I don't know about you, but I don't typically write a review for (or even rate) something unless I had a really terrific or a truly terrible experience, which is precisely why combing through a slew of reviews can be so helpful. Sure, a product can be touted as a best seller or a dermatologist can sing the praises of a certain face mask, but there's something much more forward and relatable about a first-person review. It's the closest thing to a try-before-you-buy situation, and it can be exceedingly helpful if you find yourself on the fence pre-purchase (especially if you're pondering a big skincare splurge).
Of course, there have been, and likely always will be, issues of seeded or fake reviews (we're not going to act like that's not a thing), but if you head to trustworthy retailers, such as Dermstore, which houses all the most sought-after brands and products with authentic ratings and reviews in tow, you'll quickly gain a helpful glimpse into the most effective formulas for what you're looking for.
To streamline the process for you, we researched and selected our favorite top-rated skincare products on Dermstore's website (creating a regimen of sorts) for four different skin types: oily, dry, normal, and combination. Curious to discover the products shoppers love, tailored to your skin type? Keep scrolling!
The Top-Rated Picks for Oily Skin
The cleanser:
The stats: 5 stars, 477 reviews
A unique and gentle rice-based enzyme powder that activates with water to calm inflammation, even your skin tone, and slough away complexion-dulling buildup.
The toner:
The stats: 5 stars, 4 reviews
A natural, fragrance-free face mist that combines rose water, jojoba, aloe vera, and witch hazel to absorb excess oil while offering soothing hydration to oil-prone skin.
The serum:
The stats: 5 stars, 422 reviews
With over 420 reviews and a five-star rating, the people have spoken! This do-it-all serum helps curb oil, calm and reduce inflammation, regenerate skin cells, and iron out fine lines and wrinkles.
The moisturizer:
The stats: 5 stars, 256 reviews
This top-rated nighttime moisturizer expedites cell turnover to encourage radiant, velvety-smooth skin. It also features retinol (balanced with calming cucumber extract), which is a game changer for anyone fighting oil and/or acne.
The SPF:
The stats: 5 stars, 15 reviews
So many sunscreens don't play nicely with oily or acne-prone skin. That said, this smart formula from Dermalogica is one of the few exceptions. Whilst protecting your face from the sun's harmful rays, it's made to feel especially lightweight and won't clog pores or leave you feeling greasy.
The mask:
The stats: 5 stars, 21 reviews
Kaolin clay, colloidal sulfur, bentonite, prickly pear, willow bark, rosemary, and licorice root work harmoniously to vacuum dirt and debris from pores, neutralize breakout-causing bacteria, absorb excess oil, soothe existing inflammation, minimize the look of pores, and slashing your chances of future breakouts.
The eye cream:
The stats: 5 stars, 308 reviews
This highly rated eye cream is the perfect antidote for anyone seeking a tighter, brighter eye area. Blame it on the advanced complex of PSP growth factors, hyaluronic acid, matrix proteins, and plenty of antioxidants.
The Top-Rated Picks for Dry Skin
The cleanser:
The stats: 5 stars, 889 reviews
Cleansing oils can do amazing things for those with dry skin, but the wrong formula can leave behind pore-blocking residues. This fan favorite from DHC rinses away completely clean (just be thorough) and leaves skin wonderfully hydrated and clear.
The toner:
The stats: 5 stars, 10 reviews
So much natural goodness packed into one bottle. Think purifying, antimicrobial lavender oil; hydrating, nutrient-packed wildflower honey; and pH-balancing aloe vera. Just a few spritzes and parched skin will be revived with the prettiest dewy glow.
The serum:
The stats: 5 stars, 186 reviews
This best-selling, top-rated serum is like a tall, super-brightening drink of water for dehydrated skin. Not only does it house potent vitamin C, but it's also infused with phytosterols to minimize redness, saccharide isomerate extract to blur the look of pores and plump your skin, and a helpful dose of glycolic acid to encourage cell turnover and maximize the efficacy of the vitamin C perks.
The moisturizer:
The stats: 5 stars, 9 reviews
This is one of the most luxurious face creams money can buy, and it's so beloved for its hydrating anti-aging properties. It's developed a serious cult following among shoppers and industry insiders alike. It's enriched with oxygen, CoQ10, vitamin C, alpha-lipoic acid, and bio-suisse extracts to firm and fresh the skin instantaneously and long term.
The SPF:
The stats: 5 stars, 4 reviews
This isn't your average SPF. Yes, it protects your skin against damage, but it also has so many other skin perks thanks to an MVP moisturizing lineup of algae extract, peptides, antioxidants, vitamins, and essential oils.
The mask:
The stats: 5 stars, 34 reviews
If firmness and moisture are what you seek, Dermstore shoppers salute this affordable mask as a holy-grail formula. Apply it a few times a week for just 10 to 15 minutes, and you'll strengthen your skin's moisture barrier, increase elasticity, detoxify pores, soothe inflammation, and add all the youth-enhancing hydration.
