Jan 16, 2024
35 Skincare Products So Good, You’ll Buy Them Again
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
and again and again and again...
BuzzFeed Staff
Promising review: "So I have been using this for a month and I have to say — AMAZING. It really has helped my dark spots, which are also tied to my hormones. So the fact that it lightens them and keeps them from getting dark again during my period is a testament to the power of this stuff. Plus, this stuff just keeps going!! One pump is enough for my face, or two for my face and neck. Because of this it will last! It works amazingly well and considering how much you get, this is an amazing product. I highly recommend it." —J.H.
Get it from Amazon for $19.17.
Check out more viral TikTok beauty products that actually work!
Promising review: "I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!!!! I found it on TikTok, and OMG!! It works so well. I don't have to sit there and rub the crap out of my eyelashes to get the waterproof mascara off. I will admit, it doesn't take 100% of the makeup off, but about 95% of my makeup comes off. It is not water-resistant, as emulsifying it with water helps take the makeup off. I have not found a better makeup remover, and yes, that includes micellar water (which also works well but leaves my skin feeling oily). With this cleansing balm, my face feels hydrated and smooth. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!!!!!!! 1,000/10 would recommend!!!" —Deetje Frederick
Get it from Amazon for $14.24.
In the progression photos above, you can see a reviewer before applying the sun milk, after applying the sun milk, and then the sun milk under makeup.
Promising review: "I have dark, oily skin and purchased this product after reading recommendations. There is no white cast; you can barely see it upon application unless you use too much. You definitely do not need a lot, it spreads thin. When it dries, any color is gone. It also helps slow down my face getting all greasy as the day goes on, which I love. My skin is very, very oily but I can still apply this after my moisturizer and feel totally comfortable. I'm not a fan of scents, and the scent on this is extremely mild." —Ms. Renee
Get it from Amazon for $20.25.
Promising review: "I do not claim to understand the science behind these tiny miracles, but they have changed my life. I spent my workday looking forward to going home and putting one of these bad boys on my newly erupted Mt. Zit and the overnight results were shocking. Not only is it grossly satisfying, but it saved me several days of walking around with a bloody crater in my face because my previous method of dealing with unsightly blemishes was to pick pick pick." — Adg
Get a pack of 36 from Amazon for $10.77.
Promising review: "I am 53, had oily skin all of my life, and my pores are much more visible now at my age. This product completely changes how my skin looks with respect to my pores, and makeup looks wonderful on top of it. Have re-purchased many times!" —Johnna
Get it from Amazon for $16+ (available in two sizes).
Cocokind is a San Francisco–based, woman–founded small business that specializes in botanical-forward skincare with an emphasis on both physical and mental health.
Promising review: "Wow, I am truly impressed by this moisturizer! My skin, especially on my face, has a lot of texture due to acne and at first I wasn't sure if the cream would be too heavy but it's not at all. It's lightweight yet just a tiny bit tacky in a good way?! Lol my skin soaks it up and feels very dewy afterwards!" —Alex C.
Get it from Amazon for $17.60 or Cocokind for $22.
Promising review: "I have had KP (Keratosis Pilaris) for many years. It got worse when I got pregnant and I tried everything to get it to go away. I even went to my doctors and the things they suggested didn't do a thing. I have been using this KP scrub for over two years and it doesn't fully take it away, obviously, BUT it does help with redness, minimizing pores, and making MOST of it disappear. This stuff is the only saving grace for my chicken skin which I'm very self conscious about!" —Maddison Wal
Get it from Amazon for $10.80+ (available in four sizes).
Promising review: "Love this simple cleanser — it's gentle and has a pleasant feel/faint smell. One bottle lasts me a long time — I use this followed by micellar water. Easy!" —Dan Shaffer
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in two sizes).
I recently started using this, and I love it!! I have dry, sensitive skin, and one of my favorite things about it is that it's fragrance- and oil-free. It goes on soooo smooth (it's not tacky or greasy), and it leaves me feeling like a glazed donut for a few minutes before it sinks into my skin.
Promising review: "Tried tons of moisturizers over the years and this is by far the best! It absorbs completely with no residue and really feels luxurious. I have sensitive skin and this has been great and doesn't clog my pores." —Jennifer K.
Get it from Amazon for $20.70 or I Dew Care for $16.10.
Promising review: "Pacifica has been my favorite lately. I didn't discover them till 2022 and when I tried the Glow Baby Booster Serum it worked wonders. I’m medium to brown skin tone and this serum just enhances my skin color and I feel like I look more beautifully brown! Even my boyfriend noticed it one time when I was in the passenger seat and the sun was hitting my face. I thought yaaassss! I use the serum alone sometimes too because I feel it moisturizes my face. It also smells amazing and I’d rate the scent at least 8/10. It also makes my face feel plump :)" —Evey_smilies
Get it from Amazon for $15.20 or Pacifica for $18.
