Introducing The Women’s Health Best of Skincare Awards 2020 Winners

"Side one is a balm cleanser that annihilates makeup, destroys SPF and yet is very gentle. Side two is a cream cleanser that you can use to follow up with or you can use it on its own in the mornings or whenever you are feeling lazy." —CH

"One of my qualms with toners is that some of them leave your skin feeling too squeaky clean–that's not the case with this calming spritz. It contains aloe vera to tone down angry blemishes, antimicrobial wasabi extract to keep new breakouts at bay, and reishi mushroom extract for skin plumping." – KR

"In addition to exfoliants, this product contains a hydrating base of glycerin, is packed with antioxidants in the form of vitamin C and E to protect the skin and fight free radicals, and has B5 to soothe irritation. Exfoliants can certainly be irritating, so I tell my patients to use just a dab, and not to scrub—just gently massage into the skin with light pressure." —Dr. Gohara

"This is a really effective vitamin C that gives an amazing glow to the skin while simultaneously ensuring antioxidant protection." —CH 

"Squalane mimics your skin's natural oils that make up the primary part of the skin's barrier. Vitamin C brightens while the squalane keeps skin hydrated." —Dr. Gohara

"Not only are these maybe the most Instagrammable launch of the year, they also help strengthen and depuff the undereye skin.  Caffeine constricts blood vessels to remove excess fluid, botanical  extracts rich in antioxidants help brighten dark circles, and hyaluronic helps restore hydration to dry, dull skin." —Dr. Zeichner

"This product is a perfect primer for my concealer; it is hydrating, but light enough to absorb into the skin so I can layer on top. I also love that the caffeine helps de-puff."  —Dr. Gohara

"This moisturizer is designed for anyone with a skin irritation or a sensitized barrier, but it's actually just a brilliant moisturizer. It's particularly good at being a buffer to retinoids that are typically irritating." —CH

"This super-light mineral SPF 50 sunscreen has a blend of peptides, antioxidants, and enzymes specifically formulated to repair damaged DNA to not only protect the skin from sun damage but also help reverse any sun damage that's already been done. I love that it has an added tint from iron oxide, which allows for better protection against the visible light spectrum (like blue light from your screens). This is very important for getting control of hyperpigmentation." —Dr. Robinson

"I adore the design of this face mist, which fits in a tiny purse and twists up to give you a spritz anytime you need it–necessary to rehydrate skin during hot, dry summer days. It lands in a soothing veil on skin, thanks to an anti-inflammatory blend of aloe and witch hazel." – KR

"This is, without fail, the first step in my nighttime skincare routine. It gets every bit of foundation, sunscreen, and even stubborn eyeliner and mascara off in a few swipes. Skin feels healthy and moisturized, not stripped, and I enjoy the mild fruity scent, too. Bonus: This giant bottle lasts forever." –KR

"I look forward to using this cleanser every night—especially if I've been wearing makeup. It feels silky on the skin and really melts away everything without feeling suffocating on my pores. Skin ends up baby-soft and free of any leftover debris." —KR

"When you think of toner, you likely think of something you used as a teen to dry out your acne—but this is not that. The creamy formula is quite the opposite actually. It's super-hydrating and leaves my skin dewy-fresh, but it also breaks down all my makeup without leaving an oily finish." —CB

"Peels are ideal for creating an instant glow, but since I have super-sensitive skin, they can also leave me red and irritated. Not this one. The gel-y texture is soothing (and also fun to brush on with the applicator). It uses papaya and pineapple enzymes to eat up dead skin. That, mixed with hyaluronic acid and rose water, make it ideal for dry, sensitive, or irritated skin." —CB

"This serum contains one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid currently available over the counter. It has been clinically tested to boost hydration and validated by a panel of dermatologists."  —Dr. Zeichner

"This mask is one of my favorites! It's a super-soft microfiber mask soaked in hydrating ingredients, including various forms of hyaluronic acid. It doesn't slide off your face, and once you peel it off, you're glowing." —CC

"This is the best-kept secret at the drugstore. This mask delivers hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate dry skin. Its unique design, which I refer to as a bikini mask, uses two separate pieces—one for the top half and one for the bottom half—so it can fit more face shapes snugly." —Dr. Zeichner

"I'll admit that I've always been lazy about eye cream, but this cream has me looking forward to this step each night. Super emollient shea and mango seed butter make a dream team for coating delicate skin with a protective barrier."–KR

