Shop Prevention’s 2024 Healthy Skin Award Winners

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There’s no one serum or cream that will instantly change the appearance of your skin (there, we said it!). But there are a slew of products formulated for specific skin types that can help you protect, cleanse, and treat your unique skin, so it looks and feels as healthy as possible.

Not sure where to start? We tapped skincare pros (a.k.a. board-certified dermatologists) to gather their picks for all-star products ideal for a variety of skin types, including dry, sensitive, oily, and “normal” skin. Then, our editors tested dozens of products to really get a sense of how they feel, smell, and work. Ahead, you’ll find splurge-worthy anti-aging creams, affordable acne treatments, and everything in between from both well-known and emerging brands.

How we chose the 2024 Healthy Skin Award Winners

To select the winners of Prevention’s 2024 Healthy Skin Awards, our editors chose 26 categories spanning four common skin types, from dry to oily—because skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all. We interviewed five dermatologists to narrow down hundreds of possible products, including acne-fighting serums and wrinkle-smoothing creams, to the best of the best. After combing through their picks, our editors tested the expert-approved products to curate this list of the best skincare products of 2024.

Meet the experts

• Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York

• Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Loma Linda, CA

• Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist with a private practice in New York

• Rachel Nazarian, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York

• Joshua Zeichner, M.D., an associate professor of dermatology and the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City

Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser

“Especially good for those with dry skin, this oil cleanser helps to eliminate makeup and buildup without leaving the skin dry or irritated. It also contains ceramides to support the skin barrier, as well as squalane oil, triglycerides, and hyaluronic acid to help nourish the skin without leaving a greasy residue behind.” —Dr. Garshick

Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Regenerating Cream

“This cream contains retinol to smooth fine lines and even skin color. It also has hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin. But it doesn’t have any parabens or dyes that may irritate dry skin. Lastly, it absorbs quickly yet provides a lot of moisture.” —Dr. Jaliman

Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum

“This serum combines a multi-weight blend of hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin along with antioxidant-rich plum extracts to calm free radical damage.” —Dr. Zeichner

Deep Hydration Daily Shade + Blue Light Defense Facial Lotion SPF 30

“This mineral sunscreen contains zinc oxide and provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB coverage while also protecting against blue light and pollution. It contains hyaluronic acid and bio-designed collagen to help boost moisture, helping to hydrate and plump the skin, and it won’t leave a white cast behind.” —Dr. Garshick

Nectifirm Advanced

“This neck cream is formulated with antioxidants and peptides to help improve the appearance of neck skin. While it’s great for dry skin, it’s suitable for all skin types.”—Dr. Luke

Daily Leave-On Acne Treatment Mask

“This mask was formulated for the needs of adult skin, which commonly is dry and sensitive. It contains an advanced form of micronized 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to help it get deep into the pores where acne begins rather than sitting on the surface of the skin, causing irritation. Plus, a blend of fatty acids and botanicals support the needs of the skin.” —Dr. Zeichner

Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar

“A cult-favorite for many, many years, and for a good reason, this hypo-allergenic cleanser manages to cleanse effectively without stripping natural oils. It’s also unscented and fragrance-free, and it’s the one cleanser I can recommend to my patients without hesitation.” —Dr. Nazarian

Magic Water Cream

“This gel-cream uses a combination of waterlocking fusion technology, niacinamide, and a biopeptide complex to offer deep hydration while improving the appearance of skin tone and texture. It is lightweight, absorbs easily, and is fragrance-free, making it a great option for sensitive skin.” —Dr. Garshick

Ultracalming Serum Concentrate

“The combination of oat extract, a classically calming ingredient, and avocado and sunflower seed oil, which are extraordinary in their ability to strengthen the skin barrier, make this a good choice for sensitive skin.” —Dr. Nazarian

Facial Moisturizer With SPF 30

“Vanicream is a favorite brand for anyone with sensitive skin. There are no dyes, perfumes, or parabens, and its products are hypoallergenic. The sunscreen is cosmetically elegant and goes on super smooth. A fantastic option to stay protected without irritating sensitive skin.” —Dr. Nazarian

