Your face is your most exposed and often most scrutinized feature, making proper skincare essential. Taking excellent care of your skin is paramount, and choosing the right products is the first step. Whether you’re battling persistent acne, seeking relief for dry skin, or looking to combat the signs of aging, the vast array of face care products available can be overwhelming.
To simplify your search and guide you towards the most effective solutions, we’ve curated a list of award-winning face care products recognized in the Shop TODAY 2024 Beauty Awards. This year, TODAY’s staff, including beauty experts and members of the Mom Squad, rigorously tested a wide range of skincare innovations, from hydrating facial moisturizers to potent anti-aging treatments, to bring you the best of the best.
Over a month-long trial, these face care products were evaluated based on key criteria: quality of ingredients, perceived value for money, and overall user satisfaction. From potent retinol serums designed to diminish fine lines and wrinkles to brightening vitamin C formulations that enhance skin radiance, these winners represent the pinnacle of face care in 2024.
Award-Winning Face Care Products
Top Facial Cleansers for Oily Skin
Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Fighting Face Wash
The Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Fighting Face Wash is celebrated as the Best Budget Facial Cleanser for Oily Skin. This drugstore classic has earned its reputation for effectively combating acne without breaking the bank. Its oil-free formula, infused with salicylic acid, works to deeply cleanse pores, treat existing breakouts, and proactively prevent new ones from forming. It’s a reliable and affordable option for anyone seeking to manage oily and acne-prone skin.
TULA The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser (Fragrance-Free)
TULA The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser (Fragrance-Free) has been recognized as the Best Overall Facial Cleanser for Oily Skin. This best-selling face wash is specifically designed for oily skin types, offering purifying and clarifying benefits. It aims to maintain skin’s natural balance, effectively removing dirt, oil, and impurities while gently exfoliating without causing dryness or irritation. The formula boasts a blend of prebiotics, probiotic extracts, and turmeric, working synergistically to promote healthy skin as you cleanse.
Norie Kimchii Cleanser
The Norie Kimchii Cleanser stands out as the Most Innovative Facial Cleanser for Oily Skin. Praised for its gentle yet effective formula, this fragrance-free cleanser is particularly beneficial for sensitive skin types struggling with breakouts, bumps, and uneven texture. Its key ingredient, probiotic L. Kimchii, a natural anti-microbial agent, works alongside 2% salicylic acid to manage oil and acne without causing irritation. Testers have lauded its ability to smooth skin texture and remove excess oil and makeup effectively with just a small amount of product.
Top Exfoliating Face Masks
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution is awarded Best Exfoliating Mask for its potent yet affordable treatment. This 10-minute facial mask is designed to quickly address skin congestion and dullness. The Ordinary is renowned for its commitment to value and quality, and this product is no exception. Formulated with a high concentration of 32% AHA and BHA, it effectively exfoliates the skin. It is recommended for individuals experienced with chemical exfoliants and caution is advised for those with sensitive skin.
Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial
The Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial is recognized as the Best Splurge Exfoliating Mask, offering a luxurious and highly effective treatment. This facial mask provides triple exfoliation benefits through chemical, physical, and enzymatic exfoliants. Enriched with gold-stabilized vitamin C, it delivers significant brightening effects, improving skin texture and promoting a more even and radiant complexion. Users can expect results comparable to professional microdermabrasion facials, making it a worthwhile investment for serious skincare enthusiasts.
Best Facial Cleanser for Dry Skin
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser is the Best Overall Facial Cleanser for Dry Skin. Despite its surprisingly watery texture, this cleanser is highly praised for its gentle and hydrating properties. Formulated with La Roche-Posay spring water, niacinamide, and ceramide-3, it effectively cleanses the skin while maintaining its moisture balance. Users report that it leaves their skin feeling fresh, comfortable, and hydrated, without the dryness or tightness often associated with cleansers, especially foaming ones.
