The Only 25 Skincare Products You'll Ever Need Again

Tried, tested and loved by (squeaky clean-skinned!) BuzzFeed editors and writers.

1. An acne-clearing foaming wash with 10% benzoyl peroxide to clear up your bod at a truly affordable price.

BuzzFeed

This supremely powerful foaming wash effectively penetrates pores, killing acne-causing bacteria, and preventing the growth of new blemishes.

Promising review: "Back in high school, I remember asking my dermatologist what I could do about body acne — my condition wasn't bad bad, but the pimples dotting my upper arms and back weren't cute. She prescribed a daily antibiotic and recommended this body wash for me to use in the shower. I took the antibiotic — hey, popping a pill is easy! — but I never tried the wash. My condition improved but it wasn't resolved entirely.

Fast-forward to a few months ago when, thinking about the upcoming summer when I'd be shirtless at the beach, I realized I needed to get a handle on the acne that had cropped up again on my arms and back. I decided to take the advice of my old dermatologist and finally give PanOxyl a shot. After only two weeks, my skin looked remarkably clearer — existing pimples had disappeared and new ones were appearing much less frequently. I did however need to adjust my shower routine in order for the product to work effectively. After stepping in, I'd apply the foaming wash to my arms and back and let that ~soak in~ while I washed my face and hair, being careful not to rinse off the acne wash for at least a few minutes. I'd then finish up with my regular body wash.

Having used the wash daily for a few months now, my arms and back are almost entirely clear. And with summer right around the corner, I couldn't be happier."

—Jon-Michael Poff

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $34.90

2. These deep cleansing pore strips that will allow you to satisfyingly pull out all the gunk hiding in your skin.

Lara Parker/BuzzFeed

Promising review: "Why are blackheads so hard to get rid of? I'll never know. But I'll tell you what I do know — these pore cleansing strips help. It's hard to get deep into your nose pores while washing your face which is why I LOVE using these strips in the interim. Even when I think I have barely any gunk in my pores, I'll use one of these strips and it'll show me that I was wrong.

These are so easy to use. You just splash some water on your nose, press the strip onto your nose, then 10–15 minutes later you pull it off. And there is nothing more satisfying than pulling a pore strip off your nose and seeing the bacteria that came out with it. GOD, IT'S SO GREAT. It's almost better than popping a pimple. Almost. If you have 10–15 minutes to spare and some blackheads on your nose, you should try these out. If nothing else, it'll be fun as hell to pull it off your face."

 —Lara Parker

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $5.40

3. This carbonated bubble clay mask that will fizz excess oil away, leaving skin feeling tingly and clean.

AnaMaria Glavan/BuzzFeed

Promising review: "I have the best of both worlds when it comes to my skin, meaning my T-zone loves to be oily and my cheeks are super dry. Sheet masks never fit my face properly, and other masks leave my skin feeling like a pair of too-tight jeans. All of a sudden, the Milky Piggy Carbonated Clay Mask started popping up everywhere, promising some beautiful things: that it's safe for sensitive skin, doesn’t strip your face of moisture, and will leave you with smooth skin that feels clean. Yay! 

I washed my face and began applying the mask using a mini spatula that comes with the jar. My immediate reaction was, Oh, this is bubbling so fast; what the hell? I couldn’t get a picture of the initial clay texture, because it began to foam up after only a few seconds. Regardless, my skin felt super fresh and tingly right away — I felt the oil leaving my pores, and it was fantastic. Then I re-read the directions and saw that the recommended use time was only three to five minutes. Huh. Short amount of time. This is when my face started to itch; picture two minutes of needing to scratch the tip of your nose while getting a manicure. It was sort of torture, but after three minutes and 47 seconds, I washed my face and it felt glorious. My face is CLEAN and hydrated, and my makeup glided on this morning. No more gunk in my pores! My skin didn't feel like a hungover person in desperate need of water!"

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $16

4. This potent 20% acid blend skin serum that will help your skin recover while you catch up on your precious beauty sleep.

Julia Willing/BuzzFeed

Did you know that at night, your skin switches into 'recovery mode' and is a lot more receptive to the skincare products you apply? This 20% acid blend (10% AHAs and 10% PHAs) is Ole Henriksen’s most potent formula in the collection to date and works hard to overhaul uneven skin texture, revealing a significantly smoother, renewed and brighter complexion. The Dewtopia 20% Acid Night Treatment also helps to replenish and soothe your skin thanks to the addition of aloe juice, birch sap and cotton water.

