Meet The Winners of The 2026 Women’s Health Skincare Awards

Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us?Kolby Knight2 min readThere’s a difference between having options and having so many that you’re almost paralyzed by the thought of choosing. Throw in the possibility of spending hard-earned money on lackluster stuff and it’s no wonder that shopping for skin care products in 2026 feels so...hard.No longer. The 2026 Women’s Health Skincare Awards features 38 products vetted by an esteemed panel of experts, including dermatologists, aestheticians, and our own editors. The face wash that cleans without stripping your skin, the serum that plumps instantly and over time, the scalp sunscreen that won’t weigh down hair—great skin starts (and continues) here.How We ChoseFor this year's annual skincare awards package—our biggest ever—the Women's Health beauty team consulted with an esteemed panel of 14 leading experts to select the best-of-the-best products across face, body, eyes & lips, hands & feet, and scalp (a new category). Our instructions to these experts (a mix of dermatologists, aestheticians, makeup artists, and more): Select the products that really wow-ed you and your patients with their technology and results.It's no secret that the skincare aisle has become incredibly crowded and confusing—our hope is that this guide offers clarity for the overwhelmed beauty shopper thanks to the discerning tastes of people who've "seen it all." The result is a list of more than 80 products that our panel have deemed effective and appropriate for a diverse mix of skin types and tones. We offer a solid mix of drugstore and premium products so that no shopper need be priced out of having a gorgeous, glowing complexion.Divya Shokeen, MD, is a board-certified Dermatologist and founder of Ocean Skin and Vein Institute with multiple practices located in Southern California.Divya ShokeenMona Gohara, MD, is a Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale School of Medicine and a practicing dermatologist in Connecticut. She is passionate about skin health, skin of color, and advancing diversity in dermatology. She serves on the Women’s Health Advisory Board and is a trusted medical authority for many national press outlets.Mona GoharaKiran MianRyan Turner, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He is also the founder of Turner Dermatology in New York City and the skincare brand TRNR Skin.Ryan TurnerGabriela Soza, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder, owner, and chief medical officer of SozaMD in Dallas Texas.Gabriela SozaJennifer Lee, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and a graduate of Harvard Medical School. She is the founder of REN Dermatology & Aesthetics in Nashville, TN and the Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Vanderbilt Medical Center.Jennifer LeeJulie Pefferman is an independent cosmetic chemist and founder of Cosmeta. She partners with ambitious beauty brands to develop innovative, science-driven formulations, combining deep technical expertise with an understanding of what makes a product truly stand out in performance.Julie PeffermanKelsey Deenihan is a Los Angeles-based makeup artist. Over the past decade, Kelsey’s makeup artistry has attracted clientele including Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Jessica Chastain, Emma Chamberlain, Hilary Duff, Jennifer Garner, Taylor Hill, Cara Delevingne, Kelsea Ballerini, and Lucy Hale. Her work can be seen in editorials such as Interview, Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, Vanity Fair, InStyle, Marie Claire, The Hollywood Reporter, Nylon, and Porter Edit.Kelsey DeenihanGita Bass is a New York-based makeup artist. An Australian native, Bass worked extensively throughout Europe before settling in New York City. Today, her celebrity clientele includes Elizabeth Olsen, Daisy Ridley, Sarah Paulson, Laura Dern, Emmy Rossum, Julia Louis Dreyfus, and Tina Fey. Bass has contributed to top publications such as W, Vanity Fair, ELLE, Rolling Stone, Interview, and Harper’s Bazaar.Gita BassErica Beukelman is a bicoastal makeup artist, licensed hairstylist, and grooming expert, with teams located in Southern California and Nashville, Tennessee. With over 15 years of experience working in television, film, editorial, red carpet, and brand campaigns, she has amassed a diverse celebrity roster, including Nicole Kidman, Megan Moroney, and Stella Lefty.Erica BeukelmanCynthia Rivas