The Secret’s Out: Byrdie Editors Share Their Top 14 Skincare Brands (2025)

Aestura, recognized in Korea as one of the top dermatologist-recommended brands, has taken the skincare industry by storm. Known for its solution-focused, clinical-grade formulations, Aestura addresses a range of skincare concerns with an emphasis on skin sensitivity. The brand is dedicated to improving the skin barrier—through strengthening, hydrating, and protective ingredients—making it a go-to choice for those seeking effective, gentle skincare.

Hero Product: Aestura Atobarrier 360

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, lipid complex | Size: 1.5, 2.71 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

You can’t mention Aestura without recognizing this incredible and bestselling product. Infused with ceramides and a lipid complex, this ultra-hydrating repair cream instantly soothes the skin’s barrier without leaving a slick residue behind. Associate Content Editor Derek Deng gushes that “it's nourishing, creamy, soothing, and most importantly, it doesn't break me out.” He looks forward to putting it on after a long day. “It helps tremendously with the redness and flakiness I associate with winter skin,” he adds.

Consider Dieux Skin the incredibly cool older sister of skincare—you’ve likely spotted the reusable eye mask all over your favorite influencer’s TikTok. Renowned for its innovative and sustainable approach, the brand creates high-performance formulas that revitalize all skin types, prioritizing vegan ingredients and ensuring all the products are up to European standards for stability. Founded by a clinical chemist, Diuex delivers effective formulations and brings a refreshing, stylish perspective to skincare, making it both better for the environment and a chic experience.

Hero Product: Dieux Skin Instant Angel Moisturizer

Key Ingredients: Squalane, ceramides, glycerin | Size: 1.7, 3.3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Formulated with all the good stuff—squalane, ceramides, glycerin, and more—this angelic moisturizer is a standout among Dieux’s impressive skincare arsenal. “On days when my skin is super irritated, I apply a thick layer, almost like a face mask, and let it seep in. Within a few minutes, my redness has calmed down, and it feels like my skin is getting a hug,” shares beauty editor Adi Giesey.

Founded by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, the brand is driven by a passion for advanced, science-backed skincare solutions. To create this female-owned, family-run brand, Dr. Loretta tapped her two daughters, bringing a personal touch to this line. The brand aims to simplify your skincare routine with a focus on addressing a range of skin concerns. Each product is formulated with high concentrations of active and botanical ingredients, targeting the four key factors Dr. Loretta believes contribute to aging: pollution, light, climate, and irritants.

Hero Product: Dr. Loretta Intense Replenishing Serum

Key Ingredients: Lipochroman, vitamin E, linoleic acid | Size: 1.01 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Editor-in-Chief and GM Hallie Gould uses this replenishing serum twice a day to improve the overall look and feel of her skin. Packed with vitamin E and a blend of hydrating ingredients, this skincare superhero is like magic in a bottle. “Dr. Loretta Intense Replenishing Serum is a blanket of cushion-y moisture (with added antioxidant benefits),” she says. “I also like to use it as a beautiful base for makeup—the finish is glossy, and my skin drinks it up.”

Eadem focuses on effective, clean skincare, especially tailored for melanin-rich skin. By developing products through the lens of melanin-rich skin, the brand has crafted solutions that effectively address problems across all skin types. Whether you’re looking to minimize hyperpigmentation, improve hydration, or balance your complexion, Eadem offers high-quality products just as effective as they are beautiful. The cool packaging and design look chic on any bathroom counter or vanity.

Hero Product: Eadem Cloud Cushion Plush Moisturizer

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides, 3-plant ceramides | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Eadem Cloud Cushion Plush Moisturizer is social media editor Jasmine Phillips’s go-to daily hydration. Packed with skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide (to reduce dryness), peptides (to enhance elasticity), and 3-plant ceramides (to reinforce the skin barrier), this gem hydrates the skin while also giving it a cushion-y, plump feel. “The texture feels like a cloud as the formula sinks into the skin and provides a deep hydrated and lasting glow,” Phillips says.

For many dermatologists, EltaMD is a trusted skincare (and suncare) brand; it’s also a favorite among Byrdie editors. For over 30 years, the brand has perfected its formulas to ensure it caters to every skin type and concern under the sun. Known for its sun-protecting formulas, EltaMD creates lightweight, gentle products that offer broad-spectrum protection without compromising on texture or effectiveness. The brand’s origins date back to the 1800s in Switzerland, where a healing ointment was found. Initially, the rejuvenating products were used in many hospitals to help treat burn victims, but in 2007, the brand harnessed its medical heritage to bring us the line we know and love today.

Hero Product: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, zinc oxide, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We all know the importance of wearing SPF, so we won’t bore you with that lecture. But this sensitive, skin-friendly sunscreen is a true standout in the suncare realm. Byrdie writer Amanda Rosenthal loves the lightweight formula and appreciates that it comes in a clear, tinted, and green (to combat redness) version. Plus, the formula is nongreasy and creates a glowy, plump base for makeup (no pilling here!).

