The report titled 'The Best Skincare Products and Tools of 2024: A Comprehensive Review' provides an extensive analysis of top-rated skincare products and tools of 2024. It reviews award-winning items such as the Pure Gel Cleanser by Oak Essentials and Tatcha Indigo Cleansing Balm, delves into user experiences with K-beauty products, and examines the most effective skincare tools available, such as the NuFace Trinity. The report includes detailed sections covering various product categories and user testimonials, aiming to guide consumers in making informed choices based on their skin types and concerns.
The Pure Gel Cleanser from Oak Essentials has been awarded the best gel cleanser of 2024. This product has a chic appearance and features purifying and soothing botanicals such as aloe, glycerin, and verbena officinalis extract. Faith Xue, BDG’s executive beauty director, praises its herbaceous scent and effectiveness in removing makeup while leaving the skin feeling soft.
Tatcha Indigo Cleansing Balm is named the best cleansing balm of the year. This product is infused with Japanese indigo, giving it a blue hue and properties that soothe sensitive skin, improve barrier function, and boost moisture. BDG staffer Kelly Reed mentions its ability to melt away waterproof makeup, dirt, and oil while leaving the skin hydrated and silky.
The LANEIGE Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer wins the title of the best do-it-all skincare product. This two-in-one formula tones and moisturizes, offering the benefits of a rich cream with the lightweight feel of a liquid toner. It contains nourishing ceramides and peptides, and the bottle is refillable to reduce packaging waste. BDG staffer Sarah Ellis appreciates its gentle hydration and inclusion in her skincare routine.
Vanese Maddix had the opportunity to participate in a Zoom skincare consultation with celebrity esthetician and Korean beauty expert, Alicia Yoon. During the consultation, Yoon asked questions regarding Maddix's skin type and current routine. Yoon recommended a regimen focusing on hydration, nourishment, and radiance-boosters to achieve a glass skin glow. She highlighted the importance of using thin layers of each product and adjusting the amount based on how the skin feels.
Recommended by Yoon, this oil-based cleanser is the first step in a double-cleanse routine designed to remove oil-based makeup, SPF, and impurities for dry, oily, and normal skin types. Maddix found it ideal for removing heavy makeup and praised its hydrating properties, noting its inclusion of jojoba oil, which helps soothe dry skin.
Yoon recommended this sulfate-free, low-pH cleanser as part of Maddix's morning regimen and the second step in her evening double-cleanse. The cleanser maintains the skin barrier and hydration. Maddix reported that the cleanser was calming and gentle, perfect for her dry skin, which did not dry out after use.
A serum suggested by Yoon that includes soothing ingredients, antioxidants, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and hydrators aimed at achieving glass-like skin. Maddix used this serum both morning and night and was satisfied with the glowy, radiant complexion it provided. She received numerous compliments on her skin's appearance thanks to this product.
The versatile moisturizing lotion is highly recommended for any skin type, especially sensitive and reactive-prone skin. It is lightweight yet highly moisturizing, hypoallergenic, and free from fragrances and potentially irritating ingredients. It contains key ingredients such as ceramides, vitamin E, glycerin, and fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. A glowing customer review highlights its effectiveness in keeping skin hydrated and glowing, especially for those with super dry and sensitive skin.
The growth factor moisturizer named Saturday Skin Waterfall Glacier Water Cream is effective for patchy and moisture-retentive skin. It is lightweight yet powerful in hydration, featuring key ingredients like Alaskan glacier water, Iceland moss, ferment extract, and amino acids. Its standout feature includes four growth factors known for their anti-aging properties. Customers have praised its versatility for combination skin, providing a soothing and cooling experience.
This K-beauty calming cream is ideal for relieving dry, irritated skin quickly. Its key ingredient, panthenol (vitamin B5), along with vitamin E, squalane, and glycerin, works to moisturize, heal wounds, and reduce inflammation. It is particularly beneficial for sensitive skin reacting to treatments like tretinoin. Users have noted its ability to calm skin within a day of application.
Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen is highly praised for its ability to protect skin from UVA and UVB rays with SPF 50. It contains ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, and antioxidants, which support skin barriers and soothe the skin. Customers have appreciated its ability to absorb quickly without leaving a white cast, making the skin feel velvety and enhancing its natural glow.
