Dermstore Is Giving Us Up to 30% Off for Black Friday—Here Are 15 of the Best Skincare Products to Buy Now

Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Repair Mist is one of the best products I discovered this year. (You might remember it from my summer routine.) It’s a hydrating mist infused with 5% niacinamide, so you’re getting brightening, barrier-strengthening, oil-controlling and pore-minimizing benefits all in one. For me, it is also moisturizing enough that I don’t need any other hydrator under my sunscreen.

Another new favourite is Agent Nateur Holi (C) (which I’ll be featuring in my upcoming fall routine). This is a stable vitamin C powder consisting of sodium ascorbyl phosphate and a patented form of calcium with anti-aging benefits. To apply it, you just mix it with water, mist, serum or moisturizer (I use the brand’s Holi(Water), which is also amazing). You don’t have to worry about oxidation, and it works to brighten, tighten and even clear acne!

ClarityRx Daily Dose of Water Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum contains only four ingredients. Four! As such, it’s one of my favourite hydrating serums because it is highly unlikely to cause irritation or breakouts. The hyaluronic acid helps to bind moisture to your skin and gives it a plumped-up look.

As you probably know, iS Clinical has a cult following and rarely goes on sale... until now. If I had to choose just one product to start with, it would be the Cleansing Complex. This is a jelly-like cleanser for all skin types that gently exfoliates with willow bark without stripping your skin. Honestly, it has the most unique texture of any cleanser I’ve tried, and would make a fantastic addition to any skincare routine.

I’m often asked which EltaMD sunscreen is the best, and my pick is UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40, which is available with and without a tint. I like this formulation because not only is it low in silicone and fragrance-free, you’re also getting 15% zinc oxide and 2% titanium dioxide. The 15% zinc oxide is always the minimum you want to look for in order to protect from UVA rays, which are most responsible for aging.

If you’re looking for a powerful retinoid to add to your routine, Osmosis MD Renew Advanced Retinal Serum is one of my top suggestions. It contains 0.15% retinaldehyde, which is the direct precursor to active vitamin A and therefore stronger and faster-acting than retinol. It’s also high in niacinamide and peptides, and is silicone-free. 

Another excellent retinaldehyde option is Arcona Advanced “A” Serum, which is aimed at signs of aging as well as acne. Although we’re not told the exact concentration, retinaldehyde is the fifth ingredient, which suggests that it’s fairly potent (and keep in mind that retinaldehyde is stronger than retinol).

And I have one more retinoid to suggest: Verso Super Facial Serum. This one contains not retinaldehyde but retinyl retinoate, which is a non-irritating, next-gen retinoic acid ester. In this formula, it’s equivalent to 0.8% retinol, so this is another powerful treatment. The rich serum base makes it most suitable for drier skin types.

Doctor Rogers RESTORE Face Lotion is a dermatologist-formulated moisturizer discovery that ticks off all my boxes. It’s fragrance-free and silicone-free, with a lightweight texture, and a superstar ingredient lineup that includes squalane, shea butter, niacinamide and Centella Asiatica extract.

Ceramides are so important for healing a compromised skin barrier, but they’re usually found in rich moisturizers (which may cause breakouts for those of us who are acne-prone). That’s why I like Skin Inc Supplement Bar Ceramide Serum. This is a unique lightweight serum loaded with four types of ceramides. All skin can use this, layered under your usual hydrator or SPF of choice.

My all-time favourite BHA treatment, COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, is part of the sale (so if you love it as much as I do, consider buying multiples!). For years, I’ve used this product daily to keep my skin clear, calm and bright. I love the active ingredient, betaine salicylate, because it gives you all the benefits of salicylic acid, but is much gentler.

For the highest dose of niacinamide on the market, your best bet is Paula’s Choice Niacinamide 20% Treatment. With 20% of the active, this is an intensive (but non-irritating) treatment for large pores, “orange peel” skin, blotchiness, dark marks and uneven tone. It’s also silicone-free and fragrance-free.

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser is one of the best gentle cleansers that I always recommend. It’s a sulfate-free gel that both cuts through makeup and cleans your skin, without over-drying. So if you don’t like to bother with double-cleansing, this does a great job all in one step.

In case you’re wondering, I still wear REN Clean Skincare Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 all the time—it’s one of my go-to sunscreens. And not just because it’s highly protective with 22% zinc oxide. I also love that it’s silicone-free, and feels light and semi-matte (not greasy) on my skin.

Another option is Suntegrity 5-in-1 Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen SPF 30. This was one of the OG tinted sunscreens, and it’s still one of the best—although unfortunately, it only goes as dark as medium. If it’s a match for your skin, you’ll be getting 20% zinc oxide protection with the light coverage of a BB cream.