Top 5 Skincare Products of 2020

I’ve tried a variety of wonderful, serviceable, and unfortunate skincare products throughout this year, and I’d like to highlight a few that stood out. These products may suit those with any number of skin sensitives and conditions (though you should always check the ingredient lists for any specific allergies, etc), and have become fall-back staples for me. I look forward to finding new hits in 2021!

Mizon Black Snail All-In-One Cream: A reliable, long-lasting moisturizer perfect for all seasons (though dry skin types may need something more powerful for the winter), packed with incredible ingredients like Niacinamide and Snail Mucin, which work together to fight acne scars while also soothing the skin. Absorbing relatively quickly, this moisturizer goes well under both sunscreen and makeup and is priced at a reasonable $17.

Thank You Farmer Iceland Cleansing Foam: This affordable cleansing foam is perfect for those who want to fight their acne without drying their skin out. Packed with a variety of plant extracts, this foam works quickly to keep the skin clean and fresh. Often times I’m not a stickler for cleansers, since they’ll be washed off anyways, but this is a product that really does its best to be a powerful addition to your skincare routine even if its only on your face for 60 seconds.

COSRX Propolis Vitamin C Serum: A powerful serum that uses its simple ingredient list to uplift the concentration of its star components – propolis and vitamin c, which work together wonderfully to not only moisturize the skin, but also combat fungal and inflammatory acne and lighten scars. Though I may be trying other vitamin C and propolis serums in the future, this is a great staple product for anyone searching for an affordable vitamin C serum complimented with other great ingredients to bolster its effects.

Be Plain Vitamin Brightening Ampoule: A unique catch-all ampoule with a variety of soothing, moisturizing, hyper-pigmentation fighting ingredients that make it appropriate for all skin-types, even sensitive ones (though of course, always consider your own allergies, etc.). This ampoule can compliment any routine, regardless of whether your current focus is on acne, hydration, hyper-pigmentation, anti-aging, etc.

Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Exfoliant Liquid: A favorite product of many, Paula’s Choice BHA Exfoliant Liquid may be a simple combination of Green Tea and Salicylic Acid, but it delivers on its anti-acne message. If you’re looking for a simple but effective exfoliator, this is a great place to start.