Ranking the BEST 2021 Skincare Products In My Stash

What else is there to do during the last month of the year other than reminisce on the best 2021 skincare products from your skincare shelf? I love to analyze my different skincare routines and break down which products I can’t stop using, re-buying, or talking about. Let’s go through my list and break down which 2021 skincare products are my favorite and why.

First Cleanse

Haru Haru Black Rice Deep Moisture Oil, purchase here

Although this is a pretty new product in my skincare stash, I fell in love with it right away. I typically go for cleansing balms over oils so the fact that I use this every day means something to me! It is so rich but doesn’t feel heavy and rinses away easily. It effortlessly removes face and eye makeup or even just a layer of sunscreen.

Second Cleanse

Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser, purchase here

The entire Calm + Restore Aveeno line tops the list as my favorite affordable skincare from 2021. It is creamy and hydrates the skin while cleansing. I use this daily as my AM cleanser and it never disappoints. There is no foaming effect at all, so it can be used on even the most sensitive skin.

Check out my full review on the Aveeno Calm + Restore line

Toners

One Thing Artemisia Capillaris Extract Toner, purchase here

2021 was definitely the year of toners for me. I started experimenting with numerous k-beauty favorites for that supple glow. The One Thing toners caught my eye due to the pretty, minimalistic packaging. I love how gentle this formula is- literally feels like patting water into the skin. It has a herbal scent, since it is derived from mugwort, and soothes any irritation and redness.

Choc Choc Rice Essence, purchase here

The company was kind enough to reach out and send me this product to try. I used this basically every single day after I got it in the mail…it was so incredible! By incorporating 55% rice bran extract, this hydrating essence also firms and brightens the complexion as a first step in your routine. I loved layering this with other hydrating products to give my skin a glowy and fresh look!

Serums

Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum, purchase here

Skin barrier repair was definitely a common theme all year. Most 2021 skincare products had either “repair your moisture barrier” or “support the skin’s natural barrier” on the front of the packaging. Out of all the soothing and repairing products I tried this year, this serum from Glow Recipe tops the list. Although it is pricey, you don’t necessarily need this every day. You can use it as needed for skin recovery. This was so lovely and I can’t wait to put it back in my skincare rotation.

Medik 8 C-Tetra Lipid Vitamin C Radiance Serum, purchase here

I was so excited when Medik8 reached out to me to send some of their most popular products. They are a UK brand that is now available for purchase in the U.S! I have seen their products on my Instagram feed for a long time now, especially their coveted crystal retinal. This Vitamin C serum is a true standout because of the unique formula and feel. By using jojoba oil, vitamin e, and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (vitamin c derivative), this serum is super hydrating and provides powerful antioxidants to the skin.

Youth to the People 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum, purchase here

After finishing two full bottles of this serum, I just cannot get enough of this amazing serum. I love the ginger scent, the pump packaging, how light and gentle the formula is while also being really effective! I got major results using this for several months straight. Yes, it is expensive but you get what you pay for with this product.

Want to learn more about Vitamin C? Check out my previous blog

The Inkey list Polyglutamic Acid, purchase here

If you haven’t already caught on, you truly can never get enough hydrating serums! This uses polyglutamic acid which is more powerful at hydrating the skin than the ever popular hyaluronic acid. I like to apply this serum right before my moisturizer at night and it leaves me feeling so soft and moisturized.

Eye Creams

Mukti Age Defiance Eye Serum, purchase here

This product came to me through my Beauty Heroes subscription, and I am so thankful that it introduced me to Mukti Organics! When I saw the big price tag on this one, I was pretty sure it couldn’t possibly be worth the money. However, if there is any luxury skincare product worth the money- this is it. So creamy and actually improves the appearance of fine lines and puffiness. I definitely got results from this eye cream and loved using it every day.

The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream, purchase here

Overall, eye creams are always a staple in my skincare routine. I don’t talk about them too much because I typically use the same product every day for half the year…they last a long time. After finishing my coveted Mukti Eye serum, I moved on to a way more affordable option from The Inkey List. This eye cream has a gel texture. It is refreshing and brightens the under eyes while also reducing puffiness. I recommend this for everyone, especially if you’re new to eye creams.

Moisturizers

Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer, purchase here

The Aveeno Calm + Restore line makes another appearance in my best 2021 skincare list! If you purchase anything that I mention here, make it this moisturizer. I absolutely adored every single drop of this soothing gel cream and will be re-buying as soon as the weather warms back up.

Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer, purchase here

This is another affordable moisturizer to pick up on your next Target run. I really love Naturium’s formulas. They aren’t full of unnecessary ingredients, but they pack a punch. This moisturizer is great for all skin types and sinks in beautifully. Love love love that it comes with a pump!

Sunscreens

Garnier Canna-B Pore Perfecting Serum Cream SPF 30, purchase here

The drugstore really popped off in 2021, didn’t they?! This product doubles as a moisturizer and sunscreen in one. It leaves the skin super glowy and dewy without being greasy. Definitely get this if you have dry skin or want a simple morning routine.

I have a full review and demo using this sunscreen you can check out here.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50, purchase here

Moving on to my favorite Japanese skincare product of 2021. This sunscreen blends so beautifully into the skin and would work for all skin tones and skin types. It is very lightweight and feels like water (duh, water sun cream). Overall, this is a dewy and fresh sunscreen worth the money!

I have a full review and demo using this sunscreen you can check out here.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 60, purchase here

OMG. I have probably never finished up a sunscreen as quickly as this one, because I couldn’t stop using it. The formula is beautiful- very natural and easy to blend. I have a full review on 3 different La Roche-Posay sunscreens on a previous blog post if you want some more info! All skin types should give this one a try.

Face Masks

Mukti Organics Deep Cleanse Antioxidant Masque, purchase here

And we have another Mukti Product! My favorite mask from this year is this luxurious deep cleansing option. It is a big tub of creamy goodness that brightens, exfoliates and smoothes the skin after 10-15 mins. It provides chemical and physical exfoliation which I enjoy from a mask. This is worth splurging on in my opinion!

A’Pieu Milk One Pack Sheet Masks, purchase here

These k-beauty masks are so affordable (only $1-$2 a piece) and give great results! They stay on the face better than most sheet masks I have tried, too. It comes in many varieties including coffee, strawberry, banana, chocolate, coconut, plain milk and green tea. The strawberry is my favorite for a quick brightening effect, but they are all so good.

Check out my full blog on the best Summer sheet mask options here

My Top 2021 Skincare Products Wrap-up

What were your favorite skincare products from this year? Overall, 2021 definitely was a year of being loyal to affordable skincare. I only have a few luxury products that I used, and they made my top skincare list! I can’t wait to discover more skincare favorites next year. Let me know in the comments what your stand-outs were or if you have any of my faves on your wishlist!

Thanks so much for reading and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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