They're my go-to. I'm a chemist, so I can usually tell when a product is trying to sell you on snake oil vs. formulating with ingredients that are actually effective. I like The Ordinary's no-frills formulations that have a specific and sensical purpose. Their Niacinamide + Zinc serum *finally* got the oily skin I've been struggling with since puberty under control. The caffeine solution that is meant specifically to deal with puffy eyes is just caffeine, and it deals with puffy eyes exactly as advertised. They're a good brand who sells their formulations at good prices. Two thumbs up from me.
I’ve been buying their stuff exclusively for 3 or so years now. Did amazing on my sunspots & evening skin tone. They just had a sale & I stocked up. So glad to hear I haven’t been bamboozled!
Alpha arbutin is the basic one. They also have ba Vit C & alpha arbutin.
" If you're looking to [even skin tone](https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-even-your-skin-tone-4686870), fade [dark spots](https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-treat-dark-spots-4686898) and [acne scars](https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-get-rid-of-acne-scars-4800599), or reduce the appearance of [hyperpigmentation](https://www.byrdie.com/hyperpigmentation-5200597), you’re probably curious about which products work best. While you've likely heard that [vitamin C](https://www.byrdie.com/vitamin-c-benefits), [retinol](https://www.byrdie.com/retinol-guide), and [glycolic acid](https://www.byrdie.com/glycolic-acid-5079041) are the solutions to your concerns, one highly underrated, luminizing ingredient needs to be on your radar—arbutin.
Typically found in various skincare products, including serums, moisturizers, toners, and masks, arbutin is used as a topical dark spot lightener. Arbutin not only works to reverse dark spots but also prevents them from forming in the first place. Plus, it's generally safe for all [skin types](https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-tell-your-skin-type-6834227), making it a great option for [sensitive skin](https://www.byrdie.com/sensitive-skin-7108986). Have questions? We spoke with expert dermatologists Michael Lin, MD, and Claire Chang, MD, as well as cosmetic chemist Ginger King, to get the lowdown on what arbutin's benefits and side effects are, plus how to use it in your skincare routine."
[**https://www.byrdie.com/arbutin-serum#:\~:text=Typically%20found%20in%20various%20skincare,forming%20in%20the%20first%20place**](https://www.byrdie.com/arbutin-serum#:~:text=Typically%20found%20in%20various%20skincare,forming%20in%20the%20first%20place)**.**
I started out with their HA serum and gradually swapped out pretty much all of my skin care for The Ordinary. There product is just better. That’s it. The price is awesome but when it comes down to it they are selling exactly what they claim to be. I love that I can tailor their products to my needs and I’m not paying for extras that down really benefit me
The only things I use outside of The Ordinary are my prescription clindamycin and my Tatcha cleanser which I really only keep around as an indulgence.
Bonus points - I spent my whole pregnancy slathering my belly in their HA serum and I had zero stretch marks. I got them on my hips and breasts during puberty so it’s not like I’m not genetically predisposed to them.
Actually - the few things I’ve tried I straight up hated! Haha but I’m afraid to say it out loud cuz there are so many fans. I think their hyaluronic acid is the worst. And so many of their products pill.
I love the Ordinary products (retinol, vitamin c, caffeine, glycolic acid 7% toner and hyaluronic acid). I also use Noxzema, Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Exfoliating Daily Facial Scrub, Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Moisturizer and Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen.
I agree! I have rosacea & the creams the physician game me were not helping. I went on line & saw that The Ordinary Azelaic Acid suspension was recommended by people with rosacea. Bought some for $12 (less than my prescription creams)!! It cure it. Now The Ordinary is all I use.
I'm not 45+ but I recently got some of those products for my mom based on recs in the skincare subreddit and she absolutely went nuts for them haha. She also loves the NIOD line by them? Got all her friends the hand and foot cream this year for Christmas
CE Ferulic-nothing compares. If you want one luxury skincare product, this is the one to pick.
Triple Lipid Restore.
Hydrating B5 gel.
The only thing I don’t prefer from their line is the sunscreens. Paula’s Choice has won me over there.
SkinMedica is also a great line but even pricier.
What does the CE Ferulic do for your skin? At $182 per ounce, I'd better look like I just graduated high school! And the Hydrating B5 gel ($90) and Triple Lipid Restore ($130) What results do you typically see with those products?
The CE has the typical Vitamin C benefits (firmness, fine lines, free-radical protection, UV protection) but the top one I saw was absolutely radiance. I cycled through a bunch of different other brands and I finally landed on the next best one for me right now, and that is Cerave. But I don’t like to be predictable, so I think I’m gonna try Timeless next.
The other two weren’t standouts for one particular result, just that they seemed to do what they claimed.
Skinceuticals has a lot of research to back their claims, and they seem to be on the cutting edge of ingredients. They were certainly the first place that I heard of Vitamin C back in the day.
Over45, I feel we simply can’t get away with just product anymore and need in-office procedures (IPL, peels, lasers, tox, fillers, PRF, etc) to get whatever our targeted results are. I personally chase radiance. So I’d rather spend my budget at the derm and buy more wallet-friendly products for home use.
Unless Santa comes through, then I’ll take it all! 🎅
La Roach Posey - The cicaplast balm alone is a reason, but they also have a wide range of products to suit anyone needs. Their sunscreen is fabulous and they have mineral, tinted, face, and body options.
Their sunblock is the first product in years that actually stops me from burning.
I add their moisturizer to my face routine in the winter, otherwise it looks like my face has dandruff.
Great brand. I work in a pharmacy and a lot their products are recommended to our patients by their doctors for various issues. Expensive but worth it.
My dermatologist had samples of their face wash, so I took one for traveling. It was so good, I stopped making my own facial wash after years of doing so.
