31 Skincare Products That’ll Make You Say “Why Didn’t I Start Using This Sooner?”

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

Including the serum that will start your obsession with snail mucin.

1. Grace and Stella under-eye masks — they’re bound to become a staple in your skincare routine. They’re infused with retinol, which is known to help increase skin cell production and help with elasticity. If you’re looking to smooth dry under-eyes, this will be your new best friend in the colder months.

Promising review: “These are a must have for the morning. I’ve tried a million different brands and these are the best. They are thicker than most and best if you pop them in the freezer for a couple of minutes before applying. They definitely help with swelling and bags.” —TR

Get a pack of six from Amazon for $7.96 (also available in packs of 24 and 48, and in in “firming” and “rivtalizing” formulas).

2. An Anua pore-clearing cleansing oil that’s specifically designed to help regulate your sebum production and break down blackheads, making it a great option for all my fellow oily-skinned peeps. It also helps break down makeup, so you can finally stop wasting money on makeup-removing wipes!

Promising review: “My skin is *super* sensitive, but as I’ve aged (44 years), I feel like my pores have become more visible. I hadn’t used an oil cleanser before and wasn’t 100% sure how it should all work. The Anua oil cleanser works how we all once hoped Biore pore strips would work back in the day but without any pain or irritation. My skin is combination skin, so I have to be really careful about not drying out the dry spots (and getting eczema) and not over-hydrating the oily spots (and getting a breakout). I rub the oil on my face as the first part of my cleansing routine; I massage it in for ~60 seconds and then put a small amount of water on my fingers and begin rubbing that on my face. The water starts the emulsification process and helps to clean out everything the oil has bonded to/mixed with. Then, I just rinse it clean and use a gentle cleanser afterward. I haven’t had any irritation, redness, or fallout from adding this product to my skincare routine. I love it. I am almost through my first bottle and if I go a few days without using the cleanser, my pores become more visible/dirty again. I will definitely keep purchasing the Anua oil cleanser.” —Tassa

Get it from Amazon for $13.90.

3. Gold Bond’s firming neck and chest cream, because your décolletage also deserves some special skincare attention. It contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, while glycerin and aloe add some extra hydration.
Promising review: “My dry neck and the annoying itchiness I used to experience have completely gone away after using this cream. It’s not only soothing, but it also feels like it’s really nourishing my skin. The firming benefits are a bonus! I highly recommend this product to anyone dealing with dryness or discomfort in their neck and chest area. It’s become a must-have in my skincare routine.” —JAcosta

Get it from Amazon for $10.85 (also available in a two-pack).

4. A hydrating Cosrx repairing essence with 96% snail secretion filtrate, which provides a gentle dose of moisture that won’t overwhelm skincare newbies. Reviewers mention seeing a reduction in dark spots and acne, and even people with oily skin find that it absorbs quickly and doesn’t clog their pores. Who knew snails had the secret to glassy, glowy skin this whole time?!

New to essences? Try applying this after cleansing but before your moisturizer. Applying it to clean skin and under you moisturizer will help lock in all that snail mucin goodness!

Promising review: “This is a product that works for anybody! I apply it once I have washed my face on damp skin. It can be slightly slimy, once again it is snail mucin, but you only really feel it when you apply it to dry skin. I usually allow it to dry for a bit until it becomes slightly tacky before I put a moisturizer on. I have combination skin. My forehead and chin tend to be oilly but my cheeks dry and this has really evened that out. I really recommend this because it isn’t harsh to the skin and perfect for beginners.” —Nelita H.

Get it from Amazon for $20. 

5. TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum to give you that coveted ✨ glowy but not greasy ✨ look. It’s packed with vitamins C and E and botanical hyaluronic acid to help fade dark spots and add a radiant sheen to your skin. It has 94,000+ rave ratings, with many reviewers saying it instantly brightens and absorbs quickly.

This serum is vegan and cruelty-free.

