In an industry overflowing with trends, launches, and influencer hype, very few awards hold the kind of credibility and influence that the Allure Best of Beauty Awards do. Since its inception over two decades ago, Allure’s annual beauty awards have become the gold standard in beauty validation recognized for their rigorous, editor-led testing and trusted by dermatologists, consumers, and industry insiders alike.
In 2024, the skin-care category emerged more diverse, inclusive, and science-driven than ever before. From barrier-boosting serums to breakthrough SPF technology, this year’s winners reflect a shift in skincare: it’s no longer about complexity or high price tags. It’s about results, integrity, and formulation transparency.
Below is a deep dive into the most exciting skin-care winners from the 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Awards—why they were chosen, what makes them stand out, and how you can integrate them into your everyday routine for healthier, more resilient skin.
🔗 Explore the full Allure Best of Beauty Awards 2024 list here
Best Cleansers 2024: Gentle, Effective, and Barrier-Safe
1. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser
This cleanser leads the charge in dermatologist-recommended formulas. Designed for combination and oily skin, it balances effective cleansing with a non-stripping, pH-balanced experience.
Key Ingredients:
- Niacinamide
- Ceramide-3
- Prebiotic thermal spring water
Why It Won:
- Maintains skin barrier integrity
- Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
- Perfect for acne-prone and reactive skin
2. CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
CeraVe continues its reign with this dual-action cleanser. Starting as a cream and transforming into a soft foam, it removes makeup and impurities without compromising moisture.
Why It Won:
- Contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and amino acids
- Gentle enough for daily AM/PM use
- Accessible, affordable, and widely recommended
Best Hydrating Serums: Layering Heroes for All Skin Types
3. SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel
A luxury staple, this gel serum delivers intense hydration using pharmaceutical-grade hyaluronic acid paired with vitamin B5.
Why It Won:
- Professional-grade performance
- Absorbs quickly with no residue
- Used widely in post-procedure care by dermatologists
4. Naturium Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum 5%
This newer contender stood out for its multi-weight hyaluronic complex, providing both surface-level and deep hydration.
Why It Won:
- Great for layering under actives or SPF
- Under $25
- Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free
Best Sunscreens: Protective, Lightweight, and Skin-Tone Inclusive
5. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
There’s a reason dermatologists repeatedly recommend EltaMD: it’s non-greasy, zinc-based, and ideal for acne-prone skin.
Why It Won:
- Contains niacinamide and antioxidants
- Available in tinted and untinted versions
- Perfect for daily use, including under makeup
6. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
This SPF has become a favorite for its invisible finish and primer-like texture. It’s especially suited for melanin-rich skin tones because it leaves zero white cast.
Why It Won:
- Broad-spectrum chemical sunscreen
- Works well for oily and combination skin
- Great for layering under foundation
Best Actives: Retinol, Vitamin C & Brightening Solutions
7. Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Max Night Serum
Olay delivers a powerful but non-irritating retinol that brightens, smooths, and evens tone—without flaking or redness.
Why It Won:
- Gentle enough for nightly use
- Includes niacinamide for barrier support
- Results in as little as 2–4 weeks
8. The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
An affordable vitamin C serum that visibly boosts radiance and evens tone, without the instability of L-ascorbic acid.
Why It Won:
- Great beginner-friendly brightener
- Under $15
- Lightweight, water-based formula
Best Moisturizers for Every Skin Type
9. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Dry skin sufferers swear by this deeply nourishing moisturizer. It’s ideal for eczema-prone skin and those recovering from actives or seasonal dryness.
Why It Won:
- Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and allantoin
- Can be used on face or body
- No artificial fragrance or dyes
10. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
This drugstore staple continues to dominate thanks to its cooling gel texture and oil-free hydration. It’s a reliable pick for combination and oily skin.
Why It Won:
- Oil-free, non-comedogenic
- Hyaluronic acid-rich formula
- Instantly absorbs with no stickiness
11. Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
A clean-beauty favorite with peptides, growth factors, and amino acids, this cream supports firmness and texture without heaviness.
Why It Won:
- Refillable packaging
- No essential oils, silicones, or fragrance
- Perfect for mature or texture-prone skin
Best Mask: Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask
A multi-tasking, travel-friendly face mask that hydrates, soothes, and revives stressed skin. Use it as an overnight mask or even as a post-flight moisturizer.
Why It Won:
- No added fragrance
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Perfect for minimal routines
Best Sensitive Skin Moisturizer: Vanicream Lotion
Recommended by dermatologists for ultra-sensitive or allergy-prone skin, Vanicream contains no dyes, fragrance, lanolin, or formaldehyde.
Why It Won:
- Lightweight but deeply moisturizing
- Works on face and body
- Excellent for eczema, psoriasis, and barrier repair
Best Body Skincare: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
This affordable, accessible lotion provides clinically proven hydration for up to 24 hours and is suitable for every skin type.
Why It Won:
- Formulated with colloidal oatmeal
- Fast-absorbing and fragrance-free
- Safe for babies, kids, and adults
What Sets Allure’s Best of Beauty Awards Apart?
Unlike sponsored reviews or viral recommendations, Allure’s process involves:
- Blind testing by a panel of 70+ editors and dermatologists
- Thousands of products tested across all skin tones and types
- Judging based on efficacy, texture, packaging, innovation, and safety
The awards carry genuine industry authority, which is why they matter to both professionals and everyday users.
How to Build a 2024 Skincare Routine with These Winners
Morning Routine
- Cleanser – La Roche-Posay
- Vitamin C Serum – The Ordinary
- Moisturizer – Neutrogena Hydro Boost
- Sunscreen – Supergoop! or EltaMD
Night Routine
- Cleanser – CeraVe Cream-to-Foam
- Retinol – Olay Retinol 24
- Hydrating Serum – SkinCeuticals or Naturium
- Moisturizer – Drunk Elephant or First Aid Beauty
Faqs
1. What is the Allure Best of Beauty Awards?
The Allure Best of Beauty Awards is an annual recognition by Allure magazine, honoring the top-performing beauty products across skincare, haircare, makeup, and wellness categories. The 2024 winners are selected by editors and dermatologists after rigorous testing.
2. Which skin-care products won in 2024?
Top winners in 2024 include brightening serums with niacinamide, barrier-repairing moisturizers with ceramides, mineral-based sunscreens, and gentle exfoliating cleansers with lactic acid. Each product was chosen for visible, real-world results.
3. Are Allure Best of Beauty winners dermatologist-approved?
Yes. Many winners are dermatologist-recommended and undergo clinical or consumer testing. The awards team consults with skincare experts to validate product claims and ensure safety and effectiveness.
4. Can I buy the 2024 skin-care winners online?
Absolutely. Most winners are available through major retailers like Sephora, Ulta, Amazon, or directly from the brand’s website. Some may be limited editions or sell out quickly post-award.
5. Are the awarded products suitable for all skin types?
Many winners are formulated for various skin types, but it’s best to check each product’s label. Allure highlights inclusivity and performance, so expect options for sensitive, oily, dry, and acne-prone skin.