34 best skincare products of 2024: Shop TODAY beauty awards

Your skin is the largest organ you have so the way you treat it is important. Whether you have acne-prone skin and are searching for a solution, or hope to bring a little relief to chapped lips, the products below have all earned the Shop TODAY stamp of approval.

For our second annual Beauty Awards, TODAY staffers (and a few members of our Mom Squad) incorporated new face moisturizers, trending body lotions, anti-aging products and more into their routines.

From retinol-packed products that tackle fine lines and wrinkles to vitamin C serums and creams that aim to tighten and brighten the skin, these products were tested over the course of a month and ranked in terms of quality, value and satisfaction.

Skin care winners | Has your product been featured? | Meet the experts | How we chose

Shop TODAY 2024 Beauty Award skin care winners

Best facial cleanser for oily skin

Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Fighting Face Wash

Award: Best budget facial cleanser for oily skin | Score: 4.67/5

A classic for a very good reason, this budget-friendly cleanser is a popular drugstore find for all of its acne-fighting perks. As you’re using it to deeply clean pores, the oil-free formula consists of salicylic acid to treat current breakouts and prevent future ones.

TULA The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser (Fragrance-Free)

Award: Best overall facial cleanser for oily skin | Score: 5/5

Oily skin types will appreciate the purifying and clarifying perks of this best-selling face wash, which claims to help maintain skin balance, remove dirt and exfoliate without stripping. The ingredient list highlights a blend of prebiotics, probiotic extracts, turmeric and others that equally promote healthy skin as you cleanse.

Norie Kimchii Cleanser

Award: Most innovative facial cleanser for oily skin | Score: 4.5/5

The Norie Kimchii Cleanser is so good, one tester called it one of the “best cleansers I’ve tried.” It’s incredibly gentle on the skin (It’s fragrance-free!), a perk for sensitive skin types, and a machine at controlling breakouts, bumps and texture. And you guessed it: That’s because of probiotic L. Kimchii (a natural anti-microbial) that, alongside a 2% salicylic acid, treats oil and acne without irritation.

“I’m relatively satisfied with how effective it is with smoothing out my texture, ridding of lingering oil that accumulates while I’m sleeping or from my daily activities, and removing (most of) my makeup,” notes senior editor Jess Bender. “I didn’t think the recommended amount (a pea- or dime-sized dollop) was going to be enough to get the job done, but it surprisingly does!”

Best exfoliating mask

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution

Award: Best exfoliating mask | Score: 5/5

The 10-minute exfoliating facial is a quick remedy for targeting congestion and dullness at an affordable price point. The Ordinary is already highly praised for its products because the brand checks value in cost and quality. So for this treatment, you can expect it to do as it promises.

But while the 32% AHA and BHA combo is quite high, the brand recommends the product for those experienced with chemical exfoliants, and to take caution if you have sensitive skin.

Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial

Award: Best splurge exfoliating mask | Score: 5/5

Not only do you receive the perks of chemical, physical and enzymatic exfoliants, but this facial mask also offers tons of brightening results thanks to a gold-stabilized vitamin C. Expect improvement in texture and a brighter, more even complexion after use, which the brand compares to the results from office microdermabrasion facials.

Best facial cleanser for dry skin

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

Award: Best overall facial cleanser for dry skin | Score: 5/5

Although the “watery” consistency of this cleanser took TODAY editor Liz Calvario by surprise, she quickly became impressed by how gentle it was on her skin.

“After using it nightly, I really liked how hydrating this cleanser is and how fresh my face feels,” she notes, and added that her skin hasn’t felt dry (or that pesky “tight” feeling) after cleansing, which some dry skin users might know all too well with foaming cleansers. But since the brand formulates the product with spring water, niacinamide and ceramide-3 the skin feels the opposite: Comfortable and hydrated.

Best night cream

Versed Sweet Relief Overnight Barrier Balm

Award: Best overall night cream | Score: 5/5

This night cream is described as a balance between a restorative balm and a deeply moisturizing mask, which Kara Haupt, the senior director of art and photography at NBC News Digital, can attest to. “I really loved this product — it seemed to seal in hydration well overnight,” she highlights. “The texture was close to a body butter, but was not sticky like ‘slugging’ can be.”

