It can seem like an exciting new skincare product or treatment launches every day. Sifting through them all could be a full-time job. Fortunately for you, that is, in fact, ours. From cleansers and exfoliants to masks and the latest injectables, we tried out countless beauty offerings this year, evaluating them for efficacy and innovation. To find out which ones topped our list, keep scrolling for the 2025 Beauty Award winners in the skincare category.

Best Foaming Cleanser

Sonsie Cleansing Mousse

“Pamela Anderson formulated this gentle foaming cleanser to transport you to her rose garden, and it does just that. It smells like sticking your nose in a fresh dewy rose and is the perfect way to start or end your day. I love how light and bubbly the formula is, and it makes my skin feel so clean while glycerin and aloe hydrate and soothe. You’re left with a clean canvas that’s never dry or tight and smells like it’s been visited by a flower fairy.” — Bella Cacciatore, senior news editor

Best Cream Cleanser

Kate Somerville EradiKate 3% Sulfur Daily Foaming Cleanser

“I usually like to keep my cleanser super simple, but after experiencing some stubborn hormonal acne this year, I needed to call in the big guns. This sulfur-powered cleanser keeps my breakouts at bay and soothes inflamed pimples. Despite the powerful formula, the whipped texture feels so creamy and soothing on my skin, leaving it refreshed and smooth.” — Bella Cacciatore, senior news editor

Best Oil Cleanser

111Skin Deep Cleansing Oil

“I’m team gentle cleanse in the morning, and 111Skin’s new Deep Cleansing Oil has been a divine way to start my day. It warms up beautifully between the palms, melting away my overnight products and frothing up with water to make my skin feel clean, fresh, and primed for the day. It’s such an elevated way to take care of my skin and feel more grounded in my morning routine.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Cleansing Balm

Hero Cosmetics Dissolve Away Daily Cleansing Balm

“Cleansing balms aren’t usually my cup of tea, but this Hero Cosmetics formula has changed my routine for good. It truly dissolves away every last trace of makeup and SPF without leaving any waxy residue or oil slick. It’s the only makeup remover that leaves me confident enough to dry my face with a white towel.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Firming Moisturizer

Obagi Elastiderm Lift Up & Sculpt Facial Moisturizer

“If you—like me—have combination skin in your 30s, this is the Goldilocks of moisturizers. It features the lightweight texture of a gel-cream but the efficacious ingredients of a rich cream. Formulated with peptides and a proprietary contouring complex, I love how Obagi has married a wearable viscosity with firming ingredients to support my skin.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Rich Moisturizer

Bioelements Really Rich Moisture

“If you’re in the market for a really rich, uber buttery moisturizer—look no further. Bioelements’ creamy formula (including olive and avocado oils, among others) checks all the boxes: nongreasy, nonirritating, and extremely decadent. It’s potent but never feels heavy.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Gel-Cream Moisturizer

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel

“Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Gel skincare line is a cult favorite for a reason, and the Hydro Boost Gel Cream will always have space in my routine. Upon first swatch, the texture of this gel-cream is rich yet lightweight, which then transforms into an ultra-hydrating texture upon application. It glides over your skin and offers serious hydration with glycerin and hyaluronic acid. These are two ingredients that draw water to the skin and keep it there. The result is a dewy, plump, and glowy finish that lasts all day. It plays well with my serums and toners and works as the perfect final step in both my nighttime and morning skincare routines. For those with sensitive skin, it’s derm-tested and formulated without fragrance. As an acne-prone person, I can attest that it hasn’t broken me out once. This is a product that you can count on to deliver consistent results, and you can snag it for around $10 at any drugstore—it really doesn’t get better than that.” — Star Donaldson, social media director

Best Noncomedogenic Moisturizer

Sofie Pavitt Omega Rich Moisturizer

“Having acne means trying a new moisturizer—especially one this rich—is always a gamble, but this was love at first swipe. The texture is like a whipped pudding that feels lush and comforting but not heavy. It sinks right in, instantly moisturizing and soothing, and leaves the prettiest glossy finish behind. It’s glowy but never greasy, and my skin stays dewy and bouncy all day. It’s a perfect night cream, but it’s also a great base for makeup and gets me tons of compliments on my skin. Most importantly, since it was specifically formulated with acne-prone skin in mind, I have peace of mind that I can glow without the risk of breaking out. I love it.” — Bella Cacciatore, senior news editor