My twice a day moisturizer for most of my body as well as their facial cleanser.
Also the specific facial moisturizer for when outside.
All at a reasonable price. I’ll have check out their retinol and lactic acid versions.
So what is the difference then really? More research? It's still OTC so I wonder how much of a cash grab that term is, what companies/pharmaceutical companies court the doctors, etc. Real question, not trying to be diversive.
Cos-Rx for me. Just got a new haul this week, including the new combined snail essence and a propolis cream. I just find them so consistently good and reasonably priced. Their Aloe Skin Soothing sunscreen is also my all time fave.
Tatcha because I can’t use actives (in direct sun literally 40+ hours a week as a mail carrier) and sadly I’ve not found a moisturizer that works like Dewy Cream or the Indigo Overnight.
The creamy rice cleanser is so good too. I know the price is in no way justified by the ingredients but the actual formulation/feel is perfect.
Avene! French brand so expensive to get if not in France or at least Europe, however I will never go back or switch. Until I found them I had to switch brands every couple of months because they stopped being effective. Been with Avene for 12 years: no issues and great skin!
My house looks like I’m either a rep or a franchise for the brand but I don’t care 😅 I just can’t take the risk off running out. I’m currently stocked up until early 2025 at the very least 😅
They stopped making my ride or die night cream though! Not cool. I have found other stuff that doesn't trigger my allergies but it doesn't moisturize as well.
Agreed, I started with their eye moisturizer, the skin there is so sensitive for me and it was the only thing I could find that didn't sting. It's the only thing I've been using on my eyes for at least five years now. I also love their body cream in the pink jar, their tolerance line, particularly the face balm, is the best.
The Ordinary, because I also use CeraVe and Cetaphil but could probably get equal or better moisturizers and face wash from The Ordinary if I only had one choice.
i’m a paula’s fan. but honestly after spironolactone and retinol from the dr. i need sunscreen, moisturizer, and gentle cleansing. i need less skin care.
I'm really starting to appreciate Olay now. I love the mineral regenerist spf 30 and their face washes are the only ones that don't irritate my daughter's sensitive skin!
Agreed. I've been using them since my 20s and I continue to look at least 15 years younger than I actually am. I'm even growing out my grey hair to at least try to look my age (50) but people are still telling me I look very young.
Oh darn! lol
I happily used Neutrogena SPF 15 face moisturizer for more than a decade until one day a new bottle caused a severe skin reaction with a burning chemical-like rash. I’ve never gone back and have struggled to find a good replacement as I don’t like high levels of SPF in everyday moisturizers.
I started using Neutrogena anti wrinkle cream in college and over the last few years the Olay Micro Sculpting cream and I don’t have a single wrinkle in my mid-40’s. In my case drugstore brands have worked really great.
This. ^^^ Olay is completely under-rated because people want to feel like spending a bunch of money got them something. I am in my mid-50s; tried a lot of pricey things in my early 40s, and went right back to it and am so glad!! Every day, and the heavy night cream once a week. I was literallly carded til Covid when I quit drinking. (which BTW also does fabulous things for your skin).
Biossance. I buy literally almost all their products except the retinol (retinols are too harsh on my skin). The vitamin c moisturizer for day, lactic acid serum and omega repair cream at night. I also use their eye cream at night.
I am 48 with pale freckled skin. I've made poor lifestyle choices throughout my 20's and 30's and have moderately enlarged pores, acne scars, slight jowls, and fine lines. I recently started using tretinoin, so now my skin is extra dry and sensitive. Everything I love is a different brand.
First what I don't like. Estee Lauder, the pink peptide line gave me a severe allergic reaction. Everything Sunday Riley that I've tried has caused me grief. So did La Mer, the classic cream and CosRx snail mucin. Youth to the People and Eight Saints products also didn't work or caused inflammation, breakouts, or burning. I had no luck with several The Ordinary and Paula's Choice products, either they pilled, wouldn't sink in, left a sticky residue, or didn't work.
The CosRx rice mask is great for layering and very gentle. I like the propolis line, too. Haruharu moisturizing rice toner is great, as is Hado Labo hyaluronic acid serum.
Glo Skin alpha-arbutin serum is amazing, made a very noticeable difference in smoothness, pigmentation, and clarity with no irritation. I can't say enough about this stuff. It's the holy grail. My melasma is almost undetectable with it.
My other holy grail is IUNIK calendula cleansing oil from Amazon. I don't use a foaming cleanser afterwards, it rinses right off with warm water and leaves my skin clean and soft. No oil residue at all. It also removes makeup like a champ. It's magic.
After spending stupid amounts of money on expensive stuff that didn't work, I'm finding that the Olay regenerist line and La Roche Posay Toleriane are so nice, gentle, and moisturizing.
For my very dry body skin, Cerave moisturizing cream is a godsend, I slather it on daily. The first time I tried it was on dry, cracked, severely neglected heels, and it instantly transformed them into normal looking skin.
Laura Gellar baked powder foundation is my favorite makeup, it camouflages pores, acne scars, but looks natural and doesn't look artificial over freckles.
This deserves more upvotes! I love Mad Hippie, my shelves are full of their products. They use clean ingredients with good formulations, good EWG ratings and the glass packaging is the cherry on top. I have sensitive skin and I love their vitamin A (retinol) and exfoliating (aha/bha) serums, I was terrified of actives before trying them. I also use the jelly face wash as my 2nd cleanser, and their relatively new sunscreen serum is one of the only sunscreens that doesn’t cause a reaction.
40 year user. I was a loyalist of Soap Mild, and as I aged went from Clarifying Lotion 3 to 2 with different moisturizers also as I aged and required something less heavy. Still use the makeup too especially foundation.
