Category: THE-BEAUTY

  • 7 Best Bikini Trimmers for a Smooth Glide—and Even Smoother Results

    7 Best Bikini Trimmers for a Smooth Glide—and Even Smoother Results

    A collage of three bikini trimmers on a peach backgroundCollage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    The best bikini trimmers can completely transform your shaving routine with minimal effort. Designed to navigate both narrow nooks and wide areas of body hair, these tools require less prep than traditional razor-shaving and whack weeds with ease. Depending on how close you prefer your shave to be, a bikini trimmer can replace your razor entirely or serve as the perfect sidekick. If you’re going from full bush to fully bare, start with a bikini trimmer before following up with a standard razor. But if you’re cool with some stubble, you might find you can ditch the razor altogether.

    Our Top Bikini Trimmers

    • Best Overall: Gillette Venus Gentle Trimmer for Pubic Hair & Skin, $30
    • Best Wet and Dry Razor: OLOV Electric Body Hair Trimmer, $30
    • Best Dual-Ended: Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle Razor, $19
    • Best Single Blade: Philips OneBlade Intimate Pubic Groomer, $30
    • Best for Large Areas: Meridian Body Hair Trimmer, $50
    • Best for Thick Hair: Bushbalm Pubic and Body Hair Treatment, $65
    • Best for Minimizing Ingrown Hairs: Remington Smooth & Silky Body & Bikini Kit, $25

    No matter your pube preferences, a bikini trimmer is a must-have in your shaving regimen. We tapped editors and board-certified dermatologists to get the lowdown on these down-low shavers and rounded up the best of the best—plus pros, cons, and expert tips—to help you get grooming. Enjoy, and don’t forget to take note of our tips for avoiding ingrown hairs, below..

    Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • What are the pros and cons of using a bikini trimmer?
    • Is it safe to use a bikini trimmer?
    • How should I prep before using a bikini trimmer?
    • How can I prevent ingrown hairs from shaving?
    • How should I use a bikini trimmer?
    • Meet the experts
    • How we test and review products
    • Our staff and testers

    Best Overall: Gillette Venus Gentle Trimmer

    Gentle Trimmer For Pubic Hair & Skin in branded white and silver color way on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Gillette Venus

    Gentle Trimmer for Pubic Hair & Skin

    $30

    Amazon

    $30

    Walmart

    Why it's worth it: Gillette's Venus Gentle Trimmer delivers on its promise: a gentle approach to shaving. Ergonomic in design and safe on sensitive areas, this tool is designed to get your bikini line smooth sans struggle. "It's designed to work with thick hair and has protection fins on the sides to protect the skin," says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, of the trimmer. This cordless device can be used either wet or dry, and it's easy to clean because it can be rinsed under running water. It comes with a comb attachment, too, because options are everything.

    More to know

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    • Attachments: 1
    • Battery: AA
    • In-shower use: yes

    Best Wet and Dry Razor: OLOV Electric Body Hair Trimmer

    Electric Body Hair Trimmer in soft purple color way on matching stand on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    OLOV

    Electric Body Hair Trimmer

    $30

    Amazon

    Why it’s worth it: Whether you’re prepping for a quick trim or need a longer session in the shower, Olov’s Electric Body Hair Trimmer is here to offer both with precision; it cuts down on ingrowns and aids in creating a buttery, bare bikini line. A ceramic guard protects the metal razor blade, which ensures that there’s no tugging or cutting the skin, while still allowing for a close shave. The trimming guards come in two lengths, so you control how much comes off in each alcove. It’s USB-rechargeable and has a power dock to juice up between uses.

    Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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    “I appreciate how no-fuss this trimmer is and its relatively compact size for easy maneuvering and angling. I get a darn-close shave down there (no awkward-length, leftover stubble!), and that's all I really care about. Ok, and the colors are pretty cute, too.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Attachments: 4
    • Battery: USB-rechargeable
    • In-shower use: yes

    Best Dual-Ended: Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle Razor

    Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle Razor in pink white and blue color way on light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Schick

    Hydro Silk TrimStyle Razor

    $18

    Amazon

    Why it's worth it: The Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle Razor is an Allure Best of Beauty Award winner that streamlines grooming by pairing a waterproof bikini trimmer on one end with a 5-blade razor on the other, which curves to your body’s contours and minimizes your chances of cuts. The trimmer tackles length with precision, thanks to its four attachments, while the razor, which features a shea butter-based moisture strip, smooths things out without tugging or irritation. According to Jane Yoo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, this dual-ended grooming device is a smart pick for anyone who wants flexibility without juggling tools, whether you’re trimming, shaping, or going for a closer finish in one easy routine.

    Tester feedback from Allure associate editor Annie Blay-Tettey

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    “The shaving stick side left my legs super smooth and it was easy to swipe across my legs, it felt soft and like I didn't have to be afraid to cut myself. and the razor part was cool too; it was a learning curve because I've never used one before but I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly and easily it removed hair.” —Annie Blay-Tettey, associate editor

    More to know

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    • Attachments: 4
    • Battery: AAA
    • In-shower use: yes

    Best Single Blade: Philips OneBlade Intimate Pubic Groomer

    OneBlade Intimate Pubic Groomer in branded bright green box on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Philips

    OneBlade Intimate Pubic Groomer

    $30

    Amazon

    $30

    Nordstrom

    Why it's worth it: If you have sensitive skin, Dr. Yoo says a single-blade option like the Philips OneBlade Intimate Pubic Groomer is a great choice for minimizing post-shave irritation. It’s “an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin, as it avoids a close shave and has a simple trimming comb,” she says. Its single-edge cutter trims hair down evenly without getting too close for comfort, which in turn reduces the risk of nicks, razor burn, and ingrowns. And the slim, maneuverable head makes it easy to navigate curves and creases, while the skin-protective guard adds an extra layer of protection.

    More to know

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    • Attachments: 1
    • Battery: USB-rechargeable
    • In-shower use: yes

    Best for Large Areas: Meridian Body Hair Trimmer

    Meridian The Trimmer Premium component in blue with white accents on a light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Meridian

    Body Hair Trimmer

    $50 $35 (30% off)

    Amazon

    $50

    Walmart

    Why it's worth it: TikTok is a teacher in its own right, and back in 2022, the scrollable scholar swayed us: Some of the best pubic hair trimmers are, in fact, beard-trimmers—namely, Meridian's Body Hair Trimmer. And because it was designed with beards in mind, it can tackle even the coarsest of hair. You can also use it on your underarms, legs, arms, or wherever else you're after a bit of smoothness. Yes, it was designed with men in mind, but remember that shaving instruments (and all skin-care tools, for that matter) have no gender.

    Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen

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    “For my lovely lady garden, I'm never giving up my trimmer because it's so damn easy. I'll also be picking it up for any and all last-minute body-hair removal emergencies." —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor

    More to know

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    • Attachments: 2
    • Battery: USB-rechargeable
    • In-shower use: yes

    Best for Thick Hair: Bushbalm The Francesca Body + Bikini Trimmer

    Bushbalm The Francesca Body + Bikini Trimmer white bikini trimmer and box on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Bushbalm

    Francesca Pubic + Body Hair Trimmer

    $65

    Amazon

    $65

    Ulta Beauty

    Why it’s worth it: Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut, gives her seal of approval to Bushbalm’s Bikini Trimmer. “I like that it is easy to hold, and the shape allows for contours,” she says. This electric shaver works wonders for shaping, shaving, and landscaping just about anywhere you need it to, thanks to its ceramic blades that effortlessly cut through thick and coarse hair. . A single charge yields up to five hours of battery life, so it’s ready to go whenever duty calls. It also comes with a brush for cleaning (do so every two weeks minimum, but we recommend after every use) so you can keep the blades in tip-top shape. And naturally, it’s waterproof, which means you can rinse out trimmings under your showerhead between shaves.

    More to know

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    • Attachments: 3
    • Battery: USB-rechargeable
    • In-shower use: yes

    Best for Minimizing Ingrown Hairs: Remington Smooth & Silky Body & Bikini Kit

    Smooth & Silky Body & Bikini Kit in branded white and pink color way on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Remington

    Smooth & Silky Body & Bikini Kit

    $25 $20 (20% off)

    Amazon

    $22

    Walmart

    Why it's worth it: Exfoliating is a key step in shaving your bikini line in order to minimize the likelihood of ingrown hairs during your grow-out period, and the Remington Smooth & Silky Body & Bikini Kit is totally on board. That's why this kit includes a rotating exfoliating brush head to prime your skin before a shave. "[Use a] gentle cleanser and exfoliate. I always think that is a good idea prior to any hair removal or grooming," Dr. Gohara told Allure. Once you've exfoliated, it's time to trim. This tool works wet or dry and comes with an impressive lineup of attachments: a standard bikini trimmer, an angled foil shaver, the exfoliating brush, and a clip-on guide with four different length settings. Basically, whatever level of smoothness you're after, this kit has your back (erm, your front).

    More to know

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    • Attachments: 4
    • Battery: AA
    • In-shower use: yes

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the pros and cons of using a bikini trimmer?

    First and foremost, depending on your shaving goals, a bikini trimmer can either replace your razor or be the perfect supplementary implement. "A trimmer might leave a bit of stubble, but it is a good first step. Think of it as a double shave, à la double cleanse," says Dr. Gohara. Electric trimmers also offer more customization. "It's like the flip phone to a smartphone: They both get the job done, one just has more bells and whistles. Choose your own adventure," she adds.

    A trimmer can be a game-changer if you're prone to ingrown hairs. "Ingrown hairs can be decreased by not shaving closely—for example, use an electric razor rather than a blade so that the hair, even at its shortest, is above the skin surface," explains Dr. King.

    Beyond customizability, bikini trimmers are straight-up convenient. "No need for shaving cream or water—it's an easy, on-the-go solution," says Dr. Gohara. That said, a little moisture-prep won't hurt if you have sensitive skin.

    But if you're seeking a super-close shave, you'll still want a razor in your lineup. "If you are into being bare down there, then a razor is for you. For big-, small-, or medium-bush energy, it's trimmer all the way," says Dr. Gohara.

    Is it safe to use a bikini trimmer?

    Using an electric bikini trimmer is totally safe and can even help eliminate the cuts and irritation that come with razor-only shaving. But just like with a razor, keeping your trimmer clean is key. "Use that cute little brush that comes with the trimmer to get the gunk out of the comb," says Dr. Gohara. "And a little organic disinfectant spray will seal the deal."

    How should I prep before using a bikini trimmer?

    Exfoliating is key to a safe, comfortable shave, too. Dr. King suggests "either physical exfoliation with a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliation with a toner containing glycolic or other alpha hydroxy acid." This decreases the risk of ingrown hairs.

    Jennifer MacGregor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City, agrees. "Between shaves, exfoliate regularly with a glycolic or salicylic wash that is gentle and moisturizing."

    How can I prevent ingrown hairs from shaving?

    First, it’s important to understand why ingrown hairs develop. “Ingrown hairs occur when the hair is cut too short or gets trapped under the skin, thereby triggering razor bumps,” says Dr. Yoo. “The bikini area is especially prone because hair is more dense and there’s also more friction from clothing.”

    Ingrown hairs can be uncomfortable and painful, but Dr. Yoo says there are a few at-home and in-office steps you can take to keep them at arm’s length. The first tip: don’t shave too close to the skin, no matter how much you want a totally stubble-free feel. “The closer the shave, the higher the risk. If you’re ingrown-prone, don’t aim to get a baby smooth shave. Shave slowly with the grain, with minimal pressure, and fewer passes.” When shaving, you’ll want to soften and lubricate your skin with a thick, fragrance-free shave gel or cream, which Dr. Yoo suggests letting sit for one minute to moisturize your skin. She also recommends using a clean, sharp blade everytime you shave and avoiding stretching the skin while shaving. “Stretching can make hair retract below the surface after it’s cut, which can then worsen the bumps,” Dr. Yoo explains.

    Aftercare is just as important for minimizing ingrown hairs, so Dr. Yoo recommends gently pat-drying after shaving and using a fragrance-free moisturizer to calm and protect the skin barrier. After at least 24 hours from your last shave, she also suggests using a chemical exfoliant up to twice per week to avoid clogged follicles and pores. “If you get pimples, a 5-10% benzoyl peroxide wash in the shower can help,” she says. “Leave on for one to two minutes, then rinse off.” Her final note: avoid tight underwear and leggings for 12–24 hours to avoid friction and irritating the skin.

    If frequent clusters of ingrown hairs continue to pop up, Dr. Yoo suggests looking into laser hair removal treatments available at a dermatologist’s office.

    How should I use a bikini trimmer?

    If you’re prone to ingrown hairs, a trimmer is a great choice since it doesn’t cut hair as close to the surface of the skin as a classic razor does, according to Dr. Yoo. When using a trimmer, she recommends starting with a longer comb setting, then going shorter if needed. “If the hair is long, trim it with a longer guard first at about five to 10 millimeters, then step down,” she says. “Trim on clean, dry skin to start. If your device is wet-and-dry, you can finish in the shower for comfort—just go slowly.”

    She also suggests holding your skin gently taut but not fully or tightly stretched. “A light tautness helps prevent catching without “pulling” hair below the surface,” Dr. Yoon notes. “Use short strokes and light pressure so you can let the tool do the work and go with hair growth first, then adjust the direction only if needed for shaping.”

    For edges and lines, you can either use the precision side or remove the shaving guard, “but avoid going completely bare if you’re ingrown-prone,” she says Once you’re done, clean the head after every use by using the accompanying small brush to dust hair out and rinsing out residual buildup and then let it dry fully. Remember to replace the blades on it frequently, too.

    Meet the experts

    • Jane Yoo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
    • Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut
    • Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
    • Jennifer MacGregor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City

    How we test and review products

    When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We are particularly discerning when writing about skin-care devices. This is because of the increased risks and, in many cases, the high price points, that accompany at-home dermatological tools and devices.

    Each device undergoes extensive testing and must be approved by a senior member of our beauty team prior to appearing in Allure. Additionally, our editorial team consults board-certified dermatologists and cosmetic chemists about the science behind product claims and independently reviews any studies cited by brands. Testers consider performance across four primary categories: efficacy, safety (including ease of use), research and the science behind specific claims, as well as product value. To learn more information on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

    Our staff and testers

    A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

    After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

  • These Peptide Lip Treatments Naturally Plump Without The Sting

    These Peptide Lip Treatments Naturally Plump Without The Sting

    A collage of Ole Henriksen Patrick Ta and Peach  Lily peptide lip balms and product swatches on a light gray backgroundCollage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    Thin, flaky lips getting you down? The best peptide lip treatments are quiet overachievers that can help, boosting collagen and flooding your pout with deep hydration. The result? Lips that look smoother, plumper, softer, and more nourished. And while all peptide lip balms share the same star ingredient, the category is anything but one-note: think balmy or glossy, flavored or fragrance-free, sheer tints or no tint at all, plus bonus perks like gentle exfoliation and soothing.

