The 38 Best Skincare Brands, Hands-Down
- 1/39
The 38 Best Skincare Brands, Hands-Down
There is no shortage of amazing skincare products out there. From cleansers to serums to moisturizers and treatments, new launches come out daily, and there seems to be a one going viral on TikTok just as often. So with so many trending options out there, it can sometimes be tough to figure out which items are actually worth the splurge.
When in doubt, it helps to look toward the best skincare brands as your North Star. Thankfully, BAZAAR.com editors have tested just about all of them ourselves, and these 38 brands—including tried-and-true staples from Avène and CeraVe, plus newer favorites from BeautyStat and U Beauty—are total game-changers. Here, check out our list of the best skincare brands around, and the essential products to try first from each brand.
Sephora/Tatcha - Hearst Owned - 2/39
CeraVe
CeraVe
amazon.com
This drugstore staple has found a new cult following thanks to viral TikToks and social media skincare stars like Hyram. The signature blend of essential ceramides and Derm-favorite ingredients like SPF and hyaluronic acid make for simple yet effective products that won't break the bank.
Price range: $10-$30
What the reviews are saying:
“CeraVe has been my go to for years now. My dermatologist recommended it for my overly sensitive skin. I use this as a face moisturizer, all over body lotion, and keep a small bottle of it in my purse for my hands.” —Vanessa M.
Amazon - Hearst Owned - 3/39
Avène
Avene
dermstore.com
Nothing works harder to heal sensitive skin than Avène's products, which is why we consider them one of the best skincare brands ever. Once a staple of chic French pharmacies, the brand is now widely available in the States. The products rely on thermal spring water to help calm and soothe all skin types.
Price range: $10-75
What the reviews are saying:
“I used to have Rosacea but since switching to Avène products, especially this water, it has resolved. I will never stop using it. Highly recommend.” —Tracy
Avène - Hearst Owned - 4/39
Biossance
Biossance
Biossance
$60.00
Biossance products have slowly replaced so many others on our vanities for one particular reason: squalane. The line is centered around a clean, ethically-sourced, and plant-based squalane that deeply hydrates and helps restore your skin's moisture barrier, so all you're left with is glowing, healthy, resilient skin. It's no wonder Reese Witherspoon is a massive fan.
Price range: $16-78
What the reviews are saying:
“I’m not one to leave many reviews, but I have been using this cream along with many other Biossance products for over six months now and my skin is in the best shape it has been in years. My skin is more hydrated, smoother, smaller pores, blackheads have all but disappeared and my fine lines look better.” —Rachel
Biossance - 5/39
Olay
Olay
Olay's efficacy crosses generations and country lines—it's one of the most recognizable and accessible names in the global skincare game. In fact, industry testing has suggested that their cult-favorite Regenerist Face Cream moisturizes better than some luxury competitors twelve times the price. The line relies on proven active ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to make skin look visibly younger at drugstore prices.
Price range: $5-40
What the reviews are saying: “I love Olay. I’ve been using it for years. It’s the best thing that I’ve used for aging. I wouldn’t use anything else. Great price for people who can’t afford high priced products.”
Olay - Hearst Owned - 6/39
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Nordstrom
If you've watched just one celebrity skincare video (pick any one), you've no doubt heard about Dr. Barbara Sturm's products. Simple yet luxurious, Sturm's creams, serums, and cleansers all aim to strengthen and soothe skin while delivering serious results.
Price range: $55-400
What the reviews are saying:
“Dr Barbara Sturm creates the most luxurious face creams. They are a real treat—smell divine and so soft in texture. You only need a small amount for maximum impact. I love All of the Sturm products as although they seem understated in the packaging the luxury is in the product itself.” —Annna
Nordstrom - Hearst Owned - 7/39
Augustinus Bader
augustinusbader.com
The brand behind the cult-favorite The Rich Cream was developed by a stem-cell scientist with an innovative approach to skincare. Made with TFC8, this PPC Cellular Renewal Rich Cream is luxuriously hydrating—and worth the price and the hype.
