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. A bottle of TikTok-famous Cosrx Snail Mucin Power Essence because it will soothe and rejuvenate your skin so effectively, it'll make you think the exact opposite of "ew" when you think of snail mucin. It can also give your skin a natural "I woke up like this" glow that has earned it over 60,000 5-star ratings!
And tell Gary not to worry! The snail mucin is obtained in a safe way, so no snails are harmed!
I've personally been using this for months now, and it's amazing how it's improved aspects of my skin that I didn't even know needed improving. I didn't think my skin looked too dull before, but after seeing how this brightened and soothed my skin, I'm never going back. I spray my face with rose water, gently pat the essence into my skin while it's still damp, and let it absorb. Plus, it absorbs so quickly, it's like your skin is saying, "gimme gimme gimme!!"
Promising review: "I recently incorporated this essence into my skincare routine, and I am thrilled with the results! This product has truly exceeded my expectations and become a staple in my beauty regimen. It has effectively reduced the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving my skin looking smoother and more youthful. My skin feels nourished, revitalized, and has a healthy glow." —Samia
Get it from Amazon for $17.
2. A popular pack of Skin1004 pore tightening and lifting masks that has surprised reviewers with its immediate results. These fast-acting masks are made with albumin, aloe vera, and centella asiatica extract to hydrate and lift your skin, tighten enlarged pores, clear small breakouts, and give you that "just came fresh from the spa" glow.
To use, mix the powder and activator and apply it onto your face. FYI — you'll look like a character from The Walking Dead as the mask works its magic (it's called the "Zombie Pack" for a reason!). But once you rinse it off after 10-15 minutes of letting it dry, you'll have some happy and radiant skin.
Skin1004 is a Korean skincare brand that provides high-quality skincare items made of plant-based ingredients from Madagascar. Its signature ingredient is centella asiatica extract, a soothing and hydrating antioxidant that is known for its ability to help heal wounds and protect the skin.
Promising reviews: "Exceeded my expectations. I have dry skin and slightly larger pores, but I tried this mostly to help with texture. It does have a slight smell like everyone says, but it's honestly not unbearable and I don't even notice it after a couple of minutes. It starts to dry pretty fast and gets really tight, which makes a couple of parts of my face itch a bit. However, once I wash it off my skin is fine and as someone with rosacea, I'm still genuinely surprised that it doesn't cause my face to get red AT ALL. It has actually improved my skin texture and the pores on my cheeks and nose genuinely look less prominent." —April
"I was a little skeptical when I bought this. Tried it for the first time and was amazed by the results! My skin looks and feels amazing, I felt like I looked at least five years younger. Yes it doesn't smell the greatest, but it wasn't overly strong. My skin is very sensitive and I avoid trying new products because a lot irritate my skin, this product didn't. I am so thrilled." —Dayna
Get it from Amazon for $25 (also available in a two-pack and in a variety three-pack).
3. A lightweight Cosrx mild gel cleanser if you want to be able to wash your face without having it feel bone dry afterward. Its relatively low pH helps balance and protect your skin from acne-causing irritants without stripping it. It's also enriched with tea tree oil and BHA to help keep your skin nice and smooth.
All Cosrx products are dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and have no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.
Promising review: "I've been struggling to find a cleanser that effectively addresses my sensitive skin's needs, and this one exceeded my expectations. The combination of BHA and tea tree oil ensures a thorough cleanse while remaining gentle on my skin. After incorporating this cleanser into my daily routine, I've noticed a significant reduction in breakouts and an overall improvement in my skin's texture. The pH-balancing formula is also a game-changer; it leaves my skin feeling refreshed without any uncomfortable tightness. I also appreciate that the cleanser has no smell. Overall, I highly recommend this cleanser to anyone seeking a daily cleanser that's suitable for sensitive skin. It's become a staple in my skincare regimen, and I can't wait to explore more products from COSRX." —Noodle
Get it from Amazon for $14+ (available in two sizes).
4. Or The Face Shops's facial foaming cleanser with rice water that contains vitamins and minerals to purify, moisturize, and brighten your skin while protecting it from excessive irritation. Reviewers with sensitive skin swear by it!
Promising reviews: "I recently purchased this cleanser, and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations in every way possible. This set is not just a face cleanser; it's a holistic skincare experience that will leave your skin feeling refreshed, radiant, and deeply nourished." —Denise B
"This foams easily, thick and smooth. Feels like liquid silk. I love the smell. I'm very sensitive to smells in personal care products, and this is the most pleasant smell I have ever had in a soap. I use a lot of sunscreen due to hiking in Arizona. When I wash my face with this soap, it cleans off everything in one go, no need for a second wash to make sure everything is off my face. My face somehow looks and feels super clean but not tight, not ashy, and doesn't look or feel dry. I've used it for months now, and my skin definitely looks clearer and I've had no breakouts." —Emery Davis
Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in two sizes).
