Author: hpvtyw

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I cried in the Uber on the way home, thinking, my curls are ruined. After a silk press gone wrong in 2022—too many passes of the flatiron, enough to see steam rising—I was left with heat-damaged hair that looked limp and lifeless. Before cutting it all off, I turned to Olaplex. I’d never used the brand, but I’d heard it could revive damaged hair. After a few washes with the No.3 Hair Perfector and the brand’s shampoo and conditioner, my curls started to bounce back. I still trimmed the dead ends (sadly, they were too far gone), but since then, Olaplex has been a staple in my routine.

In the years that followed, the brand expanded its bond-building lineup into curl territory, including a salon-exclusive treatment that left my curls ultra-bouncy, and a defining gel that’s powered more than a few twist-outs. The technology behind it all is what Olaplex is known for: repairing disulfide bonds in the hair fiber to strengthen strands from within. Now the brand is expanding its curl line to include the new No.4 Hydrating Curl Shampoo and No.5 Hydrating Curl Conditioner. I put them to the test—alongside three other Allure staffers with different curl patterns, from loose waves to tight coils—to see how the products stack up against the brand’s original shampoo and conditioner and other bond-building washday duos for curls.

Before we get into our reviews, however, it’s worth setting the stage for what these new products are and what they’re promising.

How do the New Olaplex Curl Shampoo and Conditioner Work?

Olaplex No.4 Hydrating Curl Shampoo

The original Olaplex shampoo and conditioner are designed to strengthen strands (thanks to the brand’s signature bond-building technology) while preventing frizz and gently cleansing the hair.

According to a press release from the company, the Olaplex No.4 Hydrating Curl Shampoo and No.5 Hydrating Curl Conditioner do all of the above, but with added benefits for curls. This includes providing “a more defined curl pattern in one use and, over time, seven days of hydration, 50% less frizz, even in high humidity, and easier detangling.”

Before offering insight into the new formulas, cosmetic chemist Lily Njoroge shares this disclaimer: “An ingredient list can give us a strong sense of how a formula should theoretically perform, but ingredient concentrations and how they interact with each other ultimately determine whether a product delivers on its claims.”

Keeping that in mind, Njoroge explains that the formula leans heavily on moisture-retaining ingredients: hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate, a modified, positively charged form of hyaluronic acid, and glycerin to support both hydration and strand manageability. “Hydroxypropyl bis-hydroxyethyldimonium chloride [in the formula] attracts and binds water while also providing a protective layer that helps the hair retain moisture even in changing humidity,” she explains.

The shampoo is also boosted with time-released emollients like avocado oil and sunflower seed wax to soften and hydrate strands, which can make detangling easier.

As for curl definition, the formula achieves that with polymers—acrylamidopropyltrimonium chloride/acrylamide copolymer, polyquaternium-11, and polyglycerin-3—that “help define and hold curl shape while improving elasticity,” says Njoroge, though results can vary depending on factors like curl pattern, porosity, and water quality.

Njoroge points out that the shampoo also includes ingredients that support the Olaplex frizz-reducing claims. “Polyquaternium-7 works alongside polyquaternium-11, hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate, and acrylates copolymer, helping to form humidity-resistant barriers,” she says. This barrier keeps moisture from getting past the cuticle, which keeps stands smooth and frizz-free.

Olaplex No.5 Hydrating Curl Conditioner

The conditioner shares many of the same ingredients and claims as the shampoo, but the feel is noticeably different. “That’s largely because of how the conditioner base is built,” says Njoroge. She points to behentrimonium methosulfate (one of her favorite conditioning agents), which “coats the hair shaft to reduce friction and static without causing buildup, while delivering the slip that makes detangling easier, especially for curly and coily hair, where friction can lead to breakage,” says Njoroge.

To further prevent breakage, the formula features brassicamidopropyl dimethylamine (a conditioning agent derived from rapeseed oil), which helps reduce flyaways and stress on the hair (from brushing and all the other ways we agitate our hair while styling). Hydroxypropyl bis-hydroxyethyldimonium chloride, a conditioning and moisture-binding ingredient, also plays a role in keeping hair flexible and less prone to breakage.

How We Tested the Olaplex No.4 Curl Shampoo and No.5 Curl Conditioner

The Olaplex Hydrating Curl Shampoo and Conditioner on type 4 hair

Annie Blay-Tettey’s hair before using the Olaplex Curl Shampoo and Conditioner.

Courtesy of Annie Blay-Tettey

And after using the Olaplex Curl Shampoo and Conditioner.

Courtesy of Annie Blay-Tettey

I typically wash my hair once a week—or every other week if life gets hectic. By the time I tested the new Olaplex shampoo and conditioner, it had been a full two weeks, so my hair was more than ready for a cleanse. After taking down my old plaits, I fully saturated my hair with warm water and went in with the shampoo. It lathered immediately—rich, foamy, and satisfying. I know that more lather doesn't necessarily mean cleaner hair, but I do appreciate it, especially since I prefer to shampoo just once and really work it in. I spent a few minutes massaging in about a tablespoon of product before rinsing, and my hair felt clean without that overly stripped, squeaky feel—a promising start.

Next came the conditioner. I used a couple of squeezes, working it through from roots to ends. It felt fairly straightforward; nothing particularly stood out in terms of slip, so detangling wasn’t as seamless as I would have liked, but it got the job done without making me reach for another product. Once I had rinsed and towel-dried my hair, it felt clean and lightly moisturized. I also noticed less frizz than I typically do post-wash, and my strands felt soft to the touch.

I started styling with the Rizos Curls 6-in-1 Styling Cream, working it evenly through my hair. Then I went in with the Olaplex No.10 Bond Shaper Curl Defining Gel, applying it in sections and raking it through with my Felicia Leatherwood Detangling Brush before twisting each section.

The real test came a few days later at the salon with hairstylist Vernon François. The pro sectioned off the front of my hair and blow-dried it, prepping with Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother and finishing with a few drops of Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil. He then cornrowed my hair into 10 rows—without using any gel.

I’ll admit, I was skeptical. Skipping gel sounded like a fast track to frizz, but he urged me to trust the frizz-reducing claims of the shampoo and conditioner, even days after washing. And he was right. My cornrows came out neat and polished, with little visible frizz. The back, which he left in a twist-out, looked just as good—bouncy, voluminous, and, again, impressively frizz-free.

Courtesy of Annie Blay-Tettey

Overall, I’d reach for this duo again. It didn’t make my curls look their absolute best right after washing, but that’s not really what I expect from a shampoo and conditioner. What stood out was how my hair held up days later. For me, a good washday duo should cleanse well and deliver enough moisture to set the stage for styling—and this pair does exactly that.

The Olaplex Hydrating Curl Shampoo and Conditioner on type 2 hair

Shanna Shipin’s hair before using the Olaplex Curl Shampoo and Conditioner.

Courtesy of Shanna Shipin

And after using the Olaplex Curl Shampoo and Conditioner.

Courtesy of Shanna Shipin

Shanna Shipin, commerce director

I put the full Olaplex curl lineup to the test for a week, washing my hair twice, and swapping out my usual products for the shampoo, conditioner, gel, and oil. What surprised me most was how much the shampoo and conditioner elevated my routine. Together, they noticeably reduced frizz and boosted hydration, leaving my curls looking juicier, bouncier, and more defined. I even paired them with non-Olaplex stylers to see if they were doing the heavy lifting—and they were.

The shampoo lathers easily (I usually double-cleanse but didn’t feel the need to here), and the conditioner offers enough slip to make detangling smoother in the shower. And as someone who knows exactly how to create frizz—over-tousling or blasting my diffuser on high heat—my hair held up far better than it typically would.

The gel is a lighter hold, which works well for my texture, and the oil remains a staple for breaking a cast (the process of gently squeezing, gel-coated curls to soften the stiff, crunchy shell that forms while drying) and separating curls without weighing them down (the subtle scent is a nice bonus). I’m impressed by the entire lineup, but the shampoo and conditioner are the real standouts—and the ones I’ll be reaching for most.

The Olaplex Hydrating Curl Shampoo and Conditioner on type 3 hair

Giancarlos Kunhardt’s hair before using the Olaplex Curl Shampoo and Conditioner.

Courtesy of Giancarlos Kunhardt

And after using the Olaplex Curl Shampoo and Conditioner.

Courtesy of Giancarlos Kunhardt's

Giancarlos Kunhardt, associate visuals editor

I tested the Olaplex Hydrating Curl Shampoo and Conditioner on about a week and a half’s worth of buildup from layers of leave-in, gel, and a rotation of wash-and-gos, pineapple buns, and, eventually, a slicked-back style right before washday.

The shampoo and conditioner duo did exactly what I needed them to do: cleanse thoroughly without stripping my curls. I’ve used the original Olaplex shampoo before, and this performs just as well. I can’t say the difference between the two is especially noticeable, but on my curly-coily texture, both deliver solid results.

After washing and conditioning my hair, I used the Olaplex No.10 Bond Shaper Curl Defining Gel, which gives my wash-and-gos a soft, touchable hold. It’s not quite heavy-duty enough for my slick-backs; my texture needs something stronger to keep flyaways fully in check.

What are the pros and cons of the Olaplex Curl Shampoo and Conditioner?

If you’re someone who enjoys an abundant lather from their shampoo, you’ll love Olaplex No.4. “The surfactants tell you a lot about the sensory experience Olaplex was going for,” says Njoroge, who explains that the brand formulated the product with a combination of surfactants (including sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, cocamidopropyl cetaine, and cocamidopropylamine oxide) to achieve that rich, foamy lather.

The shampoo also includes decyl glucoside, a milder cleanser that can “lift buildup without that tight, stripped feeling,” adds Njoroge. However, if you’re dealing with significant product or oil buildup, you’re better off using a clarifying shampoo, as this formula offers more of a gentle, hydrating cleanse.

As for the conditioner, despite all the benefits, someone with finer curls or hair that accumulates buildup easily may want to approach it with some caution, says Njoroge. The chemist explains that the conditioner has a heavier texture, which is great for those with thick or coarse hair, but may weigh down fine hair.

How does Olaplex compare to other bond-building shampoos and conditioners for curls?

The Olaplex No.4 Curl Shampoo and No.5 Curl Conditioner sit slightly on the pricier end of the spectrum compared to other bond-building washday duos for curls. Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Bond Repair Shampoo and Conditioner comes in at $11 each, placing it on the more accessible end, while Ouidad’s Bond Building Shampoo and Conditioner sit mid-range at around $26 each. Cécred’s Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner are $32 each, just slightly below Olaplex.

From a formulation standpoint, the new Olaplex curl duo leans more sophisticated (thanks to its patented bond-building concoction, present in most of its products) and is comparable to Cécred and Redken’s Acidic Bonding Curls Shampoo and Conditioner ($72 for the set). All five systems position themselves as multitasking wash routines that hydrate and repair curls, while also enhancing definition and reducing frizz.

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Olaplex

No.4 Curl Shampoo and No.5 Curl Conditioner

$68

Olaplex

The Olaplex No.4 Hydrating Curl Shampoo and No.5 Hydrating Curl Conditioner are available on Olaplex.com for $34 each.

Discover more Allure editor reviews:

• We Tried Crown Affair’s First Curl Product on 3 Different Hair Textures
• 7 Allure Editors Share Their Favorite Products From the Upgraded Aveda Be Curly Collection
• Pattern Just Launched an At-Home Hair Steamer, and It Makes My Washdays So Much Shorter
• The Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Just Got an Upgrade — Here's My Honest Opinion

Now, watch Dove Cameron's 10-minute beauty routine:

Buy Now at Medik8Save StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

TL;DR:

• What it is: A facial serum
• What it does: Hydrates, reduces redness, and improves the skin barrier over time
• Who it’s for: Anyone looking for extra hydration

Being a beauty editor is pretty cool for a number of reasons, but one of the most exciting ones, in my opinion, is having access to products long before the public does. And right now, I’m sitting with a special sneak peek of a brand-new serum jam-packed with super-buzzy ingredients: the Medik8 Exo-PDRN Pristmatic+ Serum.

