Author: rqkisv

Collage: Gabrielle Langdon; Source images: Allure editorsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

If you're not familiar with SkinMedica, let alone the best SkinMedica products, you're probably thinking: The name sounds no-BS. And you'd be right, because this clinical-grade skin-care brand isn't about the fluff. After all, if you're paying $300 for a serum, it better give you results. We don't take terminology like “medical grade” and “clinical grade” lightly—brands need the research, data, and in-depth clinical studies to back their formulas. Plus, every SkinMedica product listed in this story is backed by board-certified dermatologists (and us, of course). Interest piqued? Time to dive into the SkinMedica skin-care products that we wholeheartedly approve of and use every day.

Our Top SkinMedica Products

• Best Overall: TNS Advanced+ Serum, $295
• Best Exfoliator: Even & Correct Brightening Treatment Pads, $60
• Best for Dry Skin: HA5 Hydra Collagen Replenish and Restore Hydrator, $192
• Best for Oily Skin: AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, $48
• Best for Combination Skin: HA5 Hydra Collagen Water Burst Moisturizer, $78
• Best for the Neck: Neck Correct Cream, $135
• Best for the Body: Firm & Tone Lotion for Body, $165
• Best for Fine Lines: Age Defense Retinol Complex, $80
• Best for Discoloration: Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment, $178

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

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

Best Overall: TNS Advanced+ Serum

SkinMedica

TNS Advanced+ Serum

$295

Dermstore

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum (old packaging)

Sarah Han

Why we love it: The crème of the SkinMedica crop easily goes to the TNS Advanced+ Serum. This Best of Beauty Award winner has the clinical studies to prove why it deserves to be a mainstay in your skin-care routine. “SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ Serum is probably the single-best growth-factor product in the US market, and it’s the one that started it all,” Saami Khalifian, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist in California, has told Allure. “It combines growth factors—proteins that stimulate cellular repair and regeneration, boosting collagen and elastin production to improve skin firmness and texture—with other advanced ingredients to target fine lines and wrinkles.”

Science aside, it has a silky, lightweight consistency that's won over many beauty editors and derms alike, because what good is a serum if it's not pleasant to apply? What really justifies the high price point, of course, is the resulting plumpness and radiance you get from each pump of this highly-studied, innovative formula. Take it from our 48-year-old executive beauty director Jenny Bailly: “My skin looked noticeably duller when I recently ran out of this serum after several years of regular use.”

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“At 32, I'm not not concerned about fine lines creeping in. But what I can actually report on for this product is how plump and glowy it makes my skin look after every single application. I can't fully explain how growth factors work but I do know that ingredients that support and encourage collagen and elastin production (which decreases as we age!) are vital to any skin-care routine. Growth factors and peptides? A dream team for an immediately more radiant complexion and slowing down signs of aging in the long run.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall'Asen

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“TNS is the true definition of a desert-island product (well, OK, in the event you're stranded on a very fancy, high-tech island). I'll be honest, I'm not 100% sure how the very advanced science behind this formula works—all I know is that it does virtually everything I need my skin care products to do: it hydrates, plumps, and soothes my rosacea-induced redness like very few products can. If I could have this on hand at all times, my skin-care routine would basically only consist of this, a cleanser, and some sunscreen. She's that girl!” —Nicola Dall'Asen, senior news editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: growth factor blend, peptide complex, French flaxseed
• Who it's for: yes
• Fragrance-free: aging and sagging skin

Best Exfoliator: Even & Correct Brightening Treatment Pads

SkinMedica

Even & Correct Brightening Treatment Pads

$60 $48 (20% off)

Dermstore

Allure features director Dianna Singh using the SkinMedica Even & Correct Brightening Treatment Pads

Dianna Mazzone Singh

Why we love it: Dark spots and hyperpigmentation, meet your match—in the easy-to-use format that is toner pads. “[Even & Correct Brightening Treatment Pads] have been part of my personal morning skin-care routine for years,” Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Birmingham, Alabama, previously told us. “I like how easy they are to use. Grab a pad and gently rub it all over your face after cleansing.” Though they're gentle enough to use daily, Even & Correct is packed with powerhouse actives, namely tranexamic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamide, and witch hazel extract, to exfoliate, promote cell turnover, and brighten your complexion.

Plenty more derms, including Saami Khalifian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego, California, approve of these pads, which also help maintain and even enhance results from in-office treatments. Basically, these individual treatments address just about any skin-care concern you have: discoloration, fine lines, dullness—what are you waiting for?

Tester feedback from features director Dianna Singh

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“In the fight against dark spots, using tranexamic acid is among the best offensive moves you can make—at least in my experience. These pads are loaded up with the discoloration-reducing ingredient along with glycolic acid (for gentle exfoliation) and niacinamide (which is anti-inflammatory). A couple nights a week, I whisk one of these pads across my face (post-cleanser but pre-serum) and I swear my skin is brighter for it.” —Dianna Singh, features director

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“I'm so prone to hyperpigmentation that I get a dark spot if I even think about a zit (or so it feels), so following a gnarly breakout, I usually come in hot with these exfoliating pads. They're not what I'd call gentle, but that's what I like: The combo of glycolic acid and witch hazel basically resurface my skin, leaving it brighter and baby-soft.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycolic acid, lotus sprout extract, tranexamic acid, niacinamide, witch hazel extract
• Who it's for: anyone with hyperpigmentation
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Oily Skin: AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

SkinMedica

AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

$48 $38 (21% off)

Dermstore

Allure contributing editor Deanna Pai applying the SkinMedica AHA + BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

Deanna Pai

Why we love it: Sometimes you need a cleanser that simply cleanses, but for those with breakout-prone skin and hyperpigmentation, a face wash that exfoliates can be a small yet game-changing tweak. SkinMedica's AHA + BHA Exfoliating Cleanser stands out from the competition thanks to a blend of alpha hydroxy acids (lactic, glycolic, citric, and malic), beta hydroxy acid (salicylic), and jojoba spheres that dive deep into pores to sweep away debris. Tiffany J. Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Rhode Island, says this particular concoction of actives helps “to mildly exfoliate skin and improve skin's texture and complexion.” In other words, this cleanser ensures a clean, smooth slate for the rest of your skin care to perform its best.

Tester feedback from Pai

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"This exfoliating cleanser does the impossible: It leaves my skin super-soft and smooth, even when I'm dealing with hormonal breakouts, but never feeling squeaky-clean or overly tight. That's a big deal, considering the potent ingredients in its lineup. Plus, the combo of AHAs and BHA targets my two primary concerns, hyperpigmentation and acne, respectively." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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Key ingredients: lactic acid, glycolic acid, jojoba beads
Who it's for: oily skin types
Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Combination Skin: HA5 Hydra Collagen Water Burst Moisturizer

SkinMedica

HA5 Hydra Collagen Water Burst Moisturizer

$78

Dermstore

Han applying the SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Water Burst Moisturizer

Sarah Han

Why we love it: There are moisturizers…and then there are really good moisturizers that melt into skin instantly and don't feel like a chore to apply morning and night. SkinMedica's HA5 Hydra Collagen Water Burst Moisturizer falls into the latter category and gives you a natural finish that layers with sunscreen and makeup so seamlessly—you'll be convinced that this formula isn't as hydrating as it actually is. But make no mistake: Five types of hyaluronic acid—to penetrate your skin at different levels—are infused with vegan collagen to deliver intense moisturization that lasts through every commute, errand, and blast of cold winds.

Tester feedback from Han

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“It's common knowledge (if you read a lot of Allure stories) that I love a water-cream or gel-cream moisturizer. My combination skin drinks them up, leaving my skin looking fresh and plump, but my shine doesn't get out of control. Plus, the last thing I need is a thick layer of goo after I've gone in with a hydrating essence and serum. SkinMedica products are always treats, so why would I expect anything less from the HA5 Hydra Collagen Water Burst Moisturizer? It's extra refreshing when I apply it in the morning and it absorbs so fast so I can move onto my sunscreen basically ASAP—and of course, my skin looks dewy as heck, thanks to five types of hyaluronic acid. Yum.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: five types of hyaluronic acid (hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid,sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, sodium hyaluronate, etc.), vegan collagen, squalane, urea
• Who it's for: people with combination, oily, or acne-prone skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: HA5 Hydra Collagen Replenish + Restore Hydrator

SkinMedica

HA5 Hydra Collagen Replenish + Restore Hydrator

$192

Dermstore

Christa Lee applying the SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Replenish + Restore Hydrator (old packaging)

Christa Lee

Why we love it: We all know—or should know—that hyaluronic acid and peptides are gold-standard ingredients for hydration. HA5 Hydra Collagen Replenish + Restore Hydrator ups the replenishing ante with five types of hyaluronic acid, including a time-released HA that continuously hydrates skin for up to eight hours. Suppose that wasn't enough to win you and your dry skin over. Like its sibling, the just-as-lauded HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator, this plumping serum is fragrance-free and non-irritating for those with reactive, sensitive skin, as Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles, pointed out. TL;DR HA5 Hydra Collagen is a valuable addition to just about any skin-care routine. Hydration (and preventing transepidermal water loss) is king, baby.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I have dry skin year-round, so I’m always on the hunt for something that actually hydrates and sticks around. SkinMedica’s HA5 Hydra Collagen Replenish and Restore Hydrator has a gel-cream texture that—wait for it—doesn’t instantly absorb, which I actually love. It gives me a chance to really see where I’ve applied it (and where I’ve missed). It takes a minute or two to fully settle in, which feels more intentional than hydrators that disappear as soon as they touch your skin. Once it settles in, my skin looks super plump and dewy, to the point where I’ve skipped moisturizer a few times. I wish the photos did the in-person glow more justice!” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: five types/weights of hyaluronic acid, hydra collagen, vitamin F, passionfruit seed oil
• Who it's for: people with dry or sensitive skin, or prefer fragrance-free products
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Fine Lines: Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5

SkinMedica

Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5

$80 $64 (20% off)

Dermstore

Pai applying the SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5

Deanna Pai

Why we love it: Retinol is the heavyweight of skin care. What can't it do, honestly? Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5 is no exception, which shines with its abilities to reduce the look of fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and overall dull skin. David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, recommends that patients start with twice-a-week application for the first two weeks, and slowly ramp up the frequency over five to seven weeks. Though it's technically formulated for the face, it acts as an excellent hand cream. “It features a calming bisabolol and antioxidant-rich formula, which helps soothe the skin while protecting against environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution," Dr. Khalifian attested. “I like how it absorbs quickly, so it won’t leave your hands greasy and pairs beautifully with a rich hand cream if you want to lock in hydration.”

Tester feedback from Pai

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“I've never been loyal to a retinol, but this has worked for well that I keep coming back to it: I've never experienced any kind of irritation (though I'm not beginner) and I've seen a big improvement in my breakouts and hyperpigmentation. It also absorbs instantly and doesn't have a noticeable scent—two big pluses for me.” —Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: retinol, niacinamide, squalane, vitamin E, glycerin
• Who it's for: anyone who wants to incorporate retinol into their routine, mature skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for the Body: Firm & Tone Lotion for Body

SkinMedica

Firm & Tone Lotion for Body

$165 $132 (20% off)

Dermstore

Why we love it: While no topical product can literally tighten skin, body lotions formulated with ingredients that can bolster collagen production, such as retinol, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, can ease outer skin laxity. “[SkinMedica's Firm & Tone Lotion for Body] is backed by clinical studies showing its effectiveness in improving the appearance of crepey skin,” Dr. Khalifian previously shared. According to said clinical studies, SkinMedica says you can see ”enhanced body skin texture" in as little as two weeks. But, of course, you should use it consistently for a few months to see more visible improvements, especially when it comes to sagging skin. Dr. Khalifian also credits the blend of caffeine and botanical extracts—green microalgae and shitake mushrooms support collagen and elastin structure—for its efficacy. It doesn't hurt that this cream feels luxurious on the skin as you massage it in.

Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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“I’ll admit I often fail at moisturizing my body, mostly because I hate the feel of sticky lotion against my clothes. This body lotion absorbs so quickly though that I have no more excuses. It’s more than just a nicely scented hydrating balm too (it reminds me a bit of lemon curd), because it also contains smoothing peptides and caffeine.” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: shiitake mushroom extract, green microalgae, caffeine, ginger root, Japanese parsley
• Who it's for: people concerned with crepey and/or uneven skin texture, postpartum skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for the Neck: Neck Correct Cream

SkinMedica

Neck Correct Cream

$135 $108 (20% off)

Dermstore

Why we love it: Don't neglect the neck, as just about anyone who loves skin care will remind you. “[SkinMedica's Neck Correct Cream] deeply hydrates, addresses hyperpigmentation, and tackles existing wrinkles while preventing new ones,” Noah Gratch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously shared. This Best of Beauty winner keeps things taut with a blend of retinol, peptides, microalgae, and vitamins C and E. Just about anyone can benefit from this neck cream because, in case you needed a reminder, "The neck area has thin, sensitive skin compared to other parts of the body," Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, previously told Allure. Add in constantly craning our necks towards our laptops and smartphones, and it's an area uniquely at risk for fine lines and sagging. According to the brand, after three months, 98% of participants said this product made their neck feel smoother—very promising, as our editors will also attest.

Tester feedback from associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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“Like every other young person in America, my screen time is horrifying. I’m on my phone for most of the day (for both work and pleasure) and because of that, I’ve developed the ‘ole tech neck. Tiny fine lines now etch across my once-smooth neck and sometimes, they are all I see in the mirror. So lately I’ve been reaching for SkinMedica’s Neck Correct Cream, a serum-like treatment made with firming peptides and hydrating squalene, twice a day to target said fine lines. It’s super lightweight and doesn’t interfere with any of my other skin-care products, nor does it irritate my sensitive skin (especially the thin-skinned neck area), so here's to hoping it tackles those wrinkles while I work on finding a new hobby…away from my phone.” —Sarah Kinonen, associate beauty director

Tester feedback from Dall’Asen

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“To be totally frank, I'm probably too young to be using a neck cream for aging reasons. That said, my tech neck is pretty intense, so it can't hurt for me to be investing in a formula that hydrates and firms now. SkinMedica's Neck Correct is just that: a blend of extracts, proteins, and peptides to keep neck skin looking fresh.” —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: peptides, shiitake mushroom extract, microalgae, vitamins C and E
• Who it's for: people concerned with neck lines
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Discoloration: Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment

SkinMedica

Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment

$178 $142 (20% off)

Dermstore

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the SkinMedica Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment

Sarah Hoffmann

Why we love it: Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment is a Best of Beauty winner that's "a sophisticated brightening product with many tone-evening ingredients, including tranexamic acid," Karan Lal, DO, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona, previously stated. Unlike other acids and hydroquinone, tranexamic acid is suitable for all skin types, people who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, and pairs well with other brightening ingredients like retinoids and vitamin C. You can also use this serum in conjunction with the Even & Correct Brightening Treatment Pads mentioned earlier for a one-two punch of discoloration-fighting ingredients. Though tranexamic acid is anti-inflammatory by nature, it's accompanied by antioxidant-rich humectants such as phytic acid, niacinamide, and sodium hyaluronate that help soothe sensitivity. An all-rounder treatment, as we say.

Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann

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“In the winter, my skin shows its discontent by looking as dull and lifeless as a piece of printer paper. It's also more easily irritated when it's cold—two for one, woo! SkinMedica's Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment is a double whammy helper for both of these issues. My skin has been in a rough state for the last couple of months, and a daily dose of this creamy treatment has definitely helped soothe my skin. You definitely notice the touch of hydration too. It's pretty rare to find a brightening treatment that doesn't leave my skin feeling tight and sticky—this one would never.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: tranexamic acid, phytic acid, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, grape flower cell extract
• Who it's for: anyone with discoloration or uneven texture
• Fragrance-free: yes

Meet the experts

• Saami Khalifian, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of SOM Aesthetics in San Diego
• Noah Gratch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles
• David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and founder of Lightsaver
• Tiffany J. Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Rhode Island and Mohs surgeon at Brown Dermatology
• Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology based in Birmingham, Alabama
• Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City

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 SkinMedica products, 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 dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page involved in our reporting, check out 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 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

We’ve tested our fair share of overpromising hair elixirs, so when we call these the best hair oils for shiny, moisturized, and frizz-free strands, you know it’s real. If you’ve been avoiding hair oils for fear of greasiness, rest assured that our favorite picks impart a glossy, softening effect without leaving heavy residue. Some even double as aromatherapeutic mood boosters and heat protectants that speed up drying time and guard your strands from damage.

Our Top Hair Oils

• Best Overall: Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil, $59
• Best for Fine Hair: Moroccanoil Treatment Original, $50
• Best for Damaged Hair: K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil, $65
• Best Pre-Wash: Fable and Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil, $38
• Best for Frizzy Hair: Rôz Santa Lucia Styling Oil, $45
• Best for Curls: HaruHaru Black Bamboo Frizz-Free Hair Oil, $22
• Best for Flat Hair: LolaVie Lightweight Hair Oil, $33
• Best for Second-Day Hair: Ouai Hair Oil, $32
• Best for Protective Styles: Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil, $44
• Best Drugstore: SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Smooth & Shine Oil, $14
• Best Strengthening: Camille Rose Cocoa Nibs + Honey Ultimate Strength Serum, $16

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• How do hair oils work?
• Which hair oil is right for me?
• When should I use hair oil?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Despite being packed with blends of moisturizing emollients (like argan oil, squalane, and castor oil), these formulas feel surprisingly lightweight and absorb in a flash. Just a few drops along your mid-lengths and ends are enough to smooth frizz, revive dullness, and leave your hair looking effortlessly polished every time.

Best Overall: Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil

Oribe

Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil

$59

Amazon

$59

Nordstrom

Allure social director Kassidy Silva applying the Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil.

Kassidy Silva

Why it's worth it: Oribe’s Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil is the ultimate indulgence for every hair type. Silky and weightless, it tackles dryness and frizz with a powerhouse blend of argan and jasmine oils, plus Oribe’s Signature Complex—a mix of antioxidant-rich watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower extracts—to keep strands strong, hydrated, and shiny. It has a subtle sandalwood and bergamot scent that leaves hair smelling as luxe as it looks. We crowned it our favorite hair oil overall for its instant smoothing effect, effortless shine, and color-enhancing boost—it’s basically a little bottle of hair happiness.

Silva before applying the Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil

Kassidy Silva

Silva after applying the Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil

Kassidy Silva

Tester feedback from Allure social director Kassidy Silva

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“Two pumps of the Oribe Gold Lust oil are all it takes to keep my hair shining all day long. After towel-drying my hair, I pump a quarter-size amount into my palms and work it through the ends, and run a comb through a few times to lightly distribute the product to my roots. If my hair is looking a little dull after drying, I'll add one more pump once I'm finished styling.”—Kassidy Silva, social director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: jasmine oil, argan oil, edelweiss flower, lychee
• Hair it's best for: all hair types
• When to apply: damp or dry hair
• Additional benefits: repairing split ends
• Scent: bergamot, sandalwood, jasmine
• Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.

Best for Fine Hair: Moroccanoil Treatment Original

Moroccanoil

Treatment Original

$50

Moroccanoil

Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner applying the Moroccanoil Treatment Original

Lily Wohlner

Why it’s worth it: Moroccanoil’s Treatment Original has been a hair-treatment staple for over a decade, and for good reason. Loved for its lightweight feel, this argan oil-based formula smooths, detangles, conditions, and boosts shine without ever tipping into greasy territory. (The treatment even comes in a Light version for superfine hair.) Furthermore, it’s also infused with linseed extract, which is rich in fatty acids that leave hair looking glossier on contact. Use it on dry hair to smooth flyaways and frizz, or work it through damp strands to help speed up drying time and give them that silky, brushable feel when using a round brush or straightening brush.

Wohlner before applying the Moroccanoil Treatment Original

Lily Wohlner

Wohlner after applying the Moroccanoil Treatment Original

Lily Wohlner

Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner

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“My hair is on the finer side but comes with plenty of frizz and flyaways, so I basically need a hair oil within arm’s reach at all times. This one has been a staple in my routine since way before my 20s. I first bought it for the divine amber scent, but I kept repurchasing once I realized how well it tames my hair without weighing it down. I keep the full-size bottle in my bathroom and a mini at my desk for emergency touch-ups.”—Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: argan oil, linseed extract
• Hair it's best for: fine, frizzy hair
• When to apply: damp or dry hair
• Additional benefits: quicker dry time, shine, detangling
• Scent: amber
• Sizes: 3.4 oz., 1.7 oz., 0.85 oz.

Best for Damaged Hair: K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil

K18

Molecular Repair Hair Oil

$65

Amazon

$65

Sephora

Why it's worth it: A winner in the Splurge category of the 2023 Best of Beauty Awards, K18's Molecular Repair Hair Oil works to address frizz on two levels: first, by reversing structural damage caused by heat styling and salon treatments through the brand’s namesake K18 peptide, and second, by conditioning hair with natural lipids, like avocado and sunflower oils. Whatever your hair concerns, Lazaro Lambertucci, a New York City-based hairstylist and colorist, confirms that the K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil is "weightless and amazing for all hair types.” (Not just damaged!) It also helps prevent future damage by providing heat protection up to 450 degrees. This multitasking oil can be applied to damp hair before styling or used as a finishing oil.

Allure former commerce writer Jennifer Hussein applying the K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil

Jennifer Hussein

Hussein after applying the K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil

Jennifer Hussein

Tester feedback from former commerce writer Jennifer Hussein

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“My head of bleached, dryness-prone hair needs a hardworking oil, and K18’s gloss-enhancing formula fits the bill. My dehydrated hair usually needs a hefty drench of oil to feel anywhere near soft, but this oil leaves it feeling silky-smooth after just six drops. I also love the lightweight feel; it doesn’t leave any residue behind but gives my hair glass-level reflection.” —Jennifer Hussein, former commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: squalane, avocado oil, sunflower oil
• Hair it's best for: frizz and flyaways due to breakage
• When to apply: damp or dry hair
• Additional benefits: enhanced color vibrancy, heat protection
• Scent: floral
• Sizes: 1 oz.

Best Pre-Wash: Fable and Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil

Fable & Mane

HoliRoots Hair Oil

$38

Amazon

$38

Sephora

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Fable and Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil

Sarah Han

Why it’s worth it: Not all hair oils are meant to be used before washing. Inspired by Ayurvedic hair oiling, a 5,000-year-old practice in India that involves massaging warm, herb-infused oils into the scalp and strands to nourish, Fable and Mane’s HoliRoots Hair Oil is designed to be worked into the scalp section by section before your shower. Leave it on for at least five minutes—or overnight—for stronger roots, reduced breakage, boosted circulation, and deeply hydrated, healthy-looking hair. Key oils like castor, olive fruit, jojoba, grapeseed, and sesame, along with Ayurveda classics like ashwagandha and amla (which are known to stimulate keratin production), work together to nourish strands and calm the scalp. Rest assured: Despite being packed with oils, you won’t find any residue in your scalp post-shampoo. Rather, your strands will feel softer, silkier, and stronger.

Han before applying Fable and Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil

Sarah Han

Han after applying Fable and Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil and washing/blow-drying her hair

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“I’ve been using this product pretty consistently for two years, applying two droppers of product to my scalp for at least 10 minutes—sometimes even longer, if I’m watching a show—before I hop into the shower. I also like using a scalp massager to work the product more deeply. It rinses away swiftly down the drain, and my scalp feels lighter post-shampoo. I don’t wash my hair as often as I probably should, so I like to make the very most of each session.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: ashwagandha; amla, castor, olive fruit, jojoba, grape seed, and sesame oils
• Hair it's best for: people with dry, broken strands looking to boost growth
• When to apply: dry hair pre-shower
• Additional benefits: hair growth
• Scent: earthy
• Sizes: 1.8 oz.

Best for Frizzy Hair: Rōz Santa Lucia Styling Oil

RÔZ

Santa Lucia Styling Oil

$45

Amazon

$45

Nordstrom

Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin applying the Rôz Santa Lucia Styling Oil

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: Frizzy hair doesn't have to ruin your day. Case in point: Rōz's Santa Lucia Styling Oil protects against heat and humidity—two of the foremost causes of frizz—and smooths using five plant-based oil extracts, including jojoba and argan oils. We especially love the vetiver and citron scent, which elevates this oil to hair-perfume status. If you want to level up from the drugstore hair oil you've been using for a few years but aren't ready to drop a Benjamin on anything too fancy, this one serves as a perfect middle ground.

In our testing, we found that this hair oil worked equally well on wet or dry hair—especially if you have thick, curly, dry, or frizz-prone hair. (If you have hair on the thin or oily side, you'll want to primarily apply it closer to the ends to avoid greasiness.)

Shipin before applying the Rôz Santa Lucia Styling Oil

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying the Rôz Santa Lucia Styling Oil

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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"This is, hands down, my favorite hair oil. It smoothes frizz, smells heavenly, and has consistently calmed my hair—which seemingly expands by two feet in circumference—when the humidity hits. But what I love almost as much as the oil's performance is that the brand's founder, Mara Roszak, grew up in Laurel Canyon (a legendary area in Los Angeles), and Rōz's entire line perfectly captures the magic and mythology of the landscape!" —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: jojoba oil, argan oil, Roman chamomile, jasmine, aloe vera
• Hair it's best for: frizzy hair
• When to apply: damp and dry hair
• Additional benefits: heat protection
• Scent: vetiver, citrus
• Sizes: 0.5 oz., 2 oz.

Best for Curls: HaruHaru Black Bamboo Frizz-Free Hair Oil

Haruharu

Black Bamboo Frizz-Free Hair Oil

$22

Amazon

$22

Yesstyle

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the HaruHaru Black Bamboo Frizz-Free Hair Oil

Deanna Pai

Why it’s worth it: Hair porosity can make all the difference in how well your strands hold onto moisture, and Haruharu Wonder Black Bamboo Frizz-Free Hair Oil is built to work across the spectrum, from pin-straight to curly. The foundation is nutrient-rich black bamboo water, which hydrates and softens, while argan oil and sugarcane-derived squalane lock in moisture without weighing hair down. Lightweight enough for fine hair but powerful enough for thicker strands, it tames frizz and smooths split ends without leaving any residue. To strengthen and repair, the formula blends 10 hydrolyzed plant proteins, 17 amino acids, and eight peptides, boosting elasticity and fortifying weak areas, all while surrounding hair with a bright citrus aroma, softened by notes of lavender and geranium.

Pai before applying the HaruHaru Black Bamboo Frizz-Free Hair Oil

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the HaruHaru Black Bamboo Frizz-Free Hair Oil

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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"Hair oil and I don't really mix. While I could probably use the frizz control, my hair is so fine that oil just tamps it down at the crown and smushes any bit of volume. That's where this stuff has proved different. Instead of just pairing oil with oil, the argan oil and bamboo water feel a lot more lightweight—think a serum. And while it doesn't completely eliminate my frizz (an impossible task), it gave my hair a nice shine and smoothed some of the flyaways around my hairline." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: black bamboo water, argan oil, peptide complex
• Hair it's best for: all hair types, especially curly hair
• When to apply: dry hair
• Additional benefits: shine-boosting, smooths flyaways
• Scent: grapefruit, orange, lime, lavender, bergamot, and geranium
• Sizes: 2.7 oz.

Best for Flat Hair: LolaVie Lightweight Hair Oil

LolaVie

Lightweight Hair Oil

$33 $23 (30% off)

Amazon

$33

Ulta Beauty

Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying the LolaVie Lightweight Hair Oil

Nicola Dall'Asen

Why it's worth it: Pulling off the (near) impossible, LolaVie’s Lightweight Hair Oil leaves hair with a patent-like shine without flattening your meticulously-styled blowout. The dilemma with most hair oils is that they have at least some weight, which can lead to a deflated style, especially if you have naturally fine, thin, or otherwise flat hair. But LolaVie’s nourishing formula vanishes as quickly as you apply it, only leaving behind a vibrancy-enhancing finish. Plus, its ingredients list reads like a recipe for shiny strands that could put diamonds to shame and includes heavy-hitting moisturizers like sunflower seed oil, bamboo extract, and proteins derived from lentils and chia seeds.

Dall’Asen before applying the LolaVie Lightweight Hair Oil

Nicola Dall'Asen

Dall’Asen after applying the LolaVie Lightweight Hair Oil

Nicola Dall'Asen

Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen

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“Short, fine hair like mine and oils don't always get along, but I never have to worry about that with LolaVie's Lightweight Hair Oil—hell, its distinguishing factor is right there in the name. Just a few drops of this keratin-based oil gives my hair the hydration and shine it desperately needs, and thankfully without that heavy, greasy feeling.” —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: sunflower seed oil, olive leaf extract, chlorella vulgaris (algae) extract, chia seed extract, bamboo extract
• When to apply: after towel-drying and/or after styling
• Additional benefits: minimizes breakage
• Scent: coconut
• Sizes: 1.5 oz.

