Specific products, assessed the same way as everything else on this site — what's actually in them, who they suit, and what to watch out for. No sponsorships, no affiliate deals.
SkinCeuticals
Intermediate users
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CeraVe
Very dry skin needing barrier support
L'Oréal Paris
Dull, uneven skin tone
Derma E
Collagen support
Black Girl Sunscreen
Normal to dry skin, suitable for darker skin tones
Jack Black
Everyday use, especially during outdoor activities
Vanicream
Dry, sensitive skin
EltaMD
Oily skin + morning use
COOLA
Outdoor activities to protect exposed scalp
Naturium
Uneven skin tone, redness, and sensitive skin
Good Molecules
La Roche-Posay
Normal to dry, sensitive skin
Psoriasis — loosening scale
Peter Thomas Roth
Advanced users
Kiehl's
Anti-aging and firming
Repairing skin barrier, retaining moisture
Oily, acne-prone, or rosacea-prone skin
Medik8
Hiking, swimming, or any prolonged outdoor activity
Avène
Sensitive, normal to dry skin
ROUND LAB
Laneige
Oily to combination skin
Beginners or sensitive skin
RoC
Dry skin needing moisture and anti-aging benefits
Aveeno
Differin
Oily, acne-prone skin
Mineral Fusion
All skin tones and sensitive skin
Cetaphil
Quick reapplication for sensitive areas like face and ears
Heliocare
Daily addition to topical sunscreen
The Ordinary
Multi-peptide anti-aging support
Shiseido
On-the-go reapplication, even over makeup
AmLactin
Smoothing and maintaining healthy, soft skin
Timeless
Skintific
Oily to combination, sensitive skin
Illiyoon
Supergoop!
Sun protection for lips with a fruity flavor
Beach days or outdoor activities with extended sun exposure
DRMTLGY
Nighttime peptide support
Dr. Jart+
Sunday Riley
Paula's Choice
Oily, acne-prone skin, blackheads
Keratosis pilaris, rough, dry, bumpy skin
Dry, damaged, irritated, or post-procedure skin
Mild to moderate acne, clogged pores, texture
PanOxyl
Moderate to severe acne-prone skin
Vaseline
Extremely dry, cracked, or reacting skin
Very dry, sensitive, reactive skin