Hundreds of products come across our editors’ desks every month, but not all of them deliver on their claims or live up to the hype. (Not everything that goes viral on TikTok is a miracle worker.) This is our exclusive curation of the best-in-class beauty products receiving rave reviews from our team and hitting shelves right now. From Patrick Ta‘s new luminous foundation to SkinMedica’s powerful hyaluronic acid serum, we’ve got the scoop on all the newness.
Origins Youthtopia Refining Apple Peel ($44)
As we move into fall, I look forward to everything apple, and this liquid peel is no exception. Brimming with 100,000 apple stem cells and glycolic acid, it visibly refines large pores and smooths rough skin texture for a glowy look and baby-soft feel.
“It features breakthrough upcycled ingredient technology, combining the power of nature with science,” says Rocky Graziose, director of advanced technology, research and development for Origins. “What makes this product truly special is our unique approach to harnessing the power of the apple. By fermenting apple peels, we’ve unlocked powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental stressors and help slow signs of aging. Combined with apple stem cell extract, which enhances skin vitality, and gentle exfoliating acids, this peel delivers smoother, more radiant skin in just one week.”
SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Replenish + Restore Hydrator ($192)
We’ve been fans of the brand’s original HA5 for years, but this next-gen hydrator ups the ante. Boasting a proprietary complex of five forms of hyaluronic acid (HA), it acts like a tall drink of water for your skin. “For me, the HA5 Hydra Collagen Replenish + Restore Hydrator really builds on a serum that was already best in class,” says Vancouver dermatologist Shannon Humphrey, MD. “The original HA5 changed my practice and changed my patients’ experience in terms of the ability to deliver hydration. This particular product is exciting because it has been rigorously developed and very well-studied, and it gives this particularly unique bimodal outcome. The result is an immediate response, which is 48 hours of hydration, but then there is also a building improvement over time as the hyaluronic acid and hydra collagen work on internal hyaluronic acid to increase natural levels.”
The new formula contains double the amount of hyaluronic acid than the original, as well as hydra collagen and advanced VITISENSCE technology. Together, they support the skin’s natural ability to attract and retain moisture, while also supporting its barrier. “The encapsulated HA has been improved to penetrate more readily through the skin,” says Dr. Humphrey. “What this translates to is a perception of greater instant hydration that has been shown to last for 48 hours. Also, the texture is different than the original serum. It’s a cream-to-lotion texture, so it seems a little thick at first, but once it goes onto the skin, it’s very light.”
KIKO Milano 3D Hydra Lip Oil ($15)
Last year, the brand’s 3D Hydra Lipgloss collection sold 24,000 units per day around the world, so of course we wanted to get our hands on this new lip oil. And as expected, it delivers. Chock-full of collagen-boosting raspberry seed oil, the nonsticky oil keeps lips nourished and hydrated for up to 10 hours. But it doesn’t stop there: Of course you get that coveted volumized look, too.
I love the way it feels on my lips and the super reflective shine. It comes in four shades and my favorite is Glossed Glass, which looks like a sheer pink in the tube but looks nearly clear on my lips.
Moroccanoil Revitalizing Scalp Tonic ($40)
Part of Moroccanoil’s brand-new scalp care collection, this leave-in scalp treatment helps support thicker and fuller hair over time. One thing we love about this formula is that it’s a super lightweight spray that absorbs quickly. (Nothing is worse than a greasy one that makes you look like you need a shower.)
True to the brand’s DNA, the formula includes argan oil, but it’s mixed with a new, hand-selected botanical therapy blend of fumaria and swertia japonica extracts, as well as bioactive antioxidants. This helps strengthen hair for that anti hair-fall effect. It also helps balance and hydrate the scalp for a healthier environment to foster hair growth. We also love the new spa-like scent, which is a nice departure from the brand’s signature fragrance.
Éminence Organic Skin Care Barbados Cherry Enzyme Cleansing Powder ($68)
Cleansing powders have been trending this year, and this new formula is one to try. Employing the enzymatic power of actinidin and papain, it gently exfoliates and cleanses the skin for a soft, smooth feel and clarified look. It also contains vitamin C-rich fruits like Barbados cherry and Kakadu plum for antioxidant and brightening benefits.
How do you use a cleansing powder? Shake the powder into the palm of your hand (make sure your hands are dry) and then add water and rub your hands together to create a foamy lather. The brand recommends a ration of 2 parts water to 1 part powder. Then massage it into your skin and rinse clean.
