Founded by Alicia Keys and developed in partnership with Renée Snyder, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, the products in the line are intentionally referred to as “offerings” to encourage combining skincare routines with self-care practices. Each is printed with a different affirmation, like “I let go of what doesn’t serve me,” “I cherish all that I am,” and “I love myself as I am.” By repeating these self-affirming mantras as I indulge in each product, this weekly self-care ritual of mine not only leaves me emerging with softer and more supple skin but also feeling more calm and ready about taking on the week ahead.

Keys Soulcare, Energizing Dry Body Brush — $22.00

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My at-home spa experience begins by physically exfoliating my skin with the Energizing Dry Body Brush ($22) while standing in the tub. Though there isn’t much research and data to support dry brushing yet, the practice is hypothesized to provide a host of benefits to the skin, from boosting circulation and lymphatic drainage to improving the appearance of cellulite, says Sara Perkins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and advisor for Hims & Hers.

Made with firm, vegan bristles that gently massage, I start sloughing off dead skin with the brush, starting at my ankles and moving up through each area of my body. In circular motions, I apply pressure that’s just firm enough to exfoliate, but not so firm that it’s abrasive. “It’s very important to avoid brushing too hard or scrubbing. This can cause microtrauma, itching or inflammation of the skin, which can actually result in skin thickening, eczema or even pigmentation,” says Dr. Perkins. Once I got the pressure and rhythm down, the repetitive motions of dry brushing became a relaxing part of the routine.

Keys Soulcare, Renewing Body + Hand Wash With Manuka Honey — $26.00

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To gently cleanse the skin and rinse off all the dead skin cells, I reach for the creamy Renewing Body + Hand Wash With Manuka Honey ($26), which gives a light and foamy lather. This gel cleanser is formulated with shea butter, cocoa butter, and manuka honey, which cleanses my skin while providing moisture to it.

“Manuka honey is best known, and studied, for its anti-bacterial and wound healing properties. It helps draw water into the skin, making it an effective moisturizer, and it also possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties,” explains Dr. Perkins. I especially like to reach for this body wash when colder weather leaves my skin feeling drier. Plus, its subtle notes of sage and oat milk provide a light and soothing scent that isn’t overpowering, making it suitable for all skin types.

Keys Soulcare, Mind-Clearing Body Polish With Glycolic and Lactic Acids — $25.00

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When my skin is looking extra dull, I follow the body wash with the Mind-Clearing Body Polish With Glycolic and Lactic Acids ($25) to revive it. “Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), like glycolic acid and lactic acid, can smoothen and brighten the skin, improving texture and appearance,” says Dr. Perkins, noting chemical exfoliation is especially helpful for those with keratosis pilaris. AHAs can also help reduce hyperpigmentation and signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. In this body polish, the fine granules of bamboo charcoal also work to physically exfoliate the skin while the sunflower seed and coconut oils replenish moisture and soothe the skin. On wet skin, I apply a generous amount of polish to my body, then slowly rub in circular motions, focusing on rough spots like elbows, knees, and the bottom of my feet to smooth and soften them.

Keys Soulcare, Rich Nourishing Body Cream With Shea Butter — $36.00

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Though I rinse off at this point, my shower ritual doesn’t just end in the shower. Patting down with a towel and leaving my skin damp, I moisturize my body with the Rich Nourishing Body Cream with Shea Butter ($36), a velvety and luxurious blend of shea and cocoa butter that calms and soothes. “Shea butter is an excellent emollient containing several vitamins and fatty acids which can help support a healthy skin barrier. It can help to soften and plump the skin,” says Dr. Perkins. Thick without feeling heavy, the formula also combines rose of Jericho, ceramides and oats, all of which are ultra-moisturizing ingredients.

Intentionally indulging in a more time-intensive shower ritual each week gives me the opportunity to reconnect with myself. And as its name suggests, these offerings from Keys Soulcare have also encouraged me to nourish my mind and soul in addition to pampering my body.

Listen to the episode here: 

Like many of us who are familiar with the term “reef-safe sunscreen,” Keating was well aware of the negative impact that chemical SPF filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate can have on marine ecosystems (so much so that Hawaii banned the sale of the ingredients in 2018 to protect its own coral reefs). But it wasn’t until she began speaking with marine biologists that she realized that everything that goes down the drain makes a difference.

“It goes to coral waters and gets stuck on the reefs and builds,” she says. “And even though the reefs are quite smart and powerful—they’re migrating at about an inch a year—we need to get out of the way.”

To give people the tools they need to do just that, she stepped in with Uni, a line of reef-safe hair and body-care products that harness the ocean’s powers while also helping to protect it.

“We decided we wanted to be the first reef-safe body-care brand, and it all stemmed from there,” says Keating. “Any of the toxic ingredients that we use, not just in skin care but also in cleaning products and all sorts of things… so our ‘no’ list is deeply regulated by the EWG [Environmental Working Group], but it also goes into anything that will harm land or waterways.”

And though what’s not in the products may be what gets you to initially add them to your cart, the formulas inside the (aluminum, refillable) bottles are what will make them a mainstay in your routine. “We found a way to sustainably source marine actives that would deliver 24-hour hydration… without using any chemicals, that was sort of the ‘Aha’ moment for us,” says Keating. “And we also have upcycled olive oil, and for the base we use organic glycerin and aloe vera, so it’s just a very high-quality, luxurious product.”

