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. Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid exfoliant with salicylic acid and smoothing green tea extract so you can say goodbye to blackheads, enlarged pores, and redness. It exfoliates dead skill cells on your face to leave it ultra-smooth, and it's gentle enough for daily use!
Promising review: "Literally the only thing that has worked on my acne-prone skin in my 30s. I have had more acne flareups in my 30s and post-babies than I did as a teenager. It’s never been bad enough to need Accutane but bad enough that it was noticeable and somewhat constant. Tried several products from my dermatologist and finally tried this and my skin is FINALLY under control. My pores are smaller, my skin is smoother and it just feels cleaner and tighter overall. Highly highly recommend!" —M. Schanz
Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in two sizes).
2. Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, a hydrating holy grail for many people with dry, sensitive skin. It's effective on all skin types, and reviewers report seeing improvement after just a few uses! Acne scars, dark spots, and fine lines are about to meet their match.
Promising review: "I have been using six different products from Cosrx and they never fail to deliver. I have a dry/sensitive skin type and this product was a great addition to my skincare routine, it keeps my skin very well hydrated all day, I like that it is not scented. I apply it after using a toner and/or vitamin C serum and let it sit on my skin for at least five minutes before applying moisturizer. I'm in my mid-30s. After a week of using it I have definitely seen an improvement with my fine lines, and my skin is also smoother. I highly recommend this product." —Jo
Get it from Amazon for $14.59.
3. A trio of serums letting you incorporate three powerhouse ingredients — retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid — into your routine without breaking the bank. Together, they'll bring a noticeable difference to your skin, including a brighter tone, reduction of fine lines, and a smoother, plumper feel.
Be sure to follow the brand's instructions on how to use these together!
Promising review: "I'm in my mid-30s and realized it was time to step up my skincare game. I always looked younger than my age, but recently that's worn off a bit and makeup remover wipes and argan oil at night weren't cutting it. I happened across this trio and, for the price, thought I'd give it a try. My skin feels AMAZING!!! This trio is worth every penny. I don't even feel like I have to wear makeup all the time anymore and when I do, it goes on so much smoother. This is definitely going to be part of my routine for years to come!" —Caitlin
Get the pack of three from Amazon for $29.99.
4. A polar bear-shaped hydrating eye balm to bring the cooling relief your dark, puffy undereyes are craving (because none of us are getting enough sleep, let's be real). This K-beauty essential contains Icelandic glacial water that nourishes and strengthens the skin barrier as well as minimizes the appearance of fine lines and crow's feet.
Promising review: "This hydrating eye stick does wonders for my puffy eyes in the morning. It smells amazing and it glides on so smooth my husband even started to use it. We’re in our mid-30s now and need all the help we can get and I would absolutely recommend this product. I have purchased it a number of times now." —Alexis Rheanna
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
5. Cult-favorite Brazilian Bum Bum body cream designed to tighten and smooth skin with its fast-absorbing formula that includes caffeine-rich guarana as the star ingredient, *plus* nourishing cupuacu butter, coconut oil, and acai oil to hydrate and support skin elasticity. And it smells soooo heavenly, you might end up using it as perfume too!
Promising review: "For demographic purposes: Female, 33 years old. I've only been using this for four days and can see a slight difference in the appearance of my cellulite. I have a deep dimple in my left butt cheek and I can already tell that it's shrinking and smoothing out. I've used very expensive creams, oils and lotions but after four days I already see more results with this product. To make it even better, the scent is amazing! I use it all over because it makes my skin so soft even the next day." —ChelseaK
Get it from Amazon for $22+ (available in two sizes).
6. LilyAna Naturals eye cream to brighten and firm undereye skin to reduce puffiness, fine lines, and bags, but it doesn't stop there — this potent cream also nourishes the delicate area with restorative ingredients like rosehip seed oil, organic hibiscus flower extracts, and vitamin E.
