What is the number 1 dermatologist skin care brand?

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Whether you’re a two-step cleanser and moisturizer kind of person or heavily invested in a seven-step skincare routine your dermatologist would be proud of, the quality of your skincare products matter.

And, regardless if you have oily or sensitive skin (or anything in between), hand-picking the most effective and nourishing products for your skin to incorporate into your routine can feel like finding a needle in a haystack (and, that haystack just so happens to be your local Sephora or Ulta Beauty counter — or, the New York Post Shopping section, because we cover the best in beauty a lot).

I have been beyond obsessed with the beauty industry since I first started wearing a glimmer of lip gloss and a subtle swipe of mascara when I was in middle school. Since then, I begun doing my research on every big-button and new indie brand that hit beauty counters at my local shopping mall — before I started reporting and reviewing them, interestingly enough — and learned the ins and outs of all the buzzy ones, from Drunk Elephant and Ole Henriksen to Alpyn Beauty and Alpha-H. (Related: Best skin care sets).

Though I’ve had the luxury of trying nearly every skincare brand (and that’s a tall order), it took me a total of two years to find my groove. That means countless product toss-outs and new ones added to my skincare cart — the three-tiered statue that adorns my room, and is probably my most prized possession.

That said, now’s the perfect time to speak on the 15 best skincare brands I’ve reviewed. Through much experimentation and application, I can attest these are names that never leave my cart — and the ones you should look into for your next skincare stock-up.

While New York Post Shopping rigorously tests and recommends products, you should always consult with your board-certified dermatologist to address any skincare concerns or product usage.

How we tested

Victoria Giardina

As mentioned, I’ve been dispensing vitamin C serums and layering my skin with facial SPF for years now, but I’d say the process has been strictly consistent for two years. My skin is wholly sensitive and partially dry but sometimes has oily areas (the dreaded “T zone”) — allowing me to best understand what types of ingredients and types of products to use, and where.

Not to mention, I’ve had plenty of conversations with board-certified dermatologists, cosmetic chemists and skin cancer experts to produce explainer-type skincare pieces (read: the best glycolic acid products and the best niacinamide serums)

All products mentioned below have been consistently tested for at least one year (with the exception of newer product launches), where the bulk of products have been tested for two.

Ahead, take a look of the baseline criteria I used for each individual product tested before diving into the review:

• Efficacy: Before using each product, I would read the ingredients list and research the formulation to best understand what it’s designed to do. From there, I’d only try that new product (sandwiched between a fragrance-free cleanser and moisturizer) to ensure my little skincare experiment had a control group.
• Irritation levels: My skin is sensitive and, as a result, can be acne-prone if the wrong formulation is used on my skin. For this reason, I’d test products on my hand or wrists first to assess any signs of redness, itchiness or irritation. If that was the case, it didn’t make the cut.
• Consistent improvement: While a product may be nice to use once or twice, it took me a full two years to discern whether the individual product deserves a spot within my skincare routine (bonus points to the brand that dishes out one exceptional product after the other; more on that below!)

Before shopping, check out our in-depth FAQ section on skincare products, beginning or expanding your routine and more after our conversation with a board-certified dermatologist.

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About the brand: Alpyn Beauty was founded in Jackson Hole, WY, in an effort to help address skincare concerns for every skin type in the harshest and most extreme climates. Its the first skincare brand to sustainably hand-harvest wild plants at their peak potency and uplift their power through dermatologist-approved actives, like vitamin C and niacinamide.

Price range: $$-$$$

Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, squalane, collagen, AHAs/BHAs, vitamin C, more

Who it’s best for: Those who have sensitive or dry skin and appreciate consciously curated ingredient blends that are gentle and nourishing on the skin.

Pros:

• Well-formulated with natural-selected plants and actives to help boost the skin’s overall health
• Products are gentle on the skin and creamier and more hydrating than others tested

Cons:

• Some products have a subtle ‘natural’ leaning fragrance that may not be for some people
• The brand currently doesn’t have a hyaluronic acid serum available

Alpyn Beauty deserves all the praise it can get (seriously, if you want the full gist, read my full Alpyn Beauty review). When I began consistently using skincare, this brand was the first I used that made a noticeable, glowy difference to my skin — helping to even out the texture and allow me to feel confident wearing skincare without makeup.

