The 2024 SELF Healthy Beauty Awards: 27 Standout Serums, Exfoliants, and Masks That Really Deliver
Bonus points, per the experts: This product is packed with moisturizing ceramides and glycerin.
One tester said: “This was so impressive. It’s light, hydrating, and, man, was I GLOWING. My complexion also looks very even (no redness) after using this.”
Best Face Mist: Joah Cooling Gel Mist
Why we love it: Does your makeup need a midday pick-me-up? Could your sweaty face use an instant refresh in the summer heat? Enter Joah’s Cooling Gel Mist, a pretty little product that can lock in moisture, set your foundation, and even calm down redness (thanks to soothing ingredients like aloe). Another fun fact: The brand’s name, Joah, actually means “I like it” in Korean—cute, right?
Bonus points, per the experts: Hyaluronic acid is a lightweight hydrator for all skin types.
One tester said: “I AM OBSESSED. Everything from the presentation to the actual product is fantastic! I love the lightness of the mist and just how refreshing it feels once it hits my face. So, so, so, so good.”
Just so you know: This product contains fragrance.
Best Soothing Toner: M-61 Skincare SuperSoothe Calm+Correct Toner
Why we love it: One tester with oily skin swears this toner is weightless, cooling, and mattifying. Plus, it has brightening ingredients like licorice to help reduce splotchy redness or dark spots.
One tester said: “Thankfully, this toner smells like nothing. (I hate fragrances!) As someone with rosacea, I noticed that this definitely soothed my red cheeks. Even after I pick at my pimples, it calmed things down. If you want that effortless ‘your skin, but better’ vibe, buy this!”
Best Exfoliating Toner: Garnier Micellar Gentle Peeling Water
Why we love it: We love a good micellar water for its ability to remove makeup without rubbing and tugging, and this one takes things up a notch. It can dissolve every last trace of foundation or mascara and delicately slough off dead skin cells for a smoother, brighter canvas, thanks to gentle exfoliants like glycolic acid.
Bonus points, per the experts: Along with glycolic acid, this product also has hydrating glycerin.
One tester said: “Immediately after using this, my face felt very soft. It’s gentle enough to use as a daily cleanser too. Overall, super happy with my results!”
Just so you know: Chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid can be drying or irritating, especially for dry and sensitive skin types, so do a patch test before using this.
Best Face Scrub: TruSkin Vitamin C Gentle Face Scrub
Why we love it: Scrubs often get a bad rap—too gritty, too aggressive, maybe even too painful for our delicate faces. Not this one, though: All of the testers who tried it found it gentle enough for their sensitive skin and couldn’t believe how velvety and creamy it was.
Bonus points, per the experts: Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is a stable form of vitamin C that works well to treat and prevent acne breakouts.