Promising review: "I know this stuff works because I'm almost 32, my toddler still has sleep issues, and over the past few weeks several people have been surprised to hear that I'm over 30. This time last year I had bags under my eyes and dark circles. All the women in my family have dark circles. This is the only eye cream I've used that has helped significantly lessen the darkness under my eyes and get rid of the puffiness. I give this to all of my new mom friends because it really WORKS! I love how it feels to. It doesn't leave a sticky feel after and actually absorbs into your skin." —Christa 63
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes).
7. Blume's Meltdown acne oil, aka a skincare holy grail for its gentle, effective acne-fighting formula. It not only works to reduce acne but also helps fade acne scars, calm redness, *and* basically tells future breakouts, "Nope, not allowed here." 🙅♀️ Use it for spot treatments *or* mix it with your moisturizer for all-over coverage!
Blume is a POC-owned small biz cofounded by sisters Taran and Bunny, who wanted to create a line of transparent, eco-conscious self-care products that destigmatize and de-mystify the shame-centered talk around periods and puberty.
Check out a TikTok of the Meltdown Acne Oil in action.
Promising review: "I have had adult acne for 15 years. Painful cystic acne. Major redness and melasma. I’ve been embarrassed of my skin for as long as I can remember, spending a small fortune on various serums, creams, spot treatments, washes. Nothing worked. I would spend so much of my day applying layers of foundation and concealer because I was mortified of my skin. I’m turning 38 and was just too dang old to be dealing with this nonsense. I found Blume Meltdown Oil on a FB ad. My pores that were so big and prominent and shrinking daily. Pesky blackheads are virtually gone, the redness on my face is calmed drastically, and my huge, painful, cystic acne on my forehead, cheeks, chin and neck are G-O-N-E. Even the wrinkles on the sides of my eyes (crows feet) are practically gone, and I used to have serious, deep grooves in my forehead and now they are subtle lines. It’s wild." —J&V
Get it from Amazon for $27.95.
8. A 36-pack of Mighty Patch hydrocolloid stickers to keep any unexpected zits from ruining your plans. Stick one on before bed or during the day — either way, it'll get to work drawing out all that nasty gunk clogging your pores, leaving you with noticeably flatter skin in 6–8 hours. It'll prevent any picking at the area too!
Hero Cosmetics is an Asian woman-founded brand and home of The Mighty Patch. Ju Rhyu launched the brand in 2017, which has evolved with products such as cleansers, toners, nose strip Mighty Patches, and more!
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Amanda Davis says, "I've tried various (countless 😅) pimple patches in the past and Mighty Patch definitely takes the cake. I stick it on and honestly forget that it's even there. The adhesive is strong, so it stays on during my tossing and turning at night, but I often wear it during the day, too! I work from home, and it's not noticeable during my video calls, which I truly, truly appreciate." For more deets, check out her full Mighty Patch review!
Promising review: "These are fantastic. I’m 39 and still occasionally get pimples — where were these when I was a teenager!?!? Put one on before bed and the redness, tenderness, and swelling is gone in the morning. Removal is not painful like a bandaid. Definitely recommend." —Rhile77
Get a pack of 36 stickers from Amazon for $11.97.
9. Or colorful star-shaped patches because why should teens have all the fun things? These'll keep you from picking and work to reduce redness and swelling while also letting you rock cute little stars on your face — because life's too short to care what others think.
Starface is a small business that specializes in cruelty-free skincare products.
Promising reviews: "I’m 32 and occasionally break out. It definitely sucks out pimple gunk without having to pop them and it reduces redness. It doesn’t always work in one night, sometimes it takes a few nights of sleeping with them on, but they do work well enough for me to keep using them." —Whamshell
"Me and my fiance are both in our 40s, but still get a zit on occasion🤷♂️. So, we tried them and both of us were astonished by the results. It doesn't magically disappear zits lol, but it does reduce the size of them as well as drying them out over night. Great product for a reasonable price." —Ctown
Get a 96-pack from Amazon for $26.99 (available in three styles).
10. Cult-favorite Bio-Oil that's ultra-effective at fading scars and stretch marks, reducing redness, and evening out skin tone. It's packed with vitamins A and E, chamomile, lavender, and other natural oils for anti-inflammatory and skin-smoothing benefits, and it smells like an expensive spa treatment!