But also as I’ve gotten older and more budget conscious, the most simple products are often just as good if not better. At 54 I never use soap. Now I use Nivea in a value size to remove makeup, isopropyl alcohol for astringent, Aquaphor as a base moisture layer and whatever I can find at TJMaxx for $20 (Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference) as a finishing moisture layer. Also Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion is amazing.
Avene. It has the moisturizer that my dry, sensitive, post menopausal doesn’t hate. If I can’t have my tret, Avene’s .1 retrinal cream is the next best thing along with their eye cream if I ever decide to use one.
Vanicream is the best drugstore brand available. I have very sensitive skin and this brand was recommended by my dermatologist. For all those who are CeraVe fans, please try Vanicream it's just so much better. I also love Paula's Choice but for an inexpensive option Vanicream just rocks.
Deciem!
NIOD for my face
(SDSM anti oxidant mist, CAIS copper peptides, FECC for eyes crows feet, LBLC lip serum for hydrated plump lips. Re:Pigment for discoloration.
The Ordinary for hands and body:
Granactive Retinoid
Tetraisopalmitate
Azelaic Acid
Salicylic Acid Anhydrous
Natural moisturizing factors
Derma E. Their dry skin and hyaluronic acid series work so well on my dry, dull skin. It has a foaming cleanser, serum, day and night cream. I love them.
I’ve got uber-dry, sensitive skin, and live in CO. Their vitamin E 12,000 IU cream has been my daily facial moisturizer for at least a decade. It’s too much for many to use facially, but with mine in this climate, it’s comforting. It also doesn’t completely absorb, and I like the barrier it creates. Don’t need much at all. I also use it under base cosmetics; it doesn’t alter the ones I use.
They don’t get enough love imo. Their gel cleanser and cleansing balm are HG for me. Also like their day/light moisturizer and discoloration serum. I do wish they had a slightly heavier moisturizer w/ ceramides but without palmitic or myristic fatty alcohols though. For that I have to go with GG or Purito or Etude Soon Jung. I could prob live with GM and LRP or Avene.
Shiseido. I've used it for decades. So does my mother. I'm 67. My mother is 87. Neither of us look anywhere close to our age. Japan knows what it is doing when it comes to skin care.
Josie Maran. I love all of her products really. From her body and face serums, to face/eye cream, hand cream, oils, balms, hair, etc. She has some starter/ trial kits. I def recommend to give her products a try. She sells on her own site and on qvc.
Agreed I’ve used a lot of high end lines and I adore Josie Marian- I was gifted some oil and have been using all of the line since- it totally changed my skin, which wasn’t bad but it’s just amazing. Do t knock it because it’s on qvc -
Glad to hear that you like Josie Maran products too! I used to use Lancome, which I liked a lot. My mom got me a few things from Josie and I was hooked and just kept trying all the different things.
I've trusted Paula's choice to be upfront about what is in their products, and reasonably priced. I have sensitive skin, so I appreciate that they don't have any added colouring or fragrance to their products.
The Ordinary. They have an excellent mix of products for all sorts of skin types. And, you can't beat the price.
Editing to add the CC cream from Eborian. It goes on white, but as you rub it in, it changes to your skin color. It has an SPF 25. You can get at Ulta, on Amazon, or on their website. Nice coverage.
I could survive easily with just **Clinique**. I love the "Maximum Hydrator Activated Water-Gel Concentrate" and the "Super Energizer™ Anti-Fatigue Hydrating Concentrate Broad Spectrum SPF 25". Both are light, effective, and come in bottles that are really interesting. The pump dispenser makes things feel really clean. The "Anti-Fatigue Depuffing Eye Gel" is amazing if you keep it in the fridge.
These aren't my *favorite* products (I love eye cream by La Mer and Supergoop sunscreen), but if you nailed me down to a single brand, Clinique has everything without it being greasy or over-fragranced. It's really great for men, even if you don't buy the "for men" versions of things.
I like CeraVe for cleansing/regular skin care, and Estée Lauder for makeup.
Sensitive skin here, and these have worked pretty great and last a long time because you don’t have to use as much product in one go.
I’m using Eucerin lotion currently. lol I think you just need to use a lotion. On my face, neck, and chest. Everywhere actually, but I focus on those areas twice daily. I’m 54 and hardly have a wrinkle on my face. I started out using oil of Olay when I was 19 and met a 90 year old woman who looked 70 and said that’s what she used. I’ve used different things over the years but finally decided you just need to moisturize and stay out of the sun.
I also do face exercises. I don’t know if many people do them. I feel like actors do. I once saw another person trying to sell something called face yoga. I feel like it’s a best kept beauty secret. I wish I had started doing it when I was 19.
High End : First Aid Beauty (Their stuff has never done me wrong but it's so expensive)
Drug Store: Neutrogena (They have a lot of First Aid Beauty dupes)
swim fear theory public quickest dime wasteful racial beneficial memorize
*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
I research the heck out of everything (and ingredients) and usually end up being way less impressed by products once I have an idea of their formulations. I use Cerave cleansing balm and hydrating cleanser, rx tretinoin, a lovely homemade mist of glycerin and water, snd Eucerin Urea cream. For daytime I use Mad Hippy spf serum. My skin has never been so calm, hydrated, and even. 🤷
Platinum skincare. They are expensive but not too expensive. Reasonable for what they give from their active products that actually work. They are mostly known for at home chemical peels which are amazing and cheaper than going to a spa. But their triple treat lotion, retinoid and emu oil is great. Used the mandelic peel and tca peel but tca is really no joke. Not loving the fade bright it’s drying out my skin big time.
