara because I was on my Instagram raving about, 'Hey you guys, I found a mascara that I'm absolutely obsessed with.' This is what I was talking about and I want to show you why honestly I still am not jumping ship from my original favorite because it's very versatile. So this is the duo. [...] It has two sides."

✓Yay

86%Guru Score

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum

"I wish I was better with this peptide prostaglandin-free lash serum and brow growth. This one is by The Ordinary. I like it fairly well."

✓Yay

69%Guru Score

Merit Brow Gel

"This is also Merit. It's eyebrow gel and it really makes me come alive."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara

"This mascara is one of my favorite mascaras ever from Ilia. It really separates the lashes out very well and has two like ends to the wand."

✓Yay

99%Guru Score

Rodan+Fields Lash Boost

"It causes the same dangerous side effects including dry eyes, redness, permanent eyelid discoloration, iris discoloration, permanent eye color changes, fat atrophy causing sunken eyes, and deepening of the eyelid crease. Women don't realize these are the side effects and don't know what's causing the sinking of the eyes or discoloration, so they don't stop using the product. The side effects start appearing early and can be permanent."

✕Nay

45%Guru Score

Babe Essential Lash Serum

"It causes the same dangerous and potentially permanent side effects including dry eyes, redness, permanent eyelid and iris discoloration, permanent eye color changes, fat atrophy causing sunken eyes, and deepening of the upper eyelid crease. These unregulated products put women at serious risk because they don't know what they're using or what side effects to watch for."

✕Nay

61%Guru Score

2020 Beauty Get Growing Lash and Brow Serum

"The coconut oil and argan oil are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating, which helps with dry eye and reduces blepharitis. It doesn't bind to the prostaglandin receptor like dangerous over-the-counter serums do, so you don't get those serious side effects like sunken eyes or permanent discoloration. Plus, the packaging is hygienic with a pump so it doesn't need preservatives, which are irritating for the eye. I use it every night and have seen the results myself."

✓Yay

90%Guru Score

ILIA Fullest Volumizing Mascara

"My mascara is by Ilia, and it is the Fullest Volumizing Mascara. This is what is going to open your eyes up and make you look awake. [...] Having a full thick and long lashes can make you look more youthful, so make sure you are choosing a good mascara to really give you that lift and volume."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

Acne11 reviews

Naturium Salicylic Acid 2% Spray

"For back acne or backne I love to recommend a salicylic acid spray up to 2%. I have used the one by Naturium [...] most recently that I really like, and it is a great option to treat acne on the chest and the back."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Peace Out Acne Dots

"Peace Out Acne Dots, 20 patches for 19 [...] dollars. These contain 0.5 percent salicylic acid, [...] and they also contain aloe and retinol palmitate. You get a little bit better bang for your buck here. The Peace Out ones are far more simple, they have very few unnecessary ingredients in there. [...] I really like the Peace Out brand face patches for this reason."

✓Yay

92%Guru Score

PanOxyl PM Blemish Aftercare Brightening Patches

"Another option is to buy this PanOxyl overnight patches, eight dollars for 40 patches. So less patches. These also come in two sizes, nine millimeters and 12 millimeters."

✓Yay

81%Guru Score

Neutrogena Stubborn Acne Spot Drying Treatment with 10% Sulfur and 4% Niacinamide

"I will try a sulfur spot treatment cream first. [...] Buy this Neutrogena Stubborn Acne Spot Drying Treatment with 10% Sulfur and 4% Niacinamide."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions

"This one has multiple fruit and oil extracts in it including tea tree oil for starters, and when placed on the skin in a thick layer or under occlusion these can cause irritant contact dermatitis, which is a rash on the skin. And this product only has actually a very low percentage of salicylic acid in it, which just might not be enough to get the job done."

✕Nay

56%Guru Score

The INKEY List Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches

"These patches are really unique to me because they are more invisible on the skin than any other patches that I have tried. They have invisible technology that helps the patch instantly blur the appearance of the pimple underneath. They are ultra thin and ultra matte and that allows it to blend in all skin tones so that they are undetectable. This patch is made of hydrocolloid which is a hyper absorptive material that draws the gunk out of the pimple."

✓Yay
Sponsored

84%Guru Score

The INKEY List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment

"I love this as a spot treatment and it is a very unique product because it pairs some lesser known ingredients. It has two percent sulfur in it, which is one of my top four over-the-counter ingredients to treat acne, and it is actually hard to find really quality products with this ingredient in it. [...] Sulfur works to clear acne by drying up the blemish, which is why this is ideal for a spot treatment. Sulfur can also reduce the oil on your skin, so if you have oily skin this works great."

