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The best skin-care products dont have to be complicated ones.
Chelsea Kyle. Prop Styling by Astrid Chastka at Hello Artists.
Plus, youll find three night creams on our list that really bring whole new meaning to beauty rest.
Steer clear of essential oils, fragrances, and even chemical sunscreens, which can be irritating to some.
And those thick, heavy moisturizers?
Theyre not always the answer for those with dry skin.
Soothing ingredients like oatmeal or aloe can also be helpful if your skin is particularly irritated.
Having said that, it pays to be patient.
We tested dozens upon dozens of products, but in the end, only these 14 made the cut.
Keep scrolling to check out the winners below or go here to browse all the2021 SELF Healthy Beauty Awards.
Reviews have been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
Will it leave my face looking like an oil slick?
Let us quell your fears right awaythis moisturizer wont do any of that.
Testers loved the lightweight texture and soft finish it left on their faces.
See full ingredients listshere.
Youll also find glycolic and mandelic acids in this, which can be good for those with acne-prone skin.
The consistency is a little thickbut milky at the same time.
I enjoyed applying it and will definitely purchase this again when I run out.
See full ingredients listshere.
I used this product for two weeks straight (consistently) and it actually changed my skin… seriously.
It is completely non-irritating, and has a really natural scent.
It paired well with face oil after it, and was a great base for foundation.
I also tested it in a small 1 oz tube, which is great for traveling.
This rich cream absorbs quickly and leaves a nice sheen, our testers said.
See full ingredients listshere.
Bonus points, per the experts:This product contains glycerin andcetearyl alcohol, which are hydrating ingredients.
Just so you know:This product contains fragrance, which can be irritating to some with sensitive skin.
One tester said:I really liked this cream!
The smell was citrusy and it came in a very cute orange jar.
The consistency was thickbut not too thick.
It also imparted a very, very subtle sheen after applying, which I liked.
And its no surprise why.
All of that translates to skin that can look noticeably plumper, fuller, and smoother with continued use.
See full ingredients listshere.
Either way, this is the first product to make any difference!
It’s unscented, unassuming, affordable, and available most everywhere.
This banana-hued multivitamin moisturizer lives up to its name with vitamins B5, E, and C, plusniacinamide.
Pat this on each morning, and enjoy the invigorating ginger scent while you.
See full ingredients listshere.
It’s a pretty light formula that soaks in quickly and makes my skin feel quenched and glow.
My skin feels baby soft throughout the day and keeps me glowingnot oilyeven through the 3pm slump.
I think I might’ve just found a new go-to moisturizer!
As our testers quickly discovered, thats exactly the case with this light and easy-to-layer moisturizer.
Package in a squeezable tube (no unwanted bacteria here!
), this creamy white moisturizer nourishes skin with probiotics, ceramides, and more.
See full ingredients listshere.
The product is eye-catching from the get go with its minimal-but-stylish font and yellow packaging.
But the best part about the moisturizer is the product itself.
During the day, I really look for something that provides hydration and moisture, but is also lightweight.
This product does both!
Since using this moisturizer, I found that my skin is less dry and softer for longer.
Its a dream cream and looks as good as it feels.
See full ingredients listshere.
This cream also has vitamin C, which our experts say has a brightening effect.
I especially loved using this underneath my makeup: It made my concealer glide on beautifully!
Roll it on and enjoy a moisture boost for up to 12 hours.
See full ingredients listshere.
Bonus: Its fragrance-free, meaning it may be suitable for those with sensitive skin.
One tester said:What a great eye gel!
A smaller tube with a roller ball, brilliant!
Cooling, refreshing, tightening, and rejuvenatingthis eye gel does all the things!
It’s a dream product!
Not much else I can say, this one’s a win-win!
But theres good news inside this little luxe jar from Perricone MD.
See full ingredients listshere.
Just so you know:This product contains vitamin E, which can be occlusive to the skin.
This cream from Perricone MD is formulated for sensitive skin, and I can attest that it actually works.
During the pandemic, I developed dark under-eye circles (who didn’t?
), so I was hoping this cream might brighten them.
It smooths wrinkles, improves elasticity, and lightens dark circles.
Think of it as Photoshop in a jar.
See full ingredients listshere.
Just so you know:This product contains fragrance, which may be irritating to some with sensitive skin.
One tester said:Yes, yes, and a million times yes.
The product is hands down the best eye cream product Ive ever tried.
It has a unique consistency that is gel cream that feels rich and lightweight at the same time.
Not to mention the eye cream itself is purple but when blended in, goes clear.
Applying this feels like placing soft clouds under your eyes.
Post tool your under eyes feel soft, plump, and blurred.
Say goodbye to your wrinkles and hello to your new skincare best friend!
Thats the idea behind Codex Beauty Labs, a biotech company dedicated to skin care.
See full ingredients listshere.
It also contains several plant-based oils, which can help lock-in moisture.
One tester said:If a beauty lab created this night cream, then it must be great!
It’s plant-based and vegan?
The fragrance could be described as plant-like as compared to flower-like for sure, but I like it!
See full ingredients listshere.
Just so you know:This product contains fragrance, which may be irritating to some.
One tester said:This is a really great overnight cream.
I love the thickness of it.
This is the kind of cream you’re able to slather on and it will feel luxurious.
See full ingredients listshere.
Youll find skin-soothing aloe and turmeric in this cream, as well.
One tester said:Oh my gosh.
I can even feel the palm of my hand getting softer after each utility!
This product right here… its worth the money.
See full ingredients listshere.
One tester said:I haven’t had the greatest experiences with facial sunless tanning products.