5. Mighty Patch's super popular pack of pimple patches (try saying that five times fast) that you'll be satisfied to peel off your skin as you see all the gunk they pulled out overnight. No picking or pinching needed. Oh, and they have over 96,000 5-star reviews!
Promising review: "These patches truly exceeded my expectations. They are affordable, easy to use, painless and effective. I use them primarily for cystic acne along my jawline and they are successfully drawing out most of the pimples after one to three nights. I press on the patch at the end of my evening skincare routine and wear it overnight (although the patches are so small and inconspicuous, I could comfortably wear them out in public during the day as well). The patch stays put on my face all night while I sleep and move around. When I remove the patch, it pulls off the head of the pimple without me ever having to touch the area or get the oils/dirt from my hands on the breakout. It does not hurt or tug at your skin at all. Really deep or large pimples sometimes take a couple nights before they are completely “drained.” This is well worth the price and I will be keeping them in stock from now on!" —Stephanie Bullard
Get a pack of 36 from Amazon for $11.97.
6. And some 6-hour hydrocolloid nose patches, which are *much* more gentle and effective than your typical stripping adhesive! It's designed to target your pimples and pores by absorbing oil overnight and giving you that lovely, clearer-looking T-zone.
Promising reviews: "I have tried sooooo many pore strips for my nose and none of them work but this one exceeded my expectations. Literally made my nose feel like a baby's bottom. Worked so well!" —Britney Ann
"It's gross in the most spectacular way. The amount of disgusting gunk that came out of my face was appalling and I instantly gagged. However, my nose has never felt so clean and smooth for consecutive days. If you have oily skin I definitely recommend washing your face first and apply it to the nose before moisturizing the rest of your face. If I could give this 10 stars I would." —Justina
Get 10 patches from Amazon for $16.55.
7. A Korean exfoliating mitt you can use in the bath or shower to achieve that ~buttery soft~ skin. It helps you gently lather off dead skin, prevent ingrown hairs, and eliminate bumps caused by keratosis pilaris. The best part? You can get specific about the exfoliation pressure since it's on your own hand!
Promising review: "This K-beauty glove has exceeded my expectations and transformed my skincare routine for the better. Its exfoliating power, ease of use, and durability make it a must-have for anyone seeking smooth, glowing skin. I can't recommend this product enough – it truly deserves a glowing five-star rating! LOVED IT SO MUCH!" —Cton
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available individually or as a pair).
8. A bottle of widely popular Bio-Oil with vitamins A and E, chamomile, sunflower, and lavender oils to help fade scars and stretch marks while helping your skin retain moisture and achieve a more even tone. One reviewer even compares this stuff to sorcery.
Promising reviews: "Bought this product when I got pregnant to improve skin elasticity and prevent stretch marks. Amazingly exceeded my expectations, NO STRETCH MARKS after the baby , even though I wasn’t so consistent with it. Get it." —Lilith Aqua
"Acne scars? Read this. I found out about this product while scrolling through TikTok last week. It came highly recommended, so I decided to look up the price on Amazon. After reading several reviews, I figured I might as well try it out. Today is the fourth day I used the product on my face. My skin looks dewy and nice. The discoloration on my cheeks from a few years old acne scars is improving. My skin looks younger — it’s hard to describe, but I can see a difference. It looks less rough. I’ve been using it morning and night." —Yasmin Rodriguez
Get it from Amazon for $9.95+ (available in two sizes).
9. A Cosrx Snail Mucin 92% Moisturizer, a lightweight gel-type cream that'll help soothe dry, irritated skin and strengthen your skin barrier by enriching it with the long-lasting hydration it's been begging for.
Check it out on TikTok here!
Promising review: "I’ve always been a fan of COSRX so I was expecting a good product but DANG this one exceeded expectations! I have very sensitive, dry skin with an occasionally oily t-zone. Absorbs SO well into the skin and calmed down my irritated, flared-up skin almost right away, within like two days. I get a lot of hormonal breakouts and this didn’t aggravate them, if anything it helped! I’m noticing much fewer breakouts. Consistency is slimy at first, but once you massage it in it gives the softest hydrating feel to the skin. I’m on the snail slime skincare train now lol." —Toni
Get it from Amazon for $16.