    Our Top Peptide Lip Treatments

    • Best Overall: Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment, $23
    • Best Color Range: U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound, $68
    • Best for Sensitive Skin: Peach & Lily Collagen Cushion Peptide Lip Balm, $22
    • Best for Fine Lines: Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Gloss Balm, $24
    • Best for Dry Lips: Iris & Romeo Power Peptide Lip Balm, $26
    • Best for Chapped Lips: Patrick Ta Major Moisture Smoothing and Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm, $25
    • Most Lightweight: Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment, $20
    • Best Plumping: Well People Peptide Lip Balm, $14

    But which formulas actually deliver beyond the marketing magic? We asked our board-certified dermatologist friends and editors to weigh in on the 8 best peptide lip treatments on the block and rounded them up for your plumping pleasure. March forth and pucker proudly.

    Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • What does a peptide lip treatment do?
    • Do collagen peptides help lips?
    • Do peptide lip balms work?
    • Meet the experts
    • How we test and review products
    • Our staff and testers

    Best Overall: Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment

    OleHenriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment branded tube component in red with red accents on a light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Ole Henriksen

    Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment

    $23

    Ulta Beauty

    $23

    Sephora

    Why we love it: If you’re looking for a quick way to make your lips pop, get your hands on Ole Henricksen’s Pout Preserve—a salve that employs lip-loving peptides to plump and define, while adding a hit of color with four tinted high-shine and shimmery finishes. While you wait for the plumping to kick in (don’t worry, it doesn’t sting at all), kokum, mango seed butter, and cloudberry oil offer instant hydrating gratification. A major (and tasty!) bonus? Each shade features subtle scents ranging from citrus to vanilla brown sugar that bring this already-delightful experience up a notch.

    Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment

    Alessandra ForestoForesto after applying the Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment

    Foresto after applying the Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment

    Alessandra Foresto

    Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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    “Fun fact: Suni Lee first introduced me to this hydrating lip product when she was asked what her lip combo was at the last Olympics, and she delivered a TikTok with the details. Since then, this lip treatment has become one of my go-to lip products. It's hydrating but doesn’t feel sticky. The shades are very flattering (I have not yet met one I don't love, but my tube of Cocoa Crème is almost out, so I definitely gravitate to that one the most) and buildable. I use a lip liner with it to make the color last all day and my lips feel soft and smooth at the end of the day!” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

    Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner

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    “I was recently on a Zoom and three others on the call asked me what I was wearing on my lips, which is enough of a compliment for me to last months. It really does give your lips that glassy, plump, full look. I use Citrus Sunshine the most because it has a slight nude tint, but Strawberry Sorbet is also on heavy rotation when I need a little extra life added to my pout. The formula is so thick and juicy, but never heavy or sticky.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, kokum and mango seed butters, cloudberry oil
    • Shades: 4
    • Finish: plumping, glossy

    Best Color Range: U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound

    U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound in branded tube component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    U Beauty

    The Plasma Lip Compound

    $68

    Amazon

    $68

    Nordstrom

    $68

    Dermstore

    Why we love it: If you’re looking for the path to pigmented, pillowy lips, U Beauty’s Plasma Lip Compound will get you there—and on an express route. It’s available in 12 beautiful shades, ranging from peppy Barbie Pink to deep plum Cassis. But wait, there’s more! This formulation features a lip-loving cocktail of peptides for plumping, ceramides for hydration, AHAs for exfoliation, and shea butter for a cushy coat of moisture. Aforementioned perks aside, it’s this formula’s proprietary ingredient, Siren Capsule technology, that accounts for its slightly steeper price tag. These microscopic molecules are attracted to free radicals, allowing them to target and deliver high-grade ingredients to areas where TLC (tender lip care) is needed most. The brand recommends using the compound at least twice daily for the best results. And thanks to its cooling metal applicator, it’s a treatment heavy on the “treat.”

    Allure former commerce writer Jennifer Hussein applying U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound in Cassis

    Jennifer HusseinHussein after applying U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound in Cassis

    Hussein after applying U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound in Cassis

    Jennifer Hussein

    Tester Feedback from former commerce writer Jennifer Hussein

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    “I never leave my apartment without U Beauty's Lip Plasma in Cassis. Its formula feels light and hydrating on my lips and addresses my chronic chapping instantly. Hussein adds that its color can look a bit patchy straight out of the tube, but once you blend it out with its cooling applicator, you'll have an even, glistening tint that's bold enough to wear on its own.” —Jennifer Hussein, former commerce writer

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: palmitoyl tripeptide-38, n-prolyl palmitoyl tripeptide-56 acetate, ceramides
    • Shades: 17
    • Finish: sheer

    Best for Sensitive Skin: Peach & Lily Cushion Peptide Lip Balm

    Peach & Lily Collagen Cushion Peptide Lip Balm in branded tube component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Peach & Lily

    Cushion Peptide Lip Balm

    $22

    Ulta Beauty

    Why we love it: K-beauty-inspired (and totes fragrance-free) darling Peach & Lily calls its Peptide Lip Balm a "multi-step skin-care routine in one swipe." So let's break it down: The glossy balm—which imparts a sheer, peachy glow—is powered by the brand's patented Cushion Complex, a cocktail of plumping collagen, moisturizing hyaluronic acid, and vitamin-packed peach extract. It also incorporates peptides and ceramides to give fine lines an airbrushed appearance. Though it works nicely as a one-and-done product for lip care, the multitasking balm was designed to fit into your skin routine at large. Peach & Lily recommends using it morning and night, so your lips don't feel left out of your moisturizing regimen.

    Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Peach & Lily Cushion Peptide Lip Balm in Sugar Plum

    Sarah HanHan after applying the Peach  Lily Cushion Peptide Lip Balm

    Han after applying the Peach & Lily Cushion Peptide Lip Balm in Sugar Plum

    Sarah Han

    Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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    "Product names often over-deliver, but 'cushion' is indeed the first word that came to mind when I first swiped on Peach & Lily's Collagen Cushion Peptide Lip Balm. "It's not thin but doesn't fall in the overly gloopy category either, which is to say, you only need a tiny amount to spread across your lips. (Honestly, it's a nice change because I'm usually slathering multiple layers of other balms.) The peptide complex (I counted nine in the ingredient list!) is clearly doing work because my lips appear so smooth and glossy after one coat. I love the my-lips-but-better Sheer Peach just as much as I love Sugar Plum when I'm craving nourishment and color—because who says you have to settle for just one?" —Sarah Han, commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: shea butter, squalane, polyglutamic acid, vegan collagen, 9 peptides (including palmitoyl tripeptide-1, copper tripeptide-1, hexapeptide-9, and acetyl hexapeptide-8), ceramides
    • Shades: 4
    • Finish: glossy

    Best for Fine Lines: Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Gloss Balm

    A pink tube of Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Gloss Balm with a white cap on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Paula's Choice

    Pro-Collagen Peptide Gloss Balm

    $24

    Amazon

    $24

    Dermstore

    $24

    Sephora

    Why we love it: What's better than one peptide? Three—specifically tridecapeptide-1, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, and palmitoyl tripeptide-38. The Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Gloss Balm is spiked with this powerhouse trio of synthetic peptides that flood your lips with hydration and therefore help smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Squalane, cocoa butter, and shea butter join the fun for smooth, comfortable wear, and the cooling metal applicator glides across the lips without an ounce of friction. Though the treatment instantly hydrates the lips, the plumping, your-lips-but-fuller effects take a few weeks to kick in. In clinical trials, users reported fuller, softer lips after about two months.

    If you prefer a clear formula, we highly recommend the Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Lip Booster. It's "the perfect choice for those with dry, aging lips who want to add volume and softness,” says Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey.

    Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying Paulas Choice Peptide Plumping Gloss Balm

    Nicola Dall'AsenDall'Asen after applying Paulas Choice Peptide Plumping Gloss Balm

    Dall’Asen after applying Paulas Choice Peptide Plumping Gloss Balm

    Nicola Dall'Asen

    Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen

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    "I'm not usually a glossy lip girl, but this Paula's Choice lip treatment is starting to make me one, given how good its ingredients are for my lips. Despite the crazy-dry and crazy-cold winters we get here in New York, my lips have never had even the slightest hint of chapping, and that's probably because I'm always slathering this on—which feels weirdly satisfying to do thanks to this applicator's curved, form-fitting tip. My favorite thing to do, as pictured here, is wear it atop my favorite lip stain."—Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: tridecapeptide-1, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tripeptide-38, shea butter, castor seed oil
    • Shades: 2
    • Finish: glossy

    Best for Dry Lips: Iris & Romeo Power Peptide Lip Balm

    Iris and Romeo Power Peptide Lip Balm in branded tub component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Iris & Romeo

    Power Peptide Lip Balm

    $26

    Credo Beauty

    $26

    Iris & Romeo

    Why we love it: Butter meets balm in Iris & Romeo’s Power Peptide Lip Balm—a product that packs some serious flower power. Along with peptides, the balm boasts a proprietary rose-wax blend with moisturizing Bulgarian Rosa damascena, soothing and antibacterial Rosa centifolia, and the delightfully collagen-boosting rosehip oil. This recipe also contains clinical levels of bio-mimetic triple peptides that pledge plumper lips. As makeup, this is a buildable, nicely pigmented tint you can layer over a lip stain or rock solo, and as skin care, it’s your newest, neatest, and most hydrating-est purse pal.

    Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin applying Iris & Romeo Power Peptide Lip Balm in Latte

    Shanna ShipinShipin after applying Iris  Romeo Power Peptide Lip Balm in Latte

    Shipin after applying Iris & Romeo Power Peptide Lip Balm in Latte

    Shanna Shipin

    Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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    "I came for the color (hello, Latte!) and stayed for the hydration. This lip balm moisturizes, protects, and, most importantly, plumps up. I often have lines in my lips due to dehydration and general dryness, and this balm actually heals them—almost like a lightweight version of an overnight lip treatment—all while providing a beautiful wash of natural color. The formula has a good deal of wax and other thickening protective agents, so it is sticky on your fingers, but bear with it. Once you blend the balm onto your lips, it doesn't leave a tacky residue—just a beautiful fullness!" —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: palmitoyl tripeptide-1, rose wax blend, shea butter, camellia oil
    • Shades: 7
    • Finish: buildable, glossy

    Best for Chapped Lips: Patrick Ta Major Moisture Smoothing and Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm

    Patrick Ta Major Moisture Smoothing and Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm in branded tube component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Patrick Ta

    Major Moisture Smoothing and Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm

    $25

    Sephora

    $25

    Kohl's

    Why we love it: Brand-new and already winning our hearts (and our lips!), Patrick Ta’s Major Moisture Smoothing and Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm is made for flaky, chapped lips (where has this been all our lives?!). It delivers a sheer, high-shine tint, but the real magic is in the formula: vitamin E, sweet almond oil, and coconut oil keep lips cushy and moisturized, while bakuchiol helps smooth texture and soften said flakes. And, as the theme goes, it also includes plumping peptides. No one will know you went from flaky to full and hydrated, and the lightweight feel is just the cherry on top.

    Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Patrick Ta Major Moisture Smoothing and Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm

    Deanna PaiPai after applying the Patrick Ta Major Moisture Smoothing and Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm

    Pai after applying the Patrick Ta Major Moisture Smoothing and Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm

    Deanna Pai

    Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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    “My lips tend to cycle between dry, chapped, and flaking—so much so that I wear a heavy-duty lip mask at night just to get some relief. But during the daytime, I've been reaching for this balm, which has a subtle tint, a vanilla scent, and enough cushion to keep my lips feeling comfortable, even in the dead of winter. The peptides are just a bonus.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: vitamin E, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, bakuchiol
    • Shades: 6
    • Finish: glossy

    Most Lightweight: Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment

    Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment in branded tube component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Rhode Skin

    Peptide Lip Treatment

    $20

    Sephora

    $20

    Rhode

    Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor after applying Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment in Toast

    Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor after applying Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment in Toast

    Jesa Marie Calaor

    Why we love it: Rhode founder and beauty beacon Hailey Bieber changed the game in 2023 with the launch of her Peptide Lip Treatment, a glowy-glazy, peptide-packed treatment whose advent spurred the creation of a just-for-holding-the-tube phone case. The treatment is infused with natural butters and babassu oil, and the subtly plumping formula softens the lips while coating them with a glassy gleam. What’s more: It has the stamp of approval from board-certified dermatologists who are unswayed by star power. “I had avoided trying the Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment for no good reason, but once I did, it became clear why it has such a loyal following,” says Nicole Lee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York. “The formula is packed with hydrating peptides that not only plump and smooth the lips but also lock in moisture for long-lasting hydration. It feels lightweight and nourishing, without leaving behind that sticky feeling.”

    Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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    “The five shades do a great job of immediately blurring the different tones in my lips to make them appear more even. Ribbon is the most subtle of the bunch, making my lips appear slightly brighter than they do without anything on them. Toast is my go-to shade because it's the closest to my lips' natural color while enhancing the curves of my lips. Raspberry Jelly is the punchiest, giving my lips a subtle wash of fuchsia. Espresso is sexy. It's the deepest of the shades and leaves my lips a tinge browner.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: shea butter, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, capuaçu butter
    • Shades: 4
    • Finish: glassy

    Best Plumping: Well People Peptide Lip Balm

    Well People Peptide Lip Balm in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Well People

    Peptide Lip Balm

    $14

    Amazon

    $14

    Ulta Beauty

    Why we love it: Well People’s Peptide Lip Balm makes lips look subtly fuller and smooths the fine lines that tend to pop up when lips are parched, courtesy of a sesame seed complex. Murumuru butter is also thrown into the mix to add an extra layer of hydration. The squeezable tube makes it easy to get every last drop, and the balm glides on in one swipe with a lightweight wash of color (or none at all if that’s what you prefer!). It’s not glossy, but rather buttery and soft, the kind of texture that makes you want to rub your lips together all day.

    Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Well People Peptide Lip Balm in Dragonfruit

    Sarah FelbinFelbin after applying the Well People Peptide Lip Balm

    Felbin after applying the Well People Peptide Lip Balm in Dragonfruit

    Sarah Felbin

    Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

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    “My chapped lips absolutely love this nourishing lip balm. The formula is thick, soft (not sticky!), and super-shiny—not to mention, it comes in three beautiful sheer colors and a clear version. I love that it looks just as good layered on top of lip liner as it does on its own (for no-makeup makeup days, you know?). My dried-out pout looks instantly better after I slather a layer on. My current favorite shade is Honey Plum, which is like my lips, but better. Dragonfruit is a punchy pink that I've also been gravitating toward lately!” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: peptides, sesame seed complex, murumuru butter
    • Shades: 4
    • Finish: sheer and glossy

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does a peptide lip treatment do?

    “Lip peptides are effective for enhancing lip appearance by boosting collagen production, which helps keep lips firm and smooth,” says Dr. Lee. “They also improve hydration, making lips plump and well-moisturized, and reduce the appearance of fine lines while supporting overall repair.” Essentially, peptide lip treatments can help maintain baby-soft, kissable lips. Plus, many peptide lip treatments also come in tinted iterations, so you don’t need to sacrifice pizzazz for nourishment.

    Do collagen peptides help lips?

    Collagen peptides are itty-bitty forms of protein derived from plant or animal collagen, found in everything from skin care to coffee creamer. But do they work topically on the lips? “Absolutely,” Dr. Lee confirms. “Collagen peptides focus on the production and maintenance of collagen, which is essential for the firmness and elasticity of the skin. When used regularly on the lips, collagen peptides will improve and help maintain the shape, volume, and texture of the lips.”

    Do peptide lip balms work?

    "Peptide lip balms can be effective for improving lip texture and hydration," Dr. Lee says. However, "The results can vary based on factors such as the concentration and type of peptides used, as well as individual skin responses." If you really want to go for the lip-plumping gold—and have the budget for it—consider pairing your balms with in-office treatments. "While peptide lip balms can provide noticeable improvements and support lip health, they generally offer more subtle effects than professional procedures [such as fillers, Botox, and microneedling]," she says. As such, "Peptide lip balms are best used as a complementary tool for maintenance, rather than a replacement for more intensive treatments."

    Meet the experts

    • Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in Hackensack, New Jersey
    • Nicole Lee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Epoch Dermatology in Garden City, New York

    How we test and review products

    When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

    For our list of the best peptide lip balms, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

    Our staff and testers

    A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

    After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

  • Sarah Michelle Gellar: “I Don’t Want to Be 20 Again” | Interview

    Sarah Michelle Gellar: “I Don’t Want to Be 20 Again” | Interview

    Image may contain Sarah Michelle Gellar Clothing Dress Formal Wear Evening Dress Adult Person Accessories and BagGetty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    No crosses or stakes were present—not even the Slayer Scythe. Instead, Sarah Michelle Gellar’s dressing room featured items of mundane, not-vampire-slayer sensibilities: a craft services table with white roses, raw honey, and a Diptyque Baies candle.

    Standing in the wing, waiting for our conversation, I observed her lightning-fast speaking cadence—bubbly and dripping with sweetness, like the notes of blackcurrant that filled the Brooklyn film studio. The leather and crop top-laden Y2K style she shaped—ironically, stakes never caught on—was swapped for a practical, ribbed-knit black cardigan, charcoal trousers, and a pair of white slippers most often seen in five-star hotels or Emirates flights. She is aspirationally cool, dressed comfortably for a day of press, celebrating her global ambassadorship with Olay, where she is the face of their newly reformulated Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream. It’s also worth noting that, at five feet four inches, she is diminutive enough (at least to this 5’11” reporter) to evoke the same level of cute aggression as a teacup Chihuahua or a Precious Moments figurine.

    Our conversation began with an admission that would strike a pang of dread into the hearts of fact-checkers. According to an online encyclopedia of dubious reporting, we are living in Gellar’s "resurgence (2021–present),” following “hiatus and sporadic roles (2011–2020),” as listed under her biblical-length career summary. She is a cookbook author, a mom, a star of film and television, and an MTV Movie Award winner for Best Kiss, alongside her Cruel Intentions co-star, Selma Blair.

    “I call it my second act,” she says of her current state. “I think that I've been working for such a long time, and I had these two young kids, and then after we lost Robin Williams, I just needed a break.” (Gellar starred alongside Williams on the CBS sitcom, The Crazy Ones, which became Williams’ last television role before his passing in 2014.) She returned in 2022, appearing in the Netflix comedy-thriller Do Revenge, after buckling to the age-old adage that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Or, when the cult of SMG screams “more,” you must meet their demand. “I realized how much I missed [acting],” she says.

    Of her return, though, she says her approach to work has shifted. After all, she’s a mother of two and started working as an actor before many of her peers could read books without pictures. “My priorities for now are doing things that are fun, that feed my soul,” she says, thoughtfully selecting each word, as if scrutinizing what does feed her soul. “I don't feel this need to prove I've accomplished more in my life than I probably ever thought I would accomplish.”

    “I don't feel this need to prove I've accomplished more in my life than I probably ever thought I would accomplish.”

    The list of those accomplishments is expansive and, at times, absurd. For example, when Gellar was five, she was caught in the crosshairs of a lawsuit between Burger King and McDonald’s after starring in a commercial for the former. Accordingly, she was banned from McDonald’s as a child. While I didn’t have the time to dive headfirst into that ball pit of drama, I had plenty of time to inspect her most noteworthy role—the crown jewel of the Sarah Michelle Gellar archive: Scooby Doo. Kidding. I am, of course, referencing Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

    More than 22 years after the Everygirl-with-a-stake Buffy destroyed the Hellmouth, r/buffy on Reddit is still ablaze (with 6,700 active members at the time of reporting) and “Buffy Studies” college courses that examine media, feminism, and culture. Of this impact, I shared that I, too, took a Buffy class over the summer between my junior and senior year of high school, and that my best friend’s ringtone has been the Buffy theme song since I’ve known her. “It's only with time that you can really appreciate the effect that [Buffy] had,” she says, noting a degree of doubt during the early Buffy years—uncertainty that it could withstand the test of time. “But the fact that young kids today are finding that show and finding that it's speaking to them, that's when you know it really did something important and you were part of something important.”

    Image may contain Sarah Michelle Gellar Clothing Pants Photography Lighting Face Head Person Portrait and Teen

    Gellar in all her stake-welding glory as Buffy.

    Of course, it must be strange to reach such renown at a young age. After all, there are very few people whose appearance as a 20-something is immortalized in the public consciousness; the curiosity of seeing yourself—laugh lines and crow’s feet-free—on a small screen across the aisle on a flight, or, more realistically, in a TikTok video. In the archaeology of my reporting, I unearthed several written artifacts from the early aughts that praised Gellar’s work in expanding what women can be in film and television—all the while commenting on her thinness, beauty, and, ahem, did I mention thinness? We live in a different era where such reporting would be condemned. And in this more enlightened time, Gellar is nonplussed at the thought of aging. “Look, it’s hard, [but] I don't want to be 20 again,” the 48-year-old says. “I wouldn't mind having that plump, juicy skin of a 20-year-old, but I don't want to be that anymore. And I do believe that a lot of it does come from the inside.” When it comes to her partnership with Olay, the idea makes a lot of sense: An upgrade for a time-honored product reflected in the face of a woman who never stops evolving.

    Perhaps chalked up to her Hollywood darling status, or perhaps because she has a young daughter, Gellar is particularly aware of celebrity and social media’s influence on culture’s relationship to aging, exacerbated by the in-feed prevalence of aesthetic treatments used to rewind (inject, lift, or suture) the clock. “Every day on my Instagram feed, [I see] 25-year-olds getting deep-plane facelifts and I'm thinking, what's happening?” she says. “It would be setting such a weird beauty standard if, all of a sudden, I had a completely different face.” And, as so many things with Gellar go, Buffy Summers re-enters the conversation, as Gellar’s North Star: “Buffy was a hero because she wasn't like everybody else, but she was herself, and she was okay with that,” she said. “And I'm me, and I've learned that I like me. I'm okay with what I look like and who I am.”

    That is not to say she didn’t have her share of transformations in between roles and across the span of her career. In Scooby Doo, she wore an auburn wig as Daphne Blake. For all-around bad girl Kathryn Merteuil in Cruel Intentions, Gellar’s (real) hair was dyed espresso brown—as dark as Kathryn’s duplicity. Discussing her former roles, I shared my belief that the fate of Helen Shiver, the crestfallen failed actress and Croaker Queen of I Know What You Did Last Summer, was the most chilling fright in the Sarah Michelle Gellar Universe. For the uninformed, Helen wakes up in a pile of her own hair, courtesy of an unwelcome trim from the film’s slasher. This is not how Helen dies, of course; that happens later. I told Gellar I would much prefer to be taken out then and there in lieu of waking up with an unwelcome bob.

    Image may contain Sarah Michelle Gellar Person Accessories Jewelry Adult Wedding Face Head and Necklace

    Gellar says she experienced her own hair transformation around the same time she filmed I Know What You Did Last Summer.

    Laughing, Gellar shares that Helen’s trials and tribulations weren’t too different from her own at the time. After years of exploring every hue on the spectrum between blonde and brunette, her hair was broken and falling out. (In life, sometimes we are our worst enemies—our own Slasher.) “Nowadays, if someone did that, you would just have extensions, but in those days, no one knew about extensions,” she says. “I, Sarah, didn’t even learn about extensions until a few years later, when Gwyneth Paltrow wore them to the SAG Awards or something for Shakespeare in Love.”

    So, here we are in the Gellar resurgence. Armed with a keen understanding of hair extension technology and the type of work that brings her joy, I ask what’s next for Gellar, for the woman who has seemingly done it all. “We're in this time where it's [about] content, and your content can be anywhere. It's about what interests you,” she says. “And the only thing that's important to me… [is] my no assholes policy: I want to work with people I want to work with and do the things that seem fun.”

    While we were on set, I didn’t notice any vampires. I did not notice any assholes on set, either. They likely stay hidden in the shadows, too, when Gellar is around, as vampires avoid Buffy. In many ways, Gellar still is Buffy and Buffy is still Gellar—and both can kick your ass.

  • 8 Best Collagen Masks for Fine Lines, Dullness, and Dry Skin

    8 Best Collagen Masks for Fine Lines, Dullness, and Dry Skin

    Image contains  an Allure editor holding her favorite collagen mask surrounded by a collage of other collagen masks on a...Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    Collagen might show up in everything from your supplements to your face serums, but one of the easiest ways to get a quick, juicy hit of hydration is with the best collagen masks. These face masks, especially the ones made famous by K-beauty brands, are beloved for how they can instantly make skin look plumper, smoother, and a little more alive—especially on days when dehydration, dullness, or fine lines are extra apparent. Still, it’s worth remembering that topical collagen doesn’t slip into your skin and refill what time has taken—collagen loss can’t be “replaced” by a smoothie, a serum, or a mask. True collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin, so they mostly hydrate the surface. What these formulas can do is hydrate deeply and, when they’re packed with proven collagen-supporting ingredients (think peptides or amino acids), help nudge skin toward a firmer, more resilient look over time.

    Our Top Collagen Masks

    • Best Overall: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask, $19
    • Best for Sensitive Skin: Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask (4-Count), $19
    • Best for Mature Skin: Mixsoon Bean Collagen Hydrogel Face Mask, $15
    • Best for Dry Skin: Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Overnight Mask (4-Count), $19
    • Best for Dull Skin: Cosrx Advanced Snail Mucin Glass Glow Hydrogel Mask (3-Count), $15
    • Best for Acne-Prone Skin: MDP+ Red Lacto Collagen Wrapping Mask, $24
    • Best for Barrier Repair: Numbuzin No.2 Rose PDRN Overnight Collagen Mask (4-Count), $18
    • Best for Firming: Mediheal Collagen Essential Mask Sheet (4-Count), $8

    And the best part? According to dermatologist Justine H. Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Westlake Village, CA, collagen masks “are great for all skin types, including the most sensitive, offering a boost in hydration and overall skin health that can last about a week.” With regular use, she adds, those with dry skin or wrinkles can see major improvement.

    Ahead, the best collagen face masks that actually deliver bouncy, glowy skin for your glassiest skin yet.

    Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Do collagen face masks really work?
    • Can collagen masks actually stimulate collagen production?
    • Who should be using collagen masks—and what skin concerns are they best for?
    • Should you rinse after using a collagen mask or leave the essence on?
    • How often should you use a collagen mask?
    • Are there any side effects to be aware of?
    • Meet the experts
    • How we test and review products
    • Our staff and testers

    Best Overall: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask

    Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Medicube

    Collagen Night Wrapping Mask

    $19

    Amazon

    $21

    Ulta Beauty

    Allure features director Dianna Mazzone Singh removing the Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask

    Dianna Mazzone Singh

    Why we love it: The Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask is an innovative K-beauty favorite that acts like Saran wrap for your skin-care routine. It forms a soft, flexible film over your face that locks in moisture and active ingredients while you sleep. Hyaluronic acid works to visibly plump fine lines, niacinamide smooths texture and minimizes pores, and ceramide NP prevents moisture loss and protects the skin barrier.

    The unique gel texture sets into a lightweight veil that feels comfortable and stays put, so there’s no pillow staining or sticky residue. Come morning, you remove it in a satisfying, one-piece peel, and your skin feels refreshed before breakfast.

    Tester feedback from Allure features director Dianna Singh

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    "The way my skin looks with a layer of Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask is exactly how I want my skin to look without it: glassy, glowy, and clear. And with each overnight—yes, overnight—application of its niacinamide- and hyaluronic acid-infused formula, I get a little bit closer to that goal. I've been using it once or twice a week and never cease to be delighted by the satisfaction of peeling it away in the morning." —Dianna Singh, Allure features director

    More to know

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    • Mask type: peel-off mask
    • Size: 75 mL / 2.53 fl. oz.
    • Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycerin, vitamin E, ceramide Np, collagen extract
    • How long to use: overnight

    Best for Sensitive Skin: Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

    Biodance Bio Collagen Real Deep Mask white box, pink sachet, and white sheet mask on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Biodance

    Bio Collagen Real Deep Mask

    $19

    Amazon

    $19

    Soko Glam

    $19

    Sephora

    Former Allure shopping director Angela Trakoshis removing the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

    Angela Trakoshis

    Why we love it: Before social media catapulted the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask into the mainstream, Korean insiders already knew it as the go-to for sensitive, easily-irritated skin craving a serious hydration boost. The hydrogel sheet is noticeably sturdier than most: “This face mask is a bit thicker and does not break as easily as so many other masks on the market—it is a very high-quality face mask,” says Dr. Yoo. Low-molecular-weight collagen boosts elasticity and helps minimize the look of pores, while oligo hyaluronic acid sinks in to deeply hydrate without overwhelming reactive skin. Galactomyces and niacinamide smooth, brighten, and refine texture, leaving your complexion calm, supple, and glassy. And if fine lines are a concern, Dr. Yoo adds, “you’ll notice a subtle tightening feeling immediately after use.”

