11 Best Skin-Care Gift Sets to Shop Now for Glowy Skin
Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave this storySave this story
The best skin-care gift sets aren’t just for checking off a loved one’s birthday or holiday gift list—value sets are also the perfect excuse to treat yourself and discover new favorites without splurging on full sizes. Each curated kit is packed with mini versions of fan favorites, so you can find what really works before committing. Plus, their travel-size packaging makes them perfect for tossing into your gym bag, carry-on, or overnight tote for easy, on-the-go routines. Whether you’re new to a brand or just want to streamline your regimen, the best skin-care gift sets make healthier-looking skin feel effortless.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up the most giftable, travel-ready, and editor-approved options that make glowing skin one less thing to stress about.
Our Top Skin-Care Gift Sets to Shop Now
Rice to Meet YouTatcha The Starter Ritual SetJump to review
Amazon
Take That Glow to GoLaneige Mini Hydration To Go Gift SetJump to review
Amazon
Plumping PinnacleSkinCeuticals Injectables Power PairJump to review
SkinCeuticals
Our Top Skin-Care Gift Sets
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Rice to Meet You: Tatcha The Starter Ritual Set
Tatcha
The Starter Ritual Set
Amazon
Tatcha
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee using the Tatcha Rice Wash
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it's worth it: When we think of Tatcha, the first word that often comes to mind is “luxe,” and they’ll quickly see why with The Starter Ritual Set. Inspired by centuries-old geisha rituals and traditional Japanese beauty practices, this four-step lineup is ideal for anyone with dry or mature skin looking to restore a healthy, lit-from-within glow. It includes The Rice Wash to purify (“the creamy texture feels incredibly luxurious as it smooths and brightens the skin,” Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, previously told Allure), The Essence to plump, The Dewy Serum to treat, and The Dewy Skin Cream to nourish. Featuring ingredients like double-fermented rice, antioxidant-rich green tea, and hydrating algae, this routine leaves skin soft, radiant, and deeply hydrated. From its silky textures to its serene lavender packaging, every detail will remind them to slow down and enjoy a moment of self-care.
Tester feedback on Tatcha’s The Rice Wash from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“This is one of those cleansers that actually makes you look forward to washing your face. When you first start lathering it up, there’s a teeny bit of grittiness from the rice powder doing its gentle exfoliating thing—but then it instantly melts into the softest, creamiest foam. That said, it didn’t really budge my waterproof eyeliner (I don’t blame it; I wear MAC Liquidlast and it’s truly bulletproof), so I wouldn’t rely on it for full makeup removal. But it’s incredible as a second step to a double-cleanse or a no-makeup day.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- What it includes: The Rice Wash (1.7 fl. oz.), The Essence (0.8 fl. oz.), The Dewy Serum (0.35 fl. oz.), The Dewy Skin Cream (0.5 fl. oz.)
- Key ingredients: double-fermented rice, green tea, algae
- Who it’s for: people with dry or mature skin
Take That Glow to Go: Laneige Mini Hydration To Go Gift Set
Laneige
Mini Hydration To Go Gift Set
Amazon
Sephora
Allure former shopping editor Angela Trakoshis applying the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Angela Trakoshis
Why it's worth it: We probably don’t need to say much more than that this limited-edition kit includes Laneige’s viral Lip Sleeping Mask, but we’ll indulge you. Laneige has built its reputation on high-performing, hydration-obsessed formulas that feel expensive but aren’t. The Mini Hydration To Go Gift Set rounds up the brand’s bestsellers: Water Bank Gentle Gel Cleanser to purify, Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer to soften and balance, Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer to deeply hydrate, and of course, that iconic Lip Sleeping Mask to smooth and plump overnight. Together, they deliver dewy, bouncy, perfectly moisturized skin (and lips) anytime, anywhere. Bonus: It all comes tucked inside a cute, travel-ready bag.
