The Year in Skincare: 102 Products, Tools, and Professional Treatments Deemed Award-Worthy by Team Cosmo

“I’m a fan of how this melts everything away— SPF, mascara, my stressful day—without stripping my skin. It leaves my face soft, hydrated, and glowing. Just as the universe intended.”
—JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGE

“I’m usually too tired to do a full double cleanse at the end of the day, but this 2-in-1 makes it easy to get the job done. The gel transforms into a makeup-melting oil as you massage it into your skin, then it becomes a milky wash once you add water.”
—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR

“Makeup wipes aren’t exactly the chicest product, but they sure are functional. And The Face Shop’s version takes off mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, brow gel—you name it—all in one swipe.” —BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR

“PanOxyl’s original acne cleanser is my holy grail, but this salicylic acid version is a new favorite in my lineup. It gently exfoliates and breaks down excess oil, but it never makes my face feel stripped.” —BG

“I’ve gone through three bottles of this in the last year, it’s that good. Unlike many gentle face washes that don’t feel like they get your face clean, this throughly removes makeup and SPF without stressing out my reactive skin.” —LB

“I love the milky, serum-like consistency of this cleanser. It effectively removes makeup while replenishing my dry skin. This has one of the few formulas I’ve tried that foams up for that deep-clean feel without leaving my complexion tight.”
—MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITOR

“Firstly, I love the packaging. It’s bright and weighty and the pump deploys just the right amount of product in one go. As for the formula, it is super smooth and lathers super quickly. After rinsing it off my face, my skin felt super clean and refreshed but still hydrated.”
—DANIELLE COLIN-THOME, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL OPERATIONS

“I’m familiar with BHA (aka salicylic acid), but LHA is new for me, and based on this cleanser, I think I love it. It chemically sloughs away dead skin to reduce clogged pores and bumpy texture, but it’s not too strong or intense for sensitive skin.”
—BG

“I can see an immediate difference when it comes to my skin’s brightness and hydration levels after using this cleanser. It has a lovely fresh and citrusy scent and lathers really nicely. Five stars for glowy skin!”
—KARA MILLER, DESIGNER

“I didn’t expect a toning mist to feel this luxe, but every spritz exudes wealth and abundance to my face. Plus, it’s the perfect quick and easy prep before the rest of my skincare routine.” —BG

“I love the packaging and how easy the product dispenses into my fingers or onto a cotton round—plus, the formula easily absorbs into my skin. I saw significant results in skin brightness and lighting of dark spots after a few weeks of daily use.” —KHADIJA HORTON, SENIOR DESINGER

“There’s just something I love about a milky consistency when it comes an essence and Innisfree’s scratches that itch for me. The soothing formula saved my combo skin and leaves me rejuvenated and hydrated every time I used it.”
—SAMANTHA OLSON, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

“I’m absolutely obsessed with the scent of this face mist and how softly and gently it lands on my face. It sinks in effortlessly, leaving my skin plump, and totally revived after every spritz.” —MEGAN UY, COMMERCE EDITOR

“Huge news for sensitive skin people: This mist actually tones down inflammation and irritation on my skin in just a few quick sprays.”
—BG

“I have super-sensitive skin, so I love using peptide serums like this one from DRMTLGY over retinol-based ones for their anti-aging benefits. It’s loaded with plumping peptides and feels silky smooth on my skin thanks to hyaluronic acid.” —JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR

“Now that I’m in my mid-30s, I’m all about products that boost collagen production and this is by far the best I’ve tried. After using it for four months, I noticed my skin looking firmer and bouncier. And the creamy gel texture has instant hydrating benefits.” —LB

“This is my entire glow-up cheat sheet. It helps keep skin moisturized with hyalu­ronic acid, and its dose of lactic acid and vitamin C gently exfoliates and brightens.” —JW

“When I have a raging zit or inflamed eczema on my face, I just coat it with a dropper full of this serum, and by morning, my face is calmed down.” —BG

“This works IMMEDIATELY. Post-acne redness? Bye! Wind-burned winter skin? Adios! I’d put this on after trudging through the snow and my face would go back to normal. The packaging is so fun to me with its shot format, and I also love the lime-green color (helps counteract redness)!” —MH