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord uses this on the reg: "FWIW re: scars, this stuff really works. I had thyroid surgery a few years ago, and Bio-Oil took me from looking like I'd stumbled out of the Red Wedding to virtually no detectable scar within a few months. All I did was apply it once in the morning and once at night."
Promising review: "I love this stuff! I love how it makes my skin look and feel. I initially purchased this to even out my skin tone and help with stretch marks on my chest. Now I primarily use it as a nighttime moisture on my face, neck, and chest and twice daily on rough areas like my knees and elbows which it has helped tremendously. I also use it under my makeup and sometimes mix a few drops with my BB cream or foundation for a dewy look. I would seriously bathe in this stuff if I could! I've got my coworker and acne-prone boyfriend using it too. ABOUT ME: Mid-30s with normal to combination skin." —PB Hunny
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two sizes).
11. An oddly satisfying foot file to gently remove dead skin buildup and calluses on the heels of your feet and leave them so smooth, you won't be able to stop touching them. You can use it on dry or wet skin!
Promising review: "Oh. My. GOODNESS. Literally buy this right now. Like right now. I don’t have cracked feet. I’m a 30-year-old, my heels and feet just get really dry from time to time. I had a file that I bought at Target, and it snapped while using it. I went online and read the reviews, purchased it and got it today. This thing is a GAME CHANGER. It literally shreds the dead skin off effortlessly and I had to sweep my floor because there was so much dead skin that came off. I can’t stop touching my feet. I love this thing. You also can use it when your feet are dry if you want to, which is what I did. I’m so excited to use this product whenever I need it now. You won’t regret it!!!!" —jmatthews
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
12. And a foot peel mask that conditions and repairs dry, flaky feet with an all-over treatment. Sit somewhere where you can be comfy for about an hour, wrap these masks around your feet, then watch them peel over the next week or two, revealing new, ultra-soft skin below! It's disgusting, but oh-so satisfying.
It's suggested that after you use the peel, you soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes once a day for optimal results!
Promising review: "This product is amazing! My second time around purchasing it. I’m a male in my 30s and my feet are taking constant abuse from my line of work. My feet were just beat up. Constantly itching. The product didn’t quite fit my large foot but I improvised. By next day it started working its magic. Next few days it was like day and night. It’s an amazing product. I’m usually a skeptic but I recommend this to everyone." —John Van Nguyen
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in five scents).
13. A bottle of First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub made with 10% AHA to decongest skin and whisk away dry, rough bumps, helping your "strawberry" or "chicken" skin (as keratosis pilaris is sometimes called) feel and look much smoother.
It's both cruelty-free and vegan.
Promising review: "I’ve only used this scrub three times and I’ve already noticed a huge improvement. I wish I had taken a before photo. I’ve had KP since 6th grade (I’m 30 now). Some doctors told me I just needed sun, some told me it will go away as I get older, all of them insisted that it’s harmless; but, it’s not. It’s hard not to be comfortable in your skin. I don’t think I’ll ever be 100% free of any bumps or discoloration, but I’m so happy with the improvement I’ve seen so far, and I hope everyone has the same reaction to this product because it’s a huge relief." —Rebecca
Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in three sizes and a two-pack).
14. Plus, a Korean microdermabrasion mitt to experience the full-body exfoliating treatment of your *life* without a trip to a pricey spa. It'll buff away dry, dead skin to reveal the smooth skin underneath, and it'll help your moisturizers sink in better for long-lasting softness.
Note: It shouldn't be used on your face, but your arms, legs, and the rest of your body are fair game!
My former colleague Jasmin Sandal vouches for this mitt: "I can attest, this thing is like witchcraft in a mitt. I use this weekly to rid my early-30s skin from dullness and dryness. And I'm not joking, my arms, legs, tummy, bum, literally everywhere this thing graces becomes 10x smoother. It's now part of my routine before I shave — and if you think a razor can give you slick skin...paired with THIS, oh boy, you haven't seen (or felt) anything yet.