Blume is a woman– and POC–owned small business based in Canada that specializes in cruelty-free, vegan, and environmentally friendly products for skin, body, and period care.
Promising review: "Holy grail. This has changed the way my skin looks and feels! Hormonal breakouts are no longer a huge bummer, and I have officially subscribed to this product monthly!" —Ashley G.
Get it from Blume for $28+ (available in two sizes).
Peach & Lily is an Asian– and woman–owned small business that specializes in Korean skincare products made of natural and toxin-free ingredients.
Promising review: "I saw this serum all over my TikTok for you page, and I knew that I had to try it out, as their serum is so versatile and can cover and help so many kinds of skin concerns that I've been dealing with since my early teens. And now, ever since using it, I honestly swear by it. If you are considering trying the Peach and Lily collection products, I 100% recommend this serum repeatedly. My skin had never looked this great until I first tried it out. And my face looks so glowy, clear, and radiant." —Natalie Y.
Get it from Peach & Lily or Ulta for $39.
Promising review: "Absolutely worth the hype. Miss girl took ALL of my perpetually dry skin away in one use — just make sure you follow up moisturizer!!" —1303hrj
Get it from Sephora for $21.
Bolden is a Black- and woman-owned beauty brand that creates products that work well for and empower women of color. They also offer a handful of other skincare solutions from moisturizers and cleansers to night serums and spot treatments.
Promising review: "This is my second time purchasing the toner. I love the way it has my face glowing. I have noticed that my skin has a brighter tone or complexion. I highly recommend it." —Latonia J.
Get it from Bolden for $19.50.
Promising review: "This is by far the best product I’ve ever put on my face…like…I’m not kidding. I use it about twice a week — one minute or so each time with warm water. My skin is absolutely SO soft. You can see the dead skin coming off after a few circular motions and it's so much more noticeably soft. My complexion looks A LOT better. I will always have this in my skincare collection. It's great!" —Hannah B.
Get it from Amazon for $25.20 or Saturday Skin for $28.
Promising review: "I began using this product April of 2018. Two years later and my skin has been renewed!! I love this product so much. If you are of a darker complexion and have hyperpigmentation I would definitely recommend this product. It's been a life saver ❤️❤️❤️" —Kiara
Get if from Amazon for $21.97+ (available in two sizes).
Promising review: "I LOVE THIS! I spent every weekend for about a month going to Ulta buying high-end face moisturizers and eye creams and then returning them because my dry skin had gotten soooooo bad on my face and especially under my eyes and nothing was helping! I am someone with super dry skin.....My eyes are still a little drier than I would like but this has helped tremendously and more than any other product. I was about to give up on even wearing concealer because it was looking so dry and crepey but my concealer is looking good again since I've been using this for a few weeks! I am also noticing a small change in my fine lines. It is the most hydrating product for my face and eyes I have found and I have tried a lot!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $13.49+ (available in four sizes).
Promising review: "I have used this mask twice, and so far, I love it. I have acne scars, enlarged pores, and blackheads, and after two uses, I can already notice a difference in the appearance of my skin. My pores look smaller already, and the blackheads are clearing. I have used everything on my face, and nothing has worked on my pores. I LOVE this mask. It looks so funny!" —jb107711
Get it from Amazon for $9.15.
How does this cute lil' guy work, you may be asking? It's filled with active marine ingredients like Icelandic moss, xylitol, niacinamide, and adenosine — that's how!
Promising review: "I love this so much! It's super hydrating and feels really nice under the eyes. Recently my eyes have been super puffy due to allergies and this has been helping. I would recommend putting it in the fridge before you use it so it's extra cooling. I think that this product is comparable to if not better than Milk Makeup's Cooling Water Gel Stick (which I have also tried)." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
Promising review: "I went from very dry, flaky, and angry skin to soft and supple in about one week. I noticed a change instantly. My acne has even started clearing up. Keep in mind I also added vitamin E oil serum to my skincare routine at the same time. I highly recommend. The product has a great consistency, is cooling/calming, light, and has a pleasant smell." —Victoria Couty
Get it from Amazon for $15.13.
Promising review: "I have every skin issue you can think of. Rosacea, acne (hormonal, cystic, whiteheads, blackheads), dehydration, excessive oiliness, redness, all of it. I’ve spent probably thousands on a multitude of different products, trying to find one that would at least make a dent. Nothing I’ve ever used, nothing I’ve ever done, has made such a profound difference in the appearance of my skin. Having rosacea, my face often felt hot, bumpy, and burned. I’ve been trying to turn my skin around for YEARS!! this was the product that did it. If I could give it 100 stars I would. It has seriously changed my life!!!"—hc
Get it from Amazon for $12.35+ (available in two sizes).
