We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. The cult-favorite Cosrx essence that's formulated with 96.3% snail secretion that is perfectly lightweight and hydrating for all skin types. This essence leaves a nice glow and keeps skin visibly smooth after a few uses. No wonder it has over 30,000 5-star ratings!
Promising Review: "I've heard a lot of great benefits to using snail mucin, so I decided to try this product. Within a week I already saw amazing results. Not only is this product hydrating, my pores look smaller and I've noticed I haven't broken out once since I started using this. I use two pumps day and night, and at the price, you really do get a significant amount of product. I have sensitive skin and I am very happy that this product is simple and unscented. If you have the money and deal with large pores, breakouts, dry skin, or dark spots... I would say it's worth it to try." —Cara s
Get it from Amazon for $17.78.
2. Or the Seoul Ceuticals Snail Repair Cream made to reduce fine lines and dark marks. It contains shea butter, aloe, and jojoba oil to help your skin feel smoother and more rejuvenated than ever.
Promising review: "I do spend and have spent lots more money on face creams. However, I decided to buy this cream while buying skin tonics and other skin treatments. And I don't regret it. It is lightweight for day use. It has a great citrus smell, and it certainly moisturizes without feeling heavily coated or disturbing makeup foundation powder following the face cream. I love it and shall continue its use as a daily part of my morning skin regimen. Thank you!" —Camille Petrillo
Get it from Amazon for $20.
3. A bottle of Youth To The People green tea cleanser, aka a sip of green juice for your skin. Packed with antioxidants from superfoods like kale and green tea, this gel turns into a foamy lather, leaving the skin super hydrated and clean.
I personally use this face wash and I've been through about four bottles so far. I love that it gets super lathery, so a little goes such a long way. My skin gets very dry in the winter, so I also love that it gets my face clean without my skin feeling tight or stripped of moisture.
Promising review: "AMAZING! I got this cleanser in an Ipsy box and RAN to order it larger size on Amazon. It makes my skin feel refreshed, as well as hydrated and clean. I have dry and oily skin — depends on the weather — and this cleanser stands the test over all types of seasonal changes. LOVE!" —Alexander Hallal
Get it from Amazon for $14+ (available in three sizes).
4. Bio-Oil, a serum packed with all the good stuff like vitamin E, chamomile, and lavender oil to help improve the appearance of dark marks. This non-greasy body helps to retain essential moisture in your skin so you can stay hydrated and give your skin the love it deserves.
It's not an overnight miracle but if you use it twice a day you could see results in no time.
Promising reviews: "Smells great. No sticky residue. Absorbed by skin fast, but leaves skin hydrated. I got it for my belly during pregnancy and used it today. Found myself putting it on several times because I like it so much." —Amazon Customer
"What is this sorcery? I’m pretty sure it’s just straight-up whatever liquid comes out of a unicorn when it happy cries. I have scars, stretch marks, and acne that are healing or disappearing literally overnight. It’s hands down some of the best stuff I’ve ever gotten my hands on. Thank you, magical wizard, for creating this supernatural concoction, you can now have all of my money. If only I’d taken some before and after pictures to capture the results!" —Purpleflowerseverywhere13
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three sizes).
5. A pack of 24-karat gold cooling eye gels — not only will they leave you feeling refreshed with a cooling sensation, but they also contain hyaluronic acid and collagen, the dynamic duo of fine-line fighting. Mover over, Wonder Woman, there's a new superhero in town.
Promising review: "I truly notice a difference with these eye patches. They recommend 2–3 times per week, but I definitely notice the biggest difference on the days I actually wear them. My bags and dark circles are SIGNIFICANTLY reduced. I've gotten home at night and been shocked to look in the mirror. They are very hydrating and don't irritate my sensitive skin. This is one of the best products I've found for my under-eyes! I plan to purchase again and again!!!" —mamabear
Get a pack of 20 pairs from Amazon for $17.97.
6. An 8-in-1 treatment mask if you don't mind looking like a zombie for 15 minutes in exchange for your skin being deeply hydrated and dead skin cells being removed.
7. A brightening SPF 30 moisturizer because my fellow melanin baddies need sunscreen too and this one won't leave a chalky cast on the skin. This sunscreen is formulated with vitamin C to give you that sun-kissed glow and safflower oil to help restore hydration and radiance.
Bolden is a small, Black woman-owned biz making skincare products that are never tested on animals.
Promising review: "Love this. This is my new facial care — very light and moisturizing, the sunscreen is great. And it works." —Carol A Newman
Another promising review: "I love this moisturizer. Being a dark-skinned African American, I find that often times sunscreen leaves a residue. This is the first sunscreen I've ever used that doesn't leave any weird discoloration, feels great on my skin, and it aids in reducing hyperpigmentation. I even have sensitive skin and haven't had any breakouts while using Bolden's sunscreen. A pump and a half is all I need for my face and neck. I highly recommend it and will be buying more for my family." —Missy D
Get it from Amazon for $26.59.