The color-correcting treatment by Dr. Jart's Cicapair Tiger Grass line helps neutralize redness and provides an even skin tone. It also offers SPF 30 protection. Key ingredients include centella asiatica (tiger grass), niacinamide, glycerin, and SPF constituents. Users have found it beneficial for reducing the need for foundation, blending well into the skin, and addressing hyperpigmentation effectively.
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum is popular for achieving the coveted 'glass skin' look. It combines ingredients such as peach extract, niacinamide, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to fade dark spots, reduce redness, and hydrate the skin. Customers appreciate its gentle, fragrance-free formula, which layers well with other skincare products and makeup.
COSRX chemical exfoliant uses BHAs to tackle blackheads and oil control, featuring ingredients like willow bark water, betaine salicylate, and niacinamide. It is gentle yet moisturizing, smoothing, brightening, and clarifying the skin. Customer reviews attest to its effectiveness in reducing cystic acne, shrinking pores, and significantly decreasing blackheads.
The hydrating essence mist contains brightening licorice water, bamboo water, centella asiatica leaf extract, and glycerin for hydration. It is highly recommended for adding instant hydration or as a midday refresher. Users have noted its efficacy in keeping the skin plump, supple, and well-hydrated, especially on sensitive skin days.
The NuFace Trinity is a multitasking microcurrent facial toning device that has garnered attention for its effectiveness in lifting, toning, and contouring the face. This small, handheld device sends low-level electrical pulses through the facial muscles to improve facial contouring and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is FDA-cleared and comes with a gel applicator. Despite its high price of $350, it has received positive reviews from users who found it worthy of inclusion in their regular skincare regimen. Specifications include a 9.2x5.6x5.5-inch size, 6.4-ounce weight, and a 1-year warranty.
The Beautybio Glofacial Hydro-Infusion Deep Pore Cleansing Tool is designed for deep cleansing of the skin. It utilizes a vortex vacuum system to extract impurities such as blackheads, sebum, and makeup from the pores. Additionally, it infuses the skin with acne-fighting salicylic acid and hydrating hyaluronic acid and emits blue light to kill acne-causing bacteria. At a price of $149.5, this tool measures 8.5x6.5x2.75 inches and weighs 1 pound. It is highly regarded for its ability to cleanse the skin and minimize the appearance of pores.
Shani Darden’s by Déesse Pro LED Light Mask is an advanced skincare tool from a highly trusted esthetician in Hollywood. This medical-grade device uses red, blue, and near-infrared LED light therapy to combat breakouts and slow down signs of aging. The device includes an attachment for the neck and décolletage area. Although it is priced at a high $1,900, it is considered a significant investment in skin health. It is FDA-cleared, has a 14.2x7.1x9.4-inch size, and comes with a two-year limited warranty.
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 is a cult-favorite product from the French brand Biologique Recherche, known for its highly specialized skincare regimens. Launched in the 1970s, the original formula, Lotion P50 1970, was designed for daily exfoliation and aimed to clean and prepare the skin. It has since become a cornerstone in many skincare routines and is available in seven different strengths to suit varying skin types. The popularity of Lotion P50 can be attributed to its initialization phase, making it integral to all subsequent Biologique Recherche products. Statistically, one Lotion P50 is sold every 2 minutes in the U.S.
The Rich Cream by Augustinus Bader is an intensely luxurious moisturizer created after 30 years of research. Its hero ingredient, TFC8, and backing by celebrities have made it a significant name in the skincare industry. The product is best suited for normal to dry skin types and is particularly effective in dry climates. It contains ingredients like argan, avocado, and evening primrose oils, which are rich in omega 6 fatty acids and antioxidants. One unit of The Rich Cream is sold every 90 seconds.
111Skin's Rose Gold Facial Treatment Mask and Rose Gold Illuminating Eye Mask are known for their brightening benefits, containing ingredients like Bulgarian rose, colloidal gold, and pomegranate seed cell culture. Originally a limited-edition item, the masks have gained global popularity and are now a staple in many skincare routines. The facial treatment mask illuminates and calms the skin, while the eye mask targets brightening and hydration for the under-eye area. To date, 111Skin has sold 18 million masks, approximately one every 26 seconds.