is a celebrity facialist and the founder of Cynthia Rivas Skin Care. She is a Chanel Beauty Partner and has been featured in Vogue, The New York Times, T Magazine, Financial Times, Forbes, and more. Her celebrity clientele includes Paris Hilton, Camilla Marrone, Demi Moore, Cara Delevingne, Eiza Gonzales.Cynthia RivasCandace Marino is a licensed esthetician with over 20 years of experience. Also known as "The LA Facialist,” she is the founder of the namesake studio, THE LA FACIALIST in Beverly Hills. Her results-driven, hands-on approach to skin health blends advanced clinical skincare with facial massage and sculpting techniques to create customized treatments that have earned her a loyal celebrity and global clientele.Candace MarinoMelissa Fox is a celebrity master esthetician and founder of Flawless by Melissa Fox in Miami and West Palm Beach. Her “progressive, never aggressive” quiet luxury approach led her to create custom, inclusive treatments that never chase trends or look overdone.Melissa FoxSofie Pavitt, is a licensed esthetician, certified acne specialist, and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Sofie Pavitt Skincare Studio in NYC and the eponymous skincare brand, Sofie Pavitt Face. She counts Zendaya and Lorde among her high-profile clients, and specializes in concerns like cystic acne and fine lines.Sofie PavittBrian Underwood is an editor, writer, and content creator with more than 20 years of experience working for some of the largest media companies in the country. He is currently beauty and grooming director at Women’s Health and Men’s Health, where he oversees content strategy for the brands across all platforms, including digital, print, and social. Underwood previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily and O, The Oprah Magazine. During his tenure leading beauty content for the Oprah brand at Hearst, stories Underwood commissioned were awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation Media Award and a Fragrance Award for Editorial Excellence (his second). He was the launch Beauty Director of Dr. Oz THE GOOD LIFE, and has held additional editorial positions at Fitness, Organic Style, Good Housekeeping, Life & Style Weekly, and Woman’s Day and has written for Self, Shape, Seventeen, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, and many more. Underwood has previously served on the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and as partnerships director of the Trans Beauty Clinic, a New York-based charitable organization that provided beauty services and workshops to the city’s trans community.Brian UnderwoodNicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Women's Health and has nine years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like red light therapy for hair growth and LED face masks, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, such as strengthening shampoos and body washes for dry skin on our site. Previously, she was the beauty editor at Best Products where she tested quite literally thousands of launches for her quarterly column and the Best New Beauty Awards package. She also launched the beauty and wellness coverage at NBC News and contributed to CNN, Cosmopolitan, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Harper's BAZAAR. You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventures.Nicole Saunders“The perfect gentle wash: It gives you a squeaky-clean feeling but is never too drying. A great first step for any skin care routine.” —Dr. Lee“Fresh’s OG soy cleanser is one of my all-time favorite face washes, and this new balm version is a worthy addition to the family. It’s not too thick or greasy the way some other balms are, but still cuts through dirt, oil, makeup, and sunscreen effectively. And the citrus-y scent is incredible.” —Underwood“The hyaluronic acid floods my parched skin while snow mushrooms lock in moisture, keeping my face soft and supple all day.” —Saunders“A do-it-all gel-cream that hydrates, brightens, and protects thanks to an infusion of Japanese botanicals. Worth the price—trust me.” —Underwood“I use this on clients with sensitive skin or those who want no makeup- makeup vibes. The SPF is built in so I don’t have to layer, and it actually wears through a full day of events without oxidizing or settling into texture.” —Deenihan“For the person who needs instant gratification from their products, this serum plumps both instantly and over time so you continue to see the