(Skin)

The Best Skin Care Launches This Month Combat Dry, Winter Ravaged Skin

What more can you ask for?

Feb. 23, 2022

In the dead of winter, virtually everyone is dealing with the same chronic but seasonal skin issues. Perpetual dryness and inflamation top the list, making a mandatory changeup in your skincare routine inevitable.

But before you go repurchasing your oldies but goodies, the best skin care products of February 2022 deserve some serious consideration. In fact this second month of the year, in particular, ushers in some of the most anticipated and innovative launches yet. With an eye on dull complexion, a major theme is resurfacing in the form of gentle serums and toners. Case in point, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s new Better B Niacinamide Serum restores radiance and evens texture by controlling excess oil production. Similarly, the Liquid Skin Resurfacing Toner from Algenist unclogs pores with daily use.

In the same vein, dry skin sufferers will want to scoop up lucious barrier creams and overnight masks aimed at reviving chapped skin that’s been ravaged by winter weather. U Beauty’s much awaited Barrier Bioactive Treatment deeply replenishes damaged skin cells and Noble Panacea’s Chronobiology Mask uses time-released ingredients to whip your skin into shape while you sleep.

Keep reading to discover the best and most notable February skin care launches.

We only include products that have been independently selected by The Zoe Report's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

U Beauty

U Beauty The Barrier Bioactive Treatment

$198

This insanely hydrating barrier cream is meant to be used as the final step in your nighttime routine. It relies on the brand’s signature patent pending technology, bioactive marine ingredients, and essential growth factors to deeply replenish damaged cells. The formula also contains a heavy helping of active ingredients including vitamin B6 to promotes healthy oil production, a blend of botanical extract to boost cell renewal, hyaluronic acid and shea butter help to maintain moisture, and salicylic acid to gently polish the top layer of your skin.

Glossier

Glossier After Baume

$28

More like a balm than a cream, Glossier’s thickest moisturizer to date contains a slew of plant-based ingredients (glycerin, cupuaçu butter, babassu oil and linoleic acid) that replenish the skin and protect the skin barrier. Post-biotic ferment and green microalgae extract then recharge the skin with essential nutrients.

Noble Panacea

Noble Panacea Chronobiology Sleep Mask

$310

This high-performance treatment comes individually packaged, making it ideal for travel. The formula contains a list of highly active ingredients that are time released throughout your sleep cycle. Pre, pro and post biotics support the skin’s microbiome, PHA softly exfoliates, retinol increases cell renewal, peptides stimulate regeneration, ceramides improve skin barrier function, and hyaluronic acid surges the skin with hydration. In the morning expect to wake up with radiant, restored skin.

Dr. Barbara Sturm

Dr. Barbara Sturm The Better B Niacinamide Serum

$145

The latest face serum from this celebrity-loved brand revolves around one key ingredient: niacinamide, a form of B3 (hence the name ‘The Better B’). Along with ectoin and amino acid, the essential nutrient’s job is to improve uneven skin tone and restore radiance by controlling excess oil production. It also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, helping to calm and heal angry skin. Layer it with your other serums or spot treat areas that need texture refining and/or feel inflamed.

Algenist

Algenist Genius Liquid Skin Resurfacing 2% BHA Toner

$40

This daily liquid skin resurfacing toner was specifically created to keep hormonal skin concerns (including blemishes, wrinkles, and loss of firmness) at bay. The low (but effective) concentration of 2% BHA is gentle enough to use everyday. The patented technology also includes alguronic acid to smooth wrinkles, vegan collagen for a plumper appearance, azelaic acid for soothing, and 2% salicylic acid to unclog skin. Simply use it as your second step after face wash, then top off with a moisturizer for healthy-looking skin.

Vacation Lip Deserts

$25

Vacation has yet to disappoint with its array of sunscreens, nostalgic candles, and perfume scents. Their latest launch—a collection of five retro dessert scented lip balms—is equally as intoxicating. The scents (Strawberry Jello Salad, After Dinner Mint, Bananas Foster, Pineapple Upside Down Cake, and Bombe Alaska) speak for themselves. Each is packed with nourishing coconut oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil and provides SPF 30 to protect lips.

Bluemercury

M-61 ProSmooth Retinol Night Cream

$92

This just launched retinol night cream comes courtesy of Bluemercury’s in-house label. (It was launched in unison with an eye serum of the same name.) The 0.7% retinol formula is surprisingly hydrating and lightweight and helps to accelerate skin’s natural cell turnover—firming and brightening your skin overnight. Additionally vitamin C and antioxidant-rich amino acids help to protect against free radical damage and a proprietary blend of apple, watermelon rind, and lentil extracts helps to replenish moisture levels.

Maelove

Maelove Sheer Silk Face Cleanser

$19.95

Sensitive skin requires a non-drying face wash—that’s where Maelove’s newest launch comes in. This creamy cleanser has all the hydrating properties of a moisturizer wrapped up into the first step of your routine. The formula includes a blend of three ceramides and cholesterol to nourish skin, glycerin and hyaluronic acid to boost the moisture, and a botanical complex (cucumber and grape seed extracts) to calm.

True Botanicals

True Botanicals Phyto-Retinol Vitamin A Booster Serum

$120

For those that aren’t quite ready to dive into the world of retinol, try this just released, plant-based retinol alternative — each capsule is dosed for one time use. Note: The product has a warm orange tone when applied to the skin due to the Provitamin A Carotenoids. Applied topically, your skin transforms the ingredient into its own retinoic acid, which provides similar benefits to retinol. Like retinol, the non-irritating formula helps to fight signs of aging (wrinkles, dark spots, and uneven skin tone).

Face Gym

Face Gym Liftwear Vitamin C + Bioferment Gel-Cream Moisturizer

$55

The brand likens the newest member of their lineup to shapewear for your face. The lightweight daily hydrator instantly firms and illuminates thanks to the triple brightening complex of vitamin C, niacinamide, and amber microalgae. It also contains two trademarked formulations that assist in lifting and boosting. Use the gel cream as the last step in your routine—especially in the evening. The silky smooth texture is the perfect prep step for makeup.

L'Occitane

L'Occitane Immortelle Overnight Reset Eye Serum

$60

For under eyes that need a little TLC, try this new and improved formula. The serum booster specifically targets fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness for a well-rest look. It’s main botanical components are essential oil from corsica (an antioxidant known for its anti-aging properties) and acmella oleracea extract (which helps skin immediately look smoother). It’s already sold out on Sephora, but you can snag it on the brand’s website.

Hyper Skin

Even Fade and Glow AHA Mask

$48

Black-owned brand Hyper Skin knocked it out of the park with their fan favorite Hyper Even Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum and this next launch stacks up. The new AHA mask leans on a power duo of glycolic acid and mandelic acid to exfoliate and boost collagen production. Niacinamide balances oil production and sea buckthorn includes all four omega fatty acids to help strengthen the skin barrier. Use once or twice weekly for instantly more radiant skin.