While it is meant to be used for ‘slugging‘ (the technique of applying an emollient followed by a moisturizer at night), the product shouldn’t be a mess to apply since it melts into the skin, and goes from a balm to a cream once warmed with your fingertips.

Junk Theory PALO — Plum Algae Overnight Treatment

Award: Best night cream for aging/mature skin | Score: 4.17/5

Moisturize and treat the skin with Junk Theory’s Plum Algae Overnight Treatment. We placed it as the “Best night cream for aging/mature skin” because it contains a powerhouse of ingredients to promote skin renewal. From rich lipids to exfoliating AHAs, this night cream works overtime as you sleep to deliver plumping hydration and improve signs of aging.

Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream

Award: Best oil-free night cream| Score: 4.56/5

We couldn’t help but choose more than one product to highlight in this category. One reviewer had nothing but praise for this cream after using it on their dry skin. As the brand promises, their skin quickly felt hydrated and smooth once applied and blended. We can attribute this result to the powerful proteins and rich seaweed inside.

Best face moisturizer

The INKEY List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturizer + Barrier Strengthening

Award: Best overall face moisturizer | Score: 5/5

Consider this an all-in-one moisturizer. During our tests, one reviewer praised the product for its rich consistency, noting that it provided the right amount of moisture without being too overwhelming.

But on top of supporting your skin’s moisture barrier, this moisturizer ticks every box in combatting common aging concerns. According to the brand, it tackles six key signs (yes, six!), including elasticity, firmness and fine lines and wrinkles. What more can you ask for?

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream

Award: Best new launch face moisturizer | Score: 4.83/5

Earning a nearly perfect score, Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Water Cream is highly loved for its lightweight texture. Consider it a sister to the brand’s viral Magic Cream, as this version promises the same long-lasting hydration and dewy complexion, except in a weightless, fragrance-free gel-like formula. Plus, it can even be used as a makeup primer.

After using it during the testing period, senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil says her “combination skin feels hydrated but not oily, and has a subtle glow and brightness both with and without makeup.” She noted that “It’s an effective product that, in my experience, delivers on a lot of its claims.”

Environ Skincare Vita-Complex Super Moisturiser

Award: Best splurge face moisturizer | Score: 5/5

We can agree that this moisturizer is a splurge, but trust us when we say it is well worth it. After all, it did earn a place as our “Best splurge face moisturizer” because of how well it met every mark during our tests. In quality, value and satisfaction, one reviewer gave the product a perfect score. They noticed it lived up to its moisturizing claims, and also how incredibly soft their skin felt after a few pumps.

Best moisturizers for aging skin

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer

Award: Best overall anti-aging moisturizer | Score: 5/5

It’s true that L’Oréal’s Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer is a triple threat since it too earned a perfect score in all three of our categories. According to the brand, users should expect noticeably brighter and improved skin in just one week of use. And throughout our testing period, Kara Quill, Shop TODAY’s social media editor, often noticed an improvement in her skin with this product alone.

When using the moisturizer during the morning and evening, Quill says her skin “looks visibly brighter and the formula melts into my skin quickly.” She adds “I am starting to see less skin imperfections. I even stopped using a primer because my makeup sits so well on top of this cream.”

Nakery Beauty Lift-TOX Multi-Power Firming Rich Cream

Award: Best anti-aging moisturizer | Score: 4.33/5

Firmer and more lifted skin in a bottle? Sign us up! That’s what Nakery Beauty boasts when discussing all things Lift-TOX. Their site suggests that the cream is clinically proven to “snap back skin” after using the product for three days. How it works is by instantly lifting and tightening the skin with collagen, Lilac Plant Stem Cells and other multi-powered ingredients, that simultaneously aid with prevention. It’s a true skin-TOX!

Plus, TODAY readers earn a special discount of the brand’s site when using code TODAY.