results, day after day.” —Underwood“The ultimate hydrating product for evening, this cream contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and peptides—everything your skin needs to lock in moisture overnight.” —Dr. L“I recommend this mask all the time. It’s especially nice for combination skin because it leaves your complexion soft, balanced, and glowing without feeling too heavy.” —Pefferman“You can spritz this on throughout the day to refresh your complexion without disturbing makeup. It delivers a burst of hydration and radiance.” —Rivas“One of the first sunscreens to use a brand-new UV filter that was approved by the FDA over the summer. Lightweight, nongreasy, sheer perfection.”“Mineral SPFs can be a drag: thick, chalky, unwearable. Not this one: the serum-like formula disappears into skin for virtually invisible protection.” —Underwood“Sunscreen reapplication is a challenge that hasn't been adequately addressed—until now. Using Korean cushion technology, this sleek, purse-friendly compact allows you to dab on a second (or third, or fourth) layer of transparent SPF without disturbing your makeup.” —Underwood“SPF reapplication is the biggest gap in most people’s sun protection routine, and a stick format removes every excuse. This one goes on completely clear—no white cast, no greasiness—and it works over makeup without disturbing anything. There’s also a shimmer version for anyone who wants a little extra sparkle. Fragrance-free and travel-friendly, I keep one in my car. Pro tip: the stick applicator is perfect for protecting the delicate backs of hands from your sun, without leaving you with greasy palms.” —Dr. Soza“Developed with the help of a board of dermatologists who know that physical exfoliation must be gentle to be safe and effective, this scrub uses tiny pumice granules to gently buff.” —Underwood“These are my secret weapon whenever my skin needs an instant refresh. I love that they combine glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids to smooth texture, brighten dull skin, refine the look of pores, and boost radiance…all while being surprisingly gentle. They’re a great way to give your skin an extra glow before a special event or anytime it needs a quick reset.” —Rivas“A blend of matcha-derived PDRN, niacinamide, and papaya enzyme cleanses away impurities and gently exfoliates, leaving my face softer and smoother. To use it, I mix the green powder with water to create a creamy foam.” —Saunders“The people at Remedy Skin have thought of everything when it comes to an OTC retinol. Using an encapsulated system, it delivers collagen-stimulating retinol along with argilene and matrixyl 3000, which help soften fine lines and wrinkles. It improves skin texture and supports healthy skin aging without causing irritation or dryness that is common with retinols.” —Dr. Mian“As a dermatologist, I look for dark spot treatments that are both effective and well tolerated across a wide range of skin tones. This one has powerful ingredients that deliver radiance, even out skin tone, and reduce post-inflammatory marks without causing irritation.” —Dr. MiBest Sensitive Skin Treatment“I love this product because it can reduce redness and irritation while reinforcing the skin barrier, making it especially well suited for my patients with reactive or easily inflamed skin. With colloidal oatmeal, it's a very elegant formula that delivers soothing hydration without feeling heavy, making it a treatment I would confidently recommend for sensitive skin.” —Dr. Mian“Mara is a triple-threat beauty product that simplifies my routine by combining a brightening essence, toner, and serum into one. A trifecta of collagen peptides, hydrating beta glucan, and mineral-rich pearl powder works together to intensely hydrate and leave my complexion more radiant and rebalanced.” —Saunders“Vitamin C is a proven skin-brightening, collagen-boosting powerhouse. The only problem: it’s known to be irritating on sensitive skin. Aveeno has solved for that here, adding a calming concoction of niacinamide and the brand’s famed oat complex.