Tester feedback on Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis
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“I mean, this is the OG when it comes to lip masks. There's a reason it's a top-seller on Amazon. It moisturizes lips for hours on end—no reapplication needed. I apply the smallest amount of this stuff on my dry lips at night and am guaranteed to wake up with soft, hydrated lips in the morning.” —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor
More to know
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- What it includes: Water Bank Gentle Gel Cleanser (2.7 fl. oz.), Cream Skin Toner and Moisturizer (1.7 fl. oz.), Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer (0.33 fl. oz.), Lip Sleeping Mask in Berry (0.1 fl. oz.), cosmetic bag
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides, white leaf tea water
- Who it’s for: everyone, especially if you have dull or dry skin or loss of elasticity
Plumping Pinnacle: SkinCeuticals Injectables Power Pair
SkinCeuticals
Injectables Power Pair
SkinCeuticals
Dermstore
Why it's worth it: Between the Best of Beauty-winning HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan and equally beloved P-Tiox, we couldn't possibly choose our favorite—even amongst the entire SkinCeuticals family, these two are editor faves. Both formulas are stars at boosting hydration levels and plumping skin, visibly minimizing the look of fine lines with continuous use—so they're great for anyone who wants to target volume loss, dullness, and/or wrinkles, as well as those who regularly go to in-office treatments as at-home maintenance. The best part about this giftable duo? You save $32 versus if you bought these two serums separately. Cha-ching.
Tester feedback on SkinCeuticals P-Tiox from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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"A plastic surgeon once told me that I have a very expressive face—which was a nice way of saying my face is a hotbed for expression lines. That's where this stuff comes in handy. The lightweight serum uses peptides to inhibit signals to the facial muscles, kind of like neuromodulators, but on a much weaker scale. Still, I've found that it works wonders for all the little expression lines where injectables just can't help, like around my mouth." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- What it includes: P-Tiox (1 fl oz.), HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan (1 fl oz.)
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide, PHA, glycerin, soybean ferment extract
Glow All Over: Osea Juicy Duo Gift Set
Osea
Juicy Duo Gift Set
Amazon
Revolve
Osea
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying Osea Hyaluronic Lip Booster
Shanna Shipin
Why it's worth it: We're constantly singing Osea's praises, and what better time to experience its skin-care goodness, or gift said goodness, than the holiday season? Not only do its citrus-leaning body-care products boost your mood with every application, but the ingredients inside the Undaria Algae Body Oil all but guarantee silky-smooth, moisturized, and glazed skin. It doesn't feel heavy, either, despite being an oil. The Hyaluronic Lip Booster is prime lip care for the drier, colder months ahead, and the plush doe-foot applicator is perfect for a one-swipe-and-go situation.
Tester feedback on Osea Hyaluronic Lip Booster by Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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"I know this may look, and be billed as, a kind of lip gloss—but it is so much more than that. It's this lovely balm-like product that actually enrobes your lips in lasting nourishment and hydration. Honestly, I'm talking hours of a supple pout that smells faintly citrus-y. It doesn't have a tint or anything, but because the Booster is so nourishing, it brings out your lips' natural color. You can't talk about this product (or any Osea product, really) without also speaking to the packaging. The formula is a lovely honey color and looks so luxe in its frosted glass case, and the doe-foot applicator is so special. I've tried many applicators in my time as a beauty editor, and this is a high-quality one that is firm, plush, and draws just enough of the ‘booster’ out of the bottle and onto your lips—no potential for the product to flick onto your shirt." —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- What it includes: Hyaluronic Lip Oil Booster (0.41 fl. oz.), Undaria Algae Body Oil (1 fl. oz.)
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, undaria seaweed, sea fern, caster seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil
Bum, Bum, and Beyond: Sol de Janeiro Jet Set Kit in Cheirosa '62
Sol De Janerio
Jet Set in Cheirosa '62
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Sephora
Why it's worth it: We’re not saying you should pick your beauty gifts based solely on how amazing they smell, but if you do, we get it. The Sol de Janeiro Jet Set includes three Best of Beauty Award-winning icons: the Brazilian 4 Play Body Wash, a cream-gel formula infused with coconut and açaí oils to tackle dryness before you even towel off; the Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, loaded with fast-absorbing cupuaçu butter, energizing caffeine, and antioxidant-rich Brazil nut and açaí oils for an all-over glow; and the Cheirosa ’62 Perfume Mist, a warm, addictive scent that—according to associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tette—has “a 100% success rate in getting compliments.”