Best for Second-Day Styles: Ouai Hair Oil

Ouai

Hair Oil

$32

Amazon

$32

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Not only does Ouai's Hair Oil deliver intense shine, but this lightweight formula is brimming with strand-softening ingredients like antioxidants and fatty acids that provide protection against damage stemming from pollution, UV exposure (meaning less color fading), and hot tools. It's weightless enough for fine hair but potent enough to smooth coarse hair, so it's perfect for refreshing second-day blowouts.

Allure features editor Dianna Mazzone Singh applying the Ouai Hair Oil

Dianna Mazzone Singh

Singh after applying the Ouai Hair Oil

Dianna Mazzone Singh

Tester feedback from features director Dianna Singh

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“There are only a few oils I dare rake through my fine strands, and Ouai's is one of them. So imagine my delight when I learned that the same lightweight formula is now available in the brand's signature St. Barts scent with notes of dragonfruit, tuberose, and amber. Each time I catch a whiff, it feels like I've teleported from my office to the beach.”—Dianna Singh, features director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: galanga oil, ama oil, borage oil
• Hair it's best for: all hair types
• When to apply: after styling
• Additional benefits: enhances color vibrancy
• Scent: floral
• Sizes: 1.5 oz.

Best for Protective Styles: Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil

Cécred

Nourishing Hair Oil

$44

Ulta Beauty

$44

Cécred

Why we love it: We all want hair that can withstand a full Beyoncé choreography, and it starts with the right oil. Cécred's Nourishing Hair Oil features a blend of 13 plant-based oils designed to hydrate, protect, and shine. At the heart of the formula is an African oil Blend (baobab, moringa, and black seed oils) that keeps strands supple and resilient while they’re tucked away in your style, while sea buckthorn oil replenishes with fatty acids and vitamin E. keratin ferment takes it a step further, reinforcing the hair’s natural barrier, reducing breakage, and restoring protein with every braid, twist, or knot.

“This oil is the best for medium to thick, curly, or straight, and every texture in between,” New York City-based cosmetologist Cataanda James told Allure. She says a little goes a long way when working it into wet or dry curls.

Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor applying the Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil

Jailynn Taylor

Taylor after applying the Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil

Jailynn Taylor

Tester feedback from contributor Jailynn Taylor

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"I've tried countless oils searching for one that nourishes my locs without causing buildup, and the Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil delivers on both fronts. Upon application, my locs feel softer and better sealed with the moisture they need to stay strong and flexible. Rather than sitting on the surface, this oil absorbs well and keeps my locs hydrated for days with a subtle sheen. I apply a few drops to my scalp and along the length of my locs between wash days, and the results are immediate: less dryness, more movement, and easier manageability. The Temple Oud fragrance is pleasant and lingers just enough without being overwhelming." —Jailynn Taylor, contributor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: baobab oil, sea buckthorn oil, bioactive keratin ferment
• Hair it's best for: all hair types, especially coily
• When to apply: after styling
• Additional benefits: adds a subtle sheen, reduces breakage
• Scent: oud, sandalwood, jasmine, vetiver, violet leaves
• Sizes: 1.7 oz.

Best Drugstore: SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Smooth & Shine Oil

SheaMoisture

Coconut & Hibiscus Smooth & Shine Oil

$14 $10 (29% off)

Amazon

$13

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: SheaMoisture’s super lightweight Coconut & Hibiscus Smooth & Shine Oil leans on manketti oil—known for its UV protection, antioxidants, and damage-repairing benefits—to deliver next-level smoothness and light-catching glossiness. Coconut oil keeps frizz and flyaways in check, while hibiscus flower, a natural conditioner, helps calm the scalp. Just a pump or two is enough to turn dull strands into silky perfection.

Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey

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"This lightweight hair oil infuses just the right amount of moisture into my strands without leaving my curls greasy or weighed down. I pump about two to three drops into my palms, rub them together, and lightly scrunch into my hair. It gives my hair a subtle sheen, plus, it smells delightfully sweet and floral.”—Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: coconut oil, hibiscus flower, manketti oil, neem oil
• Hair it's best for: all hair types
• When to apply: damp or dry hair
• Additional benefits: reduces breakage, humidity control
• Scent: coconut and hibiscus
• Sizes: 3.3 oz.

Best Strengthening: Camille Rose Cocoa Nibs + Honey Ultimate Strength Serum

Camille Rose

Cocoa Nibs + Honey Ultimate Strength Serum

$16

Ulta Beauty

$15

Walmart

Why it’s worth it: Designed to strengthen fragile strands and encourage healthy growth, Camille Rose’s Cocoa Nibs + Honey Ultimate Strength Serum sits somewhere between a serum and an oil because it’s thin enough to easily massage into and around the scalp. The squeeze-tip applicator makes it easy to target your scalp directly, so you can get right to the areas where breakage, thinning, or dryness are showing up. The formula leans on virgin amla oil to strengthen and condition follicles, while brahmi oil increases circulation at the scalp to create an ideal environment for growth. There are also honey, jojoba oil, and macadamia seed oils for an extra dose of moisture and softness.

We love using this as an overnight treatment—massage it into your scalp before bed and leave it on until your next wash, whether that’s the next morning or a couple of days later under a slicked-back style.

Tester feedback from associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry

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“Working in beauty means I've tried just about everything. So, when I dub something my favorite, I mean it. This Camille Rosa Cocoa serum has been my go-to since 2021. It smells ah-mazing for one, and two, it makes my strands super strong, silky, and well-moisturized. I use this oil on my cornrows, when I'm wearing wigs, and my twist-outs and braid-outs for ultimate hydration and frizz-free styling.”—Melanie Curry, associate manager of audience development

More to know

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• Key ingredients: virgin amla oil, brahmi oil, honey, jojoba oil, macadamia seed oil
• Hair it's best for: dry, damaged hair
• When to apply: dry hair before bed or as needed
• Additional benefits: shine
• Scent: chocolate and almond
• Sizes: 8 oz.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do hair oils work?

"Hair oils help smooth the hair cuticle and reduce styling breakage while minimizing frizz," cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos says. However, it isn't the oil smoothing the cuticle. "Most hair 'oils' on the market actually contain very little oil; they're primarily made from siloxanes and hydrocarbons,” explains Dobos. These ingredients, also known as silicones and mineral oils, respectively, are added to many hair oils because some of the lipids in natural oils can weigh hair down and cause fine hair to look greasy. Therefore, products with a high oil concentration are better on thick, textured, or coily hair, Dobos says.

Which hair oil is right for me?

"Rather than choosing an oil for your hair type, you should consider what you need the oil to do for your hair," says Sophia Emmanuel, a hairstylist in New York City. For example, if you're looking to enhance shine and softness, olive, carrot, and jojoba oils, all of which act as moisture-sealing emollients, are helpful. On the other hand, avid users of hot tools like blow-dryers or straighteners should reach for silicone-infused products to protect the hair's cuticle. Keep in mind, however, that silicone has long-term effects. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, tells Allure, "Continued use of silicones over time can weigh down the hair, so it's important to regularly wash hair to prevent any buildup."

When should I use hair oil?

Hair oils can have varied application directions, so be sure to read the bottle before you start your treatment. While many hair oils are applied to dry or damp hair on the mid-lengths and ends for a smooth finish, others are meant to be applied pre-wash. "The main benefit of pre-wash oils is that of an emollient, which provides a coating over the hair shaft, which seals the cuticle and traps moisture inside," Vladyslava Doktor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Boston, told Allure. Apply your pre-wash oil from mid-lengths to ends and to your scalp if it feels dry. Gently massage it in, let it sit for at least 10 minutes (or however long the instructions state) or overnight, and then shampoo and condition the hair. For extra absorption, you can wrap your strands in a warm towel or a shower cap while the oil sits.

Meet the experts

• Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist
• Sophia Emmanuel, a hairstylist at Crown Worthy in New York City
• Vladyslava Doktor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Center Boston

How we test and review products

We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certain products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn't want to pick up a purple shampoo that's only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that's never been tested by anyone with curls—right?

For our review of the best hair oils, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, professional stylists, cosmetic chemists, and board-certified dermatologists—who spoke about how to choose a hair oil and its range of benefits, depending on hair type, texture, hair concerns, and desired outcome. Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, formula, and application. 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

Unlike your run-of-the-mill hand cream, the best-smelling hand creams wrap your hands in a delicious scent—turning an ordinary skin-care step into an olfactory treat. However, even a good-smelling hand cream needs to deliver intense moisture without leaving behind a greasy film. We’ve tested tons of formulas (including a few Best of Beauty winners!) infused with rich butters and oils that soften hands and nourish cuticles. However, the scents—everything from bright florals to cozy ambers—are the main event. Keep reading to find the scented hand cream that’ll tie together your moisturizing routine with your fragrance collection.

Our Top Best-Smelling Hand Creams

• Best Overall: Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Hand Cream, $22
• Best Calming: Mienne Fleurir Hand Crème, $45
• Best Floral: Moroccanoil Dahlia Rouge Hand Cream, $22
• Best Affordable: The Crème Shop x Peanuts Moisturizing Hand Crème in Citrus Woods, $10
• Best Herbal: Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm, $105
• Best Amber: Soft Services x Dedcool Theraplush Xtra Milk Overnight Repair Treatment, $74
• Best Lightweight: Sidia The Hand Serum, $36
• Best Clean: Byredo Blanche Hand Cream, $50
• Best Musk: Glossier Hand Cream in Glossier You, $20

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• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Hand Cream

Maison Louis Marie

No.04 Bois De Balincourt Hand Cream

$22

Amazon

$22

Revolve

$22

Anthropologie

Allure senior art director Ingrid Fowler applying the No.04 Bois de Balincourt Hand Cream

Why we love it: A 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner, the Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Hand Cream is easily one of the best hand creams we’ve tried in the past year. While Maison Louis Marie is foremost known as a perfume label, this one prioritizes hydration with a moisturizing blend of avocado oil, shea butter, and green tea and chamomile extracts—immediately quenching dry skin without the dreaded leftover greasiness. And, of course, the brand’s ambery-woody notes (hi, sandalwood and cedarwood) are the cherry on top.

Tester feedback from senior art director Ingrid Fowler

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“No.04 Bois de Balincourt is one of my all-time favorite fragrances—it's floral, fresh, warm, and earthy—and I'm so happy it comes in hand cream form. I love that it’s ultra-hydrating for dry hands but doesn't leave them feeling sticky. The 1.7 fl oz. tube is perfect for when I’m on the go, and the aluminium packaging feels so much more chic than a plastic tube.” —Ingrid Fowler, senior art director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: avocado oil, shea butter, green tea, chamomile extract
• Fragrance notes: sandalwood, cedarwood, vetiver, nutmeg, cinnamon, amber wood
• Total scent options: 4 (including No.09 Vallée de Farney and No.13 Nouvelle Vague)
• Size: 1.7 fl oz.

Best Calming: Mienne Fleurir Hand Crème

Mienne

Fleurir Hand Crème

$45

Revolve

Allure designer Briana Rengifo applying the Mienne Fleurir Hand Crème

Briana Rengifo

Why we love it: Mienne’s Fleurir Hand Crème has made the rounds at Allure HQ for good reason. Hand cream is usually a practical step, but this one makes the whole routine feel a little more intentional. The brand calls it “aphrodisiac skin care,” thanks to a blend of maca root and ylang-ylang for a warm, cozy whiff, plus ginger, rosehip, and passion flower oils to smooth and nourish. To keep moisture locked in for hours, there’s a nourishing blend of shea and mango butters, ceramides, and sodium hyaluronate. The result is soft, hydrated hands with a subtle scent that makes reapplication something you actually look forward to.

Tester feedback from designer Briana Rengifo

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“This is a staple in my purse since the tube is stunning and sleek. It's such a sensual and smoky hand cream that it transforms such a mundane task into a self-care ritual, leaving my hands hydrated and with a pearlescent effect.” —Briana Rengifo, designer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: ginger oil, rosehip oil, passion flower oil, mango butter, ceramides, sodium hyaluronate
• Fragrance notes: ylang ylang, ginger, passion flower
• Total scent options: 1
• Size: 2 fl oz.

Best Floral: Moroccanoil Dahlia Rouge Hand Cream

Moroccanoil

Dahlia Rouge Hand Cream

$22

Moroccanoil

Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey applying the Moroccanoil Dahlia Rouge Hand Cream

Why we love it: Moroccanoil’s hair care is beloved for its hydration, and its body line also lives up to that reputation. The Dahlia Rouge Hand Cream is intensely moisturizing yet fast-absorbing, packed with nourishing argan oil, plumping hyaluronic acid, smoothing squalane, and a rich blend of cocoa and shea butters that leave skin incredibly soft. Its scent evokes a stroll through a blooming garden, with notes of dahlia petals, delicate tuberose, and a warm base of sandalwood and musk.

Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey

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“No one in New York City has time to stop and smell the roses (it's not like the city is filled with them). But the second best thing, for me, is the Moroccanoil Dahlia Rouge Hand Cream. This hydrating cream smells like a lush bouquet of roses. The fresh, floral scent isn't at all overwhelming plus last for hours on end.”—Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: argan oil, hyaluronic acid, squalane, cocoa butter, shea butter
• Total scent options: 8 (including Ambiance de Plage and Oud Minéral)
• Size: 3.4 fl oz.

Best Affordable: The Crème Shop x Peanuts Moisturizing Hand Crème in Citrus Woods

The Crème Shop x Peanuts

Moisturizing Hand Crème in Citrus Woods

$10

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the The Crème Shop x Peanuts Moisturizing Hand Crème in Citrus Woods

Sarah Han

Why we love it: The Crème Shop proves there’s more to cute packaging than meets the eye. Its holiday collab with Peanuts features a Moisturizing Hand Cream in three scents—Citrus Wood, Fig, and Wood Musk—each formulated with a nourishing base of shea butter and vitamin E to keep hands soft and smooth. Lightweight and nongreasy, it’s the rare drugstore hand cream that feels as silky and buttery as many of the higher-end formulas on the market.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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"Honestly, I'm not a fan of super fragranced hand creams, which is why I've been reaching for the subtly-scented The Crème Shop x Peanuts Moisturizing Hand Crème constantly these days. (I'm also a sucker for cute collabs and packaging, which The Crème Shop excels at!) I like that only I can really smell the woody-musky notes and the formula is straightforward—think glycerin, sunflower seed oil, shea butter, and vitamin E." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: meadowfoam seed oil, botanical blend, fermented coconut fruit extract
• Fragrance notes: pink pepper, iris, ambrette, ambrox
• Total scent options: 3 (Citrus Wood, Fig, and Wood Musk)
• Size: 1 fl oz.

