Introducing the best skincare launches and new discoveries of 2023.
Italicized product links are affiliate links, products marked with * were received as PR samples.
In the annual Best of the Year series, I traditionally round up not only the best new skincare launches of the past year, but also products that I discovered during the year.
DJUSIE PEACE OUT ESSENCE *
Alongside the hugely popular Acid Bloom essence, Djusie launched a version specifically designed with sensitive skin in mind in 2023. Peace Out is an incredibly hydrating, soothing, and skin-strengthening essence suitable for absolutely everyone. Its slightly serum-like texture quenches thirsty skin instantly. From the moment of application, the skin feels refreshed, deeply hydrated, plump, juicy, and radiant.
I recommend this essence for all skin types, as every complexion benefits from a generous dose of water-based hydration. It helps with dryness, dehydration, and the imbalances and fine lines that often accompany them. Peace Out is an excellent essence if your skin is stressed, irritated, or otherwise out of balance. It is also ideal for dry and sensitive skin as a daily staple, and many people with eczema-prone skin have found significant relief from it. Even oily skin benefits, as excess oil production is often linked to dehydration. Peace Out is fragrance-free and contains no essential oils.
DE MAMIEL LIP TREATMENT
De Mamiel Lip Treatment may be the most effective lip balm I have ever tried. It softens and repairs chapped lips quickly. The generous jar lasts an incredibly long time, making it excellent value for money. I have witnessed its effectiveness not only on my own lips but also in every facial treatment I perform. Even severely dry and cracked lips become velvety soft remarkably quickly. During facials, I leave the balm on for the same amount of time as a face mask, and every time even the driest lips become noticeably softer and more hydrated within just ten minutes. Whenever I apply the balm to my lips, I also massage the excess into my cuticles.
YIN YOUR SKIN AURA CONCENTRATE *
The best facial oil of 2023—though it is much more than just a facial oil—is without question Yin Your Skin’s AURA Concentrate. The concentrate has an oil-like texture and can be applied either before moisturizer or as the final step in a skincare routine to lock moisture into the skin. Personally, I prefer using AURA in place of a serum, before moisturizer, because of its numerous skincare benefits. The texture is not particularly heavy or oily; instead, it feels more like a silky oil-serum hybrid. It absorbs almost instantly.
AURA literally seems to switch the lights on in the skin, such is its brightening effect. It helps treat pigmentation issues and prevent new discoloration from forming. The skin becomes more even-toned and beautifully radiant. AURA is one of those products where visible improvements appear very quickly. Many skin types benefit from this versatile concentrate, but it is particularly worthwhile if your skin is dry, thin, dull, or sensitive. It is also excellent for skin prone to redness and pigmentation.
LABORATOIRES DE BIARRITZ CLEANSING OIL *
The best cleansing oil of 2023 was Laboratoires de Biarritz Cleansing Oil. This lightweight oil cleanses thoroughly without leaving behind an oily residue. The silky cleansing oil spreads easily onto dry skin with dry hands and effortlessly removes all makeup—including long-wearing synthetic formulas. It rinses away extremely easily from both the face and eyes, though a damp muslin cloth can be used if desired. The skin feels soft and nourished afterward, never overly oily. The cleanser comes in a generous 200ml bottle, larger than many comparable products, making it excellent value for money. The scent is subtle and the cleanser contains no essential oils. Its short yet effective ingredient list also makes it a great choice for reactive or sensitive skin.
DJUSIE ORANGE BLISS HAND CREAM *
Another Djusie launch also makes my list of the best products of 2023. Orange Bliss Hand Cream is unmatched when it comes to hydration. It also smells absolutely wonderful—fresh, citrusy, and incredibly uplifting. The scent alone is addictive. The cream absorbs quickly and never leaves a sticky feeling on the hands. It protects the skin effectively and keeps hands hydrated for a long time. There is no need for constant reapplication, yet the skin, nails, and cuticles remain in excellent condition. This cream perfectly combines practicality—essential for a daily-use product—with the luxury that comes from its beautiful scent. Even the cheerful tube design adds to its mood-boosting effect.
LILFOX CHILL CRYO WANDS
Lilfox Cryo Wands were my favorite skincare tool throughout spring and summer 2023. I reached for them more than any other tool. My body and face tend to retain fluid easily, and during warm weather the cool wands felt incredible on the skin while visibly reducing puffiness. During autumn and winter, puffiness tends to show up after poor sleep, especially around the eyes, making the wands particularly enjoyable to use there. Sweeping them across the face visibly reduces swelling.
