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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.
Don't click if you hate hope and impressive before and afters.
This cruelty-free mask is made from 100% bentonite clay, that can also be used for body wraps, clay baths, foot soaks, hair masks, and more. One reviewer has found success washing their 4c hair with it!
Promising review: "I'm getting married in two weeks and about three months ago I said 'Wow OK this is my skin. How am I going to cover it up for the wedding?' I came across this mask online and saw reviews and thought there is no way this mask helps with acne marks...(I have yet to find one that does). Three months later the results just show you how fast and amazing this product is...I will never use another face mask!!!!" —Alyssa Alessandrini
Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in two sizes).
Promising review: "This product helped clear my skin after I struggled with many other products. I was struggling with what I thought was milia on my forehead. I have tried exfoliating with all sorts of different products. I read a review on Reddit and though I would give it a try. So glad I did. I put this on and saw results in on night. I honestly love how well this product worked for me." —Nicola
Get it from Amazon for $11+ (available in two sizes).
Promising review: "I have had acne my whole life. It flares up every two to four weeks on my face. I always sleep on my side or stomach, so I thought that the Silvon pillow might help reduce the bacteria that causes acne naturally. To my surprise, the acne flare-ups reduced significantly over the last four months. I now exclusively use them at home and even got a few for my girlfriend. I wash them as usual, so no need for special care. These pillowcases feel like good quality cotton and look great. If you have acne and sleep with your face on the pillows, give the pillowcases a try." —Alex Levin
Get it from Amazon for $44.99+ (available in two sizes and in five colors).
This is *very* strong and reviewers say that while it works, it might make your skin sensitive and dry while it adjusts (much like Accutane). They recommend that you always moisturize after using this, and to use it at night while you're out of the sun.
Promising review: "It definitely works. I was on a prescription retinoid and benzoyl peroxide combo cream (it’s double the price) + spironolactone pill for my hormonal acne before and it worked. I had to stop both for a while for personal reasons, after several months my hormones started acting up again. I had a really bad breakout, so I asked my doctor if I can at least get back on the cream, my doctor advised me to try this instead. Any active pimples heal very fast, scarring and texture is also improving. And I don’t even have to bother with prescriptions anymore." —LC
Get it from Amazon for $12.29+ (available in three sizes).
Promising review: "It really worked for me! I got deep scars from acne and sensitive skin. I have been using this serum for a week and my skin get a lot better and I can feel it’s getting smoother." —Nancyt
Get it from Amazon for $16.97.
Need more convincing? Head to our CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum review to get the full low-down from one of our editors.
Promising review: "This really works! It goes on a little thick but does not feel thick once wearing. It totally corrects my redness and makes it so I don't have to wear foundation to work. Lasts well thru a full day of wearing a mask. The SPF is a great plus." —gigi066
My coworker Elizabeth Lilly uses this stuff daily. Check out her Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment review for more deets and a compelling before and after.
Get it from Sephora for $52.
Briogeo is a Black woman-owned beauty brand founded by Nancy Twine, who spent her childhood whipping up natural beauty products with her grandmother because of dissatisfaction with the natural hair care products she found in stores
Promising review: "I wasn't really sure how I would use this product but, then I had a breakout that was really swollen and hurt. I applied the Tea Tree oil with a Q-tip to the breakout and the swelling and soreness were gone overnight. I'll definitely keep using this product." —SherryR
Get it from Briogeo for $32.
Promising review: "As a bald man, I wear a hat every day. This causes acne to form around my head where the band sits. I keep my hats and head clean but it's still a problem. I've used the well-known products that my wife uses and they have all failed to control it. After one week of using Dr. Song, I could tell this was going to be different. After two weeks my acne is cleared up and I expect with continued use I will be able to keep it under control. It's gentle and effective." —Jason F.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes).
