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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.
Cleansers, lotions, and oils you can count on to hydrate your skin.
Drunk Elephant's motto regarding the ingredients they put in their products is "If there's any doubt, it's out," so you can rest easily (literally) knowing you're in good hands with this set. I've used this duo and can confirm it's fantastic. A little goes a long way! If you're not ready to commit to the price of the full size products or typically only suffer from dry skin in the colder months this is a great option for you.
Promising review: "I have several Drunk Elephant products, but the TLC Framboos I think is top of the line. I’ve been using it for about 2–3 months now and my skin has never been smoother and more even. And it’s an immediate result that keeps getting better. The moisturizer in the set is nice — especially for winter." —amanda duncan
Get it from Amazon for $28.
A fresh mani can change your entire mood if you ask me. However, long waits and high prices at a salon can often sour the experience. Enter the at-home manicure! Don't just slather on polish carelessly — set the scene with candles and calming music then get started by using this fancy (but inexpensive) cuticle oil.
Promising review: "I’ve been using this oil almost every night for several months now and it works great. My cuticles used to be so dry and cracked from constant hand-washing (I’m an elementary school teacher, so I’m always scrubbing my hands!), but I’ve seen a huge improvement since I started using this oil." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $9.95.
This sweet-smelling product has a base of organic coconut water and is infused with hibiscus flower petals. Not only will it make you feel fancy, but it's also paraben-, sulfate-, alcohol-, and cruelty-free!
Promising review: "I have severe cystic acne and this is one of the few products that I've seen noticeably transform my skin! I have oily/combo skin, but since I'm using acne products my skin has become relatively dry and patchy. This hydrates and tones my skin so beautifully, and I've gotten several comments saying that I'm glowing. This definitely helped add moisture back to my dull complexion. 10/10 would recommend!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $16.
I'm very fair skinned and typically burn with ease. I've tried many (many!) sunscreens and Sun Bum has become my go-to. It's affordable but truly works, keeps my skin protected, and smells INCREDIBLE. I also love their tinted face lotion and would 100% use it year-round.
Promising review: "Great sunscreen. The proof isn't so high that you won't get some sun and it's got good moisturizing lotion inside of it to keep skin hydrated. Also some of the better smelling sunscreen that I've used. The 3-oz tube size is great for traveling with carry on bags." —Jordan
Get it from Amazon for $11+ (available in two sizes and SPF 15–70).
This sunscreen is free of sulfates (SLS and SLES), parabens, and phthalates. It has been said it's great for anyone with darker skin since it doesn't leave a white, chalky residue after being applied.
Promising review: "I was hesitant to purchase this because of how expensive it is for the amount you’re given but it was totally worth it! I usually have issues with sunscreens and moisturizers making my other skincare products peel (I use hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and alpha arbutin) but this sunscreen is perfect! I experienced no peeling and no white caste like you would with mineral sunscreens. The texture feels like a foundation primer and doesn’t look or feel greasy. Highly recommend and definitely worth it." —Fran
Get it from Amazon for $17+ (available in two sizes).
Deserve Body Care is a Black woman-owned business that sells homemade body care items with hypoallergenic and vegan options designed to nourish your skin and make you feel luxurious while using it!
Get it from Deserve Body Care for $15 (available in 20 scents).
InstaNatural's products are free of parabens, sls/sles, mineral oil, formaldehyde releasers, petroleum, synthetic dyes, polyethylene gylcol, DEA/MEA/TEA, and any unsafe preservatives.
Promising review: "My mom and I tested this product out together, and I ended up giving it to her as a gift because she love it so much! She has very sensitive skin and it did not cause any irritation. The mask smelt good and helped our faces feel fresh, moisturized and healthy after using it. I would definitely recommend it!" —The Mielocks
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 or Subscribe & Save for $12.59.
Promising review: "To say the least, I was pretty apprehensive about using what is advertised as a 'Colossal Foot Rasp.' Pretty terrifying labeling if you ask me. But HOLY CRAP this thing works. I had to do a before and after shot. It looks Photoshopped but it absolutely is not!" —Derrick
Get it from Amazon for $8.95.
