22 Skin Care Products That Actually Do What They Say They Will

The internet hath spoken. This post was updated in March 2018.

Jenny Chang / BuzzFeed

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1. A Vitamin C serum that's the equivalent of spending a day in the sun, and not inside your office.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Great for: Dull skin that's prone to visible dark spots, dark circles, etc.

Promising review: "I just started using this, but I'm already blown away by the results. I had stubborn acne and texture issues that did not change for weeks — months for some places, years for others. No product I added or removed from my routine made a bit of difference. Enter Mad Hippie. In just DAYS, my skin has improved tremendously. My forehead (which was my trouble spot) is clear! I am mystified. Stubborn scars on my cheeks are lightening, as well." —T. Graves

Get it from Amazon for $27.19.

2. A rose milk cleanser that will cleanse the dirt off your face without disrupting your natural moisture balance.

michaeltoddbeauty.com

Good for: Sensitive, combination skin.

Promising review: "I've used this cleanser every morning for two weeks, and my skin has improved drastically. This product is very milky and light and cleans my skin without stripping it of its natural oils. My skin is significantly less red, smoother, softer, and I do not get as oily throughout the day. Perfect for sensitive skin types." —A

Get it from Michael Todd Beauty for $24.

And if you want to smell as clean as your skin feels, check out these natural deodorants on BuzzFeed Reviews!

3. A daily moisturizer that will have your skin saying, "yes, I AM positively radiant. Thanks for noticing."

amazon.com, amazon.com

Good for: All skin types that suffer from blotchiness, dullness, and dark spots. Plus, it contains SPF 15!

Promising review: "I use this daily. I love that it moisturizes and protects my skin from the sun, but also absorbs quickly and never leaves my face oily. I haven't had a breakout since using this product." —T. Serrano

Get it from Amazon for $13.47.

4. A spot treatment that will EradiKate the evil enemy commonly referred to as a pimple.

shop-links.co

Good for: Bullies, AKA pimples.

Promising review: "I had been having horrible breakouts on my forehead and chin, and nothing was helping until I started this treatment. The smell is definitely strong and sometimes lingers even after I wash my face, but I can live with that. This cleared up so much of my acne; it either reduces the size or brings it to a head within two nights. So happy to have found this product!" —fcmRN90

Get it from Sephora for $26 or Ulta for $26.

5. A clay mask that starts to foam upon application. Hello, Loch Ness Monster look-alike and Snapchat opportunities.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Good for: Combination skin, gets rid of pore-clogging dirt and oil.

Promising review: "I am obsessed with this mask — the carbonation feels insane on my face and tingles so much. My snapchat has appreciated this purchase since I always look like a swamp monster when it's all foamed up." —Nicole Hallberg

Get it from Amazon for $9.85.

6. A daily moisturizer that's like a tall glass of water for your face and neck, AKA is actually hydrating.

amazon.com

Good for: Normal-to-dry skin.

Promising review: "I very rarely write reviews. However, this product blew me away — I've been using it for several months now and it's perfect! I love that it gives me a good amount of moisture without being greasy. I feel like Ahava products are a good investment; the company doesn't get nearly enough recognition." —Book Lover

Get it from Amazon for $36.

7. A healing ointment that will make you say, "new number who dis?" to all the Chapstick that has failed you in the past.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Good for: Dry, cracked skin.

Promising review: "This is the only product for dry skin that actually 100% works every time. Whether you've got dry feet, eczema, patches on your body or face, or ANYWHERE, this heavy-duty ointment works wonders when applied overnight. I recommend this to everyone." —Bonnie G

Get it on Amazon for $12.79.

8. A exfoliating scrub that is great for anyone who wants to throw a funeral for the dead skin.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Good for: Removing dead skin and blemish control. Can also be used for body acne!