Best Milky Toner

Point of View Beauty Drench It Soothing Priming Milk

“In the words of Point of View founder Mikayla Nogueira, this is the Rolls-Royce of milky toners. What makes this one, in particular, so irresistible is its unbelievably juicy finish on the skin. Thanks to a potent cocktail of fermented rice water, peptides, and niacinamide, it leaves a glassy glow that creates the perfect canvas for all kinds of complexion products. I’ve come to see this priming milk as the glue of my complexion routine. Within seconds, Drench It dries down to a glassy, slightly tacky finish on the skin, locking in hydration and gripping onto every layer that follows. As the TikTok girlies would say: Run, don’t walk, to get your hands on this priming milk.” — Derek Deng, associate content editor

Best Exfoliating Toner

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

“I’ve found that having a gentle yet effective exfoliant is crucial to keeping my skin in balance, especially during transitional seasons or particularly busy weeks (I notoriously run from morning events to the office to dinner to a last-minute catchup with friends—and my skin is not immune to the effects). This Paula’s Choice powerhouse is a fan favorite for a reason: Its champion active (2% BHA) keeps pores clear and sheds dead skin, while green tea extract and methylpropanediol work to calm redness, balance the skin barrier, and boost hydration. My skin feels smooth and even with an enhanced glow after each application, and the results only get better with consistent use.” — Ali Webb, associate style editor

Best Milky Essence

Dr. Loretta Barrier Enhancing Milky Essence

“Dr. Loretta is my go-to brand for effective, derm-backed formulas. The brand’s newest launch—Barrier Enhancing Milky Essence—is a lightweight prep step that soothes, plumps, and visibly reduces redness and/or irritation. I also love to add a few drops to my foundation for extra glow.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Physical Exfoliator

Oak Essentials Renew Face Polish

“Forget everything you know about physical exfoliators. The Oak Essentials Renew Face Polish is incredibly gentle, buffing the skin with pineapple, red algae, and biodegradable beads. Unlike most face scrubs, this formula leaves my skin feeling soft, supple, and even more hydrated than before—never red, raw, or inflamed.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Retinol

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

“The RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream is one of my top recommended retinol treatments. It combines RoC’s pure retinol with glycolic acid, shea butter, and squalane to effectively target signs of aging while hydrating and softening the skin. It’s gentle enough for nightly use, yet powerful enough to visibly improve the appearance of wrinkles.” — Dr. Toral Vaidya, MD, MPH, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist

Best Serum for Hyperpigmentation

La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum

“As anyone who has ever battled with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation knows, you need to have several products in your arsenal if you want to win the war. Exfoliants are game changers; SPFs are crucial. And this dark spot corrector has become one of my trustiest fighters. The lightweight formula includes the brand’s patented ingredient Melasyl—which targets discoloration and inhibits pigment—and niacinamide, one of the most reliable brighteners in skincare and a must for anyone looking for a more even skin tone. The result? A serum that punches far above its price tag.” — Eden Stuart, editor

Best Hydrating Serum

iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum

“My skin has been particularly freakout-prone lately, and this serum is my favorite remedy. Immediately upon application, it cools and calms your skin (it’s going to save your life this summer, trust me), and the blend of centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid, mushroom, and vitamin B works to heal, hydrate, brighten, and nourish stressed-out skin. It’s a game changer.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Peptide Skincare Product

Eighth Day Regenerative Serum

“This serum is certainly a splurge, but I promise it’s worth it. When I use it at night, I wake up to skin that looks plumper, smoother, brighter, and all together just better. It’s a must-use the night before a big event (and when I don’t use it, I really notice). Despite the packed formula—peptide-rich plasma, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid—it never irritates my skin, the lightweight texture is so elegant, and it plays well with other products.” — Bella Cacciatore, senior news editor