10. Or a Mizon snail repair cream with snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, and 12 natural extracts that can help nourish, brighten, and re-plump your skin without any oiliness (perfect for acne-prone skin!). When it comes to repairing the skin barrier, this cream really ~snailed~ it.
Behold, yet another product that has made me love products with snail mucin. I've been using this product for three months and it's like this cream has taken an eraser and rubbed it over my acne scars to reveal the clear-looking skin that I didn't know I could achieve. A true game changer!
Promising review: "This cream is actually amazing. I got it after reading some reviews on an Asian beauty forum, and this product has exceeded my expectations. I wanted to get rid of some pimples that started appearing after I started working in the OR. Just one week after from using it every other night, my skin is completely healed. Not only that, but I also noticed older scars from previous pimples fading away as well. Did not expect these results! I will continue to use this product forever!" —Mandy
Get it from Amazon for $10.89+ (available in four sizes).
11. A cult-fave Weleda Skin Food cream that works as both a moisturizer and a makeup primer for those whose skin gets dry during allergy season. Infused with chamomile, pansy, and rosemary, this'll have you prepped and primed for a full face of springtime glam in no time.
Promising review: "Weleda Skin Food Ultra-Rich Body Cream exceeded my expectations and left my hands and arms feeling very well fed! My skin quickly absorbs the cream and feels so much smoother and softer. I've tried lots and lots of creams and lotions. This is one of the best." —Longtime Texan
Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in three sizes).
12. First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub Exfoliant lots of reviewers with keratosis pilaris and similar skin conditions swear by. This'll help you gently exfoliate rough patches and dry bumps so that your skin is as smooth as a baby's.
Promising review: "Have dealt with this hereditary skin condition my whole life. Aside from some harsh and expensive prescription creams, nothing ever seemed to help very much. Saw an immediate improvement with the first use. I was also skeptical when I felt the product on my fingers at first worried it would tear up my sensitive skin — but it absolutely did not. Skin was so soft and so much smoother after just one use. Will definitely be buying more of this. Really stunned that it exceeded my expectations. Like a miracle product for my bumpy upper arms and calves. 10/10 absolutely recommend!" —Jessica Campbell
Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in six sizes).
13. A Paula's Choice liquid exfoliant, which has salicylic acid that penetrates your pores to help catch breakouts before they reach the surface. And bonus! Its green tea leaf extract quickly calms redness and soothes skin sensitivity.
Promising review: "Since my teenage years I have ALWAYS had one or two deep blemishes pop up a few days before my flow would show up each month. It's how I knew it was coming! I've been using this product for one month now and this is the FIRST TIME I have not a single blemish during my period. WOW! In fact, if I only had to choose 2 skin care products to use forever — it would be this and a moisturizer. Exceeded my expectations!" —Chelsea Blum
Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in three sizes).
14. A vegan and cruelty-free lip scrub because your lips need some lovin' too! This magical lil' tub is enriched with coconut, sugar, avocado oil, and jojoba oil to nourish and soften your lips while exfoliating dead skin and reinforcing your skin's barrier. Get ready to achieve the luscious pout of your dreams. 😍
Promising reviews: "This scrub has exceeded my expectations. I have very dry lips and live in a very dry climate. I have used the scrub only twice and I have hardly needed to use lip balm which I used to apply essentially all day long." —Rockinpoodle13
"Decided to give this a try after looking at many reviews of it working really well. Now that I've tried it today after my shower, I think it's an amazing product. It really softened and smoothed out my lips and applying lip balm right after just even enhances how smooth my lips feel! LOVE how clean the ingredients are and how it's cruelty free!" —Kiana
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three styles and in multipacks).
15. And a set of super travel-friendly Carenel Lip Sleeping Masks — they might just give the Laneige ones a run for their money. These will help soothe, heal, and hydrate dry and cracked lips overnight!
For reference, the Laneige lip mask contains 20 grams of product, while each of these measures 5 grams, or 15 grams for the entire set. So even with product sizes taken into account, these are a much better deal!
Promising reviews: "Exceeded my expectations! I have purchased and loved the laneige lip masks. This is an impressive comparison for that product, especially for the price. This is my new go to!" —Jessica M. Burns
"Love this! In my opinion, better than Laniege at a fraction of the price. A bit thicker, which I like. Even though it’s a sleeping mask, I use it throughout the day to keeps my lips moist and soft. Will keep ordering again and again." —Michaela
Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.90 (available in six scent sets).
16. Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm, which deserves a drumroll as an introduction. Just grab a pea-sized amount, let it transform into a silky oil in your fingers, and watch as your makeup ~melts away~. With a simple list of 10 (!) ingredients, it even helps reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots, refine texture, and brighten the skin.
Promising review: "I’ve used many things to remove my makeup and they all worked, but with consequences. This balm was easy to use and my makeup came off seamlessly. My face feels clean and It exceeded my expectations! I want to buy 10 more for backup." —Amazon Customer
"Yes, I bought this because of TikTok. I was not expecting to like it, I figured it was like all the other cleansing balms I've tried...oh boy was I WRONG! This cleanser is so perfect. I don't need a second cleanser, I don't need to remove it with a cloth. It works so well on its own. Like it blew me away, it is perfect for my skin type. I have dehydrated, acne prone, premature aging 33-year-old skin. It leaves my skin feeling smooth, but I always follow up with my moisturizer." —Cami
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
17. Or a pack of cult-favorite Clean Skin Club Clean Towels — a.k.a. the ultimate upgrade to your nightly routine. Pair these ultra-soft, chemical-free disposable towels with a makeup remover or face wash to gently remove makeup, or simply use them to dry your face! Lots of reviewers with sensitive skin rave about these because they help prevent exposing their skin to bacteria that may collect in ordinary reusable towels.
Clean Skin Club is a US-based small business specializing in hygienic, vegan, and cruelty-free skincare products.
Promising review: "Exceeded expectations. I absolutely love these! I’ve been using them every day since I got them and they are even better than I expected. So soft and gentle on your skin — I can’t believe I was using harsh towels for so long! They are extra absorbent and big enough to make it through my double cleanse routine with only one towel! Leaves your skin feeling extra clean with no sensitization. This is now a staple in my skin care routine, and in my esthetician practice as well. Buy them, you won’t regret!!" —Des
Get a pack of 50 from Amazon for $17.05 (available in six sizes).
18. A fan fave facial ice roller, because you can call it hay fever, seasonal allergies, or just the natural order of things, but this season makes puffiness pretty hard to avoid. This is a super ~cool~ way of making it easier! Just pull it out of the fridge or freezer in the morning, and it'll give your skin (and you!) a glorious wake-up call.
Promising review: "I am in love with this ice roller. I knew I would like it and that it would help with my obnoxious puffy eyes, but I didn’t realize how much I NEEDED it! It is now part of my self care and skincare routine. It is so calming and soothing. I look forward to coming home so I can relax after a long day just running this over my face and eyes. It exceeded my expectations on helping with my puffy eyes. Excellent product!" —Leah C Matthews
Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in 12 colors).
19. A container of Aquaphor multipurpose healing ointment, which is the holy grail here to soothe, protect, and restore smooth skin. Got some chapped skin brought on by the winter weather? Just got a new tattoo? Dealing with your baby's diaper rash? This magical ointment is here to save the day.
Promising reviews: "I purchased Aquaphor to help with moisturizing my dry hands due to frequent washing. This product exceeded my expectations since it not only moisturized my hands but promoted healing. I am very satisfied with this product." —john koch
"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 $15.99.
20. A renowned, plant-based TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum that uses vitamins C and E and botanical hyaluronic acid to help rejuvenate dull skin by brightening and evening its tone. Use it daily to achieve the radiance that gorgeous face of yours deserves.
This serum is vegan and cruelty-free.
Promising review: "My skin has been super dry, my serums and facials oils weren’t helping. Flaking around my nose area and neck felt a little like sand paper. First time trying this product, and it exceeded my expectations!! I use it in the a.m. before my moisturizer with SPF. It’s made a huge difference in the two to three weeks I’ve been using it. My skin is glowing again, plump and hydrated. Friends have made comments about how great my skin is looking. I don’t write too many reviews on here but had to share my results with you. Huge fan now, will order again and tell my friends about it." —Traci M.
Get it from Amazon for $21.97+ (available in two sizes).
21. An organic mist toner made of rosewater that helps maintain your skin's pH balance and reduce redness and irritation as well as sun damage and dark spots. Plus, it smells amazing and refreshes your face with a radiant glow.
Simplified Skin is a cruelty-free brand and a small, family-owned business based in Cleveland, Tennessee.
Promising reviews: "Wonderful. Exceeded expectations." —laura r.
"This is the second time I have ordered this and will keep on ordering it! The scent is light and it feels so refreshing when I spray it on every morning! No irritation to the skin and it is the extra kick of moisture my skin desperately needed. I have used it on my hair a couple of times only and, again, the light scent really peps me up and it helps my hair have a subtle shine to it. I highly recommend this product!" —Loretta Arenas
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in four sizes).