Promising review: "This tea tree scrub has been a lifesaver in reducing my blocked pores and oily skin problems. Taking a generous amount, polish the scrub into your skin and then give yourself at least 5 minutes to bake. You'll know it works when you feel that eucalyptus-like chill that comes with VapoRub. After a month of use every other day, I've seen fantastic results. No more spots or blemishes, and definite improvement on oil control." —Isolde

Get it on Amazon for $14.70.

9. An egg white pore foam that is an eggcellent way to improve your complexion.

amazon.com

Good for: Blackheads and enlarged pores. Good for normal, combination, and oily skin.

Promising review: "This is my second time buying this foam — I really like how clean my face feels after using it! I use this in the evenings after removing my makeup, because I feel it may be a bit too much for the morning. I think it lives up to the 'deep cleansing' description; it leaves your pores super clean, and also leaves that tight feeling on your skin. I have combination skin, previously oily skin, so I think this may be too drying if you have dry skin. Affordable and you only need a tiny bit of product, so it lasts a long time!" —C

Get it on Amazon for $10.95.

10. A Benzoyl Peroxide wash that holds a huge "STOP" sign in the face of incoming acne.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Good for: Face and body acne.

Promising review: "Honestly, the best acne treatment I've ever tried. I've been using it for a week now and my skin is almost 100% clear of cystic acne and acne scars. I've been trying to clear up my skin for MONTHS, and this amazing product was able to do it in about a week. I would recommend it to anyone, but be aware that your skin will become quite dry for at least the first few times you use it." —Jessica

Get it from Amazon for $21.95.

11. A black sugar scrub that'll make you sing "pour some sugar on me" every time you wash your face.

theskinfood.us

Good for: All skin types that need exfoliation! If you have sensitive skin, just add extra water to the scrub mixture.

Promising review: "I have tried many face scrubs, from the expensive department store brands to the the inexpensive ones available at drugstores, and none of them left my face feeling as soft and polished as this one. I use it once or twice a week, in between my makeup remover and foaming cleanser." —Leslie M. Bowman

Get it from SkinFood for $10 or Amazon for $8.68.

12. A mud mask that is a luxurious alternative to expensive spa visits. A spa treatment with Netflix, if you will.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Good for: Enlarged pores, bratty blackheads, and breakouts.

Promising review: "I've only used it once so far, but I really liked the results even after the first use. I typically have oily skin and deal with acne on a day-to-day basis. My daily cleanser tends to dry out my skin and I can't use moisturizer because it makes me break out more. This mask, however, felt great because my skin felt clean and fresh, but also moisturized and smooth — my acne was visibly less red and looked/felt less swollen; by the next morning it had shrunk half the size." —The Good Witch

Get it on Amazon for $17.05.

13. A rose petal witch hazel toner that is so good, it's magic. Broomstick not included.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Good for: Sensitive skin prone to breakouts.

Promising review: "My skin has never looked better! I received it just three days ago and I've used it about four or five times (once before I go to bed, and once when I wake up in the morning). It smells amazing and doesn't dry out my skin. The before and after pictures speak for themselves — great product and a great price! Top is before and bottom is after." —Ashley Russell

Get it from Amazon for $6.99.

14. A deep pore gel cleanser that is like a tea detox for your skin. Except with charcoal.

michaeltoddbeauty.com

Great for: Oily, blemish-prone skin.

Promising review: "I have purchased five of these over the past year — I'm addicted and love this product! Charcoal detox gives me the cleanse I need while still being gentle on my skin. I can't live without it." —LD

Get it from Michael Todd Beauty for $23.

15. An organic moisturizer cream that will help rejuvenate your skin and give it some much-needed TLC.

amazon.com

Good for: Dry skin prone to rosacea and excema.

Promising review: "I've been using Honeyskin on my face for the past two weeks and absolutely love it. My skin is sensitive, with mild rosacea, and I've had mild acne for over a decade (occasionally I'd clear it up with various face products, but they always made my skin splotchy red, would cause flareups with the rosacea, or were so drying I'd end up with flaky skin). After two weeks of using this daily, my skin is almost completely clear of any signs of rosacea or acne. Plus, my skin looks dewy and vibrant." —Rebecca King

Get it from Amazon for $14.97.

