39 Skin-Care Gifts That’ll Make Everyone’s Skin Merry and Bright

This ultra-hydrating moisturizer uses hyaluronic acid and ceramides to keep skin plump and looking healthy. “This applies really well, and a little goes a long way,” says our tester and editor Ashley Ziegler. It does take a few minutes to fully absorb, but it’s worth the wait. “It’s super lightweight and has more of a gel-like consistency. I absolutely love the dewy finish it left on my skin,” says Ziegler. As a bonus, products from Summer Fridays come in gorgeous, giftable packaging in on-trend pops of blues and pinks.

For the friend always chasing the next big skin-care breakthrough, this one will catch their attention. Keracell’s Anti-Aging Facial Moisturizer includes human stem cell extract, which can help stimulate collagen and elastin for firmer, smoother skin. 

Whoever is lucky enough to receive this is definitely on your nice list, as this one’s on the splurge side, but as tester Ysolt Usigan puts it, “I find it impressive that this product has human stem cell extract in it. That’s probably why it’s so pricey.” After a few days her skin “felt great,” she says, specifically firmer and smoother.

Beef tallow may be making the rounds on social media, but it’s actually an ancient ingredient that has stood the test of time for a good reason: It works. This moisturizer has minimal ingredients. It’s just beef tallow (vitamin-rich fat rendered from cows), beeswax, and jojoba oil. The scented options have essential oils as well.

“This body butter is very moisturizing,” says Tuttle. “It does take a little while to absorb, but it makes my skin so soft. I actually keep a tin on my desk to massage into my cuticles throughout the day. I also have several tattoos, and the moisturizing qualities of this body butter really make them look more vivid.”

This hydrating, milky lotion is the cherry on top of a relaxing bath. With notes of citrus and bergamot, it has a clean, energizing scent. It absorbs quickly, leaving skin silky and smooth.

Tester Raki Swanson says that this lotion, which she used on her face and body, is lightweight and nongreasy, has a great smell, and is very hydrating. And best of all, body moisturizer is one of those universal gifts that pretty much anyone on your list will enjoy.

You may know Laneige for its internet-famous lip masks, but this retinol firming cream is also excellent for anyone who wants to smooth wrinkles while plumping and softening skin.

“Retinol is one of the most powerful ways to reverse damage by neutralizing free radicals,” Dr. Thosani says. “It stimulates collagen production to combat the degradation from intrinsic and extrinsic aging. The increased skin cell turnover contributes to fewer clogged pores, a more youthful glow, and an exfoliated, fresh appearance.”

We just can’t shake this one: We named it best for soft skin in our roundup of the best retinol creams of 2025. “It comes in a tube that makes it pretty easy to dose the pea-sized amount it recommends you use, and it absorbs in maybe a minute or two,” says editorial director Simone Scully, who found the scent calming, especially before bed. “I plan to keep using it as part of my nightly skin-care routine because it does seem to be working,” she says.

If they haven’t upgraded their body lotion in years, your gift-getter is in for a treat with this luxe body cream. It contains watermelon seed butter, which lends the formula its buttery texture, hibiscus AHA to gently exfoliate, and hyaluronic acid for hydration.

“It’s a nice, easy-to-apply, smooth body cream that did what it said it would: It hydrated my dry skin (particularly on my legs) and absorbed quickly without leaving a sticky feeling,” said Scully. She liked the slight watermelon scent and the fact that it didn’t linger too long.

Splurge-worthy and luxe, this serum is made with indulgent ingredients like gold-encapsulated peptides, triple Nordic oat blend, evening primrose, and more. The formula is designed to plump and hydrate tired skin so you look refreshed and rested.

There’s a lot I love about this, but to keep it brief, it improved my skin texture literally overnight. The bottle looks super luxe, and perhaps best of all, it’s refillable, so when they inevitably end up buying more, it won’t be quite as much of an investment (the refill is $85).

