If You’re In The Mood For Reviewer Photos That Make You Say “No Freaking Way,” Check Out These 31 Skincare Products
1. COSRX’s Snail Mucin Repairing Essence addresses dullness and dehydration with — yes 😌 — 96% snail sludge that’s harvested in a *100%* ethical and environmentally friendly way. Thanks for sharing the goods, friends! 🐌
Here’s what BuzzFeeder Emma Lord has to say:
“I use this on my skin and definitely have noticed results! While it didn’t help kick my all of stubborn pre-period hormonal acne, it has done *wonders* with reducing redness on my face, particularly around my nose, and in dealing with my pores. Since I started using it, my primer and foundation goes on a whole lot smoother, and I’m struggling a whole lot less to cover my pores. After using it a few weeks, I read the advice of one reviewer to put this on when your face is slightly moist from washing, rub it in, let it dry, and then put your moisturizer on top of it — I’ve found that it’s what got me the best results!”
Promising review: “So I have been using this for a month and I have to say — AMAZING. It really has helped my dark spots, which are also tied to my hormones. So the fact that it lightens them and keeps them from getting dark again during my period is a testament to the power of this stuff. Plus, this stuff just keeps going!! One pump is enough for my face, or two for my face and neck. Because of this it will last! It works amazingly well and considering how much you get, this is an amazing product. I highly recommend it.” —JH
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
2. K-Beauty brand The Saem’s Iceland Hydrating Eye Stick improves under eye elasticity and keeps bags at bay so no one will be the wiser if you nostalgia-binged The Angry Beavers (my fellow ’90s babies — it’s on Amazon Prime!!!) into the wee hours of the morning. Plus, it comes in a cutesy polar bear container and, I mean, that’s enough to sell me.
How does this cute lil’ guy work, you may be asking? It’s filled with active marine ingredients like Icelandic moss, xylitol, niacinamide, and adenosine — that’s how!
Promising review: “I love this so much! It’s super hydrating and feels really nice under the eyes. Recently my eyes have been super puffy due to allergies and this has been helping. I would recommend putting it in the fridge before you use it so it’s extra cooling. I think that this product is comparable to if not better than Milk Makeup’s Cooling Water Gel Stick (which I have also tried).” —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in multipacks).
3. Lee Beauty Professional’s Liquid Callus Remover eliminates the hard skin on your hooves (ahem, :::clears throat::: feet) if you’re too terrified to face the glorified cheese grater at your local salon.
Promising review: “BEST THING I’VE EVER BOUGHT. I’ve spent so much money on foot creams, lotions, and foot scrubbers over the years. Like for legit 10 years now I’ve had cracked heels. My feet are always dry and my heels get so bad that they crack and bleed. After reading all the reviews… even the scary ones that made me almost not want to buy it… I thought I’d give it a chance. I followed the directions exactly, and used gloves along with only leaving the gel on for no more than five minutes. They look like brand new feet!! The kind of feet I thought I’d never have! So, I’m incredibly impressed and so excited!” —Heather Nelson
Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in three scents).
4. And Dermora’s Foot Peel Mask is SO effective, the before and after photos will both give you nightmares and earn a spot on your vision board.
If foot graters give you the heebie-jeebies (hi, hello, it’s me!), try these instead. Just slip on the booties for one hour, wash away the leftover solution, and then wait patiently as it takes 7–14 days before your feet shed like a freakin’ iguana. At the end, you’ll be left with moisturized, baby-soft tootsies!
Promising review: “These booties have a lovely light scent and make your feet feel amazing. Once your feet start to peel in a few days, it’s pretty weird looking, but be patient and let them peel on their own. Your feet will be super soft and sandal ready!” —Monique
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in six scents, two sizes, and packs of 2 or 4).
5. SKIN1004’s Zombie Face Masks employ albumin (an ingredient extracted from egg whites) and aloe vera extract to visibly hydrate, lift, and brighten your complexion in just 15 minutes. Just FYI: Reviews say the tightening effect can be startling, but the results are worth it!