16. A face mask that smells like chocolate cupcakes and mint. Need I say more?

lushusa.com

Good for: Oily skin.

Promising review: "I'm 20, so not exactly a teenager anymore, but I've had severe acne for almost half my life. When you have skin like mine (skin that's so bad that it needs medical intervention), you're going to want to consult people before you put things on it. I went to my local Lush and a sales rep suggested I use this mask for my acne and large pores. It was far better than I had expected. Within two months, my skin has gone from a sebum war zone to nearly spotless. It smells yummy but refreshing, like an iced mint mocha. Every time I wash this mask off, I immediately feel soft and smooth, and my face looks downright radiant. It's excellent and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone with acne issues." —Emma Hall

Get it from a Lush Cosmetics Store for $9.95.

17. A multi-use oil that will help fade stubborn scarring and even out your complexion.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Good for: Dehydrated and uneven skin, plus acne scars and dark spots.

Promising review: "I had this product in my 'save for later' cart for months. Hesitant to purchase yet another skincare product, I finally took the chance and bought it. Do you know what I dislike about it? That I didn't buy it SOONER! This product has changed my skin. I've been using it now for two months (daily), and I still have the original 4oz bottle that I purchased. It absorbs into my skin nicely, creates smoothness, and doesn't feel greasy. I suffer from adult acne, and this helps to keep my skin clear and soft. This is now a product that I cannot live without. Best skincare purchase I have EVER made!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $7.69.

18. A spot treatment and drying lotion that says "boy bye" to pesky pimples.

anrdoezrs.net

Good for: Whiteheads.

Promising review: "I suffer from adult acne and, after just a few uses, I've noticed serious improvement in my problem areas. It dries up active spots over night and reduces redness like voodoo. This will now be a staple in my skin routine." —Ashley

Get it from Urban Outfitters and Amazon for $17.

19. An eye cream that I imagine would sing "plump it up, you got to plump it up" at karaoke if given the chance.

amazon.com

Good for: Dark circles, fine lines, and puffiness. Helps moisturize and plump thin skin around the eyes.

Promising review: "I'm not a review writer usually, but I had to on this one. First off, as a mom of three, lack of sleep, stress, and age have started to take their toll on my eyes. I was done with dark circles, lines, and tired-looking eyes, and had tried other products with no luck. I tried this product by chance and, wow, I'm never trying anything else. It works! It does not irritate my eyes and in just over a week I got results — I highly recommend it. It's affordable and works." —sacmom

Get it from Amazon for $16.99.

20. Sunscreen that will protect your skin without clogging your pores in the process. Goodbye, greasy residue!

kiehls.com

Good for: All skin types!

Promising review: "I used to hate sunscreen because it felt heavy and oily, and I felt like my combination skin couldn't breathe — so I didn't apply it unless I absolutely had to. But this product has me forever hooked on applying sunscreen! We all know that you should apply sunscreen before you head out to prevent early aging; his product will give you a very good reason to do so." —CindyinTX

Get it from Kiehl's for $38.

21. An overnight lotion that moisturizes your skin while combatting excess oil. Woo.

thebodyshop-usa.com

Best for: Oily, blemish-prone skin.

Promising review: "I was having quite a few breakouts every month and they were starting to get out of control. I tried this lotion not even realizing what tea tree oil did. Just after a few nights, I saw a major difference in my skin — my scars and blemishes were actually fading. My face hasn't been this clear in a long time." —Lrkrh3

Get it from The Body Shop for $12 (originally $20).

22. A Vitamin C serum that will definitely have you C-ing an improvement in your skin's brightness.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Best for: Dry and normal skin.

Promising review: "This stuff is amazing. It helps with everything — from fine lines, to adult acne, scars, discolorations... it's basically food for your skin! I'm so happy I started using this! This is my second bottle that I've ordered." —Kalina

Get it from Amazon for $12.95.

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