The Most Effective Skin Care Products Under $25

Aquaphor Moisturizing Ointment Body Spray ($10)

Five years in the works, this innovative mist delivers the same skin-loving ingredients as the brand’s original Healing Ointment to soothe, hydrate and smooth in seconds—minus any sticky fingers.

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner ($17)

So much more than your basic toner, this exfoliating formula is brimming with alpha- and betahydroxy acids to delete dull skin cells, prevent blackheads and whiteheads from forming, and control excess oil production in every spritz. 

M-61 Perfect Cleansing Cloths ($22)

Saturated enough to deliver a deep clean on the go, these handy cloths are formulated with antioxidants, vitamin E, lavender and green tea for a thorough, powerful wash when your go-to cleanser is out of reach. 

Natura Brasil Pitanga Triple Phase Shower Oil ($24)

Shake well to merge the different oils—including uplifting pitanga oil, known as “the Brazilian cherry,” plus almond, olive and borage—then apply the luxe cocktail all over your body it as your last step of your shower routine. The result: noticeably soft and more hydrated skin after one use. 

AmLactin Rapid Relief Body Lotion ($15)

For skin that’s always itchy, flaky or irritated, look no further than this lightweight, ceramide-infused formula designed to quickly soothe and restore exacerbated skin for up 24 hours. (If you’re not one for lotion, this one’s fragrance-free and never greasy, you won’t even know it’s there.)

Supergoop! 100% Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 45 ($24)

A new makeup-bag staple, the infusion of jojoba, avocado and chia seed oils, plus shea and cocoa butters, into this compact sunscreen stick allows it to feel soothing, not chalky, while delivering high antioxidant protection that can be easily reapplied throughout the day. 

Spongellé Pedi Buffer ($16)

Specifically formulated to treat your feet, this mandarin-meets-amber–scented buffer delivers skin-sloughing results that rival a pedicure’s. One side is textured for rough, callused skin and the other delivers nourishing oils to keep feet sexy and soft. 

The Ordinary. Niacinamide 10% and Zinc 1% ($6)

If oil, blemishes or spots tend to creep up on your skin more often than not, it’s time to add this minimalist bottle to your vanity. High in niacinamide (vitamin B3) to lessen breakouts, brighten skin and clear congested pores, you won’t believe the price tag once you see the results for yourself.

Honest Beauty Younger + Clearer Resurfacing Cleanser ($18)

From the brand’s recently released anti-aging and breakout-busting line, this gel cleanser removes makeup and prevent blemishes in one step with an alphahydroxy- and salicylic-acid based formula that’s designed to gently exfoliate to reveal brighter, smoother skin. 

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ($20)

Good things come in small packages. Case in point: this petite pot that houses intensive care for chapped, dehydrated lips. Swipe the balm on before bed or at your desk—it’s transparent and glossy, so you can get away with it—and in a few hours you’ll have hydrated, pillowy-soft lips. (It even comes with a miniature spatula to make application foolproof.)

Palmer’s Coconut Oil Body Firming Sheet Mask ($6)

The first sheet mask designed to firm the body is officially being rolled out stateside, and it’s just as good as it sounds. Sized to fit areas like the thighs, hips, arms and tummy, each sachet includes two saturated sheet masks that deliver plant-based toning ingredients—including Brazilian guarana and cupuaçu—for firmer, hydrated skin.

Curél Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer ($11)

Keep this hydrating powerhouse in your shower to bust dry, winter skin for good. The formula releases its moisture when it comes into contact with water (apply it on freshly cleansed skin) and soothes even eczema-prone skin before you have a chance to towel off. 

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser ($18)

Safe for use on even the most sensitive skin and eyes, this jelly-like face wash removes every speck of makeup and hydrates without any irritation. Massage it onto try skin to melt away makeup, then add water and let its comforting, milky formula work its magic. 

Boscia Sake Brightening Hydrogel Mask and Charcoal Pore-Minimizing Hydrogel Mask ($8 each)

These luxurious hydrogel masks come in two parts (a top half and a bottom half) to perfectly fit your face, and, based on your concern, allow the product to better penetrate your skin. For a brighter, tighter complexion, reach for the Sake mask; if you’re looking to deep clean and minimize your pores, give the charcoal version a try.  

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion ($17)

This best-selling ultra-concentrated formulation boasts ingredients like calamine and salicylic acid to—miraculously—dry a zit overnight. When using, be sure not to shake the bottle; only apply the pink sediment on your skin and say goodbye to that pesky blemish. 

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($21)

This light moisturizer features ingredients like retinol and hyaluronic acid to quickly diminish the appearance of both fine lines and stubborn wrinkles including crow’s-feet and forehead and cheek wrinkles (the brand claims you will see noticeable results in a week!) while SPF works to keep spots at bay.

APA Lip Loofah ($18)

Derived from sugar and sweet almond seed, this gentle scrub
deliciously buffs away dull skin to reveal smoother, healthier-looking lips in
no time. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser ($15)

Formulated for acne-prone skin, this cleanser uses zinc to clear breakouts and is clinically shown to reduce excess surface oil by up to 47 percent, leaving you shine-free throughout the day. 

Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips ($7 for 8 strips)

The definition of a cult-classic, these pore strips have stood their ground for years and never fail to deep-clean pores and remove stubborn blackheads in just a few minutes. 

Wilma Schumann Hydrating Collagen Eye Pads ($18 for 5 pairs)

These hydration-boosting pads are formulated with 100-percent pure collagen and hyaluronic acid to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around your eye contour area while also reducing any puffiness. 

Dr. Lin Skincare Acne Cleansing Wipes and Acne Cleansing Pads ($8 each) 

Everything in this dermatologist-created skin care line is designed for acne-prone skin and under $20, so we couldn’t pick just one. The Acne Cleansing Wipes work just like makeup wipes and are a quick way to clear skin and exfoliate clogged pores on the go, while the Acne Cleansing Pads are a more intense treatment designed to clear whiteheads and blackheads while preventing new breakouts from happening. 

L’Oréal Paris Youth Code Skin Illuminator Tinted All-in-1 Moisturizer SPF 20 ($18)

While this moisturizer does sport a slight tint to erase dark circles and redness, it still works overtime as a resurfacing hydrator, delivering a smoother complexion with faded (or diminished) discoloration. 

Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Overnight Treatment ($20)

This quick-absorbing treatment boasts ingredients like salicylic acid, cucumber, tea tree and lavender to fight breakouts and reduce redness while you sleep. Wait about 10 minutes after you apply it to your face before you hit the hay to ensure none of the treatment gets on your pillowcase.