Price range: $23-365
What the reviews are saying:
“I began my Augustus Bader journey two years ago around my 43rd birthday. Using it day and night religiously for two years along with a healthy diet, exercise, great hydration, and adequate sleep, it has allowed me to experience a ‘glow up.’ At age 45, I’ve never felt more confident.”
augustinusbader.com - 8/39
U Beauty
U BEAUTY
Violet Grey
Why use eight different products when you can use one? That's the thinking behind U Beauty, started by Bag Snob's Tina Craig. Her products combine cutting-edge ingredients with simple, easy-to-use formulas to deliver major skin transformations with minimal effort.
Price range: $68-198
What the reviews are saying:
“I adore U Beauty. I’ve been using it since the first samples were available and never miss a day. My skin has never looked better. I never wear foundation, I just don’t need it. My skin is luminous with almost an airbrushed texture. I have zero redness in my skin and it feels lovely. My beauty routine is simple with outstanding results- perfection!” —Laura L.
Violet Grey - Hearst Owned - 9/39
Versed
versedskin.com
$6.99
Versed is proof that when it comes to skin care, better-for-you doesn’t have to be expensive. Their cruelty-free, vegan, and clean ingredients have become beauty-editor favorites—namely the Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream.
Price range: $8-25
What the reviews are saying:
“I am so glad that I ordered from this company. This moisturizer has stopped the dry tightness I usually feel on my face. And my skin is softer with no dry patches. Such a great product—not to mention the price is so much lower than big name moisturizers that did not help. I highly recommend Versed products.”
versedskin.com - 10/39
SkinCeuticals
skinceuticals.com
One of the leaders in antioxidant-based skincare, the brand’s science-first philosophy makes it one of the most trusted brands by dermatologists. Their serums are potent (and pricey), but ultra-effective.
Price range: $24-169
What the reviews are saying:
“I've been using this product for years. When I first started using I was getting compliments like your skin looks like it is glowing and now people are always asking me how I look so young. I highly recomend this product for anyone looking to improve the aging of their skin. It is pricey but you cannot put a price on your skin.” —Shanshan
skinceuticals.com - 11/39
Herbivore
Herbivore
Sephora
With their jewel-box color palette, shelfie-ready packaging, and—most importantly—arsenal of natural ingredients like anti-inflammatory Blue Tansy and nourishing cannabis seed oil, Herbivore has become a staple for those transitioning to a cleaner beauty routine.
Price range: $14-66
What the reviews are saying:
“My first time using a Herbivore product and all I have to say is... WOW! This mask is amazing. After using this, my pores are significantly minimized and my skin looks dewy and refreshed. Will for sure re-buy and try out the other Herbivore products.”
Sephora - Hearst Owned - 12/39
Ole Henricksen
OLEHENRIKSEN
sephora.com
$55.00
Nobody does glowy, bright skin quite like Ole Henriksen. The hero products, like Truth Serum, rely on active ingredients like vitamin C and collagen to lift dark spots and plump skin. Results are often instant and only get better over time.
Price range: $22-68
What the reviews are saying:
“I have been using this product for years and it is a staple for my everyday morning skin care. Many times I will just use this serum and sunscreen, that’s it! I have generally dry skin, oily on my nose and t-zone and this serum works on all areas.” —LindsieK8
sephora.com - 13/39
Drunk Elephant
Drunk Elephant
sephora.com
The name of this brand makes a whole lot more sense once you learn that every product is centered around marula oil. (You see, legend has it Elephants eat the marula fruit and get tipsy in the wild). But Drunk Elephant is so much more than a cute name—it's a skincare powerhouse that combines proven natural ingredients with products that truly work miracles. The Sukari Babyfacial chemical peel is a must-have for anyone with acne-prone skin, dark spots, or fine lines.
Price range: $14-90
What the reviews are saying:
“I absolutely adore the drunk elephant line. It has drastically changed my skin and I am glowing! I was nervous about using the Babyfacial, but it was so worth it! It tingles for a few minutes, but by the end of the 20 I couldn’t even feel it anymore. Such an amazing product.” —KingCait
Sephora - Hearst Owned - 14/39
SK-II
SK-II
sephora.com
The entire SK-II line centers around a unique ingredient called Pitera. Legend has it that employees in a Japanese brewery who were exposed to a fermented liquid had shockingly ageless and spotless hands. The secret sauce was bottled up and delivered in a slew of anti-aging creams, serums, masks, and most famously—a skin-brightening facial treatment essence.