"Is it gross to see a week's worth of skin trickle off your body and into the tub with you? Yes. But is it oh-so-satisfying to get a closer shave? You betcha. Oh, and for me, I feel like this has stopped ingrowns in their tracks, too, because it lifts layers of skin before they harden and become more of an ish'. Basically, if you're looking to up your shower time routine, give this a go. Being gentle for the first couple of uses is key, and then once your skin becomes more tolerant, you can increase the pressure you apply. I can't wait for you to see how you and your skin like it!"
Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (also available as a pair).
15. Live Tinted Hueguard because if there's one product that *needs* to be in your daily skincare routine, it's sunscreen, and this is a darn good one. This mineral sunscreen offers SPF 30, is lightweight and moisturizing, and won't leave that dreadful white cast on your face that has you looking like Casper.
This works for all skin tones to leave your face with a beautiful dewy glow! P.S. This is formulated with 18% zinc oxide (a mineral ingredient that works as a skin protectant and is an FDA-approved sunscreen component that reflects harmful UVs). And yes, bbs, it's clean, vegan, cruelty- and fragrance- free, *and* it's reef safe!
Live Tinted is a South-Asian woman-owned beauty brand founded by beauty blogger and entrepreneur Deepica Mutyala. Her brand is built around diversity and inclusion with phenomenal multitasking products that address skin concerns like hyperpigmentation. Just peep their top-selling color correcting Huestick.
Jasmin says, "I've recently introduced this gem into my skincare routine, and — holy cow — I'm not sure why it took me so long to give it a whirl. Hueguard injects a literal ray of liquid sunshine into my daily regimen because, gold. And it really, truly, leaves zero white cast on my face — plus there's no pilling, either! It blends seamlessly with my complexion, feels ultra hydrating (which is key for my early-30s skin), and is the perfect base layer for makeup."
Get it from Amazon, Ulta, or Live Tinted for $32+ (available in two sizes).
16. A Revlon volcanic face roller capable of keeping excess oil at bay throughout the day, absorbing shine in seconds without messing up your makeup or requiring you to pack on more powder. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, this clever roller might just be your new holy grail.
The face roller is reusable! Just twist the ring to pop out the stone, then wash it with a mild soap/cleanser and let it air dry after every use.
Promising review: "Oily skin? BUY NOW! I am so extremely oily. Have been dealing with my oily skin since I was in high school and still dealing with my oily skin in my mid-30s. The roller worked better than I could have expected and exceeded my expectations. This is life changing for me!" —Wow
Get it from Amazon for $9.48.
17. CeraVe's Hydrating Facial Cleanser, which you've probably seen many times on drugstore shelves, but really is worth every ounce of hype. Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, it's suuuuper gentle and doesn't strip your skin of its natural moisture while cleansing.
Promising review: "This was recommended to me by a dermatologist friend with beautiful skin. She uses CeraVe cleanser once in the morning, once at night, with the regular CeraVe lotion, and I was so jealous of her skin and tired of buying expensive junk that promises the moon, so I figured I'd give it a shot. I'm very glad I did! Full disclosure: I'm in my 30s with combination skin, blotchiness issues, occasional spots of acne, and deal with psoriasis on my face. This cleanser/lotion combo works beautifully. My skin is cleansed and refreshed, looks great, and never feels dry. It feels great to wash my face, too, not like I'm doing a chemical peel or scrubbing a layer of skin off. This is the One." —E. Giffen
Get it from Amazon for $14.57.
18. And also CeraVe's Moisturizing Cream, aka THE holy grail for people with dry, sensitive skin. Its essential ceramides bring relief to dry, flaky, itchy skin by hydrating and restoring the skin's protective barrier — keeping the moisture in and pollutants out.
Psst — This is the moisturizer I swear by for my dry, sensitive skin! I put it on as the last step in my morning and night skincare routine and it makes my face feel soft and plump for hours. I recommend getting the style with a pump on top so you don't have to dip your fingers into the tub! It comes in a bundle with a sample bottle of the Hydrating Facial Cleanser mentioned above, so you could try out both at once!