Its founder, Kendra Kolb Butler, is just as fabulous and has a keen eye to what ingredients help make the most impactful different on the skin’s barrier. I’ll forever swear by the brand’s Creamy Bubbling Cleanser with Fruit Enzymes & AHAs ($36) to effortlessly hydrate my skin and remove impurities. I typically follow up with the Bearberry & Vitamin C Glow Serum ($59) for a more emollient boost and then finish off my morning routine with the acclaimed PlantGenius Melt Moisturizer ($60) for a whipped douse of all-day-lasting hydration.

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About the brand: LANEIGE is a TikTok and influencer favorite — and not just for its viral Lip Sleeping Mask. The brand’s Water Bank line and juicy lip products deem each product an ‘essential,’ whether stationed atop your nightstand or tossed into your work bag. The brand also has a lean toward dry skin types, though its formulations are beyond versatile.

Price range: $-$$

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, shea butter, squalane, Berry Mix Complex, coconut oil, more

Who it’s best for: Those who want to scope out the latest trends but put their money toward something that’s nourishing to use every day (and, pay their lip area some extra love and affection).

Pros:

• Trendy among Gen Z and millennial audiences but also effective on a variety of skin types
• Offers immediate and, oftentimes, long-lasting hydration before reapplying

Cons:

• The brand doesn’t offer many products for acne-prone or oily skin types, like a BHA serum or moisturizer
• The brand isn’t quite apt (as of now) to serve as your all-in-one skincare routine, though it has a collection of signature products

At first, I thought LANEIGE was another junky-middle-school brand that dished out overpriced lip products to the consumer — but I was proved wrong. Though its popular Lip Sleeping Mask ($24) is one I find myself reapplying throughout the day (not truly lasting all day), it’s a staple wherever I go. Likewise, its Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer ($23) is an Amazon beauty favorite that I find myself reaching for if I want the Goldilocks level of comfort: not too lightweight, and not too thick.

Best for use in the evening, the Water Sleeping Mask ($32) is an all-in-one skin-brightener, hydration-booster, and skin-softener with consistent use. It has more of a cooling effect than most moisturizers I tested — much like your best cooling sheets. It’s also a fabulous refresher in warmer temps.

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About the brand: Herbivore Botanicals has a stringent focus on producing plant-based skincare that defies the norm. All products are well-sourced, contain plant-based food-grade cold-pressed oils, steam-distilled therapeutic-grade essential oils, GMO-free soy wax and recyclable and reusable packaging. Best of all, the products are all pleasing to the skin.

Price range: $$-$$$

Key ingredients: Squalane, bakuchiol, vitamin C, turmeric, rosehip oil, more

Who it’s best for: Those who are looking to try a new brand that’s transparent about the make of their formulations and has a versatile array of products to add to your cart — from cleansers to masks.

Pros:

• Transparent and thoughtful about their formulation approach
• Products are well-varied, well-packaged and boast ‘quality over quantity,’ though the brand targets different skin types across the board

Cons:

• The brand currently doesn’t have a niacinamide serum available
• The brand doesn’t use the original active (i.e. hyaluronic acid, retinol), so it may not be best for those who want a more quote-on-quote “effective” result for certain skin conditions

Herbivore Botanicals isn’t just the brand that’ll look pretty on your shelf (though, it absolutely will) but its assortment of skincare products continues to excite me when put to use. Typically, skincare oils and elixirs don’t do my sensitive and quite dry skin justice but its Phoenix Rosehip Anti-Aging Face Oil for Dry Skin ($88) put others to shame with its luxe blend of botanical oils and regal-looking bottle.

Its NOVA 15% Vitamin C + Turmeric Brightening Serum ($65) is another best-in-class product, stemming from its super-root ingredient that doubles as a worthy dark spot corrector in your skincare arsenal. Oh, and its Pink Cloud Soft Moisture Cream ($46) includes super-hydrating tremella mushroom and vegan squalane to produce a plump, baby skin-soft and naturally dewy finish that’s pure heaven on the skin.

