PEOPLE's 2026 Beauty Awards Highlight Top Skincare Launches
PEOPLE's 12th annual Beauty Awards has named the best skincare launches of 2026, featuring 31 products from cleansers to serums and devices that deliver
PEOPLE magazine has announced the winners of its 12th annual Beauty Awards, spotlighting 31 standout skincare launches for 2026. The selected products, ranging from a $12 face mist to a $175 depuffing device, are recognized for delivering impressive results while maintaining skin health.
Serums Target Specific Concerns
Several award-winning serums address distinct skin issues. The Outset Total Clarity Dark Spot Serum, founded by Scarlett Johansson, reduces dark spots without using potentially irritating Vitamin C. For breakouts, the Reale Actives Go Deep Mandelic Acid Serum, from founder Alix Earle, decreased breakouts effectively. Mandelic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from bitter almonds, is known for its antibacterial properties and is a primary treatment for acne due to its larger molecular size.
Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Rejuvenating Serum provides hydration with hyaluronic acid for $25. The Dr. Brandt Wrinkle Release Serum was noted for instantly softening expression lines, while G.M. Collin's Vaskotonic Advanced Serum, formulated with allantoin, eliminated tester redness and softened skin.
Cleansers and Moisturizers
The awards honored foundational products like cleansers and moisturizers. Clinique's Moisture Surge Exfoliating Glow Cleanser uses bamboo beads to remove dead cells. For those with acne and clogged pores, cleansers with the active ingredient salicylic acid are a common and effective choice, though not all winning cleansers contained it.
In moisturizers, Pixi's Vitamin-C CremeSerum features 57 encapsulated Vitamin C beads for brightening. Lancôme Absolue Longevity MD Reset The Cream improves skin bounce and cell renewal, and CeraVe's Hydrating HA Water Gel provides long-lasting hydration with hyaluronic acid and copper PCA.
Sun Protection and Targeted Treatments
Sun protection winners include La Roche-Posay's Anthelios UV Air Daily Boost Serum Sunscreen SPF 50, praised for its serum-like feel, and ILIA Beauty's Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, which comes in two shades and controls oil.
Targeted treatments also received accolades. Differin's Epiduo Acne Gel, a prescription-strength treatment with benzoyl peroxide and adapalene, won for acne. For the neck, Olay's Regenerist Face & Neck Lifting Treatment features a built-in roller. The Dermaflash Cool Sonic Depuffing and Lymphatic Drainage Set offers at-home sculpting as an alternative to professional massage.
Specialty and Professional-Grade Products
The awards highlighted specialty items like masks and lip treatments. Bioeffect's Recovery Hydrogel Mask provides intense hydration, and Rhode's Caffeine Reset mask, from founder Hailey Bieber, wakes up skin in 10-15 minutes. For lips, Dr.Reju-All's Advanced PDRN Rejuvenating Lip Serum exfoliates and repairs the barrier.
The list also ventured into professional treatments. Obagi's saypha ChIQ hyaluronic acid filler restores cheek volume, and RHA Dynamic Volume is designed for nasolabial folds. For device-based treatments, Picofy by InMode is a laser for tone correction and tattoo removal, while Quadessy offers radiofrequency microneedling for tightening. The publication advises readers to 'check it out' for more details on these professional procedures.
