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30 Skincare Products That Get A Lot Of Hype But Aren’t *Just* Hype
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BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Read More This exfoliant has 6,000 5-star reviews, so you know it’s THAT good. I'm a resident writer on the Buzzfeed Shopping team, where my love for shopping (and doomscrolling on TikTok) helps me curate lists of the most trending lifestyle, home, beauty, and fashion products. Promising review: "I’ve struggled for YEARS with acne-prone, oily skin, trying product after product with little to no success — until I found this gem! 🌟 From the first few uses, I noticed my skin felt smoother and less congested, and within a couple of weeks, my breakouts were visibly fewer, and my pores looked cleaner and smaller. This exfoliant has truly been a miracle for my skin — it unclogs pores, controls oil, and helps keep future acne at bay. My complexion now looks clearer, calmer, and more balanced than it has in such a long time. I also love that it’s lightweight and absorbs beautifully without feeling sticky or harsh. Highly recommend to anyone with oily, acne-prone skin! 💛✨" —Vicious Vegan Get it from Amazon: a travel-size bottle to test for $15, or a full-size bottle for $37. Check out the Medicube "Zero Pore" Pads on TikTok. Promising review: "I have really sensitive skin. Most toners or exfoliating pads will leave my skin dry and irritated. At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, these medicube pads are magical, and I saw results within the first 24 hours! I decided to try these to combat sebaceous filaments as mine were worsening. The pads have minimized the look of the filaments/pores and leaves my whole face looking fresh and polished. I feel like these are the beauty secret weapon that no one told me about." —M. Get a pack of 70 from Amazon for $18.90 (available in four other styles). Check out a TikTok of the Biodance mask in action. Promising review: "Oh…my god…. 🤯 No scent. It starts milky white and turns clear. I left it on overnight, woke up, and I was shook!! Pores? Where? Dry patch? Where? Fine wrinkles? Whheeerrrrrre??? I put it on over my lips as well, and it almost looked like I had filler. It was so plump! 10/10 recommend. Holy grail of face masks!! <3" —Kichi Get a four-pack from Amazon for $19 (also available in a pack of 16 and three other formulas) Promising review: "I’ve been using this morning and night for about two weeks and I can say I understand the hype! My skin looks better than it has in so long. Firstly, the texture surprised me. When you think snail mucin, you think slimy and gross. This wasn’t sticky or slimy whatsoever. I was afraid it was gonna leave my skin feeling gross and slippery. Surprisingly, my skin drank it right up! No residue whatsoever and it’s a nice primer before makeup. I have oily skin and it’s helped with that as well. My skin is so soft, with a nice healthy glow. I’ve noticed my red spots from past acne is fading and my skin just overall looks great. Highly recommend!" —Sarah Downs Get it from Amazon for $18.50 (also available in a two-pack). Promising reviews: "If you bought this cause it is viral, well, let me tell you, for once, you can actually trust the internet. Light texture. I wake up with a glow and noticeable hydration. It can feel a lil' heavy, but it's not thick, and you don’t need a lot of product for your face and neck. Smells good, and for the price, it's a good product. Tip: I use it with my face wet, and I massage it a little bit before letting it dry. I have a hard time when it comes to finding a moisturizer that doesn’t break me out or give me a pimple or two. I think I found my moisturizer." —Pedro Laserda "You get a full-sized product for a good price! The smell is very soft and goes on so smoothly. The container itself is of great quality. My skin is shiny and clear! Not a greasy type of shiny either! I am so pleased with my purchase. I had oily skin with dry patches, and it has frustrated me to no end! Now my skin is hydrated, and this has been a great addition to my skincare routine. The cream is more like a smooth gel. Not sticky at all. You’ll be grateful you got it!" —heather sheridan Get it from Amazon for $14.90+ (available in two sizes). Promising review: "If you're someone who has sensitive skin like me, this product is for you! I highly recommend it. I learned about this product on TikTok and decided to try it out. It's worth the money. The smell is not overbearing, and it reminds you of a refreshing citrusy fruit. I'm very particular about trying skincare products, but this is your go-to. It will have your face feeling refreshed and clean." —Elisabeth L. Check it out in action on TikTok. Btw, this works best for oily skin types. Promising reviews: "This cleanser is not hydrating, but it is perfect if you have really oily skin and has helped clean out my blackheads and minimized my pores. The best facial cleanser ever and leaves your skin so clean." —Darlene "Literally the best cleanser I’ve ever used. You can see the dirt come out of your pores. If you’re like me and experience those annoying black dots on your nose, this pulls it right out. I put on my dry skin and rub it around in circles for a couple of minutes, and then wash it off with water. My skin has never felt this smooth. And so inexpensive!" —Ashley Promising review: "I bought this after seeing an ad on TikTok. I'm skeptical, but I’m a sucker for this kinda stuff, but it is genuinely amazing. I tested it on all the different areas of my body. It didn’t do a thing to my well-exfoliated palm, but my face, legs, LIPS… baby soft with