Promising review: "Let me set the scene that is my 35-year-old face: still enjoying breakouts and blackheads, wrinkles, nose skin that regularly fully peels off, neck skin that’s starting to get that waddle/wrinkly look. Tried this and am loving it. I gave it 5 stars but it’s not perfect, but what could with all my 'things.' The only issue I’ve had was some pore clogging at the beginning, but my skin has mostly gotten used to this thick layer of moisture. My nose gets some dry patches, but they’re truly just a patch instead of the whole thing. Skin looks plumper and livelier. My neck skin looks much less wavy/dry. Overall I’m extremely pleased with the results." —BCB
Get the bundle with a pump from Amazon for $18.99 (also available individually without the pump).
19. Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm, the makeup remover to end all makeup removers. With a simple list of 10 (!) ingredients, this stuff gets your face SO clean with just a pea-sized amount that transforms into a silky oil in your fingers. It also helps reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots, refines texture, brightens the skin...you'll never look twice at a disposable wipe again.
Promising review: "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.
20. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer that'll be your sword in the battle against dry skin in these colder months. This dermatologist-recommended, fragrance-free moisturizer helps repair your skin barrier within one hour and provides deep hydration for up to 48 hours! Bonus: It's available with SPF 30!
Promising review: "I have been wearing this every day for weeks and loved it so much I bought another for when my first runs out. The SPF coverage is excellent and I have yet to be burned (as long as I reapply periodically if I'm out in the sun all day). It quickly absorbs into my skin and doesn't leave any white tint. I typically use it on my face and chest/top of shoulders, but if it came in large bottles I would use it for my entire body. I am particularly fond of this because I do have sensitive/hormonal skin with regular acne since my early teens (currently 31-years-old and 8 months pregnant as well) and it has not caused any breakouts. 10/10 would recommend!" —Sidney
Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available with or without SPF 30).
21. O'Keeffe's Working Hands hand cream capable of repairing dry, cracked hands while locking in moisture with a protective layer, leaving your hands silky smooth. Reviewers with eczema say it's also highly effective for flareups on your hands!
If your hands are severely dry and cracked, some mild stinging is normal when you first apply this cream as it penetrates your skin, but this should subside shortly (don't keep using if it continues!).
Promising review: "I have used countless hand creams. I keep cream in my hand bag, in my car, in my coat pocket and in nearly every room in the house. Since moving to Chicago my hands have been suffering severely from dry cracked skin to the point of bleeding. I'm in my 30s with the hands of an 80-year-old! THIS HAND CREAM IS THE BEST I HAVE EVER USED AND THE ONLY HAND CREAM ANYONE NEEDS FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIFE!!! One application alone gives tremendous relief, two applications and you forget your hands were ever dry. A small amount goes a long way. It absorbs immediately, it's light and non-greasy." —RS
Get it from Amazon for $6.39 (also available in a two-pack or 12-pack).
22. A Briotech spray for soothing rashes, sunburns, rosacea, eczema, and other skin irritations, *extremely* similar to the beloved (but pricey) Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray. Its secret is hypochlorous acid, an ingredient found naturally in our white blood cells that helps soothe inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier. This stuff = magic in a bottle.
BTW, people also love this for helping heal piercings.
Promising reviews: "I developed hormone-induced perioral dermatitis on my face for the second time in my 30s. It does not go away or improve w/o intervention. Unlike the first time, I didn’t want to use a topical steroid because I’m currently breastfeeding a newborn, so I decided to give this a try. It improved my symptoms after a couple of weeks of daily once or twice use and by the fourth week the dermatitis was completely cleared! Holy grail skincare product." —Lydia
"Just an FYI, this product has the exact same ingredients as the Tower 28 spray! It's been absolutely amazing at reducing acne and texture! It's also so refreshing and gives a lil' glow. So in love!" —BK
Get an 8-ounce bottle from Amazon for $17.99 (available in four sizes and in packs of two and four).