This product is formulated with pro-vitamin B5 and pineapple ceramide (FANCY!) and does not contain parabens, sulfates, or pthalates. The company is a supporter of the International Elephant Foundation. This is one of my most-used products — it's lightweight and doesn't leave my face feeling greasy at all. Need I say more?
Promising review: "I do not think there is a Drunk Elephant product I have not tried. However, I always come back to this serum. It is very lightweight and can be mixed with tanning drops, marula oil, etc. without feeling heavy or sticky. I use it every morning and a heavier cream at night. I highly recommend this product and this whole line." —Liz
Get it from Amazon for $48.
I've been using this product for the last year and it has quickly become one of my favorites. It's a brightening and lightweight moisturizer that really works! I like to use it in the morning for a fresh start to my day. The pretty pink hue and glass bottle also just looks gorgeous on my counter — no complaints!
Promising review: "Let me start on the smell....AMAZING it’s like real watermelon! This moisturizer feels very gentle on the skin and refreshing (it won’t be a problem for sensitive skin). I have combination skin, it’s oily and dry in some places, and this has made my oily places not so oily and my dry places are hydrated and moisturized!" —Marcelis
Get it from Amazon for $22+ (available in three sizes).
My grandma used to slather this all over her face and neck every night before bed. It was her biggest piece of advice to me and one that my sisters, and all of my cousins have taken to heart. She always had super soft skin and I'm sure her constant use of Nivea had something to do with it!
Promising review: "I love this because in my climate the air is very dry and humidity is very low. I first learned of this product when an exchange student from Denmark used it to replace moisture for his skin that suffered from lack of the humid and rejuvenating ocean environment. This is a luxury that becomes a necessity for aging skin subjected to highly dry, hot, and windy conditions." —Pamela
Get three jars from Amazon for $16.44.
Promising review: "I was lucky enough to have clear skin in high school so I never understood how awful acne really is. When I was about 21–22 years old, I switched to a birth control implant, and that thing wreaked havoc on my entire life. I suddenly had horrible cystic acne. Not only did it make me self conscious and uncomfortable, but it was actually so painful — laying on my pillow hurt my face! To top it all off, my skin was also dry, and irritated. I tried every skincare line on the market for about two to three years, with no, or very little, results. Finally, I found La Roche-Posay's skincare products. Within four days, the inflammation decreased, the redness was fading, and my skin felt less dry. By two weeks, my skin was practically clear! I have been using this product for about four to five years now, and I haven't had a single outbreak, EXCEPT for the time I wanted to try a different product to save money. Huge mistake, one I will not make again." —LadyHawke
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
My sister and I have used this mask countless times while watching trash TV on my couch — it's a fun way to bond and improve our skin. A little goes a long way so this product will last 'em quite a while.
Promising review: "I'm not joking, I thought this was just going to be a normal face mask but I was wrong. The application was smooth and easy. After waiting 10 minutes, I took it off and....my face was smooth as a baby's butt, no lie. This made my face so soft and feeling refreshed and hydrated!!!" —olesya gordeyeva
Get it from Amazon for $14.95.
My sister and I have this fun lil' lip balm, and we love it! The flower inside is as pretty as the shade of pink it creates. I like minimal makeup, so this product has been a slam dunk for me. My lips are *always* chapped (also I tend to chew on them, so that's on me) and this has been a solid solution to keeping them hydrated and looking cute.
Promising review: "This is the best for moisturizing your lips and it gives you a little hint of color. It has the prettiest flower 🌹 inside the lipstick itself. I really appreciate the look. It’s not overwhelming in terms of tint and it really doesn’t have an overpowering scent. I will definitely buy again." —MC Joseph
Get it from Amazon for $16 (available in three flower colors).
