Everyone desires radiant, healthy skin, right? Navigating the vast world of skincare products to achieve this goal can feel overwhelming. From Vitamin C serums to retinoids and countless other ingredients, knowing where to begin can be a real challenge. With so many options available, how do you determine the best skin care brand for your needs?
The good news is that we’ve simplified your search by curating a list of 20 exceptional skincare brands. These brands offer a diverse range of products designed to address various skin concerns and help you achieve your skincare goals.
How We Selected These Brands
Our selection process focused on brands recognized for their quality and effectiveness. Some are online sensations, frequently recommended by dermatologist influencers, while others are trusted drugstore staples. To finalize our top 20, we considered the following key factors:
- Effectiveness: Numerous brands promise skin hydration and wrinkle reduction, but we prioritized those with proven results. We sought out brands utilizing high-quality ingredients known for their beneficial effects on the skin, aiming to identify products that truly deliver on their claims.
- Price: While considering brands across various price points, we leaned towards mid-range and affordable options. While luxury skincare exists, achieving a healthy, glowing complexion doesn’t necessarily require exorbitant spending.
The 20 Best Skincare Brands of 2024
Dr. Idriss
Dr. Shereen Idriss, a board-certified dermatologist, formulates Dr. Idriss products based on scientific research and clinically proven results. This brand stands out for its commitment to quality over quantity, offering a focused range of effective products rather than an overwhelming multitude.
For those new to the brand, the Soft Wash Daily Cleanser is an excellent starting point. This cleanser gently yet effectively removes makeup and SPF, making it a reliable addition to any skincare routine. You might find yourself impressed and eager to explore more from Dr. Idriss.
Olay
Olay is a brand with widespread recognition, likely found on the shelves of your local drugstore. Established in 1952, this legacy brand continuously evolves, adapting its formulations to address contemporary skincare needs and concerns.
Olay’s commitment to innovation is evident in bestsellers like the Retinol24 Night Moisturizer. This product exemplifies the brand’s dedication to meeting consumer demands and incorporating advanced skincare ingredients into accessible products.
Drunk Elephant
If you are willing to invest a bit more in your skincare regimen, Drunk Elephant presents a compelling option. This brand prioritizes product quality and biocompatibility, formulating products that closely mimic the skin’s natural pH levels. Beyond efficacy, Drunk Elephant’s packaging is both sophisticated and fun, adding a touch of joy to your daily routine.
Drunk Elephant is often at the forefront of incorporating trending, sought-after ingredients. A standout product is the C-Firma Fresh Day Serum, formulated with 15% Vitamin C to brighten the complexion and diminish dark spots. If Vitamin C isn’t already a part of your routine, this serum might convince you of its essential benefits.
The Ordinary
For potent skincare ingredients without a hefty price tag, The Ordinary is an excellent choice. The incredibly affordable pricing might initially raise questions about product efficacy. However, The Ordinary’s strength lies in delivering products grounded in “effective clinical technologies” at prices accessible to everyone.
The brand’s minimalist branding and ingredient-focused product names reflect its commitment to affordability and transparency. Despite the “ordinary” branding, the formulations inside are highly regarded. If you’re interested in incorporating AHAs like glycolic acid into your routine, this brand offers an accessible entry point.
La Roche Posay
La Roche Posay stands out as a drugstore brand with a premium feel, often considered a top choice within this category. Endorsed by over 90,000 dermatologists globally, the brand’s reputation is well-earned. La Roche Posay emphasizes incorporating advancements in dermatological research into its product development.
Cult-favorites from La Roche Posay include the Cicaplast Balm B5 and the Toleraine Double Repair Face Moisturizer. These products highlight the brand’s commitment to both efficacy and gentle care.
Versed
Versed is a vegan and cruelty-free brand offering a comprehensive product line available at drugstores. Their well-curated range encompasses everything needed for a complete skincare routine, from cleansers to serums and moisturizers, quickly gaining popularity among skincare enthusiasts.
Consider exploring the Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum, an excellent entry-level retinol serum suitable for those new to retinoids and seeking anti-aging benefits.
Blu Atlas
If natural ingredients are a priority in your skincare choices, Blu Atlas is a brand to consider. This comprehensive brand offers naturally derived products known for both their effectiveness and pleasant scents.
Popular choices include the Exfoliating Scrub and Body Wash, particularly the coconut apricot scented body wash, praised for its delightful aroma.
Paula’s Choice
Paula’s Choice, positioned at a slightly higher price point but still within a reasonable range, is gaining a devoted following. The brand boasts a wide array of active ingredients, including retinoids, AHAs, and Vitamin C, addressing a multitude of skincare concerns.
If you’ve researched a skincare ingredient, chances are Paula’s Choice offers a product featuring it, often in a highly effective formulation. The brand’s website is particularly helpful, featuring a dropdown menu that categorizes products by popular ingredients, explaining their benefits and suggesting suitable products. The 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a social media sensation for good reason and a recommended starting point.
Elta MD
Elta MD is widely recognized for its sunscreens, frequently recommended by dermatologists for their efficacy and gentle formulations. However, the brand’s popularity extends beyond sun protection, with bestsellers like the Foaming Amino Acid Cleanser also gaining significant acclaim. This cleanser is praised for its gentle yet effective cleansing action, suitable for regular use. While sunscreen might draw you to Elta MD initially, the broader skincare range is worth exploring.