Best Herbal: Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm

Aesop

Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm

$35

Nordstrom

$35

Revolve

$35

Bluemercury

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm

Sarah Hoffmann

Why we love it: Before Aesop’s Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm became a staple on nightstands and in tote bags everywhere, it began as an experiment in a Melbourne hair salon, where the brand’s founder started tinkering with essential oils to elevate his styling products. Before long, clients started asking for a hand-care product, sparking the invention of this balm. Packed with sweet almond, macadamia, and coconut oils, as well a shea and cocoa seed butters, this chic tube delivers long-lasting moisture without any slick residue. At the heart is a mix of mandarin rind, cedarwood, and lavender that evokes Aesop’s unmistakable essence of clean, herbal, and grounding.

Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann

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“I can't go to bed (or wake up, frankly) without reaching for this hand cream. It lives on my nightstand, and saves my hands from the lizard-like state they want to be in once November hits. The scent is fresh and light but not so strong that it announces itself to the room. I've used it before bed so often that it functions like a sleep spray: It signals to my brain that it's time to wind down and hit the hay.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: sweet almond oil, macadamia oil, coconut oils, shea butter, cocoa seed butter
• Fragrance notes: mandarin rind, cedarwood, lavender
• Total scent options: 2 (Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm and Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm)
• Size: 2.6 oz.

Best Amber: Soft Services x Dedcool Theraplush Xtra Milk Overnight Repair Treatment

Soft Services x Dedcool

Theraplush Xtra Milk Overnight Repair Treatment

$74

Sephora

Why we love it: If you’ve never tried Soft Services’ beautifully packaged Theraplush cream, take this as your cue to try the body-care brand’s collab with DedCool. Infused with the dreamy, Best of Beauty-winning Xtra Milk scent—a soft skin-like blend of white musk, bergamot, and amber—this hand cream smells like being enveloped in a warm hug. It’s more reason to love the original formula, which is powered by retinol, colloidal oatmeal, and panthenol to nourish hands and cuticles overnight, even out tone, and plump thin, delicate skin. You also have the option to purchase a mini DedCool Xtra Milk spray with the cream for a full-circle fragrance moment.

Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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“My daily beauty essentials include a spritz of Dedcool Xtra Milk, a fresh-ambery musk fragrance, and lots and lots of hand cream. Between my frequent, aggressive hand-washing and the winter air, I go through tubes and tubs of the latter. It moisturizes and soothes the dry patches on the backs of my hands, but doesn't leave my fingers so slick that I can’t type on my laptop without leaving fingerprints. It also has the lightest hint of Xtra Milk—an essence of it, if you will—that’ll make you say ‘ahh’ every time you get a whiff.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: retinol, colloidal oatmeal, panthenol
• Fragrance notes: white musk, bergamot, amber
• Total scent options: 1
• Size: 1.7 fl oz.

Best Lightweight: Sidia The Hand Serum

Sidia

Hand Serum

$36

Amazon

$36

Revolve

$36

Anthrpologie

Why we love it: If you dread a thick cream, hand serums—like the 2024 Best of Beauty-winning Sidia The Hand Serum—will be much more up your alley. Lighter than lotion but just as hydrating, this silky serum taps avocado butter and shea butter to soften hands soft along with aloe vera and cactus flower to calm irritation. Plus, it comes in three different scents that hit every fragrance profile from spa-like to woodsy.

Tester feedback from features director Dianna Mazzone Singh 

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"Half of the hand creams on my shelf are there because I like the way they look, the other half are there because they actually hydrate and nourish. This one is among the few that check both boxes: The sleek tube is filled with a featherlight formula that leaves my hands feeling moisturized but not greasy."—Dianna Mazzone Singh, features director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: aloe vera, avocado butter, shea butter, prickly pear, cactus flower
• Fragrance notes: cypress, musk
• Total scent options: 3 (Nirvana, Wired, and Soaked)
• Size: 1.7 fl oz.

Best Clean: Byredo Blanche Hand Cream

Byredo

Byredo Blanche Hand Cream

$50

Nordstrom

$50

Bluemercury

Why we love it: Love clean scents? Byredo’s Blanche Hand Cream will quickly become a bedside table/desk/purse essential. With notes of rose, peony, and violet layered over musks and sandalwood, it strikes a floral-woody harmony—think fresh, just-out-of-the-shower skin rather than an overpowering bouquet. Blanche offers a subtle, refreshing lift, especially when paired with the matching perfume. On the skin-care side, the light, non-sticky formula hydrates all day with glycerin and butylene glycol, making it an ole faithful when our hands need some TLC.

Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner

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“I’m such a perfume girl, and this is hands-down a scent I always want to wear—especially on days when a super sweet vanilla gourmand isn’t hitting the spot. Whether it’s a night out or a long office day, I keep Blanche in both cream and EDP formats for a quick hydrating hand-care moment or a refreshing, pick-me-up spritz.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: aloe leaf juice, shea oil, coconut oil, rice bran oil, avocado oil, olive oil, orange peel oil
• Fragrance notes: rose, peony, violet, musk, sandalwood
• Total scent options: 10 (including Rose and Gypsy Water)
• Size: 1 fl oz.

Best Musk: Glossier Hand Cream in Glossier You

Glossier

Hand Cream in Glossier You

$20

Sephora

$20

Glossier

Why we love it: The cute, pocket-size packaging of Glossier’s Hand Cream isn’t the only reason to add it to your bag. It comes in four gorgeous scents—our favorite is You, the brand’s signature skin-like blend of amber and musk that smells a little different on everyone—all wrapped into a fast-absorbing formula that feels like silk. Inside, hydrating meadowfoam seed oil, an antioxidant-rich botanical blend, and fermented coconut fruit extract quickly soothe and soften dry, rough hands.

Tester feedback from contributor Christa Joanna Lee

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“This is the hand cream version of the brand’s first fragrance—that musky, warm, salty-clean blend they famously described as smelling like your own skin, but better. So if you’re already a Glossier You fan, you’ll love this lightweight, fast-absorbing cream— but if you’ve never tried the perfume, you’ll still love it. It’s fun to pop open, perfectly palm-size, and the bright red tube makes it ridiculously easy to find in my Mary Poppins bag.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: meadowfoam seed oil, botanical blend, fermented coconut fruit extract
• Fragrance notes: pink pepper, iris, ambrette, ambrox
• Total scent options: 4 (Lilyhaze, Sandstone, You, and Orange Blossom Neroli)
• Size: 1 fl oz.

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.

Photo: Annie Blay-TetteySave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

My hair has been through a lot in my 26 years on Earth: a perm at two, a big chop at 16, highlights at 22, a dye job at 23, a keratin treatment at 24, and another big chop this year. And between all of these hair changes, I’ve worn protective style after protective style. My hair has historically stayed resilient despite all I’ve put it through, but it recently started to lose some of its shine and bounce, leaving me wondering what I should do with it. Then, right after taking out my umpteenth set of box braids, I came across the Olaplex Bond Shaper Curl Rebuilding Treatment: a three-step system the brand says can “repair, rebuild, and redefine natural curls.”

The steps go as follows: Repair, a liquid bond-building solution, Enhance, a curl-boosting spray, and Define, a curl-shaping gel. Unlike texture release or keratin treatments, this one doesn’t require putting heat on the hair and isn’t intended to change or manipulate one’s hair texture. It’s exclusive to professionals, meaning it’s only available at salons (sorry, DIYers). Depending on your location, it can cost anywhere from $100-400. Most salons offer it as an add-on to another service, like a haircut or basic wash-and-style.

Now, a moment of transparency: I’ve always struggled to love my natural curl pattern. My kinky 4C coils aren’t the easiest for me to manage, which is why I often tuck them into protective styles. But after having my daughter and watching her own curls and coils spring to life, I’ve resolved—for both our sakes—to make peace with my hair, learn to love it, and stop hiding it so often. Priming my natural texture to be on display with this Olaplex treatment sounded like a perfect first step.

I made an appointment at the New York City-based curly hair salon Rëzo to get the curl bonding treatment (transparently, my treatment was comped). You may have to do some digging around to find salons near you that offer the treatment, but Olaplex has a salon locator on their website to help you find a salon that offers the treatment. You can get the treatment at most Ulta Salons, too. (I recommend asking your chosen salon in advance if the stylist administering the treatment specializes in curls.)

The prep

I arrived at Rëzo (a swanky spot with lots of bright white lighting and glossy floors) with my hair freshly out of braids and full of product buildup. My stylist, Iandra Regalado, immediately took me to the shampoo bowl and began washing my hair with clarifying shampoo, which she rinsed and repeated. My hair and scalp needed to be thoroughly cleansed before she applied the treatment, she explained, or else it wouldn’t effectively penetrate the hair shaft and leave the intended effect: shiny, lively curls.

Annie Blay-Tettey

On her second round of shampooing, Regalado detangled my coils with a Denman brush, a task that, in my experience, is usually done during the conditioning phase. “I actually like to detangle with this shampoo instead of a conditioner because the rich lather creates great slip that makes detangling so easy,” Regalado told me. To my surprise, my tight coils slipped right through the brush with no tension. Needless to say, I’ll be using this method in all my wash days moving forward.

The treatment

Once my hair and scalp were clean (but not squeaky clean), we began the first step of the treatment: the Repair solution, which cosmetic chemist Amanda Lam says is pretty simple, formulaically speaking. “The formula includes 23 amino acids that are able to, according to Olaplex, penetrate the hair cortex to replenish keratin and re-link disulfide bonds to improve curl-ability of hair,” she explains. Regalado applied it to my hair in sections and raked through until each strand was evenly coated.

After we waited 10 minutes for that to sink in, she applied Enhance, a curl-defining spray that Lam says contains trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate. That’s a chelator that binds to free metal ions found in tap water. “This helps prevent free radical damage on the hair and reduces hair breakage, which then would correlate to enhancing the curls because healthier hair equals less frizz,” she says.

Regalado spritzed it onto my hair in small sections, brushed it through, then let it sit for another 10 minutes. Many hair treatments (like keratin, for example) take three to six hours because each product involved has to “marinate” for about 30 minutes, so I was pleasantly surprised when Regalado explained that each step of the Olaplex treatment only needs to sit for 10 minutes. (There was no rinsing between steps, either.)

The last product and step of the process is Define, a hair gel that Lam notes is chock-full of moisturizing and hydrating agents like olive oil, coconut oil, and glycerin. Regalado raked it through my damp hair in sections before putting my hair in finger coils. I mentioned that I wanted my hair styled in finger coils while Regalado applied step two. (It's best to mention your desired style at the start of the appointment or anytime before the last step starts).

The styling step took the longest—and I mean the longest, because Regalado twisted very small—like, pencil-width—sections to achieve an ultra-defined look. She started at 4:30 p.m. and wrapped the last strand around 5:47. The gel seemed fairly light as I watched her apply it, and I was impressed by how well my hair absorbed it. It did give me a little heart attack at first because it went on white, but it disappeared by the time I’d even sat down at the hooded dryer.

The results

The best word I can think of to describe how I felt once my hair was done is: Cute. After my hair finished drying, each twist looked delicate, detailed, shiny, and bouncy—a far cry from the brittle, frizzy curls I walked in with. I never thought my hair could look this healthy.

My hair before the Olaplex Bond Shaper Curl Rebuilding Treatment.

Annie Blay-Tettey

My hair after the Olaplex Bond Shaper Curl Rebuilding Treatment.

Annie Blay-Tettey

I can’t help but touch my coils throughout the day. As I’m writing this four days after the appointment, they’re still very much bouncy and defined. They have shrunken a bit (c’est la vie!), and there are a few uncooperative pieces that like to stick up at weird angles, but otherwise, I’ve been able to keep everything in place by wrapping my hair in a satin scarf every night. Oh, and I haven’t had any of that dreaded flaky residue that can come from heavily gelled, well-defined styles like this.

My hair five days after the Olaplex Bond Shaper Curl Rebuilding Treatment on My 4C Hair.

Annie Blay-Tettey

Regalado encouraged me to do the treatment again (which I totally would!) after my next protective style and said it's especially great for hair that’s just come out of braids and hasn’t been thoroughly hydrated for a while. Now that I think about it, after getting this treatment, my hair has shed significantly less than it usually does after taking braids down.

I was nervous that this treatment wouldn’t be truly curl-inclusive and would leave me feeling even more insecure about my texture—a fear I’ve adapted over the years as I’ve tested different curl products only to find that many don’t cater to 4C hair. But, thankfully, I couldn’t have been more wrong. While I’m still getting used to my hair being short and in its natural state, the results of this treatment have undoubtedly made it easier to embrace my natural coils.

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

The best face washes for sensitive skin can provide a thorough cleanse to your skin-care routine without stripping moisture or irritating your epidermis in the process. Even the most beloved, TikTok-viral cleansers on the market can contain ingredients that can cause adverse reactions in our delicate-faced friends (looking at you, synthetic fragrances). So, if you've struggled with dryness, redness, flakiness, tightness, and/or straight-up pain post-cleansing, it's high time to switch to something more suitable for your skin.

Thankfully, you no longer have to sacrifice efficacy for a gentler formula. Many brands are concocting thoughtfully formulated cleansers that specifically cater to sensitive skin, including formulas that are free of fragrances and harsh active ingredients. Read on for the best face washes for sensitive skin, approved by Allure editors and board-certified dermatologists.

Our Top Face Washes for Sensitive Skin

• Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, $20
• Best for Flaky Skin: Skinfix Barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Hydrating Gentle Gel Cleanser, $30
• Best for Dry Skin: Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser, $34
• Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Ourself Daily Purifying Cleanser, $45
• Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $17
• Best for Redness: Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser, $72
• Best No-Rinse: Eau Thermale Avène Tolérance Extremely Gentle Cleanser, $28
• Best for Oily Skin: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, $39

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What is sensitive skin, and how do I know if I have it?
• What should I avoid if I have sensitive skin?
• How should I choose a face wash for sensitive skin?
• How often should sensitive skin types cleanse?
• What else can I do to minimize sensitivity?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

La Roche-Posay

Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

$20 $18 (10% off)

Amazon

$20

Dermstore

$22

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser has long been a favorite for sensitive skin—but don’t just take our word for it. Take the brand's multiple Seals of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association—and Allure Best of Beauty Awards. The creamy, non-drying cleanser gently whisks away makeup and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. How? Through its hydrating, hardworking team of ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, and prebiotic thermal water. Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, also vouches for this soap-free, oil-free formula, citing its moisturizing and skin-barrier-restoring properties.