23. A Foreo Luna Mini 2 that'll remove makeup, deeply cleanse, and massage your face all at the same time, leaving your skin soft and smooth (ready for all those serums and moisturizers) afterward.
Promising review: "I bought this from Sephora in 2016 and still love it. I use it in the mornings and it’s kept my 36-year-old sensitive skin skin soft and helped *gently* exfoliate. I definitely start to notice a difference if I stop using it for a few days. I noticed the reviews that it stopped working after less than a year, so I thought I should write in for anyone on the fence about purchasing. Yes, it’s expensive, but for me it’s been worth the cost based on use." —Christine McGrath
Get it from Amazon for $69.50+ (available in five colors).
Read our full Foreo Luna Mini 2 review for more deets!
24. Eve Hansen Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum reviewers compare to the coveted TNS Recovery Complex serum that's — prepare yourself — over $200 for a 1-ounce bottle. This budget-friendly alternative offers similar benefits: It deeply hydrates, reduces under-eye puffiness and dark circles, smooths fine lines, boosts overall hydration, and creates a radiant glow that's giving, "I just got a facial."
Promising reviews: "This is not a review that states, 'I got results overnight.' My review is from using hyaluronic acid serum every day, twice a day, for the past 3 years. My aesthetician recommended it, because I have large pores and some sun spots, which have gotten less over time. It may be just genetics, but at 39 I don’t have any wrinkles yet [see picture, above]. There is a lot of research that states hyaluronic acid, when used consistently, can have great results." —soniafwny
"So far I have used about four bottles of this product. I use it like a serum and put a few drops on my face and décolleté before I apply moisturizer in the morning or night cream. I see the same outstanding results I did see with the TNS Serum — just for a fraction of the price!!!" —nana bendick
Get it from Amazon for $27.98.
25. A pack of disposable face towels that are 100% biobased (unlike your regular disposable makeup wipes) and don't harbor bacteria. (Because how often are you washing your towels?) These are fragrance- and chemical-free (gentle on even sensitive skin) and can help with stubborn acne that just won't go away.
These are 100% USDA-certified biobased, meaning they're made entirely from plant-based materials and better for the environment than your regular disposable wipes.
Clean Skin Club is a small business that launched in 2019 to create innovative natural skincare products.
Promising reviews: "Starting in my 30s, I had developed some acne, and not just around that time of month. I read your bath towels can develop bacteria every few days if they're not washed, and so putting that on your face can cause acne. That's why I bought these towels! I use them after my skincare routine on my face, and then again, to clean up our sink (yay for double use)! They have cleaned up my skin significantly, and I highly recommend these!" —Jaclyn O
"I’ve dealt with mild acne and terrible scarring since I was in 8th grade. I’m 30 now. I haven’t had one pimple since I’ve switched to using these. I use the same towel for about 3-4 days, which is 6-8 uses, so it’s not even necessary to use a new one every day / every use. They’re really wonderful." —Dami
Get a 50-pack from Amazon for $17.95 (also available in other packs).
26. A cuticle oil if you've nearly given up on your poor shredded cuticles and peeling nails. Made with jojoba oil, almond oil, and vitamin E, this ultra-popular conditioning treatment not only heals and smoothens cuticles but also strengthens nails. With a little persistence, it'll have you doing a double take in wonder at your new model-worthy hands like, "Are these mine?"
Promising review: "Y’all. I’m 36. Since I was a teenager my cuticles have been dry, peeling, cracked, bloody. I’ve tried everything, every product, including sleeping with gloves on. 😂 THIS product is the ONLY thing that has ever made a lick of difference. I haven’t had a single hangnail since!" —Jacob Lee
Get it from Amazon for $8.66+ (available in three sizes).
27. The Ordinary's AHA 30% Peeling Solution, an at-home peel designed to ~resurface~ skin, exfoliate dead cells, unclog pores, and boost surface turnover so you're left with noticeably smoother, more ✨ radiant ✨ skin. Some reviewers say it's hard to justify the cost of Drunk Elephant's T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial when the ingredients here are so similar and, in many people's experiences, provide the same effects.
