The Best Skin-Care Products of 2026

When it comes to skin care, there’s nothing quite like the joy of finding a holy-grail product that delivers on its promises. Part ritual, part entertainment, and an inescapable conversation topic in 2026, the pursuit of healthy, glowing skin has never felt more front and center. 

Because every skin-care journey looks different, we sought to create the ultimate list of the best splurges, drugstore finds, and in-office treatments for wherever you are in the process. No ingredient-buzzword-salad products; only the new innovations and tried-and-true staples we’ve seen make a difference firsthand. Curated with input from a dermatologist, a celebrity aesthetician, a celebrity makeup artist, and our own staff of beauty editors who test dozens of new products each week, the 39 products ahead are the best of the best in skin care right now.

Best In-Office Microneedling

SkinPen
In-Office Collagen Induction,
Price Varies

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SkinPen delivers true, controlled collagen induction with a level of precision and safety that’s clinically validated. As an FDA-cleared device, it creates consistent micro-injuries that stimulate collagen and elastin production, improving texture, acne scarring, and overall skin quality over time. I use it in-office for patients who need deeper correction, especially for scarring and more advanced texture concerns. What makes it essential is the control; I can tailor depth and intensity based on individual needs, allowing for targeted results without unnecessary trauma. —Brittany Blancato, aesthetician

Best In-Office Injectable

Allergan Aesthetics
Botox Cosmetic,
Price Varies

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There is no topical or cosmetic procedure that can replace the effects of neuromodulators, [which are injectable, temporary muscle relaxants]. Allergan’s Botox continues to deliver reliable, consistent results. —Kiran Mian, D.O., board-certified dermatologist

Best In-Office Oxygen Facial

Zemits
OxiVelour Oxygen Dome System,
$2,190.00

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OxiVelour enhances everything that comes before it in a treatment rather than acting as a standalone step. By delivering high concentrations of pure oxygen, it helps improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and optimize the skin’s ability to absorb active ingredients. What makes it different is that it’s hands-free and systemic; it treats the entire face, neck, and décolletage at once while enhancing product penetration and overall skin performance. In a space where most add-ons are superficial, this actually improves how the skin responds to treatment long term. —B.B.

Best In-Office Laser

Aerolase allows me to treat color, texture, and tone at a deeper level without the downtime or risk associated with more aggressive lasers. It targets pigment, redness, acne, and collagen stimulation in a way that’s safe for all skin tones. What makes it essential is its versatility: I can treat multiple concerns in a single session while keeping the skin calm and intact. It’s powerful but controlled, which allows me to layer it seamlessly into my treatments rather than replacing everything with one aggressive modality. In a space where many lasers are either too limited or too harsh, Aerolase delivers consistent, clinical results without compromising the skin barrier. —B.B.

Best Makeup Remover Wipes

Neutrogena
Makeup Remover Cleansing Wipes,
$6.00

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These wipes are a very effective and convenient way to remove makeup. They quickly take off everything, including waterproof formulas, without needing to rub too much. The texture feels soft on the skin and is gentle to use. I always have these in my kit because they’re so reliable. They leave the skin feeling clean and refreshed without causing irritation. —Sophia Sinot, celebrity makeup artist

Best Cleansing Balm

Omorovicza
Thermal Cleansing Balm,
$115.00

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The Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm transforms cleansing into a treatment step rather than just makeup removal. Formulated with mineral-rich Hungarian Moor mud, it helps draw out impurities while rebalancing the skin without disrupting the barrier. I use it in-office and recommend it for home use, too, because it preps the skin properly, allowing the rest of the routine or treatment to work more effectively. It’s especially valuable for clients dealing with congestion, dullness, or imbalance. —B.B.