"This moisturizer contains a blend of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and fatty acids in a ratio that's similar to your skin's natural barrier. Because of this, the moisturizer seems to effortlessly soak into the skin instead of sitting on top of it. This also contains botanicals that I love: flax, avocado, and lavender to calm and hydrate skin. It also has azelaic acid and antioxidants that help improve skin texture and tone." —Dr. Robinson

"As a 44-year-old, I need all the hydration I can get. This product is smooth and silky, yet thick enough to have that night cream feel. It smells divine, leaves my skin radiant, and has resveratrol to fight free radicals that can cause the look of aging." —Dr. Gohara

"Shea butter, marula, baobab, and tamanu oils make this a quadruple threat against dry skin. The rich, melt-right-in texture is exactly what people with dry skin dream of slathering on before sinking into bed." —CB

"This sunscreen has a champagne/pearly tint to it, so I wear it by itself and then just use concealer around my eyes. You can also wear it under your foundation or mix it in. You're killing two birds with one stone because it gives you SPF protection and it makes your skin look more beautiful instantly." —NV

"Truth be told, I used to be skeptical of face oils since my skin is quite oily. But this all-natural, luxurious formula feels anything but greasy. It targets hyperpigmentation (one of my main skin woes) with licorice root extract, and it also works great as a last step in your skincare routine, sealing everything in with a blend of oils, including moringa, marula, and apricot kernel." —KR

"Cucumber, rose water, and aloe make this ideal for a midday pick-me-up. Or you can use it as a toner in your skincare routine, thanks to witch hazel and lemongrass." —CB

"When your skin needs extra TLC, this thick vegan moisturizer should be the first thing you apply. I use it on the heels, elbows, cuticles, and other dry patches for instant relief." —KR 

"When I'm looking for a really thorough cleanse (say, after a humid day outdoors or a sweaty HIIT workout) I reach for this cleanser. Build-up of sweat and grime can settle into pores and make them appear larger, but this cleanser absorbs it all to makes them less visible." - KR

"I love it when a toner does more than just hydrate. This is truly a miracle toner because there are three types of chemical exfoliants that help smooth away fine lines while also refining pores. A high concentration of tea tree extract also keeps the acne and breakouts away—making it a worthwhile addition to my skin care routine."  —CC

"I have been using Drunk Elephant, probably nonstop for the last two years, at least once a week. I use this in particular as a weekly peel, which contains salicylic and glycolic acids to clear out pores. I leave it on for 10 minutes, then I wash it off and continue with my regular skincare regimen." —NV  

"I know what you're thinking, 'an oil for oily skin?!' but just trust me—yes! The right oils—like this one—make your skin think you have enough oil already so that your skin doesn't make as much of it. The base is hempseed oil, which won't clog your pores, and it also uses cucumber seed oil to help calm and honeysuckle to nix acne-causing bacteria." —CB 

"This clay mask helps draw out impurities but it also has hydrating honey and coconut milk to help balance out oily skin so it's not left totally stripped. Since it's a dry powder, the ingredients stay potent too. Just add a little water when you're ready to mask." —CB 

"This eye cream is rich without being heavy so it won’t leave skin with an oily finish. Dr. Zeichner loves it because it can 'help strengthen the skin and improve texture and fine lines'–no irritation in sight."—Dr. Zeichner. 

"Even if you have oily skin, moisturizer is still a non-negotiable. Veer away from the super thick creams and balms and opt for a lightweight gel like this one. Aloe vera keeps skin hydrated and happy, while tea tree keeps skin clear. The lavender scent also means not only your skin gets a lift–your mood does, too." —KR

"While I'm all about embracing skin's natural dewiness, when I wear makeup I like to tone down shine. Moisturizing with this first helps without sucking my skin dry like some typical makeup primers do." —KR

"I love that it is transportable, easy to apply on your face and hands without creating a mess, and easy to reapply over makeup. It also doubles as a mattifying powder." —Dr. Gohara 

"While I'm obsessed with the brand's clean aesthetic, it's what's on the inside of the bottle that I love the most. Frankincense, neroli, and myrrh work together to fight bacteria, inflammation, and help tighten the skin—ideal for oily or acne-prone types like myself." —CB

"This gentle, hydrating cleanser feels like your skin is being coated in goodness—great for people with sensitive skin and rosacea."  —Dr. Gohara