Promising review: "My skin has been absolutely manic the last six weeks — hormonal breakouts, forehead congestion, cysts on my cheeks. It's been...a lot. But I've now been using this serum nightly for about 10 days and it is a GAME CHANGER. My skin is hydrated, more supple and acne pigmentation is at last starting to fade. This is worth every penny and is going to be a staple in my nighttime routine from now on."

—Julia Willing

Buy it from Sephora Australia for $85

5. These bestselling acne pimple patches that'll dry up any unsightly spots.

Melinda L. /Amazon User / Via amazon.com

Super easy to use, incredibly effective and cheap to boot, these patches are designed to heal breakouts overnight (so you're less tempted to pick at spots and make things worse!). Each patch uses hydrocolloid, tea tree oil and calendula oil to get the job done in a hurry.

Read our in-depth review on these patches here!

Buy a pack of four sheets from Amazon Australia for $12.70

6. This gel-to-light foam cleanser, rich with indigenous Australian wild limes and antibacterial ingredients for healing acne-prone skin.

Mariela Summerhays/BuzzFeed

Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and AHA’s, the Australian wild limes in this cleanser gently exfoliate; lactic acid, papaya and pomegranate extract helps to brighten dull complexions, while antibacterial properties heal blemish prone skin. Lastly, aloe vera soothes and hydrates, leaving skin feeling and looking healthy, soft and supple.

Promising review: “This latest must-have skincare brand is divine, absolutely bursting with Aussie natives goodness. I adore their Balancing Cleanser, which feels soothing and uber-hydrating when lathering on. The clincher though? That citrus-y, Australian native scent that instantly relaxes at the end of the day. Worth every dollar."

— Mariela Summerhays

Buy it now from Sephora Australia for $70

7. This uber-lighweight gel moisturiser, because acne-prone skin still needs hydration.

Kayla Suazo/BuzzFeed

This hylauronic acid gel moisturiser is ideal for sufferers of dry, flaky skin — but also those prone to acne, who would rather avoid heavy cream-based moisturisers when rounding out their skincare routines.

Promising review: "After doing tons of research on the best moisturisers, I kept coming across Neutrogena's Hydro Boost gel-cream. SPOILER: It's a godsend. I actually use it twice a day: once at night after washing my face, and in the morning before applying my makeup. No lie, the results are immediate. My matte foundation goes on smoother than ever, and there are ZERO skin flakes!!!

I typically get dry patches of skin on my forehead and nose year-round, but if I am diligent about applying this gel-cream, they go away rather quickly. It also makes my face look bright and glow-y, and I feel radiant on the days when I'm secretly dead-exhausted. And because I tend to deal with dry skin throughout the entire year — even in the summer — I plan to keep this in my regimen. Another thing I love about it is how a little goes a loooong way. It's a lightweight gel, so a small dollop can cover my entire face and I don't feel like I just caked on a heavy lotion. I truly can't recommend this product enough. It's time to finally say g'bye to dry, flaky skin."

—Kayla Suazo

Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $16.19

8. This clay mousse mask by beloved Korean brand, Innisfree, that'll remove all the acne-causing gunk from your pores.

Hameda Nafiz/BuzzFeed

This mask is made from Jeju Volcanic Clusters to suck out impurities and excess oil all without drying out your skin, unlike some other clay masks.

Promising review: "I used this mask right before I applied my makeup for a small 30th birthday dinner. Not only did my makeup apply seamlessly, but it remained looking absolutely flawless throughout the night — and I swear, when I took my makeup off at the end of the night it looked and felt much better than it usually does after I wear makeup for an extended period of time. If you're a fan of clay masks, this is one I highly recommend."

—Hameda Nafiz

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $32

9. This complexion-clearing clay mask formulated with 10% sulfur and eucalyptus oil to draw gunk out of your pores and keep them open and clear.

Terri Pous/BuzzFeed

Medicated with a 10% maximum-strength sulfur, purifying kaolin clay and bentonite clay dries and clears up acne blemishes, absorbs excess oil and purifies clogged pores. Lastly, this mask contains aloe vera to calm and soothe.

Promising review: "Until three weeks ago, I'd never done a face mask before, mostly because I'm terrified of doing anything that might make my very acne-prone skin freak out. Enter the Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Mask. It looks like gray mud and smells like the child of clay and sulfur, but whatever works, right? I smeared on a medium-thick layer as instructed, and let it set for 10 minutes. One of the reasons I was excited to step into the face mask world was because I wanted the satisfaction of peeling it off and seeing all the grime it sucked out of my pores. But with this one, you just wash it off after it hardens, which takes about five to 10 minutes. My initial disappointment was washed away with the mask, though, because once it was off, I noticed that my face felt like velvet. And let me tell you, this shit works.