big balls of dead skin coming off. Like one of those Korean exfoliating gloves, but you don’t have to scrub like you do with those. You just gently rub it in, and your dead skin peels away. I even had a weird callous on my arm that keeps regrowing [and] it smoothed it down so cleanly. This stuff is truly magic. Just WOW." —Nellie Get it from Amazon for $18.80 (available in three styles). Promising reviews: "Shockingly great. I saw an ad for this, I think on TikTok originally, and then again on Facebook. After checking the comments and reviews I wanted to try it. I'm so glad I did! I have gotten a lot of sun on my face this summer because I've been building a pond in my backyard. So lots of freckles and a tan. I've been applying in morning and at night and I am loving it. The freckles have lightened and my skin looks so clear. It has really worked for me so well. I liked it so much I ordered the other part of this set that's recommended and I love it too!" —Lizzy "So far excellent, my skin looks better even after one week of use, every other night. No irritation at all. Looking forward to the results after a couple of months!" —SJ My review: I've been dealing with the worst acne breakouts for the past couple of years and finding a cleanser that won't burn my skin, leave me feeling sticky, or dry me out like the desert has been a real struggle. This has been my favorite so far! It's a milky formula that feels so light when you apply, making it super easy to wash off. My skin feels like it can actually breathe. It's my favorite part of my routine because it's so soft and literally cools your face as you rub it in. I've seen a huge difference in my skin; it's so soft, and my acne has minimized since I'm not leaving any impurities on my face. My gentle skin, acne-prone people need to try this before folding to a 30-step skin routine. I've learned that no serums or oils will work if you aren't starting off with a good cleanser. Promising reviews: "I wanted a more affordable option than the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser and this is it! Just as gentle, but genuinely cleans so much better!" —user "I’ve seen this cleanser all over TikTok, and when I looked it up on Amazon, it was at a great price range for me, so I decided to buy it. I’ve used it for about a week now, and I really like the texture; it’s a light consistency, a clear type of cleanser. I feel like it has cleared my skin of dirt and grime before I start my nightly skincare routine." —Patty H. Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four sizes). Note that the AAD recommends using at least SPF 30 and reapplying as needed for skin protection. You can read about sunscreen myths and facts from dermatologists for more information! Promising review: "Super nourishing. I have extremely sensitive skin and this helps with protection from everyday friction and irritation from elements like wind burns. Will be repurchasing." —Tricia D. Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in two sizes and two scents). Eight Saints is a woman-owned small biz using only eight plant-based ingredients in their skincare products. Promising review: "I saw Eight Saints on TikTok and had been a bit underwhelmed with my current moisturizer (Neutrogena Hydro Boost) so I decided to go for it, knowing that if it wasn't a good as folks were saying, Amazon would let me return it. I'm totally keeping this! First, I really appreciated that the jar came FULL. I've been using the product faithfully for a week and I'm still not to the point in the jar where most other moisturizers would begin, if that makes sense. So I really appreciate that. The smell is very light and fresh/clean. I like it a lot and it isn't strong. It smells expensive, to be honest. :-) And how does it work? I am a dry skin girlie, and I have noticed a significant improvement in my skin texture since starting with this product. The hydration is long lasting and not patchy, but consistent all over my face. I'm very pleased and will not hesitate to purchase this again and try other products from this company. It's so great to find a product whose hype is deserved!" —Tiffany F Merritt Caffeine can brighten skin and temporarily minimize the appearance of cellulite, if that’s something you’re looking for in a product. Read more about the skincare benefits of caffeine at the Cleveland Clinic. Promising review: "Absolute Holy Grail! I am absolutely blown away! From the very first application, I noticed a massive difference. The hydration is unmatched, leaving my skin incredibly soft, smooth, and visibly firmer. What really sets this apart, though, is the scent — it is an absolute dream that lasts all day long and gets me endless compliments. It absorbs super quickly without leaving any greasy residue, which is a huge plus. It has truly worked wonders for my skin’s texture and radiance. It is worth every single penny, and I will definitely be restocking! Highly recommend!" —Wendis "I am 60, and I could not get rid of the cellulite on my legs. I started using this product six weeks ago and can noticeably see a difference. I apply morning and evening. It goes on smoothly and has a creamy, nonsticky feel. The smell is dreamy. Make sure you apply in a circular motion for optimal coverage." —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $24 (available in three sizes). Promising reviews: "Saw this go viral on TikTok, so I came here to buy it. I’m so glad I did. My skin feels smooth after I use it. Not greasy at all. Very moisturizing. Absorbs in the skin relatively fast. I like the price point. It’s well worth the money. You only have to use a small amount, so it’s going to last a