ELLE Editors Name 28 Best Skin Care Products of 2026

By Daniel Okafor

ELLE editors named 28 skin care products as the best launches of 2026, after narrowing 320 submissions to 90 innovative candidates and testing them with dozens of testers. The edit also spotlights ELLE's Future of Beauty award winners.

Which products made ELLE's 2026 shortlist?

• Peptide eye serum: ELLE's testers saw smoothing, hydration, brightness and lift from peptides and bakuchiol. One said: “My favorite part is the metal applicator. It feels cool on the skin, which is perfect for tired mornings.” Another saw no makeup pilling.
• Amino-acid firming serum: A precise ratio of amino acids commonly found in collagen targets firmness, tightening and visible lift. ELLE's tester saw progressive smoothing around her mouth and praised its silky texture.
• Dr. Diamond’s Metacine Liplift Hyaluron Peptide-6 BioFill Lip Treatment: ELLE cited in-office treatments by Jason Diamond, MD, popular with Kim Kardashian and Katy Perry. Its peptides target hydration, lines, definition and fuller lips without plumper sting. The tester said: “It has a lightweight, silky texture that makes it easy to wear on its own or layered over lip color.”
• Gloss-like lip serum: Skin-barrier-strengthening PDRN, lactic acid and hibiscus enzymes combine for exfoliation and soothing. ELLE's tester liked the gloss appearance over the repairing base.
• Multi-active moisturizer: Exosomes, peptides, fatty acids and other actives aim to restore, strengthen and balance skin. After one week, ELLE's tester reported better lines and firmness, plus more actives than she had used before.
• Fresh cleansing balm: The texture starts as jelly, turns to oil and liquefies during rinsing. ELLE credits soy protein with moisture and elasticity; the tester found it removed foundation without dryness and preferred the portable tub.
• Gwyneth-associated cream: Plant peptides and an NAD+ precursor anchor the formula; ELLE calls NAD+ a powerful coenzyme used by celebrities to biohack and says it purportedly stimulates mitochondria. The tester doubted the one-month fine-line claim, then saw it work and called this the only face cream she thought had made a difference.
• Cooling under-eye treatment: A silver applicator dispenses one dose of two vitamin C types and hyaluronic acid. ELLE's tester reported about 20 percent brighter under-eyes after one week, plus smoothing, moisture and radiance.
• GLP-1 moisturizer: In a study of this cream and its sister serum, GLP-1 users reported smoother, more radiant skin. ELLE offered multiple hyaluronic acids and water-loss-preventing ectoin as a possible explanation; the tester liked quick morning absorption under makeup.
• Shaped hydration patch: Cloud, heart and star patches work anywhere on the face to hydrate and reduce dark spots with glutathione and niacinamide. ELLE's tester saw slightly lighter under-eyes and preferred the cooling effect.
• Luxury face balm: Vitamin C, resveratrol and fisetin combine in ELLE's science-focused balm. ELLE cited studies on the flavonoid clearing aged or dormant fibroblasts. The tester saw no product conflict, better absorption, less grease and next-day hydration.
• Vegan-friendly serum: ELLE presented it as a vegan version of PDRN and exosome treatments popular in Korea, aimed at rejuvenation and moisture. The tester said summer sun exposure left her skin plumper and highly hydrated.
• Invisible pimple patch: A clear version from what ELLE called the reigning patch brand discouraged picking and sealed out bacteria. ELLE's tester said it flattened her spots within hours.
• Cooling sculpting rollerball: Collagen peptides and NAD+ meet a cooling applicator for the neck, décolletage and lymph nodes. ELLE's tester reported plumper, smoother skin on her neck and jawline.
• Caffeine Reset mask: Caffeine targets puffiness; peptides target radiance. ELLE's tester found the tingling formula comfortable on sensitive skin and liked the packaging, but reported no dramatic depuffing and would use it after a late night or early morning.
• Botanical mineral sunscreen: Its SPF-plus (sun-protection factor) formula visibly calms redness and protects skin. ELLE's tester accepted the thicker texture and rubbing required for mineral protection because it outlasted her usual formulas.
• Two-shade hydrating sunscreen: A natural finish, cast-free finish and “water-burst-like” texture defined the formula. ELLE's tester praised its moisturizing feel.
• Dior smoothing cream: Proprietary Rose de Granville peptides come from a hardy flower grown on French cliffs. ELLE says its micro-filler technology smooths texture and lines; the tester saw a shoulder crinkle disappear after chest application.
• Upneeq eye cream: The over-the-counter vitamin C and peptide product firms and brightens, but ELLE stresses that it does not make eyes appear more open. The tester praised its smooth, butter-like feel and easy absorption.
• Myrixin wrinkle cream: An intensely hydrating formula uses a flavonoid complex of six plant extracts with Botox-like effects. ELLE's tester reported smoother, firmer skin and fewer deep-set lines.
• Exosome growth-factor serum: Lab-synthesized exosomes and growth factor technology produced immediate plumpness, smoothness and visible firmness for ELLE's tester. She said it appeared to repair damage from erratic summer weather.
• Self-tanning mask: Low-level DHA combines with erythrulose, a sugar that creates a sunless tan, plus hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and lactic acid. ELLE's tester reported no pillow transfer or orange cast and looked freshly bronzed.
• All-in-one hydrating serum: Peptides, lipids and plant-based exosomes aim to protect, moisturize and boost hydration. ELLE's tester saw immediate cheek plumping and preferred its velvety texture and neutral, non-medicinal scent.
• Foamy peptide essence: A hydrating essence dispenses with effervescence; ELLE says liposomes carry peptides and ceramides in the bubbles. The tester found it nonsticky, non-drying and long-lasting, and called it modern K-be