If you know someone dealing with dry skin or an uneven texture or anyone who just wants their skin to feel soft and hydrated, Dezi Pink Nectar Squalane Oil-Serum will be their new go-to. It includes hero ingredients like squalane to soften skin, botanical oils, and softening ceramides. I use this at night, and I love how it leaves my skin feeling hydrated and plump. I also use a little bit of this under makeup for just the right amount of hydration and natural glow. If you like using a gua sha, this pairs well with the practice (in case you’re looking for something to add to the gift).

People dealing with hyperpigmentation or melasma will appreciate this dark spot–clearing serum from Clinique. “This is a mild, nonirritating product that helps brighten dark spots,” says tester Nicole Bonaccorso.

It’s made with vitamin C and niacinamide, which helps reduce discoloration and scarring. Salicylic acid means that this product helps exfoliate and may reduce acne, but the real star of the show here is UP302, which was engineered to mimic a botanical ingredient that brightens skin.

Turn your friend’s nightly routine up a notch with Isdin Isdinceutics Melatonik Rejuvenating Night Serum. Packed with melatonin, it helps skin repair during sleep, smoothing wrinkles and leaving a glowing face. As Bonaccorso says, “I was really surprised by the results this product delivered. It smoothed out wrinkles and left my face glowing.” It contains bakuchiol, which is sort of like nature’s retinol, and vitamin C for added glow.

It’s a splurge, but it’s perfect for someone special, and it won best retinol alternative in our roundup of the best anti-aging skin-care products.

Part makeup remover, part cleanser, part pure treat for your skin, this luxe balm effortlessly removes makeup while leaving skin feeling hydrated and smooth. It’s made with papaya enzymes that help to break down dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin.

“The papaya scent is very faint, which is nice,” said Scully. She appreciated how easily it glides on and dissolves grime. This sorbet-inspired balm is a dessert for your skin-care routine, the part you’ll look forward to. Plus, the poppy orange packaging is hard to resist.

Anyone who has sensitive skin is probably acquainted with Cetaphil, but this oil-to-foam cleanser is a new product that they may not have had a chance to try yet. The fragrance-free formula is made with flaxseed oil to soothe skin and pentavitin, a plant-based ingredient that’s deeply hydrating.

I have dry, sensitive skin, and I love how easily this product removes makeup without leaving my skin feeling tight like other foam cleansers I’ve tried.

This lightweight cleansing gel by Glow Recipe effortlessly melts off makeup, leaving skin hydrated, lightly exfoliated, and smelling like a hint of blueberry. (Don’t let the blueberry scent turn you off; it’s more subtle and sophisticated than cloyingly sweet.)

“I found the cleanser very effective. It got all my makeup off and made my face feel clean,” said Scully. “It also was gentle. Cleansers are hard for me because my skin is sensitive, but this one didn’t bother me or cause me to have a reaction.” Because it works for most skin types, this is great for just about anyone, and it’s a thoughtful gift that comes in under $40.

This one’s for the person on your list who’s up way too late perfecting every bow and and hanging the stockings just so. Their hard work shows up in every corner of the house — and also maybe just a little under the eyes.

Give the gift of looking adequately rested with SkinCeuticals eye cream. Swanson noticed a satisfying tightening effect immediately when testing this product. “It almost felt like my skin was tightening, if that’s even possible,” she says. “I have never, ever tried a product that worked as fast as this one does. In one week, the results are showing.” Her skin felt soft, hydrated, and glossy, proving that good things come in small packages.

Like a shot of espresso for your eyes, this eye cream goes on smooth, layers well under concealer, and instantly brightens. When I tried this product, the gel formula was cooling on its own, and I love that you can pop the jar in the refrigerator for a little extra chill (perfect for early mornings after holiday parties). Hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates and helps reduce the look of wrinkles, and vitamin E acts as an antioxidant.