Price range: $75-385
What the reviews are saying:
“I have rosacea and recently learned all the acids and masks I was using for fun were making my face a total mess. So I went back to this essence and nothing else, and it’s wonderful. My skin is crystal clear.” —HGinNYC
Sephora - Hearst Owned - 15/39
BeautyStat
BeautyStat
violetgrey.com
Our digital beauty director swears by this vitamin C serum from culty science-based brand BeautyStat, which was created by an in-demand cosmetic chemist to brighten and balance skin.
Price range: $29-85
What the reviews are saying:
“This stuff is really good. My skin is glowing, hydrated, smooth. I noticed instant results. Will not be leaving my routine. I use it in the AM and it's done wonders for my skin.” —Bella
Violet Grey - Hearst Owned - 16/39
Clinique
CLINIQUE
sephora.com
Perhaps the only moisturizer ubiquitous enough to be recognized by it's shorthand nickname DDML, Clinique's pale yellow cream is touted as one of the best skincare products of all time. The brand prides itself in not just creating effective and accessible products for all skin types, but also in making sure those products are easy to use as part of an entire skin-perfecting routine.
Price range: $10-73
What the reviews are saying:
“Literally, my favorite daytime moisturizer! I've used it for years and it works for me. After cleansing my face in the morning, I put this stuff on; it sinks in quickly, doesn't sting, and within about eight minutes, I do my makeup. Another bonus, a little goes a long way and it's not outrageously expensive.” —Patsy61
Sephora - Hearst Owned - 17/39
Dermalogica
Dermalogica
sephora.com
Dermalogica was founded back in 1986 by an aesthetician who couldn't find effective products made without common irritants that could clog pores and dull skin. These days it's one of the most recommended lines by skin professionals and dermatologists. There are products for every skin type or problem, like this Special Cleansing Gel, which gently cleanses without compromising the skin's barrier.
Price range: $15-145
What the reviews are saying:
“I’ve never used a Dermalogica product I didn’t like, and this one didn’t disappoint. The scent is nice and light, and it didn’t irritate my skin. It takes all of my makeup off super easily. And, it’s a nice size for the price. It’ll last a long time.” —Chihirol
Sephora - Hearst Owned - 18/39
Tata Harper
Tata Harper
nordstrom.com
When she couldn't find skincare products she loved made with truly natural ingredients, Tata Harper decided to make her own—and a cult brand was born. Her masks and oils are standouts, with many of the ingredients sourced from her very own Vermont farm. Even cooler: You can use the “follow your bottle” tool on her site to see when each product was packaged.
Price range: $46-490
What the reviews are saying:
“Tata Harper saved my skin! This is my favorite rescue mask every time my skin starts to get angry. Whether it’s those pesky monthly pimples or textural issues like uneven skin tone and pigmentation. This mask will work every single time and over the course of the year it has done wonders.” —sheva2804
Nordstrom - Hearst Owned - 19/39
Sunday Riley
SUNDAY RILEY
sephora.com
Sunday Riley destroys the notion that natural products are less effective than their more chemical-y counterparts. With catchy product names like Luna, Juno, and UFO—it's no wonder the brand is a staple on the bathroom shelves of It-girls everywhere.
Price range: $20-65
What the reviews are saying:
“Sunday Riley is my favorite skin care brand for sometime now and it’s for a reason. The good genes lactic acid serum is all in one perfect or for my skin. I have been using this for a month now; my skin is glowing, less visible pores even though I am yet to see any visible firmness.”
Sephora - 20/39
Estēe Lauder
Estée Lauder
sephora.com
Estēe Lauder solidified itself as a skincare juggernaut when it released the Advanced Night Repair formula (then just called Night Repair) way back in 1982—and has since become a staple in our makeup bags. In fact, it's credited as the first-ever serum, the first product to use skin-plumping hyaluronic acid, and the first product to recognize and repair the link between DNA-damaged skin and aging skin.
