When it comes to skincare, some products stand the test of time.
These aren’t just trendy serums or viral creams—they’re the products experts, influencers, and skincare lovers keep returning to because they simply work.
Whether you’re battling dryness, fine lines, acne, or just want to maintain a healthy glow, this list of 28 skincare staples has something for everyone.
1. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Gentle and effective, this cleanser is packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to nourish the skin while removing dirt and makeup.
It’s especially great for dry or sensitive skin, helping maintain the skin’s natural barrier without leaving it tight or dry.
2. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Loved for its lightweight formula and prebiotic thermal water that helps restore the skin’s barrier.
It absorbs quickly, providing hydration for up to 48 hours, and is suitable for all skin types including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
3. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
An affordable powerhouse that balances oil, reduces redness, and improves skin texture.
This serum is ideal for those struggling with acne or large pores, and the addition of zinc helps calm inflammation.
4. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This cult-favorite uses salicylic acid to clear pores and even skin tone.
It helps reduce blackheads, blemishes, and signs of aging with regular use, making it a staple in many skincare routines.
5. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
A dermatologist-favorite vitamin C serum that brightens and protects against environmental damage.
With its potent blend of antioxidants, it helps combat fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and dullness.
6. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
A non-comedogenic sunscreen that also helps calm sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Its formulation with niacinamide makes it a go-to for reducing redness while protecting against harmful UV rays.
7. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Infused with hyaluronic acid, it delivers intense hydration in a lightweight, gel-based formula.
It’s perfect for layering under makeup and provides a refreshing boost for dehydrated skin.
8. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
A French pharmacy staple that removes makeup and impurities without irritation.
It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and effective enough to remove waterproof makeup.
9. Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
Packed with peptides and amino acids to firm and strengthen the skin.
It improves skin tone, texture, and elasticity, making it an excellent choice for those targeting signs of aging.
10. Tatcha The Water Cream
An oil-free moisturizer that provides burst hydration with a matte finish.
It includes Japanese botanicals that help tighten pores and smooth skin texture while controlling oil.
11. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Ideal for dry, sensitive skin, this rich cream calms irritation and strengthens the skin barrier.
It contains colloidal oatmeal and shea butter to soothe and hydrate rough patches.
12. Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer
Soothes inflamed skin with prebiotic oat and feverfew.
Its gel texture offers cooling hydration, making it perfect for rosacea or post-procedure skin.
13. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
A K-beauty hero that promotes healing and deeply hydrates.
Snail mucin supports skin regeneration, reduces acne scars, and improves elasticity.
14. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Brightens dull skin and delivers a dewy finish with niacinamide and watermelon extract.
It also doubles as a makeup primer for glowing skin.
15. Murad Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment
Fast-acting and effective, this salicylic acid formula targets breakouts in hours.
It helps reduce inflammation and pimple size without drying out surrounding skin.
16. Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment
Smooths and clarifies with a high-strength lactic acid formula.
It exfoliates gently yet effectively to reveal brighter, more even-toned skin.
17. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
A drugstore classic with peptides and niacinamide to reduce fine lines.
It plumps and firms skin with consistent use, offering luxury results at a budget price.
18. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
Hydrates without being heavy and is a go-to for everyday moisturization.
It locks in moisture even in extreme weather and is safe for sensitive skin.
19. The Inkey List Retinol Serum
Gentle yet effective, this affordable retinol helps fight signs of aging.
Ideal for beginners, it supports cell turnover and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
20. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
A cult favorite for deeply nourishing lips overnight.
It leaves lips soft, smooth, and plump by morning with the help of vitamin C and antioxidants.
21. Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask
Soothing and cooling, perfect after sun exposure or irritation.
It calms redness, hydrates, and reduces puffiness with botanical extracts.
22. Pixi Glow Tonic
Exfoliates and brightens with 5% glycolic acid and soothing botanicals.
It gently removes dead skin cells to reveal a radiant complexion without over-drying.
23. Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream
Great for dry, flaky skin on the face and body.
It contains ceramides and natural moisturizing factors that restore the skin barrier.
24. Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream
Budget-friendly, lightweight, and packed with antioxidants.
This gel-cream absorbs quickly and hydrates without clogging pores—ideal for oily or combo skin.
25. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
An intense weekly exfoliant for improving skin clarity and texture.
It unclogs pores and smooths skin, but should be used with caution due to its strength.
26. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Perfect for sensitive skin with no fragrance or harsh ingredients.
It cleanses effectively without disrupting the skin’s protective barrier.
27. Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser
Packed with kale and green tea, this cleanser is a refreshing daily staple.
It removes makeup and impurities while providing antioxidant protection.
28. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Melts away makeup effortlessly without stripping the skin.
It’s great for all skin types and leaves skin clean and soft without residue.
FAQs
Q1: Are these products suitable for all skin types?
Most of these products have been selected for their universal appeal, but it’s always best to patch test and choose based on your specific needs (oily, dry, combination, sensitive).
Q2: How should I layer these skincare products?
Start with cleansing, follow with toner/essence, then serums, moisturizers, and SPF in the morning. In the evening, use actives like retinol and exfoliants as needed.
Q3: Can I mix products from different brands?
Absolutely! Most skincare enthusiasts build routines using a mix of brands. Just be careful with actives like AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids.
Q4: How long until I see results?
Consistency is key. Most products show noticeable changes after 4–8 weeks of regular use.
Q5: What should I avoid combining?
Avoid mixing strong exfoliants (AHAs/BHAs) with retinol or vitamin C without proper guidance. Too many actives at once can irritate the skin.
Ready to upgrade your routine? These 28 skincare heroes are the perfect place to start.
Hi, I’m the creator of PureGlowTips, a passionate advocate for natural beauty, skincare wellness, and holistic self-care. With years of experience exploring DIY remedies, clean beauty routines, and nutrition for healthy skin, I aim to empower women to glow from the inside out—naturally. Whether you’re struggling with acne, looking to simplify your beauty routine, or just love pampering your skin, you’ll find real, effective tips here that actually work.
