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These Are the Best Skincare Products of 2022

Scroll on to see which skincare products are considered the best.

Updated on 12/09/22 12:05PM

Good skincare is like magic—it's personal, it's intimate, and finding a product that'll yield real results is downright tingle-inducing. We chose the products that make us feel best (and really work) so you can find the formulas that'll help keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and happy. Below, take a look at our 2022 Beauty Award Winners in the skincare category.

01 of 26

Best Gel Cleanser

Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser $35.00

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Highlights

Super-comforting, hydrating gel formula
Includes chamomile essential oils to soothe irritation and redness
Leaves your skin feeling bouncy and fresh

Find even more of our favorite cleansers here.

"Fact: I'm obsessed with cleansers, and this gentle, cushiony, and hydrating gel cleanser is my absolute favorite. It houses marine peptides (for hydration), hydrolyzed algin (for protection from free radicals like pollution), and chamomile essential oils (to soothe irritation and redness)—all the while being a pleasure to apply. Pro tip from Dr. Loretta herself: Leave it on for a minute or two to get the full benefits." - Hallie Gould, senior editorial director

02 of 26

Best Cream Cleanser

Omorovicza Moor Cream Cleanser $87.00

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Highlights

Clinical tests show it takes two weeks to see a visible difference
Formulated with sensitive skin in mind
Smells incredible

"Using this cream cleanser feels like a spa experience. I love how aromatic it is but also effective at lifting congestion and clearing impurities. I like to use it by massaging it onto damp skin and buffing it away with a warm damp muslin cloth to feel instantly refreshed." - Sofie Pavitt, NYC-based esthetician and owner of Sofie Pavitt skincare studio

03 of 26

Best Oil Cleanser

Susanne Kaufmann Deep Cleansing Oil $60.00

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Highlights

A mix of cold-pressed plant oils and vitamin E
Removes dirt and stubborn makeup in seconds
Thick, soothing, and warm to the touch

Learn how to use oil cleanser in a double-cleansing routine here.

"I wasn't kidding when I said I was obsessed with cleansers. This soothing, thick, and comforting cleansing oil removes makeup in seconds flat (without leaving behind a taut, dry feeling) courtesy of vitamin E and cold-pressed plant oils sourced from Europe. Apply it to dry skin and massage it in as the first step in a double-cleansing routine (or use it solo; it's that good)." - Hallie Gould, senior editorial director

04 of 26

Best Cleansing Balm

Eadem Dew Dream Hydrating Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm with Tiger Grass $30.00

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Highlights

Hydrating formula
Calms the skin
Ingredients include Kalahari melon, moringa oil, and tiger grass

"This jelly-to-oil-to-milk cleanser is perfect for removing makeup (and many applications of SPF) without irritating the skin, leaving it super soft. Key ingredients include Kalahari melon, moringa oil, and tiger grass to reduce fine lines and dark spots, unclog pores, and boost overall skin health." - Jasmine Phillips, social media editor

05 of 26

Best Firming Moisturizer

Kate Somerville KateCeuticals Total Repair Cream $140.00

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Highlights

A blend of peptides, squalane, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E
Soothing, reparative, and firming to the skin
Boosts elasticity

Cruelty-Free

Find more of our favorite firming face creams here.

"This cult-favorite Kate Somerville moisturizer took over a decade to perfect—and it shows. Brimming with plumping, hydrating, and firming ingredients (peptides, squalane, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, to name a few), it's deeply reparative and replenishing to the skin each time you apply." - Hallie Gould, senior editorial director

06 of 26

Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Face Moisturizer $21.00

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Highlights

Lightweight moisturizer
Hydrating formula without the shine
Helps repair the skin barrier after one hour

Cruelty-Free

Check out more Byrdie-tested moisturizers for oily skin.

"If you’re looking for a hydrating moisturizer that will limit shininess, this is the one for you. The gel formula glides on smoothly and leaves you with all-day hydration minus the shine. It plays well with my SPF and foundation, and I sometimes even skip primer when using this product." - Jasmine Phillips, social media editor

07 of 26

Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin

Dieux Skin Instant Angel $45.00

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HIghlights

Yields a glowing, radiant finish
A blend of good-for-you ingredients like fatty acids, ceramides, and glycerin
$1 of every sale goes to an organization fighting for reproductive justice

"Brimming with all the good stuff—fatty acids, ceramides, glycerin, urea, and squalane—Dieux Skin's Instant Angel moisturizer feels like silk, butter, and clouds all rolled up into one. That and it's made my skin healthier and happier than ever before. Instant Angel is deeply moisturizing and nourishing, comes at an amazing price point, and is created by a brand that genuinely cares about its consumers. The pricing is transparent, the practices are sustainable, and the ingredients are divine. It's hands down the best of the best. The glowing, angelic finish isn't bad either." - Hallie Gould, senior editorial director

08 of 26

Best Toner

Yon-Ka Paris Lotion Yon-Ka PS $50.00

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Highlights

Feels refreshing and invigorating upon contact
Key ingredients include thyme oil and plant glycerin for radiance and moisture retention
Suitable for all skin types but especially great for dry skin

Vegan

Find more of our favorite toners here.