    Tester feedback from former Allure shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis

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    “When I wake up, my skin is so hydrated and smooth that it literally looks like glass. And that’s just one night. After using this mask for a week, my skin feels firmer, looks brighter, and is so hydrated—like my face went on a retreat and came back dewy, healthy, and refreshed. As someone who doesn’t drink as much water as I should (don’t tell my doctor), this mask is the hydration my skin has been craving for months.” —Angela Trakoshis, former Allure shopping market editor

    More to know

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    • Mask type: sheet mask
    • Size: 4 masks x 1.19 oz / 34g
    • Key ingredients: low-molecular-weight collagen peptide, galactomyces, oligo hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
    • How long to use: 3-4 hours

    Best for Mature Skin: Mixsoon Bean Collagen Hydrogel Face Mask

    Mixsoon Bean Collagen Hydrogel Face Mask in branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Mixsoon

    Bean Collagen Hydrogel Face Mask

    $25 $15 (40% off)

    Amazon

    $25

    Ulta Beauty

    Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Mixsoon Bean Collagen Hydrogel Face Mask

    Christa Joanna Lee

    Why we love it: Instead of the standard cotton or fiber sheet mask, this hydrogel mask has a thick, jelly-like texture that clings more snugly to the face, holds moisture longer than a cotton mask, and allows ingredients to absorb gradually. That slow, steady absorption is a big win for mature skin, which tends to crave deeper, longer-lasting hydration. Mixsoon’s Bean Collagen Hydrogel Mask packs 35 grams of essence into each sheet, using low-molecular collagen to help firm, revive, and restore some of that lost elasticity. Fermented soybean, barley, pomegranate, and pear juice are the main sources of hydration, while niacinamide and adenosine brighten and give everything a more lifted look.

    Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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    “This jelly-like hydrogel mask is very slippery, so fair warning: Don’t try to throw it on while you’re in a rush. Once it’s in place, though, it feels incredibly cooling and refreshing, which is exactly what I want at the end of a long day, and it sticks nicely to the curves of my face. I usually reach for cloth or fiber masks that are dripping with serum for that instant hit of hydration, but this one stayed plenty saturated and did a great job plumping up the dry spots on my cheeks and forehead where fine lines tend to pop when my skin’s feeling thirsty.” —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure contributing commerce writer

    More to know

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    • Mask type: sheet mask
    • Size: 35 g / 1.23 oz.
    • Key ingredients: hydrolyzed collagen, soybean, barley, pomegranate, pear juice
    • How long to use: 1-3 hours

    Best for Dry Skin: Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Overnight Mask

    Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Overnight Mask in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Sungboon Editor

    Deep Collagen Overnight Mask

    $19

    Amazon

    $36

    Stylevana

    Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann removing the Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Overnight Mask

    Sarah Hoffmann

    Why we love it: Among the Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Overnight Mask’s biggest selling points is its hyper-concentrated dose of 2,160,000 PPB low-molecular collagen. (PPB, or parts per billion, basically measures how densely packed the collagen fragments are within the formula.) Because these collagen peptides are ultra-small, they’re better able to sink into skin to boost hydration and support firmness and elasticity. “I like how this mask comes in two parts, so you can adjust as needed. In addition to its high collagen content, it contains multiple peptide ingredients to deliver a powerful, hydrating punch that’s still great for sensitive skin,” says Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Hyaluronic acid, soothing extracts, and ceramides round out the plumping, glass-skin payoff.

    Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann

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    “This mask was my first foray into overnight sheet masks, and I'm simply obsessed. When you first apply the mask, it's opaque, then when you wake up, and all of that delicious, collagen-packed serum has been absorbed, it's totally clear. So cool, right? If you're worried about it slipping around overnight, don't worry—you have to sit still for about 20 minutes when you first apply it, but after that, it's pretty secure, and you can move about the cabin. I roll around a lot when I sleep, and it was still tacked to my fave when I woke up the next morning. These masks are a great way to lock in a bit of extra hydration, especially if you're prone to occasional skin dehydration like I am.” —Sarah Hoffman, Allure commerce producer

    More to know

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    • Mask type: sheet mask
    • Size: 80 mL / 2.7 fl. oz.
    • Key ingredients: collagen, Centella Asiatica, niacinamide, 9 peptides
    • How long to use: 3-4 hours or overnight

    Best for Dull Skin: Cosrx Advanced Snail Mucin Glass Glow Hydrogel Mask

    CosRx The Peptide Collagen Lifting Glow Hydrogel Mask in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Cosrx

    Advanced Snail Mucin Glass Glow Hydrogel Mask

    $15

    Amazon

    $15

    Ulta Beauty

    Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying and taking off the Cosrx Advanced Snail Mucin Glass Glow Hydrogel Mask

    Sarah Han

    Why we love it: If you have yet to behold the power of snail mucin—a popular ingredient in Korean essences, serums, and other formulations—then you're in luck. Cosrx Advanced Snail Mucin Glass Glow Hydrogel Mask contains 25% snail mucin to deliver its deeply moisturizing and soothing properties to skin while you nap. In addition to the snail mucin, it also contains a blend of hyaluronic acid and ceramides to draw in moisture and keep it there, as well as super-small collagen to help boost elasticity. Consider it your fastest route to glass skin.

    Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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    "CosRx is basically synonymous with snail mucin. As a long-time user of the essence, I love that all of the hydrating goodness also comes in a soothing gel mask. Because I toss and turn and thus cannot keep one of these masks on for an entire night, I decided to test these out during a WFH day. While I only kept it on for a little over two hours instead of waiting for the mask to turn 100% translucent (you can see parts of it that turned totally sheer though!), it still did the plumping trick and my face looked so noticeably more radiant and less dull than before. TL;DR Do what works for you. I personally started to get annoyed at the tightness of the mask as it dried, especially while talking during meetings (off-camera, of course) and eating lunch. I ended up making tiny rips to the left and right of the mouth area to make eating a little easier, so just a little hack if you need it!" —Sarah Han, Allure commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Mask type: sheet mask
    • Size: 34 g / 1.19 oz.
    • Key ingredients: hydrolyzed collagen, snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide
    • How long to use: 2-3 hours or overnight

    Best for Acne-Prone Skin: MDP+ Red Lacto Collagen Wrapping Mask

    MDP+ Red Lacto Collagen Wrapping Mask in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    MDP+

    Red Lacto Collagen Wrapping Mask

    $29

    Olive Young

    $30

    Yesstyle

    Why we love it: Acne-prone skin needs hydration just as much as any other skin type, but without heavy formulas or pore-clogging risk. Enter this genius wrapping mask from MDP+, which delivers a hydrated hug to thirsty complexions while keeping enlarged pores in mind. With 70.2% low-molecular-weight hydrolyzed collagen, red lactobacillus ferment, and acne-friendly jojoba seed oil, it helps with skin elasticity, improves texture, tightens the appearance of pores, and creates a lifting effect, resulting in a nice, healthy-looking glow. The mask creates a thin film that locks in all the goodness, but can be peeled off clean or gently rinsed without leaving residue. Consider it your gentle reset button at the end of the day.

    Han applying the MDP+ Red Lacto Collagen Wrapping Mask

    Sarah HanHan after applying the MDP Red Lacto Collagen Wrapping Mask

    Han after applying the MDP+ Red Lacto Collagen Wrapping Mask

    Sarah Han

    Tester feedback from Han

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    "I had reservations about peel-off masks but I'm fully onboard now. While on vacation in Seoul, I picked up MDP+ Red Lacto Collagen Wrapping Mask based on Liah Yoo's rec and I was not disappointed. Enlarged pores, especially on and around my nose, are one of my biggest (and most consistent) skin-care gripes, and this blend of ingredients is really targeted towards minimizing the look of pores and sweeping excess sebum, as much as it helps boost hydration. Refresher (because I needed one!): Jojoba oil, the second ingredient, mimics your skin's naturally-produced sebum without clogging pores, and its anti-inflammatory properties also soothes breakout-prone areas. My T-zone looks much calmer after I peel this mask off, and not to mention, it's super comfortable to wear. — Han, Allure commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Mask type: peel-off mask
    • Size: 2.36 oz. / 70ml
    • Key ingredients: red lactobacillus ferment, collagen, hyaluronic acid, jojoba seed oil
    • How long to use: 20-30 minutes

    Best for Barrier Repair: Numbuzin No.2 Rose PDRN Overnight Collagen Mask

    Numbuzin No.2 Rose PDRN Overnight Collagen Mask in branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Numbuzin

    No.2 Rose PDRN Overnight Collagen Mask

    $18

    Amazon

    $22

    Olive Young

    Why we love it: If you’ve been following Korean skin care, chances are you’ve heard the buzz around PDRN, a salmon DNA-derived ingredient known for supporting skin repair and regeneration. With Numbuzin No.2 Rose PDRN Overnight Collagen Mask, the PDRN comes from rose, making it feel gentler, more nourishing, and friendlier for sensitive or easily irritated skin. That reparative boost is paired with low-molecular-weight collagen, so all those plumping, elasticity-boosting properties benefit skin on a deeper level rather than sit on the surface. A nine-peptide complex helps firm and strengthen the barrier, while pearl extract adds a noticeable brightening effect and amps up your natural glow. The pudding-like texture of the sheet isn’t just for fun—it molds to every contour of your face, ensuring the formula sinks in evenly.

    More to know

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    • Mask type: sheet mask
    • Size: 37 ml / 1.3 fl. oz.
    • Key ingredients: low-molecular-weight collagen, PDRN, peptides, hyaluronic acid
    • How long to use: 10-40 minutes

    Best for Firming: Mediheal Collagen Essential Mask Sheet

    Mediheal Collagen Essential Mask Sheet in branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Mediheal

    Collagen Essential Mask Sheet

    $20

    Amazon (10-Pack)

    $8

    Ulta Beauty (4-Pack)

    Why we love it: When a K-beauty brand has sold over a billion sheet masks worldwide, you’d expect they’d know a thing or two about creating one that blurs fine lines and wrinkles. Mediheal Collagen Essential Mask Sheet is a firming mask with a cushiony mix of humectants—glycerin, panthenol, betaine, and trehalose—that floods the skin with hydration to plump from within, softening creases on contact. Adenosine and elasticity-boosting amino acids layer in longer-term firming benefits, helping skin look bouncier and more resilient with continued use. And if your skin runs sensitive? Don’t worry—“it’s gentle for all skin types,” notes Dr. Park.

    More to know

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    • Mask type: sheet mask
    • Size:
    • Key ingredients: collagen,
    • How long to use: 10-20 minutes

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do collagen face masks really work?

    Yes, but not in the way you might think. “Collagen face masks are designed to deeply hydrate and temporarily plump the skin, improving its appearance and texture,” says Ellen Marmur, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “While the collagen in these masks doesn’t penetrate deeply enough to rebuild structural collagen, the masks help boost moisture retention and can make the skin look smoother and more refreshed.”

    Can collagen masks actually stimulate collagen production?

    Sometimes, yes. “Masks can help stimulate collagen depending on the ingredients they provide,” says Dr. Marmur. Peptides, for instance, are known to do just that. Alicia Yoon, founder of Peach & Lily adds, “Peptides are short chains of amino acids clinically studied to boost collagen.”

    Who should be using collagen masks—and what skin concerns are they best for?

    The short answer? Pretty much everyone. “Dry, rough skin, acne, wrinkles, sun damage, and sensitive skin all usually benefit from soothing masks,” says Dr. Marmur. Yoon agrees: “Collagen masks are beneficial for all skin types, which makes them easy to use and has contributed to their virality. Each collagen mask can be formulated quite differently, so it's best to see what specific ingredients are included in each collagen mask.”

    Should you rinse after using a collagen mask or leave the essence on?

    Unless the package says otherwise, keep that glow-inducing essence on your face. “Most masks are gentle enough to keep the essence on your skin after use,” says Dr. Marmur. Yoon recommends layering your moisturizer over the essence to seal everything in and boost results.

    How often should you use a collagen mask?

    Consistency is key. Dr. Marmur suggests using a collagen mask three times a week for 20 minutes. Yoon says her Peach & Lily Glass Skin Ginseng Collagen Mask is gentle enough for daily use, but she personally likes to use it once or twice a week, or anytime her skin is having an “off” day.

    Are there any side effects to be aware of?

    Like with any skin-care product, irritation is possible, especially if you have allergies or sensitive skin. “Some masks can backfire and inflame the skin like any other serum or essence, depending on the person’s allergies or sensitivities,” says Dr. Marmur. “If you feel stinging, remove the mask immediately, rinse with warm water, and apply your trusted simple cream.”

    Meet the experts

    • Ellen Marmur, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon based in New York City
    • Justine H. Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of the Skin & Beauty Center based in Westlake Village, CA
    • Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City
    • Alicia Yoon, founder of Peach & Lily

    How we test and review products

    When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

    For our list of the best collagen masks, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

    Our staff and testers

    A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

    After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

  • Gigi Hadid’s “Matte Black Mini Bob” Is a Complete and Total Hair Transformation — See Photos

    Gigi Hadid’s “Matte Black Mini Bob” Is a Complete and Total Hair Transformation — See Photos

    Bella Hadid posing in a yellow dressPhoto: Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    We've had a sneaking suspicion that Gigi Hadid has been itching to move away from her signature blonde. Back in October, beauty watchers were buzzing when she walked the Victoria's Secret runway with a decidedly brunette look, and she's since been seen looking quite bronde. But nothing could have prepared us for her full-speed-ahead switch to the dark side of the hair-color spectrum.

    On Wednesday, January 8, stylist Dimitris Giannetos posted an Instagram carousel of four stunning photos showing off a totally transformed Hadid: “New color | cut for my beautiful @gigihadid for @maybelline,” he wrote in the caption, where he called the look a “matte black mini bob.”

    The swoopy chop, with flipped-out ends and a deep side part, has been styled into a wet look—but there's no mistaking that, even fully dry, her hair would be perhaps the darkest we've ever seen it. Giannetos tells Allure that he calls the color “matte black” because it avoids having any red undertones.