Price range: $24-122
What the reviews are saying:
“I LOVE this product! Estee Lauder is a trusted name in beauty and the brand never disappoints. The texture of the serum is perfect; it dries quickly and does not make your face sticky. My skin looked supple and radiant.” —Danielle1989
Sephora - Hearst Owned - 21/39
La Mer
LA MER
nordstrom.com
Arguably the brand most synonymous with skin cream in the world, we'd actually argue that the best product from the marine-inspired line La Mer is the Regenerating Serum. Centered around the line's nutrient-rich Miracle Broth, the serum delivers a quicker and more potent dose of the cream’s skin-renewing effects.
Price range: $25-1,375.00
What the reviews are saying:
“I wish this didn’t make my skin amazing. I wish i didn’t notice a difference after the first use. I wish I could find a reason not to buy this. Sorry bank account…” —Mrig1979
Nordstrom - Hearst Owned - 22/39
Chanel
CHANEL
saksfifthavenue.com
Chanel introduced its anti-aging hero Sublimage La Créme back in 2006, and it's been popular ever since. Like all of Chanel's skincare products, it's centered around an ingredient the R&D scientists discovered and use exclusively: vanilla planifolia PFA. Die-hard fans can attest to the fact that the claims of smoother, brighter, and more supple skin are undoubtedly true.
Price range: $25-800
What the reviews are saying:
“I have been using Chanel since I was 30 I am now 70 but people think I am 20 to 30 years younger than I am. I do not have wrinkles.” —Lynn
Chanel - Hearst Owned - 23/39
3Lab
3LAB
nordstrom.com
This under-the-radar skincare brand is one of the best kept secrets in beauty. Created by chemists and dermatologists, the line merges clinical science with luxury beauty to deliver results as eye-popping as their prices (everything is worth the splurge).
Price range: $80-750
What the reviews are saying:
“I’ve used virtually everything to reduce forehead lines. I’m a man and this is the only product that has made a crazy impact on those lines. Besides that it just makes my face feel so good and look so good. Model-Esque even. It’s incredible stuff. I fully understand why it’s so pricey. You get what you pay for.” —Jeremy D.
Nordstrom - Hearst Owned - 24/39
Caudalíe
Caudalie
Caudalíe is a French skincare brand that relies on all-natural grape extracts from the regions of Bordeaux, Champagne, and Burgundy. Red wine drinkers already know this to be true: Grapes are high in antioxidants and compounds resveratrol and polyphenols, which give the entire line its unique and effective anti-aging philosophy.
Price range: $12-139
What the reviews are saying:
“This natural cream is a fantastic product for dark spots and acne scars. I use it with the serum. I love Caudalie because of its ingredients. Great quantity!” —Clea
Sephora - Hearst Owned - 25/39
La Prairie
LA PRAIRIE
Nordstrom
La Prairie's roots go back to 1931, when Professor Paul Niehans began treating patients using cellular therapy in the Swiss countryside. Today, the brand expands on his groundbreaking scientific work to create anti-aging products that straddle the line between cosmeceutical and luxury skincare—just look at the line-plumping cream dubbed Absolute Filler.
Price range: $95-1,385.00
What the reviews are saying:
“I have been using this line of skincare for just two weeks but I am impressed with the results already. My skin is hydrated, soft to the touch and tone is evening out. Small blemishes are clearing up and fine lines are diminishing.” —CamillainCA
Nordstrom - Hearst Owned - 26/39
Tatcha
If glowy, hydrated skin is what you're after—let us introduce you to the Japanese-and-American brand Tatcha. Inspired by the beauty secrets of geishas, Tatcha's line of cleansers, creams, and serums is centered around three ingredients: green tea, rice, and algae. The line is gentle enough for sensitive skin and pregnancy, natural, and wildly effective. We're in love with the dewy skin products in particular, especially their celebrity-coveted Dewy Skin Cream.
Price range: $14-125
What the reviews are saying:
“I'm older and was looking for a hydrating facial cream that wasn't heavy because I still tend to break out. I tried Tatcha and fell in love. I use the hydrating version but they also make one that is lighter for younger or dry skin.” —B.F.
