Category: STRETCHING

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It’s no secret that consistent exfoliation is the key to radiant skin, but whisking away dead skin cells looks different across skin types. To wit: The best exfoliators for mature skin take sensitivity and signs of aging into account, soothing skin while smoothing texture and fine lines. “It's important to remember that as our skin ages, it naturally becomes drier, thinner, and more sensitive to chemicals,” says Maryam Safaee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Santa Monica, California. “Therefore, one has to be extra mindful when picking the right exfoliating product for mature skin.”

Ahead, find the exfoliators board-certified dermatologists recommend for every step of the skin-care regimen, from cleansing to toning and overnight serums that boost cellular turnover as you sleep. Cap it off with a nourishing moisturizer, and get ready for silky skin at any age.

Our Top Exfoliators for Mature Skin

• Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator, $100
• Best for Dry Skin: Tatcha The Rice Polish, $69
• Best for Barrier Repair: PCA Skin Triple Exfoliation Peel Pads, $60
• Best for Large Pores: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum, $68

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Should you exfoliate mature skin?
• How do you exfoliate mature, sensitive skin?
• What is the best exfoliating acid for wrinkles?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator

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SkinCeuticals

Retexturizing Activator

$100

Bluemercury

Why it's worth it: SkinCeuticals’ Retexturing Activator (formerly known as the Reactivating Texturizer) is a serum whipped up with hyaluronic acid for hydration, kombucha for making the skin baby-soft, and a proprietary cocktail of hydroxyethyl urea and aminosulfonic acid. The latter ingredient stimulates enzymes to gently break the bonds that bind dead skin cells to the skin’s surface—in short, it reveals a fresher, dewier complexion without stripping it of moisture. “This does a great job at hydrating the skin while exfoliating,” says Dr. Safaee. Because hydroxyethyl urea is a powerful humectant, she also calls this an “excellent option for those with very dry or sensitive skin.” As always, you can patch-test to check for any adverse reactions.

More to know

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• Formulation: serum
• Key ingredients: 25% hydroxyethyl urea, hyaluronic acid, 20% glycolic acid, kombucha
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Tatcha The Rice Polish

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Tatcha

The Rice Polish

$69

Amazon

$69

Ulta Beauty

$69

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: As mature skin produces less oil and naturally loses some of its ability to hold onto moisture, exfoliation can be a tricky balancing act. Tatcha's The Rice Polish pulls it off. It’s “ideal for dry to combo skin types because the water-activated powder—finely milled Japanese rice bran and papaya enzymes—transforms into a creamy foam to whisk away dull, flaky skin without leaving your complexion feeling stripped,” says Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City.

Because it's a powder, you can easily customize the experience: Use a smaller amount and more water for a gentler polish, or a bit more product for a deeper exfoliating treatment. Meanwhile, “Tatcha's proprietary Hadasei-3 complex—a blend of fermented rice, green tea, and algae—to smooth texture and boost radiance, while silk proteins condition and soften dry skin,” says Dr. Yoo. And if your skin is especially reactive, Tatcha also offers a Gentle version formulated with licorice root extract to further soothe and minimize the flakiness and tightness that often accompany dryness.

More to know

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• Formulation: powder
• Key ingredients: Japanese rice bran, papaya enzymes, Hadasei-3 complex (fermented rice, green tea, algae)
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Barrier Repair: PCA Skin Triple Exfoliation Peel Pads

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PCA Skin

Triple Exfoliation Peel Pads

$60

PCA Skin

Why it’s worth it: A healthy skin barrier helps lock in hydration, minimize irritation, and keep skin looking smooth and soft—making it especially important to choose an exfoliator like PCA Skin's Triple Exfoliation Peel Pads. Each pre-soaked pad includes the brand’s Triple Exfoliation Technology, which combines chemical exfoliation from a blend of AHAs (glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone, lactobionic acid, and maltobionic acid), enzymatic exfoliation from prickly pear flower extract, and gentle physical exfoliation from the textured pad itself—all in a single treatment. (Whew.)

Despite all that exfoliation power, “the formula includes ingredients like niacinamide, licorice root, and peptides, which support the skin barrier, improve the appearance of uneven tone, and promote firmer, healthier-looking skin while minimizing the irritation that can sometimes occur with exfoliation,” says Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Reno, Nevada.

More to know

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• Formulation: pads
• Key ingredients: niacinamide, licorice root extract, peptides, prickly pear extract, AHAs (lactic, glycolic, mandelic acid), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (lactobionic, gluconolactone)
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Large Pores: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum

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Dr. Dennis Gross

Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum

$68

Dermstore

Why it’s worth it: Dry skin and large pores aren't mutually exclusive, especially as skin ages. Over time, collagen loss can make the skin around pores less firm, causing them to appear stretched and more noticeable, while years of sun exposure and slower cell turnover can leave pores looking even larger.

Dr. Dennis Gross’ Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum tackles the look of large pores with a lightweight formula that combines the brand's signature Alpha Beta Acids—a blend of glycolic, lactic, mandelic, and salicylic acids—to dissolve dead skin cells, clear out buildup, and support healthy cell turnover for a smoother-looking complexion. Soothing ingredients like sodium hyaluronate, panthenol, and prickly pear extract offset dryness, while retinol supports firmer-looking skin, “The lightweight, fast-absorbing formula layers well under moisturizers and makeup, too,” says Dr. Hovenic.

More to know

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• Formulation: serum
• Key ingredients: glycolic, lactic, mandelic, and salicylic acids, sodium hyaluronate, panthenol, prickly pear extract, retinol
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Beginners: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

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Dermalogica

Daily Microfoliant

$69

Amazon

$69

Dermstore

$69

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: A word to the wise? “Be careful when picking the right scrub,” Dr. Safaee says. “For mature skin, pick one that has a creamy base and super-fine particles that are non-abrasive.” Dermalogica's Best of Beauty-winning Daily Microfoliant checks all the boxes. The formula contains a rice-based powder that releases exfoliating papain, salicylic acid, and rice enzymes when it’s activated by water. As it’s worked into the skin, the exfoliant becomes a creamy salve, and it can also be mixed into cleanser.

Though this product can be used daily, you shouldn’t necessarily take its name at face value, especially if you’re new to exfoliants. Dr. Safaee says that those with sensitive skin should hold off on using an exfoliating scrub more than one to two times a week.

More to know

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• Formulation: scrub
• Key ingredients: papain, salicylic acid, rice enzymes
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Advanced Users: Revision Skincare Triple-Action Exfoliator

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Revision Skincare

Triple-Action Exfoliator

$75

Amazon

$75

Dermstore

Why it’s worth it: If you've already graduated from beginner exfoliants and want something with a little more power, Revision Skincare’s Triple-Action Exfoliator delivers a deeper resurfacing experience without completely abandoning mature skin's need for hydration. "The formula combines three powerful forms of exfoliation packed into one treatment," says Dr. Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin. It pairs an immediate physical polish from rice hull powder, bamboo extract, and jojoba esters with glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids that dissolve dead skin cells and support healthy cell turnover. “Pomegranate enzymes further support gentle exfoliation, while hydrating ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, mango seed butter, and hyaluronic acid keep skin feeling balanced,” she says.

More to know

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• Formulation: scrub
• Key ingredients: rice hull powder, bamboo extract, jojoba esters, glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment

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Sunday Riley

Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment

$85 $60 (29% off)

Amazon

$85

Dermstore

Why it’s worth it: While the lactic acid featured in Sunday Riley’s Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment is great for all skin types, it is especially helpful for those with signs of aging. “Mature skin often benefits from exfoliation that improves dullness and texture without overly compromising the skin barrier, and this treatment delivers a smoother, brighter, more radiant look while still feeling relatively hydrating and cosmetically elegant on the skin,” Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans, previously told Allure.

The Best of Beauty award winner also has a stamp of approval from Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Birmingham, Alabama. It “absorbs quickly into the skin, making it easy to add to your skin-care routine for exfoliation,” he says. “The formula also has prickly pear extract, which will soothe redness.” With consistent use, Dr. Hartman says the product can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and support a more even-toned complexion.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I can count on one hand the products that I routinely go back to, and me and Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment have been BFFs for about a decade now. As I enter the last year of my 30s, I depend on this more than ever to keep my dry, sensitive skin from flaking and looking dull. It delivers consistent exfoliation and keeps rough patches at bay, and despite being an acid treatment, it's never irritated my skin.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Formulation: serum
• Key ingredients: lactic acid, prickly pear extract, blue agave extract
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser

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Cetaphil

Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser

$10

Amazon

$13

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: While serums, scrubs, and pads are all effective exfoliators for mature skin, don’t sleep on the basics. “The cleansing step is also ideal for exfoliation, and Cetaphil’s Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser is gentle enough for daily use,” says Dr. Hartman. “The formula uses a mix of salicylic acid, mandelic acid, and gluconolactone, which effectively removes oil, exfoliates the skin, and retains the skin’s moisture.” The cleanser was designed to tackle five common side effects of reactive skin: dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness, and a weakened skin barrier. Better yet, the foaming gel formula, which is fragrance-free, is ideal for sensitive skin, according to Dr. Hartman.

More to know

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• Formulation: cleanser
• Key ingredients: mandelic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone
• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you exfoliate mature skin?

“Exfoliation should be a key component of your skin-care routine, especially as we age,” says Dr. Hartman. “I recommend regular exfoliation to patients with mature skin to help their skin look and feel its best.” The reason? Cellular turnover—or the body’s natural exfoliation process—slows as we age. As a result, dead skin cells accumulate more readily on the surface of the skin, and it takes longer for new skin cells to rise to the surface and replace them. Enter exfoliants such as scrubs, serums, and pads, which can help speed the process to keep skin radiant and smooth.

How do you exfoliate mature, sensitive skin?

In general, Dr. Hartman recommends chemical exfoliants over physical exfoliants for sensitive or mature skin. (There are exceptions, such as the gentle, creamy Dermalogica Daily Microexfoliant.) “A physical exfoliant can oftentimes be too rough for mature skin,” Dr. Hartman says. “In addition to exacerbating sensitivity and causing redness, physical exfoliants may tug at the skin, and excessive tugging can lead to wrinkling or loose skin.” For patients new to chemical exfoliation, he recommends starting with a gentle AHA, like lactic acid, and using it one to two times per week to start; he also recommends using products that contain salicylic acid, mandelic acid, and other chemical agents that help break the bonds between dead skin cells.

What is the best exfoliating acid for wrinkles?