Best Cleansing Oil

Monastery Made
Rose Cleansing Oil,
$48.00

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If you don’t already use an oil-based cleanser, reconsider your routine. Nothing melts off makeup (and even really a bad day) like an oil formula, and this one from Monastery is one of the best. Made with 100 petals of Rose Bourbonia, it also smells like a dream. —Madeline Hirsch, fashion features director

Best Gentle Cleanser

iS Clinical
Cleansing Complex,
$49.00

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My seatmate at a Diane Von Furstenberg luncheon a few years ago, who happens to be a famous model with incredible skin, told me that she loves using this gentle cleanser to battle breakouts. Suffice it to say, I was influenced. Fast forward to today, and I swear by this product’s ability to melt away all traces of SPF and makeup without stripping my skin of its natural oils. —Jaimie Potters, beauty editor

Best Exfoliating Cleanser

Neostrata
Foaming Glycolic Wash,
$40.00

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Of all the alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) on the market, glycolic acid is the smallest, and thus, most potent, as it’s better able to penetrate the skin barrier than its larger cousins. Integrating glycolic acid into face washes isn’t anything new, but Neostrata’s high-strength foaming cleanser stands out for its ability to help even skin tone and cleanse congested pores. —J.P.

Best At-Home Microcurrent Device

If you’re gonna use an at-home microcurrent device, you might as well use the best. The ZIIP is the crème de la crème of microcurrent devices. It’s powered by an easy-to-navigate app that allows you to choose curated, guided experiences based on your goals. Want an instant lift? Need to quell a looming pimple? There’s a setting for both of those and so much more. —Kara Jillian Brown, senior beauty editor

Best At-Home Depuffing Device

Dermaflash
Dermaflash Cool,
$175.00

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This device is so easy to use! I love how you can target certain areas, like the undereyes and around the mouth, that tend to show signs of tiredness first. Combining massage with cooling is so innovative for at-home depuffing and lymphatic drainage! —K.M.

Best Toner Pads

Medicube
Toner Pads Zero Pore Pad 2.0,
$31.00

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As someone with acne-prone skin, these toner pads are my saving grace. They remove excess sebum, exfoliate, and refine your pores. Thanks to this product’s clarifying ingredients and low price point, it has a dedicated place in my bathroom cabinet. —Amanda Le, fashion & beauty writer

Best Exfoliating Toner

G.M.Collin
Peel Toner Exfoliant,
$70.00

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I’m such a huge fan of this toner. It strikes the perfect balance between power and restraint. It’s gentle enough to use twice a day, but potent enough to keep me coming back for more, thanks to a stunning combo of alpha, beta, and polyhydroxy acids with aloe vera. —K.J.B.

Best Hydrating Toner

Bloomeffects
Royal Tulip Hydrating Bi-Phase Tonic,
$39.00

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There’s a reason this tonic is all over social feeds. In addition to looking incredibly chic on any vanity, it also floods your skin with a milky blend of soothing and hydrating botanicals. It’s the perfect first step for any skin-care routine. —K.J.B.

Best Essence

Neuraé
Harmonie The Treatment Lotion,
$150.00

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This lotion is what brought me back to a multistep, somewhat indulgent skin-care routine. I put it on after toner and before moisturizer for a super-gulp of hydration. In addition to coating my skin in a soothing layer of red indigo extract, it also balances my senses, thanks to its grounding palo-santo-and-sandalwood scent. —K.J.B.

Best Facial Mist

La Prairie
Skin Caviar The Mist,
$190.00

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It doesn’t get more luxurious than an ultra-fine caviar-infused face mist, especially when it’s housed in La Prarie’s signature cobalt-blue packaging. Just a single spritz goes a long way in making skin feel smoother and more hydrated. If you’re traveling this summer, pack this spray to upgrade your skin care to business class. —J.P.

Best LED Mask

CurrentBody
Multi Light LED Mask,
$570.00

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The CurrentBody Multi Light Mask goes beyond single-wavelength LED and allows for targeted treatment across multiple skin concerns. With red, near-infrared, blue, and additional wavelengths, it can address premature aging, acne, pigmentation, and overall skin clarity in a more comprehensive way. I use it both in-office and recommend it for at-home use because it mirrors how I approach skin: treating color, texture, and tone rather than isolating one issue. My clients can adapt their treatment based on what their skin actually needs instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all device. —B.B.