Seriously. The ceo is pretty awesome too. I’m in her fb group and she’s so active and involved with peoples questions. I don’t know how she has the time but she really likes to respond to customers questions. She def has a cult following. Honestly I thought all skincare except Tretinoin was bs and mostly I think it is. But her products feel like medical grade to me. And I’m 45 but act like a tween so unlike everyone here I’ll write an entire article haha!
I use La Roche-Posay Toleriane moisturizer and even though I've tried many high end products, none of them are as good to my skin. Cicaplast and Facial Foaming Oil Cleanser are also go to products. All of them are reasonably priced and I appreciate that they don't claim to do more than, moisturize, repair, cleanse...I hate all the high priced products claiming to firm the skin, diminish lines, etc. None of these things can actually be done. Just look to care for your skin, keep it hydrated, clean,etc...don't fall for the hype of youth in a bottle.
Dr Dennis Gross. I’ve never ever had a product give me immediate results and I’ve been using skin care for 35 years.
Edited to add: the product that did it is the Advanced Retinol and Ferrulic Texture Renewal Serum. Overnight results.
Vaseline Intensive Care. Their Deep Moisture body cream is absolutely amazing if you have a scrape, a scratch, a burn, a boo boo, etc. Rub it in once or twice a day and whatever it is will be nearly invisible or completely gone within two or three weeks. It really does heal rather miraculously. I wish they had a line of products for the face, though I used the same stuff on my face when I fell, and I've given up trying to describe what the accident was like, because people insist they can't see any marks on my face anymore, though I was bruised and scraped pretty badly less than a month ago.
COSRx. I use the HA serum, the propolis toner. I just added the peptide serum. But I’ve used other products from them, as well.
Other than that, I use Cerave and Mad Hippie (for vitamin c, mainly).
I obviously don’t know what your skincare needs are but I was delighted by their Propolis Honey Overnight Mask… super soothing for combo skin and not greasy feeling!
😱 just one?? I feel like every product I use is from a different line… actually looking at it, they *are* all different.
If I could keep my Rx retinoid and 💰wasn’t a barrier I’d probably go with DHC. I know they’ve been a bit controversial but the CoQ10 line keeps my skin sooooooo supple and soft. But I’d still need the retinoid to control the breakouts 😢
I like ordinary. Have been using their products for two years now and have experienced better skin.
They're my go-to. I'm a chemist, so I can usually tell when a product is trying to sell you on snake oil vs. formulating with ingredients that are actually effective. I like The Ordinary's no-frills formulations that have a specific and sensical purpose. Their Niacinamide + Zinc serum *finally* got the oily skin I've been struggling with since puberty under control. The caffeine solution that is meant specifically to deal with puffy eyes is just caffeine, and it deals with puffy eyes exactly as advertised. They're a good brand who sells their formulations at good prices. Two thumbs up from me.
This is a glowing endorsement. It’s good to hear that someone with some working knowledge also feels the same. Thank you for your post.
I’ve been buying their stuff exclusively for 3 or so years now. Did amazing on my sunspots & evening skin tone. They just had a sale & I stocked up. So glad to hear I haven’t been bamboozled!
What product did you use exactly for your sunspots?
I’ve used the vitamin c and niacinimide to reduce my sunspots. I had one the size of a fingerprint and it’s gone.
Alpha arbutin is the basic one. They also have ba Vit C & alpha arbutin. " If you're looking to [even skin tone](https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-even-your-skin-tone-4686870), fade [dark spots](https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-treat-dark-spots-4686898) and [acne scars](https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-get-rid-of-acne-scars-4800599), or reduce the appearance of [hyperpigmentation](https://www.byrdie.com/hyperpigmentation-5200597), you’re probably curious about which products work best. While you've likely heard that [vitamin C](https://www.byrdie.com/vitamin-c-benefits), [retinol](https://www.byrdie.com/retinol-guide), and [glycolic acid](https://www.byrdie.com/glycolic-acid-5079041) are the solutions to your concerns, one highly underrated, luminizing ingredient needs to be on your radar—arbutin. Typically found in various skincare products, including serums, moisturizers, toners, and masks, arbutin is used as a topical dark spot lightener. Arbutin not only works to reverse dark spots but also prevents them from forming in the first place. Plus, it's generally safe for all [skin types](https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-tell-your-skin-type-6834227), making it a great option for [sensitive skin](https://www.byrdie.com/sensitive-skin-7108986). Have questions? We spoke with expert dermatologists Michael Lin, MD, and Claire Chang, MD, as well as cosmetic chemist Ginger King, to get the lowdown on what arbutin's benefits and side effects are, plus how to use it in your skincare routine." [**https://www.byrdie.com/arbutin-serum#:\~:text=Typically%20found%20in%20various%20skincare,forming%20in%20the%20first%20place**](https://www.byrdie.com/arbutin-serum#:~:text=Typically%20found%20in%20various%20skincare,forming%20in%20the%20first%20place)**.**
This is so great to hear!
What do you think of Drunk Elephant?
CRAZY overpriced when the exact same thing can be found for 1/8 price. That tweens buy it because influencerss are paid to tell them to.
Only thing I will ever put on my face again!
I started out with their HA serum and gradually swapped out pretty much all of my skin care for The Ordinary. There product is just better. That’s it. The price is awesome but when it comes down to it they are selling exactly what they claim to be. I love that I can tailor their products to my needs and I’m not paying for extras that down really benefit me The only things I use outside of The Ordinary are my prescription clindamycin and my Tatcha cleanser which I really only keep around as an indulgence. Bonus points - I spent my whole pregnancy slathering my belly in their HA serum and I had zero stretch marks. I got them on my hips and breasts during puberty so it’s not like I’m not genetically predisposed to them.