More to know
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- What it includes: Brazilian 4 Play Body Wash (3 fl. oz.), Brazilian Bum Bum Cream (1.7 fl. oz.), Cheirosa ‘62 Perfume Mist (1.1 fl. oz.)
- Key ingredients: caffeine, Brazil nut, cupuaçu butter, açaí oil
- Who it’s for: people with dry skin
Glass Act: Medicube Glass Skin Collagen Trial Kit
Medicube
Glass Skin Collagen Trial Kit
Amazon
Allure features director Dianna Mazzone Singh removing the Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask
Dianna Mazzone Singh
Why it's worth it: Ask anyone at the Allure office what their favorite Medicube product is and you’ll get a different answer every time—and that’s because the brand is stacked with derm-loved formulas at affordable price points. But if they’re new to the K-beauty brand, the Medicube Glass Skin Collagen Trial Kit is a great intro, featuring four hydrating and firming essentials: Collagen Toner, Collagen Serum, Collagen Cream, and a Collagen Wrapping Mask. And while, as dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman previously told Allure, topical collagen itself can’t penetrate deeply enough to boost collagen production, Medicube’s formulas don’t stop there—they’re joined by ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid that help support elasticity, smooth fine lines, and give skin that plump, dewy, glass skin glow.
Tester feedback on Medicube’s Collagen Night Wrapping Mask from features director Dianna Singh
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"The way my skin looks with a layer of Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask is exactly how I want my skin to look without it: glassy, glowy, and clear. And with each overnight—yes, overnight—application of its niacinamide- and hyaluronic acid-infused formula, I get a little bit closer to that goal. I've been using it once or twice a week and never cease to be delighted by the satisfaction of peeling it away in the morning." —Dianna Singh, features director
More to know
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- What it includes: Collagen Toner (0.42 fl. oz.), Collagen Serum (0.42 fl. oz.), Collagen Cream (0.17 fl. oz.), Collagen Wrapping Mask (0.17 fl. oz.)
- Key ingredients: collagen extract, niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid
- Who it’s for: people with mature skin
The Rhode to Glazed Skin: The Rhode Kit
Rhode
The Rhode Kit
Rhode
Why it's worth it: It’s hard to believe the skin-care brand started by Hailey Bieber launched just three years ago. If you’re after an uncomplicated, glow-boosting routine—or trying to impress the teen in your life—The Rhode Kit is the perfect starter kit. It includes four full-size essentials designed for all skin types, especially dry, dull, or dehydrated complexions: Pineapple Refresh cleanser, Glazing Milk essence, and two of the brand’s OG icons, the Peptide Glazing Fluid and Barrier Restore Cream. The lineup blends hydrating ingredients like peptides, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid with soothing antioxidants to help strengthen the skin barrier, smooth texture, and deliver that signature “glazed donut” finish that the founder made famous, all in a few simple steps.
More to know
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- What it includes: Pineapple Refresh (5 fl. oz.), Glazing Milk (4.2 fl. oz.), Peptide Glazing Fluid (1.7 fl. oz.), and Barrier Restore Cream (1.7 fl. oz.)
- Key ingredients: peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
- Who it’s for: everyone
Sleeping Beauty: Sunday Riley Go to Bed With Me
Sunday Riley
Go to Bed With Me
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Ulta Beauty
Lee applying the Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it's worth it: Not much has changed since we learned that everyone is obsessed with Sunday Riley a few years ago. Rather than flooding the market with dozens of so-so formulas every other month, the brand keeps things tight—fewer products, stronger efficacy—which is why just about every launch becomes an instant hit. The Go to Bed With Me Complete Evening Routine Set includes seven of Sunday Riley’s hero products for a complete nighttime ritual (read: retinol). They’ll find icons like Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment for glowing, smoother skin and Luna Sleeping Night Oil, packed with retinol and blue tansy to refine texture and treat dark spots overnight. With hydrating, barrier-strengthening picks like Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream and Ceramic Slip Cleanser, this set is for anyone chasing brighter, more even, and healthier-looking skin.