As its name implies, the Medik8 Exo-PDRN Pristmatic+ Serum is made with exosomes, PDRN, and a little bit of prismatic magic. Great, but what are those ingredients, and what do they even do for your skin?

As board-certified dermatologist Ellen Marmur, MD, previously told Allure, exosomes are tiny structures released by cells that contain molecules like proteins, lipids, and genetic material (imagine: itty-bitty delivery trucks). Polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN), on the other hand, are derived from salmon DNA and help support skin cell turnover and even out skin tone.

Together, these two ingredients, which are plant-based and vegan in this serum, hydrate skin and help the products applied after the treatment absorb better.

While I can’t speak to the combination of exosomes and PDRN, I can talk about how nice the serum feels on my (freshly cleansed) skin, how its lightweight, water-y (and non-sticky) texture is easily layerable, and how hydrating it is when paired with my favorite moisturizer.

Of course, I’ve only just started using this serum, but hopefully, over time, I’ll be able to reap the other promised benefits, like an improved skin barrier, less redness, and an overall brighter disposition. Until then, I’ll just keep tapping it onto my skin morning and night—and then see how the rest of the world likes the new serum when it officially hits shelves on May 14.

See what’s in the April Allure Beauty Box.

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Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ Serum

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Source Images: Courtesy of @all_about_nails_ct, @vanityprojects, @anl_spaSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

It is officially “lay in the grass and soak up the sun” season, and ladybugs are taking flight—and not just from flowers to your jean shorts. These good-luck charms are making their way to fingertips as one of spring 2026’s cutest nail art trends. The popularity of the ladybug motif makes sense as the weather warms, as there’s a certain whimsy in having one of these little critters visit you on a sunny, balmy day.

Ladybugs have now taken over our feeds the same way playful designs like micro fruits, nostalgic gems, and classic polka dots have. “Clients are loving cute, feel-good designs, and ladybugs are definitely giving just that,” says Kari Roberts, a nail artist based in Birmingham, England. “It taps into the playful and nostalgic vibe.” The look will transport you straight back to childhood, and playing with puffy stickers of all kinds.

Manicurists and salon owners find the ladybug trend is influencing what customers ask for when they come in. “I’ve been seeing them pop up more on my feed, which naturally inspires new sets, but clients have also started requesting them once they see how cute they are,” Roberts says. “Social media always plays a big role in trends like this, so people are asking for their own version.”

The enduring popularity of ladybugs being on trend in warmer months is also thanks to the design’s versatility. “The recent surge in this motif has been exacerbated by the growing 3D nail techniques that are trending heavily right now,” says Rita de Alencar Pinto, founder of Vanity Projects. “Clients can now [ask their nail technician to] integrate texture into their manicure in unique and subtler ways.” This has opened up possibilities for all kinds of maximalist looks that incorporate elements such as tropical flowers, water droplets, calla lilies, and now, in 2026, coccinellidae (the Latin word for ladybugs).

Speaking of versatility, the ladybug motif also lends itself to cat-eye nails, as the popular polish effect adds another layer of interest to the look. New York City-based nail artist Zoey, used magnetic polish to create a ladybug’s body, turning each nail into its own bug by painting the details on top of the metallic base.

Ladybugs work with simpler designs too. “They fit perfectly with ‘cool girl,’ minimalist nail trends, as [the design] adds a point of interest without being too stand-out,” Roberts says. For example, adorable bugs can crawl across a French manicure or hang out amid tiny, hand-drawn fruits. They can also sit atop flowers, like this look by Emilia Rose.

As luck would have it, we’ve found some of the cutest ladybug designs on the internet to give you lots of inspo. From 3D masterpieces to more minimal artwork, we’ve got five ladybug designs for you to try in 2026.

3D ladybug nail art

This 3D ladybug nail art will take you back to reading (and playing with) pop-up books when you were a kid. It requires a nail artist’s skill, patience, and a robust kit of sculpting gel polishes. You can go full 3D masterpiece, taking inspiration from Mexico City-based nail artist Sara Roomer’s design, incorporating spring elements such as strawberries, picnic baskets, bees, and flowers.

Or you can make your ladybugs the main event, the way nail artist and content creator Sierra did. She started with a sheer, milky base color before using a dotting tool to add the flower and ladybug details. Once that was cured under a UV lamp, she used gem glue over the top of the bug to create the 3D body. “The glue is clear, so all of the details painted beneath show through,” Sierra notes.

Maximalist ladybug nails by Sara Roomer.

Courtesy of @sararoomer

Ladybugs and flowers by @thatglosssauce.

Courtesy of @thatglosssauceCourtesy of @heglamklub_

To create her ladybugs, Karla Nuncio, a Pasadena, Texas-based nail artist, used DND #430 Ferrari Red for the body before adding the tiny bug’s features with a detail brush. “I added the eyes and small details with white gel, cured each step, and sealed everything with a glossy topcoat,” she explains. “After the topcoat, I used my Makartt Rhinestone Glue to make the ladybugs 3D.”

Simple ladybug nail art

If you’re a minimalist but looking to incorporate nail art into your upcoming manicure, take these simpler ladybugs as inspo. Emilia Rose painted the same dainty ladybug and flower design on each nail over the top of a pale pink base, which feels simple yet still creative and full of life.

Fleury Rose, a nail artist based in New York City, chose a glittery pink base and stuck to one cute ladybug accent nail—a great way to have fun with a manicure without going for a full-on design effect.

Designs like these require patience and a steady hand, but a quick and easy way to try it yourself is with 3D nail decals stuck on top of a sheer base color. If you’re feeling extra arts-and-crafty, you can add dainty floral details using a basic dotting tool with your favorite pastel nail polish shades.

Courtesy of @fleuryrosenailsCourtesy of emilia_rose_beauty

Cat-eye ladybug nail art

If the subtle shift of a cat-eye base doesn’t catch your attention, then a punchy red bug sitting atop it certainly will.

Take, for example, the ladybug-and-leaf design from the Vanity Projects New York salon by artist Ayumu Takasawa. Using a sage green, “jelly translucent colored gel,” according to de Alencar Pinto, the cat-eye polish creates a multidimensional, textured effect that looks like actual leaves for the 3D ladybugs to rest upon. The depth and textures of this manicure make the ladybugs appear hyperrealistic for an impressive result.

Zoey’s manicure used the same cat-eye technique, but instead of creating tiny 3D ladybugs, she made each nail its own bug. “I used a special magnetic gel polish as the base to create that dimensional effect, and then hand-painted the details on top rather than using chrome,” she explains, for a creative take on the spotty trend.

Courtesy of @ladypanda.nycCourtesy of @vanityprojects

Ladybug French manicure

A French manicure works with almost any nail art trend, and this one is no exception. Case in point: Roberts combined all of our favorite trends in one: French manicure, polka dots, and ladybugs. Using fine detail brushes, she hand-painted the bugs. “Once cured, I added a layer of clear 3D gel on top to keep the ladybugs small and not too bulky,” she says. This joyful manicure is going straight to the top of our inspo list.

To match a similar design to the polka-dot French, nail tech Annie Keller created a picnic-blanket French design on the other hand, serving as great inspo for those looking for vibrant spring hues. To experiment with French manicures at home, try this stamp hack. Simply paint your polish onto a silicone nail stamper, and press your nail tip into the stamp holding it parallel to the nail. The result is an even-edged tip without the need for any detail brushes. Over the top you can add cute bug and polka-dot details using a toothpick or orangewood stick.

Courtesy of @gelsbygingeCourtesy of @anl_spa

Spring ladybug motif nail art

Overthinking your spring manicure? We hear you. But it can be as simple as just painting your favorite seasonal details on your nails. Pair ladybugs with flowers, vines, and bees, or set them against a picnic-blanket design. We’ll reserve more complex designs for our salon appointment, but you can experiment with some accessories at home. Try painting details like flowers and polka dots using toothpicks from your pantry, or go a little more expert-level with a dotting tool to create the bug details. If you prefer a paint-and-go at-home mani, we love these floral nail decals to stick on top of sheer nail polish. When it comes to your look, take a cue from real-life ladybugs—the sky’s the limit.

Courtesy of @nails.byizzieCourtesy of @phenomenail____

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

The best SkinCeuticals products are staples in Allure editors’ and board-certified dermatologists’ skin-care routines, so it’s no wonder the brand can’t stop winning Best of Beauty Awards. After years of testing hundreds of serums, eye creams, sunscreens, and more, we always come back to certain SkinCeutical formulas that deliver results without any fuss—no matter what your skin-care goals may be. Hydrated, glowing skin? Smoothing fine lines and wrinkles? Maintenance between in-office treatments? Trust us when we say SkinCeuticals products can do it all—without irritating our skin in the process. And most products are fragrance-free, to boot!

With all of this in mind, it’s safe to say that crowning our all-time favorites is no easy task, but after much debate, we’ve pulled together a list of SkinCeuticals essentials that every brand newcomer and faithful devotee should know about.

Our Top SkinCeuticals Products

• Next-Level Antioxidant: C E Ferulic, $185
• Fine Line Fighter: P-Tiox, $150
• Plump, Juicy Skin: Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan, $120
• Undereye Refresher: A.G.E. Advanced Eye, $125
• Barrier-Boosting Moisturizer: Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, $155
• Advanced Acne Treatment: Silymarin CF, $185
• Brighter Skin Ahead: Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30, $65

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Next-Level Antioxidant: C E Ferulic

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SkinCeuticals

C E Ferulic

$185

Skinceuticals

$185

Dermstore

$185

Bluemercury

Why we love it: When we think of SkinCeuticals, we think of the iconic C E Ferulic. A six-time Allure Best of Beauty and Readers’ Choice Award winner, this often-duped serum (which had previously been patented for 20 years) lists its three key ingredients right in the name: 15% vitamin C, 1% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid. It’s a powerful, widely studied combination that brightens skin, fades hyperpigmentation and dark spots, and smooths fine lines and wrinkles over time. Meanwhile, hydrating glycerin and panthenol pull moisture in for a plumping effect (and some serious glow).

C E Ferulic is also well-loved by dermatologists for its thoughtful formulation and real results. "Compounding vitamin C with another antioxidant [like vitamin E] helps preserve the stability and boost the effectiveness of the serum," Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, told Allure. "It's my personal go-to because it contains a potent triple combination of antioxidants,” Shereene Idriss, MD, another board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, added. “This simple step helps dramatically with the improvement of fine lines, skin firmness, and overall brightening." Just remember to slather on a good SPF after you use it each morning. (We have some suggestions below!)

Allure executive beauty director Jenny Bailly applying the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Jenny Bailly

Bailly after applying the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Jenny Bailly

Tester feedback from executive beauty director Jenny Bailly

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"I’ve been blending four drops of this antioxidant serum on my bare skin (under sunscreen, of course) every morning for about a decade. Every time I stray, my hyperpigmentation rises up to let me know I made a grave mistake." —Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“I've tried other vitamin C serums with lower concentrations, only to toss them aside after weeks of not seeing much change. But just a week into using this SkinCeuticals formula, I noticed my acne scars fading more quickly and a smoother, overall texture. I only use three drops at a time, which I apply directly onto my face, so I don't waste any product on my hands while transferring. I've definitely seen a decrease in my redness since I started using it, and any acne discoloration (most recently, from a pimple in the area between my brows) disappears without a trace. I have to say it's worth the price tag after all.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, glycerin, panthenol
• Who it’s for: everyone, especially if you have dark marks or hyperpigmentation
• Fragrance-free: yes

Fine-Line Fighter: P-Tiox

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SkinCeuticals

P-Tiox

$150

Skinceuticals

$150

Dermstore

$150

Bluemercury

Why we love it: P-Tiox targets expression lines at the source in a way few other Best of Beauty Award winners can. Two synthetic, neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides (dipeptide diaminobutyroyl and acetyl hexapeptide-8) relax facial muscle contractions, board-certified dermatologist Omer Ibrahim, MD, told Allure, slowing the formation of fine lines similar to how in-office Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin work. It’s one of our editors’ favorite products to use between appointments to make their results last longer. (P-Tiox can be used alone, too; just note that it isn’t as effective as a neuromodulator would be, since it only treats the top layer of your skin.)