Allure contributing editor Deanna Pai applying the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from Allure contributing editor Deanna Pai

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“Sorry, but I love to beat up my skin. There's nothing that I won't put on or in it—retinol! Glycolic acid! Botox! And whenever that comes around to bite me—meaning my skin feels tight and raw—I rely on this cleanser, which feels instantly nourishing. It's powerful enough to remove my makeup (although I do tackle waterproof mascara with my micellar water) but always leaves my skin calm, cool, and comfortable.”—Deanna Pai, Allure contributing editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: ceramides, glycerin, niacinamide
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Flaky Skin: Skinfix Barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Gentle Gel Cleanser

Skinfix

Barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Hydrating Gentle Gel Cleanser

$30

Sephora

$30

Skinfix

Why it's worth it: Skinfix Barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Hydrating Gentle Gel Cleanser is a gentle gel-to-foam cleanser that features ectoin—a soothing ingredient that’s currently trending on TikTok—to protect and condition your skin barrier as you clear impurities. Among many benefits, "[ectoin] is a natural moisture binder," Aanand Geria, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey, explained. "It's great for smoothing rough and scaly skin and can reduce inflammation."

Sensitive-skin-friendly? Check. Just massage it into your skin for 60 seconds, morning and night, and rinse with lukewarm water. Since this cleanser won't wash away waterproof makeup, it's best used as a second step in your double-cleansing routine.

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Skinfix Barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Gentle Gel Cleanser

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Skinfix Barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Gentle Gel Cleanser

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Allure commerce editor Sarah Han

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"I don’t say this about many cleansers, but this Skinfix gel formula is a dream—if I never had to use or test another (water-based) cleanser again, I wouldn’t be mad. My skin is always calmed, soothed, and soft to the touch—I’m never rushing to my essences to replenish moisture, stat—and the tube-bottom dispenser is a mess-free bonus to me." —Sarah Han, Allure commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: squalane, ectoin, chamomile, oligopeptides, B-L3 Complex
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser

Dieux

Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser

$34

Sephora

$34

Dieux

Why it's worth it: We love the ultra-sudsy, cushiony feel of the Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser, but there’s so much more to this formula than its texture alone. Available in two options (Fragrance-Free and Fragranced), both formulations of this facial cleanser feature a skin-coddling mix of glycerin and betaine, a moisturizing amino acid. As the two ingredients soothe and soften skin, Dieux’s Gentle Cleansing Complex (a proprietary blend of coconut-based surfactants) provides a deep cleanse that won’t irritate sensitive, redness-prone complexions.

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffmann after applying the Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser

Sarah Hoffmann

Tester feedback from Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann

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“My skin is very sensitive, so I try to keep my regimen pretty gentle across the board with the exception of one active per routine (vitamin C in the morning, retinol in the evening). To me, cleanser should do exactly what the name suggests and nothing more: clean my skin. This water-based cleanser effectively removes grime and excess oil without stripping the skin, which is exactly what I need to keep my reactive skin at bay.” —Sarah Hoffmann, Allure commerce producer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, betaine, Gentle Cleansing Complex (coconut-based surfactants)
• Fragrance-free: yes

More face washes for sensitive skin we love:

Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Cetaphil

Gentle Skin Cleanser

$17

Amazon

$17

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is one of the most derm-beloved cleansers for finicky complexions. "This fragrance-free, non-comedogenic face wash is super gentle, and you can use it with or without water," says Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Seattle, Washington. She loves how it leaves skin feeling super soft and moisturized just from cleansing alone—and she isn't the only expert who gives Cetaphil’s cleanser her seal of approval.

Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in Austin, Texas, also recommends this cleanser for sensitive skin types: “You get a gigantic stock for a reasonable price and can be confident that it will never irritate your skin,” she says. Further proof that it's worth a buy? It's won three Best of Beauty Awards and three Readers' Choice Awards over the years.

Tester feedback from Allure tester Lexi Novak

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When I had an unfortunate incident with retinol (sensitivity, redness, burning), the Gentle Skin Cleanser was the only face wash I could tolerate. It actually felt soothing to coat my skin in the lotion-y formula." —Lexi Novak, Allure tester

More to know

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• Key ingredients: niacinamide, panthenol, glycerin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Ourself Daily Purifying Cleanser

Ourself

Daily Purifying Cleanser

$45

Ourself

Why it's worth it: Ourself’s Daily Purifying Cleanser is equal parts cleanser and moisturizer, which is exactly what skin needs to steer clear of blemishes, dryness, and irritation alike. This gel-to-foam face wash’s multitasking formula swaps harsh surfactants for a gentle cleansing agent derived from coconut fatty acids to gently wash away sweat, oil, and excess sebum. Meanwhile, a conditioning blend of murmuru butter, niacinamide, and saccharide isomerate (a moisturizing compound derived from sugar) leaves skin feeling soft and supple post-rinse. “This gentle daily cleanser uses a blend of hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients to effectively remove impurities without stripping the skin—ideal for sensitive, reactive, or dryness-prone skin,” adds Anna Karp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

Tester feedback from Allure contributing writer Jennifer Hussein

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“My skin is frequently red and sensitive, but as of lately, I’ve been breaking out more than I ever have in my life. Thankfully, this intensive formula has helped minimize both blackheads and painful cystic acne alike, all without stripping my skin. I call it my Goldilocks formula: it’s not too drying, but not so mild that it’s useless for cleansing. ” Jennifer Hussein, Allure contributing writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: cocamidopropyl betaine (coconut fatty acid-derived surfactant), murmuru butter, saccharide isomerate, niacinamide, beet root extract
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Redness: Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser

Dermalogica

Ultracalming Cleanser

$72

Amazon

$72

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto, Ontario, is a big fan of anything that contains oat and cucumber—and the Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser fits the bill. "These are gentle, soothing ingredients that comfort the skin, restore moisture, and reduce inflammation," says Dr. Yadav. In addition, this gel cleanser also contains calming lavender extract to reduce redness and is free from quite a few potentially troublesome irritants like alcohol, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: oat kernel extract, lavender extract, ginger root extract
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best No-Rinse: Eau Thermale Avène Tolérance Extremely Gentle Cleanser

Eau Thermale Avène

Tolérance Extremely Gentle Cleanser

$28 $21 (25% off)

Amazon

$28

Dermstore

Why it's worth it: If your skin is so irritated that it can’t even handle a splash of warm water, Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and Englewood, New Jersey, recommends the non-sudsing, no-rinse Eau Thermale Avène Tolérance Extremely Gentle Cleanser. “This cleansing gel is gentle and helps to remove makeup, dirt, and oil while also calming the skin,” she says. Dr. Garshick also notes that the key ingredient, thermal spring water, not only provides instant soothing relief but also supports the skin barrier, making it great for those with sensitive skin that’s on the mend.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: thermal spring water
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Oily Skin: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

Fresh

Soy Face Cleanser

$39

Nordstrom

$39

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Dr. Park also vouches for Fresh's Soy Face Cleanser, a frothy face wash formulated with cucumber extract and aloe vera to calm and hydrate irritated skin. "I especially love using this face wash when I travel because it helps a lot with the irritation that inevitably occurs after a flight," Dr. Park says. Plus, it's infused with nourishing rosewater, also known for its calming properties. It thoroughly cleanses pores and reduces congestion, making it a solid pick for oily or combination skin types.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: aloe vera, cucumber extract, soy proteins
• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sensitive skin, and how do I know if I have it?

"Sensitive skin is skin that is more reactive than usual," Illinois board-certified dermatologist Jessie Cheung, MD, previously told Allure. This means your skin can be easily irritated by the elements, air pollution, hormones, or, you guessed it, topical skin care products. "If [you find yourself being] cautious with trying new skin products or find that you're frequently battling red, flaky, itchy, or bumpy skin, then you probably have sensitive skin," Dr. Cheung, adds. Because "sensitive skin" isn't a medical condition but rather a complaint or finding, it can be tricky to know whether you have it. Ask your dermatologist for tailored skin care advice if you suspect you might.

Which facial cleanser ingredients are best for sensitive skin types?

Regarding ingredients, sensitive skin types need to be particularly discerning. Overall, Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, suggests seeking hydrating, soothing, and moisture-sealing ingredients, such as tried-and-true hyaluronic acid, oatmeal, and aloe vera. “Instead of strong, soapy, clean cleansers, look for mild cleansers using emulsifiers,” she says. Dr. Rabach also suggests using a pH-balanced cleanser, which is closer to the natural skin pH of around 5 to 5.5.

What should I avoid if I have sensitive skin?

Amy B. Lewis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told Allure that people with sensitive skin should avoid sulfates, exfoliants, retinoids, isopropyl alcohol, glycolic, and salicylic acids—to name a few. "Some patients think they're sensitive because they're red and dry, but really they're vaping, or smoking cigarettes or weed—so their skin isn't as resilient as it used to be," adds Jeanine Downie, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Montclair, New Jersey. If smoking or sun damage (don't forget your sunscreen, please) is behind your sensitive skin, topicals aren't going to fix or help your skin concerns.

Sensitive skin isn't a one-size-fits-all concern, so you may find your triggers inconsistent with conventional wisdom. Therefore, pay close attention to your skin after using any new products and talk to your dermatologist for more information.

How should I choose a face wash for sensitive skin?

"You want to use gentle, hydrating cleansers that remove impurities without stripping the skin barrier of all its natural moisturizing factors," explains Washington, D.C.-based dermatologist Adam Friedman, MD. Before you wash your face, seek out products with as short an ingredient list as possible, adds Dr. Irwin. "For sensitive skin, specifically, you want products that are free of artificial fragrances, parabens, and phthalates."

How often should sensitive skin types cleanse?

Even if you have sensitive skin, cleansing morning and night is essential for keeping your pores clean—just make sure the face wash you use is gentle enough for your sensitive skin. That being said, Dr. Karp recommends that severely reactive skin types cleanse with a gentle cleanser at night and simply rinse with lukewarm water in the morning.

What else can I do to minimize sensitivity?

Your cleansing regimen is a key element for minimizing sensitivity. Both Dr. Karp and Dr. Rabach recommend washing with lukewarm water in order to minimize irritation, but there are added steps you can take to create a gentle routine that still provides a deep cleanse. “Only cleanse for half a minute, avoid cloths and textured sponges and exfoliating brushes,” says Dr. Rabach. Then, beyond cleansing, Dr. Karp suggests keeping your skin-care routine short and sweet, using only a moisturizer and sunscreen during daylight hours.

Meet the experts

• Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Aanand Geria, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey
• Anna Karp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto, Ontario
• Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in Austin, Texas
• Marisa Garshick, MD a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and Englewood, New Jersey
• Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Seattle, Washington
• Morgan Rabach,MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Brandith Irwin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Jessie Cheung, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Illinois
• Adam Friedman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, D.C.
• Amy B. Lewis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Jeanine Downie, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Montclair, New Jersey
• Purvisha Patel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Tennessee

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 face washes for sensitive skin, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients, efficacy, 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 information on our reporting and testing processes, read 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.

Courtesy of Margaret K. PhotographySave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

If I were to use one word to describe my first attempt at applying makeup, it would be “racoon-core.” I was in middle school, and I’d swept on way too much eyeliner and mascara. Over the years, I refined my technique (with the help of YouTube videos by Jackie Aina and MakeupShayla), but one thing I still hadn’t figured out was the best order in which to apply the products.

There was really no rhyme or reason to my makeup routine, just vibes—and Celia Burton, a London-based makeup artist for Glossier, has co-signed that creative approach. “I don't really believe in a prescribed order of makeup, because it varies depending on the look you're going for,” she says.

If you’re looking for suggestions, though, brand founder and makeup artist Lisa Eldridge, Charlotte Tilbury makeup artist Tim Pagan, Hourglass Cosmetics makeup artist Adam Sidwell, and makeup artists Katie Jane Hughes, Kay Jones and, Maya René have a few pointers on how to do your makeup so that it looks seamless and lasts.

Jones showed me some of these tips first-hand on my wedding day; I’d asked for a look that would damn-near stop traffic with radiance and last all night (I didn’t think I could get by on “vibes” alone for the big day).

Courtesy of Kay Jones

The results were much better than I’d expected. Read on for the best order to apply each of these products and why.

Step 1: Primer

Charlotte Tilbury

Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer

$55 $47 (15% off)

Amazon

$55

Nordstrom

$55

Ulta Beauty

E.L.F. Cosmetics

Liquid Poreless Putty Primer

$11 $10 (9% off)

Amazon

$11

Ulta Beauty

Hourglass

Veil Mineral Primer

$58

Amazon

$58

Nordstrom

$58

Ulta Beauty

Before reaching for any makeup products, you’re going to want to cleanse your skin, then make sure it’s moisturized and protected with a lightweight SPF. After you’ve done that, primer should be your next step. “It’s the ultimate insurance policy, allowing makeup to stay intact as you go about your day,” says Sidwell, a makeup artist for Hourglass Cosmetics.

A dime-sized drop is all you need when applying primer. René, a New York City-based makeup artist, likes to use her fingertips for application; but if you’ve got a silicone-based primer (these are usually mattifying), she suggests using a “flat synthetic brush,” as the texture can be more difficult to blend evenly with fingers.

When shopping for a primer, experts recommend lightweight formulas that offer an added benefit to your makeup. Primers can be radiance-boosting, blurring, color-correcting, and more. Some primers, like the Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer, even offer sun protection. “Some SPFs emulsify my complexion products,” says Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor, “but this one preps my skin, making it appear even and more radiant.”

I reach for the e.l.f. Liquid Putty Primer when I want a more mattifying effect (without the dryness), and the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer always gives me a pretty glow before makeup application.

Step 2: Liquid highlighter

Beautyblender

Makeup Sponge

$32 $26 (19% off)

Amazon

$20

Nordstrom

$20

Dermstore

Benefit Cosmetics

Dew-La-La Liquid Glow Highlighter

$39

Nordstrom

$39

Revolve

$39

Ulta Beauty

Westman Atelier

Liquid Super Loaded All-Over Illuminator Drops

$58

Nordstrom

$58

Credo Beauty

$58

Sephora

If you're going for a more radiant finish, Pagan and Eldridge suggest applying liquid highlighter immediately after doing your primer, lightly dabbing it along the high points of your face and blending it with a wet sponge, like the Best of Beauty-winning Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge. Doing so helps you “achieve a ‘lit from within’ glow that shines through your base products,” says Eldridge.

I love the Benefit Cosmetics Dew-la-la Liquid Glow Highlighter and the Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded All-Over Illuminating Highlighter with Vitamin C because they both have blendable, lightweight formulas that glide easily over skin, or make a great glow booster when added to moisturizer for skin prep.

