Whether you’re shuffling through the aisles at your local drugstore or scouring the virtual shelves of a semi-reputable online retailer, the best skin care brands can be tough to find. That’s why we thought it’d be helpful to walk you through some of the top dogs in the industry: brands that have either stood the test of time, proven themselves through quality formulas, or a mixture of both. From everyday serums and moisturizers to emergencies-only breakout treatments and more, we’ve covered all of the products fit for your medicine cabinet.
It’s worth noting that many of these products will yield the best results if you use them regularly, so it’s important to pick ones you can see yourself adding to your skin care routine. Luckily, most of our top picks are super easy to use and won’t take up much of your time. Here are some of our favorite skin care brands that you can use as a guide next time you find yourself in the beauty aisle.
The Best Skin Care Brands According to GQ
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The Drugstore Staples
A classic for a reason, CeraVe’s name alludes to its love of peptides in many of its formulations, which will leave your skin feeling plumped and nourished. It’s also great for sensitive skin and dry skin, and it’s reasonably priced—because good skin shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg.
La Roche-Posay gets its name from a French town known for its hot springs, where the brand sources all of the water used in its products. (The brand says this leaves them more vitamin- and mineral-rich.) La Roche-Posay also has great reviews and they’re reasonably priced.
Neutrogena is one of those brands that’s been around long enough for people to have really experienced the effects of its products. Their Hydro Boost line has become a standout over the past few years due to its lightweight formula that leaves skin feeling moisturized and vibrant, even for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
A classic for a reason, Olay’s Regenerist line is one of the first beauty products I remember hearing about. Over the years, the brand has enhanced the product by offering versions with retinol and collagen, and maintained its overall quality across its entire line, from face creams to eye creams.
It may sound weird, but this brand’s flagship product is its thermal spring water spray—and once you use it, you’ll understand why. It dispenses in the finest mist and leaves your skin feeling moisturized and refreshed. Avène is also known for using high-quality ingredients, and we trust any of its serums or moisturizers.
The Time-Tested Stalwarts
Founded in New York City, Kiehl’s was actually one of the first beauty brands to list its ingredients on its packaging. The brand offers free consultations with product experts in all of its stores, which makes it easy to streamline your skin care routine with products that you know will work for your specific concerns.
If you’ve heard of facial essences, that’s probably because of the success of SK-II. The brand’s original essence is super hydrating and calming, making it a great choice for those experiencing any kind of irritation. It goes on before moisturizer and works to prep and reset the skin.
This brand is known for its natural ingredients, and it has a few all-star products that you’ve probably run across. Its kombucha facial treatment essence is definitely one of those—and it leaves the skin feeling calmed and nourished. The brand tends to use a lot of tea-based ingredients in its products as well, which is a natural way to protect the skin from environmental damage while adding a pop of moisture for all skin types.
The Medicine Cabinet Mavericks
You might recognize Drunk Elephant’s colorful packaging (and viral appearances on TikTok), but don’t think it’s just for kids. The brand’s best products include active ingredients like vitamin C, lactic acid, and retinol—all of which come in the form of gentle serums that won’t irritate the skin.
Paula’s Choice is a brand that’s known for its active ingredients—especially when it comes to those struggling with breakouts or extreme dryness. All of its products also tend to be great for those with sensitive skin, especially the super lightweight SPF, which also has wrinkle-fighting components.
An esthetician once told me that the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum is the best thing she’s ever used, however she added that it smells like dirty hotdog water. (She was right on both counts.) I swear after using this serum daily for a few weeks I had dark spots and freckles actually disappear. The brand also known for its B5 gel, which is a heavy-duty moisturizer that’s helpful for those that typically experience irritation with other products.
This brand is actually a B-Corp, meaning it’s required to maintain transparency in terms of ingredients and sourcing. This transparency is evident throughout its line, which is natural and offers products aimed at lots of different skin concerns.
Boy, does Aesop make a killer hand soap—but you already knew that, loyal GQ reader and grooming obsessive that you are! Luckily, the brand has carried this quality into its other body care products as well: Aesop is known for absolutely unbeatable fragrances, all of which are gently infused in their product lines.
Founded in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City, this brand aims to create good products that streamline your skin care routine. All of its formulas and ingredients are high-quality, and they provide serious results. (They also offer some really great-smelling candles.)
Known for its all-natural ingredients that are inspired by the sea, OSEA now offers a huge range of products. Its hyaluronic acid and eye serums are two stand-outs that are made with quality ingredients and give great results.
If the packaging of this brand feels plain, that’s because it is. The Ordinary’s ethos is affordable, high-quality skin care—its hyaluronic acid serum is their best seller, and it definitely leaves your skin feeling much more moisturized while reducing irritation.
The Holy Grails
It’s a little-known fact that you don’t have to live in Los Angeles to enjoy Barbara Sturm products. The German doctor behind the line specializes in products that are firming and anti-inflammatory, which makes skin look more taut by minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.
This premium line offers all-natural products, and really banks on the sourcing and efficacy of quality ingredients. It’s known for its exfoliating cleanser—however, more than a few products from the line have had their viral moments over the years. It’s definitely a brand that comes with a major price tag, but it’s also stood the test of time in terms of continually creating top-tier formulas.
The TNS serum from SkinMedica has been one of those hero products that many people have considered the cornerstone of their skin care routine for ages. This brand was founded by dermatologists, and all of its products are great for those wanting to reduce the signs of aging or small imperfections.
Standing for “Innovative Skincare,” iS clinical is an independently owned brand created by biochemists who were interested in shaking up the beauty industry. The products feature more unique ingredients when compared to other big players, and they’re super gentle on the skin.
This line was founded by board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon Dr. Dennis Gross. While he still has a practice in New York City, his brand is known for its peels that leave your skin looking and feeling flawless and breakout-free. In addition to the peels, the line includes creams and breakout solutions that are easy to integrate into your daily routine.