Best Exfoliating Mask

Andalou
Brightening Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask,
$18.00

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Whenever your skin is feeling dull, this exfoliating mask is the way to go. Leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes and let its gentle blend of glycolic acid, manuka honey, and aloe vera work its magic. —K.J.B.

Best Eye Mask

Mediheal
Retinol Collagen Under Eye Patches,
$22.00

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These retinol-infused under-eye patches help deliver a supple, well-rested glow while reducing the appearance of puffiness and fine lines. For an extra boost, you can also apply them around the mouth or above the brows in place of a traditional sheet mask. —J.P.

Best Sheet Mask

Biodance
Rejuvenating Caviar PDRN Real Deep Mask,
$19.00

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K-beauty brand Biodance’s face masks didn’t earn their cult status by accident. The brand’s newest offering, the Caviar PDRN line, delivers serious hydration overnight. I use this mask on the first night of any international trip to ensure that I wake up looking reset, recharged, and glowy. —J.P.

Best Overnight Mask

Chantecaille
Blanc Peony Overnight Mask,
$198.00

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There’s just something about an overnight mask that never gets old (probably the fact that it does all the work while you’re asleep). If dark spots are a concern, look to Chantecaille’s brightening treatment to clock in during the night shift. Formulated with soothing ingredients like ectoin and niacinamide, it helps visibly even tone, soften texture, and delivers the kind of glow that makes people ask: “What’s your secret?” —J.P.

Best Illuminating Serum

Erly
Daily Dew Illuminating Serum,
$38.00

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Antioxidant-rich formulas are amazing for brightening hyperpigmentation and evening skin tone over time. But this one goes a step further, with the addition of finely milled mica to add an instant glow. It provides both long-term benefits and instant gratification for the best of both worlds. —K.J.B.

Best Balancing Serum

Sofie Pavitt Face
Mandelic Clearing Serum,
$54.00

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I’d long heard about Sophie Pavitt, a.k.a. the “acne whisperer” of New York. I was finally moved to try her mandelic acid serum after exhausting just about everything else for stubborn whiteheads. I saw a difference after one use—and things only got better from there. If for whatever reason I could only use one serum for the rest of my life (the horror!), this would be it. —J.P.

Best Brigthening Serum

Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty
Asta C Vitamin C Age Defense Serum,
$88.00

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Vitamin C is a must in any routine, as the potent antioxidant helps to neutralize skin-destabilizing free radicals. It helps to smooth and prevent fine lines and hyperpigmentation caused by environmental factors such as sun damage and pollution. This formula, which is enhanced by astaxanthin (a next-level antioxidant), anti-inflammatory turmeric, and two types of vitamin C, is a game-changer. —K.J.B.

Best Repairing Serum

Dr. Diamond’s Metacine
InstaFacial Plasma,
$200.00

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Designed to mimic platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and created by the plastic surgeon beloved by stars like Kim Kardashian and Chrissy Teigen, this treatment contains a mix of growth factors, peptides, and a retinoid. The multifaceted serum leaves skin looking firmer and smoother. —J.P.

Best Tone-Evening Serum

This powerhouse serum should be a go-to for anyone dealing with hyperpigmentation. It uses plant-derived exosomes to restore and support your skin’s natural signaling network, which basically means that, over time, your skin will be better suited to fix itself rather than relying solely on external helpers. It leaves you with more radiant and even skin. —K.J.B.

Best Pimple Patch

Hero Cosmetics
Mighty Patch,
$13.00

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Living up to their name, Hero’s mighty pimple patches help to shrink whiteheads and zits without any popping, picking, or prodding. If you don’t feel inclined to take it from me, take it from the hundreds of thousands of ratings that sing the praises of Mighty Patch—they work. —J.P.