If you’re shopping for someone who isn’t into Botox or filler but wants to age gracefully and naturally, this eye cream will be their go-to. This magical little wand occupies the beloved middle space in the Venn diagram between skin care and makeup: It’s a little of each, meaning it instantly conceals while working hard to reduce fine lines and dark circles (which is more than you can say for most concealers). It’s tinted, which instantly neutralizes dark circles, and the applicator is cooling, which helps reduce puffiness.

Best of all, it’s safe for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes, and it has SPF 35 to protect that delicate skin from sun damage.

Give the gift of glowing skin with The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner. It gently resurfaces skin so you wake up looking refreshed and radiant. With a toddler and a baby, I’m not sleeping as much as I’d like to be, but I turn to this product (and a good eye cream) when I need the illusion of eight uninterrupted hours. Glycolic acid is a powerful AHA, and it helps skin look glowing and bright.

And because everyone loves a mighty multipurpose product (especially one that does the same work as products with much heftier price tags), this can also be used on a dry scalp to slough off flakes or dead skin.

Let me start by saying that I've tested many skin-care products, and this is the only one that my husband has ever begged to use and then stocked up on again. This gritty scrub includes ingredients like diamond powder (yep, actual diamonds) and volcanic sand to thoroughly exfoliate skin. 

It also contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like lactic acid to further the exfoliation (these are helpful for getting rid of ingrown hairs or flaky skin) and peptides, plus soothing oils like shea butter and coconut oil to nourish the skin. Just make sure that whoever receives this knows to start slow (using it just once or twice per week in the beginning) because it’s a strong exfoliant.

This under-eye patch set from Grace & Stella is a small gift anyone will thank you for in a big way — but especially after a New Year’s Eve party. The formula includes niacinamide, which is known for brightening dull under-eye circles and improving skin tone. I’ve tried several eye patches, but these are my personal favorite because they stay put, feel hydrating and cool, and have caffeine to fight puffiness. This kit includes 24 pairs, so there are plenty for sharing (or lots of late nights).

The person who’s always moving a mile a minute will appreciate that this face mask actually stays put. Unlike other masks that tend to slip, this one stayed perfectly in place (and felt comfortable) while I vacuumed and did the dishes. Made with brightening niacinamide, plumping collagen, and firming adenosine, it left my skin both hydrated and glowing after 15 minutes — so much so that someone actually asked if I’d just had a facial.

Your friend who’s more likely to be cleaning out the garage than taking a bubble bath will love this on-the-go self-care moment (but your bath-loving friend will appreciate it, too).

This is my go-to product when my skin feels uneven or dull and I need a quick fix. The gel formula is chock-full of AHAs and hyaluronic acid, making it simultaneously an effective exfoliant and deeply hydrating. Plus, it’s hard to resist the blush-pink packaging that just so happens to be the exact same shade as the treatment itself.

“This comes in a nice giftable container and had a faint smell that was pleasant without being overpowering,” said Scully, who also tried this on her skin.

This skin-care line is designed to brighten and help firm the skin, and if it’s good enough for Jennifer Lopez, it’s probably good enough for anyone on your list who loves a glow. The set contains everything your giftee will need to overhaul her skin-care routine: gel cream cleanser, brightening serum, hydrating cream, broad-spectrum SPF 30 moisturizer, AHA and BHA overnight serum, hydrating sheet mask, ultra-hydrating lip mask, and an eye mask. 

“My favorite products were the hydrating cream and the gel cream cleanser,” said editor Lili Ladaga. “The hydrating cream feels really thick and luscious and really soaks into your skin. The gel cream cleanser does a nice job of removing makeup and cleansing without leaving a tight, dry feeling.” These are mini sizes, perfect for getting acquainted with the brand or for travel.

Powered by plum, the award-winning Le Prunier Detox & Refresh Set exfoliates and hydrates for luminous, balanced skin. The set contains Plum Beauty Oil, which can be used morning and night, and Plumtox, an exfoliating face mask awarded by the National Eczema Association. It is meant to be left on for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinsed off.