Of all the ingredients said to tame wrinkles, retinol is often considered the gold standard. The vitamin A derivative has a proven ability to stimulate cellular turnover, and its active form, retinoic acid, is particularly effective at kickstarting collagen production for firmer, smoother skin. Typically available by prescription, “Retinoic acid is going to be my top recommendation for exfoliation [that targets wrinkles],” Dr. Hartman says. But for those without access to—or the desire to try—Retin-A or tretinoin, an over-the-counter product such as IOPE’s Expert Retinol RX 1% Super Bounce Serum will also work to target multiple signs of aging, including wrinkles. “In my opinion, everyone should be using a retinoid,” says Dr. Hartman. “It is one of the most studied ingredients and has unparalleled benefits, from exfoliation to improving skin texture, evening skin tone, fading dark spots, and treating acne.”

Meet the experts

• Janet Allenby, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Delray Beach, Florida
• Corey L. Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama
• Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Spooge based in Reno, Nevada
• Maryam Safaee, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Santa Monica, California
• Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle 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 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 exfoliators for mature skin, 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, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from 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.

Courtesy of @sansungnails, @thecolornook, @jadeandpolished, and @heygreatnailsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

It’s 2002, and you’re deciding between your pink-and-green butterfly top and your knit striped sweater for a trip to the mall with your friends. You ultimately go with the former, despite already having the winged insect clipped into your hair and bedazzled onto your low-rise jeans. After all, Britney Spears just proved at the Versace show in Milan that when it comes to butterflies, the sky’s the limit.

Fast forward to today, when we’re going all-in on nostalgic looks, and butterflies are floating across our feeds. According to Spate, a beauty trend-forecasting platform, people are on the hunt for butterfly nail inspo: There are 112,000 monthly searches for the design on Google, and 581,000 Instagram posts a week that feature the design. “It’s such a fresh and easy way to introduce the warmer season onto our nails,” says San Sung Kim, a nail artist and content creator in Los Angeles.

There were early signs on the runways that 2026 would be especially busy for the whimsical design. Valentino’s spring-summer collection from last October featured garden-inspired pieces, including a slip dress beaded with butterflies. In the same month, Bluemarine sent models down the runway in sheer tulle dresses scattered with colorful embroidered versions of the motif.

Getty ImagesGetty Images

Both collections used the butterfly motif to invoke fantasy and whimsy—feelings that Elle Gerstein, a nail artist in New York City, says people are looking for in nail art today. “I think there's a lot of emotion behind trends right now; everyone wants to feel,” says Gerstein, who notes that butterflies signify levity and transformation—a much-needed emergence and escape from the current heaviness in the world. These sentiments are reflected in how we’re wearing butterflies on our nails in 2026.

How we’re wearing butterfly nails in summer 2026

Back when Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera were walking red carpets in blingy butterfly crop tops, butterfly nail designs were graphic and on-the-nose—outlined in black or white polish and painted on a neon base. “It was very cartoon-y,” says Gerstein.

If you wanted a quick-and-easy manicure, then you’d pick up butterfly nail stickers from Claire’s and place them atop jelly nail polish. If you saw a professional for your nail art, you’d likely have the design hand-painted or airbrushed on, says Miss Pop, a nail artist in New York City. If glitter was involved, it was usually chunky.

Butterfly nails in 2026 are “incredibly detailed and intricate,” says Miss Pop. “We’re still drawing from the Y2K era; we just have better supplies.” She points to 3D silicone molds, iridescent cat-eye polishes, and reflective chrome powders.

Miss Pop recommends getting custom 3D butterflies using a silicone mold and a sparkly gel polish (namely the Salon Perfect One-Step Gel). “I put the gel in the butterfly-shaped silicone mold, then I scrape off the excess and cure it,” she explains. “The result is a beautiful, shimmering, colored-gel outline of a butterfly.”

Miss Pop applies that to the nail using a wet topcoat as glue, before curing the butterfly in place, then sealing the whole design with a glossy topcoat (the Zoya Ultra Glossy topcoat is her go-to). “It's a next-level version, but it really is just so chic to have that light and airy, beautiful outline,” she notes.

Miss Pop also likes to use a cat-eye base polish in a light shade, like the new Aprés Prismatic Gel Polishes in pearlescent white, an iridescent shade with silver and light-blue shimmer particles.

Don’t have a full nail art kit on hand? (We hear you.) Try nail art stickers that look hand-painted, like the Daily Charme 3D Embossed Butterfly Nail Stickers, which have a thin gold outline around each sticker for an ornate manicure effect.

You can also reach for a pack of press-ons. Our picks include the Olive & June Butterfly Mixed French Press-Ons, which have a pearly chrome finish, and the OPI Sticking Point Press-On Nails in the design Make My Art Flutter, a set with a butterfly-wing outline over a reflective gold base.

If you’re ready to give your nails the butterfly effect, keep scrolling to discover the most dazzling ways to wear butterfly nails this summer—including angelic, gilded-wing outlines, 3D cat-eye designs, and sparkling rhinestone patterns.

Butterfly nail inspo for summer 2026

Cat-eye butterfly nailsCourtesy of @heygreatnailsCourtesy of @littlekisskoCourtesy of @sansungnailsCourtesy of @heygreatnails

This angelic spin on the butterfly nail trend takes inspiration from Y2K sparkle, but instead of chunky glitter, these looks use the subtle, reflective shimmer from magnetic polish to create an otherworldly effect.

Kim says using cat-eye polish is especially impactful when creating fine-line butterfly designs, since it adds dimension to an otherwise minimal pattern. Kim uses a rose cat-eye polish from the Korean nail brand RozyHip; for a more widely available option, though, we love the DND 9D Cateye Glassball collection, featuring 12 slightly sheer and super glossy magnetic polishes, any of which would make a brilliant backdrop for a delicate butterfly-wing design.

3D butterfly nailsCourtesy of @sansungnailsCourtesy of @sansungnailsCourtesy of @sansungnailsCourtesy of @nailsby.tiff

Dial this dainty motif all the way up with bold and dramatic elements that jump off the nail. Whether it’s sparkling 3D gems or translucent gel accents, adding texture to your butterfly manicure is a great way to bring the trend into 2026. “It creates a super dramatic and gorgeous look,” says Miss Pop, adding that 3D accents add extra dimension to this design that “we couldn’t do before.”

But you might need a nail artist’s skills and finesse to pull off this look, and one technique that can prove less time-consuming is to lean on rhinestones, says Miss Pop. Suggest a butterfly design made purely with gels and appliqués—similar to the one above by Kim.

Framed butterfly nailsCourtesy of @nelza_dunCourtesy of @nail_art_by_mimiCourtesy of @nailswithsophiaCourtesy of @thecolornook and @jadeandpolished

For butterfly nails that look like pieces of vintage heirloom jewelry, consider adding gold outlines to your design. There are so many ways to approach this take on the butterfly motif: You can create, for instance, your butterflies with cat-eye polish, then add gilded edges for extra sparkle.

You can also create your outline in clear gel, apply a matte-gel topcoat, and cure the design in place. Then, using a nail sponge, apply a chrome powder over your nail art, like the Beetles Gel Polish Chrome Nail Powder, which leaves a beautiful reflective finish. “The matte topcoat helps isolate the chrome you’ll rub into the frame design,” Kathleen Tapanes, a nail artist in New York City, previously told Allure.

Jelly butterfly nailsCourtesy of @lana.lovesnailsCourtesy of @myuarnail

Product essentials for butterfly nails:

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Maniology

Mystic Woods: Leafy Feathers/Butterfly Wings Nail Stencil

$9

Mainology

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Daily Charme

Twinkle Twinkle Shaped Rhinestone Mix Pastel Iridescent Collection (4-Pack)

$48

Daily Charme

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Lost Angels

Y2K’d Me Press-ons

$20

Lost Angels

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Salon Perfect

One-Step Gel

$7

Salon Perfect

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Beetles

Gel Polish Chrome Nail Powder

$10 $8 (20% off)

Amazon

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Tadopro

6-Piece Silicone Nail Molds

$9 $8 (11% off)

Amazon

Images: Courtesy of Kosas; Patrick Ta BeautySave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Update, June 16, 2026: Patrick Ta is sharing his side of the transition blush story. The makeup artist appeared on Emma Grede's podcast Aspire and directly responded to the controversy regarding his Transition Blush product launch and accusations of copying Painted by Esther's (Ngozi Esther Edeme) signature technique or not properly crediting her for helping popularize the ombré style for a new generation of makeup lovers.

In the interview, Ta told Grede that his Transition Blush line was created for the “blush lover" and the “world-building of blush,” given it's one of his favorite products and something his brand is well-known for. At first, he says he did “not understand” the conversation about Painted by Esther and creators not being recognized for their influence—especially Black creators and artists.

“The intent of this launch was never to take ownership over this technique,” Ta explained. “It was to create a product to simplify this artist technique that people have been doing and simplifying it for the consumer.” But after he took a step back to listen, he realized that “even though it wasn't my intention, the impact matters.”

Ta also claimed that his team reached out to Edeme for a potential collaboration prior to the launch, which she declined. “I personally reached out to Esther, my team reached out to Esther, and unfortunately she declined the opportunity because she wasn't taking paid collaborations at the moment,” he told Grede. “I really just wanted to work with creators that loved blush." He then went on to say that the launch has been “very difficult" for him.

Grede noted a “sense of remorse” from Ta while summarizing what went wrong. “It feels to me, Patrick, like you kind of understand that launching this particular product without a mention of her influence of the technique kind of felt like an erasure of her influence,” she said, adding that Edeme has been “very vocal” about how she didn't create the technique (as we reported below), but has definitely added to its current relevance. “But the fact that you guys went out with it in the way that you did feels like she should have somehow come up and been credited, and she wasn't. And because it so frequently happens, specifically with Black female creators and artists, it has escalated into something that is disproportionate to what you would have perhaps hoped for considering that you went out to her.”

Ta agreed. “I am genuinely sorry for the hurt and the frustration that I have caused and that for anyone who has ever felt overlooked or not recognized on their contributions; that was never my intent,” he said. “My intent was only to create a product to allow people to make this technique more accessible at home.”

As for accusations of copying a specific video of Edeme's, Ta said that was just a coincidence. According to the makeup artist, he filmed his video months before it appeared online. “Her content came out just a week prior, so there's no way that I could have copied her.” He then told Grede that since the controversy began, he has reached out to Edeme for a “conversation, artist to artist,” but she has yet to respond. “I have had nothing but amazing interactions with Esther, so I'm actually really shocked.”

Grede also brought up Edeme's story about a member of Ta's team booking a “do and go” makeup application with her, then canceling it when she couldn't record it. According to Ta, this isn't true; instead, he says, his business partner Rima [Minasyan] wanted Edeme to do her makeup for an Easter brunch.

“She is growing her social media right now. She creates content,” he explained. “She was filming just to film for her own social media. So [she] reached out to Esther on a personal level to get her makeup done for Easter brunch, and content was always within the ask.” According to Ta, Edeme's team sent over a rate and “changed the rate a few days later,” so Minasyan declined.