The formula also includes brightening niacinamide, along with exfoliating polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and salicylic acid to help clear pores and smooth texture. Plus, “it contains hydrating ingredients that deliver an instant boost to dull, dehydrated skin, like sea kelp extract, which also delivers antioxidant protection to preserve collagen [levels],” Rachel Westbay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, told Allure. This mix of hydrators, exfoliators, and peptides is the key to softer, smoother, and more even skin over time.

Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the SkinCeuticals P-Tiox

Jessica Cruel

Cruel after applying the SkinCeuticals P-Tiox

Jessica Cruel

Allure contributor Marci Robin applying the SkinCeuticals P-Tiox

Marci Robin

Robin after applying the SkinCeuticals P-Tiox

Marci Robin

Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel

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“There is a combination of peptides, niacinamide, and PHA in this serum to help target a very specific sign of aging: expression lines. As someone who loves to laugh, I am particularly concerned about my nasolabial folds, a.k.a. smile lines. I use this serum so they don't get any worse. I have to say, I find my filler is lasting a lot longer in that area. It is not a complete replacement for aesthetic treatments like filler or neurotoxin, but this serum can complement those in-office treatments as maintenance. I like to switch off between this and my retinol.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief

Tester feedback from contributor Marci Robin

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“I’ve been getting neuromodulators once or twice a year for the past 10 years. It's an investment, so I’m always looking for products to minimize my number of in-office visits, and I’m convinced P-Tiox is the one. Because it’s super light, it layers extremely well with everything else I may be using on any given morning or evening, and it creates a gorgeously, glassy look right off the bat.” —Marci Robin, contributor

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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"A plastic surgeon once told me that I have a very expressive face, which was a nice way of saying my face is a hotbed for expression lines. That's where this stuff comes in handy. The lightweight serum uses peptides to inhibit signals to the facial muscles, kind of like neuromodulators, but on a much weaker scale. Still, I've found that it works wonders for all the little expression lines where injectables just can't help, like around my mouth." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: polyhydroxy acid, niacinamide, peptides, salicylic acid
• Who it’s for: anyone concerned about preventing or treating fine lines and wrinkles
• Fragrance-free: yes

Plump, Juicy Skin: Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan

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SkinCeuticals

Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan

$120

Skinceuticals

$120

Dermstore

$120

Bluemercury

Why we love it: Another Best of Beauty Award winner (noticing a pattern?), the Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan reigns supreme among hyaluronic acid serums for its ability to hydrate even the driest, most sensitive skin. As its namesake, HA, pulls moisture in, licorice root helps brighten your skin tone, while purple rice extract (rich in antioxidant vitamin E) helps fight damage from free radicals and prevent all of that hydration from escaping. Plus, 12% proxylane—an ingredient patented by L’Oréal Paris, SkinC’s parent company—derived from beech wood boosts elasticity and firmness.

There’s one more plumping ingredient that often flies under the radar: the brand’s proprietary post-biotic 2% soybean ferment extract, which boosts your levels of glycan, complex sugars that already exist in your skin. This ingredient helps plump skin and give it that supple feel that dry, dehydrated complexions often lack. While other serums may feel too thin and sink in immediately, this one gives us that luminous glow our dry skin craves long after we first squeeze the dropper.

Pro tip: “After cleansing, apply a few drops of serum while your skin is still slightly damp to maximize moisture absorption,” Nkem Ugonabo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, told Allure.

Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying the SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan

Jesa Marie Calaor

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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“Hyaluronic acid serums are a must in my routine for my extra-dry skin with rosacea, but many of the formulas I've tried are too runny or feel like they disappear seconds after application. This is by far the easiest and most comforting serum I've used. It is thick for a serum (no drippy mess here), glides along my face with ease, and leaves it soft and soothed.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor

Tester feedback from Han

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“I don't love most HA serums, but SkinCeuticals—as it often proves to be—is the exception. It's very silky (it kinda reminds me of snail mucin, but much more pleasant and fast-absorbing!) and gives my skin an instant plumping effect. I love pairing it with my antioxidant and retinol serums for the all-day or all-night hydrating boost my skin usually desperately needs, especially in the colder months. I'd be lying if I said I didn't find the pink color very pretty…and also kind of surprising for such a serious brand!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 1.3% pure hyaluronic acid, 12% proxylane, purple rice extract, licorice root, post-biotic ferment extract
• Who it’s for: people with dry, dehydrated skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Undereye Refresher: A.G.E. Advanced Eye

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SkinCeuticals

A.G.E. Advanced Eye

$125

Skinceuticals

$125

Dermstore

$125

Bluemercury

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye

Deanna Pai

Why we love it: Like many of our other SkinCeuticals picks, A.G.E. Advanced Eye lets you know how it works right in the name. The initials stand for the advanced glycation end-products that this Best of Beauty Award-winning cream addresses—they can naturally build up as you age, causing your skin to sag, Kunal Malik, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, told Allure. The workhouse formula "is packed with a lot of great ingredients, such as Matrixyl 3000 (a blend of two different peptides: palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7), proxylane to help skin hold onto moisture, and caffeine to depuff the eyes,” New York City-based board-certified dermatologist David Kim, MD, told Allure. Antioxidant-rich pomegranate and bilberry extracts provide brightening benefits, too, while also protecting your delicate undereye skin from environmental stressors. “With regular use, patients have definitely noticed a decrease in the appearance of fine lines around the eyes,” Lauren Penzi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, told Allure.

Pai before applying the SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from Pai

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“I have really deep crow’s feet when I smile—the downside of having an expressive face—but this stuff has helped soften their look and keep them from getting further etched in when my face is at rest. It feels balmy and nourishing but not heavy, and I appreciate that it hasn’t seemed to exacerbate the milia around my eyes.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: caffeine, peptides, proxylane
• Who it’s for: anyone who wants to target fine lines around the eyes
• Fragrance-free: yes

Barrier-Boosting Moisturizer: Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

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SkinCeuticals

Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

$155

SkinCeuticals

$155

Dermstore

$155

Bluemercury

Han applying the SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

Sarah Han

Why we love it: The Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 has a formula you can count on, literally: It’s made with 2% ceramides, 4% cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids. This ratio is crucial because "it infuses skin-identical fatty acids into the barrier in the exact proportion that naturally exists in our barrier," Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Haven, CT, told Allure. (When it was new to the market back in 2016, it even won a Best of Beauty Breakthrough Award.)

While it has a place in most people’s skin-care routines, it’s even more effective for mature skin because it replenishes the moisture your skin barrier tends to lose as you age, Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, told Allure. “By restoring these fatty molecules, the barrier is not only improved, but the skin now appears more hydrated and smoother.” While Leah Ansell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, called out Triple Lipid Restore as a great option for anyone with eczema, just be aware that it does contain essential oils, which some people with sensitive skin may react to.

Calaor before applying the SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

Jesa Marie Calaor

Calaor after applying the SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

Jesa Marie Calaor

Tester feedback from Calaor

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“Finding a moisturizer to use with my tretinoin was challenging. I test hundreds each year, yet I still had trouble finding a formula that didn’t sting upon application and kept my skin moisturized for more than a few hours. That is, until I returned to this one. It’s an oldie but a goodie, feeling rich but not heavy. It isn't oily or sticky, so I’m not leaving marks on my pillows when I sleep. It feels like a comforting blanket, which I especially appreciated when I first started my tretinoin journey, and my cheeks felt extra-spicy.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor

Tester feedback from Han

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“Let me tell you: This cream is so nice and buttery, but not so rich that it feels like I have a greasy film on my face. I have combo skin, so this is a great nighttime moisturizer—it really feels as if all of my other skin-care products are properly sealed in. Over time, along with the other hydrating formulas I pack onto my face, I can say it's helped improve the firmness of my skin, which can turn dull and lifeless with just a few days of poor sleep, diet, etc.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids
• Who it’s for: everyone, especially people with very dry, dehydrated skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Advanced Acne Treatment: Silymarin CF

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SkinCeuticals

Silymarin CF

$185

SkinCeuticals

$185

Dermstore

$185

Bluemercury

Pai applying the SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF

Deanna Pai

Why we love it: Silymarin CF takes the same brightening vitamin C and ferulic acid pairing we love in C E Ferulic and adds two more ingredients that make it a standout for combination and oily skin. Silymarin is extracted from the milk thistle plant and excels in preventing oil oxidation, keeping pores clear. Meanwhile, salicylic acid gently exfoliates to resurface skin sans irritation to keep breakouts from forming. The formula tackles active breakouts, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and future acne all at once: "This is the first antioxidant to address oiliness and acne, as well as free-radical formation and photoaging," Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Birmingham, Alabama, told Allure.

Tester feedback from Pai

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"My two primary concerns (in beauty, in life) are acne and aging, which is why I swear by SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF. I've tried other vitamin C serums, including the much-loved C E Ferulic, but this is the only one that actually kept my breakouts under control—while giving me the collagen-boosting, dark spot-fading perks of vitamin C." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

Tester feedback from contributor Devon Abelman

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"Although I'm a fan of vitamin C and ferulic acid, this serum was my introduction to silymarin—an ingredient that gets the preschool song, 'Skidamarink A Dink A Dink' stuck in my head every time I see it on the bottle. After a week of using the serum, it helped balance out my oily skin. The greasy pools that usually form along my T-zone by the afternoon have ceased to make their daily appearance. It has also helped my cystic breakouts heal faster and reduced their redness. Although the serum has intense percentages of active ingredients, it doesn't sting as you press it onto your skin." —Devon Abelman, contributor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: silymarin, vitamin C, salicylic acid, ferulic acid
• Who it’s for: people with oily or acne-prone skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Brighter Skin Ahead: Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30

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SkinCeuticals

Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30

$65

SkinCeuticals

$65

Dermstore

$65

Bluemercury

Why we love it: We know you’ve heard this one before: You should always wear sunscreen, indoors or out. Any good SPF—meaning a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher—will protect your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays, but the Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen goes one step further, with ingredients that also target dark spots for an all-over, tone-evening effect. "Tranexamic acid is a powerful ingredient recognized for its ability to brighten skin and improve the appearance of discoloration," Tuscaloosa, Alabama-based dermatologist Catherine Lucas, MD, told Allure. Also at work: Niacinamide, which "has been clinically shown to strengthen skin’s moisture barrier and reduce discoloration and blotchiness," she adds. Dr. Lucas suggests spreading a nickel-size amount across your face and neck before applying any makeup to reap the formula’s full rewards (read: more even, radiant skin).

Allure creative director Amber Venerable applying the SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30

Amber Venerable

Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30

Sarah Kinonen

Kinonen before applying the SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30

Sarah Kinonen

Kinonen after applying the SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30

Sarah Kinonen

Tester feedback from creative director Amber Venerable

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"I loved the consistency and how lightweight yet moisturized my skin felt after using it. You do have to be sure to blend it completely on darker skin tones, but it does seep in once you fully rub it in." —Amber Venerable, creative director

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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"I’ve been using this sunscreen for years, and it’s the best! I use it in the morning, and if I’m wearing it on the weekend (when I don’t wear makeup), it’s one I don’t mind reapplying. I wear it as the last step in my skin-care routine (after serums and moisturizer), making it easy to layer when it comes time to reapply. I’m not a big fan of sunscreen with a slight tint, but this one’s peachy hue is innocuous and doesn’t read as pigmented. Instead, it blends into skin easily and without any sort of residue, of any shade. I have sensitive skin, so immediately after application, I get a little pink (all products do this to me, TBH), but after a minute or two, the rosiness quickly dissipates and becomes more of a glowy finish.

