Editor’s tip: In addition to being fragrance-free, it’s also free of dyes, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde—all common triggers to those with dermatitis-prone skin.
Key ingredients: petrolatum, glycerin | Who it’s for: people with eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and sensitive skin
Most Fast-Absorbing: Osea Undaria Algae Body Lotion Fragrance-Free
Why we love it: Osea—an acronym for ocean, sea, earth, and atmosphere—has always been a brand rooted in harnessing the healing power of nature, with seaweed as its star ingredient. At the heart of one of our favorite lotions, the Osea Undaria Algae Body Lotion, is undaria algae, a skin-barrier-repairing superfood that delivers deep nourishment. It takes hydration to the next level with high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, which targets the skin’s driest, outermost layer for an instant moisture boost. Meanwhile, smoothing peptides and brightening turmeric work in tandem to enhance the skin’s radiance and resilience, offering both cosmetic and reparative benefits.
Editor’s tip: When it comes to moisturizers, lotions have the lightest, fastest-absorbing formula compared to creams. If you’re after hydration that won’t leave skin feeling slick, this one is your perfect match.
Key ingredients: undaria algae, hyaluronic acid, peptides, turmeric | Who it’s for: people with dry skin
Best Retinol: U Beauty Resurfacing Compound
Why we love it: If layering multiple skincare products turns your sensitive skin into a red, irritated mess, U Beauty Resurfacing Compound is here to simplify your routine without sacrificing results. This 2024 Best of Beauty Award winner packs the power of multiple serums and treatments into one bottle, giving you all the benefits without the hassle. It pairs retinol with a hardworking team of exfoliating acids—lactic, salicylic, mandelic, phytic, and glycolic—to smooth, brighten, and boost cell turnover. Plus, thanks to U Beauty’s patented tech, active ingredients like stabilized retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid aim directly for damaged skin cells to maximize results without irritation.
Tester feedback: “I put this on my crusty, dusty feet with some Vaseline, and it works,” says Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen. “I like the serum-y texture; it sinks into the skin nicely, and it doesn’t leave a residue.”
Key ingredients: retinol, lactic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, phytic acid, salicylic acid, biomimetic peptides, papain, bioferments | Who it’s for: people with mature, rough, or dull skin
Best Texture: Bioderma Atoderm Crème Ultra
Why we love it: Since Bioderma Atoderm Crème Ultra is gentle enough for babies, you can trust it to care for your delicate, sensitive skin, too. “For those with eczema, this cream is a game-changer for restoring the skin barrier—and it’s safe for the whole family, babies included,” says Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Michigan. “It’s packed with skin-strengthening niacinamide to repair the barrier, ultra-nourishing shea butter for deep hydration, and glycerin combined with mineral-rich water to lock in moisture and prevent dryness all day.” Whether your skin is extra dry, easily irritated, or in need of some serious TLC, this formula has you covered.