"This invigorating toner works to heal and hydrate your skin with just a few sprays. It's packed with thyme oil to stimulate blood circulation to give your skin that ever-elusive glow, as well as glycerin to retain moisture. You can mist it directly on your skin (I'm a drench kind of girl) or pat it on gently with your fingertips." - Hallie Gould, senior editorial director

09 of 26

Best Chemical Exfoliator

Chemist Confessions Baby Steps Exfoliation Treatment $40.00

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Highlights

Suitable for sensitive skin
Doubles as a rinse-off mask or nightly booster
Key ingredients include lactic acid and gluconolactone (a gentle alternative to AHAs)

Learn more about the differences between chemical and physical exfoliators.

"I love to use this as a 10-minute rinse-off mask once a week for an exfoliation boost. I also love the option of adding a drop to my moisturizer in the evening whenever I feel like my skin needs the extra help." - Joyce de Lemos, cosmetic chemist

10 of 26

Best Physical Exfoliator

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser $44.00

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Highlights

Made with three exfoliating acids and jojoba beads
Formula encourages cell turnover
Boosts skin radiance and softness

"This cleanser effectively treats clogged pores, texture, and hyperpigmentation by combining physical (jojoba beads) and chemical exfoliation (salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acids). The exfoliating jojoba beads are smooth and round (unlike the popular apricot shell powder), making them less irritating on the skin. It also is an excellent option for those whose skin is too sensitive for leave-on chemical exfoliants." - Tiara Willis, licensed esthetician and skincare influencer

11 of 26

Best Retinol Serum

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum $92.00

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Highlights

High-dose concentration with three different retinoids
Treats wrinkles, dark spots, acne, and uneven texture
Clinically shown to deliver results in two weeks

Cruelty-Free

Find more of our favorite retinol serums here.

"This revolutionary, high-dose retinol serum contains three different retinoids for triple the effect, plus soothing ingredients like squalane to prevent the skin from drying out (which is common when using retinoids). In a study conducted by the brand, Dermalogica found that the majority of participants saw a reduced appearance of wrinkles, pores, dark spots, and uneven texture in just two weeks." - Holly Rhue, associate editorial director

12 of 26

Best Serum for Hyperpigmentation

Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter $55.00

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Highlights

Safe for all skin types
Improves the look of existing dark spots and targets future dark spots
Key ingredients include vitamin C, salicylic acid, and glucosamine

Check out more ways to even your skin tone here.

"This year, I’ve been able to get my breakouts under control, but the hyperpigmentation that even the tiniest pimple leaves behind lasts for months. That is until I started incorporating Clinique’s Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interruptor into my routine. This serum is formulated with Gyokuro extract, which helps quell the look of irritation, and rice bran extract, which is a potent antioxidant and nonirritant. Most importantly for me, it’s formulated without oils, so it doesn't affect my acne-prone skin with daily use. I applied this serum twice a day mindlessly for about a week and saw a noticeable difference. I couldn’t believe it. My dark spots were much less noticeable and much easier to cover with makeup. Now that it’s a part of my daily routine, hyperpigmentation is hardly an issue. If you struggle with dark spots, this is worthy of space in your medicine cabinet." - Star Donaldson, senior social media editor

13 of 26

Best Calming Serum

Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum $26.00

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Highlights

Gentle serum to soothe irritated, dry, and/or sensitive skin
Lightweight and non-greasy
A blend of oat flour, oat extract, and oat oil work to soothe skin and strengthen your moisture barrier

Cruelty-Free

Find more of our favorite serums here.