"I think we can all agree that $65 is asking for a lot when it comes to a product designed to wear daily, but when you trust a brand and its dermatologist-loved formulas, it’s hard to say no to this one." —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

Tester feedback from former content director Kara McGrath

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“It feels much lighter than the other SPF products in my arsenal. Unlike some sunscreens I’ve tried in the past, it didn’t pill underneath my foundation or concealer, and it actually hydrated, which prepped my skin even better for makeup. After about a month of using this SkinCeuticals sunscreen daily, I honestly think my skin looks great. I certainly don’t see any new sun damage, and my previous missteps are starting to fade away. I also haven’t been breaking out, another side effect I often experience if I up my SPF usage. Instead, my skin feels nourished, and based on comments on my selfies, I can say with confidence that I'm positively glowing.” —Kara McGrath, former content director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 3% avobenzone, 5% homosalate, 5% octisalate, 7.2% octocrylene, glycerin, tranexamic acid, niacinamide
• Who it’s for: everyone, especially if you have dark spots or hyperpigmentation
• Fragrance-free: yes

Sensitive Skin-Friendly SPF: Future Mineral UV Defense Invisible Sunscreen SPF 50

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SkinCeuticals

Future Mineral UV Defense Invisible Sunscreen

$60

Skinceuticals

$60

Dermstore

$60

Bluemercury

Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the SkinCeuticals Future Mineral UV Defense Invisible Sunscreen

Sarah Felbin

Why we love it: Elegant sun protection becomes even harder to perfect when you factor in sensitive skin—but this one impressed our super-sensitive tester. Mineral SPF, like SkinCeuticals’s Future Mineral UV Defense Invisible Sunscreen, is similar to chemical SPF in that both “work by absorbing UV radiation and converting it into a very small amount of heat,” Los Angeles-based cosmetic chemist Laura Lam-Phaure tells Allure. However, she notes that the filters in mineral SPF (in this case, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) also reflect some of those UV rays, scattering them in a way chemical SPFs can’t.

This lightweight, serum-like formula blends in quickly and doesn’t leave a white cast behind, so you can quickly apply (and re-apply) it, then go. Aside from zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which provide SPF 50 (and block 98% of UVB rays), it’s also made with the hydrating humectant panthenol, plus brightening and smoothing niacinamide, for glowy skin immediately after you apply it and over time.

Felbin before applying the SkinCeuticals Future Mineral UV Defense Invisible Sunscreen

Sarah Felbin

Felbin after applying the SkinCeuticals Future Mineral UV Defense Invisible Sunscreen

Sarah Felbin

Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

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“My super-sensitive skin doesn’t always approve when I try a new sunscreen, but this SkinCeuticals one impressed me (and my picky complexion) right away. It has a silky smooth texture that melts in quickly and doesn’t leave a white cast behind. The formula only takes a few seconds to blend into my skin tone and layers perfectly under my makeup—absolutely no pilling. It’s so easy and enjoyable to apply that I was genuinely surprised when I remembered it’s SPF 50!” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 15.35% zinc oxide, 2.66% titanium dioxide, niacinamide, panthenol
• Who it’s for: everyone, especially if you have sensitive skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Restore Cracked Lips: Antioxidant Lip Repair

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SkinCeuticals

Antioxidant Lip Repair

$46

Skinceuticals

$46

Dermstore

$46

Bluemercury

Why we love it: No one likes cracked lips, plain and simple, and the Antioxidant Lip Repair has a deeply restorative formula that hydrates dry, flaky lips right away. This silky cream is made with hydrating hyaluronic acid and urea, a moisture-pulling humectant that’s hard to find in lip products, to plump and soften your pout. There’s also soothing allantoin, reparative vitamin E, and free radical-fighting silymarin to help combat signs of aging (because yes, your lips age, too). While it’s pricey for a lip product, the smooth, plush results—the perfect canvas for your signature lip color—speak for themselves.

Robin applying the SkinCeuticals Antioxidant Lip Repair

Marci Robin

Robin after applying the SkinCeuticals Antioxidant Lip Repair

Marci Robin

Tester feedback from Robin

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“I have an autoimmune disease called Sjögren’s Syndrome, and one of the common symptoms is extremely dry, peeling lips. When I tell you I’ve tried every lip balm on this planet, I’m being only slightly hyperbolic. I’ve found that lip balm alone really isn’t going to do it for my chronically flaky, damaged lip skin, so I’ve added Antioxidant Lip Repair as a game-changing, pre-balm step. This lotion deposits antioxidants like silymarin and vitamin E to defend against free radicals, and hydration-attracting urea and hyaluronic acid to ensure I’m locking in the most moisture possible when I top it off with my lip balm du jour.” —Marci Robin, contributor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: silymarin, vitamin E, allantoin, hyaluronic acid, urea
• Who it’s for: everyone
• Fragrance-free: yes

Super-Soother: Phyto Corrective Masque

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SkinCeuticals

Phyto Corrective Masque

$70

Skinceuticals

$70

Dermstore

$70

Bluemercury

Why we love it: We’re no strangers to red, angry skin (as beauty editors, allergic reactions and eczema flare-ups are often hazards of the job). So, when we need a full reset, we reach for the Phyto Corrective Masque. Depending on how much you apply, it works as a rinse-off, leave-on, or overnight mask, so you can customize the treatment based on how your skin is feeling. Along with hydrating hyaluronic acid, the gel formula contains soothing cucumber, thyme, and olive extracts that help tone down irritation. Whether you’re dealing with a sunburn (ouch) or post-procedure redness and heat, the cooling formula keeps your complexion calm and comfortable.

Allure visuals director Kathryne Hall after applying SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque

Kathryne Hall

Hall after applying SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque

Kathryne Hall

Tester feedback from visuals director Kathryne Hall

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“While I need more time to see if it really reduces my redness, I really like this mask. I was expecting something that hardens, but it feels like a lightweight moisturizer. I had to remind myself to rinse it off because I forgot I had it on. My skin feels great so far.” —Kathryne Hall, visuals director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, cucumber, thyme, and olive extracts
• Who it’s for: everyone, especially if your skin is easily irritated
• Fragrance-free: no

Stop Spots at the Source: Discoloration Defense

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SkinCeuticals

Discoloration Defense

$115

SkinCeuticals

$115

Dermstore

$115

Bluemercury

Former Allure shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis applying the SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

Angela Trakoshis

Why we love it: Dark spots and uneven texture are no match for SkinCeuticals’ Discoloration Defense. "It contains a great combination of tranexamic acid and kojic acid, both ingredients that are effective for lightening discolorations," Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, told Allure. Each ingredient works a little differently: Tranexamic acid slows melanin synthesis, preventing melanocytes (the skin cells that produce melanin) from interacting, Dr. King explains. This process minimizes the look of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, evening your skin tone over time. Meanwhile, kojic acid—which is great for sensitive skin, Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, told Allure—blocks tyrosinase, the enzyme that’s responsible for producing melanin. The multitasking formula also includes brightening, skin-smoothing niacinamide, hydrating urea, and soothing K-beauty star allantoin for an all-over glow.

Trakoshis before applying SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

Angela Trakoshis

Trakoshis after using SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense for four months

Angela Trakoshis

Tester feedback from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis

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“I’ve been using SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense consistently for the past four months, and I can confidently say it works. I originally started using it to target some lingering post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from hormonal acne, plus a few sunspots that started creeping in after one too many beach days without reapplying sunscreen (oops, don't tell my derm).

"What I love is how gentle but effective it is—no tingling, peeling, or irritation, which I’ve had with other brightening serums. It’s lightweight and layers easily under my moisturizer, so it fits right into my nighttime routine. After the first six to eight weeks, I started noticing my dark spots looking a little softer and less noticeable. Now at four months, some of the more shallow discoloration is nearly gone, and the deeper spots have definitely lightened. My skin tone overall just looks more even and fresh. It’s not an overnight fix, but if you’re consistent, it seriously works.” —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: niacinamide, tranexamic acid, urea, kojic acid, allantoin
• Who it’s for: anyone with dark spots, hyperpigmentation, or uneven skin tone
• Fragrance-free: yes

Don’t Forget Your Neck: TriPeptide-R Neck Repair

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SkinCeuticals

TriPeptide-R Neck Repair

$136

SkinCeuticals

$136

Dermstore

$135

Bluemercury

Why we love it: When a dermatologist uses a neck cream, you know it’s good (and worth adding an extra step to your skin-care routine). "Once I turned 40, I realized that I could no longer ignore my neck," Dr. Hartman told Allure. “Luckily, SkinCeuticals formulated its Tripeptide-R Neck Repair to incorporate retinol in a formulation that doesn't cause irritation or unnecessary dryness.” Quick refresher: Retinol, a vitamin A derivative that boosts collagen production and cell turnover, is a gold-standard active for treating fine lines, acne, dark spots, and more. Not only is there 2% slow-release retinol (again, a slower release means less irritation), but this neck cream is also formulated with a 2.5% tripeptide concentrate to firm up the skin. The thin formula sinks in in seconds, according to our tester, and helps reverse some of that “tech neck” damage without the hassle of needles or an in-office treatment.

Pai applying the SkinCeuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair

Pai after applying the SkinCeuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair

Tester feedback from Pai

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"I don't have platysma bands just yet, but now that I'm in my late 30s, the tech neck—a.k.a. those horizontal lines—is catching up to me. I didn't really want to slot another product into my routine, but this formula made it both seamless and worthwhile. It sinks in so fast that it's virtually imperceptible within seconds, and it feels incredibly nourishing. While I won't see the full benefits for another ten years (crossing my fingers), there's nothing I trust more to get the job done." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: retinol, peptides
• Who it’s for: anyone wanting to target fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging on their neck
• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently asked questions

Meet the experts

• Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• Shereene Idriss, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• Omer Ibrahim, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago.
• Rachel Westbay, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• Nkem Ugonabo, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• Kunal Malik, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• David Kim, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• Lauren Penzi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New Haven, Connecticut.
• Leah Ansell, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• Corey L. Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Birmingham, Alabama.
• Catherine Lucas, MD, is a dermatologist based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
• Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami.
• Laura Lam-Phaure, is a cosmetic chemist based in Los Angeles.

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best Korean face exfoliators, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors, along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more about our reporting and testing processes, read our complete review process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Alyssa LatellaSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

When I was in middle school, I had a pair of bell-bottom jeans I loved so much that I wore out the knees. My mom was just as fond of them as I—they reminded her of a similar pair she had in the ’70s. Now that I’m in my 30s, I’m realizing how trends never really go out of style. Sure, they go dormant for a few years, but like clockwork, what’s old will become new again. So circular! The beauty industry is like that, too, and I love that about it. Products I hit pan on 5, 10, 15 years ago are making (or have made) their way back into the spotlight, and you’ll see how true that is when you check out the products in the May Allure Beauty Box. There’s a nostalgia-inducing brow pomade, a beachy body mist, a hydrating eye gel, and more. I have a feeling you’ll love them even more this time around.

Unbox it: Your first box is only $19.99 (with code BEAUTY), but it's worth over $190!

GET THE BOX

Member Choice: Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade

Why you’ll love it: The 2010s are back in a major way, and it shows with this iconic brow pomade. The multitasking pigment—which you picked in either shade Medium Brown, Dark Brown, Soft Brown, or Taupe—can be used to shape, shade, and fill in brows all in one go. It’s also waterproof, so you never have to worry about your look running once it’s set.

How you’ll use it: As the name implies, this pomade is best applied with an angled brush (more about that later) after dipping it in the pot and working excess off into the cap. You’ll be left with the perfect amount of pigment to do all of the above and more.

Retail price: $25

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brush 12 Dual-Ended Firm Angled Brush

Why you’ll love it: Never underestimate the power of a good brow brush. This double- sided tool features a spoolie for styling, and a flat, angled brush head—made with synthetic bristles—for applying product.