Tester feedback on Sunday Riley’s Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment from Lee
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“I have pretty sensitive skin, and this lactic acid treatment is one of the few exfoliants that never freaks it out—it’s so gentle. No peeling, no flaking, no scary ‘purge’ phase; just smoother, glowier skin that actually feels hydrated after. If I could only choose one product to have an endless stock of, it would be this.” —Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- What it includes: Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence (0.3 fl. oz.), Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream (0.5 fl. oz.), Ceramic Slip Cleanser (1 fl. oz.), Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment (0.5 fl. oz.), A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum (0.5 fl. oz.), Luna Sleeping Night Oil (0.34 fl. oz.), 5 Stars Eye Serum (0.27 fl. oz.)
- Key ingredients: peptides, ceramides, lactic acid, retinol
- Who it’s for: people with mature skin
Thrice as Nice: SkinFix Acne+ Triple Threat Set
SkinFix
Acne+ Triple Threat Set
Sephora
Kohl's
Pai applying SkinFix Barrier+ Restoring Gel Cream
Deanna Pai
Why it's worth it: Some brands chase trends, but SkinFix focuses on creating solutions for what skin actually needs. And if one of those needs is fighting acne, the Acne+ Triple Threat Set has them covered. This three-step routine includes a 2% BHA Cleanser to unclog pores and smooth texture, an Adapinoid Gel (a retinoid-like treatment) to target blemishes and support cell turnover, and a Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream to calm and hydrate without clogging pores. Together, they tackle breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks while helping maintain a healthy barrier. It’s ideal for people with oily, acne-prone, or combination skin that needs results and a little TLC.
Tester feedback on SkinFix’s Barrier+ Restoring Gel Cream from Pai
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"I've never had a pregnancy glow—just a whole lot of hormonal acne on top of my usual day-to-day breakouts. And this time, it hit just as the weather was getting chilly, which means that I need to balance coddling dry areas, like my cheeks, and addressing trouble spots on my chin and jawline. This stuff has yet to steer me wrong. Unlike a lot of other lightweight moisturizers, it's cushiony and leaves my skin soft, but not shiny. And it's more gel than cream, which gives it an especially nourishing feel." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- What it includes: 2% BHA Cleanser (1 fl. oz.), Adapinoid Gel (0.23 fl. oz.), Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream (0.5 fl. oz.)
- Key ingredients: salicylic acid,
- Who it’s for: people with acne-prone or oily skin
Why You So Obsessed With Me?: e.l.f. Cosmetics Best & Obsessed Skincare Kit
E.L.F. Cosmetics
Best & Obsessed Skincare Kit
Amazon
Walmart
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops
Why it's worth it: In recent years, e.l.f. has gone full-on viral again thanks to formulas that perform like luxury but cost less than your latte. You can’t scroll BeautyTok for more than five seconds without spotting someone slathering, tapping, or glazing on something from the Best & Obsessed Skincare Kit. It features five fan-favorite essentials that blend skin care and glow-inducing makeup: Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm, Bronzing Drops, Thirst Burst Drops, Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum, and Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30 (a tinted chemical sunscreen). For skin that’s dull, dry, or uneven, this lineup delivers everything they need to cleanse, brighten, hydrate, and protect. It won’t take long to see why everyone is—yep—completely obsessed.
Tester feedback of e.l.f.’s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops from commerce editor Sarah Han
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"Whenever I don’t get enough sleep (or even when I do, honestly), a brightening face serum is a must in my morning routine. Thirst Burst Drops offers the best of both worlds, packing in both hydrating and brightening ingredients that perk up my skin straight away. The gel texture melts right into my skin and provides a bit of tackiness (not stickiness) that really grips onto my sunscreen and makeup. Glowy, radiant base? Check, check." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- What it includes: Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm (0.45 fl. oz.), Bronzing Drops (0.33 fl. oz.), Thirst Burst Drops (0.33 fl. oz.), Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum (0.5 fl. oz.), Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30 (0.33 fl. oz.)
