PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Full confession: I’m a skincare junkie — have been ever since I hit my 30s and it dawned on me that I needed to take better care of skin, a lesson I wish I would have learned in my 20s. My (ever creeping) side of the bathroom counter, which I share with my husband, is littered with everything from inexpensive drugstore items to luxury moisturizers and dermatologist-prescribed serums. 

As someone who suffers from mild rosacea (another gift of growing older), I’m also extremely picky about what I put on my sensitive skin.  

Because of these factors, I’m constantly combing through reviews for the best skincare products on the market. Through personal experience, consumer-backed testimonials and recommendations from dermatologists, these are some of the best items I’ve found on Amazon. 

(We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.)

COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence

$16.45 | Buy Here

Snail Power

Yes, the COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence is formulated with actual snail secretions, but hear me out. The Korean beauty favorite, which is a No. 1 bestseller on Amazon, is lauded for rejuvenating dull and dehydrated skin while also reducing the signs of aging.

And don’t worry, no snails are harmed in the making of the serum. The makers claim the mucin is obtained in a safe and environmentally friendly way. The product is also dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic, as well as free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates. 

TruSkin Vitamin C Face Serum

$21.97 | Buy Here

Brightening in a Bottle

As any dermatologist will tell you, Vitamin C should be a key part of your skincare routine.

The brightening serum is used to even out skin tone, neutralize free radicals and boost your skin’s natural collagen production while diminishing dark spots, dark circles and fine lines. Skincare lovers in the know particularly like TruSkin Vitamin C Face Serum, which has more than 143,000 positive reviews on Amazon.

The popular serum is formulated with hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, aloe vera and jojoba oil, all ingredients known to help calm and protect skin.

Plus, compared to many Vitamin C serums, which can run well upward of $100 (please don’t ask me how I know this), TruSkin is very reasonably priced. 

Stylia Double Chin Mask – V Line Chin Strap

$18.99 | Buy Here

Take It On The Chin

Many, many of the skincare and beauty accounts I follow on social media love this inexpensive, v-line chin mask by Stylia, which they claim contours and defines the jawline.

The hydrogel chin strap, which has straps that fit over the ears, is meant to be worn for 30 minutes; among its ingredients are soothing hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. The vegan, cruelty-free and dermatologist-tested mask is also safe to use for those with sensitive skin.

“They smell lovely and make my skin feel tighter and soft after the 30 minutes of wearing them,” wrote one Amazon five-star reviewer. “They look silly when you put them on, but totally worth it!” 

CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum

$14.34 | Buy Here

Soothe the Skin

Hyaluronic acid is the main component of what gives our skin structure — and that plump, youthful look. Sadly, as we start to age, our hyaluronic acid decreases, leading to saggy skin. But not all is lost!

There are a plethora of products containing skin-enhancing HA, including the dermatologist-beloved CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

The lightweight, hydrating serum has a smooth, gel texture and is packed with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid. Like all CeraVe products, the serum is formulated with three essential ingredients that help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier.

It’s also free of parabens and fragrances and doesn’t clog pores, making it a must-have for those of us with sensitive skin. 

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

$18.99 | Buy Here

H2O to the Rescue

When I unpacked my bags on a recent vacation I almost had a meltdown. Why? Because I had forgotten my Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, which reigns supreme as the best makeup remover on the market.

Fragrance and alcohol free, the gentle micellar water, which is safe to use on eyes, removes impurities and make-up while respecting your sensitive skin. I use it morning and night after washing my face, another important step in your skincare routine.

Simply soak a cotton pad in the product and rub it across your skin; then prepare yourself to be amazed at the evidence of all the remaining dirt and makeup your cleanser failed to rinse off — but your micellar water caught.