Promising review: "I keep re-buying bottle after bottle. It is amazing, works great as a first-step cleanser as well as makeup remover. I use it daily and a bottle can last me for three to four months!" —Thu V.
Get it from Amazon for $8.52+ (available individually or in a pack of two).
Promising review: "I was sooo surprised by this when I first received it. A POWDER EXFOLIATOR? Let me tell you it works; you activate it with water and it leaves this creamy with slight grittiness texture to it, which works amazing when you work it into your skin. It leaves your skin looking so fresh and glowy. I’m in love! Also you get sooo much in there it will last me ages! If I ever do run out I will definitely be repurchasing and recommend this to anyone as you will be surprised!" —Monika Bruce
Get it from Ulta Beauty or Keys Soulcare for $25.
Promising review: "My skin NEVER felt smooth even with the prescriptions I was given to help with my tiny bumps and my rosacea was so bad that it was actually causing my cheeks to have thicker skin. My pores were friggin' huge and getting bigger day by the day, too. I know that it says to use this product every three days, but I went with every single day for the first box. The results were so amazing, I decided to do the same with the second box. EVERY SINGLE ISSUE LISTED ABOVE NO LONGER EXISTS!!!! I moisturize deeply after rinsing, and my face looks absolutely amazing. My face did not even look like this at 30. I am hooked, and I will be buying no less than three packs every single payday so I can stock up on this stuff in case they ever decide to quit selling it." —Amazon Customer
Get a box of eight masks from Amazon for $24.75.
Promising review: "I love this stuff! This is my second order and won't be my last. I use it with my vitamin C moisturizer, and it works great. Just as advertised, it is not greasy and soaks into my skin quickly, so I am makeup-ready before you know it. Highly recommend." —Mary Buker
Get it from Amazon for $14.98+ (available in four sizes).
Tower 28 is an LA-based small beauty brand specializing in nontoxic, nonirritating vegan, and cruelty-free makeup and skincare. Amy Liu, the founder and CEO, worked for 15+ years as a beauty exec before leaving to create products that would suit her sensitive eczema-prone skin.
Full disclosure: Many reviewers say the SOS spray's scent isn't super pleasant (think: chlorinated pool water) BUT it has helped them with hormonal breakouts and rosacea.
Promising review: "This is a holy grail product. I swear I have glass skin now thanks to this spray. My texture, pores, skin tone, hydration, everything seems better. I love how it looks, how it smells, and especially how happy it makes my skin. I’ll be buying this for the rest of my life. I’ve already repurchased it twice. Worth the hype." —CBTarker
Get it from Sephora (available in two sizes) or Tower 28 for $12+ (available in three sizes).
Promising review: "I wasn't sure if this would work at first because the texture is like body lotion, but after a couple of days I could really see the difference both in terms of hydration and acne! It's such a great face wash! I have struggled with my acne for years and have tried a billion different products and none of them worked like this one. My face looked flawless just two weeks after I used this. I don't do a lot of reviews but I’m glad I bought this and I'm writing this review after having bought it for the third time. Trust me, this is a really good product." —RONGHUI XIE
Get it from Amazon for $14.57.
Farmacy works with family-run small farms in southern California and northeast Brazil to source their ingredients. Use the facial oil alone or combine it with your go-to moisturizer for some extra hydration. You can also run some through your hair to tame flyaways.
Promising review: "Seriously my holy grail for dry skin! I aim for a hydrated, glowing, natural makeup look as much as possible so this helped me get my look on point. It's very beautiful on the skin simply! I’d wear it without makeup also. Beautifully made!" —lesapls
Get it from Sephora or Farmacy for $48.
See it in action on TikTok here.
Promising review: "After just two days of use, this adorable little octopus has done wonders for me, smells great too. Here's how I used it: I wore down the stick just a little to where the texture from the salt is visible, scrubbed around on my face so there was plenty of product, and then I used my fingers to gently massage all the gunk away. Rinse, pat dry, and enjoy the softness. Highly recommended for people with sensitive skin like myself." —LuckLocust
Get it from Amazon for $12.50.
Check out a reviewer's before-and-after TikTok here!
Promising review: "I swear by this product. Very effective on discolored skin due to scarring. I had shingles on my face brought about by stress because we were moving. It ravaged the lower right side of my face, and I was pretty sure it was going to leave terrible scarring. I bought this and started applying it when I started scabbing and still haven't stopped using it until now. I had my shingles in April, and it's August now. Check the 'before' and 'after' pics (above). It works." —twitch
Get it from Amazon for $10.26.