How you’ll use it: Use the spoolie to rake through and tame hairs, then with the short brush side, scoop out your tint of choice (like the pomade mentioned on the previous page), dust off any excess, and lightly outline your desired shape while you fill in any gaps. Go back to the spoolie and comb through brows (again) to evenly distribute product and finish your look.

Retail price: $22

Refy Face Setter

Why you’ll love it: If you prefer a dewy look, this superfine setting spray makes for the perfect routine-closer. It’s made with humectants glycerin and polyglutamic acid to lock in moisture—and your makeup.

How you’ll use it: Shake the bottle to mix, then hold at least eight inches from your face before spritzing directly onto skin, making sure to hit areas that need extra grip, like cheeks and forehead. For a glowy—not sticky—finish, skip setting powder.

Retail price: $28

Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 87 Rio Radiance Perfume Mist

Why you’ll love it: Craving a vacation? (Same.) But no need to trade in your PTO days when you have this seaside- inspired body mist. One spritz of the creamy coconut milk, warm sand, and cozy vanilla scent will instantly transport you to sunnier locales serving tropical cocktails.

How you’ll use it: No matter where you spray this perfume—in your hair, down your neck, on your wrists—prepare to be complimented all day.

Retail price: $10

Belif Aqua Bomb Eye Gel

Why you’ll love it: Coffee, Diet Coke, and this eye treatment have more in common than you’d think. They’re all packed with caffeine to instantly jolt you (and your undereyes) awake after late nights, long meetings, and puffy mornings.

How you’ll use it: Press the pump to distribute the lightweight gel, then gently press the ceramic tip to the undereye area, lightly massage in a circular motion, and pat in any excess product.

Retail price: $32

Endota Hyaluronic Lip Treatment

Why you’ll love it: The No. 1 product in every Allure editor’s bag? Lip balm. We probably have at least three tubes each, including this one, which is pumped with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump up lips, along with cocoa seed butter for a subtly sweet scent.

How you’ll use it: After giving the tube a squeeze, glide the angled applicator over lips for an instant glassy finish.

Retail price: $37

New Member Gift: Ahava Purifying Mud Mask

Why you’ll love it: Cozying up inside on a cold night is made better by a hydrating face mask, and Ahava’s is just about perfect. This mud mask cleanses and gently clears out pores (no harsh exfoliating here), while also moisturizing for skin that’s softer and more radiant. Ingredients like Dead Sea mud, kaolin clay, jojoba oil, and panthenol make for a skin-loving blend.

How you’ll use it: Wear the mask for about three minutes before rinsing it off.

Retail price: $39

Illustration by Mark Baker-Sanchez; Source Images: Adobe StockSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Four little letters have taken over the skin-care industry as of late: PDRN, the newest K-beauty ingredient popping up in moisturizers, masks, and serums. It’s part of the regenerative skin-care wave featuring treatments that promise to make your cells act younger. While the acronym itself sounds more clinical than catchy, PDRN is a whole lot easier to remember than polydeoxyribonucleotide, the technical term it stands for, which is an ingredient derived from salmon DNA.

“PDRN is an upcycled ingredient from the food industry’s salmon farms—it’s not like people are raising salmon to get this DNA,” says cosmetic chemist Perry Romanowski (who can’t help but chuckle at several points during our interview). “That happens in the cosmetics industry a lot—we get leftover stuff from other industries, like petroleum from oil production. Otherwise, these ingredients would just be waste.”

In this story:AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What is PDRN?
• Why are we putting salmon sperm on our faces?
• What does PDRN do in topical skin care?
• Does PDRN skin care work?
• If PDRN doesn’t do what it’s supposed to, why the preoccupation with it?
• Does any regenerative skin care work?
• Shop our PDRN product picks

What is PDRN?

The short answer is salmon sperm. The more nuanced, more accurate answer is that it is fragments of salmon DNA taken from said sperm. These samples (the sperm) have been collected from salmon farms and purified (hopefully a lot). Microscopic pieces of that salmon DNA are then sold by ingredient suppliers to brands and cosmetic chemists who blend PDRN with other active ingredients in their formulas.

Maybe you think this sounds intriguing, exciting, or is a whole new level of crazy for an industry that’s already peddled beef tallow balms, bee venom creams, and snail mucus serums. Maybe you’re just curious to know if there’s any chance that it works.

Or maybe you’re wondering who had the idea to take salmon sperm and put it on our skin in the first place. It’s a fair question.

Why are we putting salmon sperm on our faces?

Long before K-beauty brands set their sights on PDRN, it started as an injectable, but not for smoothing wrinkles. Initially, it was injected near chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers, to aid in healing—a therapeutic approach that’s been supported by studies dating back to the early 2000s.

It’s not uncommon for researchers to look to the oceans for new drug sources. They do, after all, comprise the world’s largest habitat, explains one peer-reviewed article on marine drugs. DNA-derived medications, meanwhile, have been studied since the 1970s, and research suggests sperm “are the most appropriate cells to provide highly purified DNA without risk of impurity,” as detailed in a study published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology.

So there you have it: sperm, salmon, DNA. The path that led us here isn’t quite as out-of-left-field as you might have thought. “PDRN has been used in regenerative medicine for years, especially in Europe and Asia. There is credible clinical use of [injectable] PDRN in medical settings for wound healing and ulcers,” says Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut, “and it is generally well-tolerated for medical use.”

“There is credible clinical use of [injectable] PDRN in medical settings for wound healing and ulcers.”

There’s also a link between these medical PDRN injections and that holiest of holy grails in skin care: collagen production. When PDRN is injected into the subcutaneous layer (the deepest layer of the skin) during wound treatment, it has been shown to engage adenosine A2A receptors on skin cells, according to a study published in Biomaterials Research. That can help with wound healing, in part, because activating these receptors can trigger—you guessed it—new collagen formation.

“Think of the skin cell as a ball, and the receptor is sticking out on top of it like a light switch,” explains Dr. Gohara. “PDRN injections are basically turning on the switch to wake up the cells and hopefully get them to produce more collagen.”

As for the link between salmon sperm and human skin, that has to do with the composition of DNA itself, no matter where it comes from: “The rungs of the DNA ladder are made up of the same four chemicals,” says Romanowski. So, when salmon DNA meets human skin cells, it can bind to those A2A receptors.

What does PDRN do in topical skin care?

Because A2A receptors are involved in collagen production, the skin-care world’s hope is that putting PDRN in creams and serums can also “reinvigorate the skin’s own system for turning these receptors on,” says Dr. Gohara. “It’s a fascinating, if not magical, bridge between medicine and aesthetics.”

The thinking goes, if PDRN can engage with cell receptors as a regenerative injectable drug, then when it is used topically as a skin-care ingredient, perhaps it can also “help stimulate tissue repair, boost microcirculation, and reduce inflammation—basically encouraging skin to heal and function more efficiently, improving skin texture, elasticity, hydration, and overall radiance,” says Dr. Gohara.

Non-medicinal PDRN has been around for years in Korea: Salmon sperm facials may kick off with microneedling, followed by a salmon sperm serum applied all over the skin. These and injectable PDRN skin boosters—which reach more superficial layers of skin vs. subcutaneous wound-healing injections—preceded and ignited the current PDRN topical skin-care craze.

Says Melissa K. Levin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, “PDRN’s claim to fame is that it is one of the most popular skin-care treatments in a very discerning market—Korea—and has been for over a decade.” But whether you’re talking about injectables, facials, or serums, “there aren’t a ton of clinicals supporting [its use in aesthetics],” she adds. “The marketing is moving faster than the science.” (There is no FDA-approved aesthetic injectable form of PDRN in the US.)

“The marketing is moving faster than the science.”

The promise of making skin act younger through an unforgettable ingredient like salmon sperm is marketing gold. Salmon sperm is just quirky enough to grab our attention and pique our interest. “The beauty industry thrives on the ‘next thing,’” says Romanowski. “If you can create a story around an ingredient, that ingredient is going to be hyped up.”

Adds cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos, it’s an evocative way of dangling that “promise of youthfulness we’re all chasing.”

Does PDRN skin care work?

There’s a difference between hype and hard data, “and I’m skeptical as to how well the data is substantiating PDRN’s skin-care claims,” says Dobos. Studies on PDRN as a skin-care ingredient have largely been conducted in petri dishes, with PDRN applied directly to cells. Says Romanowski, “The evidence that we have on PDRN’s benefits is in cell cultures, where it can do things like turn off melanin production. That’s not the same thing as saying, ‘If you put this in a cream, and put that on your skin, it’s going to work.’”

Also, there’s a lack of data showing that PDRN truly works when it’s used in skin care. It all boils down to a basic physics problem: “There’s a principle in skin care that something can only penetrate your skin if it’s small enough—typically 500 daltons,” explains Romanowski. “These fragments of DNA are 50 to 100 kilodaltons in size, so that’s 1,000 times bigger than they would need to be in order to penetrate.” And they’d need to penetrate all the way to the dermis (the middle layer of skin) to reach receptors on cells—sitting on the surface of the skin isn’t nearly enough.

And this assumes that there even is PDRN in your skin care by the time you slather it on—a major assumption you probably don’t want to make. As a raw ingredient, PDRN is plagued by a bunch of “questionable situations in cosmetic formulation,” says Dobos. For starters, it has to be kept at a specific temperature to remain stable. This won’t be replicated in your bathroom vanity, so “there’s concern about whether PDRN can survive the [minimum] two-year shelf life of a skin-care product,” says Dobos.

Actually, the ingredient might not even survive the formulation process: “PDRN is wildly fragile,” says cosmetic chemist Marisal Mou. “It is unstable, finicky to formulate with, and [prone to] oxidation,” which means it breaks down when exposed to air. We are talking about genetic material from a living creature, after all.

“PDRN is wildly fragile… unstable and finicky to formulate with.”

To really pile on here, even if you could buy PDRN in an airtight container, secured in a box that is set to the optimal temperature, and it is somehow able to defy physics to get through your skin, there’s a chance it could carry proteins from its donor with it. What’s the problem there? “Proteins on any biological materials can be a source of allergic reaction in skin care,” says Dobos. Some brands are looking into plant-derived PDRN, she adds, but you could run into similar allergen issues with that.

The push for vegan PDRN seems to be coming mostly from US brands, says cosmetic chemist Amanda Lam, who is intrigued by the fact that we tend to tolerate more from the K-beauty sphere. “If a Western consumer is buying a Western brand, they care more about it being cruelty-free,” she observes, “but they'll buy snail mucus from a Korean brand.”

If PDRN doesn’t do what it’s supposed to, why the preoccupation with it?

“It’s fascinating to see the magnitude of how quickly PDRN has blown up in the skin-care world,” says Lam. “The idea of it is just so flashy.”

The attraction goes beyond the novelty of sperm in skin care. “There’s so much discussion about living healthier and longer,” says Dobos. “PDRN is just part of our innate desire to want to stay younger longer (I know I want to), but I’m very skeptical about whether PDRN’s benefits in wound-healing models can translate to topical application.”

Dobos also thinks the rush to jump on the PDRN bandwagon could be detrimental to the ingredient’s long-term reputation. “We saw it with CBD in cosmetics, too, frankly; we just weren't sure of the benefits of it, but it sounded really interesting. This is another case where there's a lot of hype, but not enough substantiation for me to put my faith in it,” she explains.

The same could be said for topical exosomes, the other darling of the regenerative skin-care movement: Like PDRN, they are being hyped for their ability to make skin act younger. And like PDRN, the massive claims about exosomes are much bigger than the actual science.

Does any regenerative skin care work?

Just because there’s a lack of data on PDRN and exosomes, that doesn’t mean regenerative skin care is a complete hoax—far from it. Decades before PDRN and exosomes were the elements du jour, researchers were amassing data on a handful of ingredients that have since been well-proven to help skin function more efficiently. But back then, those ingredients weren’t labeled as “regenerative” or “longevity” drivers.

The chemists and dermatologists we spoke with like vitamin C and peptides for boosting skin’s own collagen production; nianiacinamide for regulating cells’ melanin production; and retinoids for…everything, really. Retinoids, a.k.a. vitamin A derivatives, are one family of ingredients backed by decades of research showing they can trigger collagen production and help create skin that looks younger in the long run.