“So many vitamin C serums are effective but feel gross on skin, but this one feels amazing while being excellent at brightening skin tone, too. I love how quickly it dries down with no sticky or greasy residue—plus, the smell is really pleasant.” —DCT

“Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from old breakouts is such a pain to treat, but this serum has been excellent at fading it. The creamy formula brightens and evens out my skin tone without being the slightest bit irritating.” —LB

“If you have used over-the-counter retinols but haven’t had much luck, you need to try this. It is really powerful and visibly smoothed my texture, lightened some stubborn dark spots, and really improved the appearance of my pores after three months of testing.” —SARAH NG, VIDEO EDITOR

“Mandelic acid is the GOAT for gently exfoliating skin to reduce clogged pores and acne, and this Clearstem serum is packed with the ingredient. It’s a must in my routine for keeping skin clear (and it sinks in quickly, which I love).” —BG

“Whether I have a looming breakout that I can feel brewing under my skin or one that’s active and already at the surface, I coat this spot treatment to help flatten the spot ASAP. The formula is lightweight, surprisingly non-drying, and ideal for overnight use.” —JH

“I used to roll my eyes when people would say a product gives ‘glass skin,’ but after using this serum, I totally get it. After just a few nights, my skin looked clearer and softer. And the lightweight texture is really easy to apply and layer, too.” —KH

“Most pimple patches just absorb excess oils and look pretty. But these actually flood your skin with salicylic acid to treat a pimple as its on my face (and also prevents new ones from forming while reducing texture).” —BG

“Even though it’s an oil, this is silky, featherlight, and disappears into my skin quickly. Applying it at the end of the day is a pleasant and reflective moment of self-care before bed. And the beautiful stone-like packaging is also a bonus to my otherwise chaotic nightstand.”
—MARY FAMA, ART DIRECTOR

“No barrier-repairing serum has impressed me like this in a long time. I’ve gone through a whole bottle, and everyone is complimenting my skin ever since. It’s extremely soothing and hydrating but not so heavy my face feels suffocated.” —BG

“I know I should be using a neck cream, I could never commit to a formula until I found Maelove’s. It has the perfect rich yet fast-absorbing texture and it helps plump lines and firm my jaw area, too. Tech neck who?” —LB

“As someone with stubborn dark circles, I love that this ginseng- and caffeine-packed eye cream makes me look wide-awake—so much so that concealer is now something optional, not necessary, most mornings.” —JH

“I’m convinced this is what ‘well-rested’ looks like in a jar. My dark circles are losing their vibrance and the skin is getting right and tight thanks to this luxe, honey-powered formulation.”
—JW

“The metal-ball applicator is so genius to me and makes for such a pleasant experience. And the serum is lightweight, so it’s easy to layer under moisturizer, SPF, and makeup without any pilling. As for the results, expect visible improvement in firmness, hydration, and brightness.”
—DCT

“This first entered my rotation when I was sleep-deprived in Korea. But now, I swipe it under my eyes nearly every day, regardless of how much sleep I’m working with, in order to help hydrate my delicate eye area and and depuff any bags.” —BG

“Silky, creamy, and hydrating, this cream sinks in easily and is non-irritating despite containing a hefty dose of retinol. The bright yellow tint is a little surprising (I definitely debated lying down on my white pillowcase post-application), but performance-wise it’s unmatched. A solid balance of efficacy and comfort.” —MF

“I can always count on these cooling patches when I need to refresh my tired eyes ASAP. The combo of ginseng, peptides, and retinol is both instantly refreshing and has long-term plumping benefits, too.” —LB

“When my skin is in major need of a reset, I always turn to this two-step mask system, specifically the moisturizing formula. You coat the supercharged ampoule onto your face (the way an aesthetician would mid-facial) and place the rubber mask on top for 20 minutes to lock it all in.”
—JH

“I’ve been a fan of Kiehl’s forever and this clay mask is one of the best products by far. It is easy to apply and remove and gives a slight tingling sensation that’s incredibly satisfying. And the post-minimizing results are next-level.” —KH

“This K-beauty mask delivers an instant skin reset in one satisfying step. Powered by ingredients like peptides and hyaluronic acid, it helps smooth texture, boost hydration, and leaves the skin looking more even and smooth after just one use. Simply brush on the formula, let it set into a firm layer, then lift it away to reveal skin that looks bouncier and more luminous.” —JH