Promising review: "I got recommended this by a friend, and OMG I fell in love with this scrub — every single bead of it. Gently scrub and wash off with warm water. I so much love how my skin feels after rinsing!! Look so youthful and glowing!! More important is its vegan, cruelty free. You won't believe how many good things fit in one tube!!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available individually or in a pack of two).
Promising review: "My go-to skin care when my face seems dry and dull. It helps in removing the dullness and it makes my skin glow." —Amielle
Get them from Sephora or First Aid Beauty for $18+ (available in two sizes).
Promising review: "My new holy grail! I have super sensitive, acne-prone skin in a very dry climate. This stuff is seriously so amazing. I use it from my face to my toes. It has completely eradicated any dry skin I had and makes me glow. I’ve gotten so many compliments on my skin since I’ve started using it, even my boyfriend noticed! I love it after chemical peels, too. It gets rid of peeling and dry patches as well as soothing any redness. It's a decent-sized bottle for what you pay!" —Brynnieb09
Get it from Amazon for $13.46.
Promising review: "This stuff is absolutely incredible. In January of 2017 I finally decided to try an at-home peel in conjunction with retinoids. Take a look at the photos I posted and you'll see how happy I am with my progress (after photo on the right taken June 2017). I've used this peel once a week and have had incredible results. Previously I did three rounds of Fraxel, which only resulted in severe pain, peeling, and grossness. Oh yes, and an empty savings account. For 30 bucks every few months I achieved better results than I got at a dermatologist's office." —Meredith
Get it from Amazon for $26.96.
Promising review: "Tried these for the first time and am impressed! I kept them on longer, until they were pretty much dry, and when I took them off I couldn't believe my eyes — pun intended. There was an obvious visible improvement. My under eyes were no longer puffy, looked a lot smoother, and the dark circles were much better. They are cooling gel cushions and feel very refreshing and soothing. They have no fragrance. This is now a part of my skincare regimen and will definitely be buying this again." —susanshi
Get 30 pairs/60 patches from Sephora for $55.
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Promising review AMAZING It really has helped my dark spots, which are also tied to my hormones. So the fact that it lightens them and keeps them from getting dark again during my period is a testament to the power of this stuff. Promising review: I have not found a better makeup remover, and yes, that includes micellar water (which also works well but leaves my skin feeling oily). Promising review: There is no white cast; you can barely see it upon application unless you use too much. Promising review I do not claim to understand the science behind these tiny miracles, but they have changed my life. Promising review Promising review: my skin soaks it up and feels very dewy afterwards! Promising review I have been using this KP scrub for over two years and it doesn't fully take it away, obviously, BUT it does help with redness, minimizing pores, and making MOST of it disappear. Promising review Promising review It absorbs completely with no residue and really feels luxurious. Promising review this serum just enhances my skin color and I feel like I look more beautifully brown! I use the serum alone sometimes too because I feel it moisturizes my face. Promising review: Holy grail. Promising review: My skin had never looked this great until I first tried it out. And my face looks so glowy, clear, and radiant Promising review Promising review Promising review You can see the dead skin coming off after a few circular motions and it's so much more noticeably soft. Promising review If you are of a darker complexion and have hyperpigmentation I would definitely recommend this product. Promising review this has helped tremendously and more than any other product. I was about to give up on even wearing concealer because it was looking so dry and crepey but my concealer is looking good again since I've been using this for a few weeks! Promising review: Promising review Promising review Promising review I’ve been trying to turn my skin around for YEARS!! this was the product that did it. If I could give it 100 stars I would Promising review I use it daily and a bottle can last me for three to four months! Promising review you get sooo much in there it will last me ages! If I ever do run out I will definitely be repurchasing and recommend this to anyone as you will be surprised! Promising review: EVERY SINGLE ISSUE LISTED ABOVE NO LONGER EXISTS!!!! My face did not even look like this at 30 Promising review: This is my second order and won't be my last. Just as advertised, it is not greasy and soaks into my skin quickly Promising review: My texture, pores, skin tone, hydration, everything seems better. I love how it looks, how it smells, and especially how happy it makes my skin. Promising review I have struggled with my acne for years and have tried a billion different products and none of them worked like this one. My face looked flawless just two weeks after I used this. Promising review Promising review: this adorable little octopus has done wonders for me, smells great too. Rinse, pat dry, and enjoy the softness. Highly recommended for people with sensitive skin like myself. Promising review: Check the 'before' and 'after' pics (above). It works. Promising review I so much love how my skin feels after rinsing!! Look so youthful and glowing!! Promising review Promising review I have super sensitive, acne-prone skin in a very dry climate. This stuff is seriously so amazing. I use it from my face to my toes. Promising review: For 30 bucks every few months I achieved better results than I got at a dermatologist's office. Promising review when I took them off I couldn't believe my eyes — pun intended. This is now a part of my skincare regimen and will definitely be buying this again.