Mild, smooth, and refillable: The Outset Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer
Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer
Luxe, lasting hydration: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
The Rich Cream | Augustinus Bader US
sunscreens
This lotion goes on smooth and leaves no white cast or pilling. Testers noted how easily it blended into their skin, and they found its fragrance to be mild.
Banana Boat® Light As Air Lotion SPF 50+
This formula is lightweight, sheer, leaves no white cast, and is often less than $2 an ounce. But it is a little greasier than our other picks.
Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance Reef Friendly SPF 30
This moisturizing formula is lightly scented and leaves a nice, dewy finish. It’s thick, though, and some testers had a hard time rubbing it in.
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 - Moisturizing, No White Cast ...
This creamy lotion rubs in easily and appears nearly transparent once applied. It has a light, pleasant scent.
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 Sunscreen
This lightweight formula balances moisturizing and sun protection well. But the classic sunscreen scent is more noticeable than in our other picks.
Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
This fragrance-free lotion is formulated specifically for sensitive skin. It’s reef-friendly, too.
The 15% concentration of liquid L-ascorbic acid in this decades-old formula is particularly effective and well studied. That may explain the exorbitant price.
C E Ferulic® with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid
Housed in a bottle with an airtight pump, these gel-like drops contain a mild, efficacious vitamin C derivative that absorbs quickly and leaves skin looking smooth.
Vitamin C Complex Serum
With a luxe consistency and quenching formula, this serum can double as a light moisturizer. THD ascorbate, the vitamin C derivative, remains stable in a creamy mixture, and the zesty scent is a nice add.
C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
The little yellow bottle pumps out a tingly serum powered by fast-acting L-ascorbic acid. The sticky residue requires a little time to dissipate.
20% Vitamin C Serum + E Ferulic Acid Travel Size
This gel-liquid hybrid feels luxurious on the skin (even if the bottle feels chintzy in the hand).
Olay Vitamin C Brightening Serum Visibly Corrects Discoloration
A hearty gel, this ascorbic acid formula noticeably brightened skin during our testing. But the powdery scent is a bit off-putting.
Vitamin C12 Serum for Anti-Aging
toner
Best less expensive exfoliating toner for acne-prone skin
Effaclar Clarifying Solution | Acne Toner
Best exfoliating toner for acne-prone skin
SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Best toner overall
Cashmere Peel | Award-Winning Exfoliating Toner for Dark Spots
Best exfoliating toner for oily skin
Deep Sweep Pore Cleaning BHA Toner - Trial Size
Best exfoliating toner for sensitive skin
Skin Recovery Essence Toner for Barrier Repair
exfoliant
This mellow but effective formula is powered by salicylic acid, which is proven to fight oil and acne. The liquid formula is rather runny, though.
Clarifying Exfoliant 2% Salicylic Acid
With just eight ingredients, this liquid soaks right in to smooth and soften skin. The brand offers a range of strengths and formulations so you can fine-tune your approach. But the price is a little steep.
SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This singularly creamy serum contains both glycolic and lactic acids to smooth skin and moisturizers that soften it. But it smells a little like soy sauce.
Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment | AHA Night Serum
With a rich 9% dose of lactic acid as well as other AHAs, this full-bodied serum brightens skin and evens out texture. Pricewise though, it’s a big jump up from many competitors.
Lactic Acid Serum
Powered by an effective AHA/BHA blend, these affordable premoistened rounds have texture on one side to boost the exfoliating effects. Though they come in a recyclable jar, the pads themselves are single-use.
This four-ingredient lip balm contains hydrocortisone to calm painfully chapped or cracked lips. It isn’t easy to find, though.
Dr. Dan's Home - Official Website
For especially dry or irritated lips, this luxe but pricey stick is a balm indeed. The blend of seed oils in a beeswax base goes on silky smooth and keeps lips soothed and supple for hours.
Advanced Lip Therapy Treatments | fresh US
This sold stick balm comes in four versatile and buildable shades. The formula is slick, hydrating, and lightweight.