Tatcha - Hearst Owned - 27/39
Dior
DIOR
nordstrom.com
It's no surprise that one of our favorite fashion, makeup, and perfume companies also makes some of our favorite skincare products. This primer-serum hybrid is the best-selling skin product from the entire brand. Layered under foundation as the last step in your skin routine, Dream Skin blurs fine lines, mattifies, and practically filters skin right away and then continues to work harder over time.
Price range: $37-615
What the reviews are saying:
“This primer was my gateway product to the whole Dior skin care line and I’m here for it. I’ve used it daily for 9 months and still can’t quite describe what it does. It’s skin care and skin repair in one. Some people say it’s pricey but few say it’s not wonderful.”—JustMolly
Nordstrom - Hearst Owned - 28/39
Shiseido
Shiseido
sephora.com
There is no Japanese skincare brand more well-known and trusted than Shiseido. With over 140 years creating skincare, there are hundreds of products that have become hits with beauty gurus all over the world. It's hard to choose a favorite, but if you're going to splurge on just one product from the brand, try the Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Masks.
Price range: $17.50-306
What the reviews are saying:
“I love Shiseido products and this is one example why...it really works. Takes the undereye bags away and I also spread [the serum] on my face and it does a great job softening wrinkles.” —Elviz
Sephora - Hearst Owned - 29/39
Shani Darden
Shani Darden Skin Care
violetgrey.com
Beloved celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden—who counts stars like Kelly Rowland and Shay Mitchell as clients—transitioned her Hollywood-based treatments to at-home skincare essentials. This culty best-selling AHA and retinol serum from the brand has nearly a five-star rating with over 700 reviews from Sephora customers.
Price range: $38-125
What the reviews are saying:
“Tremendous Shani Darden skin care lover. This product brings my skin back to life with a nice glow.” —Rosealldayy
Violet Grey - 30/39
Kiehl's Since 1851
'kiehl''s'
kiehls.com
It says it right there on every bottle: Kiehl's has been around since 1851. So it's safe to say they know a thing or two about making products that stand the test of time. This top-selling (and deliciously scented) serum combines lavender oil, squalane, and evening primrose oil to repair your skin's moisture barrier while you sleep. You'll wake up looking shockingly well rested (even if you're not).
Price range: $12-145
What the reviews are saying:
“Remind me to kiss my best friend for introducing to me this. I have been obsessed since. Waking up in the morning to see fresh, young skin is a good start to the day. Kiehl's has always been top at their game for a reason.” —nates8
Kiehl's Since 1851 - 31/39
Fresh
Fresh
Fresh focuses on familiar food ingredients—like soy, sugar, black tea—to brand their line of cleansers, serums, creams, lip balms, and masks. The Black Tea line is rich in antioxidants and ideal for adding to any routine. This top-rated eye cream combines tea with noni extract to noticeably lighten dark circles and flatten eye bags.
Price range: $15-398
What the reviews are saying:
“I started using Fresh products two months ago, and I have to say so far I loved them all, they are not heavy, and I could feel instantly how this eye concentrate helped my eyes, it’s humectant and feels good.” —Zeidy
Nordstrom - Hearst Owned - 32/39
Neutrogena
Neutrogena
ulta.com
The brand we've always trusted for acne-fighters and sunscreen launched the Hydro Boost skin line a few years ago to rave reviews. The lightweight moisturizers plump skin just as well as luxury hyaluronic acid products without deflating your bank account.
Price range: $5-47
What the reviews are saying:
“This is my go-to moisturizer for sure and when someone asks what I use, this is what I recommend. I am a big Neutrogena fan anyway, but this product is everything. It's not heavy, my skin drinks it up and makes my skin look fabulous all day.” —Felicia
Ulta - Hearst Owned - 33/39
Clarins
Clarins Skin Care
ulta.com
The French brand Clarins has creams, serums, self-tanners, and makeup for every age, skin type, and texture. Its most famous product is the Double Serum, which houses two anti-aging plant extracts separately in one tube. This makes the active ingredients more effective in theory and practice—bottles of the skin-firming formula have been flying off the shelves for years.