    As for the mini bob, “It's chic, it's new, it's modern,” Giannetos tells Allure. “You can tuck it behind the ears, you can leave some face-framing pieces. And it's very French.” And in this incredible new color, it's very, very cool.

    Instagram content

    Considering her sister, Bella Hadid, has recently been blonde after years of usually sporting dark brown hair, it seems we've witnessed a full-blown vibe swap between the model siblings.

  • 9 Best Korean Toners for Hydration, Glow, and Barrier Repair

    9 Best Korean Toners for Hydration, Glow, and Barrier Repair

    Image contains a collage of Korean toners on a white backgroundCollage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    Any K-pop star, K-beauty expert, or Korean dermatologist will tell you toner isn’t an option—it’s essential. They don’t just use any toner, either—only the best of the best Korean toners will suffice. The reason being: Toner is the first product to treat your skin post-cleansing, and K-beauty toners, in particular, ensure this step helps balance your skin’s pH, moisture, and sebum levels with ultra-gentle, fragrance-free formulas. Plus, Korean toners are truly a sensorial experience with an assortment of textures you’ll look forward to applying, like milky, silky, watery, and viscous.

    Our Top Korean Toners

    • Best Overall: Ma:nyo Panthetoin Essence Toner, $18
    • Best for Dull Skin: I’m From Rice Toner, $24
    • Best for Sensitive Skin: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner, $18
    • Best for Blackheads: CosRx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Treatment, $25
    • Best for Acne: Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Pad, $24
    • Best for Dry Skin: Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer, $36
    • Best for Redness: Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner, $17
    • Best for Combination Skin: Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk, $18
    • Best for Textured Skin: Some by Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner, $22

    Generally, toner also acts like a primer for the rest of your skin-care routine, New York-based board-certified dermatologist Arielle Kauvar, MD, previously told Allure. It preps your skin to better absorb the serum and moisturizer that follow it, making your entire complexion regimen more effective and your skin plumper, brighter, healthier, and happier. In other words, going straight from cleansing to serum or moisturizer can be like putting cold butter on a day-old bagel. Sure, it will taste OK and fill your stomach, but your bagel will be much more enjoyable and the ingredients will meld together much better if you toast it.

    Ahead, we rounded up the best Korean toners from beloved K-beauty brands, such as Laneige, CosRx, and Beauty of Joseon, for every skin type and concern.

    Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • What makes Korean toners different?
    • What are common ingredients found in Korean toners?
    • What are the different ways to apply Korean toners?
    • Meet the experts
    • How we test and review products
    • Our staff and testers

    Best Overall: Ma:nyo Panthetoin Essence Toner

    Ma:nyo Panthetoin Essence Toner light blue and white bottle on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Ma:nyo

    Panthetoin Essence Toner

    $18

    Amazon

    $32

    StyleVana

    Why it's worth it: If there’s one Korean brand that consistently earns a spot in our routine, it’s Ma:nyo, and the Panthetoin Essence Toner is a big reason why. It hits the sweet spot of benefits that we look for in a toner: deeply hydrating, instantly calming, and transformative for stressed or sensitized skin. The formula is built on the brand’s proprietary “panthetoin,” a blend of panthenol (vitamin B5) and ectoin, which helps soothe irritation, replenish moisture, and strengthen the skin barrier so everything that follows absorbs better. The texture is cushiony and essence-like without feeling sticky, making it especially comforting for dry, reactive, or post-treatment skin.

    Allure contributor Devon Abelmanapplying Ma:nyo Panthetoin Essence Toner to her face.

    Devon AbelmanAllure contributor Devon Abelman after applying the Manyo Panthetoin Essence Toner

    Abelman after applying the Ma:nyo Panthetoin Essence Toner

    Devon Abelman

    Tester feedback from contributor Devon Abelman

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    “This toner is so thick and effective for reinforcing moisture that I often don’t need to moisturize. Instead, I go straight to SPF after applying vitamin C serum in the morning.” —Devon Abelman, Allure contributor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: panthenol, ectoin, sunflower seed oil
    • Who it’s for: everyone
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Best for Dull Skin: I’m From Rice Toner

    I’m From Rice Toner in branded bottle component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    I'm From

    Rice Toner

    $24 $14 (42% off)

    Amazon

    $28

    Ulta Beauty

    Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the I’m From Rice Toner

    Sarah Han

    Why it’s worth it: You’re going to keep seeing rice extract pop up in Korean toners—and that’s because rice is kind of a big deal in Korea. Beyond being a daily food staple, it’s been used for generations in beauty rituals (hello, rice water) for its brightening and smoothing benefits. I'm From Rice Toner leans into that tradition with goami rice sourced from Yeoju, a region in South Korea that produces some of Korea’s highest-quality rice, thanks to its mineral-rich soil and ideal growing conditions.“This toner has a milky and slightly viscous texture that glides over skin and instantly softens,” says Charlotte Cho, co-founder of Soko Glam. “The rice extract brightens and hydrates without heaviness, which is ideal for skin that can’t handle thick, occlusive layers.” She adds that it’s her go-to for prepping skin before serums and moisturizers, leaving it “instantly plump and glassy.” Cho notes it leaves skin “instantly plump and glassy” and perfectly prepped for the rest of your routine.

    Tester feedback from Allure commerce editor Sarah Han

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    "A hydrating toner or essence is a non-negotiable step of my daytime and nighttime routines. I'm From Rice Toner instantly plumps my skin, giving it a brighter, refreshed look and prepping it for the serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens to follow. Now that we're in the office four days a week, I can't be bothered to wear makeup every day—but at least my skin looks nice and glowy." —Sarah Han, Allure commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: goami rice extract, adenosine, niacinamide
    • Who it’s for: everyone
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Best for Sensitive Skin: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner for Sensitive Skin

    Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Haruharu Wonder

    Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner for Sensitive Skin

    $18

    Amazon

    $18

    Nordstrom

    Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Haruharu Black Rice Toner for Sensitive Skin

    Why it’s worth it: Haru haru means “day by day” in Korean, which feels right for a toner you’ll actually want to use every single morning (and night). Haruharu Wonder’s Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner is a fragrance-free, sensitive skin-friendly take on the original formula—made for anyone who wants all the hydration, without the irritation that can potentially come from added scent. The star here is fermented black rice extract. Fermentation helps unlock more of the rice’s naturally occurring amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, so skin gets deeper nourishment and better moisture retention over time. Staying true to the brand’s keep-it-simple philosophy, it also leans on trusty hyaluronic acid to deliver deep hydration.

    Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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    “Do you want to know a secret? I used to tell friends that toner was optional, but after trying this black rice-based toner from Haruharu Wonder, I’m officially a convert. It feels as light as water, but it works as hard as some of my thicker creams. You can absolutely pat it in with your hands, but I love using a cotton pad to really sweep away any leftover makeup or grime—it somehow always finds something, even after what I swear was a thorough double cleanse. It’s my favorite step in making sure I’m taking care of my skin.” —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure contributing commerce writer

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: fermented black rice extract, red ginseng extract, hyaluronic acid
    • Who it’s for: everyone, especially people with sensitive skin
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Best for Blackheads: CosRx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Treatment

    Image may contain: Bottle, Cosmetics, Perfume, and LotionSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Cosrx

    BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Treatment

    $25 $18 (28% off)

    Amazon

    $25

    Nordstrom

    $25

    Dermstore

    Why it’s worth it: We’ll start with the bad news: You can’t totally eliminate blackheads. The good news? You can make them a lot less noticeable with CosRx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, especially if acids aren’t your first rodeo. The exfoliating liquid uses a powerful blend of BHAs (68% white willow bark water plus 4% betaine salicylate) to work within pores, helping dissolve the buildup that leads to congestion and blackheads. Niacinamide helps keep oil in check, smooth the look of textured skin, and fade lingering post-breakout marks over time. Stick with it, and pores stay clearer, blackheads look less defined, and breakouts are less likely to hang around. One tip from our tester: Don’t just pat it on—really work it into skin so the exfoliating ingredients can do their thing.

    Han before applying the CosRx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Treatment

    Han before applying the CosRx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Treatment

    Sarah HanHan after applying the CosRx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Treatment

    Han after applying the CosRx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Treatment

    Sarah Han

    Tester feedback from Han

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    “This CosRx toner, much like their snail mucin essence, is what I like to call an oldie-but-a-goodie. It’s been around since I got into K-beauty over nine years ago, and whenever my blackheads are looking extra prominent, I reach for this trusty toner and spend some extra time post-double-cleanse to work it into my T-zone and on/around my nose (the biggest culprit!). I switch up the a.m. vs. p.m. application on the days I use a retinol serum at night, so CosRx goes on in the morning after splashing my face with water. I’ve noticed that my nose blackheads are less prominent and, well, dark, and some discoloration from self-inflicted picking (I know, I know!) has faded, which is an unexpected but welcome win!” —Sarah Han, Allure commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: 68% white willow bark water, 4% betain salysilate, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate
    • Who it’s for: people with clogged pores
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Best for Acne: Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Pad

    Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Pads in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Mediheal

    Madecassoside Blemish Pad

    $24

    Amazon

    $24

    Ulta Beauty

    Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Pad

    Sarah Felbin

    Why it’s worth it: At the end of a long day—when you’re tired, tapped out, and this close to skipping skincare altogether—a toner pad feels like the ultimate shortcut. These pre-soaked pads are made to keep things simple: swipe, reset, done. Instead of relying on traditional exfoliating acids like salicylic, they take a gentler approach, using Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica) to calm inflammation and support stressed, breakout-prone skin. Highly concentrated madecassoside—a key compound from cica—helps soothe active acne, reduce visible redness, and support faster skin recovery, making post-blemish marks less noticeable over time. Niacinamide helps even out tone, while glycerin adds lightweight hydration without making skin feel slick. A subtle blend of herbal oils (juniper, mugwort, patchouli, and rosemary) adds extra clarifying powers for congested skin.

    Tester feedback from Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

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    “I have very sensitive, oily skin that can break out if I look at it wrong. Add to that the dozens of new beauty products I'm testing each week, and I'm almost always dealing with some stubborn blackheads, whiteheads, or both. When I first notice signs of a breakout, I always make sure to grab these pads. The pad's material is very thin and soft (not scratchy like some other pads I've tried, which can irritate my skin even more). There's a lot of product in each box of pads, so they're always fully saturated, even weeks after I've bought them. And I love that each box comes with a pair of clear plastic tweezers hidden underneath the lid, so I can quickly and easily grab a pad without having to stick my fingers inside. The pads apply a thin layer of a clear, watery product that dries quickly and layers easily under the rest of my skin care and makeup. And after a few uses, my skin looks calmer and clearer. These have been a medicine cabinet must-have for me since I first tried them. Madecassoside is the real deal!” —Sarah Felbin, Allure senior commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: niacinamide, glycerin, Centella asiatica
    • Who it’s for: people with clogged pores or acne
    • Fragrance-free: rosemary and mango scent; no synthetic fragrance

    Best for Dry Skin: Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer

    Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer white bottle and box on light grey background with red badge on light grey backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Laneige

    Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer

    $36

    Amazon

    $36

    Sephora

    Why it’s worth it: Long before milky toners flooded TikTok, this 2023 Best of Beauty winner had already earned viral status in Korea for doing one thing exceptionally well: delivering deep, lasting hydration without heaviness. The formula blends barrier-repairing ceramides, skin-smoothing peptides, and amino acid-rich white tea leaves to help strengthen dry, depleted skin and lock in moisture. It sinks in fast with a weightless, almost watery feel, but don’t be fooled—this stuff hydrates like a cream. No surprise it comes in both travel and jumbo sizes because once it’s in your routine, you won’t want to be without it.

    Han applying the Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer

    Sarah HanHan after applying the Laneige Cream Skin Toner  Moisturizer

    Han after applying the Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer

    Sarah Han

    Tester feedback from Han

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    “I like a face mist as much as the next person but using one only feels worthwhile if I can drench my skin in it. Laneige's Cream Skin does the trick in just a few spritzes, alleviating any tightness I'm feeling immediately. I love using it as a setting spray during the colder months, in addition to the usual moisture replenishment throughout the day.” —Sarah Han, Allure commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: ceramides, peptides, white tea leaf
    • Who it’s for: everyone, but particularly those with damaged skin barriers
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Best For Redness: Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner

    Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner in branded clear bottle with clear cap on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Round Lab

    1025 Dokdo Toner

    $18

    Olive Young (250 ml)

    $24

    Yesstyle (400 ml)

    Why it’s worth it: This TikTok sensation is a great intro to the magic of toner. Round Lab’s 1025 Dokdo Toner looks just like water and feels just as revitalizing because it is, in fact, mostly water—deep sea water extracted 5,000 feet below sea level off the coast of South Korea’s Ulleungdo island, to be exact. It’s chock full of vital minerals, such as magnesium, zinc, and calcium, to give skin a little bit of everything to get glowing: gentle exfoliation, hydration, plumping, and relief from inflammation related to eczema and acne.

    Abelman applying Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner on her face.

    Devon AbelmanAbelman after applying the Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner

    Abelman after applying the Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner

    Devon Abelman

    Tester feedback from Abelman

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    “I don't wear foundation or concealer, so I rely on a consistent skin-care routine to keep my complexion clear, radiant, and free of redness. Round Lab's 1025 Dokdo Toner has been an incredibly reliable choice because it plays equally well with vitamin C serum in the morning and my skin-cycling serum lineup at night. I know my skin is going to slurp this toner up every time I reach for it without residual stickiness, discomfort, or heaviness. Plus, it's formulated without essential oils and fragrances, which is key for maintaining happy, healthy skin. Typically, I sprinkle Round Lab's 1025 Dokdo Toner into my hand and pat it onto my face, but I also like putting it on a cotton pad and sweeping it all over my face after working out or going outside to wipe away sweat, dust, and old sunscreen.” —Devon Abelman, Allure contributor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: seawater, red algae extract, sugarcane extract
    • Who it’s for: everyone
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Best for Combination Skin: Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk

    Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk off white bottle with white cap on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Beauty of Joseon

    Glow Replenishing Rice Milk

    $20 $18 (10% off)

    Amazon

    $18

    StyleVana

    Why it’s worth it: With just a shake, a layer of oil-zapping kaolin clay powder fuses with a moisture-elevating liquid to create a skin-balancing elixir perfect for those with oily skin. Rice extract, a natural humectant, helps skin lock in moisture. Our tagline for Beauty of Joseon's Glow Replenishing Rice Milk? Get ready for a fresher-feeling complexion that shines in all the right ways.