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About the brand: CeraVe is renowned across the board as a dermatologist-approved brand. It cuts out the fluff apparent in other skincare brands and is powered by active, non-irritating ingredients that are a “safe bet” for most people. Plus, each product contains three essential ceramides to help benefit the skin barrier. Its price point is also ideal for beginner skincare users and budget-friendly shoppers alike.

Price range: $-$$

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, salicylic acid, niacinamide, more

Who it’s best for: Those who want a nourishing, versatile collection of products that are readily available, easy to incorporate day/night and can start off (and then, continue to flow into) your routine.

Pros:

• Contains plenty of actives (hyaluronic acid, ceramides, etc.) while prioritizing its formulations on nurturing the skin’s barrier
• Affordable price point and readily available in most marketplaces — both in-store and online

Cons:

• May not be suited for those who have extreme skincare conditions or want a near-instant glow or effect, like pore-minimizing; however, you can mix in more potent serums or masks every so often in addition to CeraVe’s array of products

CeraVe, like most people who visit a dermatologist, was recommended to me as early as middle school. Right after my appointment, I picked up its Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($15) and a few other staple products and they still remain a stronghold in my routine. They’re well-priced and, if I’m ever testing a new product that may irritate my skin a bit, I always return to CeraVe to help ‘balance out’ my skin.

Its Skin-Renewing Eye Cream ($17) is also an essential part of my routine on most days because I know it won’t let me down (especially on a delicate area like the under-eyes). What’s more, its Moisturizing Cream ($18) has garnered a whopping near-120,000 rave reviews on Amazon alone — a retailer best-seller — and a product that’s versatile for all-over-body use, working well on dry elbows and serving as a sensational body lotion.

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About the brand: Tatcha was founded by Vicky Tsai who, after traveling to Asia, was inspired by and studied Japanese ingredients and timeless rituals that helped transform her skin. Since, she teamed up with scientists and cultural advisors — leaving her corporate America job — to bring Japanese botanicals and a loving array of products to market.

Price range: $$$-$$$$

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, Japanese purple rice, green tea, more

Who it’s best for: Those who love Japanese-inspired skincare, are looking for some oil-free products and are infused with botanicals — much like the tea you drink — to help quench your skin barrier.

Pros:

• Contains dermatologist-studied actives with a unique cultural tie-in of Japanese-inspired skincare additives that help nourish the skin
• Boasts a well-varied product assortment

Cons:

• Its price point is higher than most skincare brands that also contain the same actives
• The brand currently doesn’t have a toner available

Tatcha differs from other skincare brands I’ve tried because it brings rich formulations to the table — all backed by a rich, cultural history. It’s always serotonin-boosting to know that the products you’re using were derived from one’s passion of bringing cultural, effective actives and skin-soothing formulations into the hands of consumers, too.

Products like the Violet-C Brightening Serum ($89) help to naturally brighten, soothe and nurture my skin, thanks to its 20% vitamin C count and 10% AHAs blend — the latter specially curated for drier skin types. Additionally, The Silky Peony Melting Eye Cream ($62) is a true-to-its-name under-eye healer that contains moisture-locking Japanese white peony. And, the top-rated Dewy Skin Cream ($72) is jam-packed with Japanese purple rice and hyaluronic acid, and is richer than most.

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About the brand: Versed is another TikTok-viral brand that, impressively, only carries skincare ingredients for less than $25. It prioritizes the consumer, allowing it to stand as the first skincare brand that’s co-created with users in mind. Additionally, it has a mission to be fully transparent, even allowing shoppers to visit its biannual reports, community board meetings and understand its environmentally impactful mission.

Price range: $-$$

Key ingredients: Sqalane, hyaluronic acid, green tea leaf extract, retinoid, salicylic acid, more

Who it’s best for: Those who either want to (1) begin their skincare journey, as Versed offers helpful explanations on its site for different skin types and ingredient usage and/or (2) snag affordable products that help reap the same benefits as more luxury grade options.

