The Best Skincare Products That Get a Five-Star Rating From Our Editors

A peek into the serums, cleansers and moisturizers our editors can't live without.
Collage graphic of editors' favorite skincare products
Photos: Ulta | Design: Natalie Romine
lauren whalley headshot
by
Lauren Whalley
lauren whalley headshot
Lauren Whalley
Fashion Editor, Beauty & Inclusivity
  • Lauren writes and edits articles for The Knot Worldwide, with a specialty in fashion, beauty and size inclusivity.
  • Prior to The Knot Worldwide, Lauren worked in wedding editorial for Brides, Style Me Pretty and Enaura Bridal.
  • Lauren studied public relations and advertising at the University of Central Florida.
Updated Aug 28, 2023
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If you're like me and heavily influenced by skincare products on the internet, then you'll stop nearly anyone with glowing skin to ask what products they use. Well, here at The Knot, our editors are always trying the best skincare products. Everyone always has incredible skin in Zoom meetings (and in person!) and we're always sharing the best skincare product recommendations in our Slack chats. And since we don't gatekeep here, I'm sharing their top-shelf skincare products with you so you can get flawless, photo-ready skin for any occasion. From serums to cleansers and creams, get your (virtual) shopping carts ready because we're about to dive into some of our holy grail skin picks.

The Best Skincare Products, According to Our Editors

1. For Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Collage of La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense Hyaluronic Acid Serum and Hannah
Photo: Dermstore

Why we love it: "This is a lightweight serum that hydrates and soothes the skin. The formula contains prebiotic water rich in selenium, which acts as a soothing antioxidant, ceramide-3 to help skin retain moisture; and niacinamide, which is known for its restorative properties." – Hannah Nowack, Senior Editor, Weddings

Skin type: Combination | Frequency of use: Daily in the morning after cleansing and toning my skin, but before moisturizer and SPF.

What it does: "This is a lightweight serum that hydrates and soothes the skin. The formula contains prebiotic water rich in selenium which acts as a soothing antioxidant, ceramide-3 to help skin retain moisture and niacinamide which is known for its restorative properties."

Price at time of publish: $37

2. For Acne-Prone Skin: Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50

Collage of Supergoop! Play Everyday SPF Lotion and Sarah
Photo: Sephora

Why we love it: "My morning routine is never complete until I finish off with an SPF (even if I'm not leaving the house!) and for years I've been a loyal fan of Supergoop PLAY. I love that this lotion doesn't clog my pores, unlike other sunscreens I've tried. Plus, this fast-absorbing formula is never greasy—instead, it gives my skin a gorgeous glow that makes me feel super confident, whether I'm wearing a full face or going make-up free." – Sarah Hanlon, Entertainment & Celebrity Editor

Skin type: Oily/Acne-Prone | Frequency of use: 1x/Day

What it does: "It's my personal mission to make everyone I know understand the importance of sunscreen. Not only is it crucial to protect against the harsh UV rays we're exposed to every day, it can also reduce signs of aging while minimizing redness and uneven skin."

Price at time of publish: $22

3. For Under Eyes: No B.S. Skin Care Caffeine Eye Cream

Collage of caffeine eye cream and Lauren
Photo: No B.S. Skin Care

Why we love it: "The undereye area of my skin is extremely sensitive and can easily break out in an eczema-style rash if I use an eye cream it doesn't agree with. So to say I am picky with eye creams is an understatement. This Caffeine Eye Cream from No B.S. has quickly become my holy grail. It feels hydrating and soothing to apply underneath my eyes, and the best part is that there is no irritation. It's a must-try." – Lauren Whalley, Fashion Editor, Beauty & Inclusivity

Skin type: Normal/Dry | Frequency of use: "1-2x/daily"

What it does: "A nourishing caffeine and quinoa seed extra-infused eye cream that reduces discoloration, hydrates skin and diminishes fine lines."

Price at time of publish: $35

4. For Combination Skin: Danucera D22 Tonic and Cerabalm

Collage of danucera and rescue circle balm and tonic kit with Esther
Photo: Rescue Spa

Why we love it: "One of the most reputable names in the skincare biz is that of facialist Danuta Mieloch, whose glossy Rescue Spa locations in both NYC and Philadelphia are frequented by celebs and editors alike. It's no wonder why Danuta's self-formulated products (the Danucera D22 tonic and Cerabalm, specifically) are my picks: using this combo recently has improved my uneven skin tone and texture, as well as issues with redness." – Esther Lee, Deputy Editor

Skin type: Combination/Oily | Frequency of use: 3x/Week

What it does: "Since I have combination skin, this dual-action package includes an exfoliating toner, which refreshes and balances my face—perfect for use after double cleansing with the Cerabalm and a foaming face wash."