Promising review: “Best vitamin C serum I’ve used. Including the dermatologist office and department store brands. Takes very little product to cover face, neck, chest. After the second bottle, twice daily use, my jawline tightened, and smile lines plumped. My skin feels and looks softer. Foundation smoother. Their customer service is top-notch. I’ve never had a single problem. Good product. The price is incredible! I hope everyone else has the same experience. (And…I have age 50+ skin complete with effects of sunbathing before we knew it was deadly).” —Love My Lab

Get it from Amazon for $21.97+.

6. Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel that’s basically like a latte for your face. It uses the power of yerba mate to soothe the delicate skin under your eyes, and also contains three forms of hyaluronic acid to moisturize. I did not know there were several types of hyaluronic acid, but I would now like to collect all of them like Pokémon.

Promising review: “I love this product and have noticed a huge difference when using it consistently. I am on the younger side and don’t have the worst under-eye bags, but on those occasional mornings when my eyes are puffy with somewhat visible dark circles, this product definitely does the trick! Honestly love all the Good Molecules products.” —Hayden Smith 

“Saw this on TikTok and decided to give it a try since the price was amazing. OMG, buy it. I’ve always had dark circles under my eyes and now fine lines and crow’s-feet. While this doesn’t completely eliminate my dark circles, the fine lines are really diminished. It wears extremely well under makeup and doesn’t feel cakey or like there’s a ton of product on.” —K. Grant 

Get it from Amazon for $5.98. 

7. Or an eye cream from mega popular K-beauty brand Beauty of Joseon — it features retinol to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and niacinamide to brighten. Dab it on as part of your night routine, or swipe some on before applying your go-to concealer for an even base.

Promising review: “I didn’t think that anything would help my under eye bags. I was born with them. However, after a few months of using this, I have noticed a huge difference in my coloring and fine lines. If you are on the fence, get it. A tube last me two months using it twice a day.” —Kate F.

Get it from Amazon for $19.74+ (available in two sizes).

8. A bottle of Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil to help moisturize and reduce the appearance of scars thanks to a special blend of vitamin A, chamomile, sunflower, lavender, and vitamin E oils.Promising review: “Acne scars? Read this. I found out about this product while scrolling through TikTok last week. It came highly recommended, so I decided to look up the price on Amazon. After reading several reviews, I figured I might as well try it out. Today is the fourth day I use the product on my face. My skin looks dewy and nice. The discoloration on my cheeks from a few years old acne scars is improving. My skin looks younger — it’s hard to describe, but I can see a difference. It looks less rough. I’ve been using it morning and night.” —Yasmin Rodriguez

Get it from Amazon for $11.04+ (available in two sizes).

9. Bio-Collagen’s Real Deep sheet mask that works overnight to refresh your skin. No, really, it’s designed to be worn while you sleep — it’s transfer-resistant, so it won’t leave a mess on your pillow! It’s infused with hyaluronic acid to hydrate, collagen to maximize absorption and minimize the appearance of pores, and probiotics to strengthen the skin’s barrier. Best of all, it turns transparent when your skin is done absorbing the serum, so you’ll know when it’s ready to take off.
See it in action on TikTok. 

Most reviewers recommend doing this treatment once per week. 

Promising review: “Caught wind of this on TikTok and decided to give it a whirl. Honestly, it’s pretty solid! It really makes my skin look tight and shiny, like I just came out of a professional facial. It’s an overnight mask, so yeah, it does have to stay on for a while, which is a bit of a hassle, but the payoff? Totally worth it. My skin feels more elastic, and the pores look minimized, too. If you don’t mind the long wear time, this mask could be a game changer for your skincare routine!” —Nala

Get a set of four from Amazon for $12.90 (available in two formulas and a pack of 16).

10. A pack of two dark spot corrector soap bars packed with tons of vitamin C and tumeric — aka the ultimate superhero ingredients for potentially brightening and reviving dull skin. Reviewers have had luck using this on both the face and body — but we recommend giving it a patch test first on a small area to see how your skin reacts. All good? Then start sudsing away!
Promising review: “So I initially started using another kojic acid soap to help with my hyperpigmentation due to shaving my face because I have PCOS and have developed hirsutism. I’m usually a ‘full face of makeup at all times’ kind of girl because of my insecurities, but this soap has given me a new confidence. I used it for the first time Saturday night and instantly saw the results of this soap. My skin looks so much more even.” —Adrienne Jerkins

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $11.99 (available in various pack sizes and bundles).