Promising review: “I’ve had my eye on these for A WHILE. It seems to be a possible comp for the viral Hanacure masks. It’s a two-step wash-off mask. The smell is a bit reminiscent of household cleaner, which I don’t love but it doesn’t cause any skin irritation. As it dries, it shrinks a lot. But it’s no more uncomfortable than a standard clay mask. It washes off easily with water. My skin has a lovely glow and brightness after.” —rookery
Get a box of eight masks from Amazon for $24.97 (also available in multipacks).
6. Mighty Patch Hydrocolloid Spot Treatments speedily pull the pus out of your most worrisome whiteheads. (Sorry that was a gross sentence, but it is what it is. 🤷♀️) Before you head to bed, just slap the dots right on any zits and they’ll work their magic overnight.
Promising review: “I do not claim to understand the science behind these tiny miracles, but they have changed my life. I spent my workday looking forward to going home and putting one of these bad boys on my newly erupted Mt. Zit and the overnight results were Shocking. Not only is it grossly satisfying, but it saved me several days of walking around with a bloody crater in my face because my previous method of dealing with unsightly blemishes was to pick pick pick.” —Adg
Get a pack of 36 from Amazon for $10.77.
7. Bio-Oil is sure to come in clutch for anyone who spent their teen years picking and prodding at pimples. If you were left with acne scars and skin damage as a result, it’ll swoop in and encourage new collagen production and help with elasticity.
Take it from BuzzFeed shopping writer Emma Lord:
“FWIW re: scars, this stuff really works. I had thyroid surgery a few years ago and Bio-Oil took me from looking like I’d stumbled out of the Red Wedding to virtually no detectable scar within a few months. All I did was apply it once in the morning and once at night.”
Promising review: “I used to work at Sephora AND a Nordstrom beauty counter for 5+ years and hands down, this is the best facial oil I’ve used. I have DRY skin, so I use it to hydrate and give a dewy glow. Goes great under makeup, and makes my skin look so healthy.” —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $11.12+ (available in two sizes).
8. CeraVe’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser combines hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin to rid your pores of makeup, dirt, and excess oil while also locking in moisture. It’s certainly no secret, but if you’ve been looking for a sign that it’s time to finally try it, consider this it. ⬇
Promising review: “I can’t rave enough about this product! It has the ability to really make your face glow. I have dealt with extremely dry skin for most of my life. There was not enough moisturizer in the world to get my skin to feel hydrated and quenched. Then, CeraVe entered my life! The hylauronic acid along with the ceramides rebuild your skin and turn over old cells to leave you glowing. I noticed a clear difference from the day that I began using the product. My skin felt more youthful, moisturized, hydrated, and radiant after the first use. If you feel like you are missing that glow to your skin, this is a staple on any bathroom vanity! This is a 10 out of 10 every single time!!!” —Andy
Get it from Amazon for $12.37+ (available in three sizes).
9. Seraphic Skincare’s Korean Exfoliating Mitt scrubs away dead skin leaving you ready for a biggggg night in of applying your fake tanner. And if that’s not your thing — no worries — it also helps unclog pores, prevent ingrown hairs, and eliminate bumps caused by keratosis pilaris.
Promising review: “Right out of the box I could tell these mitts were going to be exactly what I needed. Excellent quality and easy to use! I’ve tried them twice already and my skin is now incredibly smooth! After I scrubbed my arm, I looked at the mitt and saw it was covered with dead skin cells. I’ll be buying more of these as gifts for girlfriends (in a fun spa gift basket)!” —Danielle Gill
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available individually or as a pair).
10. Base Lab’s Piercing Bump Solution helps heal and reduce the size of pesky keloids so you don’t have to give up on your brand-new piercing. (Been there, done that, and I know it’s devastating. 😭)
FYI: This product does not promise to work overnight. Apply this daily 2–3 times a day as long as needed. Also talk to your doctor before attempting to treat your keloid on your own, and learn more about keloids from Cleveland Clinic.
