Hot beauty products of your skin is your body’s largest organ, which means caring for it is essential. Whether you’re struggling with breakouts and need a quick fix or simply want relief for dry, cracked lips, the following products have been given the Shop TODAY seal of approval.

For the third year in a row, Shop TODAY’s Beauty Awards brought together staffers of all ages — including a few moms —Hot beauty products are to test out new face creams, popular body lotions, anti-aging treatments, and more as part of their daily routines.

From retinol formulas that target wrinkles and fine lines to vitamin C serums that help brighten and firm, these top-rated picks were judged based on performance, affordability, and overall satisfaction. Few things are more frustrating than getting a blemish before a big day — but these pimple patches can stop it in its tracks. Senior editor Jess Bender, a longtime acne patch user, admitted these ones made her “seriously rethink” her go-to choice.

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“What impressed me most was how seamless it looked on my skin of Hot beauty products. At first glance, you couldn’t even tell I had it on — whether I was barefaced or wearing makeup. The grip is unmatched, staying put for a full 12 hours without lifting at the edges. Since I have oily skin, most patches start to peel off after five or six hours,” she explained. Hero’s Mighty Patch has become a clear winner.

Associate editor Sierra Hoeger agreed: “I’ve been loyal to Hero’s acne patches for years because nothing else compares. They work quickly — reducing spots within just a couple of days. They’re simple to apply, and they blend in so well you don’t feel self-conscious wearing them outside the house.”

Tackle breakouts right at the root with this product, which is said to minimize the look of blemishes, unclog congested skin, and create a more even complexion. As a bonus, the company also claims it can soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Beauty Awards tester Sarah Whitman (mother of associate editor Lauren Witonsky) remarked that she really enjoyed the consistency of the cleansing balm. “When you scoop it out, it’s a very soft, Hot beauty products and wax-like texture that melts almost immediately in your hands. It felt soothing to apply and left my skin feeling nourished.”

She added, “It removed my makeup effortlessly, without Hot beauty products the dryness that comes with harsher soaps.” The cleanser is made to dissolve makeup and sunscreen while also delivering hydration. Deputy editorial director Alexandra Deabler mentioned that she used it both in the morning and evening, and liked that after applying it in the a.m., her skin didn’t feel dry or tight throughout the day thanks to its moisturizing ingredients.

Associate social editor Dani Musacchio shared, “Since I already loved this brand’s cleansing balm, I had high hopes for their cleanser — and it lived up to them. I adore how it lathers, its light fragrance, and how easily it clears away makeup and sunscreen. Using it nightly has become something I look forward to.”

Hot beauty products and another tester commented that it was so moisturizing, her skin actually “felt as though it plumped up slightly.” The brand explains that its formula uses technology designed to deliver hydration to multiple layers of the skin.

Testers raved about the fragrance of this cleanser, calling it “pleasant” and “airy,” and noting that it leaves skin feeling refreshed without drying it out. A longtime favorite of Bender’s, this “warm, spicy” botanical cleansing balm is packed with trendy AHAs that help maintain the skin’s barrier while locking in hydration.

“I only need about a dime-sized amount to cleanse my whole face,” she explains. “It makes my skin feel not just thoroughly clean, but also radiant and almost luminous before bed — true beauty rest in a jar.”

“This moisturizer delivers an impressive boost of hydration in a formula that feels incredibly lightweight,” says Rebecca Dube, head of TODAY Parents. “If you’re after deep moisture but can’t stand heavy creams, this one’s ideal. Plus, it has a soft, fresh, soap-like aroma that just feels pure and clean. The cream combines niacinamide with botanical extracts to target dark spots and breakouts.”

“This has officially become my staple moisturizer,” shares media coordinator Lauren Biggerstaff. “It works beautifully for both day and night, though I prefer it in my evening regimen. With my combination skin, it softened my dry areas without leaving my T-zone greasy. I’m eager to see how it affects dark marks and overall skin texture after another few weeks.”

“Living in a dry climate, I’ve tested countless moisturizers — from affordable drugstore finds to luxury options. InnBeauty’s cream has been the most effective by far,” says Amy Eley, assistant managing editor at TODAY.com. “Although it costs more than the average pharmacy moisturizer, it delivers the same radiance and firmness you’d expect from high-end brands. I applied it only in the mornings to make it last longer, and the results carried through the day. When I switched back to my usual drugstore cream, the difference was obvious, so this one has earned a permanent spot in my routine.” The lightweight gel-cream is designed to give immediate hydration that can last up to 24 hours.

