Alright, so—getting that bomb, crazy-glowy skin? It’s honestly not rocket science (thank God, because I almost failed math). The right skin stuff can turn your face from “meh” to “wow, is she using a filter?” Whether your issue is dry skin, blah-ness, or you just want to see your cheekbones in the dark, I’ve got you. Here are my ten ride-or-die products for glowing skin, based on actual people’s rave reviews…not just some marketing mumbo-jumbo.
10 Best Skincare Products for Glowing Skin
Here comes my hot take, one product at a time (in no particular order, because, let’s be real, I don’t discriminate when it comes to stuff that makes my skin look expensive):
1. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Seriously, this is like a nice big sigh for your face. Cleans you up but doesn’t leave you dry or squeaky. Sensitive skin folks, this one’s your BFF.
• What’s in it: Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid
• Good for: Normal/dry skin
Shop here: $13
Highlights:
• Made for normal to dry skin.
• Suitable for all skin types, sensitive skin, adults, and young adults (18+). Unisex
• Paraben-free, fragrance-free, and soap-free
• Non-comedogenic (meaning it won't clog pores), non-drying, and non-irritating
• Accepted by the National Eczema Association (NEA)
Our new CeraVe bottles contain the same Developed with Dermatologists formulas you know and love, and the same amount. The bottles are now made with LESS plastic and 100% Recycled plastic (excluding the pump). The 8oz, 12oz, and 16oz bottle sizes contain 17%, 21%, and 28% less plastic compared to the current bottles, respectively.
2. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
This one’s famous for a reason. Bye, dark spots. Bye, oil-slick forehead. Super cheap, so you can still afford avocado toast.
• What’s in it: Niacinamide, Zinc
• Good for: Oily, acne-prone skin
Shop Here: $6
Benefits
- Helps to reduce the signs of congestion and visible sebum activity
- Aids in appearance of textural irregularities
- Suited for Oily Skin
How To Use
The Ordinary recommends performing a patch test prior to incorporating a new product into your skin care routine.
Apply to entire face morning and evening before heavier creams. Use after Squalane Cleanser and before Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA.
Contraindications: Do not use in the same routine as pure or ethylated vitamin C.
3. La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum
If your skin’s looking like it needs an exorcism, this’ll bring it back to the land of the living. Vitamin C brightens and smooths—magic.
• What’s in it: 10% Vitamin C, Salicylic Acid
• Good for: Dull, lifeless skin
Shop here: $42
Highlights
- La Roche-Posay Vitamin C serum is formulated with 12% Pure Vitamin C that helps to visibly reduce the look of wrinkles and fine lines while also refining skin texture
- Vitamin C face serum contains Salicylic Acid and Neurosensine, creating a triple anti-aging complex for optimal effectiveness and gentleness while also being suitable for sensitive skin
- Leaves skin feeling softer, brighter & more hydrated
- Skin looks smoother & more radiant, and skin texture appears more refined.
- Anti-aging serum is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
- Paraben-free, oil-free, allergy tested, and non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist Tested
- Formula with fragrance
4. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This stuff? Not overrated. It literally eats dead skin and unclogs your pores so you glow, not grease.
• What’s in it: Salicylic Acid
• Good for: Bumpy, breakout-prone faces
Shop here: $34
Affiliate Link: Click
Description
Skin Type: Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily, Sensitive
Skin Concerns: Blackheads, Breakouts / Blemishes, Dryness, Dullness, Fine Lines & Wrinkles, Oiliness, Uneven Skin Texture, Uneven Skin Tone, Pores, Redness
Formulation: Liquid
Skincare By Age: 20s, 30s, 40s, 50+, Under 20
A unique leave-on formula that’s gentle enough for daily use on all skin types and exfoliates dead skin cells while clearing pores for a more even, radiant tone, all while visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkles to reveal remarkably smoother, younger-looking skin.
Skin becomes dull, dry, and congested when dead skin cells build up on its surface. Beta hydroxy acid (BHA, also known as salicylic acid) mimics the natural exfoliation process of younger skin by helping it shed extra layers while unclogging and clearing pores. This exfoliant has an optimal pH range of 3.2–3.8. All skin types may use this product, but the texture is especially suited for those with normal to oily or combination skin, stubborn blackheads, and blemish-prone skin. It can also be used regularly to eliminate calluses on feet, elbows, and knees.
5. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Like slapping clouds on your face, hydrating AF but not greasy, so your makeup doesn’t slide off.
• What’s in it: Hyaluronic Acid
• Good for: Any skin on planet Earth
Shop here: $20
Highlights
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Gel Cream Fragrance Free for nourished, dewy skin
- Ideal for normal to dry skin types, and is clinically-proven to be gentle on sensitive skin
- Lightweight water-like gel cream absorbs quickly and instantly nourishes and soothes skin
- Fragrance-free face gel cream formulated with hyaluronic acid, a dermatologist-recommended hydrator
- Formulated with Natural Moisturizing Factors to help attract water and restore moisture balance
- Dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic formula free of fragrance, dye, parabens, and phthalates
- Hydro Boost Gel Cream strengthens the skin's barrier after just 1 use
- To use in your skincare routine, apply the Gel Cream evenly to your face and neck daily after cleansing
6. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Snails. Yeah, it’s weird, but Korean beauty fans don't joke around. This stuff = plump, dewy cheeks and zero irritation.
• What’s in it: Snail mucin (96%, like whoa)
• Good for: Sensitive, aging skin
Shop here: $9
Highlights
- Improves overall skin radiance by targeting dullness and brightening the skin
- Provides long-lasting hydration without leaving a greasy residue
- Plumps the skin and supports healthy elasticity
- Minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles
- Enhances skin’s natural glow
- For all skin types, especially dehydrated and aging skin
- Dermatologist-tested & Hypoallergenic
7. Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream
Pricey? Heck yes. Is it like giving your face a silk duvet and a Beyoncé filter? Also yes. I save for this one.
