Good Housekeeping’s Top Beauty Picks of the Year

The GH Beauty Lab’s gold standard Olay face moisturizer gets a boost from powerhouse actives: brightening antioxidant vitamin C and smoothing, firming peptides.

LAB RESULTS The cream increased skin’s hydration by 31% over six hours and significantly improved brightness, dark spots and texture after four weeks, GH Beauty Lab data evaluation confirmed. In a 180-woman study, 91% said their skin had a healthy glow after five days of use.

A winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s anti-aging night cream test, Exuviance’s light, gel-like lotion was tops at reducing lines, thanks to a smoothing trio of glycolic acid, retinol and peptides.

TESTER NOTE “My skin was smoother and more even, with fewer fine lines in time.”

LAB RESULTS Lab digital imaging with the Visia Complexion Analyzer found that the formula minimized the look of wrinkles by 10%. In calculations with the Cutometer machine, which gauges skin laxity, it raised firmness 31% after four weeks.

Tackle crepiness and dehydration by applying Isdin’s silky serum, packed with two types of hyaluronic acid as well as peptides to plump both inner and outer layers of skin.

TESTER NOTES “I love how this serum soaks in quickly and smooths my face instantly” and “It left my skin refreshed,” two remarked.

LAB RESULTS GH Beauty Lab data evaluations found that the formulation delivers immediate plumping and smoothing effects and will improve skin’s texture over time.

Reduce inflammation that can exacerbate signs of aging with this Vichy Laboratoires serum, which contains a prebiotic ferment to improve the health of skin’s barrier.

TESTER NOTE “Calmed my skin and made it soft and less irritated.”

LAB RESULTS In a study, women showed statistically significant improvements in skin redness, tightness and dryness after 28 days of use, GH Beauty Lab data analysis confirmed.

No7’s great-value eye treatment provides the wrinkle-diminishing effects of retinol in a formula infused with soothing ingredients that’s safe for use around the delicate eye area.

LAB RESULTS After six weeks of nightly application, 80% of consumer testers thought their wrinkles were reduced and their skin felt firmer, and after eight weeks, 91% said the product was gentle on skin, a study found.

A potent yet streamlined blend of ingredients (kojic acid, niacinamide, licorice extract, tranexamic acid) works to fade hyperpigmentation in this “lightweight” spot treatment. In an eight-week trial, 85% of users agreed that it minimized the look of dark spots.

Splash on this exfoliating liquid with 7% glycolic and citric acids to combat skin congestion, dullness and clogged pores. It helps even out skin tone over four weeks of daily use, per GH Beauty Lab data evaluation.

Five types of muscle-relaxing peptides and hyaluronic acid in this wrinkle filler mimic pro treatments, targeting stubborn crow’s feet and mouth and forehead creases. Lines were less noticeable in under 30 minutes, two expert evaluators said.

Gently cleanse skin and whisk away makeup at the same time with this buttery Clinique balm, the winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s makeup remover test.

TESTER NOTES “Dissolved all my sunscreen and makeup almost instantly” and “Skin felt fresh, clean and so soft.”

LAB RESULTS The face wash earned the top score in Lab testing for needing the fewest swipes to completely remove makeup. Plus, 100% of testers agreed that it rinsed off easily and didn’t irritate or bring on breakouts.

This creamy classic St. Ives exfoliator — less than the price of a latte—lived up to its reputation, topping the GH Beauty Lab’s face scrub test.

TESTER NOTES “My skin has never felt smoother or [looked] brighter” and “It gave my skin a glow,” two said.

LAB RESULTS In Lab and consumer testing, it ranked high for effectively removing dirt and oil, minimizing the appearance of pores and having a fresh, fruity scent.

SeeMe Beauty’s satiny cream melts into skin to deliver intense hydration all day long via glycerin, niacinamide and botanical oils and extracts (avocado, turmeric, lavender, lemon).

LAB RESULTS In a study, 84% of users said the formulation left skin feeling hydrated throughout the day and 90% said it gave their complexion a healthy look. The cream also made skin feel firmer, 81% of them found, according to GH Beauty Lab data evaluation.

Smooth a few drops of Mary Kay’s ceramide, hyaluronic acid and glycerin concentrate onto skin to reinforce its moisture barrier.

LAB RESULTS In a study, it significantly increased hydration within 15 minutes after use, per Lab data.