Ta added that he thought it could have been a miscommunication with Edeme's agent and Minasyan. “Being an artist myself and having an agent, I don't know everything that my agent communicates with the client,” he said. “I think that is something that happened between her and her agent with the communication, because we have all the emails, and it is stated exactly as that.”

In addition to his appearance on Grede's podcast, Ta also made a statement on Instagram, which he posted on June 16 to “take accountability” for the conversation and his role in it. “My intention was to create a product that made a makeup technique I love more accessible,” he wrote. “It was never my intention to claim ownership over a blush technique or a way of applying makeup.”

He goes on to say that he now understands why Edeme saw the situation differently, and says he is “genuinely sorry for the hurt and frustration caused" by failing to mention her influence on the trend.

“I understand that the reaction wasn't just about the product itself,” he wrote. “It was about something much bigger: recognition, visibility, and the experiences many creators, especially Black creators, have had when their contributions to culture are overlooked or not recognized. Black creators have had an enormous influence on beauty culture, trends, and artistry, and that influence often goes unattributed and unrewarded."

Ta ended his statement by saying that his current focus is to “find meaningful ways to support the artists, creators, founders, and communities that make this industry flourish.” You can read the full statement on his Instagram.

Allure reached out to Painted by Esther's team, but they declined to comment.

$69 at AceologySave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

TL;DR:

• What it is: An antioxidant-packed face mask
• What it does: Deep-cleans and brightens skin with five different berries and kaolin clay
• Who it’s for: Anyone looking for a quick glow with little to no effort

Although I know most of us would like to forget 2020 (and maybe 2021 and 2022, too), there was some good that came from our time spent in quarantine. Not only did I catch up on my reading list, FaceTime my family more than ever, but I also picked up (and then promptly quit) a few new hobbies. DIY beauty was one of them.

In the name of budgeting and a little bit of experimentation, I slathered on a few too many face masks made from ingredients found in the bottom of my refrigerator in an effort to give my sad, dull skin a glow. Did it work? Maybe? But after a handful of homemade mixes, I got the ick. Since then, I’ve fully moved on from the DIY world and am back in the land of lab-tested ingredients (I love it here!), which means the only things being slathered on my face are in final packaging and have ingredient labels.

One of the most recent treatments I’ve tried (and very much enjoyed) is the Aceology Here We Glow Berry Mask. The creamy yogurt look-alike may not be edible, but it certainly offers impressive antioxidant perks, just like the juicy fruits.

It’s made with kaolin to deep-clean and five different berries to fight free-radical damage (wrinkles, dark spots), so on days when my skin is looking a little lackluster, this is what I reach for.

Here’s how I use it: After cleansing my skin, I gently slather on a dime- to nickel-sized dollop from my forehead to my chin. Then I grab a spot on my couch, turn on Heated Rivalry (yes, I’m still obsessed months later), and wait for my new, dewy glow to kick in.

The Aceology Here We Glow Berry Mask was in the June Allure Beauty Box.

GET THE BOX

Aceology Here We Glow Berry Mask

$69 at Aceology$69 at Aceology

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In the generational battle between Gen Z and millennials, one eyeliner technique remains extremely controversial: the cat-eye. But you know who will never give up her beloved winged liner, no matter what the younger generation may say about it? Taylor Swift! Her dark, perfectly swoopy black liner is as classically “Taylor Swift” as her bangs and red lipstick; she's simply not herself without it!

But for a recent visit to Broadway to take in the Tony Award-winning play Oh Mary! alongside her fiancé Travis Kelce, Swift swapped her usual precise wings for a softer, more delicate (reference!) take on the beloved liner shape. The musician covered her lids with a shimmery golden shadow, then defined her lashline with smudgy, almost-grungy dark gray liner versus her go-to inky black. But don't worry, the cat-eye was still present and accounted for, just a much lighter version! The wing extended all the way to the tip of Swift's brow, but it looked as though she'd smudged it with her finger to fade the color and give it a more faded and lived-in, indie sleaze kinda vibe. Swift wore a similar tone on her lower lashline, plus a few swipes of mascara. Fresh, pretty peach-toned makeup served as an anchor for the grungier eye makeup.

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The lighter gray cat-eye liner wasn't the only thing that felt different about Swift's Oh Mary! makeup. The red lip was also missing, replaced by the muted matte orange tone she's also a big fan of. (Rumor has it it's NARS Original Lipstick in Morocco.) The lip picked up the peach color in her blush and provided an unexpected contrast to her plum velvet slipdress.

Of course, the real lesson here is that makeup trends come and go, but if you love a certain technique or product even though it's not “popular,” you should go ahead and wear it! There are no rules when it comes to makeup, and honestly, cat-eye liner is forever. Will Swift be wearing flicked-out black liner wings when she walks down the aisle? You better believe it. Then again, she does love a good surprise, so you never know…

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TL;DR:

• What it is: A bakuchiol-based serum
• What it does: Targets fine lines, firms skin, and smooths texture
• Who it’s for: Anyone with sensitive skin looking for retinol-like results

Not every face can tolerate the power of retinol, but most can appreciate its more sensitive, skin-friendly alternatives, like bakuchiol.

"Bakuchiol is an ingredient derived from the psoralea corylifolia plant, the ‘babchi’ plant,” cosmetic chemist Perry Romanowski previously told Allure. The ingredient “functions similar to a retinol, increasing cell turnover thereby stimulating collagen production and diminishing signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, and overall photodamage,” board-certified dermatologist Sejal Shah, MD, previously told Allure. “It’s also been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antibacterial properties.”

All this to say, it’s a powerhouse ingredient that doesn’t get enough credit. But in the Luna Nectar Futurize Botanical Retinol Alternative Boosting Serum, it’s the star of the show. So much so, even its name alludes to the standout ingredient. The elixir is also made with hydrating squalane and rosehip seed oils to add extra nourishment to skin while the fine line-fighting is going on.

Here’s how to use it: At night, after cleansing, pat three drops onto skin (forehead to neck), followed by moisturizer. And in case you need me to remind you, don’t forget to wear sunscreen the next morning!

The Luna Nectar Futurize Botanical Retinol Alternative Boosting Serum was in the June Allure Beauty Box.

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Luna Nectar Futurize Botanical Retinol Alternative Boosting Serum

$49 at Luna Nectar$49 at Luna Nectar

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The best concealers for dark spots do more than simply cover up marks: They correct, protect, and in many cases, actively improve the skin beneath the makeup. Whether you're dealing with post-acne marks, sun-induced hyperpigmentation, or stubborn undereye circles that no amount of sleep (or eye cream) seems to fix, the right concealer can make all the difference. But not all formulas are created equal, and knowing what to look for is half the battle.

Our Top Concealers for Dark Spots

• Best Overall: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, $32
• Best Full-Coverage: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Concealer, $38
• Best Medium-Coverage: Kulfi Main Match Concealer, $26
• Best Natural Finish: Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer, $36
• Best for Dark Circles: MAC Studio Fix 36HR Smooth Angles Hydrating Concealer, $30

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What’s the best application technique for using concealer on dark spots or hyperpigmentation?
• What should you look for when shopping for full coverage concealers?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Coverage is the starting point. Full coverage is ideal for deeper discoloration, while a buildable medium lends a natural-looking finish. But the formulation ultimately determines performance. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, caffeine, peptides, and brighteners such as licorice root extract and vitamin C help improve skin over time. Finish matters, too: A matte formula offers longevity and oil control, while a dewy finish keeps skin looking fresh and dimensional.

Ahead, these nine dark spot concealers are editor- and makeup artist-approved and cover every skin tone, type, and concern.

Best Overall: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

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Tarte

Shape Tape Concealer

$32 $30 (6% off)

Amazon

$32

Sephora

$32

Ulta Beauty

Allure editorial assistant Jennet Jusu applying the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Jennet Jusu

Why we love it: Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer keeps coverage smooth and even, with no caking, creasing, or fading all day. It has a matte finish, since a radiant link could inadvertently draw attention to the spot. The waterproof formula is built around licorice root extract, a natural brightener and color corrector that works directly on dark spots and discoloration to help even tone over time. Shea and mango butters, along with olive oil, work in tandem to soften, nourish, and condition the skin beneath all that coverage, preventing the tight, dry feeling that heavier matte compositions can leave behind. Plus, the jumbo applicator makes targeted application on dark spots, blemishes, and under-eye shadows quick and precise.

Jusu before applying the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Jennet Jusu

Jusu after applying the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Jennet Jusu

Tester feedback from editorial assistant Jennet Jusu

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“I use Tarte Shape Tape Radiant Concealer in 47H (Tan-Deep Honey) to brighten under my eyes, and the Shape Tape Contour Concealer in 53H (Deep Honey) to cover up hyperpigmentation while subtly contouring for an everyday glow. A little goes a long way, and paired with a touch of blush, it pulls the whole look together effortlessly.” —Jennet Jusu, editorial assistant

More to know

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• Key ingredients: licorice root extract, shea and mango butters, olive oil
• Shades: 48
• Finish: matte

Best Full-Coverage: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Concealer

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Estée Lauder

Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Concealer

$38 $30 (21% off)

Amazon

$38

Nordstrom

$38

Sephora

Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Concealer

Jessica Cruel

Why we love it: If your dark spots tend to resurface during the day, try Estée Lauder's Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Longwear Concealer, which stays put even on oily skin. In fact, this full-coverage, Best of Beauty-winning formula targets oil at its source with lightweight silica particles that absorb oil and diffuse light to keep shine in check for a full day. That's also thanks in part to a system of flexible polymers that move with the skin throughout the day, allowing for breathable wear that won't crack or shift through long hours or humid conditions. (It's great for mature skin, too, as it won't settle into fine lines.)

As for dark circles, caffeine (yes, your skin gets a hit, too) helps to depuff and energize the undereye area. The proprietary wand does some heavy lifting on the application front: It has three distinct edges that make it easy to spot-conceal, highlight, or contour.

Cruel before applying the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Concealer

Jessica Cruel

Cruel after applying the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Concealer

Jessica Cruel

Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel

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“I am a big Double Wear foundation fan, so when this concealer came across my desk, it was a must-try. It is a bit thicker than your average concealer—something the Double Wear formula is known for. What I like is that one swipe erases the panda pads under my eyes. Because it is already full-coverage, I like to use my fingers to blend the formula naturally. That way it's not too cakey or splotchy. I often just use this concealer instead of foundation. This product has a 24-hour claim, but I have never put it to that long of a test. The farthest I have gotten is a marathon day of live TV filming, in-office meetings, and dinner events. It stood up through all of that, which is what a busy woman needs.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief

More to know

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• Key ingredients: micro silica spheres, sodium hyaluronate, caffeine
• Shades: 29
• Finish: natural

Best Medium-Coverage: Kulfi Main Match Concealer

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Kulfi

Main Match Concealer

$26

Sephora

Allure content director Sophie Panych applying the Kulfi Main Match Concealer

Sophie Panych

Why we love it: We trust BIPOC-founded brands to get their shade ranges right, and Kulfi is no exception. The Main Match Concealer is available in 22 shades, with careful consideration for South Asian undertones (which are often breezed by). Staying true to its South Asian roots, key ingredients include amla fruit extract (more commonly known as Indian gooseberry oil), which is rich in vitamin C to brighten bouts of hyperpigmentation and protect skin against free radicals (which can fast-track signs of aging). Also noteworthy: Saffron flower extract boosts moisture, and rosehip oil "helps tone, even, brighten, and reduce the signs of redness in the skin," Los Angeles-based cosmetic chemist Laura Lam-Phaure previously explained.

