The Best New Skincare Products of 2022

Christopher Ehlers READ TIME: 11 MIN.

If you think that a lot of film, television, and music was released last year, you should see how much new skincare came out. Each year, skincare companies release thousands of new products hoping that their newest inventions will become the next must-have product. Most fail to impress. These 10 products, however, are the ones that impressed me the most, and have likely earned a regular spot in my rotation.

Dr. Dennis Gross Vitamin C Lactic Firm & Bright Eye Treatment


Vitamin C is a must for most people, and the delicate skin around the eyes is no exception. But you can't just throw any old Vitamin C under your eyes, which is why a C-centric eye product is key for reducing fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness. What Dr. Gross did here is combine three forms of Vitamin C with lactic acid to increase absorption and enhance performance. In fact, his entire Vitamin C line has been reformulated the same way and each product –a serum and two moisturizers–are worth a look. It was this eye cream, however, that made me say "wow." $68, Dr. Dennis Gross.

SkinMedica Firm & Tone Body Lotion


A body treatment from one of the most effective and reliable medical grade skincare providers? Sold. While it's true that "medical grade" doesn't automatically make a product better, this body lotion is like a full-body facial. With scientifically proven technology that targets five pathways related to laxity and fat in the skin, this miracle product truly improves the appearance of skin. After three months of use, skin is firmer, smoother, and more...well, you know ;-) $165, Lovely Skin.

Jordan Samuel Skin Mandelic Exfoliating Mask


There is not a single type of skin that doesn't benefit from regular exfoliation, and this purifying, hydrating, and exfoliating wonder from LGBTQIA+ owned Jordan Samuel Skin is great for all skin types, especially those with dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin. Derived from bitter almonds, mandelic acid is gentler than glycolic acid and can help treat everything from pigmentation and sun damage to fine lines and wrinkles. This is also formulated with Moroccan lava clay, which reduces oil on the skin, and squalene, an antioxidant and fatty acid-rich olive derivative to protect and nourish. You can't go wrong with this one. $38, Jordan Samuel Skin.

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Essence Mist


The latest innovation from one of my favorite brands, this mist is another slam-dunk from a company full of slam-dunks. Mists can kind of be meh, but this one is more than just glorified water. Not only does it hydrate the skin both immediately and throughout the day, but it immediately reduces redness by 31%, making it the ideal antidote for sensitized, red, irritated, and post-procedure skin. Layer it on between serums, mist to set makeup, or spritz throughout the day; there's no wrong way to use it. $67, Lovely Skin.

iS Clinical Active Peel System


While I am partial to my ride-or-die Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peels, I was practically salivating when I heard that iS Clinical was coming out with a peel, and they did not disappoint. This two-step treatment begins with an exfoliating solution that you leave on for three minutes, followed by a second step that hydrates, rejuvenates, and protects. I love everything about this peel: the tingling, the smell, and most of all the results. I won't cheat on Dr. Gross for too long, but I will, from time to time, give these another go for two weeks. $88, Lovely Skin.

Kiehl's Fast Release Wrinkle-Reducing 0.3% Retinol Night Serum


This novel product allows you to mix pure retinol power into the serum for a super fresh, fast-acting, wrinkle-reducing night serum. Fine lines are reduced in just five days, and deep wrinkles will be visibly improved in two weeks. While $85 for 0.3% over the counter retinol is a bit steep, there's no denying its power, and those new-ish to retinol will enjoy its convenience and exact dosing. $85, Kiehls.

Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx Collagen Hydra-Gel Face & Eye Patches


I emptied this jar faster than any other product on this list, and I immediately repurchased. Eye patches are kind of hit or miss, and most come with inflated claims. I don't know who needs to hear this but putting something under your eyes for 10 minutes isn't going to make you look like a new person. But with regular use of an eye mask like this one, it undoubtedly helps over time. These patches are packed with seven forms of collagen and collagen-supporting ingredients which help to firm, smooth, increase elasticity, and help improve the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and crow's feet. Even better, in addition to 30 pairs of eye patches, each tub includes 30 addition patches that can be used other places like between your eyebrows, around your mouth, and–yes–your eyes. $65, Peter Thomas Roth.

Drunk Elephant Bouncy Brightfacial Brightening Mask with 10% Azelaic Acid + 1% Salicylic Acid


With the ability to calm skin, improve redness, and decrease pigmentation, azelaic acid is a multi-corrective powerhouse that slips easily into most people's skincare routines. I had stopped using azelaic acid because I was tired of one-note products that didn't address multiple concerns. But thanks to this great new product from Drunk Elephant, I've reintroduced it to my skincare routine. What makes this spectacular is its inclusion of salicylic acid–to unclog pores and improve texture–and a triple-antioxidant brightening complex–which reduced hyperpigmentation. Day or night, Bouncy Brightfacial is worth the investment. $68, Sephora.

Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum


Who says you can't combine retinol and glycolic acid? Level up your skin's smoothness with this powerful night serum that simultaneously exfoliates the skin and encourages cell turnover. Like all Peter Thomas Roth products, this is also packed with other highly effective ingredients like niacinamide to help with discoloration, allantoin to soothe, and hyaluronic acid and collagen to plump. $65, Peter Thomas Roth.

iS Clinical Cleansing Complex Polish


It's true that some scrubs or polishes are actually doing more harm than good, which is why if you're looking for a physical exfoliant, it's important to choose something from a clinically trusted brand like iS Clinical. While chemical exfoliation is my preferred way to exfoliate, there's something to be said for a gently polish that helps slough off some skin. This cleanser harnesses the power and versatility of the brand's iconic Cleansing Complex, but with biodegradable microparticles of cellulose and jojoba. The result? A polish gentle enough for daily use that provides both physical and chemical exfoliation, smoothing the skin immediately. $48, Lovely Skin.


by Christopher Ehlers

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