Here’s what BuzzFeeder Jordan Grigsby has to say:
“Oh! BTW, I bought this. Last year I got a dermal piercing on my chest and since literally just about every piercing I’ve ever gotten has grown a keloid on it, I should have known my dermal would eventually, too. I got the piercing in February of 2023 and around May I noticed a nasty, stubborn little bump making a guest appearance on my piercing. 🙄 I had written about this stuff a few times so the light bulb went off and I immediately bought it. I consistently used it twice a day and it gradually disappeared, literally like magic within a month. Keloids are a serious nightmare and I’m so glad that I found this stuff. I even *accidentally* ripped it out in November and immediately grabbed this to prevent a keloid from forming cuz I just knew it’d get infected. To my surprise, no keloid, nada. You do have to be patient and consistent, this is NOT an overnight miracle but it’s worth it. I also suggest that you continue to use it for like another week or two even after your keloid goes away juuust in case it tries to sneak back into your life. I haven’t had issues with my piercing since and no more have grown.”
Get it from Amazon for $12.85+ (also available in multipacks).
11. Clean Skin Club’s 100% bio-based face wipes are just the ticket if BeautyTok has convinced you to ditch regular towels which — even when freshly laundered — can harbor acne-causing bacteria.
These are 100% USDA-certified bio-based, meaning they’re made entirely from plant-based materials and better for the environment than your regular disposable wipes.
Clean Skin Club is a small business that launched in 2019 to create innovative natural skincare products.
Promising reviews: “Starting in my 30s, I had developed some acne, and not just around that time of month. I read your bath towels can develop bacteria every few days if they’re not washed, and so putting that on your face can cause acne. That’s why I bought these towels! I use them after my skincare routine on my face, and then again, to clean up our sink (yay for double use)! They have cleaned up my skin significantly, and I highly recommend these!” —Jaclyn O
“I’ve dealt with mild acne and terrible scarring since I was in 8th grade. I’m 30 now. I haven’t had one pimple since I’ve switched to using these. I use the same towel for about 3–4 days, which is 6–8 uses, so it’s not even necessary to use a new one every day / every use. They’re really wonderful.” —Dami
Get a 50-pack from Amazon for $17.05 (also available in other packs).
12. Perfect Image’s Glycolic Acid 30% Gel Peel removes dull, uneven layers of epidermal skin and stimulates cellular activity to reveal a softer, healthier complexion underneath. The professional-strength formula — which is boosted with retinol and green tea — also allows your skin to better absorb future products.
Promising review: “This stuff is absolutely incredible. In January of 2017 I finally decided to try an at-home peel in conjunction with retinoids. Take a look at the photos I posted and you’ll see how happy I am with my progress (after photo on the right taken June 2017). I’ve used this peel once a week and have had incredible results. Previously I did three rounds of Fraxel, which only resulted in severe pain, peeling, and grossness. Oh yes, and an empty savings account. For 30 bucks every few months I achieved better results than I got at a dermatologist’s office.” —Meredith
Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (also available in 10% and 50% strengths).
13. LilyAna Naturals’ Eye Cream targets dark circles and puffiness so everyone in the office will assume you got a full eight hours of sleep and definitely didn’t stay up until 3 a.m. scrolling TikTok…
Promising review: “I LOVE THIS! I spent every weekend for about a month buying high-end moisturizers and eye creams and then returning them because my dry skin had gotten soooooo bad and nothing was helping! This has helped tremendously. I was about to give up on even wearing concealer because it was looking so dry and crepey but my concealer is looking good again since I’ve been using this for a few weeks! I am also noticing a small change in my fine lines. Like others, I started using this as a face cream as well and I could not live without this product! It is the most hydrating product for my face and eyes!” —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes and a two-pack).
14. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant helps scrub away dead skin cells, leaving behind clear pores and a bright complexion. Apply it morning and night (after your cleanser and toner) and it’ll leave ya lookin’ as radiant as Ben Affleck when caught by the paps holding a whole tray of Dunkin’ iced coffees.