“The plum oil smells amazing, like sweet almond. I absolutely loved it,” says editor Olivia Campbell. “These products did not bother my sensitive skin. It didn’t make me break out or activate my rosacea or eczema.” With its gentle, effective formula and gorgeous packaging, it’s a feel-good gift that’s as kind to skin as it is indulgent.

I’ll be honest: I don’t love the term “mature skin.” What we’re really talking about is skin that’s earned its glow and now appreciates a little extra help with hydration and firming. That’s exactly what this vegan, cruelty-free trio from Luma Rituals delivers.

From Kristin Cavallari’s clean beauty line, this face oil and stainless-steel gua sha duo feels fit for a spa. The oil looks like liquid gold in a pretty bottle and is packed with botanical ingredients like CBD oil, rosemary extract, and several flower oils.

“Gua sha massage helps with lymphatic drainage, increases circulation, and may help reduce the appearance of fine lines,” Thosani says.

Tester Mary Sauer says, “I really like the face oil — it’s so hydrating.” Plus, because this is a bundle, it already feels complete and ready to gift.

A very in-the-know tween in my life swears by this skin-care line. This three-piece set comes with a face wash, wipes, and an oil-free moisturizer — all made with soothing ingredients like chamomile, aloe, and cucumber — for kids and teens to gently cleanse, hydrate, and care for sensitive or blemish-prone skin.

It’s a great gift because it feels special and grown-up but is still teen-friendly, with ingredients their skin actually needs and nothing it doesn’t.

This Laneige Plump and Hydrate Trio looks like a handful of pastel bonbons — glossy, colorful, and almost too pretty to use. Inside are three masks: a full-size Bouncy and Firm Eye Sleeping Mask, cute minis of the Bouncy and Firm Sleeping Mask, and the Bouncy and Firm Lip Sleeping Mask.

It delivers a dose of hydration during sleep, thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and a peony and collagen complex. Give the set as is, or split it up into three smaller presents for a stocking stuffer or beauty gift exchange or for a few of your skin-care-obsessed friends while staying within your holiday budget.

Who doesn’t love an Advent calendar, especially one that’s full of beauty supplies? “I love the variety of products in this Advent calendar. The sample sizes are generous, and from my experience with previous versions, the company does a good job of not leaning too heavily into any one item. For example, there’s a lot of perfume but hardly any lip products,” says tester Katie Tuttle.

The 2025 calendar is stocked with powerhouse products like Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen, Maison Louis Marie perfume, Salt + Stone body wash, and Verb Glossy Shine Spray. It’s $300 worth of products for a third of the cost.

These internet-famous exfoliating pads have earned their devotees. This skin-care set of full- and travel-size Facial Radiance Pads helps skin look its best, thanks to the combo of gently exfoliating lactic and glycolic acid and calming cucumber water.

“I love these pads so much,” said editor Ally Hirschlag. “They make exfoliating so incredibly easy and painless. I used to have such a hard time exfoliating; my skin would get really irritated and red. These wipes are soaked in glycolic and lactic acid, which are some of the gentlest chemical exfoliators. They never bother my skin, but they do leave it looking brighter and smoother.”

For the friend who loves no-frills skin care that really delivers, look no further than this gift set from First Aid Beauty, a brand recognized by the National Eczema Association with the Seal of Acceptance. Unlike many gift sets that come stocked with cute (but tiny) minis, this one has a full-size cleanser, full-size Ultra Repair Cream, and travel-size Rescue Barrier Balm.

“I love First Aid Beauty products in general, and these three are some of the best,” said Hirschlag. The Ultra Repair Cream delivers long-lasting moisture (and she still had half a tub after six months), the Pure Skin Cleanser is gentle yet effective at removing makeup, and the barrier cream is a winter lifesaver — one of the few formulas she said that actually prevented her hands from getting dry and cracked.

On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me — the gift of hydrated lips.