Barbara Sturm
Dr. Barbara Sturm, a German aesthetics expert and physician specializing in inflammatory conditions, has created a luxury skincare brand bearing her name. The brand centers around combating inflammation to promote skin healing and overall complexion comfort. Barbara Sturm products are cruelty-free and formulated without fragrances, parabens, or silicones.
Recommended products include the Super Anti-Aging Serum and Super Anti-Aging Face Cream, both formulated to address fine lines and wrinkles effectively.
Cerave
The defining characteristic of Cerave is its gentleness. All Cerave products incorporate three essential ceramides to aid in restoring the skin’s natural protective barrier. Developed in partnership with dermatologists, Cerave is a trusted brand for effective yet gentle skincare.
Cerave’s bestsellers, commonly found in drugstores, include the Moisturizing Cream, Daily Moisturizing Lotion, and Hydrating Facial Cleanser. However, their retinol and Vitamin C products are also noteworthy and worth considering.
SkinCeuticals
SkinCeuticals represents a higher-end option on this list. However, with over 9,000 ratings on their website and glowing recommendations from skincare professionals, the brand justifies its premium price. SkinCeuticals is committed to using high-quality ingredients and rigorous clinical testing.
For individuals focused on reversing aging signs, preventing future skin damage, and maintaining overall skin health, SkinCeuticals is a strong contender. Starting with their C E Ferulic Acid Serum can deliver noticeable results quickly.
No7
No7 is another brand recognized for its extensive range of effective skincare products. Ideal for preventative skincare and even addressing existing damage, No7 offers bestsellers like the Future Renew Damage Reversal Serum.
The Pure Retinol Eye Cream is also highly recommended, specifically formulated for the delicate skin around the eyes.
The Inkey List
Since 2018, The Inkey List has become a significant player in the skincare industry. The brand offers valuable resources, including live support on their website to address skincare inquiries. Furthermore, The Inkey List is known for its affordable pricing, with bestsellers like the award-winning BioActive Ceramide Moisturizer and Hyaluronic Acid Serum priced between $8 and $20, making effective skincare accessible.
Alpyn Beauty
Alpyn Beauty is dedicated to creating plant-powered, clinical-grade skincare formulas. They utilize wildcrafted ingredients sustainably sourced from Wyoming, where the brand is based. All Alpyn Beauty products are vegan, cruelty-free, and free of artificial fragrances, synthetic dyes, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
A product that significantly contributed to Alpyn Beauty’s recognition is the PlantGenius Melt Moisturizer. This deeply hydrating cream moisturizer harnesses the power of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane to revitalize dry and dehydrated skin, explaining its widespread popularity.
Ole Henriksen
Ole Henriksen, the eponymous brand from a Danish dermatologist, aims to replicate a spa experience within your skincare routine, focusing on sensorial pleasure and efficacy. You’ve likely seen Ole Henriksen’s signature orange packaging on bestsellers like the Banana Bright+ Eye Cream and Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum. These products offer both sensory appeal and effective skincare benefits.
Cetaphil
While many brands market products for sensitive skin, Cetaphil is uniquely formulated exclusively for sensitive skin types. Highly recommended by dermatologists, Cetaphil’s reputation is built on its gentle yet effective formulations.
Choosing Cetaphil means opting for fragrance-free products designed to perform their function without irritation, exemplified by their top-rated Daily Cleanser.
L’Oreal
L’Oreal, another drugstore mainstay, should not be overlooked when considering effective skincare. This established brand delivers high-quality products, including bestsellers like the 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum and RevitaLift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Moisturizer. The combination of product quality and drugstore accessibility makes L’Oreal a convenient and reliable skincare option.
Kiehl’s
With a history dating back to 1851, Kiehl’s has established itself as a reputable brand, known for its apothecary-inspired skincare. Beloved by celebrities and everyday consumers, Kiehl’s offers popular products like the Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane and Refillable Body Lotion with Cocoa Butter, both achieving iconic status. While Kiehl’s products come at a higher price, the quality justifies the investment.
Avéne
Avéne excels in creating straightforward yet effective skincare formulas designed to be gentle and non-irritating. Offering a comprehensive range, including cleansers, facial mists, serums, and treatments, Avéne aims to help users achieve comfortable, healthy skin.
A standout product and bestseller is the Thermal Spring Water Spray. This gentle, mineral-rich mist, sourced directly from thermal springs, is clinically proven to soften, calm, and soothe the skin, making it a versatile addition to any routine.
Finding Your Best Skin Care Brand
Ultimately, “What Is The Best Skin Care Brand” is a subjective question with no single definitive answer. The ideal brand for you depends on your individual skin type, concerns, budget, and ingredient preferences. This list of 20 top skincare brands provides a starting point for your exploration, showcasing a variety of options from affordable drugstore finds to luxury investments, and brands specializing in natural ingredients or dermatologist-backed formulations. We encourage you to research further, consider your specific needs, and perhaps try products from a few different brands to discover what works best for your unique skin and helps you achieve your desired healthy, radiant complexion.