Face Reality is a skincare brand specializing in acne treatments that combines clinical expertise with a personalized approach. The products are formulated to target the root causes of breakouts, helping you achieve clear, healthy skin. What sets this brand apart is its focus on customization, offering solutions for common skin concerns like rosacea, inflamed acne, folliculitis, and more. Face Reality empowers users to confidently take control of their skincare journey with tailored solutions.

Hero Product: Face Reality Barrier Balance Creamy Cleanser

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, jojoba esters, amino acids, prebiotics | Size: 6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you dislike the overly cleansed, almost tight-feeling some face washes have, then this cleanser from Face Reality is designed for you. Formulated with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and jojoba esters, this wash gently cleanses the skin without disrupting your skin barrier. But don’t let that fool you: “No matter how much makeup, sweat, or dirt is on my face, I find that a simple wash with a cloth and this product removes everything,” Senior Editor Shauna Beni-Haynes says.

Glow Recipe is a K-beauty-inspired brand most notably known for its watermelon and guava fruit-inspired formulations that deliver glowing, healthy skin. The brand's playful approach to skincare makes it easy to incorporate nourishing ingredients like skin-loving botanicals, derm-recommended ingredients, and potent fruit extract. We love the brand and its products, which promote a moisturized, dewy complexion. Whether you’re looking to hydrate, brighten, or smooth your complexion, Glow Recipe offers a luxurious yet beginner-friendly line-up to begin your skincare journey.

Hero Product: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Drops

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, watermelon, hyaluronic acid | Size: 0.5, 1.35, 2.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Drops are an essential skin prep step in Associate Style Editor Ali Webb’s skincare and makeup routine. “It gives me a glowy, wearable highlighter effect while boosting hydration and fading hyperpigmentation—both of which are constant skincare goals of mine,” she shares. “I've used several bottles over the years, and it's one of my go-to options whenever I'm going for a fresh, dewy makeup look or could use a midday glow boost.”

Read Full Review: Is Glow Recipe Good? Here Are 8 Products Our Editors Always Add to Cart

Oak Essentials brings the sensorial experience of a spa right to your bathroom (or wherever you apply your skincare). Founded by lifestyle brand owner Jenni Kayne, this skincare line offers minimalistic products packed with moisture-rich ingredients. With a focus on natural formulas, Oak Essentials treats skin holistically—helping to hydrate, balance, and revitalize the complexion. Emphasizing gentle, effective solutions, the brand transforms your skincare routine into a calming ritual, making it the perfect way to start and end your day.

Hero Product: Oak Essentials Renew Face Polish

Key Ingredients: Pineapple exfoliants, red seaweed algae | Size: 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This vitamin-rich face polish uses pineapple exfoliants and seaweed algae extract to smooth and prep your skin for the rest of your skincare lineup. The dermatologist-tested pick is formulated without parabens, sulfates, or phthalates (which may irritate sensitive skin) and aims to improve your skin’s overall texture. Copy Editor Cher Checchio appreciates that this product isn’t overly exfoliating, noting, “It gently scrubs and exfoliates my skin without causing any redness, burning, or general irritation.”

Despite being recently popular, Paula’s Choice was initially founded in 1995 to create effective, nonirritating skincare products. Using scientifically-backed ingredients (like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, retinol, and more), you’ve probably seen the brand flood your social media feeds, and for good reason. Paula’s Choice is dedicated to delivering long-lasting, visible results while addressing a wide range of skin concerns from acne to aging. Paula’s Choice empowers you to make informed decisions about your skin and believe in the power of clinically proven products.

Hero Product: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, green tea, Methylpropanediol | Size: 1, 4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

As one of the brand’s bestselling products, it’s no surprise this liquid exfoliant has become a staple in writer Shannon Stubbs’s routine. “After using (and I've been using it for years), my skin looks noticeably glowier and clearer than it did before applying. I've found that I've experienced fewer breakouts ever since I incorporated this into my routine, and it keeps my skin looking smooth and feeling soft.”

Read Full Review: The 14 Best Paula’s Choice Products for Every Skin Concern

Dermatologically-backed and developed, Prequel is founded on the principles of solution-focused skincare. In a category that is overly flooded with numerous brands, Prequel is a breath of fresh air, offering targeted, practical products that address real skin concerns with simplicity and precision. The brand ensures each formula is not only potent but also gentle, making it suitable for a variety of skin types, including ultra-sensitive skin. The brand’s straightforward approach cuts through the skincare industry's noise and provides results-driven solutions for balanced skin.

Hero Product: Prequel Gleanser Facial Cleanser

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, arginine, oat extract, aloe | Size: 13.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This non-stripping glycerin cleanser uses gentle ingredients like aloe and oat extract to improve your skin’s overall texture and appearance. It cleanses the skin of makeup, excess oil, and any dirt without stripping it of its natural moisture and pH. Associate Editor Caitlyn Martyn has been a longtime fan of the brand. She loves the cleanser and the Universal Skin Solution Hypochlorous Acid Spray, which addresses a plethora of skin concerns at once. “Let me explain: One or two spritzes of this fine mist cleanses and purifies my skin on contact, calming and soothing redness, itchiness, and irritation, as well as clearing congestion (and preventing breakouts from happening in the first place, thanks to its anti-bacterial properties),” she says.