22. A CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is infused with a peptide complex to support skin elasticity. It also has three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help soften the skin and retain its moisture overnight. Now, your skin can work on its morning glow while you get your beauty sleep.
Promising review: "Exceeded expectations. Very happy with this! This is an amazing night cream and it's a really great value. Before this I tried Aveeno'a so-called "ultra calming" night cream, which actually made my face sting. This one doesn't irritate my sensitive skin nor does it make me break out. It feels kinda rich but absorbs really well and feels light once its absorbed. After using for a few weeks, it's made my skin smoother and less red." —bluebird55
Get it from Amazon for $14.70.
23. A color light therapy mask that can adjust your skin's specific needs with the click of a button. Looking for some anti-aging properties? Red light. Trying to clear your breakout? Blue light. Want to balance and even out your skin tone? Green light. Reviewers are raving about how smooth, bright, and bouncy their skin looks! The best part is that you can just sit back, grab a book or watch some TV, and have some ~me time~.
This mask offers seven LED colors, all ranging in different skin benefits! It is recommended that you do sessions three to five time a week for 15-25 minutes.
Check out this user's review of it in this TikTok.
Promising reviews: "I waited three weeks before posting this review. I absolutely love this product. I decided to buy this as an intro to light therapy as part of my skin care routine before investing in a more expensive product. The results exceeded my expectations. After two weeks, my skin was baby clear and feels so tight and radiant. I am currently using it once every other day in the morning in bed while I snooze for 10 minutes before I have to wake up. I find that the red light gives me extra stimulation to wake up refreshed. Overall I'm so impressed with the results and quality of my skin so far." —Skycitylife
"2 YEAR UPDATE: 10/10, my skin is SIGNIFICANTLY clearer and brighter when I use my mask regularly. I have very sensitive acne prone skin and this refines my pores and keeps my breakouts at bay! I also notice smoother and healthier glow. LOVE THIS MASK!" —Scott
Get it from Amazon for $150.89.
24. A keloid remover in case your new piercing came with an unexpected (and unwanted) bumpy little friend that won't stop growing. 🙃 This'll help heal and reduce it so that everyone can focus on your cute new bling instead.
Note: This product is not an overnight miracle. Apply this 2–3 times a day, be patient, and you'll start to see the results.
Talk to your doctor before attempting to treat your keloid on your own, and learn more about keloids from Cleveland Clinic.
Promising reviews: "I used this product on my cartilage piercing out of desperation to get rid of the painful bump on my ear. It heals the bump and was like nothing was there in a matter of a week. Exceeded my expectations!" —Jennifer L.
"This product is amazing! Truly a miracle product. I had an AWFUL keloid forming near my nose piercing about six weeks after getting it done and it was getting bigger and more irritated by the day, nothing was helping. I bought this and started using it and in less than two weeks my huge keloid was completely gone! I was definitely skeptical and a little nervous when it didn’t seem to be getting noticeably smaller after a week but then the second week, it started totally disappearing so give it some time to work if your bump is on the larger side. If you remain patient and apply it twice a day, it should do the trick!" —Jordan Caprigno
Get it from Amazon for $12.85 (also available in multipacks).
25. A pack of Korean face masks infused with vitamin E and collagen to help moisturize and brighten your skin. Just lay back, close your eyes, and let your mind wander while your skin gets a shot of hydration (now that's the kind of multitasking I can get into). Plus, you get to choose from oh-so-many options!
I came across these masks while writing this Korean skincare post and absolutely love them! Almost every night, before I finish off my routine with moisturizer, I choose which mask I want to use (you get *so* many options!), lay back for 20 minutes, and unwind. I'm unashamed to say I have, indeed, fallen asleep a number of times with the mask still on.😬 They also leave your skin feeling sooo soft and hydrated!
Promising reviews: "I have enjoyed every one I have used so far and they have exceeded my expectations. This price also makes them affordable to use a few every week." —Courtney
"I am always impressed by Dermal's Korean masks. Putting on one of these masks is a little luxury for me. It has a pleasant but very subtle scent so it's not overpowering at all. I use these for a quick moisture fix or to help me relax after a stressful day. I also use them when I have migraines and lay down on my bed in the dark for 20 minutes. These masks provide cooling, soothing relief! The fruity ones smell best, and I think rose is also a favorite of mine. I will be a long-time customer of this product. As a college student/young adult, this is a great value product that helps me take care of my skin on a budget." —Melinda
Get a 24-pack from Amazon for $16.99 (available in five quantities).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.