I’ve tried a whole bunch of skincare products and brands over the years. Not just because I’m a beauty editor, but also because I’ve struggled with sensitive, acne-prone, and reactive skin for most of my life. Anyone who’s had similar skin issues knows it can be a real struggle trying to find the right products for your skin. After much trial and error (and at least 20 brands later), I can confidently say I’ve found the perfect line for me.
Although Cosmedix isn’t exactly a new brand, I still feel like it doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. To understand the level of quality this brand delivers, just look at the thousands of five-star reviews on each of its products. I knew they were good, but I recently had the privilege of experiencing an incredible Cosmedix facial with master aesthetician Derek Davenport, which really sealed the deal for me. Since then, I’ve been using and loving several products from the brand, and now, I can’t imagine my skincare routine without them. They’re all exceptionally brightening, hydrating, and, most importantly for my sensitive/acne-prone skin, noncomedogenic. If you have a similar skin type or simply want to know which products from the brand you should try first, keep scrolling. I asked Davenport to share some of his favorites and included a list of my own must-haves. I’m usually not great at picking favorites when it comes to skincare. Trust me—this time it was tough, but here you go!
This was the first Cosmedix product I ever tried, and it’s still a solid favorite. It contains tea tree oil, a powerful antibacterial agent that’s mild but great for acne, and lactic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells. It always leaves skin feeling soft, refreshed, and perfectly balanced.
Gentle Clean is an excellent cleanser for anyone struggling with skin barrier damage. It’s part of the brand’s Elite line, which was previously only available in spas, but now it’s fully accessible to the public via the brand’s website. This cleanser provides mild exfoliation and rich hydration simultaneously, with ingredients like shea butter, soothing aloe, and glucuronic acid. It doesn’t strip the skin, leaving your face feeling clean and refreshed instead.
Okay, I have a lot of good things to say about this toner. I’ve struggled with extreme dehydration for a few years and could never find an exfoliating toner I could use daily without my skin becoming extremely dry and irritated. This toner changed all that. It features several of my favorite ingredients: a gentle chemical exfoliant, niacinamide, antioxidants, and skin-conditioning algae. It leaves my skin morehydrated and looking refreshed and clearer. It’s genuinely my new favorite toner, and it will always be part of my routine from now on. “This toner has become a staple in my routine. It helps increase the skin’s luminosity for a brighter, more hydrated look and preps the skin to absorb any treatment afterward. In the treatment room, it prepares the skin for stronger exfoliation, and at home, it can provide the perfect amount of exfoliation without the risk of disrupting the skin barrier. It’s different from most toners that are recommended to prep the skin before a peel, as most use a strong acid to degrease the skin,” says Davenport.
I was first introduced to this product when Davenport used it on me during my facial. I left that facial, and my skin looked noticeably brighter, firmer, and hydrated. I knew it had to be part of my daily routine right then and there. If it could deliver such impressive results after just one use, it definitely deserves a spot on my bathroom counter.
Both I and WWW Beauty Director Erin Jahns have been loving this eye treatment from the Cosmedix Elite line. It’s definitely on the pricey side for an eye cream, but Cosmedix products are no joke and worth every penny IMO. Although I don’t necessarily have intense crow’s-feet around my eye area, it’s a great nighttime treatment with retinol that helps keep the eye area looking youthful, radiant, and hydrated.
I experience breakouts pretty much every other day, and Davenport had some sound advice for me. He said to keep working on my skin microbiome with skincare like the Harmonize moisturizer, and my breakouts would stop. He wasn’t wrong—this is one of the best Cosmedix products for sensitive or acne-prone skin. I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my skin after using this for just a few weeks. This moisturizer is incredibly hydrating, smells amazing (thanks to the lavender oil in the formula), and is still completely noncomedogenic. “It’s hard to find a balancing moisturizer that can really deliver results. Since its release, it has become my most recommended moisturizer due to its ability to strengthen the microbiome and show results quickly once you start using it! I love that it can be used in both your a.m. and p.m. routines, and SPF can easily be layered over the top of it,” says Davenport.
The Remedy oil became another instant favorite of mine after receiving a facial. Listen, I have a few face oils that I absolutely love, but this treatment oil has replaced all of them. It’s rich in omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E to hydrate and protect the skin. I’ve been dealing with some skin barrier damage, and adding this to my daily routine has helped heal the extra sensitive patches around my nose and under my eyes. I can’t recommend it enough—your skin instantly glows after using it.
I avoided using exfoliating masks every week for a while due to some skin damage, but this gentle cranberry enzyme mask has been the perfect addition to my weekly routine. I can use it along with Surface Revival, and it never irritates my skin. That says a lot when your skin barrier isn’t in great shape—everything usually irritates it, but not this mask. I’m obsessed and use it at least two to three times a week now.
I have yet to get my hands on a box of these for at-home use, but Davenport busted these out during my facial as well, and my skin looked so much clearer and brighter the next day. Each hydrating sheet mask contains a prebiotic-rich serum, almond oil, sodium hyaluronate, and coconut oil. I should note that it’s a good idea to proceed with caution here if you’re acne-prone—I am myself and usually stay at least 10 feet away from products containing coconut oil. Surprisingly, this product did not bother my skin or cause it to flare up like most products with coconut oil do.
“I love this multifunctional mask both in and out of the treatment room! It provides gentle yet effective exfoliation for even the most sensitive skin conditions and supports the microbiome. The gel consistency makes it a great mask to use for soothing the skin and packing in the hydration.” —Davenport
“I can’t rave enough about this eye product. It’s one of the only eye products I’ve found that truly transforms the under-eye area. It keeps the under-eye looking bright and hydrated while also firming and tightening. It’s a great supporting product for those who get Botox treatments in the eye area.” —Davenport
“With people receiving more advanced treatments, this serum provides three plant-derived growth factors to support post-treatment care. As a step up from the brand’s Cell ID Serum ($121), it’s great for all skin conditions and provides a refreshed look to the skin!” —Davenport
