As technology advances, so does the beauty industry. With new trends popping up every day and science being used to create revolutionary skincare products, narrowing down the best of the best can be a daunting task.
Here at Beauty Bloggers Review, we have taken it upon ourselves to scour the market and select the top 5 skincare brands of 2023 based on their results-oriented products and commitment to customer satisfaction. Read on to find out why these skincare brands are head and shoulders above any other this year!
1. SkinCeuticals
In its arsenal is the Vitamin C line. As everyone knows, Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect our skin from environmental aggressors and defend against the signs of aging. We do love how this serum helps reduce those fine lines and wrinkles! The only drawback to it — if we had to be picky — would be that it does feel a bit sticky after application.
The hero product:
This serum is highly regarded by both dermatologists and beauty editors as a top product. Although it may come with a high price tag, it is well worth the cost due to its proven combination of antioxidants - including vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid - which effectively protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals from sources like pollution and sun exposure. Despite having a slight odor reminiscent of hot dog water, this serum has been shown to significantly improve the condition of the skin.
The product contains key ingredients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, comes in a 1 oz. size, is not cruelty-free, and is not certified Byrdie Clean. At the time of publishing, the serum cost $182.
2. Drunk Elephant
Drunk Elephant has become a major player in the beauty industry and their 'clean clinical' skincare is only part of why. Their products are formulated to work for every age and skin type, plus they're free from all the bad stuff like sulfates, parabens, phthalates, fragrance, dyes and such. Many customers swear by their use of certain ingredients like marula oil which has been used for centuries to soften and improve skin texture. What comes as a surprise is that some people with super sensitive skin may find their products too harsh.
The hero product:
With its impressive 25% concentration of alpha-hydroxy acids and 2% concentration of beta-hydroxy acid, this weekly exfoliating mask stands out as a top product. Despite its potent ingredients, the mask is gentle on the skin, making it suitable even for those with sensitive skin types - which is thanks to its carefully balanced pH level.
After using this mask, you'll notice a significant improvement in your complexion's brightness, clarity, and evenness, with no trace of redness. At the time of publishing, the mask was priced at $80 and contained key ingredients such as glycolic acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. It is both cruelty-free and certified Byrdie Clean, and comes in a 1.69 oz. size.
3. Neutrogena
Positive aspects of this product include its lightweight texture, cooling formula, and suitability for all skin types. However, one drawback is its unhygienic container.
As a brand, Neutrogena is highly recommended by dermatologists for its effective yet affordable skincare products that can be found at drugstores. The brand uses scientifically-proven ingredients in their formulas to address a wide range of skin concerns, from acne to aging, and also excels in the area of sun protection.
The hero product:
A summer moisturizer that will leave your skin feeling hydrated and refreshed without any heavy or greasy sensation. Its lightweight formula contains hyaluronic acid, which offers intense hydration, and glycerin, making it a must-have for hot and humid weather or for those with perpetually oily skin. For an extra cooling effect, it can be stored in the fridge.
At the time of publication, this product was priced at $30 and contained 1.7 oz. of the formula. While it is not certified cruelty-free or Byrdie Clean, it boasts key ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
4. Alpyn Beauty
In our experience, this exfoliator is a gentle yet effective option with a creamy texture and vegan formula. However, we did find that it doesn't lather well.
Alpyn Beauty was founded by Kenda Kolb Butler, a veteran of the beauty industry who moved from New York City to Jackson Hole. While working at a skincare spa, she recognized a need for products that truly delivered results, and was inspired by the incredible plant-based ingredients in her local environment to create her own line.
The brand is committed to using "wildcrafted active" ingredients, all of which are sustainably harvested in Wyoming. Alpyn Beauty is also a clean brand and has won multiple Eco Beauty Awards.
The hero product:
The standout product here is the face wash, which comes highly recommended by Byrdie's Editorial Director Faith Xue. It effectively removes makeup and cleanses the skin without leaving it feeling stripped, thanks to a blend of AHAs, fruit enzymes, and hyaluronic acid. We love the subtle floral-citrus scent and the frothy formula, which makes washing your face a fun experience.
At the time of publication, this face wash retailed for $36 and contains key ingredients such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, papaya, and pomegranate enzymes. It comes in a 4 oz. bottle, is cruelty-free, and considered a clean product by Byrdie's standards.
5. The Ordinary
In terms of affordability, this brand definitely takes the cake. It caused quite the stir when it emerged in 2017, providing proven, high-quality ingredients at remarkably low prices. While their products may not have catchy names, they make up for it in their effectiveness. For instance, their hyaluronic acid serum only costs $7.
While it's important to be aware of the ingredients, we highly recommend this brand for anyone who is on a budget but still wants great results. Just keep in mind that if you're a frequent retinol user, their products may be too mild for you.
The hero product:
Reviewers love The Ordinary's Retinol, a powerhouse ingredient that can improve your skin in many ways but is known to cause irritation. What sets this product apart is its several different concentrations, allowing your skin to adjust gradually. Coupled with hydrating squalane, this low-concentration option is perfect for those new to retinol. It is also a great option for those on a budget and looking for a cruelty-free and clean product. At the time of publication, this product was priced at $8 for a 1 oz. bottle.