long time. I don’t notice much of a scent. Overall, I think it’s an excellent product!" —Shannon "Love these drops. So effective, a little goes a long way. Great for a boost of hydration, especially in the colder and/or drier months. Great as a primer before makeup to smooth the skin. Such a value for a product that packs a punch. My skin hasn't looked better!" —Ken Double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face twice: first with an oil-based cleanser to break down oil-based products like makeup and excess sebum that gets trapped in your pores. You then go in with a water-based cleanser to help get all the extra gross stuff off your face, like sweat and dirt. Promising review: "This is my first time ordering an oil-based cleanser and I’m so glad I purchased this one. I originally saw this product on TikTok and wanted to see what the hype was all about. After using the cleanser on my dry face for 2–3 minutes, I could visibly see my white- and blackheads on my fingers. I was a little hesitant to try oil cleansing because I have acne-prone skin; however, my face has never looked better. After each use, my face is as soft as a baby's bottom, and my scarring doesn't look as deep! The cleanser has a light, clean scent. Not super strong! I am currently pairing this cleanser with the Anua Heartleaf soothing toner to achieve glass skin. #glassskinera" —Myshel Cagle Promising reviews: "Game changer!! I bought this serum for the first time last year after seeing it on TikTok!! And never regretted buying it, I buy a lot of products just to try but usually end up discarding them even before finishing them but not this one!! Bought almost 6 bottles since the first purchase. It's my go-to serum first thing in the morning after washing my face, and I use it as a primer and setting spray as well. No need for different products!! Keeps my makeup set and glowing for a long time. A must-have makeup product." —Farah Sheikh "Best serum I ever bought. I use this product every day in the morning and before I go to sleep. The hydration is great and my skin's tone after I spray it on is so glimmered. It also has a soft scent. It’s definitely worth spending your money on this serum." —me Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in two sizes). Promising reviews: "This is by far the best thing I have ever found for my teen's acne. My daughter has tried everything under the sun, and this consistently helps her. This is something we will be purchasing many, many times. We already have! She also loves their pimple patches. Gotta love TikTok trends. This is the first one I’ve actually liked. 😂" —TT "This stuff works like magic. I’m 33 and I’ve dealt with bad back acne since I was a teenager. After one week of using this, my back is night and day different. Just remember to not wash it off immediately. Let it sit on your skin for about two minutes for it to work. —Filburt_Turtle BTW, people also love this for helping heal piercings. Promising reviews: "It works just like my Tower 28 spray. Smells the same and feels the same. It's more product and saves you money. It also comes with two lids, which is perfect for traveling!" —Andrea Benton "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 a 4-ounce bottle from Amazon for $11.99 (available in fives and in multipacks). It's great for many skin types, including sensitive, oily, dry, and combination! It's recommended that you do a patch test 24–48 hours before applying this all over your face, as it's a strong, concentrated formula. After that, apply three to five drops once daily and follow with a moisturizer (ideally one with SPF if you apply in the morning!). Though the bottle looks small, reviewers say it'll last you several months with daily use. Promising reviews: "Best $20 ever spent!!! The results are unbelievable. I was a bit skeptical because all the reviews were from Caucasian [people], and I was slightly worried that my skin would not respond as well, but I was quite mistaken. With or without makeup, my skin is bright and smooth, and my spots are disappearing. One other result I am sure a number of people have not noticed is that your palms get softer too; I guess the residue on the palms makes it soft and supple." —Mayowa O. Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two sizes). Promising reviews: "I saw this toner on TikTok and saw a lot of people give good reviews about it, saying that it makes your skin moisturized and have that glass, shiny look. This toner lived up to my expectations as it makes my skin look great at night and in the day. I have dry skin usually, so this toner moisturized my skin. I use it at night after I wash my face and go to sleep. When I wake up the next day, my skin feels moisturized and looks shiny and clear without being oily. Recommend!"—Joy "This toner is amazing! It’s super gentle, lightweight, and leaves my skin feeling fresh and hydrated without any stickiness. I have sensitive skin, and this has really helped calm redness and irritation. It layers beautifully with other skincare products and gives that healthy, dewy look. I’ve been using it morning and night, and my skin has definitely become smoother and more balanced. Definitely worth the hype — I’ll keep repurchasing!" —Lynzi Edwards Get it from Amazon for $19.69+ (available in two sizes). Good Molecules is a small business that specializes in affordable skincare products. Check out a TikTok of the eye gel in action. Promising review: "I was skeptical to order this because I have tried so many others like it, claiming to work, and I end up just wasting my money. I am happy to say that this product actually works GREAT! It is soothing and has a cooling