The Definitive Ranking of Popular Skincare Brands

The skincare industry is one of the most competitive fields out there.

New skincare lines and products are popping up every day, so the process of finding the best skincare line for your skin can be overwhelming and expensive. We ranked 11 of the most popular skincare lines to help you narrow down your search.

Since skincare is very subjective, what brand works for you may not work for someone else. These rankings are based on the quality of the products and the price point. We also factored in a broader audience's consensus to see the skincare line's average likability. Check out this list to see which are the best skincare brands to help you get your best skin.

11. Neutrogena

Neutrogena is one of the most well-known drug-store skincare brands. The positive aspect of Neutrogena is that it's incredibly accessible and affordable.  They do have some good products like their Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen and their Hydroboost Line, which is made with moisturizing hyaluronic acid. However, Neutrogena also has some irritating and inflammatory products that you should probably avoid, such as the Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser and Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Foaming Scrub. Overall, Neutrogena isn't the best of the best, but it's not bad. It won't be the most effective for problematic skin, but this could be your brand if you need a simple skincare routine or you're just starting to get into skincare.

(via Neutrogena)

 

10. Glossier

Glossier is a cruelty-free skincare brand that prides itself on collaborating with its customers. It was founded by Into the Gloss, a website dedicated to providing information about skincare to women. They have star products like their Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser and Glossier Solution, but overall, their products are just middle-of-the-road. Glossier doesn't address more complicated skin problems, like inflamed acne, and it uses potentially irritating fragrances. Glossier is better suited for people who have naturally unproblematic skin and want to maintain their current skin health. They get bonus points for their adorable packaging, though!

(via Glossier)

 

9. Dermalogica

Dermalogica is a skincare company that produces professional-grade skincare products for everyone. It is certified cruelty-free, gluten-free and vegan. It's a socially aware company that uses sustainable practices and partners with organizations that offer school supplies, mentorship and scholarships to women. While Dermalogica provides various products from moisturizers to SPF, their star products are their cleansers. Reviewers love the Special Cleansing Gel and Daily Microfoliant, which break down oil and dirt without dehydrating the skin. The problem with Dermalogica is that the products could be of higher quality for the higher price point. You can get similar or better results from products that are the same price. In defense of Dermalogica, it has a dedicated fan base that loves the brand, so this is a safe brand to try and it may work for you. Just be sure to research the product ahead of time, as some of their products include fragrance and essential oils, which can trigger inflammation.

(via Dermalogica)

 

8. The Ordinary

The Ordinary is a popular skincare brand on TikTok. You've probably seen people use their AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, which targets uneven skin tone and skin congestion. The Ordinary produces good quality products that are incredibly affordable, all their products are vegan and they don't test on animals. The Ordinary's downside is that most of their products are super simple. As skincare YouTuber Hiram says in his review of The Ordinary, this brand is best used to supplement your skincare routine.

(via The Ordinary)

 

7. The INKEY List

The INKEY List is a skincare company that values knowledge, quality and efficacy, transparency and equality. It is similar to The Ordinary in that it produces good quality products for very reasonable prices, and they're almost a tie on this list. The reason why The INKEY List is ranked higher is that it's better for sensitive skin. They also have a great minimalist design and it's cruelty-free. The products you should try are their Glycolic Acid Toner, Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum, Salicylic Acid Cleanser and Oat Cleansing Balm. The INKEY List is a definite yes on this list.

(via The INKEY List)

 

6. SUNDAY RILEY

SUNDAY RILEY is a cruelty-free and sustainable skincare brand. They use energy-efficient practices, donate to various organizations working to fight climate change, aim to have entirely recyclable packaging by 2021 and only use sustainable suppliers. SUNDAY RILEY has rave reviews for the quality and effective products. The Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid treatment is terrific for hyperpigmentation and their Ceramic Slip Cleanser is a powerful cleanser for sensitive skin. While the quality of the product is incredible, the prices range from $20 to $85. These prices are not accessible for many people. If you are very dedicated to skincare or you have a gift card to spend, this is a great company to support.

(via SUNDAY RILEY)

 

5. COSRX

Korean skincare has become extremely popular and COSRX is one of the best K-Beauty brands around. COSRX says on its website that it's created "with skin-friendly ingredients," so it can treat common skin problems like redness and blackheads without irritating the skin. It has eight product lines that target specific issues; Full Fit, Pure Fit, Sheild Fit, Real Fit, One Step, Hydrium, Balancium and AC Collection. COSRX price is very affordable, with the most expensive product on their website being only $29. This is an excellent brand for everyone, even people with very sensitive or inflamed skin because the ingredients are so gentle.

(via COSRX)

 

4. Peter Thomas Roth

According to their website, Peter Thomas Roth's mission statement is, "to combine effective and potent ingredients with advanced technology." They have over 100 products that range from acne treatment to anti-aging. You immediately notice the difference when you use Peter Thomas Roth. The Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer literally melts onto your skin and the Therapeutic Sulfur Mask clears hormonal acne flareup overnight. The only reason why this brand isn't higher on the list is because of the price. Peter Thomas Roth, like many high-quality brands, is very costly. However, Peter Thomas Roth is a good investment as the products last a while and you only need a small amount for maximum effect. This is a good brand to go to buy a few key items for your skincare routine. If you're looking for a complete skincare routine from one brand, skip Peter Thomas Roth because you can find a skincare brand that will help you for way less.

(via Peter Thomas Roth)

 

3. Youth To The People

Youth To The People is the cruelty-free, vegan and sustainable brand that's on a mission to better your skin and the planet. Youth to The People creates superfood products, but unlike most natural products, they also include chemical ingredients like AHA. Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask, Superfood Kale Antioxidant, Adaptogen Soothe + Hydrate Activated Mist and Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner are the must-try products. The Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask is especially loved and many claim they saw a change in their skin almost overnight. Youth to The People also gives back. They started many initiatives like "To The People Fund," which focuses on poverty and For The Future, aiming to support girls, BIPOC and LGBTQ+. This company's drawback is that some of their products are expensive, but for people who want to invest in great products and an ethical company, this is your brand.

(via Youth To The People)

 

2. CeraVe

CeraVe is another brand that TikTok and Twitter popularized, and for a good reason. CeraVe is the queen of drug-store brand skincare lines and the number one dermatologist-recommended skincare brand. Dermatologists developed it, so the formulas use advanced ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid and niacinamide. The great part about CeraVe is that it's incredibly assessable; they're available at most drug stores and affordably-priced. CeraVe is a brand that allows everyone access to effective skincare products. A few products we recommend are their Healing Ointment, Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser, Resurfacing Retinol Serum and Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

(via CeraVe)

 

1. Paula's Choice

Paula's Choice is the ultimate skincare brand. They use ingredients backed by scientific research to create very effective formulas. They avoid irritating ingredients such as fragrances and essential oils. You can even go to their website and see a list of skincare ingredients where Paula's Choice explains why it does or does not use them. Paula's Choice addresses various skincare problems like acne, anti-aging, dehydrated skin, dull skin and skin redness. The price point for all their products is reasonable considering the amazing quality of the formulations and ingredients. If that wasn't enough, they are cruelty-free and use sustainable and ethical production practices. We could recommend almost every product, but some star products are the Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser, BHA Liquid Exfoliant, Advanced Replenishing Toner, Hydrurclonic Acid Booster, and 10% Niacinamide Booster. Paula's Choice happens to be our choice, too!

(via Paula's Choice)

 

Are you tired of trying every brand but not seeing a result with your pores? Check out THIS interview with licensed esthetician Courtney Rashidi to find out how to get your pores under control.