9 Cult Skincare Products That Are Worth The Hype

A beauty product doesn’t just receive cult status overnight – oh no, cult status is worked for. If we were to define cult status, we’d say it’s when every derm, editor, and beauty industry expert is talking about it, and of course, it gives great results. So, we decided to round up nine cult beauty products that really are worthy of all the love and attention they receive in the beauty world. These products will not let you down.

1. To Zap Pimples: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, $17

Source: Mario Badescu

If you’re looking to zap a pimple overnight, this drying lotion is the best solution – we can vouch for its pimple-diminishing powers! The formula contains not one but two amazing acne-combatting ingredients: Salicylic acid that penetrates deep into pores and exfoliates dead skin cells, and calamine lotion that helps reduce inflammation and redness. Sulfur and zinc oxide further reduce inflammation and draw out impurities.

Our only word of warning: Do not shake the formula – it’s meant to be separated. To use, just dip a cotton swab into the pink sediment at the bottom and dab it onto your pimple as the last step of your skincare routine.

2. To Up Your Glow Game: Pixi Glow Tonic, $29

Source: Pixi

The beauty world is low-key obsessed with this toner thanks to its potent AHA-rich formula. It contains 5% chemical exfoliant glycolic acid to gently remove dead skin cell build-up and smooth skin tone, ginseng to energize and improve circulation, aloe vera to hydrate and calm, and fructose and sucrose to further brighten your complexion. The price point is hard to compete with, and you can even snag a tiny sample version for less than $5 bucks.

For best results, use daily post-cleanse by saturating a cotton pad and sweeping it across your face, neck, and décolletage.

3. To Brighten & Tone: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic With 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, $166

Source: SkinCeuticals

This product is loved by beauty editors and derms across the globe, which just shows how good it really is. The formula contains a synergistic antioxidant combo of 15% pure vitamin C, 1% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid. It covers all the bases; it brightens the skin, refines the texture, and will even minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

To use, apply four to five drops to a dry face and neck (after you’ve cleansed and toned), then follow with a moisturizer. It’s definitely an investment, but in this case, you really get what you pay for.

4. To Detoxify: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, $15

Source: Aztec Secret

This mask has thousands of five-star reviews online thanks to its transformative powers. The 100% natural calcium bentonite clay draws out impurities and oil from your pores, helping to detoxify the skin and tighten the appearance of pores. The powder clay is designed to be mixed with apple cider vinegar and washed off 10 to 15 minutes later when it’s dry and tight. We’re not going to lie, it’s intense and will most likely leave your skin red for at least 30 mins afterward, but it truly is an incredible detoxing mask.

What’s great about this formula is that it comes in powder form, so you can make SO many DIYs to cater to your skin concerns. We combine it with activated charcoal powder, ACV, and water to create a powerful scalp DIY mask that works wonders on oily scalps.

5. For Clean Skin: Fresh Soy Makeup Removing Face Wash, $38

Source: fresh

If you’re on the hunt for a new cleanser, this gentle yet powerful three-in-one cleanser should be at the top of your list. It’s enriched with amino-acid soy proteins that help your skin maintain elasticity while removing makeup and dirt. Cucumber extract soothes while rose-water balances and calms the skin. The pH-balanced formula is gentle yet powerful and will remove a full cake-face without making your skin feel dry or tight.

6. To Hydrate: Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer, $39

Source: Glow Recipe

This moisturizer was an instant success story and constantly sold-out at Sephora whenever it was restocked. The lightweight, gel-like formula is packed with antioxidant-rich watermelon extract, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and brightening botanicals to give you that K-Beauty glow. The formula is non-comedogenic, making it ideal for oily or acne-prone skin types, and it makes the perfect daytime moisturizer. If you have dry skin, use this as the serum step before your moisturizer to keep your skin plump and hydrated all day long.

7. To Boost Radiance: Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder, $65

Source: Tatcha

This is a fave product among skincare buffs and is also loved by A-Listers like Meghan Markle and Kim Kardashian. What makes this polish so praise-worthy is its rice enzyme powder formula, which gently yet powerfully exfoliates the skin. The water-activated exfoliant transforms into a creamy foam, providing non-abrasive exfoliation. The rice and papaya enzymes encourage natural skin cell turnover, leaving you with smoother, brighter skin.

8. For Instant Results: GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD Charcoal Instant Treatment Mask, $59

Source: GLAMGLOW

If you’re looking for instant gratification, this mask will deliver results. The clarifying mask features six exfoliating acids and activated charcoal to extract dirt and toxins that are congesting your pores. The addition of eucalyptus leaf extract delivers brightening antioxidants and phytoactives that give a radiant AF result. Apply it to clean, dry skin and wash off 15 minutes later. Follow with a serum and moisturizer and you’re good to glow.

9. To Protect: Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $35

Source: Elta MD

Whenever we speak to dermatologists they always school us on the importance of wearing sunscreen! The number one sunscreen recommended to us is, without a doubt, the Elta MD UV Clear-Broad Spectrum SPF. The mineral sunscreen not only offers UVA and UVB protection, but it also contains skin-enhancing ingredients like hydrating hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E. This means as well as being protected from the sun, the antioxidant-rich formula is also protecting against harmful free radicals that cause premature aging. It’s the ultimate overachiever.

Important note: the formula is oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it’s suitable for all skin types from oily to dry. Apply this after your morning skincare routine and before you apply makeup.

For more skincare recommendations, check out the drugstore products derms can’t live without.