Price at time of publish: $133

5. For Sensitive Skin: Alpha-H Hyaluronic 8 Serum

Collage of Alpha H Hyaluronic 8 serum and Nic
Photo: Dermstore

Why we love it: "You've never used a hyaluronic acid like this one. I'd say there's a miracle filler in this Alpha-H serum, but it literally contains PrimalHyal™ Ultrafiller among seven other concentrated hydrating ingredients. My skin is visibly more plump, less dull, and maintains buoyancy with or without makeup. I've tested this serum against other hyaluronic acid products, and nothing compares!" – Nic Taliaferro, Fashion Content Strategist

Skin type: Combination/Sensitive | Frequency of use: Daily

What it does: "Hydrates and plumps to combat dullness, dryness and fine lines."

Price at time of publish: $72

6. For Deep Cleansing: Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

Collage of Elemis cleansing balm and Lauren
Photo: Elemis

Why we love it: "Real ones know that Elemis cleansing balm is the best way to remove makeup, dirt and impurities at the end of a long day. And let me tell you, adding a cleansing balm before my foaming cleanser changed the game for my skin. Not only does it completely clean away the day, but it leaves my skin feeling nourished too. Elemis has a Rose-scented and a fragrance-free version. I take turns buying the different ones because I love them all!" – Lauren Whalley, Fashion Editor, Beauty & Inclusivity

Skin type: Normal/Dry | Frequency of use: 1x/day at night

What it does: "A nourishing cleansing balm that melts away makeup, daily pollutants and impurities for a soft and glowing complexion."

Price at time of publish: $68

7. For Sun Protection: ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless Ultralight Tinted Mineral Sunscreen

Collage of tinted sunscreen and Lauren
Photo: Lovely Skin

Why we love it: "I grew up in Florida and developed a real respect for the sun early on (read: I am sunscreen obsessed). I stepped up my skincare routine shortly after college when a bout of adult acne sent me into a tailspin. Sunscreen is part of my daily regimen, and this one is the best. It's 100% mineral, but without the white cast. It glides on and absorbs easily and it's unscented. This tinted version is my go-to no makeup makeup look. Best of all, the blend is non-drying, and thanks to a blend of peptides and antioxidants, it reduces my fine lines too." – Lauren Kay, Executive Editor

Skin type: Combination/Dry | Frequency of use: "Daily. I am never without sunscreen (even on dreary winter days)."

What it does: "An everyday tinted SPF with mineral sunscreen (SPF 50!). It protects skin from photoaging with a blend of antioxidants that help repair existing sun damage."

Price at time of publish: $70

8. For Exfoliation: Kiehl's Calendula Herbal-Extract Alcohol-Free Toner

Collage of Kiehl's toner and Hannah
Photo: Sephora

Why we love it: "With my combination skin, I need something that is powerful enough to eliminate oils but gentle enough that it doesn't dry out my skin. I love that this is an alcohol-free formula that leaves my skin feeling moist, yet clean." – Hannah Nowack, Senior Editor, Weddings

Skin type: Combination | Frequency of use: "I can be fickle with toner, and I often jump around between different ones. I like to use it after a post-workout shower to further calm my skin."

What it does: "This is a great toner for when you want to soothe your skin. It is an alcohol- and paraben-free formula that is meant to "reduce redness, oiliness and improve skin's texture," according to the company."

Price at time of publish: $47

9. For Mature Skin: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore

Collage of skinceuticals treatment and Kim
Photo: Dermstore

Why we love it: "I have the ultimate combination skin—oily on my t-zone, but super dry on my cheeks. I am also a Tretinoin user, which can make my dry areas even drier. For years, I've searched for the perfect moisturizer, one that doesn't make me break out but provides enough moisture for my parched skin. Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore is not cheap, but it's my holy grail product—it's a rich, replenishing moisturizer that makes my skin look and feel absolutely radiant. I've tried other moisturizers and always come back to this one—it's worth every penny." – Kim Forrest, Senior Editor

Skin type: Combination | Frequency of use: 1x/day at night

What it does: "Moisturizer, anti-aging, improves skin fullness and texture"

Price at time of publish: $150

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