"Oatmeal and honey aren't only a healthy breakfast–they're healthy for your skin, too. They're the star ingredients in this toner, which takes stressed-out skin and rebalances and nourishes it." —KR

"This gentle physical and chemical exfoliator makes your skin soft and bright without any irritation. It's filled with the most soothing cica ingredients and the gentlest of all polyhydroxy acids—gluconolactone. No added fragrance makes it a perfect addition for even sensitive skin types." —CC

"With spas closed and facials a thing of the past amidst social distancing, I've been leaning heavily on this genius four-in-one device. It heats and cools (and vibrates with both), to aid better absorption of serums, masks, and other products. I personally love using the cool and vibrate setting when my skin feels hot and stingy after accidentally going overboard with active ingredients (like acids!)." —KR

"Before I ever even knew what was on the ingredient list, I used this to calm my red, acne-prone skin. It works thanks to the blend of minerals including zinc along with healing chamomile." —CB 

"With a base of hemp seed oil along with lavender, aloe vera, and vitamin E, it calms angry skin while also taming redness and keeping skin hydrated." —CB 

"There's a bouquet of goodness in every drop of this serum, which contains actual floral and plant ingredients (like rose, grapeseed oil, and chamomile) to give a next-level glow to dull skin. Its all-organic makeup also makes me confident that my touchy skin won't get irritated. " —KR

"Mix water with this powder formula to get a happy-looking bright orange mask that gently dissolves away lingering gunk on your skin with brightening lucuma, papaya, and, and sea buckthorn berry. Warning: It smells so delicious you may be tempted to lick it off (good news–the superfood ingredients are safe enough to literally eat)." —KR

"I'm not a derm, but in all my interviews with them I've learned that sensitive skin is often the result of a compromised barrier. This oil uses maracuja and yangu oils to help restore that barrier so skin is less easily aggravated." —CB

"This eye cream is lightweight and infused with a high concentration of licorice root, which is an effective and natural brightener. I love how it instantly cools and depuffs." —CC

"Yes, this is for acne prone skin, but I often find that those products are also great for sensitive types because they're also trying to avoid irritation. This lightweight moisturizer also uses allantoin and arnica for extra soothing power." —CB 

"If there's anyone I'm going to trust to create a blendable zinc sunscreen that lasts it would be a pro tennis player who's always in the sun. Yes, this was created by Venus Williams and somehow still manages to go on clear even though it's 25% zinc oxide. ICYMI: Zinc is also anti-inflammatory and doesn't tend to irritate skin like other SPF ingredients can." —CB 

"My skin has a pink tint to it whether I just got done with a run or I'm sitting on the couch, so this green-tinted moisturizer is a life saver for maintaining a more neutral tone. Centella asiatica (also referred to as cica or tiger grass) is a plant that is known for its healing properties so I've also found it to be calming, too." —CB 

"I used this cleanser on back-to-back trips to Austin, Orlando, and Mexico City last November and didn't get the zits that typically pop up for me after I've been on a plane. It contains an all-star lineup of acne-preventing ingredients like lactic acid, tea tree oil, and kaolin clay." –KR 

"This toner works for acne but mature skin types can also use it because it won't dry out your skin. I love the ingredients, too. It uses watermelon for natural hydration and polyhdroxy acids—chemical exfoliants—as a milder alternative to AHAs and BHAs. Plus, it smells amazing." —Dr. Robinson 

"I've found that the key to controlling my acne is to treat it before it ever shows up, which is exactly what this serum does. Witch hazel, lactic acid, and mandelic acid keep pores clear of oil and dead skin buildup so they don't get clogged and lead to a breakout. Meanhwile, vitamin C brightens any dark marks you may have." —CB 

"LED heals and renews the skin. Plus, it's so relaxing. I use this about three times a week. I usually like to use the red light, but I'll literally just put it on my vanity when I'm working on my computer so the light can beam on me while I work. It doesn't hurt your eyes, so you can multitask while it's on. I don't think I've aged the last five years, so I think LED must be doing something good for me." —NV

"Repeat after me: Not all oils clog your pores. The hemp seed and sunflower oils in this formula actually help control oil production, along with peppermint and tea tree oil." —CB 

"I use this as a treatment usually twice a week. I feel like it cleans every pore out and tightens and lifts my skin for a quick pick-me-up. I don't think the product description says that, but to me it's an everyday mask." —NV 