Step 3: Eye makeup and false lashes

Makeup by Mario

Master Mattes Eye Shadow Palette: The Neutrals

$56

Sephora

$56

Kohl's

Patrick Ta

Major Dimension Eyeshadow Palette

$70

Sephora

Charlotte Tilbury

Matte & Metallic Double Ended Eyeliner

$32

Amazon

$32

Nordstrom

$32

Ulta Beauty

Lilly Lashes

3D Faux Mink Lashes

$24

Ulta Beauty

$24

Sephora

It might feel counterintuitive to start your eye makeup before finishing your complexion, but our experts agree: If you choose to create an eye look with shadow, liner, or false lashes, the best time to do so is at the beginning—and in that order. This is because, explains Burton, eye products can mix with your base and start to emulsify.

Adds Pagan, powder shadows can also fall onto your cheeks, prompting you to wipe everything off. It’s hard to “just dust off” after you’ve applied layers of creams and powders.

Liner gets applied after shadows and before false lashes because it “hides the false lash band, [giving it] something to blend into,” says René.

I don’t often do a full-glam eye look, but when I do, I sweep on shades from the Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Palette and Patrick Ta Major Dimensions Eyeshadow Palette—the powders are so blendable. Then I add a flick of Charlotte Tilbury Matte & Metallic Double-Ended Eyeliner and carefully apply faux lashes, like the dramatic Lilly Lashes 3D Faux Mink Lashes.

Step 4: Liquid or cream foundation

Morphe

M106 Flat-Topped Cream & Liquid Foundation Brush

$17

Ulta Beauty

Charlotte Tilbury

Airbrush Flawless Foundation

$49

Amazon

$49

Nordstrom

$49

Ulta Beauty

“Foundation creates a veil across your skin, evening out your skin tone, so you can use less concealer,” says Pagan. You’re going to want to apply your liquid or cream formula with a wide, flat-top brush that has densely packed bristles, like the Morphe M106 Flat-Topped Cream & Liquid Foundation Brush.

“Typically, I find sponges absorb so much of the product so I don’t get as much coverage as I want,” says René. “A brush gives me more control, then I can go back in and stipple with a damp sponge to remove any streaks and really press in the product for a natural skin-like finish.”

“Overdoing foundation is a common mistake and one best avoided so your makeup doesn’t look cakey,” says makeup artist Sage Adi, known as Sage Makeup on social media. To avoid applying too much foundation, Adi recommends, dab it onto any spots or textured areas you want to cover and blend it out there first. If you still need more coverage, add one more pump to your working surface (back of your hand or palette), then buff it out a bit before swiping it all over your face.

I usually reach for the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation, which has a buildable texture that’s easy to work with. I rarely overdo it with this formula, but if I do, René says using a damp sponge after the initial foundation application is a great way to course-correct.

Step 5: Concealer

Danessa Myricks Beauty

Yummy Skin Lift & Flex Concealer

$33

Sephora

Glossier

Glossier Stretch Concealer

$22

Glossier

$22

Sephora

After your foundation is blended, Pagan suggests, apply concealer gradually; since it tends to be thicker, concealer can be less forgiving and harder to work with than foundation. Eldridge likes to apply minimal concealer to the areas she wants to brighten, like the undereyes.

Keep two concealers on hand: a hydrating formula (like the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Lift & Flex Concealer) in a shade that’s slightly warmer than your skin tone to cancel out discoloration; and a creamy formula with a satin finish (like the Glossier Stretch Concealer) that’s a few shades lighter than your complexion to brighten. Eldridge recommends using your fingertips (for natural glam) or a small brush (for full glam) to buff the concealer into the skin.

Another tip from Eldridge worth heeding: “Don’t apply the concealer in a circle over the [eye] area. Keep the edges rough, as it will help with blending and will make the concealer look more seamless.”

Step 6: Cream contour

LYS Beauty

No Limits Cream Bronzer and Contour Stick

$22

Sephora

$22

Credo Beauty

Saie

Sun Melt Natural Cream Bronzer

$33

Amazon

$33

Sephora

$33

Saie

Cream contour and blush are interchangeable, but, Pagan says, “it’s better to create shadows with contour before adding color with blush.” Experts generally agree.

Eldridge and Burton both offer this rule of thumb: cream before powder. “By working in this way, you can create beautiful layers,” says Burton. “If you were to use a cream product, then add powder, and then go back to cream again, you risk ending up with a sort of paste-like barrier, which can leave the makeup looking cakey and artificial.”

I love the LYS No Limits Cream Contour & Bronzer Stick for when I’m doing a rush makeup job—the stick applicator makes it easy to contour quickly. When I have a bit more time, though, I’ve found that the Saie Sun Melt Natural Cream Bronzer, when thoroughly buffed in, creates a natural-looking sculpt.

Step 7: Cream blush

Rare Beauty

Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

$25

Sephora

Rhode

Pocket Blush

$25

Sephora

$25

Rhode

BeautyTok has shown us many ways to apply cream blush. Sunburnt blush focuses the color in the very center of your face for a just-tanned effect, while the doll-blush trend places it on the apples of cheeks for a smooth look. Experiment with different placements to find the one that best suits your face. In general, though, Sidwell recommends “adding blush to the outer apples of the cheeks and blending toward the center of the ear.”

I love the sunburnt blush look. Obviously, I’m less a fan of actual sunburn (as mentioned above, remember to include SPF in your beauty routine), and since I don’t aspire to achieve reddened cheeks the old-fashioned way, I use the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush (a pigment-packed liquid) or the Rhode Pocket Blush Buildable Hydrating Cream Blush (an easy-to-blend stick formula).

Step 8: Setting powder

Charlotte Tilbury

Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder

$49 $42 (14% off)

Amazon

$49

Nordstrom

$49

Ulta Beauty

Huda Beauty

Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder

$39

Sephora

To lock in your hard work so far, grab a setting powder (loose or pressed), a fluffy brush, and a makeup puff. Says Pagan, “I like to lightly sweep the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Refillable Blurring & Setting Powder under the eyes and T-zone with a brush first, then press the powder with a puff under eyes and spots prone to oiliness to seal and mattify.”

If you prefer a loose powder, I recommend the Huda Beauty Easy Bake Blurring Loose Baking & Setting Powder, which always gives my makeup a filter-like finish.

Step 9: Powder blush

Patrick Ta

Major Headlines Double-Take Creme & Powder Blush Duo

$38

Sephora

$38

Kohl's

Juvia's Place

Blushed Duo

$20

Ulta Beauty

$18

Juvia's Place

This is where you can apply a powder blush if you so choose—which, you should! “Powder blush today is very different from what it was years ago,” says Eldridge, who explains that modern formulas are easier to blend and layer—with each other and with cream blushes—“creating beautiful volume.”

Pagan suggests sweeping on your powder blush with a medium-sized, fluffy brush, focusing on the areas where you applied cream blush to reinforce the pigment. The Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo and Juvia's Place Blush Duo are two powder blushes that get me very excited for this step because I know the pigmented palettes deliver beautiful color.

Step 10: Powder highlighter

Danessa Myricks Beauty

Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Lowlighter Soft Glow Highlighter

$27

Sephora

Makeup by Mario

SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Perfector

$36

Sephora

This is also where you can add a powder highlighter for that extra glow. Admittedly, I haven’t used a powder highlighter since I hoarded the Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Palettes in high school, but experts say this is an extra step that can make all the difference. Powder highlighter is typically swept on with a thin fan brush for more precise application, but if you want a more diffused shine, you can use a fluffy blush.

Since experimenting with adding this step back into my makeup routine, I’ve been loving the Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Lowlighter Soft Glow Highlighter—a balm texture that applies as a powder, adding a subtle touch of warmth and glow. Allure social media manager Bianca Richards loves the Makeup By Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Perfector—a three-in-one powder that blurs, sets, and highlights. “It's a bronzer and highlighter all in one,” says Richards. “It's truly just a magical little powder compact.”

Step 11: Brows

Sephora Collection

Retractable Eyebrow Pencil

$15

Sephora

Anastasia Beverly Hills

Brow Wiz

$26 $19 (27% off)

Amazon

$26

Nordstrom

$26

Ulta Beauty

Makeup artists say the last few steps—brows, lashes, lips—can happen in any order, but most work from the top of the face down, before setting everything in place.

“My favorite tip for good brows is to begin by brushing them down [with a spoolie],” says Eldridge. Then use a fine-tip brow pencil, like the Sephora Collection Retractable Eyebrow Pencil, to sketch your desired shape with light, hair-like strokes. Finally, brush them back and clean up any unnatural-looking edges.

I’ve been rocking with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Ultra-Slim Precision Detailing Eyebrow Pencil since college. I still take it out every time I sit down to do my makeup because the fine tip and spoolie make it so easy to fill in my brows.

Step: 12 Mascara

Benefit Cosmetics

Fan Fest Fanning & Volumizing Mascara

$29

Nordstrom

$29

Ulta Beauty

$29

Sephora

Merit Beauty

Clean Lash

$26

Sephora

$26

Merit Beauty

If you’re applying mascara, Eldridge recommends, curl your lashes before for an ultra-fluttery look. Then place a compact mirror under your chin; Katie Jane Hughes says doing so gives you the best angle for applying mascara.

As someone who doesn't wear mascara often (out of laziness), this tip—plus great mascaras like the Benefit Cosmetics Fan Fest Fanning & Volumizing Mascara and Merit Clean Lash Lengthening Tubing Mascara—has made me a convert.

Step 13: Lips

Make Up For Ever

Artist Color Eye, Lip & Brow Pencil

$25

Nordstrom

$25

Sephora

MAC

M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick

$25

Nordstrom

$25

Ulta Beauty

Fenty Beauty

Gloss Bomb Ice Cooling Lip Luminizer

$26

Ulta Beauty

$26

Sephora

For years I watched beauty creators on YouTube outline their lips before filling them in with lipstick or gloss. But Eldridge co-signs a tip I learned two years ago from makeup artist Ash K Holm: “Apply your chosen lipstick in a very thin layer, really working and rubbing it into your lips,” Eldridge explains. “Next, use your lip pencil to define and enhance your preferred lip shape, buffing the pencil over the lip as you go.” Top your lip combo with a clear gloss.

My current go-to lip combo is the Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in dark brown to line my lips, the MAC M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Kinda Sexy in the middle of my lips, topped with the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Ice Cooling Lip Gloss.

Step 14: Setting spray

One/Size

On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray

$34

Sephora

Finally! By this point, your face should look like a masterpiece; all that’s left to do is lock in your hard work with a setting spray. A lightly misted layer “will melt all the layers together and give the makeup a radiant, long-lasting finish,” says Sidwell.

For my wedding day, Jones used the One/Size ​​by Patrick Starrr On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray, which didn’t budge, even after I bawled my eyes out at the altar.

Meet the experts:

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Sage Adi is a New York-based makeup artist.
• Celia Burton is a London-based makeup artist for Glossier.
• Lisa Eldridge is a global makeup artist and founder of Lisa Eldridge Beauty.
• Katie Jane Hughes is British makeup artist based in New York City.
• Kay Jones is a New Jersey-based bridal makeup artist.
• Tim Pagan is a New York City and New Jersey-based makeup artist for Charlotte Tilbury.
• Maya René is a New York-based makeup artist.
• Adam Sidwell is a New York-based makeup artist for Hourglass Cosmetics.

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

Wondering why your face feels tight after cleansing, your body gets itchy the second the weather changes, and daily shaving leaves your cheeks looking irritated? Here’s the truth: Your skin barrier is taking a beating. It’s the protective outer layer that's meant to keep hydration in and irritants out, and we put it through a lot. Hot showers, over-cleansing, skipping moisturizer, not using SPF consistently, and aggressive shaving can all chip away at the barrier until the skin becomes dry, red, reactive, or just uncomfortable.

As a licensed esthetician since 2021, I see this all the time–particularly in my male patients, who often put their sensitive skin through constant shaving and lack consistent skin care routines. And, as a guy, I’ve also personally dealt with barrier issues. The products below are ones I use and love because they make a noticeable difference. If you want healthier, calmer, smoother skin, start here.

Instagram content

Ian's Skin Barrier Faves

The Facial CleanserCaldera + Lab The Clean Slate Purifying Gentle Facial CleanserJump to review$45

Amazon

The MoisturizerDoctor Rogers Face CreamJump to review$78

Amazon

The Body WashLa Roche-Posay Lipikar AP Moisturizing Body & Face WashJump to review$20

Amazon

Cleansing Balm: Good Light Strawberry Moon Grinding Cleansing Balm

Good Light

Strawberry Moon Grinding Cleansing Balm

$29

Ulta Beauty

Why I recommend it: If you wear sunscreen daily and reapply it often (hint: you should!) or wear makeup (even just some concealer), then starting your P.M. routine with a cleansing balm makes all the difference. I love this one's strawberry-sorbet scent and how nourishing it feels thanks to moringa oil, which works to melt sunscreen and makeup effortlessly while moisturizing skin. It pairs perfectly with a gel cleanser and keeps the barrier happy, since there’s no harsh rubbing or stripping required to get everything off.

Face Cleanser: Caldera + Lab The Clean Slate Purifying Gentle Facial Cleanser

Caldera + Lab

The Clean Slate Purifying Gentle Facial Cleanser

$45

Amazon

$45 $34 (24% off)

Ulta Beauty

Why I recommend it: I love this cleanser because it’s truly gentle, but still makes my skin feel super-clean after I rinse. It’s a gel formula powered by gentle surfactants, which are cleansing agents that help remove dirt, sweat, and sunscreen, as well as amino acids to protect your skin barrier. If you usually avoid cleansers because they leave your face feeling tight or dehydrated, then this is the one to try.

Face Moisturizer: Doctor Rogers Face Cream

Doctor Rogers

Face Cream

$78

Amazon

$78 $62 (21% off)

Credo Beauty

Why I recommend it: This is one of the most elegant and reliable barrier-repair creams I’ve used. I like that it’s rich but not heavy, and made with deeply moisturizing ingredients—like squalane, a fatty acid that's naturally found in the skin barrier—for compromised skin. When my face feels tight, irritated, or raw from over-exfoliation, this cream brings it back to life. It gives you that immediate comforting effect while also supporting deeper barrier recovery.

Body Wash: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Moisturizing Body & Face Wash

La Roche-Posay

Lipikar AP Moisturizing Body & Face Wash

$20

Amazon

$20

Dermstore

$22

Ulta Beauty

Why I recommend it: It’s easy to focus all your attention on your face and overlook the skin on your body, but the barrier from your neck down needs support, too. This wash is rich in niacinamide (which can rev up ceramide production for a stronger moisture barrier) and shea butter, which is packed with fatty acids that work together with the lipids in your skin to help your barrier function properly. And it’s even been accepted by the National Eczema Association (which vets the formula for safety and gentleness). Bottom line? It’s a game-changer for dry or sensitive skin, helping keep skin balanced and comfortable from head to toe.