You are probably already familiar with this Gen-Z favorite skincare brand, founded by Hailey Bieber. With a focus on simplicity and efficacious skincare, the brand embraces gentle yet effective vegan formulas and sustainable practices (the recyclable packaging is made of recyclable materials). Bieber created a line that doesn’t come with the complexity of an extensive routine and instead focuses on hydrating and nourishing the skin barrier while providing users with high-quality ingredients. The minimalistic yet chic gray and white packaging is almost instantly recognizable and is simply the icing on the cake for this evolving brand.

Hero Product: Glazing Milk

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, beta-glucan, magnesium, zinc, and copper blend | Size: 2.2, 4.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We are as obsessed with Rhode’s Glazing Milk as Senior Editor Lauren Pardee is. This lightweight and multi-use moisturizing essence gives your skin a hydrating boost. We love pressing this skin-prepping product into the skin and watching our complexion get a bouncy and radiant push. “It lays really nice as a makeup base or brings the skin to life on no makeup days,” Pardee says.

This aptly named brand combines science-driven formulas and active ingredients with a focus on skin health. Targeting a range of common skin concerns such as dryness, eczema, acne, psoriasis, and more, the brand uses clean ingredients to help improve the health of your skin. SkinFix’s emphasis on restoring the skin barrier makes it a great choice for sensitive and problematic skin types (although we always recommend checking in with your derm).

Hero Product: Barrier+ Skin Barrier Repairing Gel Cream

Key Ingredients: Barrier lipid complex, saccharide isomerate, niacinamide | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Editorial Director Holly Rhue raves about the Barrier+ Skin Barrier Repairing Gel Cream, claiming it pairs well with her combination skin. Thanks to its barrier lipid complex and niacinamide blend, the cushiony cream reinforces the health of your skin barrier. “It delivers rich moisture and hydration to my skin, but the texture is still incredibly lightweight and fast-absorbing,” she says. “It makes my skin feel soft, dewy, and bouncy without leaving an oil slick on my forehead.”

When the highly sought-after aesthetician, Sofie Pavitt (aka the acne whisperer), launched her skincare brand, we couldn’t wait to get our hands on her products, and after using them for a few years, we are so happy she bottled her famous signature facials to helps us clear our skin at home—no appointment required. Using her expert knowledge, the brand addresses various skincare concerns with transparent ingredients and a no-fuss three-step regimen: Clean, treat, and hydrate. To make things easier, the brand is color-coded, so you know exactly what the product is and where it should go in your skincare lineup. Whether you need an exfoliating treatment or an omega-rich hydrator, there is truly something for every skin type and concern.

Hero Product: Mandelic Acid Exfoliating & Clearing Serum

Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, hyaluronic acid, panthenol | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This gentle yet highly effective exfoliating cream is the backbone of News Editor Bella Cacciatore’s skincare routine. “It has cleared up my clogged pores significantly, reduced scarring, and helped inflamed acne heal much faster,” she says. Plus, Cacciatore never experienced any irritation, even with nightly use. “Acne aside, the products have excellent textures, are unfussy, and are easy to build a routine around and look cute in your bathroom,” she adds.

You’re likely familiar with this Japanese-inspired skincare brand, known for its blend of traditional botanicals and proven clinical ingredients, all housed in stunning packaging with gold accents. Each product features Tatcha’s signature Hadasei-3 formula, a powerful blend of superfoods, amino acids, and AHAs. But this editor-loved brand offers more than just superior skincare. From the opulent gold spoons included with the creams and lip mask to the harmonious packaging that transforms your bathroom into a spa-like oasis, Tatcha brings a luxurious, Zen-like quality to your skincare regimen.

Hero Product: Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair Cream

Key Ingredients: Japanese indigo extract, ceramide blend, mondo grass root | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This hidden gem from Tatcha magically transforms your skin overnight. Formulated to repair, calm, and strengthen the skin, Associate Editor Alyssa Kaplan raves about this product (and many others). “The texture is one of the smoothest, most luxurious textures I've ever felt—it melts into the skin beautifully, instantly calming irritation and leaving behind a gorgeous, radiant finish,” she says. The formula is nourishing and gentle, and the silky cream improves the appearance and feel of your complexion. Plus, who doesn’t love the little gold spoon that provides both a hygienic benefit and gives you an indulgent, luxurious application?

Read Full Review: We Tried Every Tatcha Product, and These 12 Deserve a Spot in Your Routine

FAQ

• What is a proper skincare routine?

  While every skincare routine depends on your unique skin type and concerns, a standard skincare routine consists of cleansing and moisturizing. You’ll want to use a good cleanser to wash away makeup, pollutants, dirt, and sweat each night before bed and again in the morning. Follow this with moisturizer, and add sunscreen in the daytime. Depending on your personal needs, you can add serums, toners, eye creams, and more. We always recommend consulting with a board-certified dermatologist if you’re unsure.