“This mask is my skin’s emergency contact—it is responsive, reparative, and indulgently rich. Every time I use it, I wake up feeling like I just gave myself a fancy facial.” —JW

“I’m genuinely addicted to this. It’s gotten me through winter and multiple trips to hot climates because it truly helps my skin recover from exposure to extremes. I’ve been reaching for it over and over again.” —SA

“My skin always feels so snatched and hydrated when I use this cream—even in single digit temperatures or other crazy weather. After two weeks of daily use weeks, I noticed my skin looking overall brighter and tighter.” —SA

“After I tried this cream for a week, someone literally called my face ‘juicy,’ and now I’m a devoted daily user. The combo of hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing ectoin makes my 30-something skin look as plump as a newborn baby’s.” —LB

“Between the luxe, weighty packaging and the buttery formulation (which leaves my skin feeling supremely hydrated, even-toned, and glowy), I’m hooked on this moisturizer. Overall, it’s a wonderful all-over brightening cream that’s ideal for twice a day use.” —DCT

“This won me over big-time thanks to its deeply hydrating and soothng effects, which I really needed during the treacherous winter season. The jumbo container could literally last for months, and the fact that it’s under $20 makes it an even bigger steal.” —MU

“This cream gives my complexion a glow from the inside out. It sinks into skin beautifully and visibly smooths texture for a glass-skin effect—plus, it contains vitamin C that really goes to work on dark marks. I can justify the price tag because of how quickly I saw results.” —MH

“My acne-prone skin is so fussy. Too much nourishment and it breaks out and gets red and inflamed. This cream strikes the perfect balance to keep my skin clear and happy.” —LB

“This brand’s thoughtful formulations always deliver. This is a savior for your skin barrier while also providing optimal hydration. I’m on my third tube.”
—JW

“This is the gold standard for oily skin moisturizers. I love the shallow dish pump packaging. The gel-like formula is hydrating and lightweight, a perfect match for my skin type.”
—KH

“Clinique has owned the moisturizing game for decades and this cream is no exception. It leaves my skin glowing come morning without clogging my pores: a win-win!”
—LUCY DOLAN-ZALAZNICK, SOCIAL MEDIA AND VIDEO DIRECTOR

“This is absolutely a splurge, but based on how much my face (and the face of every other editor I know) loves it, it’s worth every dollar. It repairs, plumps, and softens—all without leaving behind a greasy film on skin.” —LB

“I was sick a few weeks ago on vacation, and the skin around my nose got so raw and chapped from blowing my nose every five seconds. Luckily, I packed this healing salve in my bag. In a day, the soothing and nourishing properties brought my damaged skin back to neutral—no more redness or flaking. It also works as a great hand cream and lip balm in a pinch.” —LB

“This is one of the sheerest, most lightweight mineral sunscreens I’ve ever put on my face. The fluid-like texture is so easy to blend and its level of protection is ideal for outdoor workouts and beach days, too.” —LB

“My only issue with this tinted SPF? That it hasn’t been a part of my routine forever. The level of coverage is just right—sheer enough that I can apply and blend with fingers but substantial enough that I can skip foundation and concealer.” —LB

“One of the rare sunscreens that genuinely feels good to apply—the texture is thin and fast-absorbing and there’s zero weird SPF smell. I personally appreciate the screw-off top, too. It feels extra secure, so I can throw in my bag and trust there’s no risk of spills.” —LDZ

“As someone who burns easily and has super-reactive skin, I need something that gives me top-tier protection without being irritating, and this formula from Colorescience delivers. It goes on silky smooth and and leaves behind a nice glow.” —JH

“My skin is dry no matter the season, so I love this hydrating sunscreen to finish off my skincare routine every morning. It leaves behind a nice dewy finish and has tons of glow-inducing ingredients to keep flaking and tightness at bay.” —JH

“I don’t usually love fragrance in SPF that’s going on my face as my skin is sensitive and acne prone, but the nostalgic whiff of Vacation is enough for me to say screw it. This layers so well with makeup and doesn’t leave any white casts, which is great for my friends with more melanated skin.” —SO

“This goes on super smooth—not too oily or drying—and it never feels sticky either. Despite having a lightweight finish, it feels nice and moisturizing when I reapply throughout the day.” —KM