I still get a zit here and there (nothing is a miracle product, after all), but the zits are smaller than usual and my skin overall feels smoother and my complexion looks much more even. It's not the cheapest, but I've been told one container lasts a while and compared to the amount of money I've spent fighting acne, it's a drop in the bucket."

—Terri Pous

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $65.

10. This facial cleansing brush, made from body-safe silicone for the most clean and firm skin of your life.

Kayla Boyd/BuzzFeed

This electronic cleansing brush has reached cult-level status for its cleansing (and super soothing) design, which will first deep cleanse your pores on its bristle-laden side, and on the ridged side, firm up skin.

Promising review: "Sonic waves are sound waves and they pulsate, like, really fast. When these waves are directed into your skin, they travel deep into your pores to shake loose all the gunk, like dirt and makeup residue. Your hands or even your most high-quality washcloths can’t reach all that. The sonic waves also help increase circulation, exfoliate the skin (without pulling on it), and gives your skin a nice detox by stimulating the cells."

—Kayla Boyd

Read the entire low down here.

Buy it from Sephora Australia for $329

11. Or the miniature version, which will scrub every drop of makeup, dirt and oil from your face in just 60 seconds.

Maitland Quitmeyer/BuzzFeed

Promising review: "It'll totally remove your makeup, dirt, and oil, AAAAND gently exfoliate your skin in just 60 seconds (I know). I love this handy lil' device SO much. It's DEFINITELY helped clear my adult acne *and* fade acne scarring."

  — Maitland Quitmeyer 

 Check out Maitland's in-depth Foreo Luna Mini 2 review for all the deets!  

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $150

12. This best-selling high-strength vitamin and mineral blemish formula that helps to control oil production and will visibly minimise pores.

Zeta Morgan/BuzzFeed

This BuzzFeed office favourite uses a high 10% concentration of niacinamide - with a 1% concentration of zinc - to reduce irregularities of texture, enlarged pores and visible shine. And at dirt cheap prices to boot.

Promising review: "This is a recent addition to my skincare routine, but one I am obsessed with and will be keeping around for years to come. This formula is super affordable (like the whole The Ordinary range) and is really easy to incorporate into your daily regime. I have noticed a visible difference in the pores on my face and how clear and balanced my skin is. If you have been wanting to try The Ordinary but don’t know what to buy first, would highly recommend giving this a whirl."

—Zeta Morgan

Buy it now from Sephora Australia for $19

13. This seriously magic pore cleansing facial clay, which — with just a bit of vinegar — deep cleanses your skin for your most glorious face yet.

Hameda Nafiz/BuzzFeed

This clay basically has its own cult following of thousands, so it's no wonder it always makes our monthly bestsellers list. Just mix a touch of the pure calcium bentonite clay with some apple cider vinegar, lather the result on and extract every last bit of gunk from your pores.

Check out some brilliant before and after photos here.

And then watch four BuzzFeeders — with different skin woes — try it on for size in this video.

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $11.95

14. This positively magic Thayers Witch Hazel that will soothe and rid your skin of all that ails it.

AnaMaria Glavan/BuzzFeed

This witch hazel is made from rose petal, aloe vera, vitamin E and witch hazel extract. You can also use it to remove makeup and it'll make your skin look clean and fresh AF.

Promising review: "I have combination skin that's prone to redness (especially around my cheeks and nose, with the latter being really annoying), plus the occasional pimple. After two weeks of regularly using this toner in my evening routine, I barely need concealer to cover the Crayola redness under my nostrils. PLUS! It's super effective as spot treatment. This stuff attacks your pimples with the same vendetta that Buffy used to destroy vampires: It works that well."

—AnaMaria Glavan

Read the full review for this product by AnaMaria here!

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $8.99

15. This powerful, pure tea tree oil, otherwise known as Australia's natural antiseptic.

Thursday Plantation/@thursday_plantationnz

Use this pure and natural tea tree oil to inhibit a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi, and heal monior cuts, burns, abrasions  — and yes, pimples. You can also use it to treat mozzie bites, so you won't be scratching the hell out of them into the night.

Promising review: "The Thursday Plantation Tea Tree oil range shouldn’t be overlooked. Their oils and creams are amazing for clearing breakouts, as well as being used as a general antiseptic. I also recently tried their cold sore cream  and it was really, really effective. Their stuff is magic." 

–Amelia Stanojevic

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $13.94

16. This microdermabrasion at-home device that uses patented spinning disc technology and a vacuum suction to help blur the appearance of enlarged pores, fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes.