sensation when you apply it. There is no sticky residue, and your makeup does not clump under the eye from it. I have tried products that were 10 times the cost and didn’t work like this does. I am on my second order and will order again!" —Keri Clark Get it from Amazon for $5.94 (also available in multipacks). BuzzFeed Shopping writer, Emma Lord says: "I SWEAR by this facial cleanser. I used to be pretty acne-prone, but after I switched to this (which I follow up with the snail mucin essence in the evenings), my skin lost that rough "bumpy" texture from the tiny acne clusters and stayed suuuper hydrated. It's a heck of a lot easier to put my makeup on now, because my skin isn't randomly crusty or overly-moisturized. It also just feels really good on my skin!" Promising review: "Got this after seeing a recommendation on TikTok. It's been a lifesaver for me. I have dry, red, sensitive, acne-prone skin. Most cleansers strip my skin, but not this one. It’s been helping keep my skin clear while not drying it for a few months now. If you have dry skin this is a must!" —L. Ashburne Get it from Amazon for $13.93+ (available in three sizes). Read more about how niacinamide works at Cleveland Clinic. Promising review: "Go ahead and make your purchase. You won’t regret it. It’s hydrating and makes your skin glow. After seeing everyone speaking highly about it on TikTok, I had to get one for myself. It’s good to have as a part of your skincare routine." —Princess Neilla "This serum seriously deserves the hype. I’ve been using the Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum every morning and night for a few weeks, and the difference in my skin is actually wild. My acne has chilled out so much, my skin tone looks way more even, and my pores aren’t screaming at me anymore. It’s super lightweight, not sticky at all, and layers perfectly under my moisturizer and SPF. I love that it’s 10% niacinamide without irritating my sensitive skin (literally a miracle). Plus, it gives my skin this soft, hydrated glow that makes me feel like that girl even on no-makeup days. Also, random but worth mentioning — the packaging is actually super sturdy and feels high quality. It’s a glass bottle that doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy, and the dropper works perfectly every time. If you’re struggling with breakouts, texture, or dullness, add to cart immediately. It’s affordable, it works, and it’s giving main character skin. 💁♀️💕" —Jamie Get a one-ounce bottle from Amazon for $5.97. Promising reviews: "TikTok hyped this up, and I’m glad they did. It’s definitely worth it. Keeps my lips moisturized." —Grace "Game-changer in my quest for the perfect pout. This gloss is like a disco ball for your lips. The color is so vibrant, you could guide ships through fog with your smile. I chose the shade that promised a "subtle shine," but let’s be real — it’s anything but subtle, and I’m here for it. My lips have never felt so pampered, and it hydrates so well. It’s like a spa day for your lips every time you apply it. It’s smooth and non-sticky, which is a miracle. I’ve tried glosses before that were so sticky, I felt like a human flytrap. But Laneige has nailed it — my hair doesn’t get stuck to my lips every time the wind blows. Even better, this gloss lasts longer than a Marvel movie marathon. I’ve eaten, drank, and chatted for hours. To my surprise, my lips still looked like I just applied it. It’s basically a superhero lip gloss in my makeup bag. The scent is delightful — like a tropical vacation in a tube. Every time I put it on, I’m transported to a beach, sipping a fruity cocktail, even if I’m just sitting in my living room. Laneige Lip Gloss is my holy grail. It’s hydrating, non-sticky, long-lasting, deliciously scented, and totally worth the splurge. If you want your lips to look and feel like a million bucks, this gloss is your ticket to lip nirvana. Just be prepared for all the compliments and the occasional blinding sparkle!" —Megan Get it from Amazon for $15 (available in eight flavors). Check out a TikTok of Gold Bond in action. Promising review: "Absolute sorcery. I have sagging skin at the jawline from weight loss. This stuff has absolutely helped! I’m really impressed." —S. Livingston "This cream has tightened the skin around my neck beyond my expectations. I’ve been using it daily (morning and evening) for over two months and still have product left. I’ve even tried it on my face, and it gives me a bit of a 'facelift.' I’m officially a Bond girl. A bit sticky to the touch after a few hours of wear, but that doesn’t bother me. Will order again." —AP Wang Check out Burt's Bees After Sun Soother on TikTok This product is formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or SLS. Promising review: "I’ve been using this product for years now. My first trip to Costa Rica I had it and trust me when I tell you it’s saved my life. I live in Florida now and I never go anywhere without it. After any time in the sun you can use this and you can believe that your skin will be nourished and moisturized it will not hurt and your skin will not peel if used properly. I said your skin will not peel. I love this product for it." —Kenneth * Perfect Skincare Products For A Low-Maintenance Routine * If You’re New To K-Beauty, These 35 Holy Grail Items Will Be Game Changers For Your Skin Routine * Effective Skincare Products For When Your Skin Is Playing Too Much * Hey You, These 28 Skincare Products Have Been Missing From Your Life All These Years * Skincare Products That, Trust Me, You’re Going To Want ASAP BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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