The wands have exactly the right amount of weight to move fluid through the tissues without requiring you to think about pressure. They are comfortable to hold and highly intuitive to use. I always start in the center of the face and work outward toward the edges.
In addition to reducing puffiness, the cool temperature helps firm the skin and leaves it looking fresh and radiant. The cooling effect also calms redness and irritation. The wands can also be used warm, helping skincare products such as serums and creams absorb more effectively. Warm wands are also excellent for enhancing the effects of face masks.
They are easy to clean after use and can be hygienically stored in their case, including in the refrigerator for an extra cooling effect.
ACTIVIST MANUKA HONEY MASK *
Activist’s Manuka Honey Mask was probably the face mask I used most throughout 2023. Containing double-filtered MGO 850+ Manuka honey, the mask hydrates, renews, and brightens the skin. Its versatility makes it one of my long-term favorites. I usually use it on its own, though occasionally I mix it into another mask for an extra skincare boost. Because Manuka honey helps calm inflammation, this mask is an excellent intensive treatment for irritated or blemish-prone skin. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, it also works beautifully as a spot treatment.
Manuka honey contains high levels of vitamins A, B, and C, all essential for healthy skin. It also gently exfoliates and renews the complexion. After use, the skin always feels deeply hydrated, exceptionally soft, and noticeably brighter and healthier. The mask can be left on for up to 20–30 minutes, and the longer it remains on the skin, the more radiant the results. Although it feels slightly sticky during application, it rinses away effortlessly with warm water.
LILFOX MARSHMALLOW POOF MOISTURIZER
Lilfox Marshmallow Poof was without question the best moisturizer I encountered in 2023. My skin absolutely loved it. It became noticeably firmer, calmer, deeply hydrated, and more even-toned. The cream has a rich texture, yet a small amount goes a long way.
Peptides play the leading role in this moisturizer, and it contains them in abundance. Peptides are amino acids responsible for the formation of keratin and collagen in the skin. They stimulate collagen production, helping maintain firmness and elasticity. Peptides also have muscle-relaxing properties, which can influence the formation of fine lines. This moisturizer therefore has a clear mission: to firm and smooth the skin in addition to providing hydration. It has even earned the nickname “Botox in a jar,” as it leaves the skin visibly smoother. I noticed this myself, particularly on my forehead lines, which appeared noticeably softer than usual.
YIN YOUR SKIN SUMU FACIAL MIST *
Without question, the most delightful facial mist launch of the year was Yin Your Skin’s SUMU Facial Mist. This spray toner smells so wonderfully calming that it instantly helps you relax and reconnect with the present moment. A soft cloud of mist disperses evenly from the bottle and feels refreshing and soothing on the skin. The hydrating and balancing formula restores moisture levels after cleansing, and I use it morning and evening.
Not all toners are created equal. Their ingredients and effectiveness vary dramatically, which can leave many people skeptical about their importance in a skincare routine—especially if previous experiences have been merely “nice enough.” With SUMU, the benefits are unmistakable. The skin appears visibly brighter and more radiant. You can truly feel its hydrating power. Each application leaves the skin feeling nourished and moisturized. Rich in antioxidants, the mist helps protect the skin while ingredients that stimulate microcirculation contribute noticeably to improved brightness and tone. Every skin type benefits from a high-quality toner. It is particularly transformative for dehydrated skin prone to dullness and fine dehydration lines.
CATARINA BARBOSA SIMONE FACE BALM *
Portuguese brand Catarina Barbosa was an entirely new discovery for me in 2023. In addition to this face balm, I thoroughly enjoyed the brand’s hydrating serum, cleansing oil, and toner. I am excited to see what future launches the brand has in store.
Simone is a luxurious face balm that hydrates, protects, and nourishes the skin deeply. It leaves the complexion visibly brighter and more even-toned. Dullness and dryness quickly become a thing of the past. This was another product whose effects I noticed almost immediately. My skin became brighter, juicily radiant, and remarkably calm while using the balm.
The balm melts into an oil upon contact with the skin and feels wonderfully silky. I use it as the final step in my skincare routine, morning and evening, in place of a facial oil. At night, I apply a generous amount; in the morning, a smaller amount is sufficient under makeup. You can also experiment with applying the balm before your moisturizer, especially if your moisturizer has a richer texture. Personally, I prefer lighter moisturizers, so I find that Simone works best as the final step, sealing in hydration and protecting the skin.