“It contains kaolin clay which helps absorb oils plus salicylic acid to help reduce breakouts. One of my go-to recommendations for over the counter blemish control.” —Dr. Turner“This is what I call skin care efficiency. Azelaic acid helps with breakouts and the discoloration they leave behind, while cica helps support the skin barrier. K-beauty is known for formulas that feel luxurious without being heavy, and this moisturizer is one you'll actually look forward to applying.” —Dr. Gohara“I prefer skipping those painful extractor tools in favor of these colorful nose strips. They lift away oil and debris stuck in my pore, while aloe vera and witch hazel help soothe and comfort my skin. After a quick peel-off, it’s super satisfying to see the gunk on the strips.” —Saunders“This has a ‘microdart’ technology helps deliver active ingredients beneath the surface and targets pimples with salicylic acid and tea tree oil but has hydration and soothing with hyaluronic acid and cica.” —Dr. Turner“These pads are active yet gentle and help to lightly exfoliate for a smoother, more even complexion. They also help makeup to sit more evenly on the skin.” —Bass“The convenience of a facial wipe makes using them from time to time a no-brainer. But these offer more than mere ease: the micellar cleansing technology removes dirt and grime while calming ingredients like centella asiatica, calendula, and rose water calm and nourish.” —Underwood“Is it skin-care or is it makeup? Honestly, it’s hard to tell with this nourishing foundation. Yes, it provides natural-looking coverage, but it’s also acne-safe and sensitive skin-approved, with anti-inflammatory Portulaca Oleracea extract, soothing oat, and complexion-balancing lactobacillus ferment.” —Underwood“I use this on literally everyone now, even oily skinned clients. It keeps makeup locked down through movement and heat without feeling sticky, and nothing breaks down the look once it’s applied.” —Deenihan“I always recommend this for clients to use at home because bad removal habits trash skin texture. It melts off everything including stubborn lashes without requiring scrubbing, which keeps skin in better condition for their next makeup application.” —DeenihanKolby Knight“Want a shot of energy with your morning lather? These are the suds for you, featuring the zippy scent of grapefruit, mandarin, and eucalyptus.” —Underwood“As a formulator, I can say this one of the most interesting innovations in body care. I especially recommend this for active women because it helps manage body odor without being harsh, including on intimate areas.” —Pefferman“You get 72 hours of moisture, yet the combination of 6 percent hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides feels like nothing on your skin. A feat of wizardry, IMO.” —Underwood“For hydration that won’t leave you greasy feeling or irritation-prone, saturate yourself in a formula rich in oils that mimic your outer layer’s natural sebum.” —Underwood“This buttery-soft body cream locks in moisture with skin-replenishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid. It melts swiftly into my skin and provides long-lasting hydration, leaving my body soft to the touch and glowy. The sweet pistachio milk scent is enticing on its own or when layered with its matching body mist.” —Saunders“This oil leaves skin silky and glowy, plus it helps with elasticity and hydration. One of my favorite products ever.” —Beukelman“The ultimate scrub bar for smooth-as-silk arms and legs. Bonus: It also effectively removes keratosis pilaris.” —Pavitt“There’s no skin woe this petroleum-free ointment can’t solve. Dry patches? Gone. Dullness and crepey skin?Erased. And look at the packaging—kinda chic.” —Underwood“As the weather chills, your skin likely needs more moisture. But perhaps you don’t want a thick, heavy hydrator? Fair enough. Enter this beautiful milky serum, with ceramides to nourish, cica to calm and soothe, and a vegan probiotic to boost your barrier. The best part: You’ll feel like you have nothing on your skin.” —Underwood”Meet my go-to sunscreen for body. It uses a blend of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, providing broad spectrum mineral protection—I prefer mineral SPFs for my arms and legs to keep them protected on beach days or long days outdoors. This one is also water resistant and doesn’t require much work to absorb easily into the skin.” —Dr. MianBest Water Resistant Sunscreen“When it comes to selecting a water resistant sunscreen, you want one that you can apply—and go! For that reason, this is a favorite: It sprays on easily, absorbs almost instantly, and provides up to 80 minutes of water resistance, all with a crowd-pleasing vanilla scent.” —Underwood“One of the most practical approaches I’ve seen for back, chest, and shoulder breakouts—you can reach everything. Encapsulated salicylic acid is less