Star serums for acne, anti-aging, and more.
While some beauty brands have a single hero product that stands out above the rest, SkinCeuticals is not one of those skincare companies. It has many time-tested heroes, praised by dermatologists, editors, and real reviewers just like you. These products have a huge fan base for good reason: SkinCeuticals’ offerings are science-backed with top proven ingredients and cutting-edge technology, meaning they really work. Don’t just take our word for it: Many of these products have been tested at the Institute’s Beauty Lab and received incredible results, scoring higher than the other products in their categories, so you know they’re actually worth the money.
How we test skincare products
The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab has a long history of testing skincare products for both face and body, from cleansers to moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, and more. During the testing process, label-masked products are sent to a panel of thousands of women across the country with a range of skin types and tones, who then test them in their regular routine and report their feedback on everything from ease of use to scent, texture, and performance. In the Lab, GH scientists also take measurements using high-tech devices to gauge product results, such as the Corneometer, which measures skin’s moisture levels, and the Visia Complexion Analyzer, a digital imaging machine that can track changes in skin, including the size and depth of wrinkles, pigmentation, and pore size.
Here, our top SkinCeuticals products worth your money for all your skin needs (and all skin types!), including powerful serums, a hydrating cleanser, multi-tasking sunscreens, and more:
1
Best Anti-Aging Serum
SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3 Serum
This superstar serum, which contains high levels of vitamin B3 to stimulate cell turnover, was a winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s anti-aging serums test for visible wrinkle softening, brightening and firming. “I could see plumpness in my skin the next day — I was shocked,” a tester said. “Almost immediate results on my fine lines,” another remarked. The lightweight liquid was the best of the serums tested by the GH Beauty Lab at reducing wrinkles by 5% after four weeks of use.
2
Best Cleanser
SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser
Whisk away impurities with this airy foam infused with glycerin and cucumber extract, a winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s face cleanser test. The wash scored near perfect for effectively cleansing: 96% of users reported that it deeply cleaned skin. It has a “refreshing texture” that “left no residue,” two testers reported.
3
Best Acne Treatment
SkinCeuticals Blemish+Age Defense Acne Treatment
A powerful breakout buster that (bonus!) treats wrinkles, too, it’s perfect for anyone with even mild adult acne. The mix of dioic acid, AHAs and BHAs — including known acne-fighter salicylic acid — help exfoliate skin, reduce oil production, unclog pores, and prevent pimples from forming in the first place.
4
Best Antioxidant Serum
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
As a beauty editor who tries tons of products, it’s rare to stay loyal to one. This serum is the exception to the rule for me. I have been using this antioxidant serum daily for over 10 years, and aside from sporadic hormonal breakouts, my skin has never looked better or more glowy. The powerful combo of vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid protect skin from free radical damage, and (bonus!) also has a brightening effect. Plus, it layers really nicely underneath any moisturizer.
5
Best Retinol Treatment
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 Refining Night Cream
The ultimate anti-ager, retinol is a tried and true wrinkle-fighting ingredient. This one stands apart from its competitors with a soothing blend of bisabolol (derived from the chamomile plant) and boswellia serrata extract (derived from frankincense) to prevent the dreaded irritation that typically accompanies the use of retinol.
6
Best Moisturizing Mask
SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Masque
This clear gel mask is based on high levels of hydrating glycerin and hyaluronic acid. “It gives instant relief for my extremely parched skin that’s prone to eczema flare-ups,” says GH Beauty Director April Franzino.
7
Best SPF Eye Cream
SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50
Never avoid the eye area again when you apply sunscreen: This gentle (yet high-SPF) mineral formula, a GH Beauty Award winner, has a bonus dark circle-hiding sheer tint. Beauty Lab evaluation found “no stinging, tears, or irritation.”
8
Best Face & Body Sunscreen
SkinCeuticals Light Moisture UV Defense SPF 50
This fragrance-free sunscreen lotion for face and body was a winner in GH Beauty Lab sunscreen testing. It scored well for its texture, absorbing well, not feeling tacky or greasy or leaving white residue on skin, and 100% of testers agreed it didn’t make skin feel dry. Two testers’ notes: “I love how the sunscreen sinks in quickly and it isn’t greasy at all! It feels very sheer and matte yet still hydrates,” and “I did not burn — I felt protected from the 100 degree sun rays and heat.
9
Best Moisturizer For Dry Skin
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
Perfect for winter months or just super dry skin, this heavy duty moisturizer instantly smoothes, plumps and hydrates skin, thanks to essential lipids like ceramides and fatty acids. I love that it feels thick but absorbs quickly, with no greasy residue left behind.
10
Best Eye Treatment
SkinCeuticals AOX+ Eye Gel
This eye gel absorbs quickly and gives an immediate tightening feel—and I like that it contains potent antioxidants like vitamin C to protect the thin eye area skin, Franzino says.
11
Best Custom Serum
Prices vary SkinCeuticals Custom DOSE Serum
This state-of-the-art technology, which won a GH Beauty Award, allows you to get a face serum custom-made (and labeled!) for your skin on the spot at a dermatologist’s office. “The service combines pro assessment with an advanced algorithm to tailor specific concentrations of science-backed ingredients like glycolic acid and retinol to an individual’s skin needs. These are then mixed by a machine in a base for your skin type,” says Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann. “It’s superior to all other personalized skincare on the market.”