Pros:

• All products are less than $25 and transparently described on the Versed site
• Formulations were consciously created for a variety of skin types, with helpful tools to inform you on what products to use

Cons:

• Some brand products don’t contain a rich blend of actives, so may not be effective for more intense skin types (i.e. super oily, chronically dry)
• Products aren’t readily available outside its direct-to-consumer site

Versed impressed me upon first use, for sure. Though it’s not readily available at Sephora or Ulta Beauty, it’s a product that, once tried, you’ll be visiting its site on the regular. Take the brand’s Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream ($15), for example, which is subtly bouncy to the touch, doesn’t clog pores and helps draw in moisture. Its Smooth Landing Advanced Retinoid Eye Balm ($18) is a powerhouse to help fight crow’s feet, lift and firm.

One of my favorite products (not just of the brand, but in general) is the Baby Cheeks All-in-One Hydrating Milk ($18); it’s so versatile to use as a toner, to help remove makeup, to help cleanse or to touch up after a workout.

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About the brand: Mario Badescu, the namesake of the brand, is a chemist and pharmacist who owned a Vienna-based skin laboratory with a broad understanding of skin types, taking that knowledge to create his brand. Now with an in-house salon in NYC — one Martha Stewart and other celebs frequent — it focuses on blending organic fruits and vegetables to feed and nourish the skin.

Price range: $-$$

Key ingredients: Collagen, vitamin C, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, witch hazel

Who it’s best for: Those who want to expand their skincare reach beyond just the face, as its collection of body products is quite unmatched.

Pros:

• Its products are a wonderful value, given the amount of actives and nourishing, non-irritating ingredients they provide
• Its products appeal to a variety of different skin types, especially toward acne-prone skin — with a holistic skin-protecting focus

Cons:

• Some of its products have a difficult-to discern efficacy (i.e. facial mists), where they’re hydrating, though may not be the most obvious of choices for long-term skin health
• The brand currently doesn’t have a retinol-infused skincare product available

Once I stepped foot in Mario Badescu’s dreamy salon and had my very first facial, I became hooked on an assortment of its products, like the Seaweed Night Cream ($22) — which is my most-used cream pre-bedtime and the Vitamin A-D-E Neck Cream ($20) that I apply in an upwards-motion to do my part in the anti-aging department. Not to mention, most of my showers are not complete until I use the A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap ($8), which I still, to this day, can’t believe it’s less than $10.

Because the brand also has a to-the-nines spa, the brand is dedicated to collaborating with a team of estheticians and formulation experts to help educate and whip out effective, budget-friendly products. It’s an excellent brand to start at — wherever you’re at in your skincare journey.

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About the brand: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, as its name suggests, is dermatologist-founded and backed by a wealth of scientifically sound knowledge — made apparent with each product it launches. Its expertise and efficacy are at the forefront of its clinical-grade assortment, and is highly worth the investment.

Price range: $$-$$$

Key ingredients: AHAs, BHAs, glycolic acid, lactic acid, vitamin C, more

Who it’s best for: Those who want an advanced take on their skincare routine with clinically formulated ingredients with a efficacious blend of actives, with a keen focus on vitamin C.

Pros:

• Its products stem from clinical-grade research and ingredients, helping to target a variety of skin types and textures
• Its value is well-worth the price point, which can’t be said of more high-end skincare brands

Cons:

• The brand currently doesn’t have a niacinamide serum available
• The products tend to go out of stock fairly quickly than other brands tested, so it’s recommended to stock up

Dr. Dennis Gross is a dermatologist who I frequently call ‘the man, the myth, the legend.’ Once you try the brand, you’ll be hooked in every way, shape and form, especially after using its Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel ($39) that, as its name suggests, offers a nurturing gel consistency like no other.

Each day, I’ve been using the brand’s relatively new All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 ($42), which doesn’t leave that unwanted white cast, coming in handy for those with melanated skin, namely.

Not to mention, its Vitamin C Lactic Biocellulose Brightening Treatment Mask ($12) is an affordable option that feels like luxury on your face. Whether for girls’ night or your once-a-week R&R treatment, it’s impeccable.

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About the brand: Alpha-H has a mission of not just dishing out skincare products — but helping to build its resilience up to a healthy state. Each product is sustainably made on Australia’s Gold Coast, making it quite the “gold standard” in terms of offering “clinically sophisticated, results-driven, corrective skincare,” per the brand.