Promising review: "Game-changer. Way better than my previous method of fingers then a washcloth. This scrubs away all the dry lippy skin, especially in the winter months, so that your balm can really penetrate and make your lips super moisturized and soft." —Travis Reese
Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in three colors).
With over 9,000 5-star reviews you can buy this without thinking twice.
Promising review: "Plumbing in Michigan gets downright brutal on the hands at times. My hands constantly are getting wet or washed many times a day. My hands are like Velcro to any tactile contact. It's like nails on a chalk board. My knuckles are split/cracked and bleeding. Ouch. This stuff heals your hands in no time. Immediate relief. No more Velcro hands. No smell. Not greasy when rubbed in completely. A little goes a long way. Also restores fingertips." —joetheplumber
Get it from Amazon for $10.98.
Promising review: "Significantly cuts down on the dry skin on my feet and subsequently saves me money on visits to the nail salon. I don't need to get pedicures as after because this cream keeps my skin so soft and hydrated! It took a couple of nights in a row of application to see a significant change in the dry skin, but keep applying and you will see a difference." —Kathleen M.
Get it from Amazon for $9.27.
Promising review: "This is a MUST-have! A MUST! I am always looking for that rich moisturizer that leaves your face so hydrated that you look fresh and rejuvenated, that is this stuff!!!! This is the most luxurious cream that truly continues to work, I never break out or become too greasy, yet my skin looks HYDRATED and beautiful! I have tried many expensive products, this one tops them all! I won't go without this stuff!! I LOVE IT!!!!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $17.96+ (available in three sizes).
I recently tested this out and I can't wait to see the long term results! I, like many of us, have cracked and dry heels in the winter (even though I basically live in Uggs). I've been weary to try one of those intense products that causes all of your skin to peel off like a snake (ew) so I was super excited to hear about Olive and June's latest product. I'm always hesitant to get any lotion or product inside my socks, so I love that it comes with a designated pair of socks to use with the balm! Olive & June is a woman-owned business based in California.
Get it from Olive & June for $26.
Promising review: "I wish I discovered this product earlier. Took me six months of suffering from severe dandruff and white spots on my face. I was a week away from a visit to the dermatologist. After trying a lot of products and creams that didn't work, I decided to give it a try. And with just one wash, my life was changed. This is my only shampoo now. Been using it for almost a year now and no more white spots on my face (itchy, flaky, and terrible) or the worst, thick itchy dandruff." —Beverly Ramirez
Get it from Amazon for $14.10.
The mask is meant to work for all skin types and is vegan. In addition to making skincare products, Beauty Strike is a Black- and woman-owned business run by third-generation beauty enthusiast and esthetician, Emani Mone Jeter. Her studio offers monthly yoga and wellness classes, occasional book clubs, and skincare classes. The brand also has a recycling program that'll give you a 15% discount off your next order if you return one qualifying empty container and 25% off for two or more.
Get it from Beauty Strike for $24.
BuzzFeed editor Samantha Wieder is a big fan of these sheet masks:
"Not only do these face masks have ZERO negative effects on my skin, they actually have POSITIVE effects! They hydrate my skin and leave it feeling firmer. I actually love them SO MUCH. And they are SO easy to use! I cleanse my face with warm water, put this on and center it so the open areas fit around my eyes and mouth, sit with it for about 15–20 minutes (usually while binge-watching Queer Eye and thinking about how proud Jonathan would be of me), then I take it off, throw it away, and massage the remainder of the essence into my face until it's fully absorbed."
Get them from Amazon for $9.99.
Check out our full Dermal Korea Collagen Essence Sheet Masks review.
The moisturizer is fragrance- and oil-free. It's also hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. BuzzFeed editor Marquaysa Battle is a big fan:
"Since the spring, I've been dealing with stress acne that I never had before in my life. I resorted to an acne cleanser and spot treatment but those products are typically drying (because they're literally meant to dry out the blemishes) SO this moisturizer has been super key for ensuring my skin doesn't dry out while I try to clear up the pimples. Aside from it living up to its 24-hour hydration promise (game-changer), it has also never broken out my sensitive skin and actually helps soothe the many skin irritations that I experience. In short, it's my holy grail and CeraVe better not ever stop making it. 😊"
Get it from Amazon for $16.08.