Top Night Creams for Face
Versed Sweet Relief Overnight Barrier Balm
Versed Sweet Relief Overnight Barrier Balm is crowned Best Overall Night Cream. This product strikes a perfect balance between a restorative balm and a deeply moisturizing mask, providing intense hydration overnight. Its texture, similar to body butter but non-sticky, melts into the skin, transforming from a balm to a cream upon warming with fingertips. It effectively seals in hydration, making it ideal for ‘slugging’ techniques without the heavy, messy feel.
Junk Theory PALO — Plum Algae Overnight Treatment
Junk Theory Palo Plum Algae Overnight Treatment is the Best Night Cream for Aging/Mature Skin. This treatment is designed to moisturize and rejuvenate mature skin while you sleep. Packed with a powerhouse of ingredients, including rich lipids and exfoliating AHAs, it promotes skin renewal, delivers plumping hydration, and addresses visible signs of aging. It works effectively overnight to improve skin texture and vitality.
Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream
Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream is recognized as the Best Oil-Free Night Cream. This cream is especially beneficial for those seeking hydration without added oiliness. Users praise its ability to quickly hydrate and smooth the skin upon application. Its effectiveness is attributed to powerful proteins and nutrient-rich seaweed, providing essential moisture while maintaining an oil-free finish, ideal for combination to oily skin types.
Top Face Moisturizers
The INKEY List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturizer + Barrier Strengthening
The INKEY List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturizer + Barrier Strengthening is awarded Best Overall Face Moisturizer. This all-in-one moisturizer is praised for its rich consistency that delivers ample hydration without feeling heavy or overwhelming. Beyond moisture, it strengthens the skin’s barrier and combats six key signs of aging, including elasticity, firmness, fine lines, and wrinkles, making it a comprehensive solution for daily face care.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream is the Best New Launch Face Moisturizer. This moisturizer is celebrated for its lightweight texture and effective hydration. As a sister product to the popular Magic Cream, this version provides long-lasting hydration and a dewy complexion in a weightless, fragrance-free, gel-like formula. It can also double as a makeup primer, offering versatility and high performance for a radiant, hydrated base.
Environ Skincare Vita-Complex Super Moisturiser
Environ Skincare Vita-Complex Super Moisturiser is the Best Splurge Face Moisturizer. Considered a worthwhile investment, this moisturizer excels in quality, value, and user satisfaction. It effectively delivers on its moisturizing claims, leaving skin incredibly soft after just a few uses. While a splurge, its performance justifies the price for those seeking premium hydration and skin improvement.
Best Moisturizers for Aging Skin
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer is the Best Overall Anti-Aging Moisturizer. This unscented cream is a triple threat, achieving perfect scores in quality, value, and satisfaction. It promises noticeable improvements in skin brightness and overall condition within just one week of use. Users report visibly brighter skin and a formula that melts seamlessly into the skin, reducing imperfections and even eliminating the need for makeup primer.
Nakery Beauty Lift-TOX Multi-Power Firming Rich Cream
Nakery Beauty Lift-TOX Multi-Power Firming Rich Cream is recognized as the Best Anti-Aging Moisturizer for its firming and lifting capabilities. This cream is clinically proven to improve skin firmness in just three days. It instantly lifts and tightens the skin with a powerful blend of collagen, Lilac Plant Stem Cells, and other multi-powered ingredients, providing both immediate and long-term benefits for aging skin.
Manuka Health Eternal Renewal Regenerating Face Cream
Manuka Health Eternal Renewal Regenerating Face Cream is the Best Splurge Anti-Aging Moisturizer. While a higher-end option, this moisturizer is formulated with premium ingredients like royal jelly, bee venom, and MGO 800+ Mānuka Honey, known for their regenerative and smoothing effects on the skin. These ingredients work synergistically to nourish dry spots and promote natural skin renewal, making it a luxurious and effective anti-aging treatment.