8. A rosewater mist to provide a refreshing burst of hydration to the face first thing in the a.m. Rosewater contains anti-inflammatory properties that promote radiant skin and reduce redness and irritation.
I've personally bought two bottles of this rosewater and the third on is on it's way from Amazon now. I not only use it in my morning skincare routine, but I also use it throughout the day when my face needs a quick refresh in this hot Georgia weather.
Promising review: "It is all you can ask and more from a great moisturizer, skin refresher, and all-around go-to product for just a slight pick-me-up. I use it for my skin, face mainly, and my hair for the light smell. My whole family loves it, I have to buy them two at a time so that I can at least use them when I need or want to use them. I recommend using this as a natural moisturizer for both your skin and hair." — Charlie W. Gorham
Get it from Amazon for $11.99.
9. CeraVe's Hydrating Cleanser, which is like a tall glass of water for your skin with the hydrating trio of hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin. It's gentle enough to use day or night, on any skin type. So if you're a morning person who likes to wake up with a refreshing cleanse, or a night owl who prefers to wash off the day before hitting the hay, this cleanser has got your back (or, in this case, your face).
10. Briogeo's Scalp Revival if your itchy and flaky scalp has you looking like there's sprinkled Parmesan cheese on your shoulders. This scalp treatment nourishes by restoring the moisture with ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid.
Briogeo is a Black woman–owned biz dedicated to making inclusive haircare products that are cruelty-free and gluten-free.
Safe for: color-treated, keratin-treated, chemically treated, and relaxed hair.
Promising review: "I wish they came out with this product sooner because my dry scalp has been suffering. I have their entire Scalp Revival line and this was the perfect addition to it. My scalp felt so refreshed, clean, and hydrated after. I have thin hair and a dry scalp so this is such a great product for it. Worth every dollar." —helentiffanycee
11. A lightweight eye cream, which'll leave your delicate under-eye area feeling soft and nourished, without any oily residue. This cream also helps tackle dark circles, fine lines, and puffy under-eye bags. A little goes a long way, so you won't need to break the bank to see results.
Promising review: "I LOVE this eye cream. I actually like the hydration so much I use it all over my face. This is definitely a great product and I have told several of my friends about it. It hydrates the skin really well and has no fragrances." —Stephanie N. Troy
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four sizes).
12. A tub of O'Keeffe's Healthy Feet Cream if your dry desert feet are searching for a little oasis. This creates a protective layer on the skin's surface, instantly quenching your feet's thirst and preventing any further moisture loss.
Promising review: "Highly recommend! Works wonders! My feet were so cracked and dry. Now they are so soft and healthy. Keeps them hydrated. Never thought I'd get relief. So satisfied. Does work 100%. 10 stars! Also not greasy. At. All! Absorbs into feet within minutes and is not slippery after. LOVE this product! Will be a lifetime user for sure! Swear by it." —Emma Bell
Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (also available in multipacks).
13. Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask, aka a little spa treatment for your lips while you snooze away. This mask is packed with antioxidants and nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and murumuru butter. You'll be having the sweetest of dreams knowing you're waking up with soft supple lips.
Promising reviews: "Love this lip mask! Smells amazing! The best smelling one by far and is not too sticky, just the right texture. Keeps lips hydrated for hours!" —aaloveshorses
"I love this lip mask! I have always struggled to find a lip product that would keep my severely dry lips at bay and this is the product! I have been using this for the past few weeks and I have never had such plush smooth lips. I wear it at night and sometimes during the day depending on what I am doing. If you struggle with dry lips, I highly recommend you give this a try." —Holly2176
Get it from Amazon or Sephora for $24 (available in six scents).
14. A milky toning lotion, which will not only help promote a strong skin barrier but will also have your face bright and glowy. Your skin will be shining brighter than a full moon on a clear night.
Based in Brooklyn, NY, Good Light is a small business focused on "beauty beyond the binary." Their products are vegan, cruelty-free, and fragrance-free.
Promising review: "This is hands-down one of the best toners I have ever tried. It is so hydrating, and it makes your skin GLOW. I have sensitive skin, and toners are hit and miss, but this actually calms any burning and redness I'm feeling. I can't imagine my regimen without it!" —Lacy C.
Get it from Good Light for $22.
15. A Neutrogena hydrating gel cleanser that will leave your skin feeling refreshed and moisturized. This gel turns into a foaming face wash that gets a deep clean while still boosting the skin's moisture and locking it in.