irritating, too.” —Dr. Soza“Let me tell you: I test a lot of deodorants and I'm notoriously hard to impress. AKT was developed by West End performers who needed a deodorant that could withstand hours under hot stage lights, and I love that the brand approached the category from a completely different angle. The balm format feels elegant, the Columbia Road scent is sophisticated without being overpowering, and it's one of the most thoughtfully designed deodorant concepts I've come across.” —Pefferman“Fight three types of sweat—from stress, heat, and activity—with a stick that leaves behind a layer of hyaluronic acid to pamper underarm skin.” —UnderwoodBest Whole Body Deodorant“Good for sensitive skin while effectively reducing odor in areas beyond the underarms. It has a pleasant finish and good price point.” —Dr. Turner“A potent blend of vitamin C, algae extract, and natural moisturizing factor improves firmness, brightness, and elasticity on a tough-to-treat area.” —Underwood“No cream will erase dimples, but retinol can improve skin texture and firmness, making cellulite less noticeable.” —Dr. Gohara“This rich, multipurpose balm is made for my dry, irritated skin. It combines manuka honey and shea butter with soothing oats and oat kernel oil to help relieve dryness and itching.” —SaundersBest Keratosis Pilaris Treatment“A 10 percent alpha-hydroxy-acid blend and satisfying pumice smooth my rough skin and keep keratosis pilaris bumps on my arms at bay. The warm, coconut-scented body exfoliant also contains soothing bisabolol and antioxidant-rich vitamin E that help condition my skin.” —SaundersBest Stretch Mark Treatment“Stretch marks happen when collagen can't quite keep pace with rapid stretching of the skin. While no cream can erase them completely, this formula supports healthier collagen and elastin, helping improve texture and overall skin quality over time. I always focus on progress, not perfection.” —Dr. Gohara“This product helps create a cross-linked silicone film over a scar to support healing. I like that it has SPF included as sun protection is key to optimizing the healing of a scar.” —Dr. Turner“This one is a no-brainer. The AHA/BHA blend helps prevent ingrown hairs while improving the look of post-inflammatory marks after shaving or waxing.” —Pefferman“We all know a good bath can help melt away stress and anxiety—but this brand is taking that concept to a whole other level. With eight different magnesium-rich salt blends to choose from—one targets cramps, another fatigue—you can soak away any problem life throws at you.” —Underwood“The new Loving Tan 10-minute mask is a game changer. It applies beautifully as a cream, it moisturizes, and you truly only need to leave it on for 10 minutes. I like to leave it on for an hour for a deeper color result, but once applied it continues to develop over the next 24 hours.” —Beukelman“I like to stash Flamingo’s mini razor in my gym or carry-on bag for quick touchups on the go. This set includes a gentle Pubic blade cartridge for my bikini line and the Original blade cartridge for everywhere else. Thanks to five sharp blades and a flexible hinge that hugs the curves of my knees and underarms, I get the closest, most comfortable shave without dragging.” —Saunders“Nothing ruins my mood more than razor burns. Thanks to this nourishing shaving cream, which contains shea and cocoa butters, my shaves feel more comfortable.” —Saunders“Shaving my bikini area can be tricky, so I like to use this razor designed for pubic hair and the delicate skin of my bikini area. The small head helps me maneuver around hard-to-reach spots, while the ergonomic handle provides a secure grip in the shower. A combination of the optimally spaced blades and anti-irritation barrier helps protect against razor bumps and ingrown hairs. A bonus: This kit includes a full-size handle, two blade refills, and a shower holder for easy storage.” —Saunders“Bliss simplifies at-home waxing with this genius kit, which includes a microwaveable wax cup and pre- and post-waxing oils to soothe my skin and remove excess residue. The paraffin wax contains beeswax, lanolin, and soothing chamomile flower oil.” —Saunders“This genius IPL device is like having a hair removal pro who is coaching me through every at-home session. The SenseIQ Pro sensor reads my skin tone and recommends a treatment setting. Its light pulses help reduce unwanted hair regrowth over time. Thanks to real-time audio guidance and visual prompts via the Philips