Price range: $$-$$$

Key ingredients: SPF, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, retinol, niacinamide, more

Who it’s best for: Those who are looking for vitamin-enriched skincare — especially serums — and hydrating additions (cleansing balms, eye creams and the like) to support their skincare routine.

Pros:

• The brand carefully mixes its active and non-active ingredients and, in turn, is ultra-transparent about how much of an ingredient is used in a given product
• Its products are clinically derived but also not harsh on sensitive skin types

Cons:

• The brand currently doesn’t have a toner available, though its Generation Glow Daily Resurfacing Essence ($75) is a close substitute.

Alpha-H is a standout in my skincare routine, especially if you’re tired of overpaying for serums that don’t work. There’s a basket of items I’ve tried, but the beauty lies in its impressively effective serums, like the Vitamin B Serum with 5% Niacinamide ($65) that comes out blue and blends into a beautifully rich hydrant on the skin, and the Hyaluronic 8 Super Serum ($72) that helps plump and protect the skin in the best way possible.

Just as hype-worthy is the brand’s Liquid Gold Firming Eye Cream ($82), which, dare I say is my latest favorite in the space? It layers on elegantly, never creases and is a product I’d bawl my eyes out if was ever discontinued.

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About the brand: Founded in 2013, Drunk Elephant has been acclaimed for a decade now, as its founder, Tiffany Masterson, focuses on skin behaviors instead of skin types, the latter being the norm of most brands. It has a list called the ‘Suspicious 6’ — ingredients to avoid — and continues to formulate based on consumer’s needs and conditions.

Price range: $$-$$$$

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, ceramides, glycolic acid, vitamin C, more

Who it’s best for: Those who are willing to splurge a bit on versatile formulas that, more or less, can be mixed together for an icing-like, hydrating effect on the skin (that the brand calls a “skincare smoothie”).

Pros:

• The products contain a beneficial blend of ceramides and peptides — in addition to actives like niacinamide and vitamin C — to help lock in more moisture and replenish the skin barrier
• The products look cute on your counter (we had to make this point known)

Cons:

• The price point is more of a splurge than most, especially with some products coming in smaller-sized containers
• The brand deems all of its products mixable, but you’ll want to check in with your dermatologist to see if that’s recommended for your particular skin type

Drunk Elephant is a brand I produced a full brand review on, simply because it’s mega-hyped (and worth the hype). Its assortment of white-bodied, neon-capped products is considered a luxury when housed in your bathroom and, though it has more of an expensive price point, its grand assortment is worth the splurge.

I recommend trying the B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum ($49), one of the brand’s more affordable options that’s tagged as a “cool drink of water for thirsty skin.” It’s quite thick and emollient, too, which I like. Similarly, the brand’s Lala Retro Whipped Cream ($62) is one of the best supports for your skin barrier, thanks to its inclusion of a fully stocked team of ceramides.

Oh, and if you want the ultimate feel-good shower experience, the Scrubbi Bamboes Body Cleanser ($24) is your ticket to skin that’s not as dry (aka, a life-saver for most).

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About the brand: Peter Thomas Roth began as a brand helping to field questions about acne, but then developed into formulating based on anti-aging interests as well. With focusing on preventing sun damage to top off its missions, the brand sets forth potent and effective ingredients — with advanced technologies in its in-house lab — to stay modern and up-to-date with the latest and continuing skincare concerns.

Price range: $$-$$$

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, SPF, glycolic acid, retinol, more

Who it’s best for: Those who want to spend their money on clinically derived skincare with more of a potent feel — especially for more advanced skincare users — with an anti-aging and sun-protecting focus.

Pros:

• The products are clinically formulated with a thoughtful mix of active ingredients
• The brand has an impressive repertoire of under-eye patches and masks (some of the best you’ll find)

Cons:

• The brand may not be ultra-effective on beginner skincare users, as most of its formulations lean on the more potent side

Peter Thomas Roth is a sophisticated brand with just as sophisticated products. The brand strives to be better and better with improved formulations — like its Potent-C Brightening Vitamin C Moisturizer ($72), that has the smoothest and most divine consistency ever — and irresistible results.