Elena Gracia/BuzzFeed

The PMD has a spinning disc and a calibrated vacuum that you very gently glide across your face. The sanding disc combined with the suction of the vacuum can help brighten, smooth, and even skin tone and texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, blemishes, and enlarged pores — giving you the kind of #nofilter skin you’ve only ever dreamed of.

Promising review: "I have big pores and I cannot lie! I also have fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and honestly, the overall texture of my skin just kinda sucks (thanks, life). I’d try anything at least once to get awesome-looking skin, or to make it appear less awful. So when I heard about the PMD Pro I was so curious to try it. It’s a safe at-home way to give yourself a microdermabrasion, which is basically a gentle way to sand your face. Just like sandpapering furniture, if it's done gently and correctly, microdermabrasion can be great for your skin. 

The key is that you need to ease into it. Start off with the gentlest exfoliation disc, which is the grey training disc, learn how to move it across your skin, and never, ever, leave it in one place for too long. You slowly upgrade to the coloured discs (I’ve been using this for about a month now and I’m just starting the second disc). I see a bigger difference in my skin than what I’ve noticed with any other cream, machine, medicine...anything! I’m gonna keep it up and I’m basically convinced that by Christmas I’ll look like porcelain doll!" 

—Elena Garcia

Buy ti from Amazon Australia for $243.79

17. This light therapy Neutrogena acne spot treatment, which uses dermatologist in-office technology (no UV rays!) to treat mild to moderate acne.

Jemima Skelley/BuzzFeed

Yeah, I was sceptical, too. However, the portable, easy-to-use treatment pen is currently sitting at four out of five stars, with users attesting to the power of blue light to target acne-causing bacteria, and the red light to reduce inflammation — at its price, it's definitely worth a shot.

Promising review: "I DEFINITELY did not think this would work. How can light get rid of pimples? Well, after only using it a couple of times my mind was completely changed. It's good at making big, sore pimples smaller overnight. I also had a red mark on my skin from a giant pimple I'd had two months ago that I couldn't even get rid of with microdermabrasion. After about a week of using this light pen on it twice a day, it was way smaller and lighter. This pen is true magic."

— Jemima Skelley

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $23.99

18. These reusable face wipes, the Face Halo, because getting all your makeup off is vital if you want to avoid acne.

Hameda Nafiz/BuzzFeed

If you've been considering the move to more eco-friendly beauty practices, the Face Halo is the pimple-defying, breakout-minimising way to start. Also, we love that it can survive up to 200 washes, replacing up to 500 single-use facial wipes.

Promising review: "You can tell by my ~shook~ facial expression that I was blown away. I mean honestly, look at the state of my face and hair — do you think I'd allow this GIF to live on the internet if I wasn't genuinely impressed?

The wipes are non-toxic, chemical free and recyclable, so BIG wins all 'round. Not only are you doing your face a favour — by not subjecting it to the toxins in that pack of two dollar wipes — but you're doing the environment a solid, too."

—Hameda Nafiz

Read more about the Face Halo here.

Buy a pack of three from Amazon Australia for $27

19. This French, green clay face mask, which works wonders on oily, clogged and acne-prone skin.

Amazon Australia, Julia Willing/BuzzFeed

This green clay face mask is 100% natural and mined straight from the earth in the Montmorillonite region in France. Because of its unique blend of minerals and very fine texture, it's able to act as a magnet — drawing out the toxins and impurities from the skin.

Promising review: "My skin has been problematic AF for pretty much the entirety of my lockdown living. Whether it's due to stress, a change of environment or because I have way too much time on my hands to pick it to death — all I can say is, this mask saved my skin. I use it once a week and it draws out all kinds of shit, leaving me looking glowy and radiant!"

—Julia Willing

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $35.65

20. This highly-rated gel facial cleanser with a pH level close to that of your skin — meaning your face is cleansed, but not stripped of its natural oils.

Sarah Han/BuzzFeed

By combining tea tree oil (I swear, perfect for all that ails you) and natural BHA, this lightweight gel facial cleanser will shrink pores and improve your skin's overall complexion. Not to mention, it won't cost you an arm and a leg to purchase.

To learn more — including how this cleanser serves as a perfect base for makeup! — check out "I Swear By This Highly-Rated Low pH Gel Cleanser To Clean Out My Pores".

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $15.95

21. This retinol-boosted serum which will turn over dead or unbalanced skin revealing the healthy, baby-smooth skin underneath.