11. The best-selling Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Cream — it not only smells like caramel and pistachio deliciousness (pair it with the matching body mist to make the fragrance last even longer) but also can help tighten and firm the skin with repeated use thanks to the inclusion of caffeine-rich guarana extract. You’ll be sad you didn’t have this over the summer, but you can always prepare for next year ☀️.
Caffeine has a number of skincare benefits, including brightening and temporarily reducing the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite, if that’s something you’re looking to do! You can read more about the skincare benefits of caffeine at the Cleveland Clinic.

Promising review: “I am 60, and I could not get rid of the cellulite on my legs. I started using this product six weeks ago and can noticeably see a difference. I apply morning and evening, before bed for optimal results. It goes on smooth and has a creamy, nonsticky feel. The smell is dreamy, and even my husband has commented on the improvement. Make sure you apply in a circular motion for optimal coverage, absorption, and circulation.” —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $24+ (available in two sizes and a refill tub).

12. A Roc retinol night cream that puts in serious work while you sleep. It’s powerful enough to help plump and firm your skin thanks to the inclusion of retinol but gentle enough to use it every night, thanks to the softening squalene.

Promising review: “This product is pretty impressive. I just started using it and saw a difference in two weeks! The fine lines by my eyes are definitely smoother! There is noooo puffiness around my eyes nor any dark circles.” —Bee

Get it from Amazon for $10.40+ (available in two sizes).

13. Or a retinol body lotion, because the magic of retinol is not just for your face! This retinol in the creamy formula helps promote skin cell turnover, while the ferulic acid firms skin for a tighter appearance. Reviewers also note that this works wonders on rough, bumpy skin on their upper arms and legs after consistent use.
Promising review: “I could kick myself for not trying this sooner! It is my new favorite lotion… After one night of using this, I woke up to smooth, soft moisturized skin that wasn’t itchy at all. This lotion goes on and absorbs beautifully. It’s not too thin or thick, and the scent is sensational… It’s not greasy or slick and does not have a residue that pills or transfers.” —TickTokAlice

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (also available in two-pack).

14. A tub of dual-textured toner pads from K-beauty brand Medicube that uses the power of lactic and salicylic acid to wipe away dead skin cells and help reduce the appearance of pores and blackheads. After cleansing, use the textured side for a deep exfoliation, then flip to the smooth side to soothe and mop up any excess oil.

Check it out on TikTok. 

Promising review: “I kept seeing this product on social media and finally decided to give it a try. I use this twice daily, and it’s been a couple of weeks, and I definitely noticed my pores have shrunk. I even apply it to my neck and chest area. The product is soothing, gentle on my skin (I have extremely sensitive skin), has no strong smell, the cottons are soft, and did not cause any breakouts! It’s great for the value, and I’ll definitely be repurchasing these.” —Ee El

Get a pack of 70 from Amazon for $17.90+ (also available in four other fourmulas). 

15. Or resurfacing pads made with 20% glycolic acid, which is a superstar ingredient for dissolving and wiping away dead skin cells — you know, the ones that have been sitting there for years. 😩 Simply swipe the pad over your skin after cleansing and let it dry before applying any other products. And don’t worry about irritation — the pads also include allantoin, green tea, and calendula for their soothing properties.

Promising review: “’I’m on my second order of this product. To be perfectly transparent, I set the first order aside for a while. Not sure why I made that decision. I also rinsed the product off after about 10 minutes at first. Not sure why I did that either other than to say you can feel the acid working. Maybe I thought it would be too much. Once I trusted in the product and left it on overnight I started to see real results. It may tingle/slightly burn at first, but trust in the product. After only a couple of days I noticed a real change in skin. It feels smoother and my pores are cleaner. If I squeeze my nose now no gunk comes out. That’s a win. Wish I’d found it sooner.” —Matthew P.