To help you ward off the sun’ harmful rays, its Max Vitamin D-Fense Sunscreen Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($42) is probably my favorite product from PTR (yes, I address the brand on a personal level). It has one of the most lightweight finishes I’ve ever seen in a facial SPF, and it’s super simple to stash in your beach bag. Though, you should be using facial SPF every day (but that’s another tangent).

One of its latest launches is the FIRMx Tight & Toned Cellulite Treatment ($49). Though I don’t have cellulite on my legs, it’s never too early to start preventing it, and it’s moisturizing, toning and non-sticky.

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About the brand: Ole Henriksen is a Danish-founded brand that, after learning how to transform his own skin, Ole Henriksen himself segued into Hollywood to share his results. As a pro in the cosmetic chemistry space, he then became the first celebrity facialist, moved on to partner with Sephora and the rest is history.

Price range: $$-$$$

Key ingredients: Vitamin C (of course), peptides, niacinamide, glycolic acid, aloe juice, more

Who it’s best for: Those who want a definitive morning and evening skincare routine, with an emphasis on purifying the skin and brightening it to the max.

Pros:

• The brand is the best on the market for brightening (and that’s quite the status)
• Its formulations are effective but with uniquely sourced ingredients to add a calming effect to the skin

Cons:

• The brand doesn’t have a wide selection of retinol-infused products, so it may not be the best for you if you’re looking for something more potent

In my opinion, Ole Henriksen is a leader in dividing the line between a.m. and p.m. skincare. I love its assortment of vitamin C-enriched, brightening products, like its gold-star-rated Banana Bright+ Eye Crème ($42) that, along with the rest of the Banana Bright line, is the best line-up to use sans makeup.

Naturally, the Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner ($35) is iconic at helping to also brighten — which is exceptional for a toner, BTW — and always seems to take off makeup well, even though that’s not its main job. Following suit, the Dewtopia 20% Acid Night Treatment ($86) has a texture akin to custard with a dreamy lemon sugar scent, while helping to resurface and brighten the skin.

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About the brand: Charlotte Tilbury is a renowned makeup artist — but her brand spans more than the coveted “Pillow Talk” line you’re familiar with. As an expert in her craft, she knows a good glam look starts at skincare, so she has created a lofty crate of skincare products since the ideation of her brand in 2013.

Price range: $$-$$$

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, peptides, retinol, niacinamide, more

Who it’s best for: Those who want an effortless glow and radiant feel to their skin, more so those who don’t have one singular skin concern they’d like to focus on.

Pros:

• The products help enrich the skin, thanks to velvety feel to its eye cream and moisturizer, specifically
• The products make a wonderful base before makeup application

Cons:

• This isn’t a skincare-first brand, so may not be the best for you if you’re seeking clinical-grade results for more niche skincare needs

Charlotte Tilbury is now a household name (and, a commercial name; have you seen her adorable pajama party ad on the TV?) Now, her venture into skincare is just as chit-chat-worthy, especially with her very own Charlotte’s Magic Cream ($100) that’s worth every penny, though it’s an investment. (Related: Charlotte Tilbury makeup review).

The brand’s Glow Toner ($55) isn’t like your other ones, either. Its pore-refining, niacinamide-infused blend is quite nurturing and doubles as a makeup remover. Plus, you can’t ignore the efficacy of Charlotte’s Magic Body Cream ($65), either; it’s one of the richest ones I’ve tried (but more about that here).

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About the brand: After years of experimenting with skincare products, Queen RiRi (that’s Rihanna, for short) decided to venture out with Fenty Beauty — the umbrella company that carries her shade-inclusive makeup line — and then took the skincare world by storm, first with a cleanser, toner and moisturizer, and then with other products following in line.

Price range: $$-$$$

Key ingredients: Barbados cherry, niacinamide, SPF, vitamin E, salicylic acid, more

Who it’s best for: Those who want to try a celebrity-backed brand backed by clinical ingredients, delicious-feeling consistency and a dollop of fruity undercurrents.