Promising review: "I just received this today and used it this evening. The grain was more coarse than I expected but that was ok. It didn't scratch my skin or over exfoliate. I have SUPER sensitive skin. I haven't used a scrub in years. I decided to start because the extremely cold conditions (-35 degrees) have been freeze drying the skin right off my face! This stuff left it soft and moisturized afterward with no tingle or burn. I am impressed! I'm going to try the other stuff in this line. The ingredients really agree with my skin that's been only getting splashed with water in the morning for the past few years. Nice and mild with great exfoliation was what I wanted ....and it's 100% what I got. I love this stuff!!" —J. Hook
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three versions).
Promising review: "This was my second time buying this now, first time off of Amazon, but my product I received is legit and works so well. It instantly moisturizes all of my dry patches from using retinol, and has hydrated my face so well that no further products will be needed to remedy this situation! So glad I decided to buy this again, as it is one of the only tried and true products that work for my skin. The price is a bit high, but it will last me a long time." —Kamille Blood
Get it from Amazon for $38.
Check out our full Belif's True Cream Aqua Bomb review.
Bathing Culture is a small business based out of California.
Promising review: "Obsessed with this and plagued with extremely dry skin. I use this all over including my face, which I was concerned about because oil usually tends to clog my pores, but this one doesn’t. It’s honestly a triple threat, it’s got the scent (amazing), hydration and the amber color gives you a slight glow. highly recommend." —Elizabeth
Get it from Bathing Culture for $32+ (available in two sizes).
BuzzFeed writer Christine Forbes loves this product. She said:
"I love that it's thick because I apply it after rinsing off Drunk Elephant's Babyfacial or The Ordinary's Peel when my skin is completely raw. My skin is oily, but I use this during winter because the air is so dry.
Promising review: "I use this as my night cream because it’s thick and it would be to heavy to use twice a day. This was a game-changer for me. When I wake up in the morning my skin feel great. I would recommend if you have dry skin. This is cream gold for us dry girls!!" —CarolinaGerck
Get it from Sephora or Amazon for $26+ (available in two sizes).
This product is paraben-free, gluten-free, silicone-free and 100% vegan.
Promising review: "A great size and inexpensive! The chamomile scent is amazing and it takes my makeup off like a pro. I can compare it to the Good Molecules cleansing balm for $20 and it's up there. I especially love how easily it takes off my mascara. I don’t have to keep rubbing. Not to mention it helps moisturize my skin in the dry season. I highly recommend!" —Alexis
Get it from Amazon for $14.92.
Promising review: "Love the scent, it's so refreshing. Completely targets the sunburned spots. It's been getting really sunny and hot and we've been living in the pool. When the little ones come out, they are red, but when we apply this to the skin, it instantly cools the skin and helps the redness go away overnight and it's not sticky It quickly absorbs into the skin leaving it moisturized. Always have to have this on hand during the summer. Love the big tub." —Amy D
Get it from Amazon for $5.99.
Check out our full Nature Republic's Aloe Vera Gel review.
Promising review: "I love this stuff. It's great for taking off makeup and leaving your skin fresh and hydrated. I have very dry skin. It even takes off my waterproof mascara that doesn't come off easily. It smells nice and fresh. I just apply it with my fingers and wipe it off with a cleaning wipe. Very essential part of my makeup removal routine!" —Moriah
Get it from Amazon for $9.62.
Promising review: "The moisturizer felt really smooth without being oily and had what I consider to be a light fragrance. I do appreciate the fact that it also has sun protection in it of SPF30 since my skin seems to be either very pale or burned. Even though my face has a combination of dry and oily areas, I am happy with the results of using the moisturizer on my face. I saw results of smoother skin in less than a week. Since it worked well on my face, I decided to try it on my hands. I love to clean and although I usually wear gloves, my hands do suffer from being dry. I guessed correctly – it worked even better for me on my hands!" —Autumn Sage
Get it from Amazon for $110.