Manuka Health Eternal Renewal Regenerating Face Cream

Award: Best splurge anti-aging moisturizer | Score: 4/5

When it comes to our skin, we deserve to treat it with the best of the best, and sometimes that means splurging a little. This anti-aging moisturizer might have a hefty cost, but the outcome makes the price point well worth it. Since it contains royal jelly, bee venom and MGO 800+ Mānuka Honey, users can expect a “natural regenerative” and smoothing effect on the skin.

Royal jelly, for instance, has shown protective effects for wound healing and aging, according to a study from the National Institutes of Health, while honey has been praised for its incredibly nourishing perks for dry spots. Those facts alone might just show how impressive this product is.

Best sunscreen for face

Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen

Award: Best budget sunscreen for face | Score: 4.33/5

For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, our testers adored this find from Bliss for its seamless blend and non-greasy finish.

“I was a bit hesitant when I first tried this because I have never used a tinted sunscreen before, and was scared it would leave a weird tint on my face, but this blends in very smoothly!” boasts Kayiu Wong, a TODAY Show researcher. “The tint vanishes effortlessly and it mattifies my skin, which I appreciate as someone who usually has some shine on my T-zone and forehead.” This finish offered a seamless transition into our tester’s makeup routine, too, but can be used alone. “Since the tint is sheer, this is a great option for a quick ‘no makeup’ makeup look.”

EltaMD UV Lotion Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+

Award: Best overall sunscreen for face | Score: 5/5

In the sunscreen world, EltaMD ranks high as one of the most respected SPF brands out there. Besides our very own, the brand’s products have earned multiple awards for incredible protection. While there are multiple to choose from, our favorite of the bunch is their UV Lotion.

Offering an SPF of 30+, the product offers ample amount of sun protection for every day on the face and body. EltaMD also made sure to include hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to treat your skin as it protects.

“As a fair-skinned person with a lifelong love/hate relationship with sunscreen (I usually dislike the feel, texture, pasty white sheen and smell), this quality impressed me!,” notes TODAY Digital weekend editor Maddie Ellis. “It went on like a gentle lotion. It definitely still has that sunscreen-y smell, but it lasted long, offered protection and didn’t make my body and face feel oily.”

Best sunscreen for darker skin tones

Banana Boat Light as Air Face Sunscreen Lotion

Award: Best overall sunscreen for darker skin tones | Score: 5/5

Besides vitamin C, sunscreen should be implemented in everyone’s routines, especially during the warmer months. However, not every sunscreen is effective for every skin tone. This one from Banana Boat will subside any thoughts of a possible white cast as it rubs into a clear, breathable formula. The only concern about this SPF is remembering to reapply throughout the day.

Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50

Award: Best viral find | Score: 4.67/5

Bioré claims their Aqua Rich sunscreen is fast-absorbing on everyone, regardless of skin tone, leaving no indication of a white cast. And since this SPF is sheer and breathable, it shouldn’t clog pores, leaving your mind and skin with ease. Another perk to the product is that it is compatible with makeup, so you can consider making it your everyday SPF.

Best exfoliator for face

Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Renewing Face Exfoliator

Award: Best overall exfoliator for face | Score: 5/5

Inspired by in-office microdermabrasion treatments, Dr. Brandt’s Microdermabrasion Renewing Face Exfoliator offers double exfoliation as you work the product into the skin. The product simultaneously physically exfoliates with biodegradable microgranules, and offers a chemical exfoliation with AHAs (glycolic and lactic acid) to address texture and other concerns safely and effectively.

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

Award: Best splurge exfoliator | Score: 4.83/5

This viral favorite exfoliator had to be on our winners list, of course, because of just how easy it is to use. The two-step system guides you through each step, with one pad used to exfoliate and smooth, and the other to neutralize and boost radiance. It’s a simple yet highly effective treatment that can be swiftly used while traveling, too.

Skinceuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst Exfoliating Booster Serum

Award: Best new launch facial exfoliator | Score: 4.33/5

SkinCeuticals recently launched the Cell Cycle Catalyst Exfoliating Booster Serum, and it has already gained tons of love for its anti-aging and exfoliating benefits, especially from our tester.

