These are some of the best skincare brands of 2024 

Korean and Japanese skincare brands are like trusty companions for many Singaporean beauty enthusiasts — value-for-money, innovative, effective, and easy to acquire. 

But the world of skincare offers more than just the familiar favourites. From Europe to America, fantastic brands are waiting to be discovered, each boasting unique approaches to achieving a healthy, radiant complexion.

We've curated a list of some of the best skincare brands that you can easily get on iHerb and Amazon, including some beloved Korean and Japanese options alongside exciting new finds from other regions. 

Whether you're seeking gentle hydration, targeted solutions for specific concerns, or cutting-edge scientific advancements, here are some of the best skincare brands that’ll cater to every type of skin.

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Best skincare brands of 2024

Advanced Clinicals

Best for: Science-based skincare products on a budget

Advanced Clinicals is an American brand that positions themselves to be a "problem-solving beauty brand" committed to high-quality ingredients and advanced, scientific delivery systems. Their core mission? Empowering you with effective skincare solutions that won't drain your wallet.

Recommended product: Advanced Clinicals Retinol Advanced Firming Cream

One of their best sellers is the Advanced Clinicals Retinol Advanced Firming Cream. This fragrance-free formula packs a punch in a massive 16oz (464g) tub, costing only around $15 on iHerb.

Perfect for both face and body, it tackles visible signs of ageing with retinol, a well-known ingredient for promoting firmness and reducing wrinkles. Plus, soothing green tea, aloe vera, and chamomile keep your skin feeling comfortable and hydrated, making it a well-rounded anti-ageing choice.

$15.24

Recommended product: Advanced Clinicals Collagen Serum

This powerful formula specifically targets your skin's natural collagen production, leaving it feeling noticeably younger and more supported — you'll experience a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, especially around your lips. 

Unlike some harsh anti-ageing solutions, Advanced Clinicals’ Collagen Serum prioritises gentle care. Free of parabens and dermatologist-tested, this serum is suitable for most skin types, ensuring you can achieve that youthful glow without irritation.

This collagen serum goes the extra mile by incorporating a bonus ingredient: firming algae extract. This addition provides even more support for your skin, leaving it supple and radiating a youthful appearance.

$12.45 $13.83 10% off

Aquaphor

Best for: Dry, cracked skin

For nearly a century, Aquaphor has been a dermatologist-recommended solution for dry skin woes. Introduced in the US in 1925, it continues to be a trusted name for addressing various dryness concerns.

Aquaphor's popularity stems from its versatility and effectiveness. It effectively soothes and protects dry, cracked, or chapped skin anywhere on your body, leaving you feeling comfortable.  

From minor cuts and burns to dry cuticles and irritated elbows, Aquaphor offers relief across your entire body. 

Recommended product: Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment

This healing ointment goes beyond a simple lotion or cream. It's a multi-purpose skincare product that boasts a unique formula that actively restores and protects your skin's health, and its fragrance-free formula makes it perfect for sensitive skin. 

$42.34

Beauty of Joseon

Best for: Sunscreen sticks

Hailing from South Korea, Beauty of Joseon (BOJ) has taken TikTok by storm with its dedication to clean, effective skincare. This brand celebrates the wisdom of the Joseon dynasty by incorporating traditional Hanbang ingredients (think herbal extracts and natural remedies) into modern, minimalist formulas. 

Recommended product: Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick, Mugwort & Camelia, SPF50+ PA++++

Their popular sunscreen, the Matte Sun Stick, offers SPF 50+ PA++++ protection in a compact, easy-to-use stick format.  

Perfect for on-the-go touch-ups, this sunscreen utilises sebum-control silica powder to regulate oil and ensure a smooth, non-greasy application. 

It's also packed with hydrating and calming ingredients like artemisia capillaris (a sort of traditional medicinal herb) and green tea extracts, making it a great choice for all skin types.

$24.02 on iHerb

Besides the sun stick, BOJ’s Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics sunscreen ($25.35 on iHerb) and Dynasty Cream ($34.59 on iHerb) are also cult favourites. 

The Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection (SPF50+) while being gentle on sensitive skin. Their Dynasty Cream is a multi-tasking moisturiser loved for its hydrating and brightening benefits.

Anua

Best for: Cleansing oil and toners that work for all skin types

Anua, a South Korean brand, prioritises avoiding harsh ingredients that can irritate or aggravate sensitive skin. Their commitment to mildness makes their products suitable for anyone seeking a calming and non-abrasive skincare routine.

Recommended product: Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner

This toner calms skin troubles and provides deep hydration. It also enhances the absorption of other skincare products, allowing you to achieve that glowing, glass look. 

$32.21 on iHerb

Recommended product: Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

An essential first step in the double cleansing routine, this oil cleanser with soothing heartleaf extract delivers a gentle yet effective clean, resulting in a radiant and healthy glow.