• What’s in it: Algae, Hyaluronic Acid
• Good for: Dry or mature skin
Shop here: $72
Description
Tatcha's Dewy Skin Cream is a rich anti-aging moisturizer that feeds skin with plumping hydration and antioxidant-packed Japanese purple rice for a dewy, healthy glow. Ideal for dry skin, but can be used on normal skin for those who prefer a richer texture.
Benefits
This cream intensely hydrates and seals in moisture, helping to replenish ceramides for a healthy bounce and instant luminosity. A fermentation of Japanese superfoods, green tea, rice, and algae, helps skin to look its most beautiful at any age.
Suggested use
Incorporate this moisturizer into your skincare routine. Scoop a pearl-sized amount of cream with the gold spoon. Massage onto face, neck, and décolletage in upward strokes. Use daily, morning, and night.
8. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Does exactly what it says: it makes your skin look like you just finished a SoulCycle class (but without the sweating). Layer under or over makeup, do you?
• What’s in it: Watermelon stuff, Niacinamide
• Good for: All skin types, literally everyone
Shop here: $49
Affiliate Link : Click
Details
Get even more of the same bestselling serum you love. Meet Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops Jumbo, double the Dew Drops for double the glow. This lightweight makeup + skincare hybrid serum adds brightness and hydration for an instant and long-term glow that brightens skin both instantly & over time. Dew Drops Jumbo delivers instant glow for all skin types, making it the perfect addition to both your skincare & makeup routine.
Glow Tip: Use your Dew Drops Jumbo to refill your travel & regular size Dew Drops bottles to make sure your glow never runs out!
About Glow Recipe: Glow Recipe creates clean, clinically effective, fruit-powered skincare for glowing skin. Anchored in Korean skincare philosophies, this sensorial skincare line develops innovative formulas that pair antioxidant-rich fruit with gentle yet powerful actives for real results and your healthiest, glowiest skin yet. Vegan. Cruelty-free.
9. Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer
Overnight glow-up in a tub. Fine lines get the boot, and you wake up looking like you got eight hours (even if you didn’t, oops).
• What’s in it: Retinol, Niacinamide
• Good for: Not-so-young skin (no shade)
Shop here: $29
Affiliate Link : Click
About this item
· SUPERCHARGED HYDRATION: Gel face moisturizer supercharged to hydrate 2X longer than a $400 cream
· CLEAN GEL MOISTURIZER: Fragrance-free, hydrating, and clean gel formula feels smooth and absorbs quickly with no sticky or tacky feeling, so it can be worn seamlessly under makeup
· HYALURONIC HERO: This formula provides supercharged hydration that lasts all day with Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and Peptides
· GO-TO MOISTURIZER: Smooth evenly over cleansed face and neck, morning and night
· HYDRATED GLOW: With every use, you’ll feel instant hydration that lasts 24 hours. With two weeks of use, you’ll see visibly healthier-looking skin. With 1 month of use, you’ll see supple and radiant skin that glows.
· DERMATOLOGIST TESTED: And we didn’t stop there, it’s also crafted with dermatologist-recommended Peptides
10. Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40
If you’re not using sunscreen, what are you doing with your life? This one actually makes you glow, not just protect. Perfect under makeup, or alone for “I woke up like this” energy.
• What’s in it: Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, SPF magic
• Good for: Literally everyone (don’t even argue)
Shop here: $38
Affiliate Link: Click
How it feels
Soft glow mineral drops that feel lightweight and hydrating with a soft, radiant finish that minimizes white cast. Recommended for normal, combination, dry, oily, or sensitive skin.
Why we made it
These soft glow mineral SPF drops leave your skin the healthiest it’s ever looked — instantly¹. Created for all skin types, including sensitive skin, Glowscreen Drops include a complex of blue pea flower and strawberry oil to help brighten, hydrate, and soften skin, plus broad-spectrum mineral SPF 40 protection to help prevent the visible signs of aging.
Real Talk
Look, your skin is your skin—no two routines are the same. But these bad boys are the stuff I’d recommend to my own mom (she’s kinda picky). If you want results, you gotta be consistent. Don’t expect miracles in three days. Also, for the love of all things hydrated, PATCH TEST before smearing a bunch of new stuff all over.
Quick Pro Tip: New to the skincare life? Start simple: gentle cleanser, a good moisturizer, SPF. If you get brave, throw in a serum like niacinamide or vitamin C once your skin isn’t flipping out.
Skincare FAQs
1. How long before I see a difference?
Give it 4–8 weeks. Yeah, patience sucks. But your skin needs time to catch up.
2. Vitamin C and niacinamide—can I use them together or nah?
You totally can! Science says it’s fine, and some brands even mix ‘em for you.
3. What if my skin is oily—do I *really* need moisturizer?
YES. Dehydrated oily skin is just gonna make more oil. Find a lightweight one, thank me later.
4. Sunscreen indoors? Seriously?
Yup. UVA gets through windows. Unless you live in a cave, wear SPF!
5. I have no clue where to start—help?!
Stick to basics: Cleanser, moisturizer, SPF. Everything else is extra credit.
📚Nerdy references for those who wanna double-check (respect):
- American Academy of Dermatology
- National Library of Medicine—Niacinamide
- Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology—Retinoid Use
- Skin Cancer Foundation—SPF is life
- Korean Journal of Dermatology—All hail snails
There you go. Welcome to the glow life—don’t say I never did anything for ya.