“I’ve used this in my nighttime routine rotation for the last three months, and can testify to it helping improve the appearance of subtle lines and discoloration throughout my face,” says Bender. “I was also surprised by how exfoliating it was considering the watery texture of the serum, but it really did an excellent job smoothing out some areas I missed during my usual face washing.”

Since it contains a 7.7% multi-acid complex and more renewing ingredients, users should expect the product to gently peel and promote the skin’s cellular turnover.

Best hydrating serums

Thayers Milky Hydrating Face Toner with Snow Mushroom and Hyaluronic Acid

Award: Best overall hydrating serum | Score: 5/5

You might be familiar with Thayers’ Witch Hazel, but did you know they offer other types of toners, too? This silky one, in particular, earned our award for “Best overall hydrating serum” because of its continuous hydration after use. Additionally, the unique mix of snow mushroom and hyaluronic acid delivers a milky formula that preps and moisturizes so that your skin is ready for your routine’s next steps.

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Bi-Phase Serum

Award: Best splurge hydrating serum | Score: 4.50/5

“If you want to wake up with skin that glows and feels as soft and smooth as a baby, use this!,” boasts Wong. “I use this serum at night to repair my skin barrier after long days, and I love the way it makes my skin feel silky and hydrated when I wake up.”

Although some might be hesitant to try the serum because it is a splurge, Wong says a little bit of product goes a long way. “I actually get so excited when I use it at night because I know I’ll be waking up with glowy, lovely skin the next morning!”

She also notes that the serum is incredibly lightweight, and absorbs into the skin fairly quickly. “You can definitely feel and notice a difference after you put it on,” Wong adds.

Best retinols

Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum

Award: Best overall retinol | Score: 4.83/5

Based on our review and the thousands across various retailers, it is true that Shani Darden’s Retinol Reform deserves the title of the best of the best retinols on the market. For one, it contains a reasonable amount of encapsulated retinol, so you can trust it is gentle enough on the skin — even for beginners. Second, the anti-aging perks don’t stop with those ingredients: The serum also contains AHAs and apple extract to exfoliate and reduce visible signs of aging. It’s working overtime!

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Regenerating Cream

Award: Best budget retinol | Score: 4.83/5

Whether it be over-the-counter or a prescription, retinol can be pricey. But we tested and found a budget-friendly option for those looking to stay within a specific price range: The Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Regenerating Cream. While it is an affordable find, it doesn’t compromise on quality, earning nearly perfect remarks from both of our reviewers.

“Right away I loved that this retinol is a cream — I usually have to follow retinol serums up with a heavy moisturizer, so it was great that this was two products in one,” raves Rheana Murray, a senior lifestyle reporter for TODAY Digital at NBC News. “I used this liberally day and night for two weeks and only saw some very light peeling on my cheeks, so this also seemed gentler than other retinols I’ve used.”

Best vitamin C serums

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Brightening Serum

Award: Best overall vitamin C serum | Score: 5/5

It’s no secret that vitamin C is one of the most important ingredients to have in your routine. After all, it has been proven to reduce damage from environmental stressors (e.g. UV rays, hyperpigmentation), so it is highly recommended for those looking for brightening and anti-aging in their skin care.

However, not all vitamin C serums are alike (It’s a very sensitive ingredient!), so we made sure to put the best to the test. Earning a top spot was this find from Bliss, which boasts a stable vitamin C and peptides to visibly improve common skin concerns, all without disrupting the quality of the ingredient you’re getting.

TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum

Award: Best budget vitamin C serum | Score: 5/5

Still on the hunt for a vitamin C serum? We couldn’t stop at one after we saw impressive results from this pick from TruSkin during our trials. Just after a few uses, our tester noticed their skin visibly brighter. The formula alone leaves a slight luminosity on the skin, which we praise the addition of hyaluronic acid and other hydrating ingredients for, but it also has a powerful vitamin C in the mix to brighten and even skin tone.