Best Lash Serum

RevitaLash
RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner,
$100.00

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RevitaLash’s Advanced Eyelash Conditioner has a rabid following and even counts Meghan Markle as a fan. Its blend of peptides, panthenol, and biotin works to soften and strengthen lashes. —J.P.

Best Eye Serum

Exosomal delivery of peptides, plus depuffing caffeine and hydrating squalane, equals a beautifully effective eye serum. —K.M.

Best Eye Cream

Clé de Peau Beauté
Eye Contour Cream Supreme,
$132.00

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This eye cream has a luxurious texture and is lightweight yet hydrating, which is especially important for an eye cream that’s formulated with retinol. It keeps the under-eye area smooth and supple. —K.M.

Best Lightweight Cream

Typology
9-Ingredient Face Moisturizer D41,
$40.00

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This is the goldilocks of moisturizers. It’s lightweight yet hydrating, non-comedogenic, and suitable for sensitive skin. Featuring only nine ingredients, it has everything you need and nothing you don’t. —Emily Kelleher, senior editor

Best Hydrating Cream

Parëva Beauty
COLL20 Gel Cream Moisturizer,
$55.00

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Gel-cream moisturizers are wonderful for those who want the nourishment of a cream in a lighter-weight formula. This one is made with balancing niacinamide, strengthening collagen peptides, and soothing willowherb, delivering potent active ingredients without the greasy feeling of a traditional cream. Just two pumps go a long way in making my skin barrier feel instantly more hydrated. —J.P.

Best Firming Cream

Clarins
Extra Firming Energy Moisturizer,
$105.00

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This is the perfect day cream. It mixes skin-firming collagen peptides, antioxidant-rich pecan tree extract, together with soothing niacinamide. The texture is lightweight and silky, making it the perfect base for your day-to-day look, whether that includes makeup or is bare-faced and fresh. —K.J.B.

Best Smoothing Cream

Beau Domaine
The Rich Cream,
$99.00

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Meet one of my fave creams. I have super dry skin and love a thicker formula, especially during the winter. This cream can be used day or night, but I usually reach for it before bed to cocoon my skin in its velvety blend of lipids, antioxidants, and grape water. —K.J.B.

Best Barrier Repair Cream

Bubble Skincare
Soft Swerve Barrier Restore Balm,
$18.00

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This balm is magical. I used it to soothe the skin around my nose during and after a nasty cold, and it was so incredibly soothing. It healed my raw, flaky skin and helped me feel so much more comfortable during a pretty uncomfortable time. —K.J.B.

Best Face Oil

Costa Brazil
Kaya Anti-Aging Face Oil,
$125.00

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Costa Brazil’s gallery-worthy packaging belongs front and center (too striking to be relegated to bathroom drawers). Getting into the formula, this Brazilian rainforest elixir is a face oil that both normal and dry skin types can trust for a healthy, radiant glow. Active ingredients include its namesake kaya oil—which helps brighten, firm, and hydrate the skin—as well as baobab seed oil, cacay oil, and Brazilian nut oil. —J.P.

Best Sunscreen

Peach & Lily
Beam Blocker Invisible Sunscreen,
$34.00

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Hopefully, nobody needs a reminder in 2026 about how important it is to wear sunscreen religiously. If you’ve yet to find one that’s actually enjoyable to wear, K-beauty brand Peach & Lily’s latest offering blends invisibly (so long, white cast!) and leaves behind a radiant glass skin finish. —J.P.

Best Sunscreen Stick

Shiseido
Ultimate Sun Protector Clear Stick SPF 60+,
$33.00

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A sunscreen stick is the perfect item to toss in your bag for the warmer months (especially for those on the go). Not only does this one offer 60+ SPF protection, but it also glides on super smooth and never feels greasy. —A.L.

Best Lip Balm

I love the idea of adding antioxidant properties to a hydrating formula to not only nourish the lips, but also undo free radical damage in the same way we do for our skin. —K.M.