“I love that this doubles as a finishing powder so I can see and control the amount of product I apply. It’s the smartest last step in any routine for pore-minimizing and allover UV protection.” —MF

“I have chronically dry lips, but whenever I apply this luxe, ultra-hydrating mask before bed, I wake up with soft, smooth lips—never cracked or dry. I also love the fancy spatula that comes with it to keep my nails free of any residual formula.” —JH

“I narrowly avoided the dry, crusty lips I usually get every winter, all because I kept dabbing this on nearly every day. It’s thick and hydrating but not too heavy or sticky.” —BG

“Creamy, smooth, and wrapped in a comforting vanilla scent, this lip treatment feels like a true treat. It lasts noticeably longer than most, providing sustained hydration and consistent coverage.” —MF

“SPF on my lips used to feel optional, but this gloss has made it nonnegotiable. It is shiny and hydrating and gives an effortless tint (my fave is Rosy Brown). My lips always look juicy with it, but most importantly, they’re beautifully protected.” —JW

“I can’t believe I once lived my life without this toothbrush. It’s super lightweight, the charge lasts such a long time, and it sits super sleek atop my bathroom sink. The vibration is soft yet effective and isn’t overly harsh on my gums.” —JH

“The pure joy of squeezing this out and seeing a whipped cream–like dollop of toothpaste truly makes my night (and early mornings) every single time. It even foams in a very satisfying way and left my teeth feeling squeaky clean.”
—MF

“I loathe the thick paste and weird taste of whitening strips, but this pen makes brightening my teeth so easy. I just draw on my front teeth with the pen, the way you would with a marker, and after several months of consistent use, my teeth are significantly whiter and just look overall cleaner.” —JH

“After just one use, I felt like I’d had a professional-level facial done. As someone who wears a full face of makeup almost daily, my pores get clogged way too easily. Now, I don’t have to wait for my next facial to see a difference in my skin—all I need is this.” —SN

“A vibrating LED mask sounds so weird, but it’s actually genius. It turns my daily red light treatment into a whole self-care moment (and convinces me to use it more often, which is key to getting the most out of your investment).”
—BG

“I’ve tried every at-home dermaplaning tool that exists at this point, and these are by far the best value out there. Plus, they are easy to use and remove dead skin and peach fuzz quickly and thoroughly.” —LB

“Part sculpting gua sha, part LED device, this tool has everything I need for an at-home facial massage to depuff, brighten, and tone my skin.” —JH

“I’ve had IRL sculpting facials that didn’t tone my face like this at-home microcurrent device. It’s the closest I’ve ever found to replicating professional-level face-snatching results at home.” —BG

“I want to get the most out of my skincare routine, and this device from Medicube helps all my ingredients seep deeper into my skin. There are also settings for LED and microcurrent, so you’re getting a full facial treatment with one gadget.” —JH

“I’ve used every iteration of this tool and seen amazing results for smoothing and brightening skin. But this one treats my entire face in a matter of two minutes—a game changer for the lazy.” —BG

“This significantly depuffed my jawline after a night of indulging. I’m a big fan of the lifting collagen spray, too. Unlike most conductor gels, it is lightweight and skips the dreaded goopy texture.”
—SA

“We already know how helpful it is to invest in a shower filter, but what about the water from your sink? Canopy’s faucet filter uses the same tech to purify the water I use for my face and hand-washing.” —BG

“I cringe thinking about the days I used my bath towel to dry my face. I’ll never go back after switching to Clean Skin Club Towels—they soak up residual post–face wash off my face with just a few pats and, best of all, keep my routine as hygienic as possible.” —JH

“Compared to other lasers I tried in the past, Fraxel is the most effective at improving my skin tone and texture. I also love that you can see visible results after just one treatment rather than committing to a series of three or more. It’s not a magic wand—no treatment is—but as far as lasers go, Fraxel is the GOAT.” —LB

“No one ever guesses that I have lip filler, and I’m convinced it’s because of RHA. It adds a little volume and plumpness to my lips but looks (and feels) extremely natural.” —BG

“Skinvive makes the biggest difference in how my skin actually feels day-to-day. The constant tightness and dryness I used to deal with was completely gone after my appointment. It’s less about how it looks (though the glow is there) and more about lasting hydration you can feel.” —JH