“It leaves my skin perfectly moisturized and plump,” says producer Eden Strassburg. “Because it’s a gel texture, it’s breathable enough to wear under makeup during the day, yet rich enough to use at night and still wake up with soft, hydrated skin.” The formula includes hyaluronic acid, adenosine, and ceramides, which work together to replenish and strengthen the skin barrier overnight. The brand claims that after just one use, skin feels smoother and more hydrated, while after a week of consistent application, fine lines may appear reduced, firmness may improve, and skin can look brighter. Recently launched, this cream aims to deeply hydrate while balancing excess oil, making it a suitable option for normal, combination, and oily skin types. Though it comes with a steeper price tag, reviewers rate it highly — 4.6 out of 5 stars — and many consider it worth the investment. Unlike many retinoid-based products, the formula is designed to be less drying while still offering hydration, which makes it especially appealing for nighttime care.

“I’ve been using this product for several months and I’m amazed at how fresh and supple my skin feels,” said writer Jannely Espinal. “Its rich, silky texture is so comforting on my skin, and I love how soft and even it leaves my complexion.”

Former editor Amanda Fama also tried out these moisturizing retinol eye patches.

“I’m completely hooked on these under-eye patches from Derma-E,” she shared. “The clever teardrop-like shape perfectly covers both under the eyes and the crow’s feet area. Plus, they actually stay in place once you put them on. The formula is super calming, too — I especially love the touch of hibiscus petals.”

“This capsule is perfect for traveling,” added Shelly Privette, mother of production coordinator Camryn Privette. “Unlike many other retinols, I haven’t experienced any dryness or irritation. In fact, my skin already feels firmer after just a short time of use.”

“If you’re searching for a refreshing mist made with CLEAN ingredients, Clearstem is the answer,” said production coordinator Lia Pagnotta. “The product claims it works as a primer spray, a setting spray, and as a mid-day pick-me-up. Personally, I enjoyed it most as a base under makeup. It felt cooling, hydrating, and far more effective than a basic water spray.”

This innovative formula combines the power of a skincare serum with the convenience of a travel-friendly stick. Both reviewers agreed that it was simple to apply, and one highlighted how nourishing it felt. You don’t need to splurge to find products that work — this budget-friendly serum proves it. One reviewer shared, “It did exactly what it promised. My skin looked smoother and more even, and it didn’t bother my sensitive complexion. I’ll definitely be buying it again.”

“Scarlett Johansson really nailed it with her line from The Outset,” says writer Emma Stessman. “This serum was incredibly moisturizing for my dry skin. Since I’m prone to breakouts, I was worried about irritation, but it never caused any issues. I even began using a prescription retinol recently and expected redness and peeling, but none of that happened — I think the extra hydration from this serum made all the difference. It works beautifully as a base, leaving my skin soft and refreshed, whether I’m bare-faced or wearing makeup.”

“This smoothing cream provides gentle yet effective moisture,” says Julia Moon, mother of Vivien Moon. “The lightweight texture calms my sensitive skin and sinks in quickly without leaving residue. My skin feels soothed and silky afterward — definitely a must-try for those with delicate skin.”

“My skin reacts easily, so I was hesitant to test something new, but this serum turned out to be both light and intensely hydrating,” says TODAY.com lifestyle reporter Rachel Paula Abrahamson. “It layered seamlessly under makeup, didn’t cause any breakouts, and left me glowing. I think I’m officially a serum convert!”

“[This[ left my skin feeling incredibly hydrated and plump — like a fresh piece of fruit in the rainforest,” says TODAY.com senior entertainment editor Elena Nicolaou. “I’ve been searching for a moisturizer that doesn’t trigger breakouts, and I finally found it. My face feels so smooth that I can’t resist touching it (which I know I shouldn’t)!”

Vitamin C plays an essential role in routines aimed at fading discoloration and dark marks, experts emphasize. This particular serum received top marks from our testers. Suitable for every skin type, it combines peptides, marine extracts, and the brand’s TNS-MR technology to smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

Another reason we recommend it is because it’s fragrance-free and has a light texture. “Drunk Elephant’s Vitamin C formula is ideal for sensitive skin — it was gentle, didn’t cause irritation, and I could use it morning and night,” explains Strassburg. “It layers perfectly under sunscreen and makeup too.”

Editor-approved favorite Sunday Riley continues to impress with powerful yet gentle formulas designed to target key skin issues. The Good Genes serum remains a go-to pick for editors, holding its place as a consistent bestseller.