    Han applying the Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk

    Sarah HanHan after applying the Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk

    Han after applying the Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk

    Sarah Han

    Tester feedback from Han

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    “I love the sensorial aspect of shaking and mixing the dual layers and seeing the formula transform into milky emulsion goodness. I have combo skin and I find that this formula works especially well for that, but I think a lot of skin types—including oily, acne-prone, and redness-prone skin—would benefit from this rice milk. My shiny-as-heck T-zone is toned down and my skin feels so much smoother after my double cleanse.” —Sarah Han, Allure commerce editor

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: rice extract, rice amino acids, kaolin clay, ceramides
    • Who it’s for: everyone, especially people with oily skin
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Best for Textured Skin: Some by Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner

    Some by Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner transparent green bottle of toner with white label and black cap on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Some by Mi

    AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner

    $22 $17 (23% off)

    Amazon

    $22

    Soko Glam

    Why it’s worth it: Although we will let you decide whether Some by Mi’s AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner is truly a miracle worker, it’s undeniable that it contains AHA, BHA, and PHA in the form of citric acid, salicylic acid, and lactobionic acid, respectively. Together, these chemical exfoliants boost cell turnover to help smooth away tiny bumps and dullness while clearing pores of blackheads and dirt. They’re joined by niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to ensure your skin doesn’t dry out in the process.

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: AHA, BHA, PHA, papaya and witch hazel extracts, tea tree water, niacinamide, adenosine
    • Who it’s for: people with texture and dull skin
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What makes Korean toners different?

    Korean skin care places moisture at the forefront of all products, so you can guarantee that any Korean toner you try will never feel drying or astringent. The best Korean toners are also formulated to be as gentle on skin as possible by being fragrance-free, packed with soothing ingredients, and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin—even brightening and exfoliating Korean toner formulas.

    What are common ingredients found in Korean toners?

    Centella asiatica is, by far, the most common ingredient found in Korean toners due to its versatility. Other popular additions include hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, ceramides, and panthenol—all powerful moisture-locking ingredients.

    What are the different ways to apply Korean toners?

    1. Pat

    Sprinkle a couple of drops of Korean toner into the palm of your hand before rubbing your hands together and patting the toner onto your skin. This technique is much more gentle on skin than rubbing, which is more likely to inflict trauma upon your skin, board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD, previously shared with Allure.

    2. Layer

    After patting on your Korean toner, you can repeat the process above up to seven times (a.k.a. the 7 Skin Method) for weightless hydration and a more concentrated dose of your favorite Korean toner.

    3. Swipe

    After cleansing, you dampen a reusable cotton pad with Korean toner and swipe it onto your face to help remove any makeup and debris left on your skin.

    4. Mask

    Soak Korean cotton pads, like the White Rabbit Naked Cotton Classic Cotton Pads or Biodance Cotton Pads, with your Korean toner of choice and stick them onto the parts of your face that need extra moisture, soothing, or brightening. Then, let them sit on your face for five minutes like a DIY sheet mask. Alternatively, follow the 7 Skin Method with Experiment’s Avant Guard reusable silicone sheet mask—which comes in small and big—to better lock in all those juicy layers of toner.

    Meet the experts

    • Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
    • Charlotte Cho, co-founder of Soko Glam based in New York City
    • Arielle Kauvar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of NY Laser & Skin Care based in New York City
    • Hee Jin Koh, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Clifton, New Jersey
    • Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City

    How we test and review products

    When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

    For our list of the best Korean toners, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

    Our staff and testers

    A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

    After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

  • Emma Roberts Is a Redhead No More—See the Video

    Emma Roberts Is a Redhead No More—See the Video

    Emma Roberts poses at a gala in a red bob and sparkly white dress.Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    Emma Roberts is kicking off 2026 with a new hair color… or is she?

    The whole “new year, new me” thing is admittedly overdone, but there is something so inspiring and fresh about the start of a brand new year. It almost makes you want to, well, dye your hair! And in Roberts's case, that meant going back to her roots and swapping her 2025 red in favor of a bright and buttery blonde—a.k.a. her go-to hue.

    Roberts began 2025 by ditching the blonde in favor of a bold copper red that she called “sunrise red,” and wore the shade all year long. But as 2026 began, so too did the blonde cravings. So she called up colorist Nikki Lee, who brought out the bleach to restore Roberts to her signature shade.

    Going from red to blonde is a journey, and Roberts documented it in a video showing off the entire process, which took nine hours from start to finish. There was bleaching. There was shampooing. There was foiling. And the end result was a cheerful golden blonde with a bit of added length for even more impact. “While her red era was stunning and worn for nearly a year, this transition back to blonde marked a return to the shade where Emma feels most like herself,” Lee shared.

    Instagram content

    Fans wasted zero time hopping into Roberts's comments and referencing some of her most beloved onscreen characters, who just so happen to be blonde: Scream Queens queen bee Chanel Oberlin and American Horror Story: Coven's Hollywood starlet-slash-witch Madison Montgomery. Roberts is set to return for AHS 13, and while we we're still waiting for more plot details regarding the much-anticipated season, some fans think the blonde means there's more to Madison Montgomery's story. (Her last appearance was in 2018's Apocalypse.) Whether she's prepping to step back into Madison's black stiletto heels or just needed a change timed to the new year, it's clear that Roberts is living her best blonde life once more.

  • Lips Looking Crusty? Use an Exfoliator for Smoother Lips, Stat

    Lips Looking Crusty? Use an Exfoliator for Smoother Lips, Stat

    A collage of Sarah Happ and Maed lip scrubs and product swatches on a light gray backgroundCollage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    Can you really get the most out of your lip-care routine if you’re skipping out on the best lip scrubs? The short answer is no. Lip scrubs gently remove dry, flaky skin and dead skin cells in just a few gritty (yet supremely gentle!) swipes, leaving lips soft, smooth, and perfectly prepped for lipstick or lip liner. The key to these nourishing exfoliators is often sugar granules that gently buff flakes away; at the same time, moisturizing emollients and occlusive ingredients soften lips and lock in moisture. So, before you apply the rest of your lip-care products, follow our footsteps and upgrade your lip-care routine with these skin-polishing lip treatments.

    Our Top Lip Scrubs

    • Best Overall: Poppy & Pout Sweet Mint Exfoliating Lip Scrub, $15
    • Best Chemical Exfoliator: Dr. Idriss Barrier Baste Exfoliating AHA Lip Treatment, $24
    • Best Leave-On: Maed Reveal Exfoliating Lip Polish, $26
    • Best Flavors: Sara Happ The Lip Scrub, $26
    • Best Budget: e.l.f Cosmetics Lip Exfoliator, $6
    • Best for Mature Skin: iS Clinical Lip Polish, $40
    • Best Moisturizing: Fresh Sugar Lip Polish Exfoliator, $21
    • Best Mess-Free Applicator: Makeup by Mario Perfecting Lip Scrub, $24

    Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Why should you exfoliate your lips?
    • When should you exfoliate your lips?
    • Meet the experts
    • How we test and review products
    • Our staff and testers

    Best Overall: Poppy & Pout Sweet Mint Exfoliating Lip Scrub

    Poppy & Pout Sweet Mint Exfoliating Lip Scrub branded clear tub component with gold cap on a light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Poppy & Pout

    Sweet Mint Exfoliating Lip Scrub

    $15

    Amazon

    $15

    Ulta Beauty

    Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Poppy & Pout Sweet Mint Exfoliating Lip Scrub

    Sarah Felbin

    Why it's worth it: Whip out the 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning Poppy & Pout Sweet Mint Exfoliating Lip Scrub whenever your lips feel particularly flaky. This sugar scrub buffs away patches of dead skin while coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, and beeswax moisturize chapped, dry skin. We love its ever-so-slightly tingly feel, thanks to delicious peppermint oil. Just scoop a tiny bit onto the lips and massage it in circular motions before wiping it off for fresh, smooth lips that are ready to take on a fresh coat of lip gloss.

    Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

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    “When my lips are so dry and flaky that a lip mask just isn't cutting it anymore, I know it's time to reach for this little jar. The scrub inside takes a minute to warm up, but once it does, the tiny grains spread smoothly and evenly, buffing away dead skin without irritating my lips. It's not too abrasive, and it tastes like peppermint (without tasting like toothpaste). Afterwards, my lips feel super-smooth, and my lipsticks apply so much more evenly!” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: sugar, coconut oil, sunflower oil, beeswax, peppermint oil, vanilla, vitamin E (tocopherol)
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Best Chemical Exfoliator: Dr. Idriss Barrier Baste Lip Peel

    Dr. Idriss Barrier Baste Lip Peel blue tube on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Dr. Idriss

    Barrier Baste Lip Peel

    $24

    Sephora

    $24

    Dr. Idriss

    Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Dr. Idriss Barrier Baste Lip Peel

    Sarah Han

    Why it’s worth it: Not everyone loves a gritty physical scrub, especially when it comes to lips. If you’re in that camp, try Dr. Idriss’ Barrier Baste Lip Peel—it also has a matching lip balm, available on its own or as part of a set—designed specifically for chapped lips. Shreene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and brand founder, developed the treatment after a trip to Wyoming that left her lips drier and flakier than ever. Step one, Lip Peel, is an exfoliating serum with mandelic acid to gently smooth and gluconolactone to lightly exfoliate while pulling moisture into the skin. After letting it absorb for about 20 seconds, follow with step two, Lip Baste, a squalane- and ceramide-rich balm that adds suppleness and can be reapplied throughout the day for extra nourishment.

    Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    “Sure, physical scrubs are satisfying…but at what cost? (The cost is messy, sticky fingers.) Barrier Baste Lip Peel is an easy solve, thanks to mandelic acid, and it has a cute rollerball applicator that glides onto lips more seamlessly than any regular ‘ol balm applicator. The AHA doesn’t irritate my lips (it may have slightly tingled the very first time, but nothing since!), and the entire formula dries down super quickly, so I’m left with an utterly smooth base for my lip balm. This lip peel is the definition of low effort, high reward.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: mandelic acid, gluconolactone, squalane, ceramides
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Best Leave-On: Maed Reveal Exfoliating Lip Polish

    Maed Reveal Exfoliating Lip Polish cream tube with nude lip polish behind it on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Maed

    Reveal Exfoliating Lip Polish

    $26

    Sephora

    Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner applying the Maed Receal Exfoliating Lip Polish

    Lily Wohlner

    Why it’s worth it: Maed’s Reveal Lip Polish is one of the most convenient scrubs on this list—you don’t even have to rinse it off, so it’s fair game anytime, anywhere. Apply it directly to your lips, rub them together for a minute, and the formula melts from a gentle sugar scrub into a creamy balm, leaving lips soft and shiny. Dissolvable sugar crystals exfoliate as they melt, while ceramides, peptides, and stem cells hydrate and repair, plus squalane and cherry coffee seed oil boost softness and elasticity. It’s exfoliation, moisture, and glossy balm all in one (basically your entire lip routine in a single tube!).

    Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner

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    “This lip polish is a total miracle worker. It starts out grainy, but after you rub it in for about a minute, it melts down into a full-on lip balm with zero grit left behind. Your lips feel noticeably softer, plus there’s a subtle brown sugar taste that feels like a little treat every time you lick your lips.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: sugar, ceramides, peptides, squalane, cherry coffee seed oil
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Best Flavors: Sara Happ The Lip Scrub

    Sara Happ The Lip Scrub clear jar of pink lip scrub with gold lid on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Sara Happ

    Sara Happ The Lip Scrub

    $26

    Amazon

    $26

    Revolve

    Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying Sara Happ’s The Lip Scrub

    Deanna Pai

    Why it's worth it: If there's one thing Sara Happ is known for, it's lip scrub. While it's available in Sparkling Peach, Brown Sugar, and Vanilla Bean, we think the original Pink Grapefruit deserves the spotlight. This formula gradually transforms from a gritty scrub to a lightweight oil that results in your softest lips yet—and yes, it tastes exactly like the refreshing fruit (no artificial flavors here!). After testing it, one editor said her lips felt so hydrated she didn’t even need to apply a balm afterward.

    Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    "This is the lip scrub I keep coming back to, probably because it's a classic. (You can see how old mine is from the packaging!) The sugar crystals buff away dead skin but don't feel overly gritty or irritating, and they're easy to wipe away. And the oil base always leaves my lips feeling instantly soft and more comfortable, even without an extra layer of lip balm on top." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: sugar crystals, jojoba seed oil, grapeseed oil, rice bran extract, rosemary extract, sunflower seed extract
    • Fragrance-free: no

    More lip scrubs we love

    Best Budget: e.l.f. Cosmetics Lip Exfoliator

    e.l.f. Cosmetics Lip Exfoliator pink tube of lip scrub on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    E.L.F. Cosmetics

    Lip Exfoliator

    $6

    Walmart

    Why it’s worth it: Available in seven nostalgic, candy-like scents, e.l.f. Cosmetics’ revamped Lip Exfoliator embodies all the sweet-smelling vibes of the lippies we used to love in the ’90s, with the bonus of exfoliation. Shaped like a lipstick, the Lip Exfoliator should be applied with small, circular motions and removed with a cotton pad before your next lip product. In this newly-reformulated version, the tip has been flattened for easier application. Sugar provides gentle exfoliation, while vitamin E, jojoba oil, shea butter, and avocado oil nourish and moisturize, leaving lips soft, smooth, and never stripped.

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Ingredients: sugar, vitamin E, jojoba oil, shea butter, avocado oil
    • Fragrance-free: no

    Best for Mature Skin: iS Clinical Lip Polish

    iS Clinical Lip Polish silver jar on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    iS Clinical

    iS Clinical Lip Polish

    $40

    Amazon

    $40

    Dermstore

    $40

    Bluemercury

    Why it's worth it: No, you can't buff away fine lines and wrinkles, but Is Clinical can help soften them. This formula’s intensive smoothing properties come from a combination of conditioning cocoa butter, a stabilized form of vitamin C, and vitamin E (the latter two are even more effective when paired), according to Kellie Reed, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin. These ingredients address texture, such as faint smile lines and wrinkles around the lips. “It also helps hydrate lips and give them a glow,” she adds.