Promising review: "I love the new packaging and quantity of product for the price. I’ve been loyal to Neutrogena’s HydroBoost face wash for years, so I knew what to expect. It hydrated my skin while getting it clean. It does take a double cleanse after using makeup to get it clean, but for regular use it’s great with one wash. I can always tell the difference if I don’t use this product daily. My skin is just not as hydrated and looks very dull. For best results I recommend a full 60-second massage of the product into the skin. Within a week of consistent, intentional application any blemishes are gone and my skin is soft, dewy and radiant. I highly recommend trying this product if you’re looking to get more moisture and reduce texture. It works really well for sensitive skin and does not have too much of a scent. It lathers as expected but not like super soapy." —Ms. Johnson
Get it from Amazon for $9.94+ (available in three sizes).
16. An bottle of tried-and-true Aveeno Daily Moisturizing lotion specially designed for extra-dry skin to help lock in moisture and improve skin's barrier. Its fragrance-free and made with prebiotic oat to soothe skin and prevent irritation.
Promising reviews: "I have very dry and sensitive skin that tends to peel during winter months. This lotion keeps my skin hydrated all day long, no need to reapply it at all. It is thick enough but not greasy, it doesn't leave any white residue and the smell is so light, you barely notice it. If you have dry and sensitive skin like me, this is the body lotion for you." —Pamela
"It's so moisturizing and it has no scent. We all love it, and use it everyday. It is the best lotion I've encountered. It has no greasiness and makes your skin glow." —Lils Reyes
Get it from Amazon for $8.77.
17. An oil-free La Roche-Posay daily face moisturizer, which provides hydration for up to 48 hours without clogging your pores or leaving you feeling greasy.
Promising review: "I love this moisturizer! I am constantly battling cystic acne, but I also have dry skin, and a lot of products that help with hydration make my acne worse. This is the only moisturizer I have found so far that gives me the hydration I need without irritating my acne!" —Rosalie
Get it from Amazon for $20.99 (also available as a pack with a cleanser).
18. An intensely hydrating lip balm because we all know the struggle of dealing with dry, chapped lips. This balm is here to save the day and quench your thirsty lips with the power of vitamin E and green tea. It also helps protect against the harsh rays of the sun with SPF 25 so you can pucker up without the fear of sunburned lips.
Promising review: "I have been searching for a lip balm with SPF that was also super hydrating, and this is the one! Others in this category are great at protecting but still really drying, and this little beauty is my lip moisturizer of choice over all others. It's AMAZING overnight, leaves lips super moisturized. It has zero taste or smell (the Shea option, not sure about others). I only wish these came in color and I would snap all of those up, too!" —sukigirl
Get it from Amazon or Sephora for $8 (available in five scents).
19. A container of Aquaphor multipurpose healing ointment to soothe, protect, and restore smooth skin. Whether you're a new parent dealing with the joys of diaper rash, a tattoo aficionado in need of some aftercare, or just someone battling with chapped skin during the winter, this ointment has you covered — literally!
Promising review: "At first I wasn't sure I'd like this product because it is so greasy; I even heard it referred to as 'the new Vaseline.' My doctor recommended it for my cracking cuticles and fingers. I discovered that I was using too much, my mistake; I was applying it like regular hand lotion/cream. Once I learned a little goes a long way, I love it!! I keep the jar beside my bed and rub a small dab on my hands before turning off the light so it has all night to soak in. My hands are now crack-free and soft even though it is the middle of winter with extremely frigid weather." —Mooselady
Get it from Amazon for $13.50+.
20. A jar of First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream ideal for helping provide hydration in those moments where your skin feels like it's on the verge of a meltdown. Maybe it's from a harsh winter, a sunburn, or just life in general — this cream is like a big hug for your skin.
Promising review: "I bought this and first of all, the price is awesome for how much you get. It's a hydrating moisturizer without being thick and pore-clogging. I use it twice a day and my skin looooves it! It has a slightly fresh smell but isn't overpowering. If you have dry, combo, or sensitive skin, you need this!." —VikkiYoung
Get it from Sephora for $18+ (available in three sizes) or Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four sizes).
21. La Roche Posay's gentle cleanser that helps remove all the dirt and yucky stuff from your face while still retaining your skin's essential moisture, preventing it from feeling tight and stripped.
Promising review: "It’s hard to describe, but it’s almost like putting a thick milky wash on your face. It’s so hydrating!!! My dry skin loves it! If you have acne I recommend washing with something for acne then following up with this. I will be purchasing this again!!!" —Corey Belue
Get it from Amazon for $16.96.
22. A soothing toner made with heartleaf extract grown and harvested in Korea. Not only does it leave your skin feeling clarified and hydrated, but it's also free of any irritating ingredients. This toner can help your skin absorb all the other serums and moisturizers in your beauty cabinet — it's like a personal assistant making sure you get the most out of your skincare routine.