The eye cream:
The stats:
Not all eye creams are created equal, and if you're prone to dryness, the area can be especially susceptible to irritation. This formula utilizes hydrating hyaluronic acid and exfoliating PHA to reduce the look of fine lines and crow's-feet, boost elasticity, moisturizer, and plump.
The Top-Rated Picks for Combination Skin
The cleanser:
Thes stats: 5 stars, 614 reviews
Even though this oil-free cleanser features key exfoliating agents like glycolic acid to smooth away dead skin cells and expedite cellular regeneration, it's still gentle enough to use daily and keeps your skin's moisture barrier and pH levels intact—not stripped. (Stripping your skin will trigger an increase in oil production.)
The toner:
The stats: 5 stars, 56 reviews
The magic of this hydrating mist is all about its special ability to enhance and maximize the effects of your other favorite skincare products. It boasts biogenic humectants and collagen cofactor to decrease irritation or inflammation while also smoothing out your skin texture. Use it right after you cleanse and before your other treatments.
The serum:
The stats: 5 stars, 371 reviews
This serum-treatment hybrid is Sunday Riley's best-selling product for a reason. You'll see a difference in your skin instantaneously. You can use this lactic acid–laced formula daily as a serum or as needed if you feel like a breakout is looming. As stated, lactic acid is the star of the show, as it helps to clear your complexion and increase natural collagen production, but it's strategically anchored with calming and brightening additions like licorice, lemongrass, and aloe.
The moisturizer:
The stats: 5 stars, 250 reviews
Lightweight and oil-free, this well-loved moisturizer seals in hydration while silk proteins, cucumber, burdock, and sage work in tandem to calm and soothe inflammation-prone skin.
The SPF:
The stats: 5 stars, 194 reviews
This might be one of the most beloved and iconic sunscreen formulas of all time, and the reviews speak for themselves. For those who hate the feeling of greasy or creamy sunscreen, this titanium dioxide–and–zinc oxide fusion is the ultimate skincare find, especially if you have finicky combination skin type.
The mask:
The stats: 5 stars, 118 reviews
A great option for combination skin, this pore de-clogging mask from SkinCeuticals helps to remove excess oil or impurities while special plant extracts and minerals help keep the skin calm, soothed, and hydrated.
The eye cream:
The stats: 5 stars, 235 reviews
This formula is especially ideal for those looking to keep the area around their skin taut and youthful. It encourages both collagen and elastin production and makes the eye area look less shadowy and more glowy.
The Top-Rated Picks for Normal Skin
The cleanser:
The stats: 5 stars, 338 reviews
This antioxidant-rich cleanser is actually fantastic for every skin type and is the holy-grail one-stop-shop choice by virtually every facialist we talk to. It has gentle actives and exfoliating agents to keep skin clear and smooth and eradicates every last trace of makeup or debris at the end of the day.
The toner:
The stats: 5 stars, 55 reviews
This naturally derived face mist blends exfoliating hibiscus flower petals, inflammation-busting witch hazel, damage-preventing rose extract, and moisturizing aloe for the most calming skin drench.
The serum:
The stats: 5 stars, 418 reviews
Basically every skin expert we've consulted extols the benefits of a high-quality vitamin C serum, but the ingredient—surprise—can actually be problematic for certain skin types (especially sensitive). That said, if you want in on the vitamin's mega-brightening perks and don't have negative reactions to C, this best-selling serum is your next good skin move.
The moisturizer:
The stats: 5 stars, 223 reviews
This cult-loved and affordable cream is iconic. If you don't have any pressing skin concerns, the basic formula is foolproof. The rich texture seals in hydration, and it even has a patented delivery technology to ensure your complexion stays moisturized and well-balanced throughout the entire day.
The SPF:
The stats: 5 stars, 600 reviews
You know a product is impressive if it has 600 (and counting) reviews and has still managed to maintain a solid five-star rating. This SPF from EltaMD, known as one of the best in the industry, doesn't clog pores, feels lightweight, and is pumped with hyaluronic acid so skin stays dewy and hydrated but not greasy or parched.
The mask:
The stats: 5 stars, 29 reviews
This lovely mask is filled with all sorts of exotic fares to brighten, smooth, and tone your complexion. Think youth-enhancing peptides, Nordic peat soil (for a boost of radiance), plus willow complex and Brazilian black clay for super-smooth and clear texture.
The eye cream:
The stats: 5 stars, 185 reviews
Tired eyes will drink up this brightening and tightening eye cream just as quickly as we suck down a black coffee when we're sleep-deprived. An epic combination of caffeine-rich green tea and coffee reduces swelling while instigating circulation for a brighter, more awake-looking gaze.
Up next: The 25 Best Products to Keep Your Skin Right and Tight Well Past Your 20s
This article was published at an earlier date and has been updated.