"I have supersensitive skin that is prone to dermatitis and eczema. The oat extracts in this serum are incredibly calming and bring down redness and inflammation when my skin feels irritated." - Joyce de Lemos, cosmetic chemist

14 of 26

Best Hydrating Serum

Embryolisse Hydra-Serum $35.00

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Highlights

Lightweight, hydrating gel
Key ingredients include white water lily and two types of hyaluronic acid
Quenches and plumps skin

"This serum is supercharged with a cocktail of humectants (glycols and glycerin) to hydrate the skin. I also love the water lily extract for added soothing and hydration." - Joyce de Lemos, cosmetic chemist

15 of 26

Best Face Oil

Katini Skin Clarity Facial Oil $95.00

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Highlights

Elegant, lightweight formula
Ingredients include sea algae and rich in vitamins A, C, and E
Brand utilizes wild-harvested ingredients whenever possible

See more of the best face oils we've tested.

"Historically, I haven't been much of a face oil user, but Katini Skin has converted me. The brand's blends are elegantly formulated and feel lightweight, not greasy. I've been particularly partial to the Clarity Facial Oil: Its combo of tsubaki, rice, and sea algae even my skin tone and cultivate a brighter complexion, making it ideal for someone who frequently battles with hyperpigmentation (it's me; I'm someone). I love that I can seal in the rest of my routine with an oil that will continue to further my clear-skin goals while leaving me with the glowiest finish." - Eden Stuart, associate editor

16 of 26

Best Hydrating Face Mask

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque $60.00

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Highlights

Key ingredients include dipeptides and hyaluronic acid for comfort and moisture
Helpful for reactive skin and redness or irritation post-treatment
Cooling on contact

Check out 16 of our favorite face masks here.

"This mask is deeply calming and soothing for reactive skin—it uses dipeptides as well as cucumber, thyme, olive extracts, and hyaluronic acid to cool, comfort, and smooth your skin with every use. It reduces redness, feels incredible, and is my secret weapon post-treatment (i.e., lasers, microneedling, et al.)." - Hallie Gould, senior editorial director

17 of 26

Best AHA Mask

Hyper Skin Hyper Even Fade and Glow AHA Mask $48.00

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Highlights

Gentle enough for sensitive skin
Powerhouse combo of AHAs (glycolic and mandelic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid) for clear, even skin
Gorgeous turmeric yellow color

Learn more about the difference between AHAs and BHAs, as well as how to use them.

"Let’s cut to the chase: This AHA formula actually evens out your skin. I noticed fading in a few of my baby sunspots and an overall radiance and brightness in my complexion after a month or so of consistent use. Considering the price (there are a lot of expensive masks out there), this is great value if you prefer the one-and-done results of a weekly AHA mask treatment over the daily application of a toner or solution (me too, TBH). The real clincher, however, was the lack of irritation. There was no “adjustment period” to this product and, thankfully, no redness to contend with. It got along with my finicky, sensitive skin right away. And that's what makes it a winner." - Madeline Hirsch, news director

18 of 26

Best Overnight Mask

U Beauty The Barrier Bioactive Treatment $198.00

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Highlights

Sophisticated formula
Hydrates skin overnight
Strengthens and repairs the skin barrier for plump, glowing skin

"I have literally never had a skincare product work so quickly and so dramatically. I tested it while I was adjusting to a prescription retinol, and it got rid of all my irritation and crusty flakes in two days. I was worried it would break me out, as many richer creams do, but the cushy texture only helped calm any red pimples that were brewing. It makes my makeup apply better in the morning and makes my skin feel plump and bouncy—even in the dead of winter. I generally believe pricey skincare is a bit of a scam, but I truly can’t live without this stuff." - Bella Cacciatore, news editor

19 of 26

Best Clarifying Mask

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask $31.00

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Highlights

Made with bamboo charcoal, white China clay, and lecithin
Addresses dullness, clogged pores, and oiliness
Can be used once or twice a week

"When my skin is in need of a total reset, I turn to the Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask. It's formulated with bamboo charcoal to remove excess oil and white China clay to absorb environmental toxins. Adding this to my routine once or twice a week keeps my pores clear and my skin refreshed." - Olivia Hancock, editor

20 of 26

Best Facial Sunscreen

Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen $36.00

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Highlights

Elegant, lightweight formula
No white cast
SPF 30

Read all about more of our favorite sunscreens.

"In the office, I am notorious for skipping my sunscreen—it's easy to when there are so many bad formulas out there—but this one has truly made me a believer. It feels like a luxurious serum and doesn’t leave behind any white cast, weird pilling, or heavy greasiness that’s typical of a mineral sunscreen. Instead, it perfectly preps my skin for makeup, leaving behind a slight luminous finish that isn’t sticky. I’m not mad at the additional skincare benefits like squalene and chamomile for soft, soothed skin." - Bella Cacciatore, news editor

21 of 26

Best Eye Cream

Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Bright-Eye Gel Cream $38.00

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Highlights

Illuminates, hydrates, and firms the under-eye area
Made with niacinamide, vitamin C, peptides, and green caffeine
Can be used on the under-eyes, eyelids, in between brows, and inner and outer corners

Find more of our favorite eye creams here.