- Key ingredients: vitamin C, hibiscus complex, sunflower seed oil, hyaluronic acid, squalane
- Who it’s for: everyone, especially those with dry skin
Eau So Hydrated: La Roche-Posay Facial Hydration Heroes
La Roche-Posay
Facial Hydration Heroes
Amazon
Why it's worth it: It all started in a tiny French town called La Roche-Posay, where a mineral-rich thermal spring earned a reputation for calming even the most sensitive skin (long before “skin barrier” was a buzzword). That same water is still at the core of all their products today. Their Facial Hydration Heroes Kit includes the Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, a milky face wash that cleanses while supporting sensitive skin. Plus, you’ll find the Hyalu B5 Serum—powered by two kinds of pure hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and madecassoside to plump and repair. And to complete the minimalist routine, there’s the Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer, which is rich in ceramides and niacinamide to strengthen, hydrate, and soothe fragile skin.
More to know
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- What it includes: Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser (1.69 fl. oz.), Hyalu B5 Serum (1 fl. oz.), Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer (1.35 fl. oz.)
- Key ingredients:
- Who it’s for: everyone, especially those with sensitive skin
Frequently Asked Questions
Meet the experts
- Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
- Dendy Engleman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best skin-care gift sets, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more about our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Simone Biles Got a Lower Blepharoplasty Because She Had “the Worst Eye Bags”—Watch the Video
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Simone Biles is opening up about the plastic surgery procedures she's had done.
In a recent “Get un-ready with me” video posted to TikTok, the Olympian played a trivia game with her followers as she got ready for bed, sharing fun facts about herself and touching on a variety of topics—including plastic surgery.
“I've had three plastic surgeries and two of them you would never be able to tell," she said in the video “Guess!” Followers shared their thoughts in the comments, and Biles then spilled the beans about which three procedures she'd had done: a cherry emoji, likely to reference breast implants; a lower blepharoplasty “because I had THE WORST eye bags”; and an earlobe procedure after an earring was ripped from her ear when she was younger. Ouch! (She also shared that she's allergic to "most lip glosses" but hasn't figured out which ingredient irritates her skin.)
A lower blepharoplasty is a procedure used to de-puff and tighten skin under the eyes. In the past, candidates were typically older people dealing with loose, sagging skin and undereye bags, as Allure reported earlier this year, it's becoming more popular with patients in their 20s and 30s who want a more permanent solution to puffiness, which is often simply genetic or part of their anatomy. A lower bleph can be performed as a standalone surgery or combined with other procedures, and the final result is a subtle, smooth, refreshed undereye area.
While Biles has never explicitly confirmed or denied breast implants, she nodded to them again with the cherries emoji in an Instagram Story from mid-October, saying it was the first flip she'd done in a year, adding it was “with new 🍒.”
Biles isn't the only star speaking more openly about getting work done. Kylie Jenner shared her exact breast implant details in a TikTok comment, and Jennifer Lawrence recently said that she's got plans to get her breasts done soon—as in, maybe this month—after having two children. “Everything bounced back, pretty much, after the first one,” she told The New Yorker. “Second one, nothing bounced back.”
Watch Biles's full video below:
TikTok content
8 Best Moisturizing Body Washes to Keep Skin Calm and Hydrated
Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave this storySave this story
The best moisturizing body washes don’t just rinse away dirt and sweat—they also leave your skin feeling softer and more hydrated before you even reach for moisturizer. The right formula transforms your shower into more than just a rinse-off routine: It’s a two-in-one moment of cleansing and care. These aren’t your average suds; they’re loaded with the kind of nourishing ingredients, like shea butter, ceramides, and glycerin, that attract moisture, so you get clean without the tight, squeaky aftermath. And if you have sensitive skin, you’ll appreciate that many of these derm-approved picks skip common irritants like dyes and fragrances, and even carry the National Eczema Association’s seal of approval.
Bottom line: A great moisturizing body wash saves you from that dry, itchy post-shower feeling and makes your skin feel silky and comfortable all day. Here, the editor-approved picks that turn a simple shower into a moisturizing moment.
Our Top Moisturizing Body Washes
- Best Overall: Osea Undaria Algae Body Wash, $32
- Best Scent: Kiehl’s Oil-to-Foam Cleanser, $35
- Best For Body Acne: Nécessaire The Body Wash, $28
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Soft Services Comfort Cleanse Ultra Soothing Shower Gel, $32
- Best Drugstore: Olay Super Serum Body Wash, $13
- Best for Eczema: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP Moisturizing Body & Face Wash, $20
- Best for Very Dry Skin: L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil, $29
- Best Exfoliating: Beekman 1802 Goat Milk Hand & Body Wash, $22
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What ingredients should I look for in a moisturizing body wash?