Ingredients aside, the formula itself is incredibly lightweight and seamlessly blendable, yet it provides all of the coverage we need—our editors even forego foundation—and the finish is natural and skin-like. Because it's on the hydrating side, it's a dream for dry skin—but combination and oily skin might want to blot on some powder on top for a bit of shine control.

Panych before applying the Kulfi Main Match Concealer

Sophie Panych

Panych after applying the Kulfi Main Match Concealer

Sophie Panych

Tester feedback from Allure content director Sophie Panych

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"I prefer concealer to foundation, meaning, I typically apply a skin tint or very thin layer of foundation, and let my concealer do all the heavy lifting, i.e., cover up dark spots, soften dark spots, and even out redness in my skin. As I get closer to 40, it's harder to find a full-coverage concealer that doesn't look full-on cakey once it sets, but Kulfi Main Match is one I've found that stays fresh-looking for hours.

Over my base (again, which is either a very light layer of foundation or skin tint), I apply two dashes under each eye, a dot on either side of my nose, and a dash along my chin. Then, I use a small fluffy brush to buff and blend the formula, which is a great way to keep concealer from settling into creases. It's quite hydrating, so you do want to set it with powder, especially if you have combination-oily skin like mine." —Sophie Panych, content director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: amla fruit extract, saffron flower extract, rosehip extract, licorice
• Shades: 22
• Finish: radiant

Best Buildable: Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Concealer

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Tom Ford

Traceless Soft Matte Concealer

$60

Nordstrom

$60

Sephora

$60

Bluemercury

Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor applying the Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Concealer

Jailynn Taylor

Why we love it: Concealing dark spots is only half the job for the Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Concealer. This foundation stick blends buildable coverage with hours of hydration, thanks to hyaluronic acid that plumps skin from within and visibly softens the look of fine lines both immediately and over time. Spherical powders ensure a silky-smooth, seamless application that never looks cakey or settles into creases, while vitamin E delivers antioxidant protection throughout the day. Like its Best of Beauty-winning foundation counterpart, Traceless offers a natural-matte finish that's waterproof, transfer-resistant, and humidity-proof. Apply directly from the stick for broader coverage, or use a concealer brush to spot-treat blemishes and dark spots with precision.

Taylor before applying the Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Concealer

Jailynn Taylor

Taylor after applying the Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Concealer

Jailynn Taylor

Tester feedback from contributor Jailynn Taylor

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“I'm a pimple picker. I know, I know (hopefully my facialist doesn't read this). But whether I pick or not, I always end up with hyperpigmentation. On days when I don't feel like doing a full face, I reach for the Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Concealer in shade 6W0 Terra. One swipe directly on skin, a quick blend with my Beauty Blender or concealer brush (depending on the finish I'm going for), and I'm out the door. Everything is fully covered with a natural finish that's virtually undetectable. And I love how chic and compact it is. It fits in my bag like a lipstick, so touch-ups on the go are a breeze." —Jailynn Taylor, contributor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
• Shades: 20
• Finish: matte

Best Natural Finish: Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer

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Nars

Soft Matte Complete Full Coverage Concealer

$36

Nordstrom

$36

Sephora

$36

Ulta Beauty

Allure social media manager Bianca Richards applying the Nars Soft Matte Complete Full Coverage Concealer

Bianca Richards

Why we love it: When a concealer promises full coverage without settling into fine lines, it's a tall order—but the Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer is built precisely to deliver just that. The oil-free cream formula is anchored by spherical particles that absorb and refract light to blur dark spots, redness, and uneven texture without emphasizing the lines and pores that heavier concealers tend to magnify. Collagen-boosting peptides work over time to plump and smooth the appearance of wrinkles, hyaluronic acid hydrates and softens, and a protective cocktail of vitamins A, C, and E shields skin from daily environmental aggressors.

Bicoastal makeup artist Tobi Henney has put this concealer through its paces on film sets. "The shade range is incredible," she says, "and the formula will look like skin when applied well." For best results, apply with a damp beauty sponge using a stippling motion rather than sweeping strokes, which can disturb coverage and leave streaks.

Richards before applying the Nars Soft Matte Complete Full Coverage Concealer

Bianca Richards

Richards after applying the Nars Soft Matte Complete Full Coverage Concealer

Bianca Richards

Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards

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“I've been using this concealer since 2016 when it was first introduced to the world! I typically apply it with a brush, dabbing it onto any dark spots and undereyes to create a seamless base. I love how versatile this product is for my skin type. Although my skin leans dry, as long as it’s properly prepped with my hydrating skin-care essentials, this concealer stays put throughout the day. I also reach for it on both minimal-makeup days and full-glam moments because it truly does it all. On lighter days, I dab a bit onto key areas to even out my complexion. When I’m going full beat, I use it as a base to help my other complexion products apply smoothly and seamlessly.” —Bianca Richards, social media manager

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamins A, C, and E
• Shades: 30
• Finish: matte

Best Shade Range: Fenty We're Even Hydrating Longwear Concealer

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Fenty Beauty

We're Even Hydrating Longwear Concealer

$34

Sephora

$34

Ulta Beauty

Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey applying the Fenty We’re Even Hydrating Longwear Concealer

Annie Blay-Tettey

Why we love it: 50 shades is not a flex every brand can pull off, but for Fenty Beauty, inclusivity has always been at the center of the brand, and the We're Even Hydrating Longwear Concealer delivers both range and a top-tier formula. Split across cool, neutral, and warm undertones, the buildable, medium-coverage liquid melts into skin, making dark spots, discoloration, and under-eye circles virtually disappear.

The ingredient lineup champions prickly pear cactus extract, which draws moisture into the skin and provides a rich source of vitamin K to support elasticity, while Persian silk tree extract targets signs of fatigue. Sodium hyaluronate rounds things out, hydrating and conditioning skin while you wear it. The formula is also transfer- and waterproof, resisting creasing, fading, sweat, and humidity without settling into fine lines or accentuating texture.

Blay-Tettey before applying the Fenty Beauty We’re Even Hydrating Longwear Concealer

Annie Blay-Tettey

Blay-Tettey after applying the Fenty Beauty We’re Even Hydrating Longwear Concealer

Annie Blay-Tettey

Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey

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“I'm a no-makeup makeup warrior, so a concealer that I can use to hide dark spots—without having to use too much else—is a must in my makeup bag. I've tried a few that have been a miss, but the Fenty Hydrating Longwear Concealer never fails me. A tiny dot goes a long way to even out my complexion—perfect for days I want to enhance my skin without heavy makeup.” —Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: prickly pear cactus extract, Persian silk tree extract, sodium hyaluronate
• Shades: 50
• Finish: natural

Best for Dark Circles: MAC Studio Fix 36HR Smooth Angles Hydrating Concealer

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MAC

Studio Fix 36HR Smooth Angles Hydrating Concealer

$30

Nordstrom

$30

Sephora

$30

Ulta Beauty

Taylor applying the MAC Studio Fix 36HR Smooth Angles Hydrating Concealer

Jailynn Taylor

Why we love it: Delivering the best of both worlds, MAC's Studio Fix 36HR Smooth Angles Hydrating Concealer offers full coverage and maintains a matte finish without drying out the skin. Most long-wearing formulas sacrifice moisture for staying power, but this one doesn’t: Glycerin hydrates to prevent a dry, cakey look, while jojoba seed oil and olive fruit oil condition the skin throughout wear. Caffeine and algae extract target puffiness and dullness, making dark spots and undereye shadows less pronounced over time. Better yet, the sponge-tip applicator is engineered to reach smaller, hard-to-access areas without pulling or tugging, making it especially useful for precise dark-spot concealment around the nose and inner corners of the eyes.

Taylor before applying the MAC Studio Fix 36HR Smooth Angles Hydrating Concealer

Jailynn Taylor

Taylor after applying the MAC Studio Fix 36HR Smooth Angles Hydrating Concealer

Jailynn Taylor

Tester feedback from Taylor

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"I deal with post-pimple popping hyperpigmentation, hormonal acne marks, and pretty dark circles, so I reach for this MAC concealer when I need my base all in one shade. The doe-foot applicator lets me go in exactly where I need it, and it blends out so seamlessly it genuinely looks like I have nothing on (no excess shine or dry caking). It lasts all day with zero touch-ups, and all you need is one swipe since it's full coverage." —Jailynn Taylor, contributor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, jojoba seed oil, olive fruit oil, sodium hyaluronate, caffeine
• Shades: 44
• Finish: matte

More concealers for dark spots we like

Best Hydrating: Make Beauty Skin Mimetic Concealer

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Make Beauty

Skin Mimetic Concealer

$28

Amazon

$28

Revolve

Why we love it: Lightweight concealer and dark-spot coverage don't always go hand in hand, but the Make Beauty Skin Mimetic Concealer earned its 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award by managing both with a formula so skin-like it barely registers as makeup. The key is in the skin-mimicking pigments, developed to move, reflect light, and blend the way real skin does. Red algae extract draws moisture deep into the skin while adenosine, a naturally occurring component of skin that supports collagen production, simultaneously smooths, soothes, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles over time.

Green coffee extract and caffeine work together to target dark circles and puffiness, making this especially effective for under-eye concealing. Henney swears by one technique that elevates the formula entirely: “It's used best when you tap it into the skin with your fingertip,” she says.

Tester feedback from former content director Kara McGrath

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“I only use concealer under my eyes, so I look for formulas that offer enough coverage to hide my perpetual dark circles but won’t settle into my mid-30s fine lines. My ideal concealer also needs to last at least through the workday because I simply do not have the time (or fortitude) to reapply. This one hits all those points, with the bonus of a doe-foot applicator that fits perfectly into the inner corners of my undereyes.” —Kara McGrath, former content director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: red algae extract, adenosine, caffeine
• Shades: 24
• Finish: radiant

Best with SPF: Clé de Peau Beauté The Concealer

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Clé de Peau Beauté

The Concealer

$77

Amazon

$77

Nordstrom

Why we love it: Most concealers cover dark spots; the Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer SPF 27 goes a step further with built-in SPF 27 that guards against UV exposure that can deepen and multiply them in the first place. (That said, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends a minimum of SPF 30, so consider the protection here just a nice bonus.) The creamy stick blurs dark spots, redness, and under-eye circles with full coverage that adheres to even raised or textured skin. Hyaluronic acid and argan oil provide continuous hydration and softening while you wear it, while chestnut rosa fruit extract defends against oxidative damage that can worsen dark spots. Henney reaches for this one since it has great coverage and is easy to layer. Plus, she says, “it has staying power, and won’t get too oily and slide [on skin].”

