Cue the Drumroll: These Were the Best Skin Care Launches of 2018, According to the Pros

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Skin care in 2018 was more innovative than ever, with more impactful formulas, dreamier textures, and out-of-this-world tools. Which ones were our favorites? Ahead, we asked POPSUGAR editors for their picks on the best creams, serums, tonics, and devices of the year — the ones that we're planning to slather and roll all over our faces well into 2019.

Isdin Melatonik 3-in-1 Night Serum
isdin.com

Isdin Melatonik 3-in-1 Night Serum

"Getting a full eight hours of sleep is even rarer in my daily life than getting in my 10,000 steps, which is why I'm all too familiar with the homeopathic supplement melatonin. It helps destress my body and lull me to — and, apparently, it even works magic on your skin.

The geniuses behind the Isdin Melatonik 3-in-1 Night Serum ($150) found a way to incorporate the stuff into your nighttime routine after learning through clinicals that the ingredient can boost your inner antioxidant defenses and fight off free radicals while you snooze. For me, though, the biggest takeaway is that I wake up every morning to skin that looks brighter, healthier, and well-rested (which is huge, because I'm most certainly not)." — Kelsey Castañon, senior editor, Beauty

Go-To Face Hero
sephora.com

Go-To Face Hero

"This year, Go-To finally made it to the US from Australia, and the Go-To Face Hero ($34) quickly became a regular part of my routine. When I apply a few drops at night, my skin looks brighter and refreshed in the morning. I'm also a sucker for the packaging, which has seriously upgraded my bathroom shelfies." — Dawn Davis, senior editorial director, Makeup.com

Tata Harper Clarifying Mask
tataharperskincare.com

Tata Harper Clarifying Mask

"Whenever my skin starts to feel congested — like those times I sleep with my makeup on — I sweep on the Tata Harper Clarifying Mask ($68). It uses micronized quartz and AHA's to slough off any excess dirt and debris, leaving my skin incredibly soft. An added bonus: the snaps of me pretending to be Shrek that I send to the guy I'm dating." — Jesa Marie Calaor, assistant editor, Beauty

Kypris Cerulean Soothing Hydration Recovery Mask
Net-a-Porter.com

Kypris Cerulean Soothing Hydration Recovery Mask

"The Kypris Beauty Cerulean Soothing Hydration Recovery Mask ($210) is pricey but it's so worth it. It soothes my sensitive skin and feels like a special at-home spa-day treat." — Tori Crowther, assistant editor, UK

Summer Fridays Jetlag Mask
summerfridays.com

Summer Fridays Jetlag Mask

"While my skin is pretty oily on any given day, this Winter my skin has been experiencing random dry patches I can't explain. Luckily, slathering on the Summer Fridays Jetlag Mask ($48) has kept me looking like a real-alive human instead of the kind of Winter-hating zombie I am. It contains vitamins and ceramides, antioxidants to revive your complexion. You can use it for a few minutes as a deep moisturizing treatment, but I prefer to slather it on and make my face look reflective in front of my new man before bed. He should know this takes work." — Sarah Siegel, assistant editor, Beauty

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
sephora.com

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream

"I tried the Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream ($68) expecting it to be a very ordinary moisturizer and discovered it was probably made by whatever the pretty and chic version of a Keebler Elf is. I woke up with well-hydrated, plump skin without having it make my skin even more oily than it already is. The protein in the moisturizer made it look like I had worked out the day before, gotten a full night's rest, and also avoided salty foods for a week, instead of the exact opposite. I ran through this cream so fast because I loved it so much." — SS

Tatcha The Indigo Cream Soothing Skin Protectant
tatcha.com

Tatcha The Indigo Cream Soothing Skin Protectant

"To say my skin has been hurting is an understatement. Between the quick shift to wintery weather in New York and the pre-existing dryness of my cheeks, I'd been in search for masks, moisturizers, serums — basically anything — that can calm the irritated areas of my face. This Tatcha The Indigo Cream Soothing Skin Protectant ($85) is the one cream that has been emollient enough to do that for me with long-lasting results. Immediately after applying the buttery cream, my skin feels soothed and looks less red. My skin doesn't just absorb it either — it will actually stay hydrated all day (until I apply it again)." — JC

REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
sephora.com

REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic

"The REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic ($35) launched way back in January, and my bottle has been empty for months, but I find myself wishing I had more at least once a week. (Yes, I should probably just buy some.) After years of using the cult favorite Biologique Recherche P50, I was curious if a more, let's just say natural, exfoliating toner could do the trick. And this one is fantastic. It gently exfoliates, and I swear it makes my pores look smaller — all with clean ingredients." — DD

Beauty Pie Japanfusion Pure Transforming Cleanser
beautypie.com

Beauty Pie Japanfusion Pure Transforming Cleanser

"The Beauty Pie Japanfusion Pure Transforming Cleanser ($8) is tough on removing old makeup and grime without stripping it. It's lightweight, has a really nice texture, and leave no residue on the skin." — TC

Ole Henriksen Goodnight Glow Retin-Alt Sleeping Crème
Courtesy of brand

Ole Henriksen Goodnight Glow Retin-Alt Sleeping Crème

"Ever go on a date with someone so nice, so willing to go the extra mile that it would be a cardinal sin to let them go? That's how I felt when I met Ole Henriksen's latest masterpiece, the Retin-Alt Sleeping Crème ($55). It's not a person, obviously, but rather a super luxurious cream dressed with the ingredient bakuchiol — a natural alternative to retinol — to impress. Hear me when I say: you may not remember its name, but its potent wrinkle-fighting, dark-spot-fading capabilities is something you will surely never forget." — KC


Mdna Skin The Beauty Roller
shop.nordstrom.com

Mdna Skin The Beauty Roller

"Yes, The Beauty Roller ($200) looks like a sex toy, but who cares? It works! And it feels great! (When rolled along the jawline. Get your mind out of the gutter.) The price is pretty crazy, but it was created by Madonna after all. And you'd spend a lot more to get a chiseled face at the dermatologist's office."

"The slightly more affordable Reinvention Cream ($75) is also amazing. The first time I used it, I couldn't figure out why my skin looked so luminous, but it must be the Holy Water(!) — for skin like a virgin — or the shimmering particles that act like highlighter." — DD

Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Sleeping Mask
sephora.com

Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Sleeping Mask

"Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Sleeping Mask ($45) is an overnight mask that smooths and hydrates skin with minimal effort. Just spread on a thin layer and head to bed." — JC

Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Booster​
dermalogica.com

Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Booster​

"After hormonal breakouts took a hold of my usually clear skin, Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Booster ($21) truly came to my rescue. Applying this on the affected area will rid my face of spots without scarring and disrupting my sensitive skin." — TC

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3
dermstore.com

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3

"Admittedly, I stock enough SkinCeuticals products to impress a Hoarders producer — that's how much I believe in them. But even I have had to take intermittent breaks with its retinol because the dosage was a little too harsh for my sensitive skin. Luckily, the brand just launched the SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 ($62) — a gentler version of its OG 1.0 and .5 percent formulas, which have already become the vitamin A workhorse in my entire routine." — KC

Macy's Beauty Collection Keep It Cool Skincare Fridge
macys.com

Macy's Beauty Collection Keep It Cool Skincare Fridge

"It was the wave of fridge selfies sweeping Instagram that made me want to own one of my own. I chose the Macy's Beauty Collection Keep It Cool Skincare Fridge ($150) because not only is it practical, prolonging the shelf life of some of my skincare favorites, but the clear door and sticker pack it comes with also makes it 'grammable. I've divvied mine up into three sections that keep my serums, sunscreens, and face masks organized, and I love the cooling effect they have after just 20 minutes inside." — JC