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When considering effective skin care options that tackle our concerns, we often believe these solutions will be costly. Many of the trendiest products in the market, after all, come with hefty price tags.
However, according to board-certified dermatologist Dara Spearman, “cost doesn’t always equate to efficacy.” Drugstore brands such as e.l.f. Skin “create products containing active ingredients in amounts that can yield real benefits,” she states.
This systematization of skin care—having effective ingredients at lower prices—lies at the heart of e.l.f.’s philosophy. The company upholds that clean beauty should be affordable for everyone, offering a variety of gentle, vegan, and cruelty-free products that simplify complexion care.
Vogue’s Top e.l.f. Skin Products
Featured Products
Doctor Noah Gratch appreciates e.l.f.’s contributions to the skin-care realm, noting, “More accessible products have heightened awareness and education regarding skin care.” Gratch continues, “Consumers are understanding active ingredients, how to apply them appropriately, and recognize the significance of consistency in achieving results, perfect for those new to skin care, budget-minded individuals, or anyone pursuing daily products that are easy on the skin.”
If you’re keen to try these products, continue reading for Vogue’s selections of favorite e.l.f. items, along with expert insights about why each is exceptional.
Top Brightening Serum: e.l.f. Skin Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum
e.l.f. Skincare
Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum
- Why We Love It: Among e.l.f. Skin’s offerings, this brightening serum stands out for its robust formulation and pleasant texture. Vitamin C, recognized for enhancing blood flow, brightening skin tone, and promoting collagen synthesis, is combined with vitamin E and ferulic acid. The latter, as dermatologist Arash Akhavan previously noted, “stabilizes both vitamin C and vitamin E, amplifying their antioxidant capacities,” effectively addressing oxidative stress indicators like fine lines and dark spots. These compounds are encapsulated in a lightweight serum that applies effortlessly without the usual stickiness associated with vitamin C products, layering seamlessly under moisturizer and makeup without irritation. It’s recommended for all skin types, especially beginners to vitamin C.
- Key Ingredients: 15% vitamin C, 1% vitamin E, 0.5% ferulic acid, bisabolol
- Best for: Dark spots, dullness, mature skin
- Size: 1 oz./15 ml
Top Face Cream: e.l.f. Skin Holy Hydration! Face Cream
e.l.f. Skincare
Holy Hydration! Face Cream
- Why We Love It: Holy Hydration! Face Cream is celebrated for being “nourishing yet lightweight, perfect for both day and night use,” according to Dr. Gratch. Featuring hyaluronic acid, it retains moisture without feeling heavy. Niacinamide also plays a key role in this cream, helping even skin tone while minimizing pores—an added plus for those with oily skin or discoloration concerns. Overall, this moisturizer is a dependable choice.
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides
- Best for: All skin types
- Size: 1.7 oz.
Best for Oily Skin: e.l.f. Skin PLZ Clarify Facial Oil
e.l.f. Skincare
PLZ Clarify Facial Oil
- Why We Love It: Individuals with oily or combination skin might be skeptical about using a facial oil; however, e.l.f.’s Plz Clarify oil challenges this perspective. This non-comedogenic formula delivers nourishing advantages of facial oil while concentrating on calming, refining, and balancing skin, featuring 2% BHA, licorice, aloe, and tea tree oil to help clear blackheads, unclog pores, and soothe irritated skin.
- Key Ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, licorice, aloe extract, tea-tree oil
- Best for: Oily and acne-prone skin
- Size: 1 oz.
Top Sunscreen: e.l.f. Skin Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30
e.l.f. Skincare
Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30
- Why We Love It: With e.l.f.’s Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30, you can enjoy UV protection while achieving a radiant glow. This sunscreen features broad-spectrum chemical UV filters to shield against harmful rays while keeping the skin hydrated with aloe, hyaluronic acid, and squalane. Users will appreciate its non-pilling formula that doesn’t leave a white residue and offers a beautiful glow in any of the three golden-bronze tints available.
- Key Ingredients: Avobenzone 3.0%, homosalate 9.0%, octisalate 5.0%, octocrylene 7.0%, aloe, hyaluronic acid, squalane
- Best for: Sun protection
- Shades: 3
- Size: 1.69 fl. oz./50 ml
Best for Acne Treatment: e.l.f. Skin Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel
e.l.f. Skincare
Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel
- Why We Love It: Seeking relief from that persistent breakout? Blemish Breakthrough is here to help! Dr. Gratch highlights the gel’s effectiveness at addressing acne with minimal irritation. Its star ingredient, 1% salicylic acid, is renowned for eliminating oils from pores and exfoliating skin, as explained by board-certified dermatologist Richard Bottiglione. This treatment combines witch hazel and aloe, achieving quick size reduction of blemishes.
- Key Ingredients: 1% salicylic acid, aloe, witch hazel
- Best for: Acne
- Size: 0.25 oz.