Summer Fridays CC Me Serum

Award: Best splurge vitamin C serum | Score: 4.83/5

We have tested other products from Summer Fridays (Hi Dream Lip Oil!), and we are constantly impressed. So it makes sense that their CC Me Serum was loved by our testers, and earned a spot in our winners list.

The rich serum uses vitamin C and niacinamide to improve dull skin and texture, so you should expect a more even complexion after consistent use. Plus, niacinamide and squalane ensure that your skin feels and looks restored and moisturized. Talk about an all-around treat!

Best lip treatment

ESW Beauty Lip Treatment

Award: Best overall lip treatment | Score: 5/5

Perfect and treat your pout with this luxe lip treatment from ESW Beauty. We’d like to say that it is no ordinary lip balm. Essentially, you might want to skip the lip gloss because the product leaves a gorgeous glossy finish that truly makes them look soft and supple. But get this: It contains ultra-hydrating ingredients to make sure your lips feel that way, too, such as shea butter and hyaluronic acid.

“It’s great alone or paired with a brown lip liner,” suggests production associate Audrey Ekman. “The hydration lasts for hours and it’s way more affordable — and, in my opinion, better — than other, more hyped-up products out there.”

Best eye creams

Summer Fridays Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream

Award: Best overall eye cream | Score: 5/5

We might be used to applying vitamin C for combatting dullness and hyperpigmentation, but it can be effective for tackling dark circles, too. Summer Fridays uses the powerhouse in its eye cream to visibly firm and brighten the delicate eye area. And with caffeine and natural light reflectors in the formula, the product’s brightening perks continue. We love that the caffeine de puffs while the reflectors leave an illuminating finish.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Gel-Cream

Award: Best splurge eye cream | Score: 4.50/5

Cooling on the skin, your under eyes will rejoice after applying Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair eye cream. And they’ll show you, too: The brand promises improvement in just two weeks of use, including visibly brighter dark circles and reduced eye aging. While the name suggests that it’s for night use, it can be applied during the day time, too.

Best neck creams

RoC Multi Correxion Crépe Repair Face & Neck Cream

Award: Best overall neck cream | Score: 4.17/5

Don’t forget the neck and dec! Signs of aging don’t just stop at the face — other parts of the body, such as the neck and décolletage, are indicators, too. This cream is designed to treat crépey skin on both the face and neck by plumping creases and fine lines over time.

“I loved how smooth this cream was!,” says trending editor for TODAY Digital, Nicoletta Richardson. “The directions let you put on as much as needed so you really felt like you could moisture without fearing you would overdo it, and I remember going to bed with it and waking up to super smooth skin.”

goPure Beauty Tighten & Lift Neck Cream

Award: Best splurge neck cream | Score: 4.11/5

Here’s another pick to consider from goPure Beauty. This neck cream particularly targets sagging in the neck and chest, even for the deepest wrinkles. And based on their trials (and our very own, of course!), users saw visible improvement in various concerns and areas in four to eight weeks.

Has your product been featured?

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Meet the experts

• Armando Kole is a celebrity makeup artist based in Los Angeles. He’s assisted celebrities in getting ready for red carpets, premieres, album releases and more.
• Dr. Michael Bassiri-Tehrani is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in New York City.
• Clayton Hawkins is a celebrity hairstylist, specializing in wigs and extensions. Based in Los Angeles, his work has graced the cover of magazines, seen on red carpets and more.
• Dr. Michelle Henry is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon based in New York City.
• Rogério Cavalcante is a hairstylist and the founder of The Second Floor Salon in New York City.

How we chose

We sorted through nearly 1,200 new launches, editor recommendations, trending and tried-and-true products to come up with 155 winners. We hosted an in-house glam session, putting them through practical experiments to see if they meet requirements when it comes to value, satisfaction and quality for makeup, skin care, beauty and hair products and tools. Over the course of up to four months, our team of editors and writers tried products in every beauty category: hair, body, skin and makeup. Finally, our panel of experts reviewed some of our winners to give their sign-off based on ingredients and other factors.