More to know

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• Key ingredients: zingiber aromaticus extract, hyaluronic acid, argan oil
• Shades: 12
• Finish: natural

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best application technique for using concealer on dark spots or hyperpigmentation?

Start with a heavily pigmented formula, says Henney. (In other words, full coverage is your friend.) From there, she uses a two-step approach that combines precision with blendability. "I usually start by tapping on the product initially with a small makeup brush," she says. Once the product is placed, she switches tools entirely: "To make it flawless, I blend using a makeup sponge." The combination of targeted placement and seamless blending is what keeps coverage looking natural.

What should you look for when shopping for full coverage concealers?

A great full-coverage concealer comes down to the right shade and formula. Going slightly lighter in the center and matching your overall skin tone at the outer edges creates a more natural, dimensional result. Beyond shade, the formula itself has to perform. "You want something that can be layered and with strong pigment," says Henney, noting that both qualities become important when covering stubborn discoloration or dark spots, since they require more than one pass.

Meet the experts

• Tobi Henney, a makeup artist in LA and NYC

How we test and review products

We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certain products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls—right?

For our review of the best concealers for dark spots, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, cosmetic chemists, and makeup artists—who have a range of experience studying and using these products. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture, experience, and formula. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out 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.

Illustration by Mark Baker-Sanchez/Rachel Pickus; Adobe StockSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Every other week or so, I treat myself to a slab of Levain’s chocolate chip banana bread. The ladies who work at my local one are always friendly, always game for a brief chat. I came in one week wearing a variety of jewel-toned, cat-eye polishes on my nails, and they ooh’d and ahh’d over them, asking me to turn my hands so they could see the blue-to-purple, iridescent shift.

“I want those so bad, but we’re not allowed to wear nail polish here—it could chip into the batter,” one of them said sullenly, holding her hand out in front of her, sporting short, bare nails. Little did she know, she was very much on trend.

Bare nails seem to boomerang around in the culture every other year as a sort of palette cleanser. It’s a routine reminder that it’s fine to take a break with manicure culture in the face of increasingly intricate and expensive nail art taking over the beauty trends. The discourse has taken many amusing and elaborate directions. But the newest spin on trimmed and polish-free nails is that they’re a symbol of wealth and status, according to a handful of social media influencers. How exactly? The reasoning is that high-status, wealthy people are too busy to bother with the regular, hours-long nail appointments and fussy maintenance that expensive manicures require (girlboss propaganda if I’ve ever heard it). There’s also conjecture that mass adoption of manicures (specifically, the kinds that embody like the 💅 manicure emoji: medium-to-long length, feminine) has become overstyled and gauche. A non-manicured, well-groomed hand is a countersignal indicating the status to opt out of such mainstream rituals.

This is a lot of overthinking about not wearing nail polish, if you ask me. It implies that wearing nail polish is the default norm, which, if you consider the entire population, is patently false. But the quiet part of this new repackaging of bare nails as status flex is how it implies the opposite: colorful, expressive nails are low-status. This is not necessarily a new sentiment for those familiar with the intersectional politics of beauty amongst non-white cultures. Classism and particularly anti-Black racism have consistently stigmatized long, colorful, acrylic nails as unprofessional and “ghetto” when worn by Black and Latino women (while similar nail styles are celebrated as cool and trend-setting on white women). Nail art and salon culture have deep roots in Black, Latino, and Asian-American history; they’re a meaningful form of creative self-expression amid community, despite their imperialist origins and the respectability politics that determine whose nails are tasteful and whose are tacky. There’s quiet luxury, and then there’s quiet discrimination.

The quiet part of this new repackaging of bare nails as status flex is how it implies the opposite: colorful, expressive nails are low-status.

“It’s harmful to conflate naked nails with taste or class, which are often just euphemisms for white supremacist beauty standards,” beauty writer and Allure contributor Kristina Rodulfo says in an Instagram Reel expressing her beef with this new resurgence of bare nails propaganda.

As far as bare nails fall into beauty hierarchies, they are, ostensibly, the baseline for indicating health, hygiene, and good grooming. Having clean, trim nails is often a uniform requirement for service and care workers, like nurses, cleaning staff, and food handlers (who are often people of color). Most people I know who keep their nails bare do so for work-related reasons. And conversely, most people I know who commit to regular manicure appointments and nail maintenance also cite work reasons: They want to appear polished and put together. If both are valid, are either of them valid? And why do people have such strong feelings about nails and their relationship to a person's net worth?

Early in my career as a beauty writer in the 2010s, I contributed to a website that involved original photography, often of myself demonstrating beauty tutorials. It was made very clear from the commenters that chipped or worn nails were “distracting” and ruined a look (even if it was a makeup or hair tutorial that had nothing to do with my nails). If I didn’t have polish on, that also elicited accusations of laziness or dismay at my “incomplete” appearance. At the time, I remember thinking, “Who cares??” But as I watched beauty YouTubers and Instagrammers come to define the new digital beauty culture, I noticed they always had their nails done. The implicit expectation was that if you’re on screen, your nails must be camera-ready.

To be clear, the bare nails we’re seeing on influencers, red carpets, and runways still require making an effort. Even when so-called naked manicures are on the mood board for editorial and commercial shoots, there’s almost always a manicurist on set to file, shape, buff, and make the models’ hands look as flawless as possible. (As writer Bella Gerard pointed out in her “No one in Vogue gets their nails done anymore” Substack post, even an at-home non-manicure requires multiple products to get that “clean girl” look everyone’s raving about.) I asked my friend Stephanie Stone, an editorial nail artist, for her thoughts on this. “For as long as I’ve been doing this, 80 percent of the nail direction on set has always been clean, sheer, or buff,” she told me. “I feel like that’s more so the photos aren’t dated to an era, versus having a nail look that’s very identifiable within a trend timeline.” Practicality prevails once again.

A clear perk of bare nails being on trend now is that skipping manicures will save time and money. Manicures are expensive, especially if you’re doing gel, which most people I know are. In New York City, any kind of specialization or nail art is at least a three-dollar-sign price point before tip. So when bare nails were declared in again, my recession indicator alarm bells went off.

And that’s partly why this conflation of wealth and status makes this “trend” so confounding to me. These kinds of contradictions are unique to this era of effortless, “clean girl” beauty — an aesthetic whose popularity, rather than celebrating one’s unadorned and authentic appearance, launched a cavalcade of beauty products towards the pursuit of a specific iteration of effortless and clean: one that veers overwhelmingly white. When an aspirational lack of effort requires a whole production to achieve it, you must call it what it is: propaganda. It’s Beauty™ in service of order, not expression — the kind of beauty that is a byproduct of “preferences that reproduce the existing social order,” as sociologist Tressie McMillan Cottom writes in her essay collection, Thick.

One of the author’s recent at-home manicures.

Courtesy Sable Yong

I’ve enjoyed doing my own nails since I was a kid. Initially, it was out of financial necessity, but I also happen to be blessed with steady hands and exceptional fine motor skills. Mostly, I keep doing it because I love it. It’s my favorite creative activity to do for myself. Sometimes I’ll do intricate nail art, and sometimes I’ll keep it demure with something sheer or nude. I’ve never been treated any differently when I’ve been bare-nailed, but I suppose in our current hyper beauty culture, it may be refreshing for some people to see evidence that not everyone subscribes to polished perfection.

I’m sure many wealthy people do favor bare, short nails. It’s possible that they prefer spending their money on things other than manicures, despite being able to afford them. The next time I meet a millionaire with bare nails, I’ll be sure to ask them. In the meantime, I remain skeptical when viral testimony is driving culture. Too often, new or rehashed beauty trends reinforce outdated and limiting beauty ideals when left uninterrogated. (Remember when TikTok’s red nail theory had everyone reaching for crimson at the salon?) We often cheer on the beauty trends that serve us, but it’s worthwhile to consider how their impact further alienates others.

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The best body scrubs target one of the most underutilized steps in a body-care routine. Exfoliation 101: Dead skin cells are largely to blame for dullness, rough texture, and clogged pores. While physical exfoliants like sugar, salt, and pumice manually buff away buildup, chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) penetrate deeper into pores to loosen and shed dead skin cells over time, delivering longer-term refinement.

Whether you use one or both, clearing that surface layer also allows moisturizers to penetrate more effectively, which means your body lotions and serums can actually do their job. The right formula will depend on your specific concerns and skin type—for example, an oil-rich scrub for chronic dryness or a chemical-physical hybrid for skin conditions like keratosis pilaris (otherwise known as KP). Just be mindful not to overdo it, since over-exfoliating can compromise the skin barrier and lead to irritation rather than the smooth, radiant results you're after.

Our Top Body Scrubs

• Best Overall: Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator, $35
• Best for Rough Texture: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub, $38
• Best for Dry Skin: OSEA Salts of the Earth Body Scrub, $48
• Best Scent Options: Tree Hut Moroccan Shea Sugar Scrub, $11
• Best Exfoliating Bar: Flamingo Estate Exfoliating Peppermint Soap Brick, $38

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What are the benefits of a body scrub, and how often should you use them?
• What ingredients should you look for, depending on skin concerns such as keratosis pilaris (KP), dry skin, clogged pores, etc.?
• Is chemical or physical exfoliation better for the skin?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Ahead, we rounded up the best body scrubs across every skin concern and budget, vetted by Allure editors and recommended by board-certified dermatologists.

Best Overall: Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator

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Nécessaire

The Body Exfoliator

$35

Amazon

$35

Sephora

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai using the Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator

Deanna Pai

Why we love it: Nécessaire’s The Body Exfoliator took home a 2023 Allure Best of Beauty Award for its layered, chemical-physical-hybrid approach to exfoliation, pairing pumice with a full roster of AHA, BHA, and PHA. Glycolic, lactic, salicylic, and gluconolactone (a gentle acid that exfoliates the skin's surface, making it ideal for sensitive skin) acids work to tackle texture, congestion, and dullness at all levels. Marula oil and niacinamide condition skin, minimizing any potential irritation. Lauren Moy, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in LA, notes that it’s "best for those dealing with congestion or keratosis pilaris, as it dissolves cellular bonds while manually sweeping away surface debris." She recommends clients "massage it onto wet skin in circular motions twice weekly, focusing on high-friction areas like the elbows, arms, and knees to maintain smoothness."