✓Yay
Sponsored

70%Guru Score

The INKEY List Super Solutions 5% Benzoyl Peroxide

"The five percent benzoyl peroxide cleanser is a great starting point at a very high strength. Benzoyl peroxide is [...] anti-inflammatory, it helps kill the acne causing bacteria on your skin without causing resistance like antibiotics can. I really love benzoyl peroxide for more inflamed pimples and those pus bumps of acne, and you can always save the 10 percent strength for chest and back acne."

✓Yay
Sponsored

82%Guru Score

Peace Out Acne Serum

"It has niacinamide and vitamin C. This is going to treat an acne spot and improve the acne spot and also help fade dark spots and pigmentation with the vitamin C. This is actually a really cool product. [...] It's like a very thin serum that rubs in and absorbs in. You can wear this in the morning or at night depending on what your skincare routine is, just a little bit all over the face and let it absorb in."

✓Yay
Sponsored

74%Guru Score

Peace Out Acne Patches

"These Acne Patches really actually work. The hydrocolloid is a wound care dressing that we use in dermatology [...] all the time. The properties of hydrocolloid draw out fluid and gunk, which is why it works on a [...] pimple. This patch contains 0.5% encapsulated salicylic acid, which [...] is oil soluble so it gets down in the oil gland and breaks up that congested pore. It also has [...] retinol palmitate [...] and aloe in it, which is soothing."

✓Yay
Sponsored

90%Guru Score

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original

"These patches really work. They offer a quick, easy, affordable and effective way to treat a pimple overnight while you sleep or leave it in place for just a few hours to get major improvement, no doctor visit or prescription required. [...] This pimple patch is made of high-grade hydrocolloid, which is the only ingredient in it. It's a medicine-free solution for your acne bumps."

✓Yay
Sponsored

87%Guru Score

Tech10 reviews

CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Mask Series 1

"The Current Body Mask and Omnilux. I think these are all very reasonable options."

✓Yay

91%Guru Score

Omnilux Face Contour Red Light Therapy Mask

"The Current Body Mask and Omnilux. I think these are all very reasonable options. They are all quite an investment, but they should last you for years and give you significant improvement on your skin."

✓Yay

79%Guru Score

iRestore Laser Hair Growth Helmet

"Studies show that low-level light therapy increases hair density in patients with androgenetic alopecia. When choosing a device, look for one that is FDA cleared with appropriate wavelengths, typically 630 to 660 nanometers, for red light. Devices like this one from iRestore is a great option. This comes in various models. [...] This is one part of the routine. Think of it as giving you more synergy with your minoxidil."

✓Yay

76%Guru Score

Qure Q-Rejuvalight LED Mask

"What matters is how much light energy reaches your skin per square centimeter. And unfortunately, most companies do not report this clearly. Some of the masks that I've researched and I've tried over the years that I really like and will generally recommend are Qure. You've seen me use this for many years."

✓Yay
Sponsored

73%Guru Score

Qure Q Rejuvalite Pro Face Wear LED Mask

"Red light therapy can reduce the inflammation on your skin, improve your hydration and strengthen your skin barrier. It also can boost your cellular processes to speed up wound healing if you are getting any irritation from your retinoids. And bonus, it boosts collagen production in your skin, so even better for anti-aging. This one also has a blue light setting, too. So, if you are using your retinoid for acne, this still is a great addition as a step three in your skincare routine."

✓Yay
Sponsored

Notverified

Qure Neck & Décolletage LED Mask

"I recommend getting an additional device of red light therapy that is specifically designed to hit the neck and chest area. This one by Qure wraps around the neck and then lays flat on the chest. If you do this consistently on your face, neck, and chest, you're going to be doing the most for your skin as you age."

✓Yay
Sponsored

Notverified

Qure Micro Infusion Targeted Patches

"This is what I am using right now, the Qure Micro Infusion Targeted Patches. These were actually gifted to me, so thank you Qure for sponsoring this little portion of my nighttime skincare routine. [...] I am extremely focused on anti-aging around my eyes because this is the thinnest skin on your face, it is going to be the first area that shows signs of fine lines, crepy skin, wrinkles, so I am always trying to do the most here in this location. In this little pouch are these patches."

✓Yay
Sponsored

84%Guru Score

Qure Micro Infusion System

"This gets the budget derm stamp of approval for results and price, plus it's just super easy and quick to do, which always wins me over."

