New season, new skin care: Whether you’re looking to tackle sun damage post-vacation, hoping to kick off a new retinoid routine for the fall, or just in the mood for a new treatment, the latest batch of formulas offers something for everyone. They include cleansers that go above and beyond makeup removal, peels that brighten skin within a matter of minutes, and serums that give the skin barrier some well-deserved TLC.
Bottom line? They make a strong case for swapping out some of your standby skin-care products. Here, the most exciting skin-care launches to consider investing in this fall.
EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Facial Cleanser, $35
Why we love it: Designed with vulnerable post-procedure skin in mind, this cleanser strikes a balance between gentle and effective. It’s capable of removing sunscreen and makeup but won’t irritate or compromise skin following an in-office procedure like a laser or chemical peel. In fact, its complex of three amino acids doesn’t just avoid harming the skin barrier—it actually strengthens it. The bisabolol and ginger root take recovery a step further, dialing down redness.
How to use it: Morning and night, dispense 1–2 pumps and massage into damp skin. Rinse with warm water, then pat dry.
Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Instant Reveal Facial Peel, $30
Why we love it: This peel delivers results without the frills: Each packet contains an oversize cotton swab (roughly the size of an ear plug) soaked in a solution of 30% glycolic acid. That’s a high concentration, but it’s buffered by a blend of niacinamide—which has anti-inflammatory properties—and hyaluronic acid, to deliver hydration. A single treatment yields smoother, more radiant skin.
How to use it: Tear open the pouch and swipe the cotton swab across a clean face. Leave on for up to 10 minutes, then rinse. Use weekly or as needed.
Kate Somerville Mega-A Skin Transforming Serum, $79
Why we love it: If you have yet to meet retinal, it’s the vitamin A derivative that’s just one conversion away from retinoic acid, the primary form of vitamin A used by skin. That makes it more potent than retinol (which requires two conversions) but also less irritating—possibly due to the faster conversion. (The exact reason some people find it easier to tolerate it is TBD.) The retinal in this serum also gets a comforting cushion from squalane, which supplements the moisture barrier, and two forms of hyaluronic acid, to immediately firm and plump skin.
How to use it: After cleansing, dispense 3 or 4 drops and apply to the face and neck. It can be used morning and night, but sunscreen is necessary for daytime wear.
KaramMD Enrich Barrier Balm, $100
Why we love it: Cold weather, in-office treatments, harsh skin-care products—there are a lot of reasons your skin barrier may be compromised. That’s where this balm can be helpful: It uses fatty acid– and antioxidant-rich plant oils (like sesame, jojoba, and marula oils) to supplement the skin barrier, giving it an additional layer of protection. Not only that, but bakuchiol, a plant-derived ingredient that mimics the effects of retinol without the typical irritation or acclimation period, also helps spur skin-cell turnover, revealing brighter, healthier skin over time.
How to use it: Morning and night, apply a thin layer to face and neck.
Skinbetter Science Refining Foam Cleanser, $48
Why we love it: Oily skin can require extra TLC; not just any cleanser can control shine and keep pores clear. That’s the beauty of this foaming face wash, which pairs alpha hydroxy acids—which gently loosen the bonds between skin cells, encouraging them to shed—with salicylic acid, the oil-soluble exfoliant capable of clearing pores from the inside out. By doubling up on chemical exfoliants, it helps keep skin clear and matte while allowing following treatments to better penetrate skin—all while removing the day’s makeup and grime.
How to use it: Morning and night, dispense 1–2 pumps and apply to damp skin, then wash. If used during the daytime, follow with sunscreen.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 24 ($54–$135)
Why we love it: Medik8 is known for its gradual retinal ladder, which allows you to start at a low strength and work your way up over time. This is now the most potent formula available, with an encapsulated retinal working to renew skin alongside hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and glycerin. That encapsulation allows for a slow release of retinal so it doesn’t overwhelm or irritate skin. That said, it’s still best for those who’ve already adjusted to retinoids and are seeking to increase their concentration without needing a prescription-level product.
How to use it: In the evenings, apply 2 pumps to clean skin, spreading over face and neck.
Avène Cicalfate+ Intensive Skin Restorative Serum, $40
Why we love it: Summer can do a number on skin’s moisture barrier, which is where this milky, quick-absorbing serum aims to help. It’s powered by TRP-Regulin, a patented active that minimizes skin’s reactivity and soothes compromised skin—and therefore immediately addresses tightness or dryness. It also contains the brand’s signature thermal water, which helps rebalance the skin’s protective microbiome.
How to use it: Morning and night, dispense 2 or 3 drops and massage into the face, the neck, and the eye area.
Clarins Double Serum, $135
Why we love it: This bestseller has been newly reformulated to address extrinsic signs of aging on the skin—like those due to diet, physical activity, sleep habits, and pollution levels. The formula has six patents on its ingredients, which include anti-inflammatory turmeric, retinol alternative Harungana extract, and peptides to plump and firm skin. The “double” in question comes from the two-part formula, which pairs water-soluble and oil-soluble phases in order to mimic skin’s natural composition.
How to use it: Morning and night, dispense one pump and apply it to the face and neck.
Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Night Power Bounce Creme, $135
Why we love it: For those hoping to amp up moisture without having to use an overly thick or goopy cream, consider this bouncy formula; it feels dense on contact, then quickly melts into skin. (It was inspired by the skin’s lipid layer—and, not surprisingly, helps replenish and protect the skin barrier.) It uses eight ingredients known to support collagen formation, including algae extract, peptides, and moringa extract, to firm and plump skin as you sleep. Keep in mind, it does have a fragrance, so it may not be ideal if you have sensitive skin.
How to use it: Apply a dollop of cream to clean skin, massaging it into face and neck. It’s meant to support skin overnight but can be used in the daytime too.
Act+Acre Daily Hydro Serum, $24
Why we love it: The skin on your scalp matters too, especially if you’re in the market for thick, healthy hair. This formula effectively serves as a hydrating serum for your follicles, delivering several molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid and glycerin. These work to draw in and retain moisture, while amino acids help fortify the hair shaft for stronger, smoother strands.
How to use it: Dispense 3–4 pipettes’ worth of product and massage into a clean, damp scalp. Don’t rinse.
HigherDose Red Light Hat, $449
Why we love it: Okay, so this scalp-revitalizing treatment designed as a baseball cap isn’t a skin-care product, but it is one of the more exciting new beauty launches. The hat features 120 LED bulbs that use 650nm red light to help increase blood flow to the scalp, which in turn strengthens hair follicles and decreases shedding. And because it’s cordless and battery-powered, there are no EMF emissions.
How to use it: Wear the hat for 10 minutes daily. According to the brand, you should see results after 16 weeks; after that, you can do maintenance sessions a few times per week.