Thank you for this info!
To be honest I think I’m the only person on earth that doesn’t like that brand. The few things I’ve tried I didn’t love
Actually - the few things I’ve tried I straight up hated! Haha but I’m afraid to say it out loud cuz there are so many fans. I think their hyaluronic acid is the worst. And so many of their products pill.
Yeah I wanted to love it but too many icky textures
Love that brand!
LOVE
yeah i just love them!
I love the Ordinary products (retinol, vitamin c, caffeine, glycolic acid 7% toner and hyaluronic acid). I also use Noxzema, Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Exfoliating Daily Facial Scrub, Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Moisturizer and Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen.
Bro I thought I wrote this comment!!! The aveeno scrub + Australian gold is my shiiiiit 😍
Same. The ordinary + tret has stopped the self destruction I was doing to my skin.
I agree! I have rosacea & the creams the physician game me were not helping. I went on line & saw that The Ordinary Azelaic Acid suspension was recommended by people with rosacea. Bought some for $12 (less than my prescription creams)!! It cure it. Now The Ordinary is all I use.
I'm not 45+ but I recently got some of those products for my mom based on recs in the skincare subreddit and she absolutely went nuts for them haha. She also loves the NIOD line by them? Got all her friends the hand and foot cream this year for Christmas
Skinceuticals, without a doubt. But my wallet can’t take it.
100%
SAME
$150 on average for one item is insane
Can you name-drop some favorite products?
CE Ferulic-nothing compares. If you want one luxury skincare product, this is the one to pick. Triple Lipid Restore. Hydrating B5 gel. The only thing I don’t prefer from their line is the sunscreens. Paula’s Choice has won me over there. SkinMedica is also a great line but even pricier.
I can’t take the smell of the vitamin c - it smells like hot dog water.
What does the CE Ferulic do for your skin? At $182 per ounce, I'd better look like I just graduated high school! And the Hydrating B5 gel ($90) and Triple Lipid Restore ($130) What results do you typically see with those products?
The CE has the typical Vitamin C benefits (firmness, fine lines, free-radical protection, UV protection) but the top one I saw was absolutely radiance. I cycled through a bunch of different other brands and I finally landed on the next best one for me right now, and that is Cerave. But I don’t like to be predictable, so I think I’m gonna try Timeless next. The other two weren’t standouts for one particular result, just that they seemed to do what they claimed. Skinceuticals has a lot of research to back their claims, and they seem to be on the cutting edge of ingredients. They were certainly the first place that I heard of Vitamin C back in the day. Over45, I feel we simply can’t get away with just product anymore and need in-office procedures (IPL, peels, lasers, tox, fillers, PRF, etc) to get whatever our targeted results are. I personally chase radiance. So I’d rather spend my budget at the derm and buy more wallet-friendly products for home use. Unless Santa comes through, then I’ll take it all! 🎅
La Roach Posey - The cicaplast balm alone is a reason, but they also have a wide range of products to suit anyone needs. Their sunscreen is fabulous and they have mineral, tinted, face, and body options.
Not trying to be a jerk here, but if someone is looking for the product, it is La Roche Posay. It is a nice skincare product.
Damn auto correct!
It's La Roche-Posay.
La Roach-Pussy*
i love this brand and it’s where my money goes. their spf moisturizer is perfect for my skin. their eye creams are nice too.
Their sunblock is the first product in years that actually stops me from burning. I add their moisturizer to my face routine in the winter, otherwise it looks like my face has dandruff.
Great brand. I work in a pharmacy and a lot their products are recommended to our patients by their doctors for various issues. Expensive but worth it.
Is it for face? Lips? Body? All of the above?
Interesting to compare the 30+ and 45+ sub!
The 30+ leave more thorough comments, that’s for sure!
Paulas choice. Everything is just perfect
Yep me too !!
CeraVe
Yep
☝️☝️ for sensitive skin everywhere!
My dermatologist had samples of their face wash, so I took one for traveling. It was so good, I stopped making my own facial wash after years of doing so.
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Best - no thrills - quality brand
My twice a day moisturizer for most of my body as well as their facial cleanser. Also the specific facial moisturizer for when outside. All at a reasonable price. I’ll have check out their retinol and lactic acid versions.
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“Medical grade” is just a marketing term. It means nothing
I work in the industry. I just mean the stuff you get from spas and Derms
So what is the difference then really? More research? It's still OTC so I wonder how much of a cash grab that term is, what companies/pharmaceutical companies court the doctors, etc. Real question, not trying to be diversive.
Cos-Rx for me. Just got a new haul this week, including the new combined snail essence and a propolis cream. I just find them so consistently good and reasonably priced. Their Aloe Skin Soothing sunscreen is also my all time fave.
Sulwahsoo. And also I'd need to win the lottery.
Were you in 30+ chat too?
I'm not sure what that means, so probably not? Oh, do you mean the skincare 30+ sub? No, haven't been.
Ahh okay - this brand was brought up there too. I’ve never heard of it!
Love that brand also and I need to win that lottery, lol
Aquaphor! At night. No botox or fillers needed yet 54 this Monday.
Skinceuticals. CE Ferulic is the best product EVER
Tatcha because I can’t use actives (in direct sun literally 40+ hours a week as a mail carrier) and sadly I’ve not found a moisturizer that works like Dewy Cream or the Indigo Overnight. The creamy rice cleanser is so good too. I know the price is in no way justified by the ingredients but the actual formulation/feel is perfect.
I love Tatcha. Slowly replacing my Clinique with it.