Julia Willing/BuzzFeed

Brilliant for acne-fighting and anti-ageing, retinol is a powerhouse ingredient that comes in a variety of forms, but users enthusiastically recommend the The Ordinary's 2% Granactive Retnoid In Squalane as a post-cleansing oil.

Promising review: "If you've heard of retinol, but still have no idea what the hell it is, I'm here to help. In your teens and twenties, your skin cells turn over roughly every 28 days, revealing a fresh layer of gorgeous skin. But into your thirties and beyond, this turnover rate decreases — which can make the skin look dull and increase the appearance of wrinkles.

Enter retinol, which sinks into your skin and helps hasten the cell turnover — making your body churn out younger, smoother skin again. 

Trust me when I say, this serum really works. I ran out of this recently, so didn't use it for about a fortnight and I immediately noticed the difference. My skin flipped out — it was greasy, dull and I had breakouts all over my face. Three days back into my regular routine and it's already cleared up so much. Seriously, give it a go, I promise you won't regret it."

—Julia Willing

Read more advice from Jules on how to build a skincare routine here.

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $19.77

22. This blackhead remover, which will suck all the gunk out of your pores so you look impossibly air-brushed.

Clare Aston/BuzzFeed

Designed for a variety of skin types, this next-generation blackhead remover has three suction heads for different skin conditions, and helps to clean up blackheads, remove dirt grease, reduce dead skin and fine lines, as well as massage and tighten the skin.

Promising review: "I am that person who loves gross things. Videos of nose strips — seen them. Compilations of ear wax removals — seen them twice. I am obsessed with clearing out the gunk living in our skin. So, when I saw this nose sucking action, I just had to try it out.

The suction machine comes with three different heads, all of which are meant for a different purpose. But, to be honest, I can’t remember what those other purposes are — I’ve got my gunk sucking one and I’m good. It’s easy to hold, the nozzle fits around your nose nicely and most importantly YOU SEE RESULTS! Have you ever done a nose strip only to be completely let down by it? Either it didn’t stick properly, stuck too well or didn’t rip out enough of your blackheads so you could see them on the strip. With this machine, you’ve got a clean nose and a whole lot of satisfaction.

A few tips though: Prep your pores beforehand by getting them to open up with a hot towel, moisturise after you use it and most importantly, don’t suck any part of your skin for longer than five seconds."

—Clare Aston

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $8.99

23. This impossibly luxurious yet gentle cleanser that will leave your face feeling baby smooth.

Mariela Summerhays/BuzzFeed

A certified organic cleanser from the brains of Australia’s beloved model-turned-entrepeneur, Mirand Kerr, this silver ear mushroom (a natural alternative to hylauronic acid!), babassu oil, apple seed oil and sunflower seed oil-loaded formula gently and thoroughly removes oil, dirt and makeup — leaving you with a supermodel-worthy complexion.

Promising review: “I don’t much bother with makeup (my laziness knows no bounds), but if I will splurge, it’s on my few skincare products, and this cleanser is among the holiest of holy grails for me. Super nourishing without feeling oily or sticky, I love how soft my skin feels after.”

— Mariela Summerhays

Buy it now from Sephora Australia for $56

24. This retinol and rainbow algae repair serum that helps to reduce the appearance of post-breakout marks and target hyperpigmentation.

Julia Willing/BuzzFeed

Featuring gentle, slow-release retinol and nutrient-rich rainbow algae to rid your skin of post-acne scarring, this powerful serum also contains squalane to pumpp and soften skin after application.

Promising review: "I was skeptical at first, because most retinol breaks me out as well as leave a stinging feeling. But this one was watery and super gentle. Every alternate night when I use it, I wake up with smooth skin — which is quite rare for me since I have textured, large pores with blemishes. It helps with my blemishes and I can feel my skin is more elastic — like it bounces instead of jiggle (if that makes sense)...I will definitely repurchase this!"

Buy it from Sephora Australia for $48

25. And lastly, de-puff and soothe your stressed out skin with this ice roller — so simple, but so effective.

Clara McMahon/BuzzFeed

Use the freezable roller head to soothe and calm irritated skin, shrink pores and lift and firm skin.

Promising review: I recently picked up this ice roller to help de-puff and energize my puffy and tired face in the morning. The roller head is detachable, so I keep it in the freezer then pop it onto the body of the tool when I'm ready to use it. I also put a thin layer of facial oil or moisturizer on first, just to help it ~glide~ easier. Oh and BTW, you can *also* use it on sore or tense muscles too (I'm looking at you, neck and shoulders). Just be sure to clean it regularly and roll on, baby!

—Clara McMahon

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $14.99