You’ll probably find at least one of these other ingredients listed alongside PDRN in formula breakdowns. “That’s essentially how skin care works,” says Romanowski; the ingredients that “help the marketing people tell a story” get combined with the ones that are actually “providing the benefits—your petroleum, your mineral oils, your glycerins that nobody wants to talk about.”

These ingredients may not have the shine of being new and strange, but they do have staying power. The popularity of PDRN, meanwhile, “will probably fade in a year to two, unless we get some really good data and ways of stabilizing it,” says Dobos.

But that won’t be easy, or cheap, says Mou: “Formulators would have to work with smaller molecular-weight PDRN, pair it with an optimized delivery system, and the sourcing of the DNA fragments would be of utmost importance. Extraction quality, purity level, uniform fragment size distribution—all of these considerations lead to an increase in the cost of the ingredient.”

It’s more likely that PDRN will be replaced by the next oddball thing, which will probably come from the biotech world, guesses Romanowski. “That's where our industry is going,” he says. “Sometimes new ingredients have a lasting impact, but most of the stuff that you're using now is essentially the same as you were using in the ’90s. The technology hasn’t changed that much.”

It does, however, get packaged differently and spruced up with the latest trendy ingredient. “The beauty industry is very much like the fashion industry, where they always need something new,” Romanowski continues. “But at the end of the day, it's still pants and shirts.”

Shop our PDRN product picks

Here are some of our favorite PDRN-spiked products. We can’t say for sure if PDRN is doing any heavy lifting, but each product includes ingredients that have proven benefits.

Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel MaskSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Medicube

PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask

$21 $19 (10% off)

Amazon

$20

Nordstrom

$20

Ulta Beauty

PDRN + Glycerin. The exact benefits of PDRN may be unclear, but goodness, does this hydrogel mask feel amazing. “Hydrogel masks are water and a gelling agent that get mixed together, poured into a mold, and turn into a jelly that’ll evaporate on your skin and feel really nice and cooling,” says Lam. This pink version doesn’t disappoint. “You wear it overnight and it feels great,” adds Lam, who guesses that PDRN might be suspended in the mask—“a bit like fruit in Jell-O”—while hydrating ingredients such as glycerin make the skin dewy.

Rejuran Dual Effect AmpouleSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Rejuran

Dual Effect Ampoule

$55 $44 (20% off)

Amazon

$55

Stylevana

PDRN + Ceramides. This K-beauty serum is a favorite of Mou’s, who likes that the brand’s clinical testing suggests the formula may help repair the skin barrier and support collagen synthesis. It is made by Rejuran, “a biopharmaceutical company that has a strong presence in Korean skin care,” she notes.

If you want to take PDRN skin care for a whirl, Mou suggests Reuran’s formulas: “Their’s is the closest thing to ‘clinical PDRN skin care’ that you can get, in my opinion. Many other brands are riding the wave with very limited clinical evidence that their formulas work,” she explains, adding that “two products can say PDRN in the ingredients list, but the fragment size and purity level can be totally different.”

With that in mind, PDRN from K-beauty brands might be the way to go, adds Dr. Gohara. “It has been part of the K-beauty armamentarium for so much longer than it has been in the US,” she says. “Those are the ones I would gravitate more towards.”

IOPE PDRN Caffeine Shot SerumSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Iope

PDRN Caffeine Shot Serum

$43

Amazon

$43

Sephora

$43

Soko Glam

PDRN + Niacinamide. A trailblazer in vegan PDRN, IOPE has been formulating products using DNA fragments from plants (instead of fish) for a few years now. In this serum, green tea-derived PDRN is paired with multitasking niacinamide, the vitamin B-derivative antioxidant that has been shown to help brighten discoloration, soothe redness, and strengthen the skin barrier.

Lancôme Absolue Longevity The Soft CreamSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Lancôme

Absolue Longevity The Soft Cream

$285

Amazon

$285

Nordstrom

$280

Sephora

PDRN + Shea Butter. There’s something to be said for trying a fad from a legacy brand, says Dobos, one that has more resources to work with. “Small brands can jump on trends quickly, and maybe don't put time into doing research,” she points out. “I actually have some concerns around brands, including some K-beauty brands, that may be prioritizing speed over safety and efficacy testing.” Lancôme is one major skin-care brand dabbling in PDRN, with a formula that’s loaded with skin-softening, radiance-enhancing moisturizers—shea butter, oils, and glycerin.

Adobe StockSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Allure is a big fan of science, which makes us not big fans of supplements. Thousands of capsules and gummies flood the health aisles, but since they’re not required to be regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, they have to show zero proof of efficacy before they’re put on a shelf. So a supplement’s claims can potentially be murky, if not outright false. And the few solid, independent trials we have on supplements’ effects on our hair and skin and nails (and hearts and bones and mood) haven’t been able to prove to us that even the most above-board products in this space are actually doing anything. (A 2013 Johns Hopkins study was bluntly titled “Enough Is Enough: Stop Wasting Money on Vitamin and Mineral Supplements.”) But we have some big news: A recently published review of 113 clinical trials on collagen supplements specifically showed some promising evidence that taking them consistently over time has the potential to have positive effects on your skin, musculoskeletal, and oral health.

So, we may owe you a mea culpa because, well, we have really never said anything nice about collagen supplements. But it’s a mea culpa with caveats.

In the beauty space, collagen supplements have long been king among the pills and powders we wishfully ingest to look fresher and smoother and plumper. Collagen is the main structural protein in the skin, and it does a lot to make us look younger (babies have a ton of the stuff). It’s no surprise that so many companies are desperate to bottle it up—or that many consumers, searching for the fountain of youth, are here for it: Globally, 60 million people take collagen supplements daily; last year the collagen supplement market size was valued at $2.6 billion.

Doctors, researchers, and Allure editors, on the other hand, have not been here for these lucrative over-the-counter offerings—because of the whole no-proof-of-efficacy situation. So we called up a few MDs to talk about this new review and they have to admit: It’s kind of a big deal. Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, says it’s one of the most comprehensive looks we’ve had at collagen supplements maybe ever. “Collagen appears to offer modest but consistent improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with some added benefits for joints and musculoskeletal health,” she says of the review. Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, told us that this new review provides more tangible evidence than we’ve ever had that ongoing collagen use can have positive impacts, especially when it comes to skin elasticity and arthritis symptoms. “It was hard not to see collagen supplements as a possible snake oil because we just didn't have data,” she says. “Now, the [new] data we have backs that it is actually potentially helpful.”

Daniel Belkin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, says that this evidence gives him enough confidence to recommend collagen supplements to his patients. “Before I wasn't able to do that,” he says. Dr. Belkin’s favorite supplements are from Elysium Health. He takes Basis, an NAD+ supplement, and Mosaic, a supplement for “collagen support.” He also started dabbling with the brand’s collagen powder after being persuaded by anecdotal evidence from his patients. “I started taking that just because I was like, ‘You know what? My patients are telling me this is helping them. Let me try it,’" he says. As of this month, he also has some data that it could be helping.

If you’re about to leave this page to add a year’s supply of collagen supplements to your Amazon cart—don’t go just yet. While promising, this new information is from a review of dozens of existing clinical trials—not a large double-blind, placebo-controlled study that gives us an end-all-be-all answer to the question of whether ingesting collagen can improve our skin. Some of the review’s findings were inconsistent, and the authors said that among their 16 meta-analyses (a statistical method that combines data from multiple studies), one was high-quality, four were low-quality, and the rest were rated as “critically low” when it came to potential bias. Reasons for these ratings, though, included simply a “lack of proper discussion of publication bias” and the fact that some of the studies were not registered in advance.

The sources Allure spoke with all say that there’s still more data needed before they could declare that collagen supplements work with 100% confidence. Supplements are often hard to study because tracking the effects of ingestible products is more difficult than with topical ones. “It's really hard to isolate [supplements] versus other things, like diet, age, menopausal status,” says Dr. Belkin.

Collagen supplements are “not a magic wand,” says Dr. Gohara. The data in this new review doesn’t show that these supplements support any meaningful wrinkle reduction or reversal of aging signs, which is often what consumers are looking for when they buy the stuff. It only shows that they help with the overall dermal foundation and hydration of the skin. This news certainly hasn’t convinced her personally to start taking collagen supplements. And she likely won’t until they are FDA-approved. “I'm kind of a stickler for science, especially when it comes to something I’m ingesting,” she says.

While Dr. King agrees that there’s more data needed for her to commit to recommending collagen to her patients, that doesn’t mean she’s supplement-averse: She has spoken to Allure in the past about taking BioSil Collagen Generator (which contains choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid, an ingredient that can stimulate the body's production of collagen, elastin, and keratin) and BodyHealth PerfectAmino Tablets. Both pills remain part of her daily regimen. As a vegan, she has conflicting thoughts about collagen in general. “To be completely honest, I do sometimes take collagen when various companies send it to me,” she adds. “But it's not something that I've committed to doing every day.”

If all this has you thinking you might be in the market for a collagen supplement, Dr. King says to look for a brand that offers as much data to the consumer as possible. You can also ask your dermatologist for recommendations. And, if you've already been ingesting the stuff on a regular basis, you can carry on with a little more confidence.

“Taking collagen is a bit like sending extra building materials to a construction site,” Dr. Gohara says. “It may support the structure, but it doesn’t guarantee a renovation.” She notes that skin aging is driven by multiple factors, like UV exposure, hormones, and lifestyle, so adding a collagen supplement alone won’t override biology. If you’re not already doing the skin-care basics—wearing sunscreen, using retinoids, eating a variety of whole foods—start with those, then see if you want to add the pricy powders or pills.

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Some might say that a successful at-home manicure depends on finding the best nail polish remover (it’s us, we said it). Not every formula is created equal: Some with high percentages of acetone can dry your nail plate out (more on that below), while others are packed with moisturizing ingredients for stronger, healthier tips. And although a good remover can take color off so quickly that it seems like magic, the actual science behind how these products work is pretty simple: “Nail polish remover is a solvent, and [remover] works by dissolving the bonds between the pigments and resins that are in nail lacquer,” says New York City-based nail artist Julie Kandalec. The result? Naked, natural nails that, after a good file, are prepped and ready for the new color of your choice—or a manicure breather.

Our Top Nail Polish Removers

• Best Overall: Olive & June Nail Polish Remover Pot, $10
• Best Wipes: Tenoverten The Rose Wipes, $12
• Best Spill-Proof: Zoya Remove+ Nail Polish Remover, $12
• Best Moisturizing: Dermelect Extracts 3-in-1 Soy Nail Polish Remover, $14

Frequently Asked Questions

• What’s the best way to use nail polish remover?
• What’s the difference between nail polish remover and pure acetone?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

We dipped, swirled, and swiped our way through nail polish remover in all forms (including traditional liquids, mess-free pots, and travel-friendly wipes) to find the formulas that are worthy of a spot in your DIY manicure routine. Browse our favorites for clean, color-free tips below.

Best Overall: Olive & June Nail Polish Remover Pot

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Olive & June

Polish Remover Pot

$10

Amazon

$10

Ulta Beauty

$10

Olive & June

Former Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen removes her red nail polish using the Olive & June Nail Polish Remover Pot

Nicola Dall'Asen

Why we love it: No more guesstimating how much remover to use—Olive & June’s Nail Polish Remover Pot is filled with pre-soaked pieces of foam that do the hard work for you. As you dip a fingertip in and swirl it around, the Best of Beauty Award-winning, non-acetone formula breaks up your polish using just two ingredients: methyl acetate, a solvent, and isopropyl myristate, a.k.a. rubbing alcohol. Both are gentler than acetone and won’t dry your nails and cuticles out as much, making this pot a great choice for those with sensitive skin.