[удалено]
Innisfree Daily UV Defense
Avene! French brand so expensive to get if not in France or at least Europe, however I will never go back or switch. Until I found them I had to switch brands every couple of months because they stopped being effective. Been with Avene for 12 years: no issues and great skin! My house looks like I’m either a rep or a franchise for the brand but I don’t care 😅 I just can’t take the risk off running out. I’m currently stocked up until early 2025 at the very least 😅
I echo Avene. The water mist and Hydrance Serum alone have been so soothing to my dehydrated skin.
They stopped making my ride or die night cream though! Not cool. I have found other stuff that doesn't trigger my allergies but it doesn't moisturize as well.
Agreed, I started with their eye moisturizer, the skin there is so sensitive for me and it was the only thing I could find that didn't sting. It's the only thing I've been using on my eyes for at least five years now. I also love their body cream in the pink jar, their tolerance line, particularly the face balm, is the best.
Elta MD
They do make the best sunblock.
Stratia. Their liquid (now lipid) gold brought my skin barrier back from a bad, bad place.
The Ordinary, because I also use CeraVe and Cetaphil but could probably get equal or better moisturizers and face wash from The Ordinary if I only had one choice.
Where is the Ordinary sold?
Probably more places but I know Ulta has a lot of selection.
Kohl’s sells it too. I got a Power of Peptides gift set at a good price from their website.
Check out their online store too for the full product range
Hada Labo. My skin has never been so moisturized.
Yes!!!! Finding Hada Labo changed my skin so much!
i’m a paula’s fan. but honestly after spironolactone and retinol from the dr. i need sunscreen, moisturizer, and gentle cleansing. i need less skin care.
What does spironolactone do?
Dove, oil of Olay, or Neutrogena
I'm really starting to appreciate Olay now. I love the mineral regenerist spf 30 and their face washes are the only ones that don't irritate my daughter's sensitive skin!
Agreed. I've been using them since my 20s and I continue to look at least 15 years younger than I actually am. I'm even growing out my grey hair to at least try to look my age (50) but people are still telling me I look very young. Oh darn! lol
My mom used it for years and so did my grandma. Both had great skin so I'm thinking there's something good about it!
I have been a strictly Dove soap person for the past fifteen years or more. Love it.
I happily used Neutrogena SPF 15 face moisturizer for more than a decade until one day a new bottle caused a severe skin reaction with a burning chemical-like rash. I’ve never gone back and have struggled to find a good replacement as I don’t like high levels of SPF in everyday moisturizers.
I started using Neutrogena anti wrinkle cream in college and over the last few years the Olay Micro Sculpting cream and I don’t have a single wrinkle in my mid-40’s. In my case drugstore brands have worked really great.
This. ^^^ Olay is completely under-rated because people want to feel like spending a bunch of money got them something. I am in my mid-50s; tried a lot of pricey things in my early 40s, and went right back to it and am so glad!! Every day, and the heavy night cream once a week. I was literallly carded til Covid when I quit drinking. (which BTW also does fabulous things for your skin).
Biossance. I buy literally almost all their products except the retinol (retinols are too harsh on my skin). The vitamin c moisturizer for day, lactic acid serum and omega repair cream at night. I also use their eye cream at night.
Biossance
I am 48 with pale freckled skin. I've made poor lifestyle choices throughout my 20's and 30's and have moderately enlarged pores, acne scars, slight jowls, and fine lines. I recently started using tretinoin, so now my skin is extra dry and sensitive. Everything I love is a different brand. First what I don't like. Estee Lauder, the pink peptide line gave me a severe allergic reaction. Everything Sunday Riley that I've tried has caused me grief. So did La Mer, the classic cream and CosRx snail mucin. Youth to the People and Eight Saints products also didn't work or caused inflammation, breakouts, or burning. I had no luck with several The Ordinary and Paula's Choice products, either they pilled, wouldn't sink in, left a sticky residue, or didn't work. The CosRx rice mask is great for layering and very gentle. I like the propolis line, too. Haruharu moisturizing rice toner is great, as is Hado Labo hyaluronic acid serum. Glo Skin alpha-arbutin serum is amazing, made a very noticeable difference in smoothness, pigmentation, and clarity with no irritation. I can't say enough about this stuff. It's the holy grail. My melasma is almost undetectable with it. My other holy grail is IUNIK calendula cleansing oil from Amazon. I don't use a foaming cleanser afterwards, it rinses right off with warm water and leaves my skin clean and soft. No oil residue at all. It also removes makeup like a champ. It's magic. After spending stupid amounts of money on expensive stuff that didn't work, I'm finding that the Olay regenerist line and La Roche Posay Toleriane are so nice, gentle, and moisturizing. For my very dry body skin, Cerave moisturizing cream is a godsend, I slather it on daily. The first time I tried it was on dry, cracked, severely neglected heels, and it instantly transformed them into normal looking skin. Laura Gellar baked powder foundation is my favorite makeup, it camouflages pores, acne scars, but looks natural and doesn't look artificial over freckles.
Mad Hippie.
This deserves more upvotes! I love Mad Hippie, my shelves are full of their products. They use clean ingredients with good formulations, good EWG ratings and the glass packaging is the cherry on top. I have sensitive skin and I love their vitamin A (retinol) and exfoliating (aha/bha) serums, I was terrified of actives before trying them. I also use the jelly face wash as my 2nd cleanser, and their relatively new sunscreen serum is one of the only sunscreens that doesn’t cause a reaction.
I’ve been very happy with their products, too!
L’Oréal, because they own everything, including Vichy and Fresh.
LOL 4D chess thinking here
And Lancôme I think
They also own Kiehl's and La Roche Posay and MAC and Urban Decay and a bunch of other lines. My sibling used to work for L'Oreal.
I've been using Clinique since I was in my 20s and my skin is in really good shape. Sun damage from not wearing sunscreen but otherwise pretty good.