Body Moisturizer: Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

Cetaphil

Moisturizing Lotion

$16

Amazon

Why I recommend it: The best time to lock in moisture is right after a shower—since it's an opportunity to seal in any hydration your skin absorbed—ideally with this everyday body lotion. It’s lightweight and fast-absorbing, and won’t leave you feeling greasy while you get dressed. I love the inclusion of vitamins B3 (a.k.a. niacinamide) to boost ceramide production and B5 (a.k.a. panthenol) to soothe irritation. It’s affordable, reliable, and easy to build into your daily routine.

Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Restore Color Correcting Face Sunscreen SPF 50

EltaMD

UV Restore Color Correcting Face Sunscreen SPF 50

$52

Amazon

$52 $42 (19% off)

Dermstore

Why I recommend it: Your barrier can’t repair itself well if it’s getting hit with UV damage every day. This is my go-to sunscreen for sensitive or winter-worn skin because it supports recovery while also calming visible redness. The green tint neutralizes windburn or flushing, and the SPF 50 mineral protection is ideal for compromised skin, as mineral sunscreens tend to be gentler than chemical sunscreens. (They sit on top of skin to reflect UV rays instead of being absorbed, as chemical filters are.) I wear this often on cold days or after an in-office treatment, when my skin needs some extra care.

Lip Care: Remedy Hydrating and Healing Lip Balm Ointment

Remedy

Hydrating and Healing Lip Balm Ointment

$16 $13 (19% off)

Amazon

$16 $12 (25% off)

Remedy

Why I recommend it: The skin barrier on the lips is much thinner and more fragile than that on the rest of your skin, which is why dry, cracked lips can happen year-round—but they're especially common in the winter. That's why this lip treatment has quickly become one of my go-tos; I love how nourishing (not sticky) it feels. Keep one on your nightstand and another in your work bag or pocket, so you always have one handy.

Moisturizing Balm: KaramMD Enriched Breathable Barrier Balm

KaramMD

Enriched Breathable Barrier Balm

$100 $70 (30% off)

KaramMD

Why I recommend it: I use this balm at night, when my skin needs a little more TLC. Think of it as a breathable seal—a thin, not-too-heavy layer over your moisturizer that helps lock everything in. Thanks to ultra-hydrating cupaçu butter, it’s perfect for what I call “micro-slugging,” or supporting your skin with extra cushion and support overnight so you wake up to a noticeably calmer, more hydrated complexion.

Face Mask: Dr. Sam’s Flawless Revival Mask

Dr. Sam’s

Flawless Revival Mask

$54 $49 (9% off)

Dr. Sam's

Why I recommend it: This is the product I reach for when my skin needs intensive help. Niacinamide, soothing plant oils, and a barrier-boosting lipid complex make this mask incredibly comforting. You can use it for 10 minutes for a quick reset, but I also love applying it as an overnight mask when my skin feels compromised.

The Takeaway

A strong skin barrier changes everything: It can support hydration, comfort, clarity, and even how well your skin tolerates shaving. In my practice, I’ve found that we men often weaken our barriers without realizing it by using harsh, stripping cleansers, skipping moisturizer because we assume we don’t need it, or shaving over already irritated skin. Inconsistent routines also play a huge role—your skin can’t repair itself if you’re constantly changing products.

These are the products I trust, use, and recommend to my clients because they effectively restore and maintain the barrier. Commit to using a few of them consistently, and your skin will look and feel better every day.

Photo: Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

In the nearly two and a half years since three of Lizzo's former dancers filed a lawsuit against her and her production company for sexual harassment and fat-shaming, the singer has said very little about the allegations. But now, after a new development in the case, Lizzo is addressing it with a new statement on her social media channels.

On August 1, 2023, the dancers in question allege that Lizzo created a hostile work environment, pressured one of them to touch a nude performer, and shamed—then ultimately fired—one of them over weight gain. Lizzo is addressing the latter of those accusations now that the plaintiffs have rescinded that aspect of their complaint.

Videos posted to Instagram and TikTok on December 15 show Lizzo in a blue dress, standing silently while overlay text speaks for her. “The-fat shaming claims against me have been officially dropped by my accusers. They conceded it had no merit in court,” the statement starts. “There was no evidence that I fired them because they gained weight. Because it never happened. Now the truth is finally out.”

The text continues, “They weren’t fired for gaining weight. They were fired for taking a private recording of me without my consent and sending it off to ex-employees. I have never fired an employee for gaining weight. I have only encouraged and supported people with bigger bodies and shared my platform with them.”

Soft instrumental music plays as the statement goes on to read, “This claim has haunted me since the day it came out. It has been devastating to suffer through this in silence but I let my lawyers lead and I'm so grateful for this victory. I am still in a legal battle. I am not settling. I will be fighting every single claim until the truth is out.”

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Representatives for West Coast Employment Lawyers, the attorneys representing the plaintiffs, shared a statement with Allure regarding the choice to drop the fat-shaming claims in their suit. “We are maintaining that Judge Epstein was correct in his ruling denying Lizzo's special motion to strike the vast majority of claims they attacked, including false imprisonment and harassment," attorney Ron Zambrano says, referring to how the case will continue with the other claims. "Of the couple of claims Judge Epstein did dismiss, the plaintiffs have taken a considered approach to leave that be. One would hope to see the same level of intellectual honesty and neutral assessment from the defendants, but that hasn’t been the case thus far and it’s disappointing.”

The lawsuit, as Lizzo noted in her video, is still ongoing. The singer and her production company still face allegations of creating a hostile work environment and sexual harassment.

Courtesy of @crybabyricecake and @addy.tattooSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

You couldn’t escape the aughts without overhearing someone say, “You don’t put a bumper sticker on a Bentley.” I think of that 2009 quote by Kim Kardashian a lot, as it perfectly captures how far we’ve come in our appreciation of tattoos. What was once seen as taboo or tacky is now a commonly accepted form of expression. Tattoos capture feelings (even if it’s just “I’m bored after work”), honor the people who’ve had a hand in shaping our personalities (think: a tribute to a relative who has passed or, in my case, the Spice Girls ink on my left bicep), and freeze moments in time.

Tattoos also tell stories. They reflect a sense of time, place, and our cultural experience. The trends of 2026 will capture the coming year’s vibes, just as the fingerstache summed up the obsession with hipster and twee culture in 2011. See also: the lavender sprig that took over forearms after 2015, the disco ball boom of 2020 (Taylor Swift’s “Mirrorball” might have had something to do with that), and the soaring number of angel-number flash tattoos in the last couple of years.

“I think if you are trying to get a trendy or ‘Pinteresting’ piece, you need to realize just that: It’s trending,” says Jes Valentine, a New York City-based tattoo artist and owner of Haven Studio. “Will that thing you’re thinking of inking matter to you in eight or so years?”

If the lavender sprig is still calling you by your full government name, then book the appointment and wear it with pride. “Own it with intention. If you love a lavender sprig, make it yours—change the flow, add texture, integrate meaning,” says Emmanuel Fortunato, a New York City-based tattoo artist, who adds that the goal shouldn’t be to avoid trends. “Your story makes the tattoo timeless.”

We spoke with tattoo artists regarding the trends they expect to dominate the new year, and if tattoos are any indication, 2026 is shaping up to be a nostalgic and romantic year.

Your Pet in a Locket

Getting a pet portrait is classic, but Valentine says that more and more of her clients are asking to have them inked inside heart-shaped locket designs. “It’s a trend that the client makes super personal,” she explains, because both elements of the tattoo are highly customizable. Your fur baby can have its toothy smile, for instance, and the locket can be as ornate or understated as you want.

Courtesy of @kimi.pokesCourtesy of @kimi.pokesCourtesy of @soff_carrillo

Nostalgic Themes

Here’s your sign to get that Titanic-inspired “Heart of the Ocean” tattoo or the vibrant Lisa Frank dolphin you once had on your math binder. There’s a growing interest in imagery from the early 2000s, the ’90s, the ’80s, and the ’70s across all ages, says Lindsee Boyer, a tattoo artist in Minneapolis.

Even people who didn’t live through these eras have been getting tattoos inspired by them, Boyer notes: “Young people get excited because the style feels new and fresh to them.”

Valentine echoes this, adding that she’s seeing an interest in motifs from the late ’90s and early ’00s, specifically. “Think tribal designs, cherries, and bows,” she says. “Basically, all the things I got when I was 18, which is fun, but makes me feel super old.”

Courtesy of @jesvalentinetattoosCourtesy of @jesvalentinetattoosCourtesy of @lindseebeetattooCourtesy of @lindseebeetattoo

Microrealism

If you love the idea of a detailed depiction of your favorite trinket or your go-to bagel order inked onto your person, you’re not alone. This tattoo style has become extremely popular in our artist friends’ shops.

“Microrealism designs are so impressive,” says Kayla O’Connor, a tattoo artist at Fleur Noire’s San Diego studio. “They can be done in full color or black and gray, and are a great option if you decide to go small-scale with your tattoo.”

Carefully consider the placement of this delicate style, O’Connor continues: “You want to avoid getting it in a place that gets a lot of sun exposure, like the top of the forearm, or a place where tight clothing often rubs, such as near your bra and along your waistline,” she says.

Courtesy of @addy.tattooCourtesy of @girlknewyorkCourtesy of @tattooer.ariCourtesy of @law_ink and @atelier.evaCourtesy of @crybabyricecakeCourtesy of @crybabyricecake

Fine-Line Florals

Delicate, airy, floral pieces are in full bloom. “This style of tattoo shows just enough negative space to highlight both the artwork and the person wearing it,” says Jojo Lu, an Orange County-based tattoo artist at Playink Tattoo Studio, adding that the beauty is in the detail of these designs.

Thanks to the organic shapes created by florals, each piece can be tailored to flatter any placement area. “Floral, geometric, and fine-line pieces are quite versatile,” Lu says. “They work beautifully on the arms, legs, ribs, back, and sternum. These areas provide natural flow and movement that complement these designs well.”

Courtesy of @addy.tattooCourtesy of @nicetattooparlorCourtesy of JK Kim

Ornamental Designs

Ornamental tattoos use fine lines, pointillism, and shading techniques to adorn and enhance the natural contours of your body. With patterns that call back to Art Nouveau aesthetics and lacework, they are as detailed as they are stunning—but it’s important to recognize and understand the significance of motifs rooted in specific cultures. “Sacred geometry has that meditative, almost spiritual quality, and every line has a purpose,” says Fortunato. Before springing for that Mandala or Celtic knot design, make sure to read up on its meaning to avoid appropriating any cultural or spiritual themes.

Courtesy of @miss__jslCourtesy of @miss__jslCourtesy of JK Kim

Meet the experts

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• Lindsee Boyer is a Minneapolis-based tattoo artist and owner of Bee Tattoo Studio.
• Emmanuel Fortunato is a New York City-based tattoo artist and ambassador for Hustle Butter tattoo aftercare.
• Jojo Lu is a tattoo artist based at Playink Tattoo Studio in Orange County, CA.
• Kayla O’Connor is a tattoo artist at Fleur Noire Tattoo in San Diego.
• Jes Valentine is a New York City-based tattoo artist and owner of Haven Tattoo Studio in Brooklyn.

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If you want to make a plastic surgeon squirm, just ask them about "trends" in the field. The T-word sets them on edge. And we get it: It's deeply unwise to allow the whims of fashion to dictate the age at which you get a facelift or the size of the breast implants you put in your body. After all, if you're unhappy with your purchase, you can't simply return it as you would a disappointing pair of barrel jeans. Nevertheless, plastic surgery isn't immune from the influence of culture, the virality of social media, or the fluctuating preferences of the people. Each year, surgeons see the demand for certain treatments swell, and the interest in others recede.

When we asked these doctors how they foresee the aesthetic landscape shifting in the months ahead, they were quick to confirm the staying power of certain procedures and phenomena that Allure has recently covered: the GLP-1-propelled boom in body contouring, the enduring appeal of liposuction, the downsizing of breast implants, the rise of tissue-preserving facelifts and boob jobs, the increasing demand for ready-to-use fat (a.k.a. Alloclae), and even the anticipated growth of rib remodeling. While that last one may seem like a stretch (social media is, frankly, appalled), board-certified plastic surgeon Charles Galanis, MD, predicts that the controversial procedure will gain ground in 2026. “It’s all part of the year of the waist,” he says.

Surgeons also alluded, somewhat vaguely, to “regenerative” treatments, which have garnered tremendous buzz lately—and may someday have an Ozempic-caliber influence on the field—but currently lack evidence and FDA approvals. (We’re talking exosomes, salmon sperm, growth factors, and novel peptides.) By and large, “these are much more experimental kinds of concepts that have not played out yet in clinical trials,” says Daniel J. Gould, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon and the section editor for regenerative medicine at the Aesthetic Surgery Journal. From a scientific standpoint, he adds, 2026 will be a year for separating fads from facts in this realm, but it could be some time before these treatments yield enough convincing data to be widely adopted in practice.

So what’s emerging now and actually within reach? Ahead, plastic surgeons prognosticate on the treatments that will fizzle out, gain steam, or even revel in a rebrand.

The BBL is back—undetectable and with a new name.

The Brazilian butt lift is staging a quiet comeback. How quiet? “We don’t even mention the word BBL,” says board-certified plastic surgeon Ryan Neinstein, MD of his New York City office. Surgeons are dropping the acronym in favor of the procedure’s formal name: fat grafting to the buttocks. “The term BBL still frightens people,” Dr. Galanis explains, “so we have to be careful with that and explain that what we’re referring to is fat transfer.”

The fear is rooted in old data—namely, a survey from 2017, which reported that the BBL had the highest mortality rate in plastic surgery. The findings were hotly contested, Dr. Galanis notes, since the study had a low response rate and relied on self-reported outcomes, mostly from South Florida clinics “allegedly operating under less than ideal circumstances.” The paper also outlined technical recommendations for making the surgery safer (number one being: avoid injecting into the gluteal muscle, which can cause a fatal fat embolism). When the BBL survey was repeated a few years later (“in a more well-designed study,” says Dr. Galanis), the death rate had dropped and was shown to be similar to that of a tummy tuck. What’s more, a 2022 study looking at the disproportionately high rate of BBL deaths in South Florida, specifically, linked the majority of fatalities to “high-volume, budget clinics.” R. Brannon Claytor, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, blames these “chop shops” for “giving a bad name to a good operation.”

