Augustinus Bader is one of the Best Skincare Brands. Augustinus Bader is the gold standard of celebrity-adored skincare — and it's not just the rich and famous (which are apt descriptors for both the brand and its devoted fans); beauty editors have also sung the brand's praises. Bader skincare is powered by its patented Trigger Factor Complex technology, which was inspired by three decades of cutting-edge skin healing and tissue repair research. However, there isn't just one product that works.

The brand has over 20 products for skin, hair, and body that have all been expert-formulated, expert-tested, and expert-approved. It's nearly impossible to list top picks without mentioning The Cream, which started it all, as well as its sister iterations: The Rich Cream, which is a personal favorite of InStyle, and The Light Cream. Another notable pick is the Eye Cream, which has a lightweight, serum-like texture that sinks into the skin.

Pros:

• Shows visible results
• Targets multiple skin issues
• Rejuvenating

Cons:

• Reviewers note it has a watery texture

Price at time of publish: $290
Key Ingredients: TFC8, vitamin A, vitamin C

Size: 1.7 oz.

Cruelty-Free: Yes

Byrdie Clean: No

Website: augustinusbader.com

Dr. Barbara Sturm, a German aesthetics doctor and skin therapist to the stars, launched her eponymous skincare line in 2014 — and it's remained a beauty editor and celeb favorite ever since. She's known for vampire facials (a Kim Kardashian favorite) and her $300-plus Hyaluronic Serum. So much so that Oprah included three of its products in her annual Favorite Things List, crediting the trio for a glow so good she can skip the makeup (the almost-69-year-old also swears they leave her skin as smooth as "a baby's butt").

Purslane, a plant extract rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids that, according to the brand, activates the skin's internal antioxidant system and protects against inflammation and free radicals, is the star of the line. They love the cult-favorite Glow Drops, which are great for revitalizing tired, dull skin and restoring radiance and glow; the Face Mask, which hydrates and soothes skin while drawing impurities and toxins out from deep within the pores; and the Face Cream, which is a deeply nourishing yet pleasantly lightweight moisturizer that's great for everyday use.

Pros:

• Antioxidant-rich formula
• Rich but doesn't feel heavy
• Instantly rejuvenates

Cons:

• Unhygienic container

Price at time of publish: $240
Key Ingredients: Purslane, urea, shea butter
Size: 1.69 oz.
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Byrdie Clean: Yes
Website: https://en.drsturm.com/

SkinCeuticals, founded by a doctor and beloved by dermatologists, has ruled supreme for over 25 years. With a strong commitment to science- and research-backed skincare, SkinCeuticals, according to the brand, pioneered the introduction of cosmeceuticals, which are products considered on the cutting edge between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Surprisingly, the brand is perhaps best known for a legendary, hot dog-smelling product: the C E Ferulic Serum, which is adored by both the general public and seriously impressive dermatologists. Since its introduction in 2005, it has consistently ranked as the best vitamin C on the market, earning numerous awards and accolades for its liquid gold-like formula.

The Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 cream comes in a close second in terms of accolades and prestige. The name refers to the formula's main ingredients, which are 2% pure ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids. The legendary moisturizer strengthens the skin barrier and visibly improves the smoothness, pores, and radiance of aging skin.

Pros:

• High concentration of Vitamin C
• Protects skin from free radicals
  
• Reduces signs of aging

Cons:

• Can feel sticky

Price at time of publish: $182

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid

Size: 1 oz.

Cruelty-Free: No

Byrdie Clean: No

Website: skinceuticals.com

Any serious skincare fan is familiar with Biologique Recherche's hot dog water-scented, worth-its-weight-in-gold Lotion P50. The French, family-owned skincare brand is known for its high-quality, effective formulas, which are favored by celebrities, estheticians, and beauty enthusiasts alike. But you'd be remiss if you overlooked an obvious aspect of the Biologique appeal: it elevates exclusivity to a new level.

Unlike most (read: nearly all) skincare brands, Biologique Recherche is only available at high-end spas that carry the brand — as well as the brand's own e-boutique if you're willing to sign up for a MyBR membership. (to be fair, creating an account is free). The high prices are yet another barrier to entry, though they would gladly pay the full price for its authentic, balanced, and seriously hard-working formulas. With over 150 options for the face and body, there's truly something for everyone. Biologique is aimed at skincare connoisseurs; the products are no-frills, highly potent, and (as previously stated) difficult to find. Lotion P50 is a seriously powerful exfoliating lotion that comes in six different iterations depending on your skin type. Few products come close to the ISO-Placenta Serum, which uses biomimetic placenta as its main ingredient to lighten dark spots and regenerate skin.