Best Vitamin C Serum

Wildfleur XC15 15% Pure Vitamin C Serum

“Fun fact: Plenty of vitamin C formulas don’t actually do all that much. It’s a tricky little active, and sometimes, the ingredients that make vitamin C derivatives more stable can reduce their efficacy on the skin. What’s so special about Wildfleur’s formula is that it contains the most science-backed form of vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid, photo-stabilized by an antioxidant derived from marigolds, which keeps the price point affordable without compromising on efficacy. I’m not going to lie, the smell is a bit strong when you first apply it, but trust me: The radiance you’ll see after a few weeks will make a few seconds of pungence totally worth it.” — Eden Stuart, editor

Best Face Oil

Retrouvé Balancing Face Oil

“What I love about the Retrouvé Balancing Face Oil is its weight. Normally, face oils are noticeable on the skin, feeling heavy and looking borderline goopy. This feels almost weightless but provides enough glide to use with a face tool or sit nicely as the last step in my skincare routine. Formulated with squalane, mokaté oil, antioxidants, and bakuchiol, the product is meant to balance your natural oil production while moisturizing your skin. An esthetician once told me to add a few drops of oil to your favorite tinted moisturizer for an extra-dewy, hydrating finish. I now swear by this trick!” — Adelaide Giesey, editor

Best Clay Mask

S’able Labs Qasil Exfoliating Mask

“When my skin needs a reset, I reach for the S’able Labs Qasil Exfoliating Mask. The kaolin clay mask contains three potent exfoliating actives—AHA, BHA, and PHA—to renew and revitalize dull, textured skin. The gentle, creamy formula also features anti-inflammatory ingredients, like rice protein and oat extract, as well as calming mongongo oil and black seed. After leaving this on for 15 minutes, I’m met with soft, smooth, and soothed skin.” — Olivia Hancock, senior beauty editor

Best Sheet Mask

Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

“Chances are that by now you’ve seen this sheet mask going viral on social media for its minimum three- to four-hour wear time and visual transformation from white to clear, and I’m here to tell you that it’s worth the hype. It applies in a flexible jelly state (which is helpful for positioning it just as you’d like), but the material gradually hardens and is well-set after 20 to 30 minutes, allowing you to comfortably sleep or go about your elaborate self-care Sunday. I tend to use the mask (and its sister variations) at times when my skin could use a little extra love, and it leaves me with a radiant glow and firm, even complexion every time—whether I apply it over my other products as recommended or use it on its own.” — Ali Webb, associate style editor

Best Facial Sunscreen

Ultra Violette Future Screen SPF 50 Modern Mineral Sunscreen

“Future Screen is one of the few mineral formulas that doesn’t leave me looking like a ghost. It’s zinc-based but somehow glowy and not greasy with just enough hydration and zero pilling. No white cast and no SPF-y feel. I’ve always preferred chemical sunscreens, so for me to recommend a mineral SPF is surprising even to myself! I love recommending it to my super-sensitive clients, as it’s fragrance-free and super gentle.” — Sofie Pavitt, celebrity esthetician

Best Tinted Sunscreen

Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid SPF

“One thing about me: I always wear sunscreen. With that being said, I’ve been leaning more toward tinted formulas these days, and when Beauty of Joseon launched its collection, with 12 inclusive shades, I knew I was going to be a fan. It’s lightweight, keeps the oil production on my skin at bay, and offers SPF 40 so my skin looks good and is also protected.” — Jasmine Phillips, social media editor

Best Retinol Alternative

True Botanicals Phyto-Retinol Sleep Serum

“I’m very prone to irritation and my skin is easily sensitized, so retinol has been a hard ingredient for me to confidently incorporate into my routine. I’ve tried it, messed with my skin barrier, stopped, and tried again more times than I’d like to admit. I wanted the results of the signature ingredient without the trouble it inevitably caused my skin when True Botanicals launched a product specifically formulated for those in my position. Phyto-Retinol Sleep Serum uses peptilium, a biopeptide that’s clinically proven to offer the same anti-aging benefits as retinol without the drying, peeling, and flaking. I use it before bed one to two times a week and my skin is firmer, brighter, and smoother than ever.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Eye Cream