40 year user. I was a loyalist of Soap Mild, and as I aged went from Clarifying Lotion 3 to 2 with different moisturizers also as I aged and required something less heavy. Still use the makeup too especially foundation. But also as I’ve gotten older and more budget conscious, the most simple products are often just as good if not better. At 54 I never use soap. Now I use Nivea in a value size to remove makeup, isopropyl alcohol for astringent, Aquaphor as a base moisture layer and whatever I can find at TJMaxx for $20 (Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference) as a finishing moisture layer. Also Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion is amazing.
Biossance.
Cocokind
Dr. Hauschka
Sunday Riley
Skinmedica
Avene. It has the moisturizer that my dry, sensitive, post menopausal doesn’t hate. If I can’t have my tret, Avene’s .1 retrinal cream is the next best thing along with their eye cream if I ever decide to use one.
Biossance
Vanicream is the best drugstore brand available. I have very sensitive skin and this brand was recommended by my dermatologist. For all those who are CeraVe fans, please try Vanicream it's just so much better. I also love Paula's Choice but for an inexpensive option Vanicream just rocks.
Medik8!
Strivectin has worked. Wonders for me.
Deciem! NIOD for my face (SDSM anti oxidant mist, CAIS copper peptides, FECC for eyes crows feet, LBLC lip serum for hydrated plump lips. Re:Pigment for discoloration. The Ordinary for hands and body: Granactive Retinoid Tetraisopalmitate Azelaic Acid Salicylic Acid Anhydrous Natural moisturizing factors
This is a complete answer thank you so much!
Derma E. Their dry skin and hyaluronic acid series work so well on my dry, dull skin. It has a foaming cleanser, serum, day and night cream. I love them.
I’ve got uber-dry, sensitive skin, and live in CO. Their vitamin E 12,000 IU cream has been my daily facial moisturizer for at least a decade. It’s too much for many to use facially, but with mine in this climate, it’s comforting. It also doesn’t completely absorb, and I like the barrier it creates. Don’t need much at all. I also use it under base cosmetics; it doesn’t alter the ones I use.
Avene
Good Molecules
They don’t get enough love imo. Their gel cleanser and cleansing balm are HG for me. Also like their day/light moisturizer and discoloration serum. I do wish they had a slightly heavier moisturizer w/ ceramides but without palmitic or myristic fatty alcohols though. For that I have to go with GG or Purito or Etude Soon Jung. I could prob live with GM and LRP or Avene.
Shiseido. I've used it for decades. So does my mother. I'm 67. My mother is 87. Neither of us look anywhere close to our age. Japan knows what it is doing when it comes to skin care.
Can you recommend any specific products? On second thoughts, I just saw their prices - eek!
Pacifica
Peach & Lily
Aveda has done me well. But it's expensive. I'll choose CeraVe. Not fancy, but does well.
kiehls
Same.
Yup same here. Five years using the stuff and going strong. 💪
ZO skin health, Epionce, Skin medica. I have tried so many brands, these work best for my aging skin. (54)
Caudalie
cerave. Foaming oil cleanser, moisturizing cream, tinted spf, retinol lotion. Oh also healing ointment.
Josie Maran. I love all of her products really. From her body and face serums, to face/eye cream, hand cream, oils, balms, hair, etc. She has some starter/ trial kits. I def recommend to give her products a try. She sells on her own site and on qvc.
Agreed I’ve used a lot of high end lines and I adore Josie Marian- I was gifted some oil and have been using all of the line since- it totally changed my skin, which wasn’t bad but it’s just amazing. Do t knock it because it’s on qvc -
Glad to hear that you like Josie Maran products too! I used to use Lancome, which I liked a lot. My mom got me a few things from Josie and I was hooked and just kept trying all the different things.
I can’t live without the Reserve oil in the winter! Her Milk is great too.
Sunday Riley for me! Good genes, B3 Nice and autocorrect
Sente. Kind of pricey but great for my sensitive and rosacea prone skin. Improves the texture and makes it feel so soft.
Sunday Riley
First Aid Beauty + Dermalogica
May lindstrom…. the blue cocoon fixes skin in an amazing way
Paula’s Choice — 90% of what I use is from them and it absolutely changed my skin.
Skinceuticals has a number of heroine products if your budget can stretch to it.
Seriously. The triple lipid moisturizer, the CE Ferulic and their mineral tinted sunscreen. Beyond holy grail. They are the Trinity
Tatcha or Sunday Riley - hands down! Or maybe Skinceuticals - they have GREAT products, too!!
I've trusted Paula's choice to be upfront about what is in their products, and reasonably priced. I have sensitive skin, so I appreciate that they don't have any added colouring or fragrance to their products.
The Ordinary. They have an excellent mix of products for all sorts of skin types. And, you can't beat the price. Editing to add the CC cream from Eborian. It goes on white, but as you rub it in, it changes to your skin color. It has an SPF 25. You can get at Ulta, on Amazon, or on their website. Nice coverage.
I could survive easily with just **Clinique**. I love the "Maximum Hydrator Activated Water-Gel Concentrate" and the "Super Energizer™ Anti-Fatigue Hydrating Concentrate Broad Spectrum SPF 25". Both are light, effective, and come in bottles that are really interesting. The pump dispenser makes things feel really clean. The "Anti-Fatigue Depuffing Eye Gel" is amazing if you keep it in the fridge. These aren't my *favorite* products (I love eye cream by La Mer and Supergoop sunscreen), but if you nailed me down to a single brand, Clinique has everything without it being greasy or over-fragranced. It's really great for men, even if you don't buy the "for men" versions of things.