Price range: $30-140
What the reviews are saying: “I am already a huge fan of Clarins and this Double Serum is amazing! I’ve been using it for the past few weeks and my skin has been so happy; hydrated, smoother and radiant! It’s gentle and effective on my dry/sensitive skin.” —HayleySavana
ulta.com - 34/39
Lancôme
lancome-usa.com
Though Lancôme's messaging suggests an effortless approach to Parisian beauty, we all know that looking naturally ageless takes some serious commitment to a skincare routine. Their anti-aging serums are some of the best-selling in the world, including this skin corrector that's created to minimize the appearance of wrinkles while evening your complexion.
Price range: $30-320
What the reviews are saying:
“Skip the botox. This little serum is the best for correcting fine lines. It really smoothes the skin and feels great.” —saws
Lancôme - Hearst Owned - 35/39
Kate Somerville
KATE SOMERVILLE\u003CSUP\u003E\u003C\u002FSUP\u003E
nordstrom.com
Celebrity facialist turned skincare guru Kate Somerville's products are the next best thing to having her actually work directly on your face every morning. We're fans of all the skin-softening exfoliating products, particularly the Exfolikate Cleanser—it combines two necessary skincare steps without sacrificing results.
Price range: $28-205
What the reviews are saying:
“I am a big fan of Kate Somerville products, especially all her facial cleaning products. ExfoliKate is one of them. It cleans perfectly, doesn't dry your face and makes your face silky.”
Nordstrom - Hearst Owned - 36/39
True Botanicals
truebotanicals.com
More often than not, natural skincare brands feel better on your conscience but the results don't live up to the products you left behind. That's not the case with True Botanicals. The brand has garnered a rabid following for it's unique positioning as a luxury brand that happens to also be as ultra-natural. Their independent clinical trials prove what their fan base already knows: Their products scientifically outperform some of the other, more famous ones on this list.
Price range: $24-140
What the reviews are saying:
“I absolutely love this product. It smells great and it feels good going on, but the best part is how soft and dewy it makes my skin. I like it so much I use it in the morning too!” —Jane S.
True Botanicals - Hearst Owned - 37/39
Sisley Paris
SISLEY PARIS
nordstrom.com
One of the pillars of luxury French skincare, Sisley Paris blends botanical extracts with anti-aging formulas that feel uniquely lush and decadent. This black rose dry oil is a savior for ultra-dry or sensitive skin. Just tap two or three drops over your favorite moisturizer to lock-in moisture all day long (the price feels a little less shocking when you realize just how long a single bottle lasts).
Price range: $90-895
What the reviews are saying:
“I absolutely love Sisley and their range. I don't think anything beats it. all plant based and oils. This night oil leaves skin hydrated and dewy.” —lilliefleur
Nordstrom - Hearst Owned - 38/39
Mario Badescu
Mario Badescu
sephora.com
What do Oprah Winfrey, Liv Tyler, Jennifer Aniston, Charlize Theron, Ashley Judd, Heidi Klum, Kylie Jenner, and Brad Pitt all have in common? They're fans of Mario Badescu skincare, which has been around for over 50 years but continues to find new loyal and fervent fans. The facial sprays are a cult-favorite, but anyone who has ever suffered from pimples should try the Drying Lotion. A single dot (applied with a cotton swab) will make an angry spot shrink dramatically overnight.
Price range: $7-45
What the reviews are saying:
“This product does exactly what it says. My son has used it for some years and loves it. He has gone through so many bottles I should have stock in the company! It dries up his breakouts with no irritation.” —TeriSO
sephora.com - 39/39
Peter Thomas Roth
Peter Thomas Roth
sephora.com
There are few brands that cover a wide range of skincare concerns as successfully as Peter Thomas Roth. From acne to anti-aging, you’d be hard-pressed to find a product that won’t work for your skin. And for anyone looking to quench dry skin, look no further than the aptly named “Water Drench” hyaluronic acid line.
Price range: $32-125
What the reviews are saying:
“Oh how my dry skin needed this moisturizer!! The amount of lasting hydration it provides my skin its *chef kiss*. It's exactly what will help get my skin through the dry cold air of winter time. I highly recommend you grab this!” —jesskaras
Sephora - Hearst Owned