Promising review: “I have every skin issue you can think of. Rosacea, acne, dehydration, excessive oiliness, redness. I’ve spent probably thousands on a multitude of different products. I’ve had many procedures, many trips to the dermatologist. Nothing has made such a profound difference in the appearance of my skin. Having rosacea, my face often felt hot, bumpy, and burned. While my complexion is naturally fair and pink, this has seriously covered all my bases in a gentle and effective way. I’ve been trying to turn my skin around for YEARS!! this was the product that did it. If I could give it 100 stars I would. It has seriously changed my life!!!”—hc
Get it from Amazon for $14+ (available in three sizes).
15. First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub gets rid of pesky “chicken skin” — AKA those tiny bumps clinically known as keratosis pilaris — with glycolic and lactic acids as well as pumice buffing beads. After a good scrub down, the results will make you feel like you got a legitimate chemical peel!
Promising review: “LOVE. I am a believer and this is now a permanent staple in my shower. It’s significantly reduced the bumps/tiny ingrown hairs I would get on my legs after shaving. Praise be.” —Sarah Sledge
Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in six sizes).
16. RoC’s Retinol Correxion Eye Cream — users swear by it to address puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines. One reviewer says it took 10 years off of their face in just five days!
Reviewers say patience is the key with this cream! It might take a couple of months to see results. (Note: This product contains parabens.)
Promising review: “I don’t write reviews, and I’m a huge skeptic. This eye cream is awesome! I almost don’t believe it! The pictures are proof. I’ve been using it for three months. Twice a day! I am blown away by the results. It’s so affordable, and if you’re like me, I’m not a huge skincare guru!! Amazing product! Very happy with it.” —Vett
Get it from Amazon for $20.55.
17. DearKlairs’ Midnight Blue Calming Cream quickly calms and soothes skin whether you’re dealing with irritation caused by acne, laser treatments, sun exposure, or shaving.
Promising review: “Absolutely worth every single cent! I have severe rosacea that leaves my nose and cheeks dry, flaky, and breaking out. I’ve had little success with anything topical that will provide relief to my irritated skin. I received my order Wednesday and applied it that night after washing my face. By Saturday afternoon, my face was almost completely healed. The cream prevented peeling and helped clear up my rosacea skin irritation! I’m completely amazed! I’ve applied less than a dime size over my face four times! My skin has truly never felt better! It’s got to be witchcraft because not even the different RXs I’ve tried over the years have produced these results.” —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in three sizes).
18. A Tree of Life’s Power Trio is the definition of “more bang for your buck” with vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid serums for less than $30! When used in tandem, the routine can help reduce dark spots and fine lines, support elasticity, and brighten and hydrate skin.
Be sure to follow the brand’s instructions on how to use these together!
Promising review: “I’m in my mid-30s and realized it was time to step up my skincare game. I always looked younger than my age, but recently that’s worn off a bit and makeup remover wipes and argan oil at night weren’t cutting it. I happened across this trio and, for the price, thought I’d give it a try. My skin feels AMAZING!!! This trio is worth every penny. I don’t even feel like I have to wear makeup all the time anymore and when I do, it goes on so much smoother. This is definitely going to be part of my routine for years to come!” —Caitlin
Get the pack of three from Amazon for $29.99 (available in other packs).
19. Radha Beauty’s Rosehip Oil addresses all sorts of skin concerns (think: blemishes, fine lines, age spots, and scarring) thanks to its natural vitamin-, antioxidant-, and essential fatty acid-filled formula. If you’re trying to combat more than one issue and want to keep your routine simple, try this baby out!
Promising review: “This is my daily staple. I use twice daily on my face and neck. It is literally the best for skin. My skin is dewy, clear, smooth, and radiant. I live in a very dry environment at high altitude with extreme winter temperatures and the oil provides a nice barrier to the elements.” —Victoria
Get it from Amazon for $14.95.
20. Thayers’ Witch Hazel Facial Toner tightens up pores, reduces redness, and keeps oil production in check with rose petal water, witch hazel extract, and aloe vera. As far as curb appeal goes (or counter, if you will), we also love that the bottle looks like it came from an old-timey apothecary.