"When my eyes feel tired and form dark circles—say, after a late night going down an Instagram rabbit hole—a swipe of this does the trick. It contains daikon and carrot-sourced vitamins C and E, a known power-duo for brightening and firming skin." —KR 

"Moisturizer has gotten a bad rap for acne-prone skin but it's likely just because you were using the wrong one. This lightweight option packs salicylic acid so it fights acne while it hydrates—and without an oily finish." —CB  

"The consistency of this sunscreen is definitely the best feature. I have combination skin during the summer, and this leaves my skin feeling dewy but not oily. It goes on great under my makeup and doesn't leave a white cast." —CC

"This prescription-grade topical retinoid is now available over the counter. Think of topical retinoids like pipe cleaners—they keep the pores clear so oil doesn't become trapped and cause pimples. Adapalene 0.1% is the least irritating of the prescription strength retinoids, so you can treat your acne without disrupting your skin barrier. You apply to your full face to clear up pimples you already have and prevent new ones from popping up in the future." —Dr. Zeichner

"I love that this treatment uses sulfur rather than the typical acne fighters like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide that can cause skin irritation. It also works fast to zap whiteheads and cystic pimples alike." —CB 

"My tan skin is prone to scarring or dark spots after a breakout, so vitamin C serum is a necessity. This gel contains 15 percent vitamin C to even out tone and texture. It's also powered by turmeric (which is anti-inflammatory) and kojic acid (which limits production of melanin–what causes hyperpigmentation in the first place)." —KR  

"Once your pimple has come to a head—or if it's about to come to one—put one of these patches on. Hydrocolloid treatments draw out puss and fluid gently so they prevent you from having to squeeze and prod—and in turn prevent scars." —CB  

"Dry skin not only lacks a glow, it can also make fine lines more pronounced—the opposite of what mature skin needs. Which is why a cleansing oil—rather than a typical soap-y cleanser—is deal for mature skin that's already on the dry side. This one uses a plethora of hydrating oils (including borage and chia seed) to break down makeup and cleanse skin without stripping." –CB 

"You'll get the benefits of a toner—which helps remove leftover residue and prep skin for serums—but with a major dose of moisture." –CB

"This sophisticated formula uses a blend of 6 percent AHAs and BHAs, natural acids from hibiscus, and a probiotic complex to gently exfoliate skin overnight to help boost a natural glow that fades as we age." –Dr. Robinson 

"Microcurrents have long been used in skincare for their ability to stimulate production of collagen and elastin which leads to stronger, firmer skin." –Dr. Zeichner

"This has become a staple in both my morning and nighttime skincare routine. Formulated to  boost skin's elasticity and prevent volume loss over time, it's like a big, satisfying gulp of hydration for my skin. I especially like using it along with a gua sha tool for extra results." –KR 

"Dry skin doesn't stand a chance against this elixir, which is chock full of skin-plumping oils like chia seed, jojoba, and sea buckthorn berry. Skin will be glistening and radiant as soon as you rub it in." –KR

"I don't believe in 'quick fixes'–skincare takes longterm commitment–but this is the closest thing you can get to an 'instant' change. It has a super-concentrated formula that locks moisture into skin and makes it look firmer and well-rested, like you just had a facial or came back from vacation." –KR

"I love that this combines peptides, antioxidants, and a physical broad-spectrum SPF to address signs of aging while also protecting the skin from further sun damage."  –Dr. Robinson

"This is like a wrinkle treatment disguised as a moisturizer. It uses a blend of peptides—the building blocks of proteins that make up collagen—to target and stimulate 10 different types of collagen within the skin to plump it up and reduce fine lines. Oh, and it moisturizes!" –CB

"SPF is the key to anti-aging, no matter what age you are. The key is using it everyday, so you have to find a lightweight one that doesn't feel sticky or dry down white. Enter: Glossier. Hirons is a fan of this as well because it 'goes on like a serum' and 'works under makeup and is completely clear, even on the darkest of skin tones.'" –KR

"Meet your anti-aging hero. This serum, created by one of Hollywood's most in-demand estheticians, helps boost cell turnover to even out skin texture and prevent blemishes while being gentle. You'll get the smooth skin results without the flaking and dry patches typically associated with retinol. " –KR

"Hands down, this is the best peptide serum on the market today. With over seven different active peptides, this is a staple in my routine and is helpful for anyone concerned about the signs of aging who cannot tolerate a retinoid or retinol. I also love how light and easy to layer it is."  –Dr. Robinson