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Over 2,000 products tested; these ones came out on top.

To uncover the world of skincare, we put thousands (and we mean thousands) of products through their paces this year; we swatched, sniffed and guinea-pigged our way through every new and cult skincare formula to bring you, our WH readers, the very best. From the finest face formulas to breakthrough body care and health-focused aesthetics, see our winners below.

‘This cult formula is a real all-rounder. The soap-free, non-foaming cleanser contains three essential ceramides to support the skin barrier (the outermost layer of skin), remove impurities and lock in hydration.’ EW

‘The texture is lightweight and easily absorbed without leaving any tacky feeling on the skin. Better yet, it doesn’t pill under any other skincare or make-up products I use afterwards. My skin felt really hydrated and I found the scent to be addictive, both of which helped to refresh and reset my skin.’ AO

‘This is not your average toner, something to which TikTok will attest. The star ingredient, glycolic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid), exfoliates my skin brilliantly; thanks to its small molecular size, it penetrates deeper into the skin to keep spots from rearing their ugly head. My skin looks brighter and more even.’ AB

‘Skincare meets science at its most cutting edge. Iräye’s USP is that it’s the world’s first product to protect and support the skin’s lymphatic system. Packed with the usual heavyweights – vitamin C, triple hyaluronic acid and bio-retinol – it left my sensitive, rosacea-prone skin calmer, brighter and smoother, and despite being a rich consistency, it’s the perfect base to wear beneath make-up.’ CS

‘This was a real standout product for me. I’ve often wondered why there isn’t a retinoid with niacinamide and... here it is. The retinol helps speed up skin turnover, reduce pigmentation and fine lines, while the brightening niacinamide and ceramides make it tolerable for everyday use without skin irritation.’ IE

‘I love the unfragranced, biomimetic and cruelty-free formula. With emollients and skin-barrier-boosting ingredients such as ceramides, oleic acid and linoleic acid, you get a nourishing, soothing moisturiser that can be used day or night.’ EW

‘Face Halo cleansing pads are reusable, recyclable and they remove your make-up with only water – I’ve loved them from the very first use. I simply can’t do without them in my make-up kit.’ RH

‘These masks deliver instant, long-lasting hydration. Packed with hyaluronic acid, palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 and blue agave extract, they get to work on your skin health. They’re rather slimy and leave a lot of product on your skin after removal, which you pat in, so it’s best used the night before an event.’ CS

‘It’s a joy to massage this face oil in on its own or with a gua sha tool. Your skin feels moisturised and soft with a subtle glow and your breathing slows down the second you take a sniff of the beautiful blend of roses, magnolia and geranium essential oils and extracts.’ AO

'This formula is packed with ingredients that deliver results: vitamin C, shea butter, lactic acid and aloe vera, to name only a few. Plus, it’s instantly cooling and feels great under the eyes. Worth the hefty price tag.’ RH

‘Vida Glow delivers a hefty serving of marine collagen in its sachets, which come in five flavours or original. It’s simple to integrate into your morning routine – I added mine to my protein shakes – and I saw an improvement in not only my skin quality, but my nails, too. I combined the collagen with taking the brand’s Radiance capsules for a double skin-boosting whammy.’ CS

‘This is an excellent broad-spectrum sun protection that you can trust. Suitable for all skin types, it has an excellent blend of filters that work to provide you with high protection against damage from UVB as well as UVA and long-wave UVA rays. Better yet, it’s water-resistant, lightweight, easily absorbed and fragrance-free.’ EW

‘Combining hyaluronic acid, shiitake extract (an ingredient rich in vitamin D) and natural tanning actives, this vegan and cruelty-free serum gave me great tan results, a lovely glow and a hydrating, even finish. Fabulous packaging, too.’ AH

‘While it can feel greasy at times, if you’re searching for a dewy, no make-up-make-up vibe, you’ve found it. Bobbi Brown’s multi-purpose balm is the perfect pop of colour for cheeks, lips and eyes with ingredients such as jojoba seed oil to nourish your skin.’ RH

‘This is a powerful at-home peel treatment product. It’s easy to use, with a handy two-step process, and it helps to exfoliate the skin’s surface, which can help with texture as well as fine lines. It’s a great home treatment – very effective.’ AM

‘I loved this product. I found it to be very moisturising, my skin felt nourished after each wash, and it delivered exactly what it promised, thanks to the ceramides, squalane and hyaluronic acid working overtime to hydrate my parched limbs.’ AH