Kiehl’s Ultra Body Mega Moisture Squalane Cream ($49)
Inspired by the brand’s iconic Ultra Facial Cream, this for-the-body version is equally as hydrating and something we’ll all need to fortify our skin barrier as fall weather creeps in. The heavy-hitting combination of squalane, glacial glycoprotein and pro-ceramides gives skin hydration that lasts up to three days, even after showering.
It’s fragrance-free, clinically tested on sensitive skin, and safe for those with eczema and psoriasis. The lightweight formula is also quick to absorb, and the brand says it takes just three seconds, to be exact. It quenches dry spots and leaves the skin barrier soothed and refreshed.
Olaplex Nº.5 LEAVE-IN Moisturize & Mend Leave-In Conditioner ($32)
Finally a leave-in from Olaplex! I’m a big fan of leave-in conditioners to cut down on shower time as a busy mom, and if one can multitask with repairing benefits too, sign me up! This lightweight, vegan formula contains the brand’s Bond Building Technology and High-Adhesion Sealing Complex to immediately seal split ends and make hair look healthier after just one use. It also offers heat protection and major moisturization.
Therabody TheraFace Depuffing Wand ($149)
It’s about time someone created a device to quell under-eye puffiness, and of course it comes from the tech gurus at Therabody. This small, portable, dermatologist-tested device has two modes—hot and cold—to not only reduce puffiness, but also improve skin firmness and radiance. Cold also helps reduce the appearance of large pores, as it constricts. Heat boosts circulation to the skin, which imparts a glow and also helps skin-care products penetrate better. Plus, you can charge the device via USB-C, making it a great on-the-go option that’s fantastic for a jet-lagged look after a long flight.
“When you wake up with puffiness, it’s often due to fluid buildup from your sleeping position, or in some cases, allergies or diet play a role,” says Boston dermatologist Neera Nathan, a Therabody scientific advisory board member. “Applying a cold treatment at a safe temperature in the morning can help reduce puffiness and instantly refresh your appearance.”
Patrick Ta Beauty Major Skin Hydra-Luxe Luminous Skin Perfecting Foundation ($58)
Ta’s first-ever liquid foundation (a medium-coverage, luminous formula that comes in 30 shades) is a beauty. “All of the glow that you are going to see from this foundation is truly from the ingredients,” says Ta. “There’s no mica; there’s no pearl. And, if you don’t have time for your normal skin prep, once you apply this foundation, your skin will feel hydrated. I’m so happy to say that it is clinically proven to hydrate the skin for more than eight hours. My biggest thing when formulating this foundation was that it needed to mix well with every single step that was going to come after the foundation, like bronzer and blush.”
To achieve that, Ta added skin-care ingredients. “I am not a chemist, but I know what products look good on my skin and what products look good on my client’s skin,” he says. “Hyaluronic acid has always been something I applied before applying my makeup for a glass skin effect. There are three types of hyaluronic acid in here, as well as squalane. I wanted you to get compliments on your skin and not your makeup.”
Bigger Than Beauty Daily Defender Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($40)
The team at Bigger Than Beauty is very big on wearing SPF year-round, and so are we. Once summer ends, stats show that the majority of Americans ditch their sunscreen, but that’s a bad idea. UV rays have a full-time gig, even penetrating through the clouds on a cold day. However, when an SPF is tinted, perhaps people will be more inclined to use it in the off-season in place of their foundation or tinted moisturizer. This formula is great for that no-makeup makeup look and now comes in three shades. (There’s also the original nontinted version if you prefer.)
“We spent years developing this formula to offer not just powerful, 100-percent mineral UVA/UVB protection, but also the most potent active skin-care ingredients like antioxidants, niacinamide, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid,” says founder and CEO Karissa Bodnar. “Sun protection is essential year-round, knowing that the risk of sunburns and skin cancer doesn’t disappear when the sun isn’t blazing. This sunscreen effortlessly blends into your routine, giving your skin a beautiful, brightened finish. Whether you wear it on its own for a naturally radiant look or layer it under makeup, it makes it easy to protect and nourish your skin every single day.”
Bubble Skincare Tell All Juicy Secret Lip Balm ($9)
It’s back-to-school season, and I think all the girlies are going to want this berry-flavored lip balm on their bags. Infused with lip-smoothing chicory root extract, hydrating moringa oil esters and softening acacia flower wax, it’s not only cute, but effective.