Pros:

• Contains multiple actives
• Multitasking
• Balances skin's pH levels

Cons:

• Has a strong smell

Price at time of publish: $126
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, niacinamide, salicylic acid
Size: 8.4 oz.
Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie Clean: Yes

Website: biologique-recherche.com/vi-vn/

Renée Rouleau has spent over 30 years perfecting her skin as a lifelong skin enthusiast. Many people regard her as a complexion coach and blemish-busting hero because of her magical touch and ability to quickly eliminate skin concerns. Renée understands that great skin is rarely achieved through a "one size fits all" approach. Her hands-on experience as an esthetician and trusted skin care expert has resulted in a real-world solution — products that are formulated for nine different types of skin, ensuring that your face gets exactly what it needs to look and feel its best.

Rather than just offering options for the standard dry, normal, and oily skin types, she has recommendations for nine different types of skin, with a focus on safe and effective options for the sensitive set. Another "must-have" item for Gould, she claims you'll see a difference in your skin after just one 10-minute application of this at-home peel. Exfoliating AHAs and BHAs, antioxidant-rich berries (hence the name and yummy, jam-like scent), and enzymes are at work. As a result, the formula quickly fades discoloration, purifies pores, and leaves your skin looking bright and glowing.

Pros:

• Shows visible results quickly
• Boosts skin radiance
• Improves dullness and texture

Cons:

• May be too strong for sensitive skin types

Price at time of publish: $89
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, berry extracts
Size: 1.7 oz.
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Byrdie Clean: Yes

Website: reneerouleau.com

The term "clean" has a love-hate relationship in the beauty industry — sure, you can slap it on any old packaging to boost sales, but what does it really mean? Tata Harper is one of the few brands that truly embodies the clean beauty movement. The luxury brand, which uses plant-based ingredients sourced from its own farm (as well as onsite formulation and packaging), is a favorite of celebrities such as Brooke Shields, Kate Hudson, and Rosie Hungtington-Whitely.

Take, for example, its Hydrating Floral Mask, which is favored by a long list of celebrities, including Jessica Alba, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Martha Hunt, and contains a whopping 39 botanical ingredients to plump, hydrate, soothe, and nourish stressed skin. Or the fast-absorbing Revitalizing Body Oil, which contains a plethora of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in a rich, luscious formula that's so effective at removing fine lines and wrinkles that supermodels use it while pregnant.

InStyle favorites include the Superkind Softening Cleanser, a creamy face wash designed for reactive skin and formulated without any potentially irritating ingredients (like vitamins A and C, BHA acids, and physical exfoliators); Crème Riche, a ridiculously luxurious moisturizer featuring 16 sources of hydration, 12 skin-plumping agents, and 15 ingredients for smoothing and softening skin texture; and the Vitamin-Infused Cream Blush, which features an impressive six-color shade range and imparts a radiant, lit-from-within sheen of color in an antioxidant- and nutrient-rich formula.

Pros:

• Protects from free radicals
• Unclogs pores
• Gently exfoliates

Cons:

• Reviewers note it has a strong scent

Price at time of publish: $88

Key Ingredients: Broccoli extract, purple clay complex, papaya enzymes

Size: 4.1 oz.

Cruelty-Free: Yes

Byrdie Clean: Yes

Website: https://global.tataharperskincare.com/

Tatcha's promise to "help you achieve harmony from skin to soul" exudes elegance and luxury. (in the best way possible). Founder and CEO Victoria Tsai emphasizes the importance of viewing skincare through a mental and emotional lens, with skincare serving as the anchor of your own larger well-being rituals. Tatcha's ethos can be found in every product it releases.

From The Rice Wash, a soft cream cleanser that uses Japanese rice powder to softly buff away impurities, to The Silk Sunscreen, a truly weightless mineral sunscreen with SPF 50 protection. Tatcha's staple moisturizers have both been approved by Instyle editors: The Dewy Skin Cream provides deep hydration for normal to dry skin types, whereas The Water Cream uses a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula to provide all-day moisture that leaves oily skin feeling fresh rather than weighed down.

Anyone who enjoys a double cleanse, is looking for a gentle makeup remover, or simply enjoys cleansing oils will enjoy this standout. It contains rice brand and camellia seed oils (both non-pore clogging) to quickly and effectively dissolve makeup. Furthermore, it contains an antioxidant complex based on the diet of Japanese geishas (algae, green tea, and rice) to soothe and calm skin.

Pros:

• Softens the skin while cleansing
• Removes waterproof makeup
• Gentle

Cons:

• Contains fragrance

Price at time of publish: $50
Key Ingredients: Japanese camellia oil, rice bran oil, camellia leaf extract

Size: 5.1 oz.

Cruelty-Free: Yes

Byrdie Clean: Yes

Website: tatcha.com

Kenda Kolb Butler, a long-time beauty industry veteran, founded Alpyn Beauty after relocating from New York City to Jackson Hole. Working in a skincare spa, she saw a need for products that actually worked and was inspired to create the line using the incredible plant-based ingredients available in her local area. As a result, the brand focuses on "wildcrafted active," which is all harvested sustainably in Wyoming. It's also a clean brand, having won the Eco Beauty Award on multiple occasions.