Cantu’s first foray into skincare offers an excellent price point. Its nourishing formula works wonders for dry to very dry skin, with shea butter, coconut oil, sunflower oil and vitamin E working to lock in moisture.’ AM

You add a few drops to your regular body moisturiser and end up with a miraculously streak-free and natural-looking tan. Using patented ‘transparent tanning’ technology, Tan-Luxe is free of the heavily pigmented chemicals found in lots of other tans, so there’s no smell and a gorgeous even coverage. I love that you get a tan alongside the benefits of your normal body cream in one application.’ CS

‘Not only is this sumptuous scrub free from parabens and microplastics, but my skin felt incredible after using it. This is a hard-working formula that really does the job, all without ever drying out your skin.’ AH

‘Having reached its zero-waste goal in 2021, Ren wins for its great skincare and planet-friendly packaging. The Bio Retinoid Youth Serum is made with recycled plastic, and the aluminium samples of Evercalm Redness Relief Serum are an industry first. I love this brand inside and out.’ AB

‘I’m sceptical about celebrity skincare lines, but Keys Soulcare just blew me away. From the Body Polish designed to help you ‘let go’ to the new illuminating serum offering a moment of self-care, Alicia Keys’ beauty brand is all about embracing skincare rituals.’ AO

‘The Inkey List has made it so easy for everyone to have access to high- quality skincare ingredients at affordable prices. Building a bespoke skincare routine with targeted actives can be done whatever your budget.’ IE

‘There are very few products on the market that target body blemishes, so it’s great to see this body spray from Murad. It contains salicylic acid to help treat and prevent body breakouts and comes in a handy spray packaging to get to hard-to-reach areas such as the back and shoulders. It’s quick-drying, too, so you can get dressed straight away. I often recommend this product to patients who are suffering with body acne.’ AM

‘An excellent multitasker, this works well for people prone to breakouts, as the stripped-back, unfragranced formula reduces the risk of irritation. The combination of azelaic and salicylic acids enhances efficacy and helps exfoliate the skin, too.’ EW

‘This contains a good combination of active ingredients that all work in synergy together. You have retinol, which is widely renowned for its anti-ageing properties, plus antioxidants and bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol that has been found to have similar effects on the skin. Combined, they offer the ideal treatment for those looking for a hard-working serum, and it was one of my favourite products I tried during testing.’ AM

‘Designed to soothe sensitivity, this fragrance-free range makes clever use of oats (extracted and processed in different forms), and feverfew, an ingredient widely used in Chinese medicine and also known as chrysanthemum. Cooling properties also help to calm the skin and keep it hydrated.’ AO

‘Working with your skin’s microbiome (an ecosystem of bacteria on the skin’s surface), this hydrating serum contains postbiotics and bio-ferments that kept my skin barrier in check and my glow intact.’ AB

'The new facial device by the creators of the long-loved Theragun is a one-stop wonder for all your skincare concerns. Yes, really – it has eight treatments in one device. Puffy skin? There’s a cryotherapy adjustment for that. Fine lines? Just switch to red light therapy.’ AB

‘I’ve loved Kloris ever since lockdown 1.0. Loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, the CBD bath blocks calm my mind and soothe my skin, while the CBD-infused lotion is always on my desk to combat all the hand sanitiser.’ AB

‘This is a great product as it helps to visibly plump the under-eye area. Although they’re needed as a regular treatment to maintain results, these eye patches plumped and brightened my under-eye skin, thanks to hyaluronic acid, the molecule that can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water.’ AH

‘Where science and nature meet, De Mamiel’s is a high-tech facial for your senses and your skin. Aromatic plant-powered formulas are used alongside LED light therapy; blue light sloughs away dead skin cells while the red light stimulates collagen production.’ AB

‘This commendable clinic offers the full spectrum of aesthetic treatments with signature facials, dermal fillers and eye treatments on its list. You’re in good hands, too – the roster of practitioners and specialists live and breathe wellness in all its forms.’ IE

‘The latest innovation in microneedling and radiofrequency, using ultra-fine needles, this treatment tightens skin, while improving texture, wrinkles and other signs of ageing. It’s not a comfortable experience, but my skin looked smoother, brighter and lifted afterwards. Between three and five sessions are recommended for longer-lasting results.’ CS