Valmont Vital Contour Eye Cream

“My genetics (and fine, my lifestyle too) make it so I’m prone to dark circles and crepiness around my eyes. Valmont’s Vital Contour Cream smooths and refines that delicate skin, very literally boosting cellular function and firming the eye contour. It also includes menthyl lactate, a stimulating and refreshing ingredient, so the formula goes on cool and refreshes the skin.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Lip Balm

YSL Beauty Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick

“Chapped lips are my biggest beauty pet peeve, which is why you will find multiple lip products on me at all times. However, trying to find a product that marries hydration with a glossy (not sticky) finish is no easy feat. Somehow, the YSL Beauty Candy Glaze Lip Gloss did just that. The formula glides on with ease, feels light yet moisturizing, and delivers a flattering amount of shine. The subtle sweet scent of the balm makes me nostalgic for the products of my youth, but the luxurious metal packaging makes me feel grown-up and sophisticated. While I am loyal to the clear pink hue, the formula comes in several sheer shades from cherry red to caramel brown.” — Adelaide Giesey, editor

Best Lip Mask

Drunk Elephant Plump C Tripeptide Lippe Mask

“My lips and surrounding skin are pretty sensitive, so while there are so many wonderful lip masks out there, I don’t love the rich, gourmand fragrances that often come with them. I’ve been using Drunk Elephant’s Plump-C Tripeptide Lippe Mask for months, and can confirm the fragrance-free formula is the Goldilocks of lip masks. It’s deeply moisturizing, features the perfect viscosity to melt into lips without feeling sticky, and has the added plumping benefits of peptides.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Face Mist

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Skin Soothing Hydration Mist

“The entire Summer Friday’s Jet Lag collection is a must-have in your skincare collection, but the Soothing Hydration Mist is my personal favorite. It’s the perfect first step in my routine, as it provides a boost of hydration and preps my skin for next product (spoiler: It’s also a Jet Lag product) I find myself reaching for this mist throughout the day when my skin needs a little pick-me-up.” — Jasmine Phillips, social media editor

Best Growth Factor Serum

Dr. Diamond’s Metacine Instafacial Plasma Bioactive Growth Factor Serum

“At 36, it was time I turned my focus to preventative anti-aging. This serum lifts, firms, and tightens—which is helpful as my mid-face starts to show signs of sagging—courtesy of growth factors, polypeptides, and sodium hyaluronate. It’s highly potent and incredibly effective.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Acne Spot Treatment

SkinFix 2% BHA Spot Treatment

“I personally use and recommend the Skinfix 2% BHA Acne Spot Treatment because it targets acne effectively while minimizing irritation. In this formula, 2% salicylic acid unclogs pores while the 10% azelaic acid fades dark spots. Plus, the 2% niacinamide keeps oil in check and minimizes the appearance of pores.” — Dr. Toral Vaidya, MD, MPH, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist

Best At-Home Peel

BeautyStat Universal Triple Action Daily Peel

“BeautyStat’s founder, Ron Robinson, is a veteran cosmetic chemist, so your skin is safe with him. The brand’s Universal Triple Action Daily Peel is made with a balanced blend of AHAs, BHAs, and glucosamine for exfoliating—plus, polyglutamic acid, niacinamide, and pure green tea for hydrating and calming benefits. While peel pads may sound intimidating, trust me, this is the easiest treatment you’ll ever use. With one gentle wipe, I can smooth texture, reduce the look of pores, and enhance my skin’s overall radiance. It’s a must-have in my daily skincare routine.” — Olivia Hancock, senior beauty editor

Best LED Mask

Shark Beauty CryoGlow LED Face Mask

“I’ve completed over 50 red light sessions on Shark’s latest innovation, so I can confidently say—without a shred of doubt—that this is the best LED mask I have ever used. Multiple straps allow you to create a comfortable, tailored-to-you fit, and the interface is incredibly user-friendly, making it easy to choose a routine, count down until your session is completed, and even track your progress. But the greatest innovation here is the built-in under-eye cooling patches—they get cryo-level cold so you can de-puff while you LED. It’s genius.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best De-Puffing Tool