Promising review: "After just about three weeks of use I’ve seen such a positive change in both the evenness of time and of the texture of my skin. Melasma and acne scarring have faded pretty dramatically — I don’t even bother putting on foundation when I do my makeup in the morning. The oil is so lightweight and doesn’t exacerbate my already oily complexion." —L T C
Get it from Amazon for $8.92+ (available in three sizes).
Promising review: "I’ve always struggled with adult acne/breakouts. I discovered this a couple of years ago and it’s really helped my skin since. I apply it around my problem areas a couple of times a week and it dries up problems before they even start!" —Amanda
Get it from Amazon for $17 (available in a glass or plastic bottle).
Promising review: "I ordered these on a whim after a long day of isolation and internet browsing and because I have a terrible habit of picking at spots on my face and making them into something much much worse. These magical spots are life changing!!! Put them on before bed (or before work) on clean skin and FORGET about them. You don't notice they're there — unless you go to pick at something and then YOU STOP!! Leave them in place for at least six hours and then peel them off. They come off easily (but not so easy that they come off while sleeping) and the amount of 'bleck' they suck out is amazing!!! So a spot that was going to erupt into Mount Vesuvius ends up being NOTHING!!!! I've purchased six packages and will keep buying them. An amazing value!" —Jennifer Nothdurft
Get a 40-pack from Amazon for $6.95 or an eight-pack of the large patches for $7.49.
Multiple BuzzFeeders swear by this product — read their Glossier Solution reviews!
Promising review: "After using this for less than a week my stubborn blackheads are finally gone. I have tried dozens of products trying to get rid of them and the fact that this worked almost instantly for me is just another reason why I absolutely adore Glossier! 💗" —angelica
Get it from Glossier for $24.
Tower 28 Beauty is an Asian woman-owned small business based in Los Angeles. The founder, Amy, started the brand after working 15+ years in the beauty industry. The company works to create non-toxic, vegan, cruelty-free beauty products that are perfect for any skin type.
Promising review: "I have been using this spray for a few weeks now and it has drastically improved my skin and inflammation. I have extremely sensitive, reactive skin with a combination of acne, eczema, and the occasional perioral dermatitis. Within a day or two I was able to notice my skin healing and the redness was going away too. I will be repurchasing this forever! Never change the formula or discontinue this product, it’s a staple in my routine." —Sam M.
Get it from Tower 28 Beauty for $12+ (available in three sizes).
Promising review: "Saw this on blogger website about a year ago and love this moisturizer. A little goes a long way. I am over 60 and have sensitive, acne-prone skin. This moisturizer has not caused any breakouts and does a beautiful job moisturizing my combination (dry and oily) skin. I use it morning and night and one jar has lasted me an entire year. Highly recommend." —Dena Strych
Get it from Amazon for $15.97+ (available in three sizes).
Promising review: "This is a small miracle in a bottle. I bought it by recommendation of my derm after an IPL treatment and it's been the fastest and smoothest recovery (if I can call it 'recovery'). The dark spots were gone in one week, literally. The panthenol/B5 regenerates skin, hydrates, and has a plumping effect. I've been using it during super cold days, for minor scratches, and for reducing the peeling effect of Retin-A. It's a very rich balm cream for protecting against moisture loss. It's simply amazing!" —Karen
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
Promising review: "I always get stubborn acne spotting on one part of my face. I have struggled to get rid of it all quarantine and this product really did the job. I wanted to buy the small one first incase I didn’t like it but I will definitely be repurchasing this in the big size." —Eyebrowqueen02
Get it from Sephora for $17+ (available in two sizes).
This oil is also effective at reducing pregnancy stretch marks and can even be used to moisturize your hair!
Promising review: "I read about this product on a BuzzFeed article like three years ago and I'm now on my fifth or sixth bottle. I had HORRIBLE acne in high school and decided to give this stuff a try. I'm really glad i did. It's one of only two skin products that I regularly use now, and it totally cleared me up. I have really sensitive and acne-prone skin and this is one of the only products I've ever tried that hasn't broken me out once. The scent is really faint and the oil itself is...well... oily, but it soaks into the skin after a few minutes. It looks really good under makeup. I 10/10 recommend to anyone struggling with acne or acne scarring." —Daniella Desio
Get it from Amazon for $14.95.