This solution uses a mixture of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid. The first two are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that exfoliate the skin's outer layer while the last one, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), reduces pore congestion.
Promising reviews: "I woke up to smoother, brighter skin after the first use! I was skeptical because of all the Instagram hype of the 'blood' face peel, but I figured, why not. I am 37 years young and I have hormonal acne around my jawline, which leaves hyperpigmentation marks. I struggle with the marks and uneven texture. One use last night, and this morning a major difference. This is not a magic eraser or a magic wand... I know I’ll have to use this once a week along with my normal rigorous routine to combat my hormones. Try it. You don’t be disappointed!" —EML2282
"This is my new favorite peel product! In 10 minutes, my skin looked glowy and smooth, and felt soft and even. There was zero irritation, just healthy, happy skin. Babyfacial works, but always left my skin red, extra oily, and hot to the touch. Not this product though! Not to mention it literally costs less than 10% of what Babyfacial costs." —ClaireEB
Get it from Sephora for $9.50.
Here are some other skincare products designed to help you get a more even skin tone, BTW!
28. A brightening facial scrub that'll leave your skin positively soft and glowy thanks to Madonna lily in the ingredients, but it also packs in lemon peel, French green clay, and sea kelp to cleanse and de-gunk your pores.
I've been using the Acure Brightening Facial Scrub for months, and it's now my go-to exfoliator. I use it a couple of times a week in the shower, and it leaves my skin *so* soft and smooth. The scrub itself also hasn't been irritating to my dry, sensitive skin. Without regular exfoliation, the dead skin cells on top of your skin can actually prevent your serums, moisturizers, and other products from sinking in as well, and I definitely noticed that after using this exfoliator, my post-shower Cerave cream seemed much more effective, keeping my skin moisturized for much longer.
Promising review: "Oddly enough, I never had acne as a teenager but now, in my 30s it has been one huge struggle. I’ve tried everything from prescription to drug store and everything in between with zero luck. With no expectations I grabbed this and started using it every night. By day four I was noticing my acne diminishing, my skin looking brighter and super soft. By day nine, a small brown aging spot I’ve had for months was almost gone. Two weeks in and my skin has NEVER looked better! This is a gentle exfoliating cleanser that doesn’t agitate my sensitive skin and is safe for daily use." —William Lawrence
Get it from Amazon for $6.62.
29. A cystic acne treatment boasting a pretty incredible track record with reviewers who experience cystic acne, helping pull out and dry deep-rooted acne (with 50% cyst reduction overnight!) as well as whiteheads and blackheads.
Sulfur, bentonite clay, witch hazel, and tea tree oil are just a few of the powerhouse ingredients working wonders here, and it's gentle enough for even sensitive skin!
Promising review: "After the age of 30, I started having cystic acne issues. And I kept messing with them, making them worse, trying to drain something that wasn't able to drain. Being deeper under the skin and painful, I got desperate trying to find something! I bought this product with high but minimal hopes. Started applying it three times a day and then again at night. After about three days of this routine the swelling is gone and the size has shrunk in half. It's already cleared up another spot in that time as well. It's a must have now!! I will say, expect it to bring up other zits, acne spots etc. as you start using it. But it will clear up!" —KTluck
Get it from Amazon for $19.95.
30. An antibacterial butt acne-clearing lotion made with tea tree oil that's effective at penetrating the skin to target the roots of acne, leaving your bum clear and baby-smooth. Bacne, you've met your match-ne.
Promising review: "I have super sensitive skin so acne treatments don't work for me because I get a red rash. I've had bumps on my bottom since I was little because I was allergic to swimming pools and would break out in hives. The rash would last a week but the ones on my bottom never fully went away. Finally at age of 35 I tried this brand and they are gone. Clear as crystal, no redness, no drying, no weird smell (it smells like tea tree oil which I like). This product produces results! It does exactly what it says. It's not expensive for how well it works. Seriously give it a try!" —Amycakes712
Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.