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“Ever since a publicist grabbed my dry, ashy arm and slathered body oil on it—rude but helpful?—I’ve been diligent about my body-care routine. This scrub is a big part of it. I love that it combines chemical and physical exfoliators to deal with roughness and the occasional body acne alike, and it always leaves my skin smooth and soft. Plus, it builds to a really nice lather that’s easy to rinse, and the pumice doesn’t leave any residue in my shower.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Type of exfoliation: physical and chemical
• Key ingredients: glycolic acid, salicylic acid, pumice
• Who it’s for: keratosis pilaris, uneven texture, all skin types
• Fragrance-free: yes; other scents include Eucalyptus and Santal (pictured above)

Best for Rough Texture: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub

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First Aid Beauty

KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub

$30

Nordstrom

$30

Dermstore

$30

Ulta

Why we love it: A two-time Allure Best of Beauty Award winner, the First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub has been a mainstay in our showers for years. (And despite its branding makeover, the beloved formula hasn't changed a bit.) The main reason: It targets keratosis pilaris, a skin condition caused by a buildup of keratin that blocks hair follicles, creating small bumps on the upper arms and legs. While there's no cure for KP, consistent exfoliation with the right ingredients can maintain smoother, more hydrated skin.

First Aid Beauty’s approach is two-pronged: Pumice buffing beads physically lift and sweep away dead skin, while a 10% AHA blend of glycolic and lactic acids goes deeper to accelerate cell turnover and refine texture over time. Bisabolol and vitamin E round out the formula with calming, antioxidant-rich support, so the exfoliation process doesn't leave skin feeling raw or reactive. Use it two to three times a week on problem areas such as the upper arms, thighs, and calves, then follow immediately with a moisturizer to lock in softness.

Allure content director Kara McGrath using First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub

Kara McGrath

Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor using the First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub

Jailynn Taylor

Tester feedback from former content director Kara McGrath

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"First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub has a potent 10% alpha-hydroxy acid-infused formula, along with a gritty texture to double down on all the clogged pores, ingrown hairs, and keratosis pilaris along my body. This stuff means business, so I usually use this scrub once per week on problem areas, like my upper arms and back, and rougher patches of skin after cleansing." —Kara McGrath, former content director

Tester feedback from contributor Jailynn Taylor

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“The First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub is hands down the best at flattening my KP. Here's the thing: I love a pumice stone for the rough patches on my feet, but I know that level of abrasion would wreck the rest of my skin. This scrub hits the sweet spot—gritty enough that I can feel it working but not too harsh that my skin feels raw or irritated afterward. After a few weeks of consistent use, the texture I've spent years trying to buff away is genuinely smoother. And the warm, toasted coconut scent is also an added bonus within the sensorial experience.” —Jailynn Taylor, contributor

More to know

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• Type of exfoliation: physical and chemical
• Key ingredients: pumice beads, glycolic acid, lactic acid
• Who it’s for: keratosis pilaris, rough or bumpy skin
• Fragrance-free: yes; other scents include Toasted Coconut, Juicy Peach, and Fresh Strawberry

Best for Dry Skin: OSEA Salts of the Earth Body Scrub

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Osea

Salts of the Earth Body Scrub

$48

Amazon

$48

Nordstrom

$48

Ulta Beauty

Taylor applying the OSEA Salts of the Earth Body Scrub

Jailynn Taylor

Why we love it: If you know OSEA, you know their products are built around one star ingredient: seaweed. The Malibu-based brand uses it as the key ingredient across its lineup for its nutrient-dense blend of amino acids, antioxidants, and minerals, and the Salts of the Earth Body Scrub is no exception. Specifically, there’s gigartina seaweed, a species of red marine algae found in cold coastal waters, such as Patagonia—and it’s a fantastic ingredient that softens and revives dry skin. A blend of mineral salts (such as sea salt) does the heavy lifting in terms of exfoliation, sloughing away dead skin, while shea butter, safflower oil, and avocado oil flood the skin with moisture to prevent dryout. The result is deeply exfoliated and hydrated skin, all wrapped in the brand's dreamy lavender scent. Apply in circular motions on damp skin, paying extra attention to elbows, knees, and heels, then rinse—no lotion chaser needed.

Tester feedback from Taylor

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“As someone with keratosis pilaris, I'm always skeptical when a scrub promises smooth skin because, in my experience, exfoliation alone leaves my arms irritated and dry. But OSEA's Salts of the Earth Body Scrub has been my favorite for years because it buffs away the rough, sandpapery texture on the backs of my arms and thighs without stripping my skin, and somehow I step out of the shower feeling like I already moisturized—I can skip lotion entirely. My KP bumps are noticeably smoother, and my skin stays hydrated well into the next day.” —Jailynn Taylor, contributor

More to know

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• Type of exfoliation: physical
• Key ingredients: mineral salts blend, gigartina seaweed, shea butter
• Who it’s for: dry skin, dull skin
• Fragrance-free: no; contains lavender oil

Best Scent Options: Tree Hut Moroccan Shea Sugar Scrub

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Tree Hut

Moroccan Rose Shea Sugar Scrub

$11 $9 (18% off)

Amazon

$10

Ulta Beauty

$9

Walmart

Allure senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick applying the Tree Hut Moroccan Rose Shea Sugar Scrub

Lexi Herrick

Why we love it: Tree Hut is one of the first body scrubs we remember ever reaching for, and with an 18-ounce jar for under $10 available practically everywhere, it's easy to see why this Best of Beauty winner remains the entry point to body exfoliation for so many. As one might deduce, the Shea Sugar Scrub line is built on a base of sugar and shea butters that refines skin texture, while Moroccan argan oil and rosehip oil visibly hydrate, smooth, and boost radiance. And just when you thought we were done with oils, avocado, macadamia, evening primrose, safflower, sweet almond, and sweet orange oils sweep in to add extra nourishment to keep skin from feeling stripped after exfoliation.

The best part? The scent lingers well beyond the shower, which is a big part of why this scrub has built such a loyal following. The harder part is choosing which of the 20-plus options, from tropical fruit to cozy vanilla, to buy.

Tester feedback from senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick

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"Exfoliating but gentle, this scrub gives you a bubbly, rosy clean that allows you to create a spa experience in your own bathroom. I love the sweet scent and soft texture, and find myself using this for every shower!" —Lexi Herrick, senior director of audience development

More to know

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• Type of exfoliation: physical
• Key ingredients: sugar, shea butter, Moroccan argan oil
• Who it’s for: all skin types, body scrub beginners
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Exfoliating Bar: Flamingo Estate Exfoliating Peppermint Soap Brick

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Flamingo Estate

Exfoliating Peppermint Soap Brick

$38

Flamingo Estate

Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin applying the Flamingo Estate Exfoliating Peppermint Soap Brick

Shanna Shipin

Why we love it: Body scrubs don't always come in jars, and Flamingo Estate’s Morning Exfoliating Peppermint Soap Brick, an Allure 2025 Best of Beauty winner, makes a strong case for the bar format: less mess and better for travel. Three exfoliants do the heavy lifting here. Big Sur sea salt buffs away buildup while helping draw out impurities, black poppy seeds deliver a gentler physical exfoliation, and French blue clay works like a luxe mask to help pull debris and excess oil from pores. Organic olive and babassu oils seal everything back up, so all that exfoliation doesn't leave skin feeling stripped or tight. From the moment the bar hits hot water, the peppermint, juniper berry, and Douglas fir scent fills the whole shower, and one bar lasts about six weeks with daily use.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“This bar of soap is extraordinary. The peppermint is simultaneously invigorating and soothing, and the poppy seeds exfoliate just enough. Whether you proudly display it on your vanity or try to hoard it, the fragrance will make itself known; truly, the peppermint scent wafts out of the shipping box before you even open it. Keep it whole—or maybe cut it into smaller pieces for your own slice of minty heaven.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Big Sur sea salt, French blue clay, black poppy seeds
• Who it’s for: all skin types
• Fragrance-free: no; contains essential oil-based fragrances

Best Oil-Based Scrub: Josie Maran Argan Oil & Sugar Balm Body Scrub

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Josie Maran

Argan Oil & Sugar Balm Body Scrub in Topless Tangerine

$29

Sephora

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Josie Maran Argan Oil & Sugar Balm Body Scrub in Topless Tangerine

Sarah Han

Why we love it: Josie Maran built its reputation around argan oil, and the Argan Oil + Sugar Balm Exfoliating Body Scrub channels that expertise into a body scrub. Sugar granules—which are gentler than salt and far less abrasive than crushed nuts or shells—do the exfoliating work, while argan oil, shea butter, and coconut oil flood skin with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E to hydrate and nourish the skin as you scrub. The scrub comes in eight delicious scents, including Topless Tangerine, Bohemian Fig, Golden Hour, Vanilla Vibezzz, Vanilla Apricot, Vanilla Bean, and Sweet Citrus, plus an unscented option. The packaging is worth noting, too: The glass jar is designed to be purchased once, with the option to buy 13.5-ounce pouch refills.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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"Look, I’m guilty of not giving my body as much love as my face when it comes to skin care, but when a body scrub smells like I’m sipping on a tall glass of chilled, freshly-squeezed juice somewhere tropical and extra vibey, I go all in. I love that I get the satisfaction of sugar granules literally polishing away texture, but there’s Josie Maran’s signature argan oil (and shea butter) making sure my skin is moisturized and buttery-soft, never stripped.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Type of exfoliation: physical
• Key ingredients: argan oil, pixie tangerine, pink grapefruit, brown sugar
• Who it’s for: all skin types
• Fragrance-free: yes; other scents include Bohemian Fig and Vanilla Vibezzz

Best for Dull Skin: Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Scrub

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Naturium

The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Scrub

$20

Amazon

$20

Ulta Beauty

Allure associate director of social media Kassidy Silva applying the Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Scrub

Kassidy Silva

Why we love it: Naturium has built a reputation around affordable, no-frills body care, and The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Scrub is one of many editor faves that prove its mission. Because the wrong exfoliator can leave skin feeling raw, Naturium paired sugar crystals with a 20% glycerin base that really helps pull moisture into the skin. Additionally, a blend of five botanical oils, coconut, rosehip, sea buckthorn, safflower, and jojoba, replenishes the skin barrier as you scrub. Dr. Moy loves it for exactly this reason, calling it "the ideal choice for patients with chronically dry or lackluster skin who need to exfoliate without the 'stripped' feeling that traditional scrubs often cause. Infused with a vanilla coconut scent, it's the type of sensorial, wind-down scrub you'll actually look forward to using.

Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva

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“I have a love-hate relationship with exfoliating due to my psoriasis. This little tub from Naturium has become a go-to for my sensitive skin. The sweet coconut smell isn't overpowering or irritating, plus the crystals help polish me up without causing me irritation. At less than $20, it's an everything shower steal.” —Kassidy Silva, social director

More to know

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• Type of exfoliation: physical
• Key ingredients: sugar crystals, multi-oil botanical blend, glycerin, squalane
• Who it’s for: dull skin, dry skin
• Fragrance-free: no; contains vanilla and coconut fragrance

Best for Head-to-Toe Exfoliation: Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub

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Ouai

Scalp & Body Scrub

$42

Amazon

$42

Sephora

Why we love it: Most body scrubs stop at the neck, but the Ouai’s Melrose Place Cleansing Scalp & Body Sugar Scrub goes further. Sugar crystals gently exfoliate the scalp and skin simultaneously, clearing away product buildup, dead skin cells, and excess oil, while panthenol and glycerin work to restore moisture. Coconut oil and aloe bring nourishing, soothing benefits to the formula, leaving both scalp and skin feeling clean and conditioned.

When using on the scalp, section wet hair, apply a quarter-size amount directly, and massage in circular motions before rinsing and following with conditioner. Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, and dermatology practitioner based in New York City, loves that it leaves her skin feeling "unbelievably soft and smooth” and leaves a nice dewy finish.

More to know

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• Type of exfoliation: physical
• Key ingredients: sugar crystals, glycerin, aloe, coconut oil
• Who it’s for: all skin types
• Fragrance-free: no; scents include St. Barts and Melrose Place

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of a body scrub, and how often should you use them?

Body scrubs physically accelerate the removal of dead skin cells, which Dr. Moy explains "can help reveal smoother skin and improve the efficacy of post-shower moisturizers." Regular exfoliation also helps stimulate blood circulation and, as Dr. LoGerfo points out, can "help reduce ingrown hairs by keeping pores and follicles clear." As for frequency, Dr. Moy recommends two to three times per week as the sweet spot, though those with sensitive skin should limit use to once weekly, since over-exfoliating can compromise the skin barrier and lead to water loss and inflammation.

What ingredients should you look for, depending on skin concerns such as keratosis pilaris (KP), dry skin, and clogged pores?

For KP, Dr. Moy recommends scrubs that "pair physical granules with chemical exfoliants like lactic or glycolic acid," as this dual-action approach provides "instant smoothing while significantly improving skin texture over time." Dr. LoGerfo also points to urea and sugar as effective options for KP. For dry skin, both experts point to oil-rich, nourishing formulas. Dr. Moy specifically calls out "shea butter, ceramides, or squalane to replenish lipids," while Dr. LoGerfo highlights hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and glycerin. When it comes to clogged pores or body acne, Dr. Moy recommends "formulas featuring salicylic acid (BHA), which is oil-soluble and can penetrate deep into the pores to clear out sebum,” a recommendation Dr. LoGerfo echoes, also adding tea tree oil and benzoyl peroxide to the mix.

Is chemical or physical exfoliation better for the skin?

It depends on your skin type and sensitivity level. "Chemical exfoliation can offer a physically gentler and long-term benefit, while physical exfoliation provides immediate tactile change," explains Dr. Moy, with the best choice ultimately depending on "your skin's tolerance and the specific thickness of the skin in the area you are treating." Dr. LoGerfo leans toward physical exfoliation "for more immediate results," noting it delivers "instantaneous polishing, smoothness, and improvements," but acknowledges that chemical exfoliants like glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids are effective options as well for improving skin over time with prolonged use.

Meet the experts

• Lauren Moy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago
• Jodi LoGerfo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York

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 best body scrubs, 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, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists we interviewed for the piece. 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.

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Sunscreen has a reputation for being chalky and hard to blend, but we’re here to ease your fears of ghostly white casts with the best mineral sunscreens. Of course, we all (should) know by now that sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of any skin-care routine, but even the most lauded formulas have varying qualities. Chemical-based options absorb into the skin to filter UV rays (a process we’ll get into below), and then there are mineral-based sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens or sunblock. These formulas create a mineral-based barrier over your delicate skin to literally block UV rays (and reflect them away from skin) to keep them from potentially damaging the DNA in your cells. Because mineral UV filters don’t penetrate the skin, they’re usually gentler on sensitive skin. The downside? They tend to leave darker skin tones with an ashy finish. But don't worry, our picks pass the test. Check out our all-time favorite mineral sunscreens for all-encompassing daytime protection and glowy, non-ashy finishes.

Our Top Mineral Sunscreens

• Best Overall Untinted: SkinCeuticals Future Mineral UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50, $60
• Best Overall Tinted: Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40, $40
• Best for Acne-Prone Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Acne Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50, $49
• Best for Mature Skin: Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36, $84

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What's the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens?
• Who should use mineral sunscreen?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall Untinted: SkinCeuticals Future Mineral UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50

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SkinCeuticals

Future Mineral UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50

$60

Bluemercury

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the SkinCeuticals Future Mineral UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it’s worth it: A telltale white cast tends to come with the (mineral) territory—blame the filters for that—but the SkinCeuticals Future Mineral UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 has managed to outsmart it. SkinCeuticals uses Z-Cote, a microfine form of zinc oxide with particles much smaller than those of traditional mineral filters, allowing the formula to blend in with a nearly invisible finish. Beyond broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection, it’s packed with niacinamide and panthenol to support the skin barrier, calm redness, and promote a more even-looking tone. “This is especially great for mature skin since it adds the benefit of integrating actives to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration,” says Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. The lightweight, almost serum-like texture melts into skin without pilling or feeling heavy under makeup.

Lee before applying the SkinCeuticals Future Mineral UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the SkinCeuticals Future Mineral UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I had a true wait, this is mineral? moment with this sunscreen. It pours out like a lightweight serum that’s slightly opaque at first, then it disappears completely into my skin without a trace. True to form, the brand packs in plenty of nourishing skin-care ingredients, and makeup layers over it effortlessly. Now I just need this in a body lotion version.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 15.35% zinc oxide, 2.66% titanium dioxide, 3% niacinamide, 0.5% panthenol, 0.1% beta glucan, and 2% cellulose
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Overall Tinted: Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40

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Supergoop

Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40

$40

Amazon

$40

Nordstrom

$40

Dermstore

Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40

Alessandra Foresto

Why it’s worth it: If you don’t want to take any chances with a white cast, Supergoop's Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 is one of the most blendable mineral sunscreens to reach for. The tinted formula (here, in the form of iron oxides) “offsets zinc oxide’s naturally chalky white base, so the formula blends in more seamlessly with skin,” Sherry Backman, a cosmetic chemist based in Brattleboro, Vermont, previously told Allure. Skin-conditioning polymers like dimethicone create a velvety, primer-like texture that blurs the look of pores and fine lines, leaving behind a soft, matte finish that’s especially flattering on oily or combo skin. Meanwhile, antioxidant-rich bamboo extract defends against free-radical damage, making this multitasking sunscreen a go-to choice for anyone who wants mineral protection, a subtle tint, and smoother-looking texture in a single step.

Foresto before applying the Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40

Alessandra Foresto

Foresto after applying the Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40

Alessandra Foresto

Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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“I've been a fan of this tinted matte mineral sunscreen from Supergoop since it only came in one universal shade. I'm even more of a fan now that they have extended their range to better match my skin tone (I use shade Golden Hour). I love wearing it on its own on a summer day when I don't feel like wearing a full face of makeup, for a little coverage over my dark spots. But it's also by far the best sunscreen to use under makeup because it acts as a smoothing, grippy primer that helps my foundation, concealer, or skin tint (whatever I feel like that day) go on more evenly and stay on longer.” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

More to know

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• Shades: 3
• Key ingredients: 1.33% titanium dioxide, 17.42% zinc oxide, dimethicone, bamboo
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Acne Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50

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EltaMD

UV Clear Acne Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50

$49

Amazon

$49

EltaMD

Allure senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino applying the EltaMD UV Clear Acne Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50

Elizabeth Gulino

Why it’s worth it: EltaMD’s latest UV Clear Acne Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50 is everything you love about the 2025 Best of Beauty-winning UV Skin Recovery Broad-Spectrum SPF 50, but tailored for acne-prone or oily skin. This version pairs 11% zinc oxide and 3.5% octinoxate (a UVB filter that boosts sun protection while keeping the formula lightweight) with 5% niacinamide to soothe redness, even out skin tone, and minimize excess oil throughout the day. The brand’s proprietary ZincAOXPro Technology also provides antioxidant protection against UV rays, blue light, pollution, and other environmental stressors. Best of all, it maintains the elegant, non-greasy feel that made the original so popular—just with extra support for shine, congestion, and post-blemish marks.

Gulino before applying the EltaMD UV Clear Acne Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50

Elizabeth Gulino

Gulino after applying the EltaMD UV Clear Acne Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50

Elizabeth Gulino

Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino

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"It’s no secret that EltaMD has the best of the best sunscreens. I’m a longtime user of the brand’s tinted version of UV Clear, but have recently started using the new UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50 in my routine. As someone who wears SPF every day and is prone to getting oily in my T-zone, this has been a life saver. When I wear this—especially under makeup—I find myself not needing to powder my face mid-day. The best part? It’s clinically proven to reduce excess oil over time, so the more you wear it the better it works.” —Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 11% zinc oxide, 3.5% octinoxate, 5% niacinamide
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

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Ilia

Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

$40

Sephora

$40

Ilia

Allure creative producer Sydney Malone applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Sydney Malone

Why it’s worth it: When we had five editors spanning a range of skin tones put Ilia’s Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 to the test, it won over even mineral-sunscreen skeptics. Despite containing a hefty 10.5% zinc oxide, the formula glides on like a hydrating serum and leaves skin looking fresh and dewy. What makes it particularly great for dry skin is its blend of seven forms of hyaluronic acid, which pull moisture into the skin and counteract the dryness mineral SPFs can sometimes cause. The formula also comes in two adaptable tinted shades: light-medium and medium-deep. “I am a longtime user of mineral sunscreen, and I have never experienced anything like this,” says senior commerce director Shanna Shipin. “This is such an elegant formula that is so lightweight, it performs like a chemical sunscreen—I can hardly believe that there are mineral blockers in it.”

Malone before applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Sydney Malone

Malone after applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Sydney Malone

Tester feedback from creative producer Sydney Malone

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“I have combination skin, so I am always wary of products that will either dry me out or make me appear too oily—I prefer a happy medium. This is especially true of sunscreens, because I have found that there are either mineral formulas that often leave an ashy appearance or sheer ones that are supposed to give a ‘glow’ but, in reality, make me look sweaty.

When I first squeezed this product out of the bottle, I was scared by the tone of brown that the product was because it seemed like it would be ashy. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it applied to my skin and settled. It felt like that perfect mix I look for, and honestly, it was the most impressed I’ve ever been with a facial sunscreen. I didn’t look sweaty; I didn’t look ashy. In fact, you almost couldn’t even tell it was on, which I loved.

