Top Skincare Products of 2024: Expert Recommendations and Editors’ Choice
Social media has revolutionized the way we discover and purchase skincare products. With just a few swipes, we can explore the latest trends and innovations in the beauty industry and make a purchase with a simple tap. The world of skincare is now more accessible than ever before, literally at our fingertips. However, the abundance of new products hitting the market every week can be overwhelming, making it challenging to find the right formulas that truly work for our individual skin needs. Questions like “Which cleanser is gentle enough for my sensitive skin?” or “Is there a sunscreen that won’t leave a white cast on my skin?” can often plague us as we navigate through the vast array of skincare options available.
In light of this, the Women’s Health Skincare Awards of 2024 have taken a different approach by focusing on simplicity. The goal is to narrow down the field of skincare products by selecting those that embody the essence of a solid, straightforward skincare routine. The products featured in this year’s awards have been carefully curated, tested, and vetted by the Women’s Health beauty team, along with a group of esteemed beauty experts including dermatologists, estheticians, and cosmetic chemists.
The selection includes a mix of well-established, fan-favorite products as well as innovative newcomers to the market. Each product has been chosen for its efficacy across a range of skin types and concerns, promising visible results that have impressed our panel of experts. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top skincare products that have made the cut for the Women’s Health Skincare Awards of 2024.
Best Cleansers
Olay Cleansing Melts (+ Vitamin C)
These cleansing tabs offer a convenient and mess-free way to cleanse your skin. Simply place a tab in your palm, add water, lather, and rinse. The gentle foaming action is perfect for all skin types, while the vitamin C-based formula helps brighten the skin and reduce oiliness. Ideal for travel, these waterless cleansing tabs are a favorite of Women’s Health beauty director Brian Underwood.
Saint Jane Pore Clarity Cleanser
Formulated with hyaluronic acid, flower acids, and alpha hydroxy acids, this gel cleanser goes beyond surface-level cleansing to provide a deep clean for your pores. The soothing gel texture transforms into a light froth that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and balanced.
Hero Cosmetics Dissolve Away Daily Cleansing Balm
Designed for oily and acne-prone skin, this non-comedogenic cleansing balm quickly eliminates grime without clogging pores. The silky-smooth texture melts into the skin, leaving it feeling clean and nourished without any residue.
Eve Lom Cleanser
This multi-purpose cleanser offers a 5-in-1 formula that cleanses, tones, hydrates, removes makeup, and exfoliates mildly. Loved by skincare formulator Mary Berry for its effectiveness in removing makeup and leaving the skin feeling refreshed, this gentle cleanser is suitable for all skin types.
Naturium Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash
Transforming from a luxurious oil into a rich foam, this body wash provides a deep cleanse without stripping the skin. Enriched with hydrating ingredients like glycerin and plant-based lipids, it moisturizes the skin and leaves it with a radiant glow.
Best Skincare Treatments
SkinCeuticals P-Tiox Anti-Wrinkle Serum
Designed to complement neurotoxin injections, this serum is packed with peptides that stimulate collagen production and enhance skin radiance. With gentle exfoliants and niacinamide to address discoloration and strengthen the skin barrier, this serum delivers noticeable results in improving skin texture and appearance.
Mother Science Retinol Synergist
Combining retinol with Malassezin, a compound derived from yeast, this unique formula enhances the line-fighting properties of retinol while addressing hyperpigmentation. Gentle yet effective, this retinol product is suitable for those with sensitive skin.
ZO Skin Health Complexion Clarifying Serum
Formulated with salicylic acid, this serum effectively targets acne and breakouts without causing irritation. The water-soluble version of salicylic acid in this serum ensures gentle exfoliation and oil control, making it suitable for all skin types.
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Recommended by board-certified dermatologist Mina Amin, MD, this facial cleanser containing benzoyl peroxide is an effective treatment for body acne. With a gentle foaming action and acne-fighting properties, this cleanser is a go-to for post-workout skincare routines.
Remedy Skin Remedy For Body Bumps
Targeting keratosis pilaris, this treatment contains active ingredients like urea, retinol, and lactic acid that gently exfoliate the skin and hydrate it. Ideal for minimizing the appearance of body bumps, this treatment is recommended by dermatologist Mina Amin, MD.
First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads
Effective in preventing and treating ingrown hairs, these pads exfoliate the skin to prevent hair trapping and irritation. Suitable for use after shaving, these pads help maintain smooth and bump-free skin.
NatureLab Tokyo Saisei Biomimetic Peptide Treatment Essence
Promising thicker hair and reduced graying, this scalp serum is a favorite of Women’s Health beauty director for its visible results in promoting hair growth and improving scalp health. With peptide-rich ingredients, this serum is a game-changer for those looking to enhance their hair quality.
JTAV Clinical Skincare Eyelash Enhancing Serum
Clinically developed to promote eyelash and eyebrow growth, this lightweight serum targets sparse lashes with visible results. Compatible with makeup and eyelash extensions, this serum is gentle and effective in enhancing lash length and volume.
Best Moisturizers & Sunscreens
Lancôme Absolue L’Extrait Elixir Cream
A luxurious moisturizer containing rose extract and salicylic acid, this cream reduces fine lines and signs of aging while providing intense hydration. Loved for its velvety texture and skin-plumping effects, this moisturizer is a splurge-worthy investment for radiant skin.
La Roche-Posay Facial Moisturizer Toleriane Double Repair
Ideal for oily skin, this hydrator controls shine throughout the day with ceramides and niacinamide. Recommended by dermatologists for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory benefits, this affordable moisturizer is a must-have for those with oily skin.
Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
Combining medium coverage with SPF protection, this tinted moisturizer offers a lightweight option for evening out skin tone and filling in pores. Suitable for all skin tones, this chemical and physical SPF hybrid provides a natural finish without a white cast.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Hydra Sunscreen SPF 50
With a non-greasy formula that blends easily into the skin, this sunscreen offers SPF 50 protection and moisturizing benefits with hyaluronic acid. Loved for its lightweight feel and invisible finish, this sunscreen is a favorite among dermatologists and beauty experts.
Colorescience No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
An invisible mineral sunscreen enriched with mushroom extract and antioxidants, this SPF 50 formula is suitable for sensitive skin types. Providing hydration and sun protection without leaving a white cast, this sunscreen blends seamlessly and offers anti-aging benefits.
Philosophy Dose Of Wisdom Eye Cream
Formulated with Vitamin C and caffeine, this eye cream brightens and depuffs the delicate eye area. Fragrance-free and gentle, this eye cream is a must-have for those looking to address dark circles and tired eyes.
Tula Skincare 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night Cream
A favorite moisturizer for all skin types, this cream hydrates and nourishes the skin without feeling heavy or oily. With peptides and probiotic complexes, this day and night cream promotes firmness and even skin tone for a radiant complexion.
Salt & Stone Body Lotion
Featuring seaweed extract, spirulina, and vitamin E, this body lotion soothes and moisturizes the skin, leaving it soft and hydrated. Recommended for its ability to maintain skin moisture and smoothness throughout the day, this body lotion is a must-have for all skin types.
Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Lotion
An aromatic mineral lotion with Brazilian Cupuaçu butter, this SPF 50 formula offers sun protection without the typical sunscreen smell. Loved for its moisturizing benefits and subtle fragrance, this body lotion is a luxurious addition to your skincare routine.
Meder by Dr. Tiina Meder Salva-Hand Cream
Described as an “invisible glove” for the hands, this luxury hand cream hydrates and heals dry skin with hyaluronic acid and panthenol. Ideal for those with eczema or super-dry skin, this hand cream keeps hands moisturized and soft for extended periods.
Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream
Though not marketed as a foot cream, this repair cream effectively softens and smooths dry, cracked heels with lactic acid. Recommended by dermatologists for its gentle exfoliation properties, this cream is ideal for maintaining soft and healthy feet.
Best Exfoliating Products
Environ Youth EssentiA Vita-Peptide Toner
Perfect for mature skin, this toner contains peptides that smooth wrinkles and improve skin elasticity. Loved for its hydrating and dewy finish, this toner is a favorite among beauty experts for its anti-aging properties.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel
Safe for daily use, this exfoliating peel targets acne and hyperpigmentation with a blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids. Known for its pore-refining and anti-aging benefits, this peel protects against free radicals and promotes skin renewal.
L’Oreal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot Exfoliant Peel
Gentle yet effective, this exfoliating peel brightens and evens out skin tone with a combination of alpha-, beta-, and poly-hydroxy acids. Suitable for all skin tones, this peel corrects discoloration and leaves the skin glowing with regular use.
Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional Wow Polish Triple Pore-Exfoliating Powder
Containing three powders that reduce pore size and smooth skin texture, this face polish offers gentle exfoliation without being abrasive. Water-activated for customized exfoliation, this powder polish is a favorite for softening the skin and refining pores.
MBR Cell-Power Lipo Peel
Designed to speed up cell renewal and promote radiant skin, this body scrub buffs away dead skin for a smoother and firmer appearance. With visible results in skin texture and radiance, this body scrub is recommended for those looking to enhance their skin quality.
Makeup By Mario Perfecting Lip Scrub
Featuring micro sugar crystals, coconut oil, and vitamin E, this lip scrub gently exfoliates and moisturizes the lips. Ideal for addressing dryness and promoting cell turnover, this lip scrub leaves the lips soft, smooth, and rejuvenated.
Standout Extras
Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil
Non-irritating and hydrating, this facial oil locks in moisture for superior hydration. Suitable for most skin types, this facial oil is a favorite for its nourishing and skin-plumping effects.
Gleamin 10-Minute Vitamin C Clay Mask
Ideal for fading dark spots and improving skin tone, this clay mask offers a fast-acting solution for correcting discoloration and blemishes. With ingredients like vitamin C, turmeric, and aloe vera, this mask is a weekly indulgence for radiant skin.
Laneige Lip Glowy Balm
Deeply hydrating and smoothing, this lip balm leaves the lips soft and supple with a touch of natural shine. Available in various scents and colors, this lip balm is a must-have for maintaining healthy and moisturized lips.
Tower 28 SOS Rescue Spray
Containing hypochlorous acid, this facial mist reduces redness and irritation, making it ideal for refreshing the skin throughout the day. Suitable for all skin types, this spray can be used over makeup for a quick pick-me-up.
Environ Cosmetic Gold Roll CIT
A micro-needling instrument that promotes firm and tight skin, this tool is an investment in skin health and rejuvenation. Recommended for its anti-aging benefits, this roller enhances skin texture and appearance over time.
Dove Whole Body Deodorant Cream
Offering all-over odor protection for up to 72 hours, this cream deodorant contains AHAs like lactic acid for effective sweat control. Ideal for those looking for an aluminum-free deodorant, this cream keeps you feeling fresh and confident throughout the day.
In conclusion, the Women’s Health Skincare Awards of 2024 have highlighted a range of top skincare products that have been vetted and recommended by beauty experts and dermatologists. From cleansers and treatments to moisturizers and sunscreens, these products offer effective solutions for a variety of skin concerns and types. With a focus on simplicity and efficacy, these award-winning products are sure to elevate your skincare routine and help you achieve healthy, radiant skin.