“I’ve tried pretty much every neurotoxin at this point, but the results I get from Botox are unmatched. Four full months of smooth, glass-like skin plus a nice lil brow lift.” —LB

“I love getting a Hydrafacial whenever my face is super thirsty and dull, especially after long spans of traveling. It removes dead skin and buildup to reveal extra-smooth skin, then infuses hydration and any other add-ons to give me the glowiest finish of my life.” —JH

“There’s no better facial for treating or preventing breakouts than Glo2Facial’s clarifying treatment. Expect zero pain or downtime—just clearer and brighter skin with fewer clogged pores.” —LB

“Skin Laundry has over 50 locations, and I love their no frills, high-tech facials that are far more effective compared to your average spa appointment. They offer a range of treatment options, from resurfacing lasers to heated facial sculpting, so they have a bunch of options depending on what your specific skin needs are.”
—JH

“There’s a reason dermatologists all recommend this treatment for noninvasive skin tightening: It works. I tried it on my brow and cheek areas and was blown away by the lifting effect it created.” —LB

“The tightness of my jaw is alarming sometimes, and the one treatment that fixes it is a sculpting facial at Face Gym. They use a mixture of hand-led facial massage and a bunch of tools to ‘work out’ my face, and it feels so freaking good (and also seriously sculpts my cheekbones and jawline).” —BG

“The post-peel shedding process is no joke, but once all the dead skin sloughed off, I was left with visibly brighter and smoother skin that has lasted for several months. If you can manage a few days of downtime, VI Peel is certainly worth trying for long-lasting results.”
—DCT

“When your skin needs a quick reset but you can’t deal with redness or flaking, this is the peel to try. It gently exfoliates and resurfaces for clearer, glowier skin with zero downtime.” —LB

“I was a waxing devotee for the past five years, but my life has completely changed after just three sessions at LaserAway. I haven’t had to shave my underarms in weeks, and I’ve also been getting Brazilian treatments, which hurt far less than a waxing session. It’s just 5 to 10 minutes of a slight prickling sensation, and I’m hair-free for weeks.” —JH

“When people ask my go-to facial skincare treatment, I always say microneedling, specifically SkinPen. It really doesn't hurt at all, but after a few sessions, I notice clearer, smoother, tighter skin.” —BG

“This laser does a lot and does it all really well. My skin always comes out looking smoother, clearer, and more even with zero downtime. Plus, it works great for melanated skin, which makes the whole experience feel that much safer and less stressful.” —JW

“Anytime I’ve gotten a laser or microneedling treatment, my provider sends me home with a bottle of this magic serum. It speeds up healing and recovery time and ramps ups collage production for less downtime and more glow.” —LB

“Practically every facial self-tanner breaks me out, but not Saltyface. All I do is spritz it on as the last step of my skincare routine at night, and I wake up with a bronze glow that’s natural and soft.” —LB

“My skin and hair are in a competition to see who benefits more from this silk pillowcase. It helps reduce friction while I sleep, which means less frizz and smoother hair when I wake up in the morning. And it’s also gentler on my skin, so I wake up with fewer sleep creases and a less irritated complexion.” —JH

“I rarely expect a $21 face serum to do much, but I see a noticeable difference in the plumpness of my under-eyes since using this viral product. I tap it under my eyes every night, and in two months, my eyes look more awake and my bags are less pronounced.”
—BG

“There’s no question this is a huge investment. But I’m telling you it’s a sound one. This 30-day treatment reset and transformed my skin in a way that made me believe it’s worth every penny.”
—JW

“No white cast is usually a BS claim for non-tinted mineral sunscreens, but SkinCeuticals’ newest formula defies the odds. It genuinely rubs in clear—plus, it’s full of soothing and anti-aging ingredients.” —LB

“PDRN is the beauty industry’s buzziest ingredient right now and no one utilizes it like K-Beauty brand Rejuran (which lucky for us all, is now available at Sephora). I personally love the Dual Effect Ampoule serum for its ability to make my skin looks bouncier and smoother with each use.” —LB

“When it comes to retinol, no one does it better than AlphaRet. The over-the-counter formula is honestly just as effective as some Rx versions I’ve tried when it comes to smoothing and brightening.” —LB