Byrdie Editorial Director Faith Xue recommends this wash to everyone, thanks to its ability to both effectively remove makeup and actually cleanse your skin. It exfoliates ever-so-gently with a blend of AHAs and fruit enzymes, though it also contains hyaluronic acid, so your complexion never feels stripped. Bonus points for the subtle floral-citrus scent and fun-to-use frothy formula.

Sustainability is in their blood. Everything they do, from how they harvest their wild plants to who they collaborate with, must have a direct and positive impact on the environment—and your skin. They donate a portion of each purchase to the Grand Teton National Park Foundation's rewilding efforts, which include restoring over 5000 acres of native grassland, which is critical for the diversity and abundance of plants and wildlife species such as elk, bison, and moose. So far, their contribution has assisted in the rewilding of over 1000 acres.

Pros:

• Gentle exfoliator
• Creamy texture
• Vegan

Cons:

• Doesn't lather well

Price at time of publish: $36
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, papaya and pomegranate enzymes

Size: 4 oz.

Cruelty-Free: Yes

Byrdie Clean: Yes

Website: alpynbeauty.com

Neutrogena is one of Best Skincare Brands. For more than 60 years, Neutrogena has provided innovative skin care solutions to consumers. Today, the brand is on a mission to use its heritage, expertise, and resources to improve skin health for all people, regardless of race, age, ethnicity, skin need, or income. Neutrogena products and advocacy consistently deliver real results without compromises by creating, innovating, and rethinking what is possible.

You don't have to spend a lot of money to get effective products that dermatologists recommend; Neutrogena is the number one dermatologist-recommended skincare product, and it's available at the drugstore. They believe in using scientifically proven ingredients in formulas designed to address any and all complexion concerns, from acne to aging. They also dominate the sunscreen game.

The Hydro Boost collection absorbs quickly into your skin, increasing hydration from within. This hydrates without feeling greasy or heavy because it contains lightweight hyaluronic acid. Instead, it's refreshing and cooling (even more so if kept in the fridge), making it ideal for hot, humid days or anyone with oily skin.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Cooling formula
• Works for all skin types

Cons:

• Unhygienic container

Price at time of publish: $30
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin
Size: 1.7 oz.
Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie Clean: No
Website: neutrogena.com

There's no denying that retinol is a superstar in the skincare world, and when it comes to retinol-focused brands, RoC is unrivaled. The drugstore staple is known for incorporating the proven anti-aging ingredient into a wide range of products for the face and eyes. RoC ingenuity has brought true innovation to skincare since 1957. Dr. Jean-Charles Lissarrague, a pharmacist at Pharmacie Rogé Cavaillès in Paris, created the first hypoallergenic skincare formulations. This was the first of many groundbreaking collaborations with dermatologists that led to the development of revolutionary products, ingredients, and technologies over the years. Dr. Lissarrague believed in creating innovative skincare solutions based on cutting-edge science to help people feel their best every day.

For more than 65 years, RoC has placed collaboration and innovation at the center of everything they do. Given that signs of aging can appear first around the eyes, retinol is an excellent ingredient to look for in an eye cream, and this formula delivers. Despite its effectiveness (i.e., ability to smooth out those pesky crow's feet), it's still gentle and hypoallergenic, and it also addresses other peeper issues, such as dark circles and puffiness.

Pros:

• Reduces multiple signs of aging
• Shows results in 4 weeks
• Hypoallergenic

Cons:

• Thin texture

Price at time of publish: $28
Key Ingredients: Retinol, glycerin
Size: 0.5 oz.
Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie Clean: No

Website: rocskincare.com

The Ordinary is a brand established in Canada in 2013 under the parent company DECIEM. The brand The Ordinary has really exploded in popularity since the end of 2016 until now, it is still sought after by many cosmetic believers. The Ordinary makes a difference in the cosmetics industry because of the unique value created by the late founder of the company - Brandon Truaxe. The Ordinary is known around the world as a pioneer in the beauty industry for its integrity and simplicity, both in terms of raw materials and ingredients.

The Ordinary brand owns a diverse product line of 60 products. The products of The Ordinary all possess the most minimalist ingredient list in the cosmetic industry, using only the necessary and uncomplicated compounds for skin care, which explains the brand name "The Ordinary" – "Normal thing". Besides foundation and sunscreen, The Ordinary is most famous for its "delicious", "tonic" and "cheap" serum products.

Retinol is a tried-and-true powerhouse, with the ability to do everything from stimulate collagen production to clear up breakouts, but it’s notoriously irritating. That’s why they appreciate that The Ordinary offers it in several different concentrations to help your skin gradually acclimate, all coupled with hydrating squalane. This is the lowest, a top choice for retinol newbies.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Non-irritating
• Evens skin tone and texture

Cons:

• May be too mild for those who frequently use retinol products

Price at time of publish: $8
Key Ingredients: Retinol, squalane

Size: 1 oz.

Cruelty-Free: Yes

Byrdie Clean: Yes

Website: theordinary.com/en-us?