The ranking
Every house we have scored
One rubric, five weighted criteria, no sponsored placements. A score describes the brand on its publication date — reformulations and price rises move it, and we say so when they do.
7Brands scored
8.2Mean score
3Rated 8.6+
#BrandBest forPrice bandScore
01
La Roche-PosaySkincare Brands · Outstanding
Sensitive and reactive skin, and the best sun care you can legally buy$15–$458.9/10Review 02
Paula's ChoiceSkincare Brands · Outstanding
Anyone who wants to know the percentage before they buy$12–$608.8/10Review 03
CeraVeSkincare Brands · Outstanding
Barrier repair on a budget, and anyone told to simplify$13–$248.7/10Review 04
SkinCeuticalsSkincare Brands · Strong
Vitamin C done properly, if the budget can take it$38–$1828.3/10Review 05
The OrdinarySkincare Brands · Strong
Buying a single active cheaply when you already know what you want$6–$328.2/10Review 06
Kiehl'sSkincare Brands · Mixed
People who want a counter they can sample at before committing$25–$927.4/10Review 07
Drunk ElephantSkincare Brands · Mixed
People who genuinely react to essential oils and can absorb the price$36–$1387.1/10Review