Pros:

• Products have a fruity undertone that, while fragrance is added, is still non-irritating on sensitive skin tones
• All products are cruelty free, noncomedogenic (won’t clog pores) and clad with refillable packaging

Cons:

• The brand currently doesn’t have a non-clay face mask available, though its Fenty Skin Instant Reset Brightening Overnight Recovery Gel-Cream with Niacinamide + Kalahari Melon Oil ($45) is a close substitute
• Some of the refillable packaging could have been a bit more well-made

Rihanna isn’t just goddess-to-the-nines and Super Bowl halftime superstar — she’s an entrepreneur with an effective skincare line everyone needs to try at least once.

Though my all-time favorite product is the Cookies N Clean Whipped Clay Pore Detox Face Mask with Salicylic Acid + Charcoal ($35) — more on that in my review, for more details — its other refillable-packaged items are worth the spend. The Fenty Skin Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream ($44) is just as indulgent, loaded with rich butters and deep hydration.

More, you’ll want to add the Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen with Niacinamide + Kalahari Melon ($39) to your cart — the pore-smoother and dark spot corrector that’s also a sun protectant, all in one.

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About the brand: Dr. Barbara Sturm puts the L in luxury — a German doctor, orthopedics specialist, aesthetics expert and anti-inflammatory pioneer in the skincare space. With medical training, she put her knowledge to her skincare business to mix her products with anti-inflammatory healing factors, much like orthopedic medicine.

Price range: $$$-$$$$

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, SPF, sugar biovector, purslane, more

Who it’s best for: Those who want to splurge on skincare, who may be suffering from inflammation and who want rich, easily absorbable products to join their morning and evening routines.

Pros:

• All products were formulated with a cutting-edge medical background with anti-inflammation in mind, one of the best-in-class developments you’ll find in skincare today

Cons:

• The price point is unjustifiable to some, though many of the brand’s products are offered in smaller size options for a fraction of the price

Dr. Barbara Sturm is a luxury skincare brand that, after years of testing luxury skincare, is the only one with products more than $100 I can justify. The brand’s Cleanser ($75) is the airy, foamy goodness everyone needs, while the Balancing Toner ($75) is seriously the best I’ve tried and impressively hydrating, given that it’s a toner — and one my mom steals.

Because niacinamide is so instrumental to the skin’s barrier and overall livelihood, Dr. Barbara Sturm offers The Better B Niacinamide Serum ($145) that helps reduce and refine the appearance of pores, protect against hyperpigmentation and supports the overall vitality of the skin.

Your 101 on Skincare

Ahead, Marina Peredo, MD, board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City and Dix Hills, New York and the owner of her practice, Skinfluence — who specializes in aesthetic dermatology with a primary focus on non-surgical rejuvenation and prejuvenation treatments — answered frequently asked questions on skincare. From there, we curated this info-packed guide.

Why is it important to use effective skincare products?

“It’s important to use great skincare products to keep your skin (the largest organ of your body) healthy, youthful and radiant,” Dr. Peredo tells The Post. “Having a good skincare routine promotes a healthy complexion, prevents acne and uneven pigmentation and can decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

All skincare products, explained by a dermatologist

Below, find the exact order of skincare products you should use, and more about them:

• Cleanser: Cleansers remove dirt, oil, makeup, impurities and dead skin cells from the skin. They help unclog pores and can prevent acne. 
• Toner: Toners removes impurities, makeup, dirt and excess oil that was leftover on the skin after you used your cleanser. Toner helps tighten pores and can improve the appearance of them as well. Toners are good to use for younger people with oily skin.
• Essence: Essence and toner have a lot in common. They’re liquid treatments that prep your skin for the rest of your routine. But while they may seem the same based on a first impression, there are key differences between the two. Essences tend to be more targeted to specific skin concerns and have more concentrated active ingredients. Typically, essences are meant to be splashed or pressed onto the skin with your hands, whereas toner should be applied with a cotton pad. 
• Serum: Serums are formulations that are highly concentrated with a potent mix of active ingredients. Different serums address different skin concerns. Some serums hydrate the skin, some provide anti-aging benefits and more. 
• Eye Cream: Eye creams help keep this area of the skin moisturized and plumps and firms the skin. They decrease the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. 
• Moisturizer: Moisturizers hydrate the skin by locking in moisture. They also protect the skin from irritants by acting as a protective barrier. 
• Sunscreen: Sunscreens protect the skin from harmful UV rays and from sunburn. Sunscreen absorbs and reflects UV rays. Using sunscreen daily lowers your risk of sun damage and skin cancer. 

