These are my top skincare picks—simple, effective, and backed by results. Whether you’re building a routine from scratch or upgrading your current lineup, this list includes trusted cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens to help you achieve ...
Sections
5
Gentle cleanser
Hydrating Toners & Essences
Serum (Vitamin C or Hyaluronic Acid)
Moisturizers: Lock In Hydration & Nourish Your Skin
Sunscreen (SPF): Your Daily Skin Protector.
Gentle cleanser
Start your skincare routine with a gentle cleanser that removes dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping your skin. These picks are perfect for all skin types, especially sensitive or dry skin. They’re soothing, hydrating, and set the stage for a heal...
Soothing and lightweight, great for sensitive skin. Contains niacinamide + ceramides. Dermatologist-recommended.
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser
Perfect for removing makeup and SPF too. Calms redness and irritation. Great for dry, sensitive, or stressed skin.👍
The INKEY List EU Oat Cleansing Balm 150ml
Budget-friendly and fragrance-free. Uses micellar water tech to lift away dirt and oil gently. Minimalist, affordable, and ideal for everyday cleansing without harshness.
Water Boost Micellar Gel Facial Wash - Simple Skincare
Ideal for normal to dry skin. It's fragrance free and packed with ceramides+hyaluronic acid❤️
Hydrating Facial Cleanser: Skin Refresh
Hydrating Toners & Essences
Give your skin an instant hydration boost with a toner or essence that preps and soothes. These lightweight formulas absorb quickly, helping your skin stay plump, calm, and ready to soak in the rest of your routine. A small step that makes a big diff...
Super hydrating and repairing. Helps fade dark spots, soothe irritation, and improve texture. Lightweight and absorbs quickly. A viral K-beauty fave that leaves your skin dewy, bouncy, and baby-soft.
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Balances pH and hydrates deeply. No fragrance or essential oils—great for sensitive skin. Calms redness and preps skin for serums. Feels like a drink of water for your skin—simple, gentle, and effective.
Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Toner-lotion hybrid packed with multiple hyaluronic acid types. Very popular in Japan and worldwide for glass skin results.
✅ If your skin is ever tight or thirsty, this is your go-to fix.
Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion Light vs Moist vs Milk vs Premium : r/AsianBeauty
While more of a cleanser, some versions of their post-cleanse treatments double as hydrating boosters. Use in addition to a hydrating toner if you want minimalist skincare with results.
Remove Makeup & Refresh Skin with Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
Alcohol-free and enriched with niacinamide and witch hazel.
Helps balance oil, reduce pores, and soothe breakouts.
✅ Widely available in Southern Africa and trusted for sensitive/acne-prone skin.
Affordable and effective—this toner leaves your skin f...
Portia M Toner & Day Cream Banded Pack
Combines hydration with mild exfoliation and brightening.
Contains niacinamide and vitamin C to fade spots and refine texture.
✅ Popular, affordable, and widely used across Africa and Asia.
A great pick if you’re targeting dullness, uneven tone, or e...
Dr. Rashel Vitamin C Brightening & Anti-Aging Essence Toner
Serum (Vitamin C or Hyaluronic Acid)
Brightens skin and evens tone with vitamin C.
Lightweight and gently exfoliating for refreshed, glowing skin.
✅ that bright, clear glow without harsh ingredients, this one’s a winner.
Serum (Vitamin C or Hyaluronic Acid)
Upgrade Your Routine with Even & Matte Vitamin C Serum
Deep hydration that penetrates all skin layers.
Lightweight, non-sticky, and perfect for layering.✅
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
Potent brightening treatment to fade dark spots and improve skin tone.
Slight tingling is normal due to high vitamin C concentration.
If you want brighter, more even skin, this gives real results over time.
Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% Brightening Formula
Hydrates, brightens, and improves skin elasticity.
Combines Vitamin C with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
✅ Widely available and budget-friendly.
Lightweight and effective—great for beginners or everyday glow.
Dr. Rashel Vitamin C Range
Enriched with antioxidants to reduce pigmentation and boost brightness.
Often paired with hyaluronic acid for added hydration.
✅ Popular across Southern Africa for radiant, healthy skin.
A local favorite that helps fight uneven tone and dullness.
VitaGlow Serum 50ml – Portia M Skin Solutions
Light and fast-absorbing with visible brightening effects.
Targets dark marks and dull skin without irritation.
Gentle enough for daily use and gives your skin a fresh, clean glow.
Upgrade Your Routine with Even & Matte Vitamin C Serum
Moisturizers: Lock In Hydration & Nourish Your Skin
Moisturizers help seal in all the goodness from your previous skincare steps while keeping your skin soft, hydrated, and protected. Whether your skin is dry, oily, or somewhere in between, these picks deliver lasting moisture without clogging pores o...
Contains ceramides + hyaluronic acid for deep hydration.
Non-greasy, fragrance-free, and great for dry to normal skin.
✅ Top-rated and dermatologist-approved
A reliable daily moisturizer that strengthens your skin barrier and keeps dryness away.
Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Lightweight gel texture with hyaluronic acid.
Perfect for oily or combination skin.
✅ Available worldwide, popular for its refreshing feel.
Feels like a splash of water on your skin—super hydrating without being heavy.
Hydro Boost Water Gel & Oil-Free Face Moisturizer
Boosts moisture while improving elasticity and skin tone.
Good as a day cream under makeup or SPF.✅
A hydrating cream that works well for everyday moisture and smoother skin.
Dr. Rashel Youth Revitalizing Hyaluronic Acid Instant Hydration ...
Great for dry skin and pigmentation.
Contains nourishing oils and vitamins.
✅ Popular and effective for uneven tone and skin recovery.
Rich and restorative—perfect for glow-seekers and dry skin types.
Marula Body Cream With Tissue Oil 500ml
Targets uneven skin tone while providing daily hydration.
Lightweight and ideal for combination skin.
✅ Easily accessible and gentle on the skin.
An easy choice if you want hydration plus a more even, radiant finish.
Even & Matte Ideal Complexion Cream for Oily Skin 40ml
Sunscreen (SPF): Your Daily Skin Protector.
Lightweight, non-greasy, and perfect under makeup.
Water- and sweat-resistant, suitable for sensitive skin.
✅ Dermatologist-recommended.
Feels like nothing on your skin but offers powerful, invisible protection.
Anthelios UV Tone Invisible Sunscreen SPF 50
Fast-absorbing, non-comedogenic, and leaves no white cast.
Great for everyday wear, especially for oily or combo skin.
Matte finish + strong sun defense = everyday sunscreen perfection.
Affordable, hydrating, and works well with darker skin tones.
Combines sun protection with brightening benefits.✅
Protects while it brightens—perfect for glow and defense in one.
Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Fluid SPF50+
High SPF, enriched with antioxidants like Vitamin C.
Offers brightening and anti-aging benefits alongside UV protection.
✅ Budget-friendly and easy to find.
A dual-action cream that protects and helps fade dark spots over time.
Dr.Rashel Anti Aging SPF+++ 100 Sun Cream - 80g
Specifically designed for melanin-rich skin.
Light, non-greasy, and perfect for daily wear.✅🙌🖇
Gives your skin the protection it needs without a chalky finish.