It has a super natural finish, and I wore it for almost nine hours before I washed my face at night, and it never changed. It gave my holy grail sunscreen a run for its money.” —Sydney Malone, creative producer

More to know

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• Shades: 2
• Key ingredients: 10.5% zinc oxide
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Mature Skin: Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36

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Alastin Skincare

HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36

$84

Amazon

Lee applying the Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it’s worth it: If your ideal makeup routine is "less is more,” Alastin's HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36 may be all you need. “It functions as a hybrid between sunscreen and complexion product,” Anetta Reszko, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously told Allure. The sheer tint even out redness and discoloration enough that many people can skip foundation entirely, though it still wears nicely under makeup if you want more coverage. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide broad-spectrum protection, while ectoin supports the skin barrier and keeps skin hydrated, so makeup is less likely to catch on dry patches. Even better, the formula goes beyond sun protection, featuring antioxidants such as phytoene, phytofluene, and hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone, which defend against pollution and other environmental stressors. Though it only comes in one shade, “the tint blends easily for most skin tones,” May Hall, DO, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Asheville, North Carolina, previously said.

Lee before applying the Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from Lee

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“As someone with sensitive and fair skin, I’m usually picky about mineral sunscreens, and I was a little hesitant that Alastin's Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36 only comes in one shade—but the tint is sheer enough to cancel out any chalkiness. I definitely wouldn't personally say it’s in makeup territory, but it does add just enough to even out your skin. It blends in beautifully and absorbs quickly, but I usually sweep another layer of my favorite dewy serum foundation to even out my melasma more.” —Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Shade: 1
• Key ingredients: 3.4% zinc oxide, 8.9% titanium dioxide, ectoin, phytoene, phytofluene, Thermus thermophilus ferment
• Fragrance-free:

Best Under Makeup: Summer Fridays ShadeDrops SPF 50 Mineral Milk Sunscreen

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Summer Fridays

ShadeDrops SPF 50 Mineral Milk Sunscreen

$38

Amazon

$38

Sephora

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Summer Fridays ShadeDrops SPF 50 Mineral Milk Sunscreen

Shanna Shipin

Why it’s worth it: If you liked the original Summer Fridays ShadeDrops, there's plenty to love about the updated version. The reformulation boosts protection to SPF 50 and combines 9.4% zinc oxide with titanium dioxide for broader UV coverage, all while maintaining the weightless feel that made the original such a favorite. (Just don't let the higher SPF fool you into skipping reapplication—the higher SPF simply means more protection against UVB rays.) It also features a lineup of skin-care staples, including ectoin, ceramides, allantoin, and chamomile extract to hydrate, soothe, and support the skin barrier. True to its name, ShadeDrops feels more like a lightweight, milky serum than a traditional mineral sunscreen. For dry or sensitive skin, it's an easy way to get daily sun protection without the heaviness or chalkiness mineral SPFs are often known for.

Shipin before applying the Summer Fridays ShadeDrops SPF 50 Mineral Milk Sunscreen

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying the Summer Fridays ShadeDrops SPF 50 Mineral Milk Sunscreen

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from Shipin

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“I am so happy Summer Fridays reformulated this product to boost the Mineral Milk to SPF 50! I was already a fan of the original, but there's so much more to love about this new version. The packaging, for one, is so cute—a happy tangerine with a more luxe finish that won't discolor over time (unlike the original!)—and the formula itself isn't as runny. It's just as lightweight and a bit smoother, and I love that it leaves my skin with a glowing (but not greasy) finish. This product is probably best for drier skin types. It's hydrating (thanks to glycerin and a ceramide complex in the formula), but I can see it being a hair too glowy on someone looking for a matte or more natural finish. I typically only wear skin tints, so I love the extra glowy-skin boost that this SPF provides! And it never competes with anything I layer over it: blush, bronzer, setting spray—they all play so well on top of this formula.” —Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 5.93% zinc oxide, 5.46% titanium dioxide, shea butter, ceramides, glycerin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Lightweight: Koolsol by Knours Ultra Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

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Koolsol by Knours

Ultra Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

$22

Amazon

$25

Soko Glam

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Koolsol by Knours Ultra Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Sarah Han

Why it’s worth it: K-beauty has earned a reputation for making sunscreens people actually want to wear, and Knours’ Koolsol Ultra Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is a perfect example. If you applied this with your eyes closed, you'd probably assume it was a lightweight hydrating lotion, not a zinc oxide-powered sunscreen. The formula is also packed with beloved Korean skin-care ingredients, including soothing Centella asiatica, plus there’s aloe, niacinamide, and panthenol to soothe irritation, support the skin barrier, and boost hydration. Snow mushroom extract acts like a natural moisture magnet, helping skin stay plump and dewy throughout the day.

Han before applying the Koolsol by Knours Ultra Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Koolsol by Knours Ultra Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“I have never met a Korean mineral sunscreen—or any mineral sunscreen, especially untinted—that has this close to the feel of a chemical sunscreen. As you probably know, no mineral sunscreen can be 100% cast-free (zinc oxide starts as a white powder, after all!), but Koolsol Ultra Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 leaves my complexion looking almost indiscernibly the same. I only notice the teeniest tinge of cast in real life, but I honestly don't think an observer would. (At least my boyfriend, who stares at my face quite a lot, couldn't tell!) It applies so elegantly, like a lightweight moisturizer, and leaves my skin looking dewy, but not overly so. I'd never thought I'd say such a thing, but I think I even prefer this mineral option over Knours' chemical SPF (which is also nice, to be fair)!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 10% zinc oxide, niacinamide, snow mushroom, aloe, Centella asiatica
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen

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La Roche-Posay

Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen

$43 $30 (30% off)

Amazon

$43

Dermstore

$43

Ulta Beauty

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen

Deanna Pai

Why it’s worth it: Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, is a certified fan of La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen for its ultra-sheer finish and high-grade protection. "It has a subtle mattifying effect that's perfect to wear under makeup," she adds. The formula is fortified with nourishing and barrier-strengthening vitamin E oil to make this pick extra worth your while. And, as with any La Roche-Posay stunner, the brand’s proprietary Thermal Spring Water makes a welcome appearance. If you’re also looking to even out your skin tone, there’s a tinted version that leaves a healthy glow.

Pai before applying La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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"I don't typically trust untinted mineral sunscreens, since they almost always leave a white cast on my olive skin. Not this one! It's practically perfect: It doesn't have a weird scent, absorbs quickly, and even seems to control the shine on my nose, leaving my very oily T-zone looking more matte, but not flat or one-dimensional. The tube also holds a ton of product, too, so it can last me through a beach trip and then some." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 6% titanium dioxide, 5% zinc oxide, vitamin E oil, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water
• Fragrance-free: yes

Highest SPF: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF 60+

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Shiseido

Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF 60+

$52

Amazon

$52

Nordstrom

Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying the Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Mineral Clear Sunscreen SPF 42

Jesa Marie Calaor

Why it’s worth it: We've been fans of Shiseido's chemical and hybrid sunscreens for well over a decade, so when the brand finally introduced a 100% mineral formula, expectations were understandably high. Thankfully, Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF 60+ lives up to them. Despite offering SPF 60+ protection, it feels lightweight and comfortable on the skin. While it dispenses as a milky white lotion, it dries down to a virtually invisible finish across a wide range of skin tones. Beyond UV protection, the formula is packed with antioxidant-rich botanical extracts to defend against UV-induced signs of aging, soothing licorice root extract, and a blend of five types of algae that keep skin hydrated and comfortable throughout the day. There's also an adorably petite travel-size version, making midday reapplication much easier.

Calaor before applying the Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Mineral Clear Sunscreen SPF 42

Jesa Marie Calaor

Calaor after applying the Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Mineral Clear Sunscreen SPF 42

Jesa Marie Calaor

Tester feedback from senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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"With my extra-dry complexion, I am always looking for hydrating products that leave me with a summery, dewy glow. This sunscreen gives me exactly that. The mineral formula is more like a fluid than a lotion, and quickly melts down to blend in with my medium-tan skin." —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 5.7% titanium dioxide, 5.9% zinc oxide, raspberry extract, witch hazel, glycerin, algae
• Fragrance-free: yes

More mineral sunscreens we love:

• For an honest-to-goodness skin tint that doubles as an SPF, try Saie’s Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35—one of Shipin’s ride-or-die products. As its zinc oxide-based formula guards against skin-damaging UV rays, its 14 flexible tints work to even out discoloration and blemishes while still looking natural and non-cakey.
• Mature skin needs a sunscreen that treats accumulated damage, and that calls for Isdin’s Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50+. While anyone can enjoy this formula, it’s especially ideal for people treating substantial sun damage from burns and/or age spots caused by years in the sun. Also in the mix is vitamin E to repair barrier damage and guard against free radicals.
• Midday SPF touch-ups are made easy with the Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50. This convenient, self-dispensing brush shields skin with all-mineral UV filters and adds a dose of hydration, thanks to hyaluronic acid powder. (Pai loves that she can sweep it onto skin mid-pool day to re-up protection and sop up shine on her forehead.) The four shades, ranging from Fair to Deep, make reapplying sunscreen (every two hours or so) a piece of cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens?

While chemical sunscreens feature UV filters that absorb onto skin, mineral sunscreens sit on the surface of your skin, physically reflecting and scattering "a wide range of UV wavelengths," as New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, explains. These wavelengths include UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburns, and UVA rays, which cause longer-term issues like hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and skin cancer.

According to Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, "Chemical-free sunscreens should only contain ​zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as their active ingredients." (It's important to note that hybrid formulas exist and contain the aforementioned ingredients plus chemical-based sunscreen compounds, so always triple-check the ingredients label.)

Who should use mineral sunscreen?

"Chemical sunscreens can be irritating and allergenic for some folks," explains Dr. Mudgil. And it turns out that "some folks," according to board-certified dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD, based in Birmingham, Alabama, is a whopping "25% of all people," he told Allure. If that statement rings true for you, it's time to consider a physical sunscreen with non-chemical shields. They reduce the risk of irritation to practically zero, due to "organic, inert, and hypoallergenic" formulas, Dr. Mudgil explains. Incidentally, sunscreens that don't contain chemical protectants are generally healthier for coral reefs. (In fact, Hawaii banned the sale of products with chemical filters oxybenzone and octinoxate altogether.) However, take the term "reef-safe" with a grain of salt, as it's not regulated.

Meet the experts

• Sherry Backman, a cosmetic chemist based in Brattleboro, Vermont
• May Hall, DO, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Asheville, North Carolina
• Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Mudgil Dermatology in New York City
• Morgan Rabach, MD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City
• Anetta Reszko, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon 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 mineral sunscreens, 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, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from 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.

We have the highest standards for sunscreens—keep reading for a formula that suits your needs and preferences:

• 7 Best Korean Sunscreens to Complete Your Glass Skin Routine
• 7 Best Sunscreens Under Makeup for Smooth, Pill-Free Wear
• 8 Best Sunscreens for Mature Skin That Protect and Plump All at Once