Multi Correxion Even Tone + Lift Chest, Neck & Face Cream SPF 30

“This ultra-gentle cream contains an antioxidant complex to protect and strengthen the skin on the face, neck, and chest. Broad spectrum UV protection also defends against daily sun exposure.” —Dr. Zeichner

Gentle Clear Triple Action Acne Serum

“Containing 0.5% salicylic acid, this milky-gel serum targets breakouts while hydrating and soothing the skin using ingredients like succinic acid, polyhydroxy acid, niacinamide, and prebiotics. It is fragrance-free and works to defend against five signs of skin sensitivity, including dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness and a weakened skin barrier.” —Dr. Garshick

Revitalift 3.5% Pure Glycolic Acid Cleanser

“This cleanser is formulated with both glycolic acid and salicylic acids. It’s a good, affordable option for those interested in removing oil and makeup as well as resurfacing skin to brighten and smooth.” —Dr. Luke

Night Renewer

“This cream works to moisturize and gently exfoliate, as it contains 10% glycolic acid to help eliminate dead skin cells. It also has soothing ingredients like vitamin E, squalane, shea butter, arnica flower, and aloe to calm the skin while also incorporating hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin. Taken together, it is a great option, especially for those with sensitive skin.” —Dr. Garshick

Silymarin CF

“One of my favorite serums is SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF because it contains potent antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid), which work synergistically to protect the skin and prevent UV-induced damage. It also contains silymarin, which is good for oil- or acne-prone skin.” —Dr. Luke

UV transparent Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+

“With 15% zinc oxide, this sunscreen is water-resistant for 80 minutes and sweat-resistant. It’s great for sports and so lightweight you can wear it every day. It also has hyaluronic acid, so it’s hydrating.” —Dr. Jaliman

Peptight Tightening Neck Serum Roller

“This lightweight serum contains a combination of polymers, peptides, moisturizing ingredients, and NIA-114 technology to help tighten, firm, and lift the neck area. You apply it using a cooling massage roller to help improve absorption and minimize pulling on the neck. The lightweight serum makes it a particularly good option for those with oily skin.” —Dr. Garshick

Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment

“This product multitasks the fight against acne by combining benzoyl peroxide with a derivative of salicylic acid. The ingredients can penetrate more effectively into skin, decreasing oil and targeting acne-causing bacteria.” —Dr. Nazarian

Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

“I love to use this when double cleansing since it gently and effectively removes makeup and leaves skin feeling soft and silky.” —Dr. Luke

AlphaRet Overnight Cream

“This is one of my favorite retinols because it tends to be well tolerated by many different skin types. It has retinol, but it also has lactic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid), glycolic acid, peptides, and a blend of moisturizing ingredients (ceramides, squalane, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid) to minimize irritation and dryness. It is also formulated with antioxidants and other calming ingredients, such as bisabolol and green tea extract.” —Dr. Luke

Lactic Acid 10% + HA

“A lightweight serum, this product penetrates surface skin cells and gently exfoliates, but it balances the act with a boost of hyaluronic acid to ensure it stays tolerable. Lactic acid is a great chemical exfoliant; it improves skin texture and tone with continued use.” —Dr. Nazarian

Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Bronze SPF 50

“This face sunscreen gives a bronze glow and blends seamlessly with darker skin tones.” —Dr. Luke

Triple Firming Neck Cream

“Using a combination of skin-volumizing ingredients, this product improves the appearance of laxity and sagging and also manages to address tone and discoloration. It’s not even remotely sticky, and it absorbs quickly with a smooth finish.” —Dr. Nazarian

2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

“This contains salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that is beneficial in treating acne but also in exfoliating the skin to prevent clogged pores. I like that it is not too harsh or drying and can be used a few times per week for people with more sensitive skin and up to twice daily for those who can tolerate it.” —Dr. Luke

Handscreen SPF 40

“You can use any sunscreen on the hands, but this sunscreen is designed specifically for the hands, as it is both hydrating and fast-absorbing. It also contains antioxidants to help protect the skin against free radical damage and brighten the overall skin tone.” —Dr. Garshick

Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter

“Kiehl’s whipped body butter contains shea butter and jojoba butter, both of which are super hydrating. It also has soy milk and honey. It absorbs into the skin very quickly and is not greasy or sticky.” —Dr. Jaliman

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