Here at Cosmopolitan, it's awards season year-round; from our infamous (and juggernaut) summer beauty awards followed by their winter counterpart and even branching over to the Good Vibes Awards à la Love and Sex, there are no products – spanning all categories – that go untested.

Cosmopolitan UK
But with new product releases – and more specifically, skincare releases – flooding our desks now more than ever, we've decided to round up the very best of the season to bring you 30 of the top-performing formulas.
Whether it's dry skin, acne or a dull complexion that you're looking to tackle, we've divvied up the winning products into six ultimate concern categories: The Acne Busters; The Dry Skin Saviours; The Youth Boosters; The Glow Enhancers; The Sensitivity Soothers; The Bodycare Must-Haves. So, sit back, relax and scroll through the trophy-worthy Cosmopolitan Skin Award winners below.
Struggling with acne, spots or blackheads? We've gotchu. No serum, treatment or cleanser got past us when trialling the best in the blemish-busting game, which brings us to present you with 2024's top products for dealing with acne-prone skin.
Pimple Patches
THE INKEY LIST Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches 2.58g
Credit: Courtesy of brandGot a blemish breakout on the day of a date? That ain’t no fret for these super discrete patches, drawing out gunk in as little as four hours! In the words of TFL: see it, say it, sorted.
Blemish Treatment
ORIGINS Clear Improvement™ Blemish Clearing Lotion 50ml
Credit: Courtesy of brandPut down the toothpaste because this targeted treatment not only dries out blemishes but works to reduce their appearance, control oil and soothe the look of redness, too. Your skin is worth the investment, folks.
Lightweight Moisturiser
DR.JART+ Ceramidin Milky Lotion 50ml
Credit: Courtesy of brandThought a milky texture means light on the moisture? Oh, so wrong here. It’s full throttle barrier repair but in a lightweight layerable formula that you skin is going to lap up.
Non-Oily SPF
Murad Multi-Vitamin Clear Coat SPF50 50ml
Credit: Courtesy of brandShe’s not just SPF, she’s an SPF treatment… Murad’s vitamin cocktailed Clear Coat formula provides UVA/UVB protection all while encouraging ceramide production for a strengthened barrier. Get you a girl who can do both.
Clarifying cleanser
47 SKIN Anti-Blemish & Scar Repair Everyday Cleanser 150ml
Now 45% Off
Credit: Courtesy of brandOh, this? Just an everyday creamy cleanser infused with silver… yep, a luxurious blemish-busting option that does so much more than just clean your face. Humble (read: kill 99.8%) bacteria, reduce inflammation and regenerate skin cells before that pimple gets a bit too big for its boots.
If you've been using the same industrial-sized jar of moisturiser on dry skin and not seen any results, it might be time to rethink your regimen. Quench that thirst with these top-performing dry skin saviours.
Nourishing Cleanser
And Begin Balm to Oil Cleanser 45ml
Credit: Courtesy of brandThe balm-to-oil formula makes light work of blitzing makeup and spf, whilst niacinamide helps calm and soothe skin. One pump is enough to leave the complexion clear and comfortably clean.
Hydrating SPF
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Fluid SPF50 50ml
Credit: Courtesy of brandIt may be feather-light in texture and sit seamlessly under makeup, but this SPF is hydrating AF, thanks to the formula's hero ingredient, hyaluronic acid. Skin moisture = retained.
Moisture-boosting Serum
Simple 10% Ceramide Boosters & Omega Complex Serum 30ml
Credit: Courtesy of brandIf your skin is feeling seriously dried up, this serum will sort that out sharpish thanks to the moisture-locking ceramides in the formula that also strengthen the skin barrier.
Rich Repairing Moisturiser
TATCHA Indigo Overnight Repair 50ml
Credit: Courtesy of brandIf you’ve messed with your skin barrier a little too much throughout the year (been there) consider this your skin rehab. A 2-in-1 serum and cream, it calms irritation while actively repairing the skin barrier as you catch ZZZs.
Moisturising Face Mist
Glow Hub Super Shroom Serum Mist 100ml
Now 40% Off
Credit: Courtesy of brandWe are all for the power of the mighty shroom (in skincare, OK!) and this mushroom mist is a perfect midday moisture spritz. The tri-shroom complex calms and protects and smells refreshingly zingy.
Wrinkle-smoothing products are great for anyone over the age of 25 (when one's collagen starts to deplete, welp). With the below, you can help soften the look of fine lines and boost that youth, people!
De-puffing Eye Cream
RoC MULTI CORREXION® Revive + Glow Eye Balm 0.14oz
Credit: Courtesy of brandIf a summer of festivals and all-nighters have left your undereyes looking a bit zombie-like, give this swipe-and-go cooling eye stick a go. Loaded up with vitamin C and firming peptides it’ll help reduce dark circles and puffiness.
Youth Booster Serum
Clarins Double Serum 50ml
Now 20% Off
Credit: Courtesy of brandThis iconic serum really needs no introduction, the latest formulation is the most powerful version yet, designed to tackle signs of ageing from all angles, it boosts radiance, firms the skin and helps smooth the appearance of wrinkles and pores.
Retinoid Treatment
Kate Somerville MEGA-A Skin Transforming Serum
Credit: Courtesy of brandA powerhouse anti-ageing serum that blends Retinal (11 times more effective than retinol) with Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane, to smooth the skin without having to worry about all the irritation that usually goes hand in hand with a strong retinoid.
Tech Innovation
FOREO FAQ™ 202
Credit: Courtesy of brandTo say you’ll become obsessed with this wireless LED mask is an understatement, it is that good. With eight different wavelengths, including near-infrared, it can be used to target everything from wrinkles to age spots and dullness to uneven tone.