These portable single-use biodegradable Roc Skincare capsules contain softeners like hyaluronic acid and plant oils to nourish skin while you sleep.

LAB RESULTS They upped skin moisture 64% post-application, Lab analysis showed.

The winner of the Lab’s face sunscreen test, Vichy Laboratoires shone overall.

TESTER NOTE “A perfect product.”

LAB RESULTS It rated highest for not leaving a white cast, being sticky or causing irritation and for strong sun protection.

A unique blend of a high 15% level of antioxidant vitamin C and purifying salicylic acid, this liquid simultaneously protects skin, reduces excess oil and improves signs of aging like lines. “Based on data review, this is effective for improving clarity and texture,” Wizemann says.

High-quality minimalist skincare at a value price, this water-like serum is packed with hyaluronic acid to add a layer of hydration to any typeof skin with no heaviness. “It’s smoothing and feels hydrating, yet is absorbed quickly,” Wizemann reports.

This translucent gel exfoliating mask is left on overnight to illuminate skin using lactic acid and citrus extracts. In a study, 82% of users agreed that it improved the look of discoloration and gave skin a healthy glow, Lab data analysis confirmed.

The lowest-priced of the face oils in the GH Beauty Lab’s test, this Palmer’s 10-botanical-oil blend (with argan, apricot and almond oils) was also a hero skin hydrator.

TESTER NOTES Skin had a “healthy glow” and “… the lines are gone!” two reported.

LAB RESULTS In testing using the Beauty Lab’s Corneometer device, which gauges skin hydration levels, it measured an 8% skin-moisture increase without feeling heavy.

Made with plant butters, extracts and oils (shea, mango, avocado, jasmine), it had immediate lip-line-blurring and softening benefits and a non-goopy feel, Lab pros found. “Lips felt protected and smooth,” one said.

The lowest-priced of the face oils in the GH Beauty Lab’s test, this Palmer’s 10-botanical-oil blend (with argan, apricot and almond oils) was also a hero skin hydrator.

TESTER NOTES Skin had a “healthy glow” and “… the lines are gone!” two reported.

LAB RESULTS In testing using the Beauty Lab’s Corneometer device, which gauges skin hydration levels, it measured an 8% skin-moisture increase without feeling heavy.

Like a razor for your face, this Schick dermaplaning tool with an ergonomic handle gently sweeps away facial fuzz and dead skin cells to reveal a smoother complexion.

TESTER NOTE “Maneuvering it around my face felt natural and it removed my fuzz with ease and without irritation.”

LAB RESULTS It safely and effectively removed even thicker facial hair, resulting in smoother and more even-looking skin, with no nicks or cuts experienced, according to Lab expert evaluations.

Nivea’s genius body lotion, made from 98% naturally derived ingredients, is housed in a flexible reduced-plastic bottle that rolls up so you can more easily squeeze it all out.

TESTER NOTE “My skin was soft, plumped and hydrated for two days with none of my usual winter itchiness.”

LAB RESULTS Lab expert evaluators were impressed by both the breakthrough packaging design, made with 58% less plastic than the brand’s standard pump bottles, and the appealing formulations.

This groundbreaking MyKirei by Kao body wash is a gently sudsing gel with a subtle citrus-floral aroma encased in first-of-its-kind air-inflated packaging to reduce waste.

TESTER NOTE “The light and foamy lather feels soft.”

LAB RESULTS GH Beauty Lab assessment confirmed that the packaging has up to 47% less plastic than that of similar-size products. In a clinical study, the cleanser didn’t irritate even sensitive skin; testers found that it lathered well and rinsed clean without overdrying skin.

The best of the GH Beauty Lab’s razor test, Athena Club’s five-blade refillable razor sweeps away unwanted hair in a single pass.

TESTER NOTES “It left my skin incredibly smooth with not a hair left,” a fan reported. “The close shave is significantly better than that of the razor I was using,” a second tester said.

LAB RESULTS The tool came out on top for shaving hair in one pass, maneuvering easily around tricky areas like knees and ankles and creating smoothness that lasted.

Get a realistic faux bronze with Ulta’s fast-developing foam, which won the GH Beauty Lab’s self-tanner test.

TESTER NOTE “Best tanner I’ve ever used.”

LAB RESULTS It was top-rated for its easy application and uniform streak-free color.