✓Yay
Sponsored

81%Guru Score

iRestore Professional Hair Growth System

"The low level light therapy is proven in many studies to actually regrow hair from viable hair follicles, likely because it can increase blood flow to the hair follicles so more blood means more oxygen and nutrients for hair to grow. [...] This FDA cleared clinically proven device is not invasive, hands-free and it is easy to use—you just set it on your head for 25 minutes every other day. [...] I love that iRestore stands behind their product with a 12 month money back guarantee."

✓Yay
Sponsored

82%Guru Score

Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro

"This one is for the full face and can improve both acne and anti-aging. The benefit of a device like this is that you can improve your skin without any topical skincare ingredients, just the LED lights. This is going to be great if you have sensitive skin and you really can't tolerate retinoids and topical acids very well. If you have acne and you don't want to use topical or oral antibiotics, you can try something like this as part of your routine."

✓Yay
Sponsored

69%Guru Score

Toners8 reviews

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

"This is 7% glycolic acid, so it's a little bit stronger. I would say start with 3.5% before you go crazy leveling up, 5% or greater I consider more intermediate to advanced users. It's such a viral product, I love this one. [...] You can actually use glycolic acid beyond just your face, [...] on the body, and even on the scalp, where it can decrease flaky scalp."

✓Yay

73%Guru Score

Good Molecules Glycolic Acid Toner

"One of my favorite recommendations I love to use is from Good Molecules. It's a super affordable glycolic acid option. You use this in your skin care routine right after you cleanse your skin, [...] apply the toner in a thin, even coat across the face, then follow with the rest of your skin care routine."

✓Yay

83%Guru Score

CeraVe Hydrating Toner

"I love this one from CeraVe. A Hydrating Toner can be helpful if you wear heavy makeup or if you want to even just skip your morning cleanse and just use a toner instead to freshen your skin and prep it to absorb your skincare actives."

✓Yay

81%Guru Score

The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Toning Solution

"They also have a glycolic acid 10% product for $14."

✓Yay

80%Guru Score

Bliss Clear Genius Toner

"For under eight dollars for salicylic acid, buy this the Clear Genius by Bliss. It has two percent salicylic acid in it. This is one of your most affordable options here under ten dollars."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

L'Oreal Revitalift 5% Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner

"You need to remove that dead layer of skin cells from the surface of the skin so that light can reflect off and give you that glowing and luminous look. For this I choose the L'Oreal glycolic toner. There are lots of options here for amazing products, but this one is really a great option. You can also go for brightening pads instead, either of these would make a great addition to this gift, but do not overlook the importance of topical acids in an anti-aging routine."

✓Yay

80%Guru Score

Versed Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Toner

"This is a tingle free skincare acid solution that gives you the benefits of an acid without that stinging misery"

✓Yay
Sponsored

84%Guru Score

e.l.f. Pure Skin Toner

"The ELF Pure Skin Toner has ceramides in it, so all of these products are so hydrating and not irritating. This is really easy, it's just a clear liquid that's easy to put on the hands and then apply to the face and neck, or you can put it on a cotton swab and apply it that way. It feels really nice and hydrating. This does not feel like it's drying to the skin like some toners can. I am absolutely loving this product."

✓Yay
Sponsored

75%Guru Score

Mists & Essences4 reviews

Prequel Universal Skin Solution Dermal Spray for Face and Body

"I love this one because it's packaged really well. It has a great pH, very simple ingredients, and it's not overpriced. [...] We don't need to be spending like $30 or more on hypochlorous acid, that's insane. [...] It's like a one fix all type of product. It can help acne, rosacea, eczema, sensitive skin, can help fix or repair your skin barrier. It's great to use after the gym to cut down on bacteria on the skin. It's a really, really great addition to any skincare routine."

✓Yay

81%Guru Score

Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray

"It's a big bottle and it is under $15. Tower 28 you will pay more for this brand but this is a quality product. It has the National Eczema Association seal of approval which I like."

~Mixed

83%Guru Score

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

"It's 96% snail mucin and hyaluronic acid so it's super lightweight and thin and it does a really good job giving you just this nice seal of hydration on your skin. You can put a moisturizer over this if you need to, I usually don't need to. [...] It's very viscous. [...] This is like 60% off, [...] it's less than $10 on the sale, usually it's $26. It's a really cool product if you're looking to try something new and trendy."

✓Yay

76%Guru Score

Evian Facial Spray

"I use my event thermal spring water because it's very soft water usually water that comes from the tap or the sink is hard water"

✓Yay

79%Guru Score

Tools3 reviews

Clean Skin Club Clean Towels XL

"I also like to recommend Clean Skin Club towels. These are disposable skincare towels that are soft on the skin. They do not disrupt our skin barrier and they don't harbor all of this bacteria like our classic towels and washcloths can. So that is another thing you can do to really help cut back on acne-causing issues on the skin."