Top Face Sunscreens
Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen
Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen is the Best Budget Sunscreen for Face. This budget-friendly sunscreen is loved for its seamless blend and non-greasy finish. Despite being tinted, it blends smoothly into the skin without leaving a noticeable tint. It effectively mattifies the skin, making it a great base for makeup or for a natural, no-makeup look while providing essential sun protection.
EltaMD UV Lotion Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+
EltaMD UV Lotion Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ is the Best Overall Sunscreen for Face. EltaMD is a highly respected brand in sun protection, and their UV Lotion is a standout product. Offering SPF 30+, it provides ample sun protection for daily use on both face and body. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, it not only protects but also treats the skin, ensuring hydration and antioxidant benefits alongside sun defense.
Banana Boat Light as Air Face Sunscreen Lotion
Banana Boat Light as Air Face Sunscreen Lotion is the Best Overall Sunscreen for Darker Skin Tones. This sunscreen is designed to avoid the white cast often associated with sunscreens, especially on darker skin tones. It rubs in clear, providing breathable protection without clogging pores. Its lightweight formula makes it comfortable for daily wear, though reapplication throughout the day is recommended for continuous sun safety.
Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50
Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50 is the Best Viral Find in sunscreens. This sunscreen is praised for its fast-absorbing formula that leaves no white cast on any skin tone. Its sheer and breathable texture ensures it won’t clog pores, making it suitable for everyday use. It’s also makeup-compatible, making it a versatile and effective option for daily sun protection.
Top Face Exfoliators
Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Renewing Face Exfoliator
Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Renewing Face Exfoliator is the Best Overall Exfoliator for Face. Inspired by professional microdermabrasion treatments, this exfoliator provides dual-action exfoliation. It combines physical exfoliation with biodegradable microgranules and chemical exfoliation with AHAs (glycolic and lactic acid). This combination effectively addresses skin texture and other concerns, safely and efficiently renewing the skin’s surface.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel is the Best Splurge Exfoliator. This viral favorite is recognized for its ease of use and effectiveness. The two-step system includes one pad to exfoliate and smooth the skin, and a second pad to neutralize and enhance radiance. It’s a simple yet highly effective treatment, convenient for travel and daily use, delivering professional-level exfoliation at home.
Skinceuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst Exfoliating Booster Serum
Skinceuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst Exfoliating Booster Serum is the Best New Launch Facial Exfoliator. This serum has quickly gained popularity for its anti-aging and exfoliating benefits. Formulated with a 7.7% multi-acid complex and renewing ingredients, it gently exfoliates and promotes skin cell turnover. Users have noted its effectiveness in improving the appearance of fine lines and discoloration, despite its lightweight, watery texture.
Top Hydrating Face Serums
Thayers Milky Hydrating Face Toner with Snow Mushroom and Hyaluronic Acid
Thayers Milky Hydrating Face Toner with Snow Mushroom and Hyaluronic Acid is the Best Overall Hydrating Serum. Beyond their well-known Witch Hazel toners, Thayers offers this silky, hydrating toner that provides continuous moisture. The unique blend of snow mushroom and hyaluronic acid creates a milky formula that preps and hydrates the skin, enhancing the effectiveness of subsequent skincare steps.
Jurlique Herbal Recovery Bi-Phase Serum
Jurlique Herbal Recovery Bi-Phase Serum is the Best Splurge Hydrating Serum. This serum is praised for its ability to deliver glowing, baby-soft skin overnight. Used at night to repair the skin barrier, it leaves skin feeling silky and deeply hydrated by morning. Despite being a splurge, users find that a small amount goes a long way, making it a worthwhile investment for luxurious hydration and skin recovery.
Best Retinols for Face
Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum
Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum is recognized as the Best Overall Retinol. This serum is celebrated as a top-tier retinol product, suitable even for beginners due to its encapsulated retinol formula, which ensures gentleness. It combines retinol with AHAs and apple extract to exfoliate and reduce visible signs of aging, providing comprehensive anti-aging benefits in a gentle formulation.