Get it from Amazon for $25.95 (also available in a gentler 10% formula and a two-pack).

16. A tube of the celebrity-beloved Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré that has so many uses. You can slather it on as a moisturizer, use it as a smoothing makeup primer, or apply it as a nourishing face mask when your skin needs an extra dose of its protective beeswax and softening shea butter.Amazon

Promising review: “This has become a staple in my daily skincare and makeup routine. I use it not only as a face cream but also as a primer, and it has made a noticeable difference in how my makeup looks and feels throughout the day.

As a face cream, it provides excellent hydration without leaving my skin greasy. I have combination skin, and this cream manages to balance moisture perfectly. Sy skin feels soft and nourished without becoming oily. When used as a primer, it helps my makeup last all day and creates a smooth base for application.

I love that it doesn’t cause any breakouts, which is a huge plus for me. Overall, it’s a versatile product that delivers great results and keeps my skin looking its best. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a reliable face cream and primer!” —NL

Get it from Amazon for $16.15+ (available in two sizes).

17. Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Hydrating Multi-Balm — the “Wrinkle Bounce” formula is especially loved by reviewers since it helps smooth fine lines and provides a glowy glass-skin look thanks to the salmon complex and collagen. The stick applicator also makes it ideal for targeting specific areas like under-eyes and eyelids. Happy swiping!

Check out a TikTok of the wrinkle balm in action. 

Promising review: “Okay! So I was skeptical at first, but honestly, this stick is life-changing!!! In a matter of minutes, my skin felt hydrated and plumped. After an hour, still hydrated. No greasy after feeling, very light, and you can feel your skin hydrated and absorbing. I love the fact that you can use it on your eyes, lips, and wrinkles!! Game changer for me; will def try the others!” —Kristy 

Get it from Amazon for $20.99 (also available in seven other formulas).

18. O’Keeffes Working Hands Cream that will basically give you brand-new hands. Its blend of beeswax and glycerin will get your skin back to normal if increased handwashing has wreaked havoc on your hands.

For best results, you should apply the cream after washing your hands, after showering, and at bedtime.

Promising review: “Every winter, my fingers and knuckles crack and bleed. I’ve tried everything on the market to heal my hands. I received this hand cream yesterday, and when I put it on, I could tell right away that it was better than anything I’d tried. This stuff started working immediately. I filled all the cuts and cracks on my hands with this cream, and today, they are almost healed. I believe that this is the best hand cream ever made on earth.” —Steve

Get it from Amazon for $9.25+ (also available in packs of two or 12).

19. And O’Keeffe’s overnight lip repair cream — Its blend of beeswax, shea butter, and almond oil works while you sleep to soften dead skin and add a nice dose of hydration. Prepare to get rid of your car, bedroom, bathroom, and purse lip balms — this one is all you need.
Promising review: “I started taking medication that dried my skin, including severely drying my lips to the point that my lips were peeling and cracked. I bought this lip repair balm based on the reviews, and after the first night, I started noticing my lips healing! I apply the lip repair to my lips every night, and it keeps my lips moist throughout the night. I just ordered my second order! Highly recommend!” —Delia K.

Get it from Amazon for $10.99 (also available in a two-pack).

20. And!! An exfoliating lip scrub because applying your favorite lip balm on top of dead skin is basically pointless. The sugar granules will help buff away any crusty flakes, and the kukui oil will leave behind a touch of moisture.  

Promising review: “I usually suffer from chapped lips in the winter, to begin with, but now having braces makes it 100x worse. I have tried all kinds of different lip balms and moisturizers, and nothing was helping. I have used this product once (and followed up with their lip treatment), and the dryness and peeling are gone. I wish I had tried this a lot sooner. It would have saved me from weeks of dryness and soreness!”—Kathleen M.

Hanalei is a small business based in Hawaii.

Get it from Amazon for $16.99.