app, each treatment is easy to follow.” —SaundersKolby Knight“To me, a hand cream must deeply soften and moisturize, smell fantastic, and look damn good on a desk or nightstand. Cyklar’s checks all the boxes.” —Underwood“Ultrafine volcanic pumice stone gently exfoliates dry skin as a trifecta of moisturizers make mitts noticeably softer. You’ll want to wash your hands.” —Saunders“Perfect for throwing in your bag. The jelly texture stays where you apply it, so you can moisturize your cuticles without making a mess between meetings, after a workout, or while traveling.” —Pefferman“I always keep one of these in my purse and gym bag. The slim packaging fits into any pocket, it smells beautiful, and it never leaves my hands dry like other sanitizers.” —Pefferman“Keep your feet sandal-ready year round with this balm, which is completely nongreasy.” —Rivas“This exfoliating gel contains lactobionic acid to smooth rough spots, while hyaluronic acid boosts skin hydration. It even comes with a built-in antimicrobial scrubbing head that helps me concentrate on my heels.” —SaundersKolby KnightBest Eye Cream For Wrinkles“The cooling applicator glides across skin, depositing firming bakuchiol, black tulip, and peptides.” —UnderwoodBest Eye Cream For Dark Circles“With their signature retinol, niacinamide, and resveratrol, RoC has created an eye cream that targets dark circles, whether from pigment or vascularity. Hint: most dark circles are usually a combination of the two.” —Dr. MianBest Eye Cream For Puffiness“A proven peptide stimulates the production of collagen while hyaluronic acid hydrates and smooths this texture-prone area.” —Saunders“Hydrating, not de-puffing; I use these for the cooling and calm before events.” —Dr. Shokeen“This is a supercharged version of Bioeffect’s regular eye serum, which I adore. It’s perfect for post-procedure healing or as an intensive youth booster.” —Bass“For years, fans have been asking Cécred for a lash and brow serum to complement the brand’s viral edge- restoring drops. Here it is—and it works.” —Underwood“A moisturizer and a treatment in one, it’s the perfect no-shine balm that is nourishing and helps minimize the appearance of visible aging around the lips.” —Beukelman“Finally, a lip product with sunscreen that doesn’t feel chalky or sticky. A fantastic everyday gloss that protects.” —Marino“Thanks to this lip gloss, I don’t have to compromise on a beautiful, glossy finish to get hydrating, smoothing benefits. The non-sticky formula contains camellia ceramides and a Hydra-Peptide Complex that helps my lips remain moisturized for up to 24 hours. I love that I can wear it alone or layer it over lip liner and lipstick without it clumping or feeling heavy.” —Saunders“Burt’s Bees proves you don’t have to splurge to enjoy a high-quality product. A mix of vitamin E and jojoba, sweet almond, and meadowfoam seed oils nourishes and softens my pout. This lip oil also provides a sheer wash of color and imparts a glass-like shine with a non-sticky, lightweight feel.” —Saunders“This plumper, a superhydrating formula in 11 divine shades, adds volume to the lips without the burn of other products.” —Bass“As you massage this scrub in, it dissolves beautifully, leaving lips soft and supple without a hint of grittiness left behind. A rare achievement.” —UnderwoodBest Overnight Lip Treatment“Though it’s meant to be a nighttime lip treatment, I love to use it daily for intense hydration. And all the flavors you can choose from are divine.” —Bass“Biomimetic peptides, antioxidants, and a special complex tackle thinning, grays, and dryness with just a few daily drops.” —Saunders“I use this at least once a week to remove flakes and product buildup. In a word: amazing.” —Pavitt“One of the few SPF products that protects your scalp without flattening your hair—perfect for outdoor activities like walking, running, or pickleball.” —Pefferman“You can’t beat a lightweight foam that bathes your scalp in 11 amino acids, niacinamide, caffeine, and yeast extract to moisturize, control oil, and encourage hair growth.” —UnderwoodBest Red Light Device For Scalp“This is one of the more well-studied at-home red light devices to support scalp hair with a high power output to improve efficacy.” —Dr. TurnerPhotographs: Kolby Knight Makeup: Todd Harris at Walter Schupfer Management Hair: Takayuki Umeda Manicure: Yukie Miyakawa using Dior Model: Marlee Bell at The Lions Visual Director: Fabienne Le Roux Art Director: Christine Giordano