Promising review: “I have an oily forehead and very dry cheeks and jaw area. I coupled this product with Naturium Niacinamide Face Serum and CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser and the trio had done WONDERS for my skin and pores. Since implementing the new routine, my skin is glowing nonstop with zero break out periods. I HIGHLY recommend getting all three but this product specifically has closed up my pores and makes my skin feel incredibly fresh to the touch.” —Diamond Cooper
Get it from Amazon for $11.79+ (available in four sizes and seven scents).
21. Blume’s Meltdown Acne Oil can help clear skin without depleting moisture. The nourishing rosehip, blue tansy, tamanu, and black cumin seed formula can be used as a spot treatment or mixed into your moisturizer for a full-face treatment.
Blume
Blume is a woman– and POC–owned small business based in Canada that specializes in cruelty-free, vegan, and environmentally friendly products for skin, body, and period care.
Promising review: “Holy grail. This has changed the way my skin looks and feels! Hormonal breakouts are no longer a huge bummer, and I have officially subscribed to this product monthly!” —Ashley G.
22. Aztec Secret’s Indian Healing Clay Mask deeply (and I mean *deeply*) penetrates your pores and vacuums out impurities so well that it’s racked up more than 72,000+ 5-star ratings.
Promising review: “A consistent staple in my beauty regimen for years. This face mask is my ultimate favorite. And it’s a reasonable price for how much you get. It does tighten up and becomes brick hard when it dries. But the results are fantastic. A little goes a long way. Pros: Deep cleans skin and pores, soften skins, keeps skin clear, comes with a lot of product. Cons: Can’t think of any, that’s why I keep buying it. Lol. Overall: I’ve used high-end and low-end facial products. Ultimately, this face mask leaves my skin refreshed, tightened, and looking healthy.” —Sweetheart23
Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in two sizes).
23. Jack Black’s Intense Therapy Lip Balm protects you with vitamin E, natural emollients, and SPF 25 because yes — you can sunburn your kisser and no, I don’t recommend it.
Promising review: “I have used Avon’s lip conditioner for over a decade and they DISCONTINUED IT!!! WHY!? So, I’ve been hunting for something comparable and WOW…it’s not easy. Everything is greasy, or actually makes my lips peel!! I’ve wasted a lot of money, but this!! Not only is it just as nice as my beloved Avon, dare I say — it’s better!! AND I’m not needing to use it 20 times a day. I think that’s a true testimony to a product working and doing what it’s supposed to do. You actually don’t need it as often! Thank you Jack Black for designing a product that does what it says it does. I’m a customer for life.” —T-NAY
Get it from Amazon for $10 (available in six flavors and multipacks).
24. Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator clears pores and addresses uneven texture while keeping your skin’s protective barrier intact. If you’re a “I need to know the ingredients!” type of person, it utilizes gentle cleansers like salicylic acid, colloidal oatmeal, and gingko.
Promising review: “I use this product to exfoliate dry skin on my face. I’ve tried other products and they were fine, but this one is fantastic. It leaves my skin smooth and ready for moisturizers. It’s a staple of my morning routine. Love it!” —JT
Get it from Amazon for $19+ (available in four sizes).
25. Acure’s Brightening Facial Scrub — with sea kelp and French green clay cleanses — softens, detoxifies, and evens out skin tone when used three times a week.
Promising review: “I am a skincare lover; I probably have $5,000 worth of skincare products and this is definitely a staple in my routine. I use this about three times a week in the shower and it gives my face a nice glow. I have sensitive skin and this is great. Instead of spending money on an exfoliant, purchase this and save your money for a good serum!” —Jill
Get it from Amazon for $11.99.
26. Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel gives your skin a big ol’ gulp of hydration with a hyaluronic acid–based water-gel formula. Use it at night and you’ll wake up with baby-soft skin.
Promising review: “Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel is a game changer. The lightweight gel absorbs quickly, leaving my skin refreshed and plump. Its fragrance, although not the strongest, smells good and is great for sensitive skin. A little goes a long way, making it worth the investment. Highly recommend for a radiant glow!!” —Eri
Get it from Amazon for $11.85.