21. SkinSmart’s Facial Cleanser Spray that can help reduce the bacteria that causes acne and breakouts in just a few spritzes. It features hypochlorous acid, which is meant to fight infection and promote healing. It’s perfect for refreshing your skin after a sweaty workout, and you can even use it for body acne as well.

Promising reviews: “I bought this very skeptical and was amazed by the results. I use it as a toner and in three days I was already seeing my texture disappear. I will definitely buy it again.” —Angelina F.

“Does the EXACT same as Tower28 for a fraction of the price! I love it; my face feels refreshed. Highly recommend, no shade to Tower28, they are great, but this is cheaper and if you’re on a budget, use this alternative! Great for after work, the gym, or existing in these hot summer months. If you have sensitive skin, it’s gentle.” —Paul R.

Get it from Amazon for $17.46. 

22. A pack of cult-favorite Clean Skin Club Clean Towels so you can stop drying your face with your normal hand towel that may be harboring bacteria that can cause irritation and breakouts. These are loved by reviewers for feeling super soft and sturdy, and many people use them in combination with a makeup remover to create their own gentle face wipes. They’re also perfect for removing stubborn masks and cleaning your makeup tools!

Promising review: “I absolutely love these. I saw these on TikTok and bought them. I will be buying more. They are great for my face. Really soft and VERY durable and strong, even when wet. You can wash your face [with it] or just dry your face, either way, it’s the best option.” —Sahara

Clean Skin Club is a US-based small business specializing in hygienic, vegan, and cruelty-free skincare products. 

Get a pack of 50 from Amazon for $17.05 (available in two sizes and various packs).

23. A ridiculously popular serum from L’Oreal featuring the magic of hyaluronic acid — which is a must for anyone with dry skin. It’s designed to attract moisture and even has vitamin C to help brighten your skin the more you use it.Promising review: “I was very skeptical of this as I’ve tried so many products to help my skin and they never work. This was the last one before I would be forced to accept that I look 10 years older than I am. After about two weeks of using this regularly, as directed, my skin is so much smoother and less oily. The lines and dark bags under my eyes have significantly lessened. I’ve started receiving compliments on how I’m ‘glowing’ and how my skin tone is even. For the price, it’s definitely worth it especially when combined with the other products in the line.” —Sheryce

Get it from Amazon for $17.98+ (available in two sizes).

24. CeraVe’s face and body moisturizer that uses hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and MVE technology to transform your skin from flaky to smooth for 24 hours after you apply it.

Promising review: “I have only used this moisturizing cream for about a week and a half and I have to say, it has been amazing for my skin! Fall/winter usually takes a toll on my skin and makes it very dry. From day one of using it, I could already tell a difference. It doesn’t leave you feeling greasy. It’s great for sensitive skin, as it has no fragrance. I use it at least once a day but really try to use it twice a day. My skin has done a complete turnaround!” —candace

Get it from Amazon for $13.52+ (available in two sizes and also available in various packs with other Cerave products).

25. A brightening facial scrub for anyone who craves physical exfoliation but doesn’t want anything too harsh. The sea kelp will keep things soft and smooth while the French green clay and lemon peel lightly buff away dead skin. You’ll be glowing before you even rinse it down the drain!Promising review: “This stuff works great on my skin. It’s gentle yet cleans so well. It removes sebum so well! The little black seaweed has a little distinctive smell but nothing noticeable. I wish I’d known [about] it sooner. Definitely magic stuff!!!” —Kristye

Get it from Amazon for $8.39 (also available in a set with the matching cleanser).

26. An affordable prescription-strength Differin retinoid gel that 58,000 reviewers are so glad they added to their routine. Retinoids are known to help promote skin cell turnover, revealing a brighter complexion and helping to clear out the gunk that causes clogged pores and acne.

Promising reviews: “After a month and a half of using this product, I don’t have a single active breakout on my face. This is the first time in over a year! My only regret is that I wish I would have found this sooner to save my skin from scarring.” —Ashley L.