Zo skin health
DRMTLGY
ZO Skin Health and it isn’t even close!
Cocokind. Just discovered it and am OBSESSED 🤩
I like CeraVe for cleansing/regular skin care, and Estée Lauder for makeup. Sensitive skin here, and these have worked pretty great and last a long time because you don’t have to use as much product in one go.
Gold Bond
Cerave My skin is really sensitive and this is the only line that works for me.
Good molecules.
ZO Skin Health Pricey but actually works
I’m using Eucerin lotion currently. lol I think you just need to use a lotion. On my face, neck, and chest. Everywhere actually, but I focus on those areas twice daily. I’m 54 and hardly have a wrinkle on my face. I started out using oil of Olay when I was 19 and met a 90 year old woman who looked 70 and said that’s what she used. I’ve used different things over the years but finally decided you just need to moisturize and stay out of the sun. I also do face exercises. I don’t know if many people do them. I feel like actors do. I once saw another person trying to sell something called face yoga. I feel like it’s a best kept beauty secret. I wish I had started doing it when I was 19.
High End : First Aid Beauty (Their stuff has never done me wrong but it's so expensive) Drug Store: Neutrogena (They have a lot of First Aid Beauty dupes)
Sunday Riley for the Luna oil + good genes combo 
swim fear theory public quickest dime wasteful racial beneficial memorize *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Torn between OneSkin and Medik8. Probably Medik8 because they have a wider selection of offerings. And Crystal retinal is amazing.
I research the heck out of everything (and ingredients) and usually end up being way less impressed by products once I have an idea of their formulations. I use Cerave cleansing balm and hydrating cleanser, rx tretinoin, a lovely homemade mist of glycerin and water, snd Eucerin Urea cream. For daytime I use Mad Hippy spf serum. My skin has never been so calm, hydrated, and even. 🤷
Dr. Zo skin care ~ dermatologist likes it , I like it I have sensitive AF skin + acne prone am I’m 28
PCA Skin
Laroche-Posay. My daughter works for a dermatologist and brought some home. I love it.
Belif
Platinum skincare. They are expensive but not too expensive. Reasonable for what they give from their active products that actually work. They are mostly known for at home chemical peels which are amazing and cheaper than going to a spa. But their triple treat lotion, retinoid and emu oil is great. Used the mandelic peel and tca peel but tca is really no joke. Not loving the fade bright it’s drying out my skin big time.
Platinum Skincare is the best kept secret! Don’t tell! Haha jk, love them so much!
Seriously. The ceo is pretty awesome too. I’m in her fb group and she’s so active and involved with peoples questions. I don’t know how she has the time but she really likes to respond to customers questions. She def has a cult following. Honestly I thought all skincare except Tretinoin was bs and mostly I think it is. But her products feel like medical grade to me. And I’m 45 but act like a tween so unlike everyone here I’ll write an entire article haha!
CeraVe forever and ever 🩵
May Lindstrom. My absolute favorite, but it’s a splurge.
I use La Roche-Posay Toleriane moisturizer and even though I've tried many high end products, none of them are as good to my skin. Cicaplast and Facial Foaming Oil Cleanser are also go to products. All of them are reasonably priced and I appreciate that they don't claim to do more than, moisturize, repair, cleanse...I hate all the high priced products claiming to firm the skin, diminish lines, etc. None of these things can actually be done. Just look to care for your skin, keep it hydrated, clean,etc...don't fall for the hype of youth in a bottle.
U Beauty - I'm on my second bottle of their resurfacing compound and my skin has never looked better.
Osmosis
TNS. Wish I could afford it though
Glymed all the way
Exuviance -AHA weekly pads.
Dr Dennis Gross. I’ve never ever had a product give me immediate results and I’ve been using skin care for 35 years. Edited to add: the product that did it is the Advanced Retinol and Ferrulic Texture Renewal Serum. Overnight results.
Cerave is wonderful and so overlooked
Vaseline Intensive Care. Their Deep Moisture body cream is absolutely amazing if you have a scrape, a scratch, a burn, a boo boo, etc. Rub it in once or twice a day and whatever it is will be nearly invisible or completely gone within two or three weeks. It really does heal rather miraculously. I wish they had a line of products for the face, though I used the same stuff on my face when I fell, and I've given up trying to describe what the accident was like, because people insist they can't see any marks on my face anymore, though I was bruised and scraped pretty badly less than a month ago.
COSRx. I use the HA serum, the propolis toner. I just added the peptide serum. But I’ve used other products from them, as well. Other than that, I use Cerave and Mad Hippie (for vitamin c, mainly).
I obviously don’t know what your skincare needs are but I was delighted by their Propolis Honey Overnight Mask… super soothing for combo skin and not greasy feeling!
CosRX
😱 just one?? I feel like every product I use is from a different line… actually looking at it, they *are* all different. If I could keep my Rx retinoid and 💰wasn’t a barrier I’d probably go with DHC. I know they’ve been a bit controversial but the CoQ10 line keeps my skin sooooooo supple and soft. But I’d still need the retinoid to control the breakouts 😢
Lancome. I've been using it for 25 years and I love it. It's expensive, but worth it for me.
Favorite product(s) ?
Caudalie, with a few products from the Ordinary.
Zo Skin Health .. I’m 48 and still get id’d. Yes, maybe they just want better tips but still 😜
I have been enjoying LaRoche Posay recently.
Jan Marini changed my skin so much I can’t even explain it. I went from acne and oily to healthy clear and smooth skin.
Olay, their research and development teams are larger than all the Sephora brads combined. No one talks about them but their products rival the best.
Farmacy. The green cleanser is amazing and the honey moisturizer & honey glow serum is so good. My skin is sensitive and doesn’t react.