✓Yay

77%Guru Score

Sephora Collection Makeup Brushes

"I have used some very fancy and expensive brushes in the past, but now I exclusively buy these brushes from Sephora because they're so much more affordable and they last just as long. If you want to throw them out or replace them if you feel like they're not getting clean anymore, especially foundation type brushes, then it's not that big of a deal to do that because they're so affordable. These are one of my top picks from the Sephora sale."

✓Yay

81%Guru Score

Sephora Collection 99 Blush Brush

"This is the best blush brush I have ever used, so I'm really really loving this one, number 99."

✓Yay

96%Guru Score

Balms & Ointments2 reviews

Vaseline Original Healing Jelly

"The alternative that I actually want you to use potentially works better at preventing infection. It works better at healing your wound and it's cheaper. It's Vaseline or the generic petroleum jelly. [...] Studies show that when you use just plain petroleum jelly or this occlusive ointment on top of your wound, you are going to prevent infection and you are going to help your wound heal plenty quickly without the added need of an antibiotic ointment on top of the skin."

✓Yay

86%Guru Score

Neosporin Neosporin

"Neosporin, or triple antibiotic ointment, is a product that I do not recommend and I'm constantly deinfluencing people from. [...] The three main ingredients are Polymixin B, Neomycin, and Bacitracin. While people use it on minor wounds, scrapes, cuts, or procedures to prevent infection, there are several very common problems with this product. First of all, it is very highly likely to cause an allergic reaction on your skin called contact dermatitis."

✕Nay

31%Guru Score

Blush & Bronzer2 reviews

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Matte Liquid Blush

"My liquid blush is Bliss by Rare Beauty. It is by far the best one I have found so far. Remember just a little bit of blush; too much blush can actually really age you. [...] This took me [...] the most practice of all of the non-powder new products I tried, so give it time."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Glow Glide Face Architect Highlighter in Champagne Glow

"Charlotte Tilbury has a highlighter wand that is actually my favorite, and I used to use a powder highlighter but this one is really nice. I put it right on the highest area of the cheekbone where I want light to hit to make me look like I have higher more lifted cheeks, almost the look with filler but without filler."

✓Yay

85%Guru Score

Primer2 reviews

Rare Beauty Always an Optimist Pore Diffusing Primer

"I am using the Rare Beauty Illuminating Primer, and this is my newest Sephora buy and I absolutely love it. [...] A primer is going to really fill in the fine lines on your skin and help plump them up so that the makeup wears more nicely and doesn't quite settle into the lines as much. [...] It could also add hydration to the skin."

✓Yay

80%Guru Score

Tula Filter Blurring Primer

"This one has turmeric in it and licorice in it. It's 38 but again buy one get one so that's another great option."

✓Yay
Sponsored

81%Guru Score

Nails1 review

DermaNail Nail Conditioner

"It's a Nail Conditioner called DermaNail. You can get this one on Amazon. It is a Nail Conditioner, not a lacquer to harden the nail. [...] The idea with this product is that you will apply this to the base of the nail where the cuticle is so that it is absorbed into the cuticle and matrix area where the nail grows from. DermaNail is very simple, it's a clean formulation. It has mandelic acid in it, which binds the corny cells in the nail to make your nail plate harder."

✓Yay

84%Guru Score

The Budget Dermatologist.

The Budget Dermatologist's top picks.

The Budget Dermatologist's picks, backed by the experts.

The Budget Dermatologist, in short.

What does The Budget Dermatologist recommend?

Which serums does The Budget Dermatologist recommend?

Which moisturizers does The Budget Dermatologist recommend?

Which sunscreens does The Budget Dermatologist recommend?

Which cleansers does The Budget Dermatologist recommend?

What does The Budget Dermatologist say no to?

What does The Budget Dermatologist recommend for each skin type?

What she reviews most.

The Budget Dermatologist's hot takes.

Every review.

The Budget Dermatologist.

The Budget Dermatologist's top picks.

The Budget Dermatologist's picks, backed by the experts.

Share this page.

The Budget Dermatologist, in short.

What does The Budget Dermatologist recommend?

Which serums does The Budget Dermatologist recommend?

Which moisturizers does The Budget Dermatologist recommend?

Which sunscreens does The Budget Dermatologist recommend?

Which cleansers does The Budget Dermatologist recommend?

What does The Budget Dermatologist say no to?

What does The Budget Dermatologist recommend for each skin type?

What she reviews most.

The Budget Dermatologist's hot takes.

Every review.