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: sugar crystals, cocoa butter, vitamin C (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate), vitamin E
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Best Moisturizing: Fresh Sugar Lip Polish

    Fresh Sugar Lip Polish Exfoliator cloudy jar of lip scrub with bronze lid on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Fresh

    Sugar Lip Polish

    $21

    Nordstrom

    $21

    Ulta Beauty

    Why it's worth it: Rough, dry lips are no match for this conditioning scrub—and did we mention it smells like a freshly baked sugar cookie? Because it does. Fresh's Sugar Lip Polish uses brown sugar crystals, which are natural humectants, to remove flakes and hydrate lips. Quynh-Giao Sartor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston, says this is one of her favorite lip scrubs for its gentle yet effective buffing crystals paired with conditioning jojoba oil, “which is a natural exfoliant and moisturizer for lips,” she says of the latter. Shea butter and jojoba oil lock in hydration, so you don't need to follow up with a lip balm immediately.

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: brown sugar crystals, shea butter, jojoba oil
    • Fragrance-free: no

    Best Mess-Free Applicator: Makeup by Mario Perfecting Lip Scrub

    Makeup by Mario Perfecting Lip Scrub white tube with black cap on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Makeup by Mario

    Makeup by Mario Perfecting Lip Scrub

    $24

    Sephora

    Why it's worth it: If the not-so-pleasant texture of dipping your (hopefully clean) fingers into goopy scrubs turns you off, we get it. Makeup by Mario's Perfecting Lip Scrub is super convenient because its formula is packed into a mess-free, goof-proof squeezy tube. All it takes is a quick swipe and a rub of your lips, and a simple lick (yup, it’s edible!) is enough to lift the granules while keeping the hydrating benefits intact. Speaking of moisture, the ingredient list features coconut oil and vitamin E, alongside sugar for exfoliation, so no dryness is left behind.

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: sugar crystals, coconut oil, vitamin E
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why should you exfoliate your lips?

    Just like the rest of your skin-care routine, your lip regimen can benefit from exfoliation every once in a while. To achieve super-soft lips, it's important to get all the dead skin off the surface, according to Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD. "Lips accumulate the same number of dead skin cells that the rest of our face does," she tells Allure. “For optimal moisturization and to promote absorption of other products, exfoliation is key.”

    That will not only make them smoother but will also allow lip colors to appear more vibrant. Heads up: The exfoliation process can be a tad drying on the skin, so rehydrate and seal in much-needed moisture with your go-to lip balm or mask for a smooth, plump feel. (However, most of the scrubs on this list also feature hydrating ingredients, so your lips aren’t left high and dry.)

    When should you exfoliate your lips?

    Yes, exfoliating helps smooth and soften your lips, but overdoing it will only exacerbate dryness and flaking. "If you see flakes, my first recommendation is to give the skin what it's asking for, which is hydration,” Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously told Allure. “After moisturizing the lips, if there are still flakes, you can use gentle sugar scrubs.” It’s not an exact timeframe like other daily- or weekly-use products, but whipping out your lip scrubs only when absolutely necessary is key to maintaining the moisture barrier of the delicate skin on and around your lips.

    Meet the experts

    • Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City
    • Kellie Reed, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
    • Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Branford and Hamden, Connecticut
    • Quynh-Giao Sartor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston

    How we test and review products

    When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

    For our list of the best lip scrubs, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

    Our staff and testers

    A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

    After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

  • Vanessa Hudgens’s Tiger Stripe French Manicure Is Wildly Cool

    Vanessa Hudgens’s Tiger Stripe French Manicure Is Wildly Cool

    Vanessa Hudgens appears at a party in a oneshouldered black feather dress. She wears her hair pulled back.Save StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    If you're looking for some fun winter manicure inspiration for the first few weeks of 2026, you may want to turn your attention to the animal kingdom before booking that appointment! Take a cue from Vanessa Hudgens, whose twist on the classic French manicure is wildly cool.

    The actor-musician, who recently welcomed her second child with husband Cole Tucker, teamed up with her go-to nail artist Zola Ganzorigt on another animal-print French tip, but this time she looked to a different big cat for her tips, opting for black and white tiger stripes instead of leopard print—as she did shortly after giving birth—or the more traditional orange and black tiger stripe.

    Zanzorigt filed Hudgens's nails into a long almond shape and applied a neutral base, then painted the tips a shimmery silver-white and added the signature jagged, horizontal tiger stripes to each nail, varying the size for a realistic animal-print pattern. The frosty chrome texture of the platinum tip makes the manicure feel extra wintry, and tiger stripes are a totally underrated animal print, if you ask me.

    Instagram content

    Celebs are co-signing the animal-print French manicure in a big way, and we've got a feeling it's going to get even bigger as we head into 2026. Hudgens has now worn two distinct versions of the nail art style, and another Ganzorigt client, Hailey Bieber, dabbled in the look for a late 2025 trip to Japan with a cheetah-print French. Leopard print is, of course, the ultimate animal print—what's that saying about how leopard print is a neutral?—but there are so many fun options to choose from, like sleek zebra print, cute cheetah dots, cheeky cow print, or glamorous snakeskin, for example. You can play with texture and color, as Hudgens and Ganzorigt did with the silvery chrome base, or keep it classic with colors straight out of the animal kingdom.

  • The Biggest Skin-Care Trends of 2026 Have Us Going Back to Basics

    The Biggest Skin-Care Trends of 2026 Have Us Going Back to Basics

    model with dewy skinVanessa GrandaSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    Ask any dermatologist, and they’ll tell you not to spend loads of money on trendy products or ingredients. Good, effective skin care is never rooted in buzz, but in long-studied, clinically backed science. Fortunately, in 2026, innovation is making science cool again. New delivery systems are giving cosmetic chemists better tools to create gentler yet more powerful formulas featuring gold-standard ingredients like retinol and vitamin C. Peptides and growth factors are becoming smarter and more targeted. And everyone is waiting to see if the Food and Drug Administration will approve its first sunscreen filter in 10 years, a move that could result in new, stronger sunscreens for Americans (finally!).

    Of course, K-beauty will continue to influence the market and force Western brands to fight for attention. In-office treatments will inspire topical products, and everyone’s obsession with longevity means peptides will take center stage and NAD+—a biohacking ingredient that billionaires and finance bros can’t stop talking about—will become a new supporting player in regenerative serums (even if it’s still TBD whether it does anything topically).

    Regardless, “science is winning in skin care in 2026,” says Uchenna Okereke, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Boston. “She’s having her moment and is telling us to get back to the basics. This year, science is guiding innovation—as opposed to finding a new ingredient and trying to make it work.”

    Brands are doing what they know best

    In 2026, we’ll see more of “what’s old” becoming “new again,” says Dr. Okereke. As you read this, brands are already upgrading their classic retinol and vitamin C products with the latest biotech innovations.

    “Formulas, delivery systems, and active ingredients are getting more sophisticated, so we want to go back to basics, making sure that we’re being the best that we can be with these tried-and-true ingredients,” says Colette Laxton, The Inkey List cofounder, whose brand was built on the principles of simple, straightforward, ingredient-focused skin-care products at accessible price points.

    More elegant formulations have the secondary effect of getting people to return to these classic, science-backed ingredients. “I do think that technology is reinforcing good habits, as opposed to people just adapting the hottest trend,” says Jacqueline Greb Goldminz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Wellesley, Massachusetts.

    It is delivery systems that have made the most impact. “They’re not a sexy topic, but there is a ton of innovation coming that is super important in terms of supporting stability and bioavailability of many actives,” says Mark Curry, The Inkey List’s other cofounder and lead chemist. (He and Laxton launched two new retinoids at the end of 2025—one that’s a starter formula for newbies, another that’s more targeted and advanced.)

    The Inkey List Starter Retinol Serum in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    The Inkey List

    Starter Retinol Serum

    $14

    Sephora

    The INKEY List Advanced Retinal Serum in branded tube component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    The Inkey List

    Advanced Retinal Serum

    $15

    Sephora

    $15

    Kohl's

    Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut, likens what’s happening in skin care in 2026 to the iPhone: “The newest model serves the same purpose, but it’s just continually being refined.” She names Neutrogena Collagen Bank 15% Vitamin C Glow + Tone Booster Serum as an example: “Vitamin C has been around forever, but Neutrogena put an exfoliator in it, so the vitamin C penetrates better. Brands are fine-tuning, making 2.0 versions of the basic stuff.” Prequel Retinal Renew Retinaldehyde Gel and Skinfix Brighten + Firm 15% Vitamin C (both launched in December) also signal this shift to more advanced formulations featuring well-known ingredients.

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    Neutrogena

    Collagen Bank 15% Vitamin C Glow + Tone Booster Serum

    $26 $18 (31% off)

    Amazon

    $26

    Ulta Beauty

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    Prequel

    Retinal Renew Retinaldehyde Gel

    $29

    Prequel

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    Skinfix

    Brighten + Firm 15% Vitamin C

    $69

    Sephora

    $69

    Kohl's

    Dermatologists are happiest about this trend. “It reinforces that we always had the tools, we just had to figure out how to apply them in a way that was smart and made sense for people,” says Dr. Okereke. “It's reaffirming to know that the knowledge we learned decades ago still stands.”

    Pre- and post-procedure skin care is on the rise

    With in-office treatments like collagen-stimulating injectables and resurfacing lasers becoming more common, it’s no surprise that dermatologists and their patients are looking for ways to optimize results both pre- and post-procedure. “At our practice, we've had more of a focus on using skin care to really support and augment in-office treatments,” says Dr. Goldminz, who notes the robust science behind the Alastin line and recommends the brand to her clients ahead of and after Fraxel and Sculptra procedures.

    “Applying the peptides in the Regenerating Skin Nectar before Fraxel can change the nature of your skin going into the treatment and also reduce downtime,” she continues. “Then using Restorative Skin Complex before biostimulatory treatments like Sculptra has similar effects, because what we’re trying to do is activate your fibroblasts to lay down more collagen.”

    Alastin has been around since 2015, but more brands and beauty entrepreneurs are looking to tap into this space. SkinCeuticals launched RGN-6 Regenerative Cream in 2025, a serum designed to “complement the outcome and reduce treatment downtime” after ablative and non-ablative laser treatments, while Robin Smith, MD, founder of Exoceuticals, anticipates post-procedure kits will be a thing of the future.

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    Alastin

    Regenerating Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology

    $258

    Amazon

    $258

    Alastin

    SkinCeuticals Advanced RGN-6 Regenerative Cream in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    SkinCeuticals

    Advanced RGN-6 Regenerative Cream

    $195

    SkinCeuticals

    $195

    Dermstore

    $195

    Bluemercury

    It’s not just brands, either; consumers are curious about products that promise treatment-like results at home, but also want to maintain and enhance what they’re doing at the dermatologist’s office, according to Lisa Tamburello, Ulta Beauty’s vice president of merchandising for skin, sun care, and body care.

    Think of these products like using a K18 mask ahead of your color appointment, or a color-safe mask after the fact. And as long as the science is there, dermatologists are excited about the prospect of more procedure-enhancing products. “We get anxiety about what people are doing when they leave,” says Dr. Goldminz. “So it’s awesome to have that degree of control over the aftercare and knowing that these things are specifically designed to optimize results and also keep patients safe.”

    Sunscreen will get a much-needed reset

    From bogus beef tallow claims and white cast controversies to mousse recalls and Australian lab scandals, 2025 was not a great year for sunscreen in the news. While some dermatologists say this hasn’t influenced their patients, others say people are coming in with concerns. “I hear them out before I explain what we know, re-educate them on the benefits of sunscreen, and recommend tried-and-true brands where we have a good understanding of their testing,” says Dr. Okereke.

    Many of the experts believe 2025 was a wake-up call for sun-protection products. “In 2026, I think sunscreens are going to get a serious credibility shift,” says Ellen Marmur, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon in New York City. “People now need clarity in terms of what’s in their SPF, how it’s tested, and how it impacts both their skin and the environment. Brands that can pair transparency with beautiful textures will win.”

    Dr. Marmur predicts we’ll see more mineral-based, skin-care-infused formulas that feel luxurious to wear. Meanwhile, Chelea Strauser, Dermstore’s vice president of buying, thinks we’re going to finally start seeing more inclusive, high-grade formulas on beauty shelves, something Kelly Dobos, cosmetic and adjunct professor of cosmetic science at the University of Cincinnati, also confirmed to Allure in October. “A lot of the brands that were standing for inclusivity were not always [using] the most high-grade formulations, so I think that we'll see clearer formulations coming from core brands.”

    Everyone will also be keeping a close eye on the FDA and its potential approval of a new UV filter. Bemotrizinol (BEMT) “stays stable longer and gives better broad-spectrum protection than any sunscreen filter currently approved in the US,” Dobos previously wrote in Allure.

    In addition to making formulas more cosmetically elegant, dermatologists are excited that they will also help to better protect skin. “These filters don’t degrade as quickly in the face of UV light, so they’ll be more efficacious for longer," says Dr. Gohara. “This means there’s going to be increased compliance rates and hopefully decreased skin cancer.” After approval, brands that already use the ingredient in the UK and EU, and have been lobbying for approval in the US, will probably have new formulas ready to launch right away.

    Prepare for more perimenopause- and menopause-targeted skin care

    One of the most exciting and controversial skin-care trends for next year focuses on products specifically designed for perimenopausal and menopausal skin. On one hand, hallelujah! We’re finally giving this topic the attention it deserves. “The conversation has become more open and empowering, and patients want to understand how hormonal changes impact collagen, elasticity, and hydration,” says Dr. Marmur. “This is a missing piece in the treatment of mature skin,” adds Dr. Okereke.

    On the other hand, we have to ask ourselves: Are brands jumping on the bandwagon simply because it’s trendy and before the science is there? Estrogen-laced creams, available only by prescription, are hotly debated among dermatologists due to the lack of data. (Several have mentioned a very active thread on a dermatology Facebook group.) “We just don’t know the potential of [estriol creams] yet,” says Dr. Gohara. “Our skin is estrogen-sensitive as an organ. Estriol creams might be great for perimenopausal and menopausal skin because they could help improve dryness, thinning, and loss of elasticity by supporting collagen and barrier function. But I feel like there are other implications—such as the possibility of triggering hormonally driven hyperpigmentation like melasma—and we’re not peeling the onion far back enough at this point to confidently say, ‘Here you go,’ to people.”

    Dr. Gohara does expect the discussion to be refined and clarified next year: “This is going to be 2026; it’s going to be codified into how we can use [estriol, a weaker form of estrogen]. I bet we’ll see products [with the ingredient] coming out.”

    But skin care for perimenopause and menopause isn’t just about replacing estrogen. Sure, losing estrogen can mean hyperpigmentation, laxity, dehydration, and sagging, but there are products already out there that target those concerns, and they may not be marketed right now as a treatment for menopausal skin. You can expect this to change in 2026. “There are already brands introducing products addressing skin changes that occur during these phases,” says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, who gives a shoutout to Biolements Pause and Effect and PCA Skin’s Pro-Max Age Renewal Serum and MGF Age Renewal Cream. This is just the beginning.