What does a typical skincare routine look like?

Though everyone’s skin is different (and, skincare concerns may be different), Peredo outlines a typical, effective routine from her perspective.

“A typical skincare routine would start with a cleanser to clean and prep the face,” she begins. “Then you may use a toner or an essence (I personally do not use either of them). Then, apply serum or a moisturizing cream, if your skin is drier, to lock the moisture followed by sunscreen (a MUST!!!) during the day.”

At night, use the cleanser first, definitely; no need to use a toner or essence. Use serum then moisturizer, and then eye cream. 

The best ingredients to use for all skin types — explained by a dermatologist

You asked, we answered (well, our board-certified derm did). Take a look at all the ingredients to keep in mind for every skin type:

• Dry: Ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid or glycerin are great for dry skin because they are moisturizing and will hydrate the skin. (Related: Best products for dry skin we reviewed).
• Oily: Use ingredients such as salicylic acid or niacinamide to help control oil production and decrease breakouts. Retinol is also good to use, but it is important to start using it slowly at first to avoid irritation. (Related: Best products for oily skin).
• Normal: Those with normal skin should use ingredients such as lactic or hyaluronic acid to moisturize and give a healthy glow. 
• Combination: Hyaluronic acid is great for combination skin to moisturize, but it is also light so it won’t break you out. Salicylic acid is also good to control oil. 
• Acne-Prone: If have acne-prone skin, ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, sulfur and salicylic acid are important to prevent breakouts and control oil. Benzoyl peroxide helps remove acne-causing bacteria, excess oil and dead skin cells that clog pores. (Related: Best acne spot treatments).
• Mature: Mature skin should use ingredients such as retinol to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You should also incorporate niacinamide to help moisturize skin as mature skin can become dry. Creams and ointments are better for mature skin. (Related: Best mature skin foundations).
• Sensitive: Ceramides and niacinamide are good for sensitive skin because it will soothe and won’t cause irritation. Look for ingredients such as green tea that won’t irritate the skin. (Related: Best face washes for sensitive skin).

“It’s more important to use ingredients and skin care routines based on the age of the person, rather than skin type,” Peredo notes. Her approach to skincare? To simplify it, and to address the need based on each decade:

• 20s and 30s: It’s all about prevention, so a product with vitamin C or sunblock may be enough 
• 40s and 50s: Add retinol and peptides, per Peredo 
• 50s and above: Add growth factors and DNA repair enzymes to your skin care regimen.

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AziMD

Founded by board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD, AziMD is a new brand to put on your radar, having just launched in 2022. Shirazi specializes in cosmetic, surgical, and medical dermatology and decided to create her brand after 15 years of practice.

"I felt overwhelmed by the amount of skincare products along with skin misinformation," Shirazi shares. "More often than not, my patients were spending hundreds of dollars on what they believed to be the next 'miracle product,' but they lacked efficacy or were the wrong product for their skin type or concern. To make my life easier and their skin better, I needed to know exactly what they were putting on their skin to better manage and treat their skin concerns. In an effort to simplify their skincare regimen and achieve their skin goals, I developed 10 products for my practice designed to address the majority of skin concerns."

During the pandemic, Shirazi started creating educational content and became a recognizable figure on social media, further motivating her to get AziMD in the hands of those who were dealing with skin concerns while quarantined at home.

Shirazi isn't sure if she can pick just one hero product from her brand, but calls out two notable favorites being The One Spray ($32), which can treat multiple skin concerns ranging from flaky scalps to back acne, and Azelaic 10 Serum ($62), the "jack of all trades" serum formulated to fade discoloration, treat acne and rosacea, and gently exfoliate skin.

As for AziMD's mission, "Dermatology by design because your skin deserves couture," Shirazi tells us. "What works for your friend’s skin may not work for you. Know your skin type. Know your skin concerns to better design a skincare routine for you derived from nature and backed by science."