Promising review: "I started using LED light treatments with a cheap mask from Walmart and I saw results over time, but nothing like this mask. This is like driving a Ferrari compared to the Ford Pinto I used previously. I use the red light for 20 minutes and then the green light for 20 minutes, three times a week. My last mask didn't have all the colors this one has, and the green light has made a huge difference. Excellent company, great customer service, and follow-up. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!" —Dave Rosy
Get it from Amazon for $150.89.
Promising review: "Love this mask! I can actually see it helping my pores and fighting my acne when it is on my face! incredible! I use it about once a week, and am so glad for it. It is smooth and easy to apply and easy to remove with only warm water!" —Kate the Great
Get it from Amazon for $16.96 (available in four scents).
Blume is a POC-owned small biz co-founded by sisters Taran and Bunny, who wanted to create a line of transparent, eco-conscious self-care products that de-stigmatize and de-mystify the shame-centered talk around periods and puberty.
Promising review: "ABSOLUTE HOLY GRAIL!!!!! It cleared up my acne within two weeks. Clears up the redness overnight, it’s amazing! I am so so glad I gave this a try bc nothing else was helping me clear my acne. It’s truly life-changing. This will always be a part of my skincare routine. If you’re hesitant, don’t be. Buy it!" —Michelle F.
Get it from Blume for $24 (save 20% when you subscribe).
These are designed to resurface and retexture your skin, revealing an exfoliated and brightened complexion beneath!
Promising review: "I’m really impressed with these pads. I’ve had adult cystic acne for about a decade now, and have tried countless products over the years. Adding these things into my skincare routine has made my skin look bright and clear like porcelain. I still get the occasional blemish, but they’re always very small and go away in a day or two. I highly recommend them." —Caroline Powell
Get a container of 60 pads from Amazon for $9.99.
Skinergy Beauty is a POC woman-owned small biz founded by Priscilla Jiminian, a native New Yorker whose roots are in the Dominican Republic. She launched the brand due to the lack of available products that catered to skin like hers. Her goal is to be inclusive of all skin types, formulating products that help people of all kinds achieve their skincare goals.
Promising review: "Ugh! I don’t know where to start from. I love everything about this product. This is my second purchase and it’s a staple. A couple of months ago I was having really bad hormonal acne and in less than a week I have been seeing my dark pigmentation marks fade away! Just such a lovely product! Results are guaranteed." —Catherine
Get it from Skinergy Beauty for $54.99.
Promising review: "I really love this moisturizer. I have combo to oily skin. I love how this is lightweight yet moisturizing. It sinks into your skin and does not sit on top like other gel moisturizers. It isn't sticky either, which I highly appreciate. In the winter, I like to layer an oil on top and it does just fine. I do feel that it brightens uneven dark spots as well!" —Anonymous
Promising review: "This is a phenomenal facial scrub. It is dense and a little bit goes a long way. The scrub is not gentle — which is a big plus in my opinion. I'm tired of searching for scrubs only to be diappointed when I buy them because the abrasive pieces are too few, or too small, where they're hardly detectable. (Don't worry, this scrub is not like a foot or body scrub — so don't be alarmed — it's not that harsh). My skin feels remarkably clean and soft afterwards. This is a great buy. I'm glad I took the chance in purchasing it. I will definitely be a repeat customer." —Pamela F.
Get it from Amazon for $8.59.
AxV Beauty is a Black woman-owned small biz co-founded by Asata Evans who, after years of struggling with cystic acne, sought a solution that was inclusive of all skin tones.
Promising review: "I love how this product makes my 60 year old skin feell: clean and fresh with a renewed glow. Also, I applied the Essential Face Oil immediately after brow and lip waxing and I did not break out with blisters and bumps as I usually do. Game changer! Thank you!" —Doris
Get it from AxV Beauty for $30+ (available in two sizes)
Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.