While the procedure hasn’t completely shaken off the stigma, in 2026, the BB… sorry, fat grafting to the butt is reemerging as a safe surgery that prioritizes shape over size. “The results are more subtle, more complementary to other procedures—like, you’re getting liposuction or a tummy tuck, and the BBL is just meant to complement the contours you’re creating elsewhere,” Dr. Galanis says. In a sense, the BBL is lending to a smooth silhouette overall, easing the transition between the waist, hips, butt, and thighs, he explains, and the end result is “not something that is popping out of clothes,” but rather “a look that someone could’ve been born with”—or perhaps built at the gym. Surgeons describe the new aesthetic as perky and athletic. “We talk about the ‘Pilates-instructor butt,” says Dr. Neinstein. In the majority of his mommy makeovers—including those on 50-, 60-, even 70-somethings—he’s “putting just a little bit of fat above the muscle,” so that the butt, when lifted, doesn’t look deflated and flat. Gone are the Kardashian comparisons. “We’ve gotten past the idea that a BBL means having a huge ass,” he says. “That’s no longer how patients think about it.”

Facelifts will target the midface through smaller incisions.

In recent years, the facelift has seized the zeitgeist. We’ve witnessed the relentless rivalry between deep plane and SMAS proponents, the incessant speculation over 30-something celebrities getting surgery, and the all-out hysteria surrounding a certain 70-year-old who shocked the internet by naming her facelift surgeon (and then inviting him to her birthday party). Each moment has helped to transform the facelift from a last-ditch surgery for seniors to a coveted glow-up for virtually anyone who can afford it.

What’s next? Some say the biggest news pertains to smaller scars, as more surgeons are offering “limited-incision deep plane lifts” (a.k.a. “midface lifts” or “endoscopic lifts”), primarily to patients who are seeing early drooping but still have good skin elasticity. In such cases, surgeons can use endoscope-guided techniques to target and reposition fallen tissues while skipping the usual incisions around the ears where extra skin is customarily cut away.

Unlike mini lifts of the past—which inspired the mantra: “mini lift, mini results”—the latest iterations go deeper and are more comprehensive and durable. These are “maximally invasive surgeries performed through minimally invasive incisions,” explains Dr. Gould. His version of the procedure elevates the outer brow and the cheeks through tiny incisions hidden in the hair behind the temples. For patients who also want to address their necks, he makes a separate incision under the chin, through which he can tighten the platysma muscle and reduce deeper structures that are detracting from a sleek jawline. As with the scalp incisions, the nick under the chin serves only as an entry portal; it doesn’t allow for skin removal.

While limited-incision lifts are having a moment, they’re not new. Andrew Frankel, MD, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, says he’s been performing midface lifts since 1998. (He approaches the cheeks both from above, through slits in the scalp, and below, via incisions inside the mouth, freeing up the tissues and suspending them in a higher position.) While the midface lift has gone in and out of fashion over the years, Dr. Frankel has always found it to be a powerful tool for vertically lifting and “optimizing” the cheeks without adding artificial volume. “If someone doesn't have lax skin or jowls, a midface lift can redistribute the volume in the cheeks and provide a refreshed look without visible incisions,” he says.

Unsurprised by the procedure’s resurgence, Dr. Frankel attributes it to the public’s disillusionment with filler—the sad fact that it can’t lift the cheeks—as well as the uptick in 30- and 40-somethings seeking surgery as a means of beautifying. When he performs the midface lift as a standalone operation, it’s typically on younger patients (average age: 45) with the goal of enhancing cheek projection and obscuring under-eye hollows. “What it doesn’t do is affect your jawline and neck,” he notes. So, in older patients, he’ll commonly combine the midface lift with a traditional deep plane face and neck lift.

“A lot of surgeons are doing that,” adds Mike Roskies, MD, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Toronto—meaning: incorporating endoscopic midface maneuvers into their “open” deep plane surgeries in order to boost the cheeks more effectively. In a field rife with conflicting opinions, surgeons seem to agree on this: “The midface represents the future of facelifting,” says Dr. Gould. “It’s the hardest thing to get right, but it’s where the beauty lies.”

“Submandibular glands” will be the talk of TikTok.

The next big controversy in aesthetics will focus on the neck, says Babak Azizzadeh, MD, the president-elect of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. “We’re going to be hearing a lot more about the submandibular glands and how surgeons treat them,” he says. The debate over when and how to reduce these salivary glands is already in full swing at medical meetings, but Dr. Azizzadeh expects it to fully permeate the public forum next year (if not sooner: I saved three posts on submandibular gland contouring last week alone).

During a deep neck lift, which some call a “structural neck contouring,” surgeons go underneath the platysma muscle to trim the deep fat, the digastric muscles (which help to open the mouth), and the submandibular glands, which can droop and bulge with age, compromising a clean neckline. While not everyone needs a gland reduction, “in some patients, no matter how great of a deep plane facelift you do, if you don’t contour the glands, you’re not going to get a beautiful result overall,” Dr. Azizzadeh says.

The pursuit of next-level outcomes is compelling facelift surgeons to address the glands with a greater frequency than in the past. Dr. Azizzadeh says he treats the glands in 50% to 70% of face and neck lift cases; five years ago, the number was less than 10%. Dr. Roskies adds that in about 80% of his patients, “gland reduction is a necessity to get the results we want.”

But not every surgeon is trained in gland reduction or comfortable navigating the deep neck, where there’s an increased risk of bleeding and nerve injury. In the past, those doctors simply avoided the glands and blamed mediocre results on unfavorable anatomy. “They’d say, ‘Oh, they’ve got a tough neck,’ and chalk it up to that,” Dr. Claytor. In 2026, however, with social media showcasing neck angles few mortals are born with, expectations are sky-high—for patients and doctors alike. At every level, surgeons are aiming to up their game. “They’re looking at a handful of facelift leaders across the world, who are getting results that they wish they could get for their own patients, and they’re trying to mimic every aspect of their techniques,” Dr. Roskies says.

Aesthetically speaking, deep neck specialists say they’re already seeing the trend being taken too far. “We don’t want sculpted jawlines that make women look like Chads,” says Dr. Roskies, referring to the alpha-male stereotype with a hyperchiseled chin. “We want feminine jawlines—and sometimes that means reducing the glands in a more conservative fashion than we would have in the past.”

Facial fat grafting will continue to rise.

For years, surgeons have been suctioning fat from areas of excess and processing it into microfat and nanofat before injecting it into the face. While microfat contains intact fat cells that lend volume and structure, more finely filtered nanofat—which results from rupturing fat cells to release their stem cells and growth factors—is lauded for its healing and rejuvenative effects. Doctors often use nanofat around the eyes and mouth to smooth the skin. Some inject it into the scalp to help regrow hair or under the skin to treat inflammatory conditions, like rosacea and melasma, as well as acne scarring.

“Fat is far and away the most superior volumizing agent that we currently have and it’s one of the richest sources of stem cells in our body,” says Faryan Jalalabadi, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills. He sees fat emerging as a safer, more natural alternative to overhyped regenerative treatments, like salmon sperm, exosomes, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), which are understudied in aesthetics and illegal to inject in the U.S. With nanofat especially, “we can deliver your own exosomes and stem cells,” adds Dr. Claytor. He frequently uses nanofat to treat stubborn lines around the mouth, applying it after CO2 laser resurfacing and microneedling in order to speed recovery and allay pain.

(The purported stem cell benefits of fat are still largely anecdotal, it’s worth noting. “There are regenerative properties to fat that we can see in our surgical results,” says Dr. Roskies. He credits the stem cells in fat with hydrating the skin from within, for instance, and lending vitality to the skin. However, he adds, “until we take biopsies of skin on healthy cosmetic patients and analyze the difference before and after, we won’t really know [its true effects].”)

Further driving interest in fat grafting is the public’s dwindling appetite for hyaluronic (HA) acid injections. “We’re in an era of filler fear,” Dr. Roskies says. “We lost the plot by taking it too far and using it in ways it should never have been used.” (Looking at you, “liquid facelift.”) As a result, Dr. Roskies’ office has seen a 400% increase in fat transfer inquiries in the last year alone. Dr. Jalalabadi says he’s also seeing more interest in fat from patients of all ages. He attributes the boom to a growing awareness of filler’s “downstream effects”—potential long-term issues like swelling, lymphatic obstruction, and interference with future surgery and recovery.

While most of the doctors I interviewed believe there’s still a role for HA in aesthetics, they also expect the popularity of fat to continue to soar as more people sour on filler. To meet the demand, some are now offering fat grafting as a standalone treatment under local anesthesia. (Historically, it’s been most often used alongside facelifts.) Dr. Gould, for example, commonly uses it to maintain previous facelift outcomes. Three to five years post-lift, he says, some patients come back for a round of fat grafting to “perk up” the face. “We’re seeing a lot more of that,” he says. “In an hour and a half, we do a little bit of fat grafting and it goes a really long way.”

Nonsurgical skin tightening as a substitute for surgery will plummet.

In October, the FDA alerted the public to reports of serious complications from radiofrequency (RF) microneedling devices. Among them: burns, scarring, fat loss, disfigurement, and nerve damage. Some in the field say the warning was long overdue, as doctors have, for years, been cautioning about RF-related complications, which typically occur when inexperienced practitioners deliver excessive energy beyond the dermis, into the fat and deep tissues, in an attempt to lift and tighten the face. On social media, injured patients have banded together to speak out about the dangers these devices can pose. With myriad factors eroding trust in nonsurgical skin tighteners, experts say we may soon see them go the way of noninvasive fat reduction modalities, which fell by 40% between 2023 and 2024.

“The trend of people coming in and asking for Morpheus8 or Sylfirm or whatever [brand of RF microneedling]—that trend is down by about 50% in our practice,” Dr. Azizzadeh says. “It has flown off the cliff.” He believes the manufacturers of these devices created “a negative self-fullfilling prophecy” by falsely advertising the technology as a replacement for facelift surgery—an outcome that no device can deliver. Given the backlash, he adds, “I think it’s going to take a year or two for [this category of treatments] to acclimate and for practitioners to learn where these tools benefit the patient and when to use them and when not to use them.”

In Dr. Azizzadeh’s experience, RF microneedling “can be a fantastic tool” for addressing fine wrinkling or poor skin elasticity, particularly after a facelift. Dr. Gould says the same, adding that he confines the energy to the skin, going only one to two millimeters deep. (Some RF microneedling devices have the potential to reach up to 8 millimeters.) Other surgeons echo the importance of staying shallow. “I think energy-based devices have a place in the future of aesthetic medicine where the indication is for skin health—improving the texture and porosity of the skin or superficial acne scarring,” says Dr. Roskies. “But the second you expand that indication to lifting, you risk damaging structures and shrinking the fat underneath the skin.”

Tummy tucks are going 360, scars be damned.

In some practices, the standard hip-to-hip tummy tuck is taking a backseat to extended and circumferential versions of the procedure, which sculpt the entire torso in one fell swoop. (While the circumferential or 360 incision encircles the waist, the extended incision wraps around the hips but doesn’t approach the butt.) Forcing the procedure’s evolution: GLP-1s, for starters. “Because patients are losing so much weight so quickly, we’re seeing more people with excess skin on their tummies, flanks [love handles], and lower backs—there’s laxity everywhere,” says Michael Stein, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City. In those cases, “if we do a traditional tummy tuck, they look great in the front, but then they’re pinching their flanks and their backs, and they eventually come back for another surgery [to address those areas].”

While some surgeons are just now shifting to more comprehensive tucks when warranted —usually following pregnancy or any major weight loss—Dr. Neinstein says he began moving away from what he calls the “legacy tuck” after the pandemic. As GLP-1s entered the mainstream, “people became looser everywhere,” he says—and the goalpost of patient desires advanced in a big way. “I realized we weren’t doing enough,” says Dr. Neinstein. By addressing only the front of the abdomen, “we were kind of renovating the upstairs bathroom and hoping the whole house would look different,” he says. “Patients’ expectations have dramatically evolved since the original tummy tuck was first described, and a 40-year-old operation can’t match the demands [of the modern patient]. We have to evolve, too.”

In Dr. Neinstein’s practice, 60% of the tummy tucks he performs are circumferential, 20% are extended, and the other 20% are front tucks. One third of his 360 tucks are revisions of previous tucks that lacked the “wow factor,” he says. Dr. Gould is also seeing more candidates for circumferential tucks. “Every patient is unique—some need it, some don’t,” he says. “But when the old-style tummy tuck can’t totally address the patient’s problems, we’re not doing them any favors by offering smaller surgeries.”

During a circumferential tuck, surgeons remove skin and fat from all around the torso and repair separated abdominal muscles to strengthen the core. They also lift the butt and thighs by tailoring the skin on the outside and tightening the fascia on the inside. Preserving this layer of connective tissue, which is rich in lymphatic vessels, offers the unsung advantage of forgoing drains. (These tubes prevent fluid from collecting under the skin post-surgery, but can be uncomfortable and restrict movement.) By sparing the fascia and its intrinsic channels, “we’re leaving the body’s sump pump in place, so the lymphatics can drain on their own,” says Dr. Claytor. Dr. Neinstein adopted this technique about nine months ago and says he hasn’t placed a drain since. (Surgeons often pair the fascia-preserving strategy with something called progressive tension sutures—internal stitches that anchor the skin to the underlying muscles, further minimizing fluid buildup.)

Not everyone expects the circumferential tuck to take off. Dr. Galanis believes the surgery will remain a relatively niche solution for massive weight loss patients. “There will be some surgeons who use it [more broadly] as a way to optimize contours,” he says, “but in most cases, I think the combination of aggressive liposuction and a [basic] tummy tuck will accomplish the same thing without the added scar.” About that, though: Multiple surgeons have told me that patients of the GLP-1 era are generally more accepting of the scars that accompany tissue-tailoring procedures. “Ten years ago, the scar was a major issue, but now it doesn’t even really come up anymore,” Dr. Neinstein says. (Tummy tuck scars should be thin and low enough to hide in a bikini.) Dr. Stein’s take: People are realizing “that a beautiful result with more scarring is better than a suboptimal outcome with a shorter scar.”

Meet the experts

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• Babak Azizzadeh, MD, is the president-elect of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
• R. Brannon Claytor, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
• Andrew Frankel, MD, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills.
• Charles Galanis, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon.
• Daniel J. Gould, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon and the section editor for regenerative medicine at the Aesthetic Surgery Journal.
• Faryan Jalalabadi, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills.
• Ryan Neinstein, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City who performs mommy makeovers exclusively.
• Mike Roskies, MD, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Toronto.
• Michael Stein, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City.