Dr Teal's Epsom salt and bubble bath are an important part of my pre-bedtime ritual. I'm a bath aficionado and have tried many (many) products in my tub — nothing compares to this classic. It has a heavenly lavender scent, relieves any aches and pains in my body, and helps me to relax overall while hydrating my skin from head-to-toe.
Promising review: "I usually buy Dr. Teal's in the store but now that I know I can get it an Amazon I can get it cheaper. The bath soak which is really bubble bath is fantastic! The bubbles last a long time and it does not dry out my skin." —Patricia
Get them from Amazon for $15.99.
BuzzFeed writer Christine Forbes loves this product. She said:
"My ex used to kiss me just to get some of this mask. It's that good. I recently put my roommate onto this and she fell in love. Now, she swears by it. This mask was originally introduced in a box set, but Tatcha started selling it individually because there was such huge demand."
Promising review: "My lips are constantly dry, cracked, and peeling. I have tried EVERY type of lip balm and natural remedy without any improvement. I went out on a limb and tried the Tatcha lip mask and I am in LOVE. Within just a few hours of using the mask my lips were completely moisturized. The mask isn't sticky, greasy, or overly shiny. My lips now look more full, supple, and they are so so soft. I apply a liberal amount before bed and wake up with beautiful, smooth, healthy lips. I couldn't be happier. Unlike other products I don't feel the need to reapply it consistently to maintain the moisture." —tiffany mooney
Get it from Amazon for $28.
Christine Forbes (clearly our resident skincare queen) has tried this and said, "This serum has never burned or broke out my skin. It has a slight scent but nothing too overwhelming. It pairs nicely with the oil too!"
Promising review: Let me tell you I put this Farmacy Honeymoon Glow on and the next morning I noticed some improvement in skin texture. I have combination skin, oily T-zone, and dry cheeks. When I first put it on the first couple minutes it tingled, but I've done chemical peels before and it is no where as uncomfortable. I started out using it three times a week, but now use it every evening. I had dry, patchy cheeks, but with this product it's barely there and it's only been two weeks of using. My skin has a glow, looks smooth, and I apply less makeup. I feel more confident about my skin since using this product. I am excited to see what this will do in 30 days." —Butterfly
Get it from Amazon for $58.
I've tried this moisturizer and am a big fan. I like that it's unscented, because sometimes it's nice to combine a moisturizer with other products that are nicely scented. I don't want to slather too many different smells on my face before bed! Anyways, it absorbed nicely into my skin and didn't leave it feeling greasy or oily whatsoever.
Promising review: "I have super sensitive skin and I've been on a new acne treatment that makes my skin drier than a parched wasteland and peeling like a lizard. This polypeptide cream has turned my sandpaper face into the smoothest and softest it's ever been. I've been applying it morning and night and my skin has never been better. No more weird flaky skin for me!" —Velvetwine
Get it from Amazon for $31.91+ (available in two sizes).
Sonshine Bath is a Black woman-owned small business based out of Georgia. This whipped body butter comes in delicious scents like coconut and mango milk, vanilla, lemongrass, lavender, tropical coconut, and oatmeal and honey.
Promising review: "This product smells amazing and is incredibly moisturizing. I used this to help my skin heal after being confined to a walking boot for over a month. This product has helped my skin gain back the moisture it lost and I’m very grateful." —Mandie C.
Get it from Sonshine Bath for $20 (available in six scents or unscented and two sizes).
The cleanser is vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and sulfate-free. BuzzFeed editor Genevieve Scarano uses this product:
"Having dry skin is *not* fun and my forehead, T-zone, and cheeks feel like a desert sometimes. This cleanser is like H2O for my face. It's packed with adaptogens and supergreens that help lock in hydration. I use this 'super smoothie' to give my complexion a moisture boost and remove stubborn makeup."
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.