- What should I avoid in a body wash for dry skin?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Osea Undaria Algae Body Wash
Osea
Undaria Algae Body Wash
Osea
Amazon
Nordstrom
Why we love it: If you’ve tried the Best of Beauty-winning Osea Undaria Body Oil, you’re probably familiar with its delicious-smelling formula and skin-softening powers. Good news: Its sister product, the Undaria Body Wash, offers all the same little luxuries, just in the form of a foaming cleanser. Like the body oil, this body wash is boosted with seaweed, a natural ingredient packed with amino acids and antioxidants that replenish the skin’s moisture barrier. Additionally, glycerin hydrates, plant-based surfactants gently cleanse, creating a light foam that doesn’t strip the skin, and nourishing jojoba and avocado oils leave your skin feeling silky and supple. After use, your skin will feel soft, hydrated, and revitalized.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I won't lie: The scent is the selling point for me. The grapefruit and lime notes feel like a gentle wake-up call and boost my mood every time I use it. The formula itself is so silky and has the perfect amount of slip, and of course, it's filled with moisturizing powerhouses, like the brand's signature undaria seadweed, aloe, glycerin, and jojoba oil that leave my skin feeling as soft as a baby's bum. Once I'm out of the shower and dried off, I follow up with the Hyaluronic Body Serum because it's one of the few nonsticky body-care products my impatient self tolerates. It's the perfect recipe for long-lasting hydration.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: seaweed, glycerin, jojoba oil, coconut oil, avocado oil
- Scent: grapefruit, lime, cyprus, mango, mandarin
- Size: 8 fl oz
Best Scent: Kiehl’s Oil-to-Foam Cleanser
Kiehl's
Oil-to-Foam Cleanser
Kiehl's
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: Plenty of body washes boast “oil-infused” formulas, but this one is an oil at its core—at least until it meets water. The moment it does, it transforms into a fine, cloud-like foam that feels like pure luxury. And the scent seals the deal: a cozy blend of vanilla and almond that lingers softly on skin without overwhelming your senses. With a base of castor and grapeseed oils—both rich in vitamin E and antioxidants—it cleanses while replenishing, leaving your skin velvety and moisturized. It’s basically a two-in-one: cleanser first, body oil second.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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"I'm five months pregnant in the middle of winter, so I'm all about oils right now—they're the only thing that keeps the skin on my belly from feeling itchy or dry as it stretches. But a traditional shower oil isn't really my jam, which is why this one is perfect: It builds to a sudsy foam that feels effective but nourishing, has a light herbal scent that feels like a mini-meditation in the morning, and leaves my skin soft and soft. I don't think I'll go back to anything else, even postpartum, especially in the winter months when my skin is thirsty."—Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: grapeseed oil, castor oil
- Scent: vanilla, almond
- Size: 8.4 fl oz
Best for Body Acne: Nécessaire The Body Wash
Nécessaire
The Body Wash
Amazon
Nordstrom
Why we love it: Nécessaire’s The Body Wash is a quiet hero in the acne-fighting category. Alabama-based dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD, says this non-comedogenic formula—meaning it won’t clog pores—is ideal for oily or acne-prone skin. It’s also packed with niacinamide, which he says “clears active acne, keeps pores clean, and reduces inflammation.” New York City-based dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, is another fan: “I always look for formulas rich in glycerin, niacinamide, and plant oils to deeply hydrate while maintaining skin’s natural pH,” Dr. Engelman says, adding that it cleanses effectively but never leaves skin feeling tight (unlike many other cleansers that help with acne).