If they’re the type to have a lip balm in every bag, then your giftee will adore the Advent calendar that’s chock-full of lip balms, lip masks, lip scrubs, lip tints, and more in festive flavors like candy cane fluff and frosted sugar plum (made with natural ingredients). Another thing to love is the lip balms and tints are recyclable, thanks to their cardboard outers.

“This is a cute gift box. It’s only 12 days, so you could totally give it early or after December,” noted Scully. “But because it’s so cute, it’s also cute enough to just give as 12 little gifts. Not everything is lip care, which is kind of fun, too.”

If you’re unsure of what to get the teen on your list, a cute skin-care set is a safe bet that’s more exciting than a gift card. This set, which is fun to unwrap thanks to its poppy colors and fruity scents, includes two Glow Recipe products: Blur Drops, a primer that helps minimize pores before makeup, and Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer, formulated for oily skin types.

The products come in cute, colorful bottles, making them ideal for older teens and college students as stocking stuffers. “The scents are mild,” said Scully, who tried them out. “The strawberry one honestly didn’t really smell like much of anything, and the moisturizer did faintly smell like watermelon when you first applied it, but it didn’t last long.” 

Who needs stocking stuffers when you have this trio of skin-care minis? This set is perfect for the person who’s always traveling. It contains everything they’ll need for calm, clean skin on the go. There’s an exfoliating cleanser (made with amber gemstone grains to slough off dead skin), a balancing toner, and a little pot of super-hydrating moisturizer. All products are formulated with botanical ingredients like sandalwood, ginseng, or green tea. 

“I like that the products are made from clean ingredients and they smell great!” said Zeigler. “They’re also packaged in glass containers (though the lids are plastic) and shipped with minimal plastic.”

The man who takes shaving seriously will appreciate this high-quality set of essentials that’s made in America.

“The craftsmanship and care that goes into creating this product is clear as soon as you open the box,” said our writer, Steven Rowe, who tested the set. “The product is very attractive, and I liked how great each item looked tightly packed in the box. Even the Einstein quote on the inside of the lid really helps you feel like you’re opening an experience that you can look forward to next time you need a shave.” He adds that this razor did the job faster than his previous razor would have, while being lighter and more balanced.

Your friend, sister, mother-in-law, or spouse who knows they’re supposed to be wearing sunscreen every day but struggles to find one that feels comfortable will love this gorgeous option from Le Prunier. “Most face sunscreens are really greasy and shiny or feel thick and heavy, like I can’t wait to wash them off,” says Campbell. “This sunscreen has an incredibly velvety texture and made my skin feel so smooth. It was amazing.” The formula is slightly tinted to help with blending, and Campbell says that it’s much more like a daily moisturizer than a sunscreen.

This splurge-worthy LED face mask is something they may be eyeing but will never buy, making it the perfect gift. It offers three types of light therapy — red, blue, and infrared — and each addresses different skin concerns.

In Japan, brushes made of natural fibers were traditionally used to clean and purify hands before meals, tea ceremonies, or rest. Give a bit of Japanese history with this stunning nail brush. It has firm bristles that are gentle enough to be used on delicate cuticles and hands.

This is a truly gender-neutral gift that will be loved by anyone who works with their hands, paints, gardens, or otherwise often finds themselves with nails that could use a little sprucing up. Plus, the packaging looks like a treat they’ll be excited to open.

In the world of microcurrent devices, Ziip Halo’s high price tag is actually not so wild, especially considering how much you’re getting out of an at-home device. The Halo is designed to make pro-level toning feel doable at home (so it won’t just sit in a drawer). You can pair it with the app, follow the guided videos, and let the device do its magic. 

Hirschlag said she was nervous to try microcurrent for the first time, but she quickly became a convert: “I love how easy the Ziip is to use. I’ve definitely noticed a difference in my skin: It looks glowy and snatched, as the kids say.” This one’s for the person who loves gadgets and immediate gratification.