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Regenerating Cream
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Regenerating Cream is the Best Budget Retinol. This affordable retinol option doesn’t compromise on quality, offering impressive results at a drugstore price. As a cream-based retinol, it combines the benefits of retinol with a moisturizer, simplifying skincare routines. Users find it gentler than many other retinols, with minimal peeling, while still effectively addressing wrinkles and skin texture.
Top Vitamin C Face Serums
Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Brightening Serum
Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Brightening Serum is the Best Overall Vitamin C Serum. Vitamin C is a crucial ingredient for combating environmental damage and signs of aging, and this serum excels in delivering its benefits. Formulated with stable vitamin C and peptides, it effectively improves skin brightness and addresses common skin concerns without compromising ingredient quality.
TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum
TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum is the Best Budget Vitamin C Serum. This serum offers impressive brightening results at an accessible price point. Users notice visibly brighter skin after just a few uses. The formula includes hyaluronic acid and other hydrating ingredients alongside potent vitamin C, enhancing skin luminosity and evening skin tone effectively.
Summer Fridays CC Me Serum
Summer Fridays CC Me Serum is the Best Splurge Vitamin C Serum. Consistent with Summer Fridays’ reputation for quality, their CC Me Serum is a tester favorite. This rich serum combines vitamin C and niacinamide to improve dull skin and texture, promoting a more even complexion with consistent use. Niacinamide and squalane further ensure skin feels restored and moisturized, making it a comprehensive treatment.
Best Lip Treatment Product
ESW Beauty Lip Treatment
ESW Beauty Lip Treatment is the Best Overall Lip Treatment. This luxurious lip treatment goes beyond a typical lip balm, offering both treatment and cosmetic benefits. It provides a beautiful glossy finish while deeply hydrating and nourishing lips with ingredients like shea butter and hyaluronic acid. Users praise its long-lasting hydration and performance, often preferring it over more hyped and pricier alternatives.
Top Eye Creams
Summer Fridays Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream
Summer Fridays Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream is the Best Overall Eye Cream. Leveraging the brightening power of vitamin C, this eye cream targets dark circles and firms the delicate eye area. Caffeine and natural light reflectors in the formula further enhance its brightening and de-puffing effects, leaving an illuminating finish around the eyes.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Gel-Cream
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Gel-Cream is the Best Splurge Eye Cream. This eye cream provides a cooling sensation upon application and promises visible improvements in just two weeks, including brighter dark circles and reduced signs of eye aging. Suitable for both day and night use, it’s a premium treatment for those seeking significant results in their eye care routine.
Best Neck Creams
RoC Multi Correxion Crépe Repair Face & Neck Cream
RoC Multi Correxion Crépe Repair Face & Neck Cream is the Best Overall Neck Cream. This cream is specifically designed to address crépey skin on both the face and neck. It works to plump creases and fine lines over time, improving skin texture and firmness in these often-neglected areas. Users appreciate its smooth texture and moisturizing capabilities, waking up to noticeably smoother skin.
goPure Beauty Tighten & Lift Neck Cream
goPure Beauty Tighten & Lift Neck Cream is the Best Splurge Neck Cream. This neck cream targets sagging skin on the neck and chest, addressing even deep wrinkles. Clinical trials and user experiences suggest visible improvements in skin tightness and texture within four to eight weeks, making it a premium option for dedicated neck and décolletage care.
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Expert Selection Process
Nearly 1,200 new product launches, editor recommendations, trending items, and tried-and-true favorites were evaluated to determine the 155 winners. Practical experiments and in-house testing sessions were conducted to assess value, satisfaction, and quality across makeup, skincare, beauty tools, and hair products. Over up to four months, our team of editors and writers tested products across all beauty categories: hair, body, skin, and makeup. Finally, a panel of experts reviewed selected winners, providing final approval based on ingredient analysis and other key factors.