Promising review: "This Anua toner is great, especially for people with sensitive, acne-prone skin. It provides a light layer of hydration along with the soothing and reparative properties of heartleaf. This toner is great for resolving breakouts while preventing new ones. It is particularly good for those tiny little raised bumps (I used to get them on my chin). Highly recommend. Price is very good and even with daily use it will last you quite a while!" —B. MAHTANI
Get it from Amazon for $19.90.
23. A jar of Brazilian Bum Bum body cream to give your skin a little extra TLC with the help of cupuacu butter, acai oil, and coconut oil. This hydrating cream allows your skin to indulge in a little pampering like you're on a tropical vacation by leaving your skin soft and supple.
Promising review: "Where has this lotion been? It’s AMAZING… smells so good and I’m quite sensitive to smells! It cleared up the skin on my legs too. Went from rough, bumpy skin to silky, smooth, and hydrated in less than a month. Husband noticed a big difference. It’s pricey for lotion but worth it!!! LOVE it." —KSC
Get it from Amazon for $22+ (available in three sizes).
24. Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm & Aftercare Cream, which is made with organic, antioxidant rich butters and lightweight oils to help your tattooed skin look healthy and glowy. I've personally used this and it keeps my ink looking like I just left the shop.
Mad Rabbit is a Black-owned tattoo care business founded by Oliver Zak and Selom Agbitor that has also been seen on Shark Tank.
Promising review: "I've had this since December of last year. My skin gets dry in the winter, and my tattoos get the worst of it, especially on my hands. This has not only made my tattoos more vibrant, but my skin is hydrated enough and it stays that way. My tattoos look so good and I don't think they would be in as good of condition if I didn't start using this stuff." —Randi
Get it from Amazon for $18.99 (available in two scents).
25. A fast-working calming cream with a natural extract from chamomile oil that hydrates the skin and helps relieve redness. It can be good to use after laser treatment, long-term sun exposure, or post-shaving.
Promising review: "Absolutely worth every single cent! I have severe rosacea that leaves my nose and cheeks dry, flaky, and breaking out. I’ve had little success with anything topical that will provide relief to my irritated skin. My sister recommended it to me when I was looking for a moisturizer after a severe sunburn that left my nose blistered and raw. I received my order Wednesday and applied it that night after washing my face. By Saturday afternoon my face is almost completely healed. The cream prevented peeling, and helped clear up my rosacea skin irritation! I’m completely amazed! I’ve applied less than a dime size over my face four times! My skin has truly never felt better! It’s got to be witchcraft because not even the different RXs I’ve tried over the years have produced these results. *I will note there was a very mild sting that lasted a couple of seconds when initially applying but that was likely due to the raw skin. It was completely bearable." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $26.
26. A lip balm that helps repair and nourish dry, chapped lips. It contains 1% hydrocortisone, which reduces inflammation, allowing the skin to heal, whereas some other lip balms contains harsh ingredients that keep your lips dry.
Promising reviews: "Works as advertised. Better than the prescription my dermatologist gave me. She recommended this as a long-term solution, and she is absolutely correct. Used twice a day, it keeps my lips free from eczema and cold sores." —Amazon Customer
"As advertised. Great lip balm. I've been using it since I was on medication that dried my lips out badly. Works very well. Used about four times a day while on the medication. Since off the medication, I use after I wash my face in a.m. and p.m., and I have soft lips. My old lip balm required me to use MANY times a day to keep lips soft." —paco
Get it from Amazon for $7.50.
27. The dermatologist-recommended La Roche-Posay balm with vitamin B5 and shea butter to help put the moisture back into dry skin while also healing and soothing it. This balm is fragrance-free — perfect for those who have skin that can get easily irritated.
Promising reviews: "This stuff is AMAZING. Slap a small amount on at the end of your skin routine and automatically have hydrated skin ALL DAY. My skin used to be super dry, cracked, and really red constantly, but after I got this…it all went away. It’s liquid gold. Do your skin a favor and get it!! The tube lasts me a solid four months, so it's definitely worth it." —Marisa
"I had an IPL photo-facial followed by a SkinPen microneedling session and my face was tomato red, hot, and dry. Now, I’ve loved this cream for a while. I wish I could write a sonnet about it. It heals popped pimples, irritated skin, cuts, scrapes, burns, you name it. So after the stuff the doctor gave me wasn’t doing much, I took matters into my own hands and applied some of this Cicaplast Balm. Within two hours I looked like a normal human being. I cannot praise this miracle product enough. I’m pretty sure it’s crafted with angel tears and unicorn magic. I’m blown away." —Sage P.
Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in two styles).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.