Whatever your skin or hair needs, were here to help.
After going through the testers feedback, 139 products emerged as winners.
In all, the process took about six monthsand continued despite a global pandemic.
Getty Images/Julia August/Morgan Johnson
We were planning to publish these awards a few weeks ago.
Brand ownership wasnt something that wed even considered as part of our testing process.
Supporting and promoting Black-owned businesses is just one of many ways we can do that.
We did a comprehensive audit of all brands that submitted products for approval.
We tested the same percentage of BIPOC-owned brands; and the same percentage won awards.
Thats something well be doing next year.
Then we took a look at the reviews.
Know that, ultimately, there are a lot of individual differences when it comes to skin care.
And over-the-counter products can only do so much.
Dry skin is skin that is not getting enough moisture or not able to keep hydration in the skin.
But, because dry skin can also be acne-prone, check that those thick moisturizers arent also comedogenic.
If your dry skin is also on the very sensitive side, you may also want to avoid fragrances.
Combination skin is, admittedly, a little bit tricky.
LOOK FOR:Light hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, as well aschemical exfoliants and retinoids.
AVOID: Moisturizers that are too thick or occlusive and may include comedogenic ingredients like coconut oil.
For those with sensitive skin, our experts recommend sticking with simple, gentle cleansers and moisturizers.
LOOK FOR:Hydrating and calming ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, and ceramides.
Acne-fighting exfoliants likeazelaic acid and PHAsare good options for sensitive skin when other ingredientslike AHAs and BHAsare too irritating.
That extra sebum also frequently contributes to the formation of acne, so oily skin is also often acne-prone.
They should also opt for lighter moisturizers that are less likely to contain pore-clogging ingredients.
Acne-fighting ingredients includingbenzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and retinoids.
tea tree oil help soothe those pimples.
AVOID: Ingredients that may becomedogenic(meaning they can clog pores).
As we age, our skin naturally goes through changes.
It usually becomes drier and loses some elasticity.
But they alsostress the importance of wearing sunscreen every single dayto prevent the spots from getting darker.
LOOK FOR: Chemicalexfoliants including alpha-hydroxy-acids (glycolic acid, lactic acid) and beta-hydroxy-acids (salicylic acid).
Brightening ingredients likeretinoids, vitamin C, hydroquinone, kojic acid, and tranexamic acid.
These ingredients hug the hair to prevent moisture loss, giving it a plumper look.
But your hairstyling behaviors can play a huge role here as well, our experts explain.
AVOID: Sulfates, which can be drying, especially if youre trying to emphasize curls or waves.
Natural hairrefers to Afro-textured hair, which is generally curly or coiled.
LOOK FOR: If you have natural hair, the name of the game is hydration.
You want to ensure youre adequately hydrating your hair with deep conditionerscontaining ingredients like coconut oil or jojoba oil.
Some moisturizing products will also contain silicones, which give the hair some extra sheen.
They may contain ingredients such as shea butter, argan oil, and aloe vera.
AVOID: Washing too frequently, which can dry out the hair and cause damage.
So just once a week is enough for many.
So there isnt enough data for our experts to specifically recommend avoiding products containing those ingredients.
Still, they generally recommend looking for products with shorter, simpler ingredients lists.
And if a product works well without those potentially worrying ingredients, thats great!
Having oily hair or a greasy scalp often goes hand in hand with dandruff, our experts say.
AVOID: Products with excess oils, especially in leave-on products.
If you have natural hair, our experts say a hair oil may come in especially handy here.
AVOID: Sulfates, which may dry out the hair.
Fatima Fahs, M.D.
(@dermy_doctor) just completed her final year of dermatology residency in Detroit, serving as chief resident.
She graduated from Wayne State University with a BS in biology and a minor in art.
Her interests include general, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology.
Dr. Fahs has a particular interest in skin care and product formulation,researching the efficacy of over-the-counter cosmeceuticals.
She regularly decodes skin-care ingredients and explains common dermatological concerns onher Instagram account.
Joyce Park, M.D.
(@teawithmd) is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in California and a skin-care and beauty blogger atteawithMD.com.
She attended college and medical school at Stanford University, and completed her dermatology residency at NYU.
Shari Marchbein, M.D.
(@drsharimarchbein) is a board-certified dermatologist and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.
She also specializes in various aesthetic procedures and laser surgery.