Firming & Smoothing Moisturiser
Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment 20ml
Credit: Courtesy of brandThis gets to work soothing redness and leaving skin clearer and brighter. Plus, it's makes a big difference to smoothing any texture issues (hi, pores and fine lines). With everything from Vitamin C to peptides, this moisturiser-meets-serum is perfect if you want glowier, healthier skin.
Dull skin is not on the 2024 bingo card, and we have the following to thank for that. Enhance your natural glow by implementing one (if not all!) of the below radiance-inducing products into your routine.
Everyday Cleanser
Skin Rocks The Gel Cleanser
Credit: Courtesy of brandGiving Megatron a run for his money, this cleanser transforms from a gel to oil to milk texture, cleaning the skin and removing even the most stubborn makeup. Once rinsed off, you’re left feeling soft and supple but without the stripping effects of many of its shelfmates!
Vitamin C Serum
CeraVe Skin Renewing 10 Pure Vitamin C Serum 30ml
Now 30% Off
Credit: Courtesy of brandA new vitamin C has entered the chat. At 10% L-ascorbic acid, it effectively targets dull skin tone and texture without making sensitive skin scream.
Brightening Serum
Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Brightening Serum 30ml
Now 25% Off
Credit: Courtesy of brandWe love a multi-tasking product (except a 3 in 1 shampoo, sorry) and this super serum helps build radiance, banishes dark spots and evens tone. Swish.
Glow-boosting SPF
Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Fluid Glow SPF 50+ 40ml
Now 20% Off
Credit: Courtesy of brandWhat’s not to love about an SPF 50 that also boosts our skincare routine with a lil more vitamin C? Also no white cast in sight and bonus points for no stickiness.
Exfolianting Toner
Votary Sensitive Resurfacing Peel 30ml
Credit: Courtesy of brandWorking as hard as an Olympic athlete, this wash-off treatment boasts 10% lactic acid (the highest percentage permitted under EU regulation!), chemically exfoliating the skin for a ‘glowing from the inside’ look.
With a growing number of us being prone to redness, random flare-ups, itchiness or skin that often stings or burns, there is now a whole host of targeted products on the market. Overwhelmed? Well, we've sought out the ultimate sensitivity regime...
Repairing Moisturiser
Facetheory HydraOat Soothing Daily Moisturiser 50ml
Credit: Courtesy of brandLike a soothing comfort blanket for your skin, this silky, buttery moisturiser sinks in and gives an instant feeling of relief to that dry, tight feeling your skin gets post-cleanser. Opt for the unscented version if prone to sensitivity.
Barrier recovery cream
Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ Overnight Recovery Cream + Mask 50ml
Credit: Courtesy of brandClinique has done it again – created a skincare product so good we can’t contemplate our shelfie without it… This overnight mask helps restore the skin's moisture barrier and gives a serious hydration boost while you sleep.
Skin Calming Serum
Avène Cicalfate+ Intensive Skin Restorative Serum 30ml
Credit: Courtesy of brandWhether you’ve been playing in the AHA/BHA pool or the temperamental weather is causing a little skin freak out, this’ll restore some peace on your epidermis – irritation be gone!
Everyday SPF
Dermatica SPF 50 Photodamage Defence Sunscreen 50ml
Credit: Courtesy of brandA brilliant all-round sunscreen, this little tube offers broad-spectrum SPF 50, while still feeling lightweight and silky. The non-greasy texture makes it ideal for layering makeup over the top - no pilling here, thank-you very much.
Soothing Cleanser
MZ Skin The Calming Cream Cleanser 100ml
Credit: Courtesy of brandQuite possibly the most delectable cleanser for anyone with sensitive skin, this soothing cream gently removes all dirt and impurities, whilst hydrating and soothing any redness and inflammation.
Skincare doesn't fall short with the face and neck, peeps – ever heard of bacne, bc I certainly have! Your body needs some TLC, too, so, lather up with following that passed our hydrating, nourishing and exfoliating hype tests with flying colours...
Body Acne treatment
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body SerumSalicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum 240ml
Now 23% Off
Credit: Courtesy of brandBacne hates to see this coming because with surface-level exfoliation via 0.5% salicylic acid, clearing body breakouts need never be an afterthought. Top tip: The water-like serum is best applied to the skin with a cotton pad.
Clarifying Body Cleanser
Naturium The Purifier Niacinamide Serum Body Wash 500ml
Credit: Courtesy of brandNiacinamide makes an appearance in many facial skincare routines, so it makes sense that its powers also extend to body care. The 2% active ingredient regulates oil production, leaving the skin feeling balanced and soothed. But above all, it’s pH-appropriate. Thrush, who?
Smoothing Body Polish
Rare Beauty Find Comfort Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash 250ml
Credit: Courtesy of brandThis jelly-like body wash is not your typical exfoliant, not a bead, pumice or salt crystal in sight, in fact. Instead, it uses plant-derived konjac jelly to gently buff your skin smooth and smells incredible while doing so.
Brightening Body Lotion
BYOMA Brightening Body Lotion 400ml
Credit: Courtesy of brandOnly mediocre Hinge chats should ever be described as dull; never skin. But if your body does feel dehydrated, this lotion is ideal for improving overall appearance, without disrupting skin barrier function.
Renewing Body Butter
Joonbyrd Sunday Sofa Rejuvenating Body Butter 200ml
Credit: Courtesy of brandWarning – this sumptuous, lightly whipped butter is addictive. You will find yourself luxuriating and having a self-care moisturising moment every single day, but that’s OK, right? Because then your skin’ll be the softest it’s ever been.
BTW, our Beauty Special print magazine (dedicated to all things skin) is on newsstands 27 August, 2024. Don’t miss your chance to grab this beauty bible full of skincare tips and prod recs for now to keep forever.