Tester feedback from former commerce writer Jen Hussein
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"From the neck down, my skin is pretty finicky (I'm prone to bouts of dry skin and body acne), so I have to be particularly discerning when it comes to body washes. Thankfully, Nécessaire's fits my fussy bill with its hybrid gel-oil formula. It provides the deep cleanse I need to prevent breakouts, but doesn't over-strip my skin." —Jen Hussein, former commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: niacinamide, glycerin, plant oils
- Scent: fragrance-free
- Size: 16.9 fl oz
Best for Sensitive Skin: Soft Services Comfort Cleanse Ultra Soothing Shower Gel
Soft Services
Comfort Cleanse Ultra Soothing Shower Gel
Sephora
Soft Services
Why we love it: If your skin flares up at the mere thought of showering, the Soft Services Comfort Cleanse Ultra Soothing Shower Gel will put your skin at ease. Made with gentle cleansing agents, it washes away dirt and sweat without stripping, while glycerin locks in moisture long after you dry off. The water-oil texture adds a silky layer of slip, making it perfect for shaving (and for saying goodbye to razor bumps for good).
Tester feedback from designer Briana Rengifo
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“I’m a huge Soft Services girly, and not only because the packaging is always beautiful. This shower gel in particular is so silky and gentle on my skin—I have dry skin all over, but this is good at not stripping away all oils and leaving my skin feeling hydrated. I also love how it can be used as a shaving oil!”—Briana Rengifo, designer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycerin
- Scent: fragrance-free
- Size: 10 fl oz
Best Drugstore: Olay Super Serum Body Wash
Olay
Super Serum Body Wash
Amazon
Walmart
Why we love it: If you’re into a rich, creamy body wash that practically melts into your skin, this one’s for you. Olay’s Super Serum Body Wash lathers like a dream, glides over skin without tugging, and leaves you looking and feeling seriously hydrated. The formula packs a ton of hard-hitters like calming niacinamide, exfoliating BHA, brightening vitamin C, soothing vitamin E, and plumping collagen peptides. It’s basically a mini spa in a bottle, and bonus points for the cozy vanilla and soft woody notes that linger long after you get out of the shower. And for $13? A skin-loving steal.
Tester feedback from social media director Kassidy Silva
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"With dry and sensitive skin, I find it so easy to start dreading the winter months. The moment the temperature falls below 70 degrees, I swap out all of my body-care products for an ultra-moisturizing routine that always includes the Olay Super Serum Body Wash. The formula leaves my skin feeling silky smooth and provides the ideal base (hydrated but not sticky) to lather on my heavy-duty moisturizer once I'm out of the shower."—Kassidy Silva, social media director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: niacinamide, BHA, vitamin C, vitamin E, collagen peptides
- Scent: florals, vanilla, wood
- Size: 10 fl oz
Best for Eczema: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP Moisturizing Body & Face Wash
La Roche-Posay
Lipikar AP Moisturizing Body & Face Wash
Amazon
Dermstore
Ulta Beauty
New York-based dermatologist Jane Yoo, MD, has suffered from eczema for years, but La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar AP Moisturizing Body & Face Wash has been a personal favorite for years. “I used to purchase this in half-gallon bottles and lug it back from City Pharma in Paris for years until it finally came to the States,” she says. As someone who tests new products all the time (sounds familiar), that’s saying a lot. It has lipid-replenishing glycerin and shea butter, anti-inflammatory niacinamide, and the brand’s signature soothing, antioxidant-rich thermal spring water. As far as the formula feels, Dr. Yoo says it has a light, silky touch and is not too heavy, so it doesn’t leave behind any residue. “It’s also fragrance-free and suitable for babies, kids, and adults,” she adds.
Tester feedback from executive beauty director Jenny Bailly
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“The fragrance-free milky gel removes all traces of my (granted, relatively light) makeup while also leaving my skin softer than it was pre-wash. The second ingredient in the formula is glycerin, a humectant that pulls water from the air to keep skin hydrated for hours. It also includes niacinamide to rebuild the skin’s lipid layer and shea butter to soften. A little dab’ll do ya (dime-size for your face, a couple of quarters for your entire body), and you still get just enough foaminess to tell your brain you’re getting clean. This wash started out in my kids’ bathtub—where it soothed rough patches on my eczema-prone son—before it migrated to my own shower and became my go-to.” —Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: niacinamide, BHA, vitamin C, vitamin E, collagen peptides
- Scent: florals, vanilla, wood
- Size: 10 fl oz
Best for Very Dry Skin: L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil
L'Occitane
Almond Shower Oil
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Sephora
Why we love it: For very dry skin, Dr. Engelman recommends pairing a hydrating, non-stripping body wash with a shower oil to seal in moisture immediately afterward, as it leaves a hydrating finish on the skin even after you hop out of the shower. “Or, you can opt for a shower oil, like L’Occitane’s Cleansing & Softening Almond Oil, which locks in hydration and prevents water loss.” This editor-beloved oil is made with highly moisturizing grapeseed, sweet almond, and sunflower seed oils that get nice n’ sudsy for a satisfying clean and to leave your skin soft and smooth. If your skin is unbearably dry and in desperate need of a double dose of moisture—or you just don’t have time for the cleanse-then-oil routine—say hello to your new shower power duo.
Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner
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“Oil and suds usually don’t go together, but L’Occitane’s Almond Shower Oil proves otherwise. Thick and creamy in the bottle, it transforms into a rich, foamy lather the second it hits water, gliding effortlessly over the skin. It hydrates like an oil without leaving any greasy residue, leaving skin soft, supple, and touchable. Some days, I skip body lotion entirely—it’s that moisturizing. And the almond scent is pure spa vibes with every shower. I can’t get enough!”—Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil
- Scent: almond, vanilla
- Size: 8.4 fl oz
Best Exfoliating: Beekman 1802 Goat Milk Hand & Body Wash
Beekman 1802
Goat Milk Hand & Body Wash
Amazon
Why we love it: What's goat milk got to do with dry skin? Well, a lot, when it comes to Beekman 1802. Goat milk naturally contains lactic acid, a gentle alpha hydroxy acid that helps whisk away dead cells for smoother, softer skin without irritation. Combined with “glycerin, jojoba seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and shea butter, the Goat Milk Hand and Body Wash hydrates the skin, supports the skin barrier, and helps to lock in moisture," says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. "Honey and aloe vera add additional soothing properties." You can also use this as a hand wash—extra points for versatility.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycerin, goat milk, jojoba, meadowfoam seed oil, shea butter
- Scent: fragrance-free
- Size: 12.5 fl oz
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients should I look for in a moisturizing body wash?
Cincinnati-based cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos recommends looking for ingredients that hydrate and support the skin barrier, like niacinamide (a.k.a vitamin B3), key for brightening, boosting ceramide production, and delivering antioxidant benefits. "Niacinamide is an ingredient with numerous advantages; as a cosmetic chemist, I love its versatility in formulations," Dobos says. And don’t forget your ceramides, either. New York City-based dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, previously told Allure that they’re key for filling in the cracks between skin cells and helping skin repair itself. Shea butter, jojoba oil, and algae extracts are also top picks for lasting softness, while hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated and clear, adds Dr. Engelman.
Synthetic compounds are also crucial to a good body wash—even the ones you can't pronounce. "Combinations of two to three synthetic surfactants are essential for good cleansing and foaming, and increasing mildness. Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine and cocamidopropyl betaine are examples of mild secondary surfactants," says Dobos. "One ingredient that is particularly useful in body wash is guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, a conditioning polymer with many positive charges that make it substantive to dry skin. It can help deposit other ingredients on the skin too," she adds.
What should I avoid in a body wash for dry skin?
While not everyone is sensitive to fragrance in body washes, picking a fragrance-free option minimizes the risk of irritation. "Try to avoid fragrances, cleansers with a high pH, or soap-based cleansers," Dr. King attests. She notes that "soap" doesn't always refer to bar soap, but rather cleansers with a high pH. "Skin has a neutral to slightly acidic pH, so you want cleansers that mimic that and support barrier health, Dr. King explains. “If it has tons of ingredients, ditch it. Keep it simple!" It’s a good idea to avoid harsh, skin-stripping detergents like SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), which can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to more dryness.
If you have eczema, avoid formulas that feature acne-targeting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, Olga Bunimovich, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Pittsburgh, previously told Allure, as they can be particularly drying and irritating. The safest option, however, if you have acne-prone and very dry skin, is to talk to your dermatologist before buying a new body wash.
Meet the experts
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Birmingham, AL
- Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Jane Yoo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
- Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist based in Cincinnati
- Olga Bunimovich, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Pittsburgh
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best body washes for dry skin, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance (or lack thereof), texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.