Launched by Dr. Dennis Gross in 2000, the Alpha Beta Peel offered an at-home equivalent to the founder’s in-office chemical peels. Known for its daily application and efficacy in reducing hyperpigmentation, balancing oil production, and removing dry skin, the peel has gathered a loyal following. Despite the expansion of the brand into various other skincare products, the peel remains a best-seller. One Alpha Beta Daily Peel is sold every 2 seconds globally.
Dr. Dennis Gross's 15% Vitamin C Firm + Bright Serum is designed to improve signs of aging such as sun damage, dark spots, uneven tone, fine lines, and dullness. The serum combines Vitamin C and lactic acid to enhance the effectiveness of its ingredients, suitable for all skin types. The brand’s popularity is evident, having sold enough Vitamin C serums in 2023 to wrap around the earth’s equator 1.8 times.
The Michael Todd Beauty Soniclear Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush continues to garner admiration for its efficient three-speed antimicrobial brushes that eliminate dirt and dead skin, leaving the complexion smoother, softer, and cleaner. This tool's wireless charging system adds convenience, allowing users to move around their home while using it.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is praised for its non-stripping, refreshing formula containing ceramides and hyaluronic acid, making it suitable for tackling various skin issues. Known for its universal appeal and affordability, it is recommended by Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor for its effectiveness.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer features key ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and glycerin. This moisturizer is appreciated for providing long-lasting hydration and barrier repair, delivering the comfort of a rich cream with the lightness of a lotion, suitable even for sensitive skin types.
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 stands out with its unique gel formula that includes four chemical filters (avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene). This product offers broad-spectrum protection while remaining undetectable on the skin, making it an excellent choice for use as a makeup primer.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant remains a favorite due to its salicylic acid content, which helps maintain clear pores and smooth skin. Gentle enough for use up to twice daily, it aids in reducing breakouts and blackheads effectively.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops provide instant hydration and plumpness. Praised for its effectiveness during both day and night use, this serum aids in keeping the skin hydrated and is especially favored for its results before makeup application.
Tula Skincare Glow + Get It Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm combines hydration-drawing hyaluronic acid, probiotics, and caffeine in a fun-to-use stick format. This product is appreciated for providing a soothing and firming effect to the eye area.
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Micropoint for Blemishes XL uses nearly 1,400 micropoints in each patch to deliver blemish-clearing ingredients effectively. Its curved shape is particularly effective for treating spots on the chin, cheek, and jawline, helping prevent under-the-surface breakouts from progressing.
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, made from calcium bentonite clay, has remained a staple facial product since the early '80s. When mixed with apple cider vinegar and applied, it leaves pores noticeably cleaner and the skin super clean and refreshed.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is favored for its thick, hydrating formula that is also suitable for daytime use. It prepares lips well for lipstick application when used about an hour beforehand, ensuring they are perfectly prepped for color.
Hada Labo Whitening Cream is recognized for its smooth, moist texture and student-friendly price. The cream effectively moisturizes dry, dull, and dehydrated skin with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and pure arbutin. It features a safe and gentle formula that is alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and non-irritating, making it suitable even for sensitive skin. It can also be used as a moisturizing primer before applying makeup. The price range for this product is 250,000 – 300,000 VND per 50g jar.
Garnier Serum Essence Brightening Day Cream from the reputable French brand is effective in brightening the skin and evening out the skin tone. With SPF 30 PA+++, it provides significant sun protection. The cream's main ingredients are yuzu fruit extract and vitamin C. It is paraben-free and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The product is priced at 162,000 VND per 50ml jar.
Laneige Radian-C Cream is a premium whitening cream that contains ultra-small vitamin C and vitamin E molecules to nourish the skin deeply, removing dead cells and reducing roughness. The cream's Radian-C Super Blend technology brightens the skin, fades dark spots, and improves uneven skin tone. It is smooth, gentle, non-irritating, and non-acneogenic, making it safe for sensitive skin. The product is priced at 1,200,000 VND per 50ml jar.
The SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum has been highly praised for its unique formulation that combines hydrating hyaluronic acid with soothing centella asiatica. The lightweight finish is noted for being easy to apply and layering well under makeup, all while providing a dewy, moisturized look without feeling greasy. This product is popular on Hwahae and TikTok, gaining significant user recognition and positive reviews.
The Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil is well-regarded for its ability to remove stubborn waterproof makeup effortlessly. With 10 million bottles sold globally, this cleansing oil continues to be a part of daily routines for many users. It is particularly noted for its lightweight formula in the Deep Clean edition, which makes it suitable for melting away lip tints and eye makeup quickly.
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam is highlighted as a bestseller known for its brightening properties. Formulated with rice water, this cleanser transforms from a light cream into a lather that leaves skin feeling smooth and soft. It has been endorsed by Seventeen’s Jeon Wonwoo, further increasing its popularity. Another notable product is House of Dohwa Rice Bran Powder Wash, an exfoliating cleanser that uses rice extracts and bromelain for gentle skin smoothing and brightening.
TIRTIR Milk Skin Toner is celebrated for its deep hydration properties. This viral product is praised for its milky formula that provides layers of hydration, resulting in a glistening, dewy look. Also highly recommended are the SOME BY MI AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pads, which are perfect for acne-prone skin, providing gentle exfoliation and helping to keep breakouts at bay while minimizing the look of pores.
The CNP Laboratory Propolis Energy Active Ampoule is a standout essence known for its deep hydration and glow-enhancing properties, using a blend of propolis extracts, hyaluronic acid, beta glucan, and madecassoside. The Goodal Green Tangerine Vitamin C Serum is another highly recommended product, combining green tangerine extract with niacinamide, arbutin, and centella asiatica to boost skin radiance and fade dark spots. This serum is a bestseller at Olive Young and has received multiple awards.
iUNIK is recognized as one of the best Korean skincare brands, celebrated for its commitment to using natural and organic ingredients. The brand offers a tailored approach to skincare, providing specialized product lines for various skin types including dry, oily, and sensitive skin. iUNIK is also known for its minimalist packaging, vegan and cruelty-free products, and the exclusion of unnecessary preservatives without compromising effectiveness.
Some By Mi stands out in the Korean skincare market with its effective yet gentle formulas. The brand utilizes natural ingredients backed by extensive research, catering especially to acne-prone and skin lightening needs with products like the AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Set and Real Yuja Niacin Brightening Set. It's recognized for its commitment to high-quality standards and naturally nourishing ingredients.
Founded in 2000, Missha is honored for its high-quality, budget-friendly skincare products suitable for all skin types. Known for targeting aging concerns such as wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentations, Missha integrates natural plant extracts and minerals into their product formulations. The brand has won multiple awards, including Best of K-beauty by Allure. Their Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence is notably praised for its anti-aging benefits.
COSRX has earned a cult following for its clean formulas incorporating both traditional South Korean beauty rituals and advanced science. The brand features nature-based ingredients like Centella Asiatica, honey extract, and green tea oil, which provide gentle yet effective skincare solutions. Free from harsh chemicals, parabens, and artificial fragrances, COSRX offers products that cater to oily, combination, dry, and sensitive skin types.
Beauty of Joseon combines centuries-old Korean beauty recipes with modern technology to deliver natural and effective skincare products. The brand uses gentle formulas that are ideal for dry, sensitive, and combination skin types. With ingredients such as green tea extract for protection and willow bark extract for exfoliation, Beauty of Joseon offers products that deeply hydrate and nourish the skin.
The findings in this report underscore the innovation and effectiveness within the skincare industry in 2024. Products like the Pure Gel Cleanser by Oak Essentials and the Tatcha Indigo Cleansing Balm have demonstrated significant advancements in skincare benefits, while tools such as the NuFace Trinity offer spa-level results at home. The insights garnered from K-beauty experts like Alicia Yoon highlight the personalized approaches to skincare. Despite the comprehensive coverage, future research will be essential to keep pace with emerging trends and innovations. Consumers are encouraged to continue exploring and adapting to new products that cater to individual skin needs and preferences.
A notable skincare product highlighted in 2024 skincare awards for its effectiveness in cleansing and benefitting various skin types.
Recognized in skincare awards for its ability to remove makeup and impurities while maintaining skin hydration.
An award-winning product known for its dual functionality, combining the benefits of toner and moisturizer in one formula.
A Korean beauty expert known for personalized skincare consultations and recommendations aimed at achieving hydrated, glowing skin.
A skincare tool regarded for its toning capabilities, offering at-home users spa-level results.