    Bioelements Pause and Effect in branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Bioelements

    Pause and Effect

    $94

    Bioelements

    PCA Skin’s Pro-Max Age Renewal Serum in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    PCA Skin

    Pro-Max Age Renewal Serum

    $219

    Amazon

    $219

    Nordstrom

    $221

    Dermstore

    PCA Skin MGF Age Renewal Cream in branded tub component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    PCA Skin

    MGF Age Renewal Cream

    $161

    Nordstrom

    $161

    Dermstore

    $161

    Bluemercury

    Brands will find ways to tap into the longevity trend

    No more is longevity just about billionaires biohacking with IV drips. The longevity obsession has permeated all areas of health and wellness, including skin care. Now, when it comes to longevity in skin care, the narrative has shifted from treatment to prevention. The goal is to keep skin cells as healthy as possible to prevent premature aging. It could be argued that this is just the return of “anti-aging,” but in a new font.

    Brands like Estée Lauder and La Prairie have already been heavily investing in the field, and in 2026, the sector is set to explode. “The biggest shift will be toward true regenerative skin care,” says Ivan Pol, facialist and founder of The Beauty Sandwich, who adds that consumers want skin care with benefits beyond hydration and resurfacing. “They want treatments that create real structural change, and technology is finally catching up.”

    Lancôme signed a partnership with True Diagnostic, an Australian-based company that sells kits that tell you your cellular age. In April 2026, they’ll roll out Cell Bioprints at the Lancôme counter, which measure your “proteomics” (the analysis of the structure of proteins, in this case, in your skin). “You’ll get your protein biomarker, and it will not only tell you where your skin is today, but also the biology of your cells and what it means for tomorrow,” says Guive Balooch, global vice president of augmented beauty and open innovation at L'Oréal Groupe. “We’re also working on an at-home version [of the test].” Balooch adds that he believes we’ll see lots of companies and startups bringing diagnostics for skin to market next year.

    Besides diagnostic testing, get ready to see formulas featuring NAD+, the coenzyme in our body that’s responsible for cellular energy production and cellular and DNA repair.

    Unfortunately, though, this is another example of marketing getting ahead of the science. “NAD+ is a large, hydrophilic molecule, which makes skin penetration difficult,” says Dr. King. “Some products may use precursors like NMN or NR, which may penetrate better and convert to NAD+ inside the cell, but there's not much data, just limited human studies and no large, peer-reviewed clinical trials in humans.”

    Peptides and growth factors will be hot again

    With a lack of data surrounding the application of topical NAD+, “some brands are finding other ways of diving into the skin-longevity trend,” says Dr. King. They’re doing so with peptides and growth factors, which every expert we spoke to says are becoming smarter, more sophisticated, and remain extremely popular among consumers.

    Says Dr. Goldminz, “Peptides and growth factors are wonderful because they can truly make your skin act younger, activating fibroblasts [which help facilitate the production of collagen and other proteins], increasing the rate of skin-cell turnover, and helping you respond better to UV or environmental damage.”

    Looking ahead to 2026, Dr. King highlights peauforia and peauvita—two synthetic growth factors from French biotech company Core Biogenesis—as standout innovations with “great data to back them up,” she says. As for peptides, Dr. Gohara points out three next-gen options to know: copper tripeptide-1 (now stabilized in advanced systems for improved wound healing and collagen support); oligopeptide-68 (a modern brightening peptide that reduces pigmentation pathways without irritation), and microbiome-targeting peptides (an emerging class that helps balance redness, acne, and overall skin tolerance).

    This trend is also driven by the fact that people are really clued in on these two ingredients. Peptides, in particular, “are instrumental for the growth of large brands,” says Strauser, pointing to SkinCeuticals’ P-Tiox, which is the reason behind the brand’s recent growth. For Dermstore, Allies of Skin growth factor serum is “number one, by and large, for the brand,” she adds. That momentum will certainly continue in 2026.

    SkinCeuticals P-TIOX in branded black bottle with black pipette on light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    SkinCeuticals

    P-Tiox

    $150

    SkinCeuticals

    $150

    Dermstore

    $150

    Bluemercury

    Zo Skin Health Peptide Refining Concentrate in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    ZO Skin Health

    Peptide Refining Concentrate

    $265

    Zo Skin Health

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    Bioelements

    Peptide Architect

    $68

    Bioelements

    Allies of Skin Multi Peptide & GF Advanced Lifting Serum in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Allies of Skin

    Multi Peptide & GF Advanced Lifting Serum

    $188

    Amazon

    $188

    Nordstrom

    $188

    Dermstore

    Skin care will become more experiential

    We’ve been talking a lot about science, but dermatologists are eager to point out that they’re seeing more and more patients looking for skin care with a feel-good factor. “They want to enjoy what they're doing, and that it's not just this perfunctory, medicinal routine,” says Dr. Gohara. “They want to like everything about the experience, from buying it to the way it feels on their skin to the way it smells.”

    Joyce de Lemos, Dieux brand cofounder and formulator, agrees: “I think people are looking for comfort and the ritual aspect in skin care, much like they did during COVID,” she says. “They’re looking for something to come home to that they can afford, that’s going to make them feel better about the state of the world.”

    This shift is not just about these unpredictable times. K-beauty’s emphasis on texture and experience is also an influence, as are the hundreds of thousands of social media videos that showcase skin-care routines as sacred rituals. Says Dr. Goldminz, “Brands are picking up on that and spending a lot of time and energy developing products that can be enjoyable to apply.”

    With these visceral reactions to skin care in mind, Dr. Gohara thinks 2026 is the time to revisit the conversation about fragrance as an irritant. “As a dermatologist, we always say, ‘no fragrance,’ but I feel like it needs to stop being canceled,” she says. “Scent is an important aspect of self-care and the overall experience of skin care.” She likens her thinking to the way patients deal with food allergies: “If somebody is peanut allergic, the whole world isn't avoiding peanuts. We shouldn't make it an across-the-board thing and tell all of our patients to avoid peanuts.”

    Injectable-inspired skin care will remain the Wild West

    Last year, we predicted exosomes would generate buzz, but cautioned that there was still a long way to go in terms of safety, sourcing, and determining the ingredient's efficacy. For 2026, we find ourselves in the same position, just with more exosome-inspired products on the market than ever. “It's a continuation of what we were talking about last year because none of that got resolved,” explains Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama.

    Every dermatologist we spoke to emphasizes, again, the need for long-term, controlled clinical trials, as the potential benefits of topical exosomes remain uncertain. The ethics surrounding human-derived exosomes also remain controversial, a fact that ingredient suppliers are trying to avoid in 2026 with the development of plant-derived exosomes. Although “if it is plant-derived, can we actually reap the benefits from plant cells?” Dr. Hartman asks. “There’s just no science to back that up.”

    In the same field of regenerative skin-care ingredients, we’ll also see loads of topical products featuring polydeoxyribonucleotide (a.k.a. PDRN, a.k.a. salmon sperm), another trend that started in 2025 and will continue into the new year. The industry is rushing to produce more data on this ingredient, but the conversation about PDRN is similar to exosomes, with dermatologists expressing concerns about safety and sourcing and pointing out that the ingredient has not been approved by the FDA for use in the United States, either as an injectable or in topical form. What you can be certain of is that ingredient suppliers and brands will continue to tap into PDRN interest in a major way in 2026.

    More skin-care devices will hit the market

    At-home devices are becoming a standard part of people’s daily skin-care routines. In 2026, a turbulent economy means people will continue to invest in tools as an alternative to in-office procedures. Strauser says Dermstore is seeing “so much investment in high-priced luxury skin care and devices at the moment.”

    Tools will get techier, more personalized, and more portable. Retailers like Ulta Beauty and Currentbody expect to see red- and blue-light devices—the benefits of which range from reducing acne to quelling inflammation—continue to lead the way and evolve, a point confirmed by Balooch: “We’ll see more unique LED technology out there…. At L’Oréal, we’re working on some ideas around making LED [devices] more consumer-centric.”

    But it’s not just LED devices that will dominate in 2026. “Home-use radio frequency is becoming more popular as technology improves, while we are also seeing a lot of interest in at-home laser hair removal,” says Laurence Newmaner, founder and CEO of The Beauty Tech Group. Lancôme recently announced its Renegerie Nano-Resurfacer in 2025, a device equipped with “nano-tips” to help the serum it's paired with better absorb into the skin. It’s inspired by microneedling treatments (in-office therapies that use needles ranging from 0.5 to 3 millimeters long to stimulate collagen production—and are best left to professionals due to the risk of injury).

    It is this tech-plus-topical combination that Balooch sees growing next year. “It's not just going to be one or the other,” he says. “I think we're going to see more of them together.”

    It’s important to highlight that while we may see more tools than ever before, “there’s still not much head-to-head data to really interrogate any of these particular devices,” notes Dr. Goldminz. And Dr. Hartman reminds us that “there's just a certain threshold that you're not going to be able to cross with an at-home device of any type.”

    Still, the dermatologists we spoke to don’t dissuade patients from buying at-home devices if it’s within their budget. “Dermatologists aren’t accessible to everyone,” says Dr. Gohara, who sees a benefit in “giving the patients power to do stuff at home,” especially with microcurrent devices. “A lot of my friends who are really influential and smart dermatologists have their patients use microcurrent devices in between their cosmetic treatments. Because if you're stimulating your collagen every day, isn't that better than stimulating it just every quarter?”

    The K-beauty boom won’t slow down anytime soon

    In 2024, South Korea became the third-largest cosmetics exporter in the world, and the country will likely maintain this ranking for 2025 and 2026. South Korea’s largest beauty retailer, Olive Young, will open its first US location in Los Angeles in May 2026, while Ulta Beauty recently expanded its already robust K-beauty selection with brands like Chasin’ Rabbins, Mixsoon, and Some By Mi.

    “K-beauty is increasingly driving the narrative for what is trending and what people who are obsessed with skin care want to know,” says Charlotte Palmerino, Dieux cofounder. “Although the problem with K-beauty is that a lot of the trends happen before the science supports them.” (PDRN-inspired topicals are a perfect example of this.)

    The speed at which Korean brands can innovate is something everyone agrees is impacting the industry here in the West. It’s shaping trends, driving hundreds of thousands in sales on TikTok, and forcing legacy and disruptor brands to rethink their strategies. Cofounders Laxton and Curry, for example, recently launched Inkey Labs, a fast-track innovation hub that allows The Inkey List to launch new products based on research data, the latest trends, and customer feedback outside of the usual retailer schedule. “You're f*cked if you don't realize the impact this is having, whether you want to be on TikTok or not,” Laxton says of the products going viral on the platform, many of which are from K-beauty brands. “It's impacting everybody's perception of beauty, their buying habits… It's changing everything.”

    So what can you expect in the new year, besides even more K-beauty to choose from? Ulta’s Tamburello predicts we’ll see brands launch products with new-to-market ingredients that promise faster results than what’s now available.

    Similarly, K-beauty expert Chloe Joung—who helps bring Korean beauty brands into the US market with her company Bazzaal—sees a shift in focus from gentle, everyday use products to more heavy-hitting formulas that are either inspired by in-office treatments popular in South Korea (like microneedling and PDRN) or ingredient-focused. “Manufacturers are trying to figure out, for example, how to make 20% niacinamide [gentler] for the skin than what’s already out there,” says Joung. “They’re really thinking about what is working in the local markets, in this case the US, and going from there.”

    The “lipification” of beauty won’t stop

    You’re not imagining things. Every beauty brand—whether it’s skin care, makeup, or hair care—has a lip treatment, and the phenomenon will continue in 2026. The end of the year has lip treatment launches from skin-care brands like Revive, Well People, and Bliss, and makeup brands like Florence by Mills and Refy, the latter of which features a metal rollerball tip often found in undereye products. And while many of the 2026 launches are under embargo, we can confidently say there is a lot more coming down the lip-softening pipeline.

    The “lipification of beauty,” as industry insiders refer to it, is happening because the demand is there. Brands are finding success with lip treatments, both on social media and financially (profit margins on producing and selling lip products are incredibly high, explains Palmerino).

    Before you feel the need to invest in yet another balm to fish out of your bag, keep in mind that, in reality, there are plenty of new options, but there isn’t a lot of innovation. When making a lip balm, you need occlusive ingredients that prevent water from escaping from your lips, explains de Lemos. That means the additional ingredients you include have to be anhydrous, or oil-based, and you can’t include anything water-soluble like niacinamide and alpha-hydroxy acids. Adds de Lemos, “There are tricks you can do, but it’s really minimal in terms of that innovation factor.”

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    ReVive

    Rescue Lip Mask

    $75

    Nordstrom

    Well People Poutlove Peptide Lip Balm in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Well People

    Poutlove Peptide Lip Balm

    $14

    Amazon

    $14

    Ulta Beauty

    Florence by Mills Stay Plush Serum-Infused Lip Oil Tints in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Florence by Mills

    Stay Plush Serum-Infused Lip Oil Tints

    $16

    Ulta Beauty

    Refy Lipstick in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Refy

    Lipstick

    $28

    Sephora

    $28

    Refy

    Meet the experts:

    • Guive Balooch is the global vice president of augmented beauty and open innovation at L'Oréal Groupe.
    • Mark Curry is a cofounder and CEO of The Inkey List.
    • Joyce de Lemos is a cosmetic chemist and cofounder of Dieux Skin.
    • Kelly Dobos is a cosmetic chemist and adjunct professor of cosmetic science at the University of Cincinnati.
    • Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Hamden, Connecticut.
    • Jacqueline Greb Goldminz, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Wellesley, Massachusetts.
    • Corey L. Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama.
    • Chloe Joung is the CEO and founder of Bazzaal, an agency that helps bring Korean beauty brands into the US market.
    • Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
    • Colette Laxton is a cofounder of The Inkey List.
    • Ellen Marmur, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon in New York City.
    • Laurence Newmaner is the founder and CEO of The Beauty Tech Group.
    • Uchenna Okereke, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Boston.
    • Charlotte Palmerino is the cofounder and chief brand officer of Dieux Skin and a licensed aesthetician.
    • Ivan Pol is a facialist and founder of The Beauty Sandwich.
    • Robin Smith, MD, is the founder of Exoceuticals.
    • Chelsea Strauser is Dermstore’s vice president of buying.
    • Lisa Tamburello is vice president of merchandising for skin, sun care, and body care at Ulta Beauty.