$28.28 on iHerb

Recommended product: Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad 

This gentle exfoliating toner pad is a convenient way to address enlarged pores, blackheads, and whiteheads. Perfect for daily use, it soothes the skin while reducing breakouts and promoting a more even complexion. 

$35.88 on iHerb

Aztec Secret

Best for: Clay masks

For those seeking a deep cleanse, the highly-raved Aztec Secret is a brand worth checking out. 

They offer just one product (besides essential oils): Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, made from 100% natural calcium bentonite clay.

But don't let the single offering fool you — the company prides itself on being "the world's most powerful facial", perfect for detoxifying and purifying your skin.

One tub (16 oz/1lb) makes around 10 to 15 facials. You will feel your face pulsate as the clay works its magic by pulling away all the impurities from your skin. 

Recommended product: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

$11.16 on iHerb

PanOxyl

Best for: Acne-prone skin 

PanOxyl offers a comprehensive range of acne-fighting solutions, from foaming washes and moisturisers to treatment gels and pimple patches. Whether you're battling stubborn breakouts on your face or body, PanOxyl has got your back (quite literally).

Recommended product: PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash

PanOxyl tackles acne with their scientifically-formulated foaming wash containing benzoyl peroxide, a powerful ingredient that quickly eliminates acne-causing bacteria. 

Clinically tested for effectiveness, it not only clears existing breakouts but also helps prevent future ones, putting an end to the frustrating acne cycle. Suitable for both face and body, this cleanser is a great option for those struggling with acne-prone skin.

$5.53 (28g) - $20.68 (156g) on iHerb

Hada Labo

Best for: Hyaluronic acid skincare products

Hada Labo champions the philosophy of "Perfect x Simple," believing that true beauty lies in a streamlined approach — a long list of ingredients doesn't equate to better results. 

Through meticulous research and rigorous selection, this Japanese skincare brand includes only the most beneficial skincare ingredients for maximum effectiveness. 

A prime example is their Super Hyaluronic Acid formula, which forms a protective film over your skin for long-lasting hydration.

Recommended product: Hada Labo Gokujyun Clear Lotion

Formulated with three types of Hyaluronic Acid, the Gokujyun Clear Lotion delivers multi-layered moisture, leaving your skin feeling plump, supple, and achieving that coveted "mochi" finish. 

$22.43 on iHerb

$14.99 on Amazon

The Ordinary

Best for: Simple skincare formulations at accessible prices

The Ordinary is a brand that cuts through the clutter in the skincare world. They focus on offering high-quality, single-ingredient or simple formulations at budget-friendly.

This approach empowers you to create a customised skincare routine that targets your specific concerns without burning a hole in your wallet.

Recommended product: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

The Ordinary's Niacinamide + Zinc Serum is a powerful and affordable option for those seeking to heal blemishes and achieve a brighter complexion.

This high-strength formula combines two key ingredients:

Niacinamide: An ingredient known to visibly brighten skin, minimises the appearance of enlarged pores, and improve overall skin texture.

Zinc PCA: This addition helps soothe redness and irritation, making the serum suitable for blemish-prone skin.

The Ordinary prides itself on offering effective ingredients at accessible prices, and at $29, this serum perfectly does just that. It delivers a potent blend of actives in a lightweight, water-based formula that absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy residue.

$29 on LOOKFANTASTIC (120ml)

$21 on Sephora (60ml)

Glow Recipe

Best for: Fruit-infused skincare

Glow Recipe ditches the dull and embraces the delightful with its fruit-infused skincare line. This playful brand offers effective solutions packed with the power of watermelon, avocado, guava, plum, and other delicious ingredients. Don't be fooled by the cute names — their science-backed formulas target real skin concerns like dryness, uneven tone, and breakouts.

Many products come in travel-friendly sizes. This is perfect for exploring their offerings or taking your fruity favourites on the go.

Recommended product: Glow Recipe Fruit Babies Bestsellers Kit Mini

Glow Recipe's Fruit Babies Bestsellers Kit Mini offers a taste of their most beloved products in travel-friendly sizes, perfect for on-the-go pampering or introducing your skin to their fruity magic.

First, start by cleansing with the Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser to gently wash away impurities. Next, refine pores and deliver a hydrating boost with the Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner. Target dark circles and brighten your eye area with a gentle pat of the Guava Vitamin C Bright-Eye Gel Cream. For a smoother, clearer complexion, follow with a few pumps of the Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Serum, which calms and hydrates while addressing texture and breakouts.

Then, unleash your inner glow with the Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops. This versatile formula can be used as a serum, primer, or even mixed with foundation for a dewy finish. Layer it on to target hyperpigmentation and achieve a radiant look.

After that, lock in all that goodness with the Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream, a deeply hydrating moisturiser that plumps your skin for a healthy, youthful bounce.

$62 on Sephora

All the items are independently selected by our editorial team. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. But we only recommend products we love. Promise.