20 skin & hair care products that are cult favorites

Though it's pricey, this toner from French brand Biologique Recherche is the definition of a cult classic. The acid-based formula exfoliates the skin, making your complexion smoother and brighter. 

Made with ingredients sourced from glaciers and super-hydrating squalane, this popular Kiehl's moisturizer has been touted by many celebrities and is the longstanding skincare brand's best-selling product. 

For folks who grew up using harsh cleansers to take off their makeup, micellar water is a bit of a miracle product. Swipe a little of this popular (and dermatologist-approved) micellar water on your skin at the end of the day to remove makeup and oil without having to do a full skincare routine. 

French skincare is wildly popular among true skincare fanatics, and La Roche Posay is one of the country's most-lauded brands. Fortunately, it's easy to find in the U.S., which means that you can stock up on the SPF 50 Anthelios sunscreen just in time for summer. 

There is no skincare product more versatile than Aquaphor. Used as a foot salve, lip moisturizer, and pretty much everything in between, it's great for locking moisture into the skin on the cheap. 

This thick, rich moisturizer is a favorite of dermatologists and skincare minimalists thanks to its mild yet intensely moisturizing formula. It's great for anyone with dry or sensitive skin, and the convenient pump top makes it easy — and sanitary — to use. 

Cleansing oils are all the rage, thanks to their ability to gently remove makeup and skin oils. This oil from Japanese brand DHC is the source of thousands of 5-star reviews online that rave about its ability to thoroughly cleanse skin while leaving it soft and bright. 

These hydrocolloid patches are perfect for anyone dealing with an impromptu zit. Not only do they help draw the excess sebum away from your pimple, but Mighty Patch is also great for keeping the spot protected from any temptation to squeeze or pick. 

Super-hydrated skin is all the rage in 2023, and this Korean product is credited by many as a skincare influencer for creating a dewy, almost glass-like appearance. And, at $25, it's a relatively inexpensive addition to your skincare routine. 

Chemical exfoliation is preferred by many skincare enthusiasts because it can be more gentle than using physical scrubs, and the Paula's Choice 2% BHA toner is arguably among the most beloved of these chemical exfoliants. It's gentle enough to use a few times per week but packed with enough clinically proven ingredients to actually make an impact in your skincare routine. 

Now available over the counter, Differin gel is made with adapalene, a topical retinoid that is used both to fight acne and the signs of aging. And, compared to other retinoids, many of which require a dermatologist's prescription, it's affordable and accessible. 

There is no skincare brand more associated with the word "splurge" than La Mer. From the time it hit the market in 1995, the brand's signature moisturizing cream has been touted by everyone from Beyonce to supermodel Cara Delevigne. The "creme" itself is thick and rich, and it's priced at around $100 for a half-ounce jar. 

If you're constantly battling chapped lips, add Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask to your evening routine for hydration that's happening even while you're asleep. 

Made with tiger grass, or centella Asiatica leaf, the active ingredient in this product from beloved Korean brand Dr. Jart is soothing for even the reddest, most irritated complexions. 

Made by brands like Make-Up Eraser, microfiber cloths are excellent for removing makeup and cleansing your skin with just water. Wet the cloth, wipe away the day, and toss it in the wash for dozens of uses. 

Moisturizing your body is an important part of keeping your skin healthy, and priced at around $12, this classic body lotion from Nivea is an affordable way to make sure all your nooks and crannies are hydrated. 

This product, applied to hair and left in before shampooing, helps rebuild protein bonds in the strands of your hair. It may seem a little pricey, but it's incredibly potent and can go a long way in helping repair damaged hair, especially for anyone who lightens or color-treats their locks. 

Wearing sunscreen daily is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen is great for everyday use thanks to its lightweight formula, which sits well under makeup or on its own. 

Some studies show that niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, can help boost collagen turnover, which keeps skin looking great. The Ordinary's niacinamide serum is paired with zinc to help control excess oil and reduce uneven skin texture. 

This rich moisturizer from German brand Weleda is the kind of product you can use all over. If you've got dry skin, it's great as a calming facial moisturizer and will work wonders on any rough spots on your knees and elbows.