Face creams and serums are now as covetable as an It bag. So, what’s driving our skincare obsession? “Social media has made it a flex to show off your indulgent products,” says aesthetician Sofie Pavitt. It’s one of the drivers motivating brands to pursue innovation at the highest levels. The result is serums, cleansers, and tools that don’t just look good in a video—but also deliver transformational results with active ingredients and cutting-edge formulations. We tested hundreds of new and lauded skincare favorites to find the ones truly worth the hype. If you haven’t tried these standout products ahead, consider it time to jump on the bandwagon.
CLEANSERS
Kick off your skincare routine the right way: These cool cleansers are packed with active ingredients.
MASKS, ESSENCES, TONERS
Milks, masks, and active-infused toner serums are the last pieces of the puzzle to unlock glowing skin.
SERUMS
No product works harder than a serum to deliver skin-transforming results. Here, the bottles we can’t stop talking about.
MOISTURIZERS
Out of the hundreds of creams we slathered on this year, the winners here delivered on the promise of instantly plump, radiant skin.
EYES
A brightening eye cream is essential if you’ve stayed up too late watching beauty routines on TikTok.
SPF
Sunscreen is like insurance for all your other creams and potions, and the best ones feel equally luxurious.
TOOLS
We tested enough tools to make Home Depot jealous, and these are the ones that transformed our skin this year.
LIPS
Place these lip picks in every handbag—and on your bathroom counter—to keep them hydrated 24/7.
BODY
Skincare shouldn’t stop at your neck. These firming formulas will level up your body-care routine.
Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
How are the Skincare Award winners chosen?