"Like many people, my under-eye area can often look dull and dark. Glow Recipe’s newest eye cream is my best defense against both concerns. The vitamin C complex and niacinamide blend target the look of dark circles, making them appear more vibrant. Plus, the formula’s peptides and green caffeine reduce puffiness." - Olivia Hancock, editor

22 of 26

Best Lip Balm

Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment $16.00

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Highlights

Made with peptides to visibly plump and reduce fine lines
Comes in scented and unscented options
Shines like a gloss (without the stickiness)

See more Byrdie-approved lip balms formulated to hydrate, treat, and protect.

"Rhode's Peptide Lip Treatment is the best lip balm I've ever had the pleasure of trying. It feels like a comforting, billowy blanket wrapping my lips in moisture and happiness with every application—and I'm not even exaggerating. Aside from shea butter, cupuaçu, and babassu, the key ingredient is peptides, which, when applied topically, work to visibly plump and reduce the look of lines around your lip area.The product comes in scented and unscented options; keeps my lips hydrated, soft, and plump; and even shines like a gloss (without the stickiness)." - Hallie Gould, senior editorial director

23 of 26

Best Face Mist

Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray $28.00

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Highlights

Incredible for sensitive and sensitized skin
Calming, soothing, and repairing
Key ingredient is hypochlorous acid for redness and/or irritation

Learn more about what to look for in a face mist.

"I recommend this facial mist to all of my clients dealing with stressed, irritated skin. It holds the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance, so it is truly a product for even the most sensitive skin. Calming, redness-reducing, and repairing: I love it." - Sofie Pavitt, NYC-based esthetician and owner of Sofie Pavitt skincare studio

24 of 26

Best Acne Spot Treatment

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original $13.00

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Highlights

Visibly shrinks whiteheads overnight
Contains a medical-grade gel that absorbs and traps gunk
Chemical-free and great for sensitive skin

Find more of our favorite acne patches here.

"These pimple patches have been my saving grace. Once I see a whitehead, I pop one of these babies on, and it's either gone or significantly smaller in six to eight hours. I've always been pretty skeptical about pimple patches, but these get the job done and stop me from 'accidentally' popping my pimples." - Jasmine Phillips, social media editor

25 of 26

Best At-Home Peel

BeautyStat Universal Triple Action Daily Peel $29.00

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Highlights

Made with glucosamine and alpha/beta acids
Formulated for all skin types
Helps you achieve smoother, tighter, and more radiant skin

"I’ve been trying to be more consistent about exfoliating, and BeautyStat’s Universal Triple Action Daily Peel has made it easy. All you have to do is massage the gentle peel onto your skin for 20 seconds. The product promises smoother, tighter, and more radiant skin. I can confirm it definitely delivers on those claims." - Olivia Hancock, editor

26 of 26

Best Tool

NuFACE Trinity+ Facial Toning Device $339.00

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Highlights

Tones, lifts, and contours the face
Reduces lines and wrinkles
Easy to use

Check out our guide to beauty gadgets that really work.

"After hearing many of my colleagues rave about NuFace's Trinity+ Facial Toning Device, I finally caved and tried it out. Even though it had earned the seal of approval from my trusted peers, I was still skeptical. Could a little device you use at home really lift and tone your face in a few minutes? It turns out that it can. Consistency is the key here, but with enough repeated use, your face really will look snatched. This will be the easiest addition to your daily skincare routine with the biggest impact." - Erika Harwood, senior style editor

These Are the Best Makeup Products of 2022

These Are the Best Skincare Products of 2022

Best Gel Cleanser

Best Cream Cleanser

Best Oil Cleanser

Best Cleansing Balm

Best Firming Moisturizer

Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin

Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin

Best Toner

Best Chemical Exfoliator

Best Physical Exfoliator

Best Retinol Serum

Best Serum for Hyperpigmentation

Best Calming Serum

Best Hydrating Serum

Best Face Oil

Best Hydrating Face Mask

Best AHA Mask

Best Overnight Mask

Best Clarifying Mask

Best Facial Sunscreen

Best Eye Cream

Best Lip Balm

Best Face Mist

Best Acne Spot Treatment

Best At-Home Peel

Best Tool

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