We’re also big fans of the little sponge hidden on the underside of the lid that allows you to scrub the color from your toes in minutes. The entire process is simple, mess-free, and doesn’t require you to toss out a whole sleeve of cotton rounds every time you want to switch up your mani.

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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"I don't wear regular polish often, but when I do, this little tub makes it super easy to remove it. I just pop a finger in, move it back and forth a few times, and voilà! All of the polish is soaked right off in a matter of a few seconds." —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: methyl acetate, isopropyl myristate (rubbing alcohol)
• Size: 2.4 fl oz

Best Wipes: Tenoverten The Rose Wipes

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Tenoverten

The Rose Wipes

$12

Amazon

$12

Ulta Beauty

$12

Bluemercury

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin using the Tenoverten The Rose Wipes

Shanna Shipin

Why we love it: Tuck Tenoverten’s The Rose Wipes in your nightstand, car, or carry-on for quick polish removal whenever you need it. Each cloth is saturated in the brand’s Best of Beauty Award-winning The Rose Soak, which is made with hydrating glycerin and aloe, plus moisturizing rosehip fruit oil for strong, healthy nails. There’s also antioxidant-packed vitamin E and rosemary leaf extract to nourish and protect your nail plate from damaging free radicals (particularly helpful if you’re going bare for a while).

Natural fragrance, including notes of neroli, replaces that sharp, alcohol-esque smell—and one box comes with six wipes and costs less than $15, for simple restocking.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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"As soon as this product came out a few years ago, I swapped out all of my acetone removers and never looked back. Acetone tends to dry out my already-dry skin and cuticles, and can cause unnecessary peeling and cracking. But this product is acetone-free, and uses all kinds of botanical extracts and oils to simultaneously (and effectively!) remove your polish without stripping your skin or nails.

I love that these wipes are a generous size, so you can get all 10 fingers or toes—and have some leftover room for additional cleanup. They smell of roses, which is such a nice change from the often irritating astringent smell of acetone. A major perk is that these are also travel-friendly as they're individually wrapped. Needless to say, these wipes are a game-changer. These aren't cheap! But they're so worth it if you're easily irritated by nail polish and removers." —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, aloe, rosemary leaf extract, vitamin E, rosehip fruit oil
• Size: six wipes

Best Spill-Proof: Zoya Remove+ Nail Polish Remover

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Zoya

Remove+ Nail Polish Remover

$12

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han using the Zoya Remove+ Nail Polish Remover

Sarah Han

Why we love it: When a quick polish removal session turns into spill clean-up (been there), it’s time to ditch the typical vat of remover for a handy pump bottle—Zoya’s Remove+ Nail Polish Remover is our favorite. Our Best of Beauty testers were impressed not only by the mess-proof dispenser, but also by how quickly the acetone-based formula dissolves color and even glitter. What’s more, hydrating glycerin prevents the liquid from overly drying out your nails and hands.

Since this remover has a higher percentage of acetone, it’s also a great way to remove oils from your natural nails and prep them for polish, Kandalec says—plus, she vouches for the pleasant, non-overpowering scent.

Tester feedback from senior manager of analytics and audience development Monica Perry

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“This remover is effective—it doesn't take a lot of swipes or rubbing to get even the richest colors off. But the pump dispenser is the real reason it's the GOAT of removers. DIY manis can get messy, but that mechanism ensures you're not spilling or overusing acetone.” —Monica Perry, senior manager of analytics and audience development

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, 2-propanone (acetone)
• Size: 8 fl oz

Best Moisturizing: Dermelect Extracts 3-in-1 Soy Nail Polish Remover

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Dermelect

Extracts 3-in-1 Soy Nail Polish Remover

$14 $11 (21% off)

Amazon

Why we love it: It goes without saying that dry, cracked cuticles, hangnails, and brittle nails need a little extra TLC, and that’s where Dermelect Extracts’ 3-in-1 Soy Nail Polish Remover wipes come in. Two non-acetone solvents (propylene carbonate and methyl soyate) in the alcohol-free formula quickly break up color, shimmer, and chunky glitter with each swipe. Meanwhile, emollient vitamin E and softening jojoba seed oil condition your natural nails, leaving them (and the skin around them) feeling softer and more hydrated.

Our Best of Beauty tester appreciated that the wipes took off bright red and deep burgundy polishes easily—and that they have a milder scent, a plus for those with sensitive noses.

Tester feedback from senior copy manager Dawn Rebecky

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“These wipes are a conditioning treatment for your nails and cuticles that also happen to deftly remove polish—one swipe for lighter colors; three swipes to remove a deep red—all without the remover stink.” —Dawn Rebecky, senior copy manager

More to know

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• Key ingredients: propylene carbonate (a solvent), methyl soyate (a solvent), vitamin E, jojoba seed oil
• Size: 10 wipes

Best with Acetone: Morgan Taylor Strip Ease Nail Lacquer Remover Pot

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Morgan Taylor

Morgan Taylor Strip Ease Nail Lacquer Remover Pot

$10

Amazon

Why we love it: While acetone can be drying, it’s also the gold standard for removing nail polish quickly, Kandalec says. Morgan Taylor’s Strip Ease Nail Lacquer Remover Pot combines it with a host of hydrating and moisturizing ingredients to offset potential rough, flaky side effects. From skin-softening emollients, such as isopropyl palmitate and vitamin E, to soothing, hydrating panthenol and even moisturizing castor oil, the Best of Beauty Award-winning formula more than covers your healthy nail bases. It all comes in a small, melon-scented pot filled with pre-soaked sponges—dip your finger in, give it a swirl, and pull it out, polish-free.

Tester feedback from former content director Kara McGrath

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“This remover takes off polish scarily fast and doesn’t totally dehydrate my nails in the process." —Kara McGrath, former content director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: acetone, isopropyl palmitate (an emollient), panthenol, castor oil, tocopherol (vitamin E)
• Size: 2 fl oz

For Fastest Removal: Cutex Gel Nail Polish Remover Ultra Powerful

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Cutex

Gel Nail Polish Remover Ultra Powerful

$3

Amazon

$3

Walmart

Why we love it: A favorite of Kandalec, Cutex’s Ultra Powerful Gel Nail Polish Remover “works fast, and is less drying than 100% acetone.” A moisturizing blend of linseed and apricot kernel oils helps balance the 98% acetone formula’s dehydrating effects. Specifically formulated to break down glitter, deep hues, and even gel nail polish, it’s tough where it counts, but won’t weaken your nails—or smell up your bathroom, since it’s cucumber-scented. It’s also the most budget-friendly option on our list, at around $3 per bottle. We love it when an effective product is easy to stock up on.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: acetone, linseed oil, apricot kernel oil
• Size: 6.76 fl oz

Best for Gel Polish: OPI GELement Removal Kit

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OPI

GELement Removal Kit

$25

Ulta Beauty

$20

Walmart

Why we love it: Whether you prefer a DIY or salon gel manicure, there’s no need to get back in the chair to take your color off. OPI’s GELement Removal Kit includes a bottle of gentle, non-acetone remover that uses methyl soyate (a solvent) to dissolve polish, while aloe and vitamin E nourish the surrounding skin and cuticles. It also contains all the tools you’ll need for your tips to breathe again: 20 foil wraps, 10 cuticle sticks, and five double-sided mini nail files.

Taking gel polish off does require a few extra steps: You’ll want to file the sides and top of each nail first to remove the shine, then soak each wrap in remover before closing it tightly around your nail. After 20 minutes, remove the wraps one at a time and use a cuticle stick to (gently!) push the polish off the nail plate. You can then use the buffing side of the nail file to smooth the nail surface for fresh, clean tips. The kit comes with enough wraps for two uses, although the bottle of remover, files, and cuticle sticks may last you longer.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: methyl soyate (a solvent), aloe, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E)
• Size: 3.7 fl oz bottle

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to use nail polish remover?

When it comes to traditional remover in a bottle, Kandalec has a few tips for making the process as quick as possible. She recommends fully saturating a small piece of cotton in the liquid—use more than you think you need. “Most people use too much cotton and not enough remover,” Kandalec says. Then, allow it to sit on your nail for 10 to 20 seconds (longer, for glitter polish) before pulling it straight off of your finger. Avoid reusing the same piece of cotton on multiple nails, she says—instead, flip the cotton over to the clean side for the next nail, then toss it and move on to a new one. “This will prevent the softened polish from getting under the cuticle and in the sidewalls,” Kandalec explains.

For wipes or pots, we recommend following the instructions on the packaging for best results.

What’s the difference between nail polish remover and pure acetone?

Acetone is the active ingredient in most nail polish removers. The more acetone that’s in a nail polish remover, the stronger it will be, says Kandalec. Most removers fall into one of three categories:

• 100% pure acetone is the strongest remover you can use, she explains. It removes polish almost instantly—but we don’t recommend it, as it’s also the most drying on your skin and nails, Kandalec adds.
• Acetone-based nail polish removers often contain between 80% and 98% acetone, Kandalec notes. Many are also made with hydrating glycerin or moisturizing essential oils to offset the dryness that pure acetone can cause, she says.
• Non-acetone nail polish removers are the slowest to remove color and require more work (you usually need to rub the nail plate more vigorously to get the polish off, Kandalec says). They can also leave behind oils that prevent nail polish from adhering, so she doesn’t recommend using them if you’re going to reapply color soon. Instead of acetone, the active ingredient in these formulas is often ethyl acetate, which softens nail polish similarly, she explains.

Meet the experts

• Julie Kandalec, a manicurist, educator, and co-owner of Star Touch Agency, based in New York City

How we test and review products

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best nail polish removers, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

If you’re dealing with constant itching, finding the best body washes for eczema can make a bigger difference than you’d think—starting in the shower, not just with your moisturizer. Because with atopic dermatitis, your skin barrier is already compromised, so the wrong cleanser can make things worse. “Look for something fragrance-free, and formulated with barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides or beta-glucan, along with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid,” says Danny Guo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Calgary, Canada.

Texture matters, too. Cream and oil-based washes tend to be the most forgiving, especially if your skin skews very dry, since they cleanse without that tight, stripped feeling. But even the best formula isn’t meant to do all the heavy lifting. “A body wash won’t treat eczema, but it’ll help you manage it better,” says Dr. Guo. “The goal is to remove irritants and create a clean palette for the rest of your routine.” Think of your cleanser as the first (and very important) step in keeping flare-ups at bay before your moisturizers and medicated treatments do the heavy lifting.