27. Teddie Organics’ Rose Water Toner Spray features an anti-inflammatory formula that can calm an array of skin irritations from gnarly wind-chapped cheeks to pesky razor burns.
It’ll also restore your skin’s pH balance and absorb excess oil. It’s everything you want your toner to do, except now you can use it WHEREVER. Plus it’s organic and suitable for sensitive skin!
Promising review: “This stuff is amazing!! I’ve been reading reviews about how rose water can eliminate toxin buildup on your skin from pollution, which leads to acne breakouts. Holy crap! Ever since I started using this I haven’t had random breakouts (other than hormone related during that time of the month). My skin is also glowing!! I use it twice a day after I’ve finished my daily face routine. I’m definitely going to buy this product again and tell any of my friends with skin issues to give it a try. I also have sensitive skin and I didn’t have any sort of reaction to this product.” —Jocelyn
Get it from Amazon for $9.95.
28. Topicals’ Faded Serum visibly reduces the appearance of dark spots, scars, and blemish marks. The magic is in the combination of tranexamic acid + niacinamide + azelaic acid which work together to brighten skin, improve texture, and give you an IRL blur effect.
Promising review: “I cannot tell you the last time that I have been able to claim a skincare product worked. My skin is extremely sensitive and last month my face broke out on both sides. I tried using turmeric honey and avocado oil and it seemed to work but it would break out all over again when I attempted to moisturize my skin. I saw a documentary about African American women who made skincare products never realizing that I would need to use one of their products. It has been approximately 2 weeks now that I’ve been using this and the dark spots are almost non-existent. I am so excited.” —Lisa
Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in two sizes).
29. Hanalei’s Sugar Lip Scrub buffs away dry, chapped skin with cane sugar and then locks in moisture with Hawaiian kukui oil and shea butter so you don’t have to desperately lick your lips every two seconds in a failed bid to keep them hydrated.
Promising review: “This sugar scrub is a 10/10. I added this to my bed time routine and it has already made a tremendous impact on my lips. I’ll wash my face with a gentle face wash cleanser, then apply this sugar scrub after. I’ll take a slightly damp face cloth and rub it away so I don’t remove the moisturizing aspect. My lips feel smoother and softer after 10 days consistent use. I feel refreshed and reset before I rest. I highly recommend this product. Also, I have sensitive skin, and this scrub has not irritated me. Add this to your routine asap!” —Laney87
Get it from Amazon for $16.99.
30. La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Balm B5 is a multipurpose cream that you can use on your face, body, and hands. The fragrance-free shea butter and glycerin formula is so gentle, it’s even suitable for use on babies as young as a week old!
Promising reviews: “This product was created by wizards in a magical realm. Guard it like gold. Whisper sweet nothings to it every time you open your medicine cabinet. In return it will restore the moisture barrier on your skin when you ever exfoliate and keep your skin baby-butt smooth during the dry days of winter.” —So And So
“Now, I’ve loved this cream for a while. I wish I could write a sonnet about it. It heals popped pimples, irritated Tretinoin skin, cuts, scrapes, burns, you name it.” —Sage Pennington
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in two styles).
31. And O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Cream swoops in to save your mitts after 20+ Purell applications. Keeping ’em clean is of the utmost importance, but if you already suffer from dry skin, hand sanitizer probs has you in a world of hurt.
Promising review: “I have a skin condition on my hands that causes blisters, dryness, and cracking, especially during the winter. I used to scald my hands with hot water to get relief from the itching. I also used to keep bandages with me wherever I want to cover the bleeding cracks. O’Keeffe’s has a protective barrier and works its way deep into the tissue to get at those thick calloused areas on my knuckles. I keep O’Keeffe’s with me wherever I go and it’s provided me with relief far better than anything else I’ve tried over or under the counter.” —SoulRaker
Get it from Amazon for $8.55+ (available in packs of 1, 2, and 12).
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.