“This stuff actually works. I work in a spa, and I’ve tried dozens of different products that cost five times the price to try to clear up my acne-prone skin and NOTHING has worked as well as Differin gel. One of my esthetician coworkers recommended it to me, and dang if she wasn’t right. It will dry out your skin pretty badly, so make sure you have and use a good moisturizer, but my skin cleared up in less than two weeks, and I’m still amazed.” —Rin Wisell

Get it from Amazon for $12.42+ (available in two bottle styles).

27. An extra-long body scrubber so you can finally give your back the deep exfoliation it deserves. It has helpful handles on each side to make it easy to buff away dead skin in those hard-to-reach places. Reviewers say it’s perfect for preparing your skin for self-tanner, and you can also use it on legs, arms, or anywhere else in need of a good scrub-down.
Amazon

This is designed to be used without soap — just wet your skin for 5-10 minutes, then get to scrubbing! Check out a TikTok of the back scrubber in action. 

Promising review: “I used this back scrubber the day after it arrived, and I love it. Finally, I have an easy-to-use and more effective way to scrub my back. I saw the dead skin fall to the shower floor. Wow! And it easily rinsed cleaned, too.” —Naomi M. 

Dermasuri is a small business that specializes in skincare and personal care products. 

Get it from Amazon for $18.79. 

28. A Bolden Skin-Brighting toner that’ll help banish dark spots, breakouts, and enlarged pores before your very eyes. It’s also super simple to add to your routine: Just swipe some on with a cotton pad after cleansing, then let the witch hazel, niacinamide, and licorice root work their magic while you move on to the other steps in your routine.

Promising review: “I have oily skin and honestly have never used toner until now. About a month ago I started to break out so I decided to use it after washing my face. The results have been kind of amazing.” —Jasmine

Bolden is a Black-owned, woman-owned small business.

Get it from Amazon for $22.49.

29. First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub Exfoliant, which has become a holy grail for people with keratosis pilaris and other bumpy skin-related issues. The mix of chemical and physical exfoliators will slough away dead skin and have you feeling silky smooth in just a few uses.

Check out a dermatologist reviewing this magical product on TikTok!

Promising review: “I saw this on TikTok and Instagram. I decided to try it, and it really works. I used it on my thighs and upper arms. I noticed a difference the first time and even more the second time!!! Fabulous product. Worth every penny.” —Launa

Get it from Amazon for $9.60+ (available in four sizes and two-packs). 

30. A luxuriously rich night cream that puts in serious work while you get some shut-eye. The protein peptides can help stimulate collagen production to make your skin feel firmer and increase its elasticity, while the niacinamide helps with dark spots and discoloration.

Promising review: “Feels fantastic on your skin. It spreads nicely and soaks right in as if your face has just been cleansed rather than having put a moisturizer on. Your face feels clean, not suffocated like so many other creams. Similar to a gel, yet even more lightweight. It feels like it belongs there, not like a foreign body clinging to your skin. The improvement of the texture, the tone, the moisture, the elasticity, the blotches and pores — ALL OF IT — major improvement! I can’t believe I did not take pictures! I definitely will be getting more of these products, and I am super excited to try them all! So glad I found this stuff, just wish I had done so sooner!” —L

Eight Saints is a woman-owned small business that uses only eight plant-based ingredients in their skincare products.

Get it from Amazon for $34.

31. An exfoliating Truly breast-lifting body scrub infused with retinol, acai, and dragon fruit to remove dead skin cells, improve elasticity, and help reduce the appearance of discoloration and fine lines. Just apply to the chest area and get to scrubbing — and the brand says it’s safe to use on your belly, butt, or anywhere else you want some scrubbing and lifting action.

Ulta

Get a closer look on TikTok. 

Promising review: “I was a little skeptical that I was drawn to Truly’s products because of the cute packaging and marketing, but the skin on my boobs was so thin from breastfeeding two kids that I was willing to try it. If it didn’t work, I figured I would at least smell nice. I was really surprised to see a huge difference in my skin. It no longer feels like tissue paper.” —Mallory

Get it from Ulta for $32.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.