Our Top Body Washes for Eczema

• Best Overall: Vanicream Gentle Body Wash, $12
• Best for Dry Skin: Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil, $46
• Best Fragrance-Free: Seen Body Wash, $24
• Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Everist Exfoliating Body Wash Concentrate, $24

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What should I look for in a body wash if I have eczema?
• Is a cream, oil, or gel body wash better for eczema-prone skin?
• Can a body wash actually treat eczema, or just help manage it?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Vanicream Gentle Body Wash

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Vanicream

Gentle Body Wash

$12

Amazon

$17

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: It’s not exactly the bottle that’s going to rack up likes on your shower shelfie, but when your skin is itchy and reactive, aesthetics drop way down the priority list. Vanicream’s Gentle Body Wash boasts “no sulfates, no dyes, no fragrance, no lanolin, no parabens, no unnecessary extras,” says Nana Duffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Rochester, New York. Instead, it features a short, no-fuss ingredient list with gentle cleansers (coco-glucoside and sodium cocoyl glycinate) that won't strip, plus glycerin and panthenol to keep skin soft and hydrated. It’s also accepted by the National Eczema Association: Products earn that seal by meeting strict criteria for being free of common irritants and suitable for eczema-prone skin. “For any patient who has contact allergies, this is my go-to,” adds Kellie Reed, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, panthenol
• Fragrance-free: yes
• National Eczema Association-accepted: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil

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Avène

XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil

$46

Amazon

$46

Dermstore

Why it's worth it: With eczema, your broken skin barrier loses moisture more easily (which is why eczema-prone skin is usually also dry). Avène’s XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil is a silky, National Eczema Association-approved formula that cushions skin with glycerin and lipid-replenishing ingredients like evening primrose and jojoba oils, restoring what your barrier is missing as it cleanses. And then there’s the star: The brand’s signature Thermal Spring Water, which “contains probiotics that soften and calm the skin,” making it especially beneficial during flare-ups when everything feels more reactive, says Dr. Duffy.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“The one good thing about having eczema my whole life? I was prepared for it when both of my kids got it as infants, and one of the universally used products in our bathroom is the Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil. It's gentle on the skin, fragrance-free, and can be used all over the body—including the face! This sounds counterintuitive, but getting wet can be really hard on dry skin. Avene's thermal spring water and focus on barrier-building (and repairing) ingredients really help prevent further moisture loss from taking showers or baths.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Avene thermal spring water, glycerin, primrose oil, jojoba oil
• Fragrance-free: yes
• National Eczema Association-accepted: yes

Best for Daily Maintenance: Seen Body Wash Fragrance-Free

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SEEN

Body Wash

$24

Amazon

$24

Ulta Beauty

$24

Seen

Why it's worth it: This eczema-friendly body wash from a dermatologist-developed brand is a 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner for its “effective combo of bisabolol (soothes skin), hemisqualane (a lightweight, plant sugar–derived emollient), and glycerin (pulls in hydration),” says Dr. Reed. Seen's Body Wash is also truly fragrance-free—not just “unscented”—meaning no masking fragrances are lurking in the formula, which is key for sensitive, eczema-prone skin that tends to react to even subtle scent additives. (Worth noting: The brand does offer a scented version of its body wash, so if you’re shopping, double-check you’re buying the fragrance-free one.) The gentle, non-stripping formula makes it an “easy everyday go-to for daily maintenance,” but it’s also the kind you’ll especially appreciate during flare-ups, adds Dr. Reed.

Tester feedback from executive beauty director Jenny Bailly

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“Between the two of us, my eczema-prone son and I have been emptying a bottle of this fragrance-free body wash every month or so. It lathers just enough to feel effective, which it definitely is. The formula may be no-frills or irritants, but it leaves skin completely clean (even after a day at the beach spent reapplying sunscreen).” —Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: bisabolol, hemisqualane, glycerin
• Fragrance-free: yes
• National Eczema Association-accepted: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: Prequel Gleanser

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Prequel

Gleanser

$18

Prequel

Why it's worth it: If you’re not yet familiar with Prequel—which was awarded best new brand in our 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards—here’s the deal: It was founded by Samantha Ellis, MD, a Danville, California-based, board-certified dermatologist who built a line around actual skin fixes—so no, you won’t find trend-chasing formulas here. Prequel’s Gleanser is a perfect example: a low-lather, barrier-friendly wash that gently cleans while soothing eczema-prone skin. Instead of harsh surfactants, it relies on ultra-gentle cleansers to lift away dirt without stripping the moisture your dry skin is trying to hold on to. Speaking of dry skin, glycerin draws in hydration, colloidal oatmeal calms itchiness and irritation, and aloe provides an immediate, cooling relief when skin feels hot or reactive. Even the less flashy additions, like inulin (a prebiotic that supports the skin microbiome), keep skin soft, not squeaky.

It’s also accepted by the National Eczema Association and recognized by the National Rosacea Society Seal of Acceptance—meaning the formula is free from common irritants and unlikely to trigger flushing, stinging, or sensitivity in rosacea-prone complexions (which eczema-prone skin is very on board with).

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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“I'm super adamant about showering twice a day—once before work, and then again before bed. (I live in New York City—it's gross here!) And with multiple showers a day, I need a full-body cleanser that gets me quickly clean without drying me out. Enter, Gleanser. It's packed with moisture-locking glycerin, lathers well on wash cloths (my preferred delivery method), and is fragrance-free, which is a must for my sensitive skin. Everything below the neck is easily irritated by any scent, so I try to stay far from it. My seasonal eczema is grateful for it. I love how big the bottle is—and it has a pump! Truly the best delivery system for someone who goes through body wash like it's… water.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, colloidal oatmeal, aloe, inulin
• Fragrance-free: yes
• National Eczema Association-accepted: yes

Best for Uneven Texture: Everist Exfoliating Body Wash Concentrate

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Everist

Exfoliating Body Wash Concentrate

$24

Amazon

$24

Revolve

$24

Everist

Why it's worth it: If you know Everist, you know it made its name by ditching filler ingredients and turning everyday shower staples into ultra-concentrated formulas. Considering that traditional body washes are mostly water, cutting it out not only makes the formula more potent but also reduces the need for heavy preservatives and excess packaging. Everist’s Exfoliating Body Wash Concentrate squeezes out like a rich cream but transforms into a soft, satisfying lather once it hits water. And while eczema-prone skin might side-eye the whole “exfoliating” aspect, this one keeps it gentle. Instead of scratchy scrubs, it uses fine bamboo charcoal to smooth rough patches without rubbing skin raw.

The base is also doing your skin many favors: Glycerin pulls in hydration, lecithin keeps skin soft, and aloe vera soothes irritation. The only caveat is that while it doesn’t have any added synthetic fragrance, it does include essential oils (orange peel, peppermint, rosemary, bergamot, and sage) for a fresh, spa-like scent, which some ultra-sensitive skin types may want to patch-test.

Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva

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“Finding an exfoliating body wash for my sensitive, dry skin has always been a challenge. In my current shower routine, I use the Everist Exfoliating Body Wash Concentrate once a week to refresh my skin, and it has helped reduce my flare-ups. If I'm in a flare, I'll skip this version and go for the standard, non-exfoliating version of the product. Since it's a concentrate, you only need about a quarter-size amount to do your full body. I'll add a little to my palm, and once it hits the water, it quickly works into a smooth lather.

The packaging really reduces the clutter in my shower, which is already crowded with toddler bath toys. The $25 sticker price can be a bit of a shock for a body wash, but the product lasts so long due to how little I use per shower, and it's still more affordable than many luxury body washes. The one part that I have a love-hate relationship with is the metal key. It's genius to get more product out; I just have to stop misplacing it…” —Kassidy Silva, social director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: bamboo charcoal, glycerin, lecithin, aloe
• Fragrance-free: yes (no synthetic fragrance; orange peel, peppermint, rosemary, bergamot, and sage oils)
• National Eczema Association-accepted: not disclosed

Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash

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La Roche-Posay

Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash

$20

Amazon

$22

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: If you, your baby, and your toddler are all dealing with eczema, here’s a small silver lining: You can all use the same body wash. La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash is designed for the whole family (we’re talking babies as young as two weeks), and it proves that a foaming cleanser can still be kind to dry, reactive skin. While some foaming washes get a bad rap for being stripping, this one balances gentle surfactants (like coco-betaine, a mild, coconut-derived cleanser that boosts foam while reducing irritation) with a serious lineup of skin-soothers. “Glycerin pulls in hydration, shea butter replenishes the skin’s lipid barrier, and niacinamide works to calm inflammation and support overall barrier function,” says Dr. Reed.

Then there’s the drugstore brand’s signature La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, rich in selenium for antioxidant support, plus Aqua posae filiformis (a probiotic-derived ingredient) that rebalances the skin microbiome. You can even use it on your face, so you’ll definitely appreciate that it comes in a generously sized 13.5 fl. oz. bottle.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, shea butter, niacinamide, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, Aqua posae filiformis
• Fragrance-free: yes
• National Eczema Association-accepted: yes

Best for Itchiness: Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream Body Wash

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Eucerin

Eczema Relief Cream Body Wash

$15

Amazon

Why it's worth it: If your itchiness is at cannot-stop-thinking-about-it intense, “Eucerin’s Eczema Relief Cream Body Wash contains extracts of oats, which act as a natural anti-itch ingredient,” says Dr. Duffy. More specifically, the formula uses 2% colloidal oatmeal, a gold-standard level shown to soothe irritation, calm inflammation, and support the skin barrier—the “colloidal” part matters because the oats are finely milled and dispersed so they actually adhere to skin and do their job. Beyond that, it’s stacked with nourishing extras: Glycerin pulls in hydration, ceramides replenish the barrier, and a mix of fatty emollients plump skin so it doesn’t feel stripped post-shower. The texture is so creamy, you’d swear it’s a lotion, but it is, in fact, a rinse-off formula.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 2% colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, ceramides, fatty emollients
• Fragrance-free: yes
• National Eczema Association-accepted: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for in a body wash if I have eczema?

If you have atopic dermatitis, keep your skin-care products simple. “If you are going to use a body wash, look for one free of artificial fragrances and dyes,” says Dr. Duffy, since those are common triggers for irritation. Instead, prioritize formulas with barrier-friendly ingredients like “colloidal oatmeal (to soothe itch), ceramides (to replenish the skin barrier), and glycerin (to draw in hydration), along with calming extras like niacinamide and aloe vera,” says Dr. Duffy. The goal isn’t just to cleanse—it’s to avoid stripping your skin and reinforce the barrier so it stays calm, comfortable, and less reactive.

Is a cream, oil, or gel body wash better for eczema-prone skin?

For atopic dermatitis-prone skin, texture really matters. “Creamy and oil-based washes are better than foaming gels as they are less disruptive to the skin barrier,” says Dr. Reed. These richer formulas cleanse without stripping away moisture, which is key when your barrier is already compromised.

Foaming gels, on the other hand, can sometimes leave skin feeling tight or dry—with a few exceptions. One standout on our list is La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash, which delivers a satisfying lather while still prioritizing hydration, thanks to barrier-supporting ingredients like shea butter and the brand’s soothing thermal spring water. So if you love the lather of a foam but still need something eczema-friendly, it shows you don’t always have to choose.

Can a body wash actually treat eczema, or just help manage it?

“Body washes do not treat the eczema and the underlying inflammation; however, they can be a supportive tool to manage eczema and minimize flares,” says Dr. Reed. In other words, the right formula keeps your skin calm and prepped for the products that do treat it, while the wrong one (think: harsh, fragranced, or overly stripping) can trigger or worsen symptoms.

Meet the experts

• Nana Duffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology based in Rochester, New York
• Danny Guo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Danny Guo Dermatology based in Calgary, Canada
• Kellie Reed, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology based in Austin

How we test and review products

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best body washes for eczema, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Is your week in need of some good old-fashioned glamour? Mine is, and thankfully Teyana Taylor and her long, flowing curls are here to save the day with romantic sweep-you-away, get-you-swooning beauty. (And don't we all need that on a Wednesday?)

The Oscar nominee attended the Maison Valentino and Alessandro Michele Specula Mundi book launch on April 28 in a gorgeous black sleeveless gown with a long, billowing chiffon train and shoulder capelet that would be right at home on the set of a classic black-and-white film, paired with voluminous ringlets that perfectly suited the movie-star glamour of the dress. Her hair was brushed back from her face, cascading past her shoulders to the middle of her back in an explosion of soft curls—equal parts dreamy and dramatic.

Getty Images

The actor and musician, who was recently revealed as the face of Revlon's iconic Super Lustrous Lipstick, kept the romantic vibes going with her makeup: smoky gray eye shadow with dramatic “la dolce vita” winged liner, flushed pink cheeks, and glossy rose-colored lips.

While Taylor has become synonymous with her pixie cut, she has fun changing things up. During awards season, she attended the Costume Designers Guild Awards in a bright pink gown and a collarbone-length bell bob, so named because of its flipped-out shape. Then there was the Chanel Fall/Winter 2026-2027 show in Paris, where she surprised us all by taking her front row seat in a silvery platinum bob and Chanel raincoat. More recently, the star paid homage to Janet Jackson for People's World's Most Beautiful Issue, complete with auburn curls.

Next up for Taylor? The Met Gala; she's attended multiple times and this year, she's serving on the Gala's host committee alongside stars like Sabrina Carpenter, Angela Bassett, and Zoë Kravitz. We've only got a few more days until the first Monday in May, and you know we're already on pins and needles waiting to see Taylor walk the red carpet.