Founder and CEO of Bubble Skincare, Shai Eisenman, says, “Our community has been requesting—essentially demanding—lip balm for three-plus years. After extensive efficacy development, our new lip balm is plush, plumping and nonsticky, and won’t leave lips waxy like other balms. The sleek design also features a practical silicone keychain that transforms it into an accessory that can be customized with Bubble Charms for a personalized touch. This isn’t just a lip balm; it’s a statement piece that reflects your unique style.”
MOON Oral Care The Platinum Pro Glow Teeth Whitening Device ($130)
The first teeth-whitening device of its kind, this at-home treatment uses three types of LED light—blue, red and yellow—to whiten teeth up to 18 shades in just one week. You can use just the blue light to whiten, or you can utilize all three light cycles—five minutes each—for maximum benefits. Clinical research shows that red light minimizes tooth sensitivity and supports gum health. Yellow light increases hydration in the mouth for a cleansing effect, which helps minimize bad breath.
“With the latest advancements in LED and fast-growing beauty device market, there was a white space for MOON to create something powerful in oral care that merges cosmetic whitening with oral health,” says Shaun Neff, cofounder of MOON Oral Beauty and Beach House Group. “We wanted to create an at-home product that could address multiple oral care concerns without forcing a five-step routine on consumers. MOON is disrupting the industry with a new teeth-whitening device that simplifies the routine through powerful triple-light technology.”
Epionce Intense Recharge Mask ($80)
Next-generation botanical extracts are at the heart of this barrier-boosting, clay-based face mask, which helps refine, smooth and visibly improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In fact, it’s clinically proven to enhance skin radiance for a brighter, healthier-looking complexion after just one use.
“This launch represents a breakthrough in delivering a brighter, more youthful complexion,” says founder and dermatologist Carl Thornfeldt, MD. “New extraction methodologies have continued to evolve for botanically based ingredients. During my ongoing research in therapeutic botanicals, I have uncovered many new ingredients that I believe would enhance the skin. The best way to introduce these new ingredients specifically was within a wash-off mask that complements daily leave-on products.”
Apply it one to three times a week and leave it on for five to 20 minutes, depending on the time you have and what your skin needs. Then rinse it off with warm water.
SickScience DropOff Body Sculpting Lipo Serum ($48)
You’ve probably heard about the brand’s first launch that targets the jawline and stubborn area under the chin. Now, the brand has a solution for stubborn areas below the neck, such as the abdomen, belly, thighs and butt. The brand’s patented plant-based exosome technology (NX35) fuels this gel-serum, fragrance-free formula, which works at the molecular level to help firm and smooth the skin. This is a notoriously tough task to accomplish with a topical product, but the brand’s clinical trials show it fades the look of stretch marks, reduces the appearance of cellulite and strengthens the skin barrier.
“The DropOff serum represents a breakthrough in body care by harnessing the power of plant-based exosomes and advanced fat-burning technology to deliver targeted and effective results,” says cofounder Polen Koçak. “Our unique NX35 technology ensures deep penetration, precise cell communication, and the release of fat droplets for visible improvements in skin health, tone and radiance.”
The Laundress Beauty Sleep Fabric Spray ($19)
Spritz your jammies and bedding with this calming, luxuriously scented mist that helps you wind down after a long day. Key notes include warm sandalwood, soothing lavender, night-blooming jasmine, rose, musk and amber. The spray is also formulated with the brand’s proprietary crease release formula for dewrinkling benefits, too.
“As fine fragrance pioneers reimagining the fabric care and home-cleaning space, we’re thrilled to introduce the Beauty Sleep Collection, a true innovation that redefines self-care in the home,” says Hannah Yokoji, head of marketing for The Laundress. “This launch represents our mission of elevating domestic chores beyond cleaning, to become a core part of your daily wellness ritual. Beauty Sleep is designed to help you slip into bedtime bliss and create a peaceful atmosphere, turning your space into a sanctuary. It’s more than a fabric spray; it’s a soothing pre-sleep experience, formulated with a functional fragrance to support a restorative, relaxing nighttime routine.”
skinbetter science AlphaRet Overnight Body Cream ($120)
Of course the brand’s foray into body care includes its signature AlphaRet technology. Just like the brand’s award-winning AlphaRet Overnight Cream for the face, this formula contains the same skin-perfecting properties, but, it boasts a different texture and a few key ingredient differences.