Skin Gym Glass Facial Cups Set

“I learned about these handy little cups from Joseph Carrillo, a facial sculptor and celebrity makeup artist whose magic hands and lymphatic drainage techniques I’ve come to swear by. I use them across my jaw, cheeks, nasolabial folds, brows, forehead, and under-eyes—in an upward sweeping motion toward the ears, temples, or down the neck—and finish with a visibly de-puffed and sculpted face. It’s like magic.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Microcurrent Device

Ziip Halo Nanocurrent and Microcurrent Facial Toning Device

“You’ve probably heard about the viral lifting and contouring benefits of microcurrent on social media or at least watched a celebrity trace their face with various devices. While the practice gives instant results, the best effects come from consistency, meaning you need a product that you will actually want to use daily. The Ziip Halo takes the guesswork out of tapping into the technology at home. Fitting in the palm of your hand, the device is intuitive to use, has an app to walk you through different treatments, and is the only product to use the full spectrum of electrical currents.” — Adelaide Giesey, editor

Most Innovative Injectable

Botox for Platysma Bands

“The FDA recently approved Botox for platysma bands, the vertical muscle bands that connect the jaw and neck, and it didn’t take me long to look into it and try the treatment myself. Rather than remove the necklines themselves (usually injectors will suggest filler for that), it works preventatively to ease the muscle and stop the lines from forming (or getting worse). This treatment works aesthetically to smooth the neck and jawline the same way it does your forehead wrinkles or crow’s feet. I work with Lisa Goodman from GoodSkin Clinics to do this and I couldn’t be happier with the results.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Laser Treatment

Clear & Brilliant

“I often recommend Clear + Brilliant for patients looking for gentle yet effective skin rejuvenation with minimal downtime. It improves tone, texture, and early signs of aging by stimulating healthy skin renewal. It’s also designed to be safe for all skin complexions.” — Dr. Toral Vaidya, MD, MPH, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist

Best Pro Peel

SkinCeuticals Smart TCA Peel

“My dermatologist has recommended this peel time and time again. I’m religious about sunscreen and physical protection like hats, but I still end up with a few freckles and sun spots at the end of every summer. This peel is my go-to around October when I want to lift that damage away and head into the cooler months with a clean, refreshed canvas.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Pro Clarifying Treatment

DiamondGlow

“DiamondGlow—specifically with with Edyta Jarosz at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue—is my absolute favorite facial. Throughout the treatment, you’ll receive a deep cleanse, facial massage, hydration, an LED treatment, and any add-ons that your esthetician might recommend for your specific skin. But the star of the show is the exfoliation stage, where a diamond-tipped wand (with varying grit strengths based on your skin’s needs) will slough away dead skin cells to reveal diamond-bright, baby-smooth skin. So many facials are either effective or relaxing, and DiamondGlow is truly both. I’ve had the treatment about a dozen times, most recently before my wedding in November, and the glow is so extreme every time.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Body Contouring Treatment

TruSculpt

“TruSculpt is a noninvasive body-contouring treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to reduce fat and improve skin laxity. For me, tightening is the thing—and my skin looked and felt noticeably tighter after the proposed three 15-minute sessions (spaced 13 weeks apart).” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Non-Invasive Anti-Aging Treatment, Face & Neck

Sofwave

“Sofwave works like magic. The treatment uses Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam (SUPERB) technology to treat fine lines and wrinkles, lift the brows and neck, and chisel the jawline (and 80% of clinical trial patients saw improvement in 12 weeks). I’ve had a few rounds with dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy Rose, MD, FAAD, to treat my face and neck. It takes about 30 minutes and a bunch of numbing cream, but it’s not too uncomfortable. Results appear in about three months.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Non-Invasive Anti-Aging Treatment, Eyes

EmFace Eyes

“For those in search of a little under-eye rejuvenation without the commitment of filler or surgery, EmFace Eyes is one of the most effective treatments you can try. Using a combination of radiofrequency and electrical stimulation, this treatment can improve puffiness, loss of elasticity, and even the appearance of dark circles (much like the already beloved EmSculpt body treatment). Your dermatologist can determine if you’re a candidate—and if you are, it’s a pretty painless procedure with a simple recovery.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director