“Retinoids are the closest thing we have to a miracle cream in dermatology,” says Scottsdale, AZ dermatologist Jacqueline Watchmaker, MD. “If you start a retinoid today, your future skin will thank you. The AlphaRet molecule is unique because it combines a retinoid and an alphahydroxy acid. They are double-bonded, which allows the molecule to be more stable. It also allows for a gradual release of the retinoid into the skin, which reduces irritation and allows for consistent nightly use from the start. Patient’s ask me every day what they can do for their dry, crepey, old-looking skin, and finally we have a science-backed, clinically proven solution. The skin on the body is thicker and rougher than the skin on the face. It also has fewer natural oils and elastin fibers. This is why I recommend using a product that’s specifically made for the needs of the body skin.”
DEZI Skin Leche de Guava Resurfacing Toner ($34)
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (September), founder Desi Perkins created her latest product—a salicylic acid–based toner—with Latinas in mind. “Leche de Guava is inspired by the natural remedies used by my family for generations,” Perkins says. “As a child, I saw my mom and tías use guava leaf extract to soothe acne-prone skin—a powerful, simple tradition that I’ve now transformed into this accessible and effective formula.”
It not only helps reduce blemishes, but also targets hyperpigmentation, which Perkins says is one of her biggest skin concerns. The formula also includes the brand’s new GUAVAZYME technology, which blends the natural inflammatory property of guava leaves with exfoliating pear enzymes to improve discoloration and scarring. Over time, skin looks brighter, healthier and smoother.
Nakery Beauty Lip Flip Shimmer Gloss ($15)
Though we’re already big fans of Nakery’s Lip Treatment, founder Liz Folce wanted something with a little sparkle and a little more plumping. “This lip product never been done before,” founder Liz Folce tells me. “We combined a high concentration of SepiLift with Dermaxyl, niacinamide, peptides, lactic acid, oils, butters and crushed pearls. Shimmers are flat, so they usually make your lips look dry and smaller, but people like a little sparkle. Instead, we used iridescent crushed pearls, which are light-reflecting. You no longer need lip liner to see the see the shape of your lips.”
It comes in three shades—Rosey, Chocolate Glaze and Golden—and a little goes a long way. “My friend told me she hates her lips because they’re so thin and she hardly has a Cupid’s bow, but she tried this, and when she turned around, I almost fell over,” Folce says.
Innersense Organic Beauty Inner Glow Body Scrub ($38)
Part of the brand’s body-care debut—there’s also a body wash, lotion and butter—this scrub turns a boring shower routine into a self-care sanctuary. Not only does it smell amazing thanks to the blend of Calabrian bergamot, jasmine and neroli, but it also buffs the skin in a gentle, yet effective way. This is the result of a unique gel formula that contains sugar crystals for physical exfoliation and fruit enzymes from papaya and pomegranate for enzymatic exfoliation. Together, they give dry, rough skin a new lease on life.
DeoDoc Meno Care Oil Mist ($42)
Formulated for menopausal vulvar skin, this OB/GYN-developed oil mist soothes dryness with plant-based chamomile oil and Swedish oat oil. “We often recommend an oil routine to patients in menopause, as the skin barrier becomes more sensitive, drier and easily irritated,” says OB/GYN Gunvor Ekman-Ordeberg, MD. “Plant-based oils are very nourishing and moisturizing for dry intimate skin. This leave-on oil delivers a light mist that’s easy to apply and convenient to carry in your bag, allowing you to spray as needed throughout the day to maintain moisture and comfort.” The decision to do a mist was very smart, as it ensures a more hygienic application without the need to use your fingers.
Cécred Restoring Hair & Edge Drops ($56)
Thinning hair, especially around the face, can really take a toll on someone’s confidence. Even if no one else notices it, it’s probably the only thing they see in the mirror. At-home solutions have become better than ever, including the latest formula from Beyoncé Knowles-Carter’s brand Cécred. Each drop contains five powerful peptides that strengthen hair from root to tip and increase the appearance of hair density.
With continued daily use (the brand’s clinical testing period was 16 weeks), both hair and edges look fuller and healthier. Dispense the nongreasy serum from the dropper directly onto your hairline, edges and scalp, massage it in and don’t rinse it off.