To date, the line includes six products—shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body serum, exfoliating hand wash, and regular hand wash—which were heavily influenced by Keating’s own body-care routine.

“I am very utility based,” says Keating. “And maybe it’s an Australian thing, but because we spend so much time in the sun, we take good care of our skin. So sunscreen and moisturizer are a daily thing… I’ll exfoliate or use the body wash and the serum daily.”

As we look toward the summer months (and the sun-drenched activities that come with them), any derm will tell you that this is the type of routine we should all be following. “Hydrating after showering or bathing is just as important as a moisturizer for the face,” says Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in Hackensack, NJ. “Switch out creams for lightweight lotions that contain ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help keep moisture locked in the skin.” She also recommends regular (albeit gentle) exfoliation, as it helps slough off dullness-inducing dead skin cells, prevents body breakouts, and preps your skin to better absorb hydrating ingredients.

Ready to add some reef-safe body care into your daily regimen? Shop Keating’s go-to’s below. Then go ahead and listen to our full conversation on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts to hear us dive even deeper into the brand and find out why some “sustainable” beauty may not be so sustainable after all.

Uni, Skin Shield Body Wash — $33.00

$33 for a one-time purchase; $30 to subscribe

This “skin shield” body wash not only gently cleanses the skin, but also helps to strengthen the skin’s defenses against environmental aggressors. Packed with kakadu plum (which has 55 times more vitamin C than an orange), it’s an antioxidant gold mine that will nourish and protect your skin before you even step out of the shower.

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Uni, Exfoliating Hand Wash — $31.00

$31 for a one-time purchase, $28.20 to subscribe

Though this is technically a hand wash, Keating likes to use it all over her body—especially during the summer months, when her skin could use a little extra exfoliation after being exposed to the sun (FYI: we should all be doing the same as temps start to rise). Finely ground olive pits do the work to slough off dead skin, while neem root and orange peel offer antimicrobial benefits.

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Uni, 24-Hour Serum — $43.00

$43 for a one-time purchase; $39 to subscribe

This body serum toes the line between a traditional moisturizer and the after-sun lotions Keating has sworn by throughout her life. “I used to use a very nutrient-rich after-sun that was aloe based… and I had all of these actives that I wanted to use because of that after-sun,” she says. “I really wanted to find a face serum base that I could add nutrients to so that it would keep my skin healthy and able to hydrate.”

Along with the Uni marine complex, the serum contains caviar lime extract (a gentle exfoliant) and kakadu plum, which come together in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula.

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Cetaphil Cooling Relief Body Wash — $11.00

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The Cetaphil Cooling Relief Body Wash ($11) is the perfect warm-weather body wash. It’s got eucalyptus in it to create the most soothing and cooling sensation. And when I rub it on my skin while standing in a steamy shower, the juxtaposition feels divine. This cooling sensation can also feel amazing on any skin irritation like eczema or sunburn.

“Aside from smelling great, while we certainly need more research, there is data to suggest that eucalyptus is anti-inflammatory and has antimicrobial activity,” says Bradley Bloom, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

Although it’s tempting to go in with a heavy-duty body wash to remove sweat, that can be counterintuitive. Because if a body wash is too strong, it can remove my skin’s natural oils, leaving it even more irritated and angry. That’s why I love that the Cetaphil Cooling Relief Body Wash is made with gentle surfactants to get my skin nice and clean without stripping it. It also has a super moisturizing blend of glycerin, shea butter, and soybean oil so my skin feels so soft and smooth after every use. However, it’s not too creamy, making it perfect for all skin types to use.

Once I’m out of the shower, I sometimes like to keep the eucalyptus theme going and layer on the Cashmere Moon Peppermint Eucalyptus Whipped Body Cream ($30). It’s a rich and creamy shea butter formula that my dry skin soaks up with pleasure.

Cashmere Moon Peppermint Eucalyptus Whipped Body Cream — $30.00

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Having a cooling body-care routine is a must during the hot and sweaty days of summer, and I love using the Cetaphil Cooling Relief Body Wash to make my showers more relaxing and soothing.

Fur Ingrown Microdart Patch — $28.00

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The Fur Ingrown Microdart Patch dots ($28) are hydrocolloid patches with microdarts that deliver inflammation-squashing ingredients that can help address ingrown hairs, razor burn (a type of folliculitis), and other forms of hair-follicle irritation. Think of them like pimple patches, but specifically designed to combat ingrown hairs.

“Ingrown hairs happen when the hairs…become bent or twisted so that they aren’t coming out of the skin properly, which can cause localized inflammation and tenderness,” says Ivy Lee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Pasadena, California. “You can also get folliculitis, which is when you have inflammation. This happens either due to friction from wearing certain clothes that are rubbing in the area, or from a localized bacterial infection around the follicles.”

The main reason I love the Fur Ingrown Microdart Patches is that they provide a barrier against friction, which is known to aggravate body acne. This cuts down the pain I sometimes can feel from even just walking with an ingrown hair on my vulva. Plus, they help to drain any fluid from the ingrown. “The hydrocolloid sheet works by absorbing excess fluid, and this pulls oil and dirt away from the pimple,” says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

The bonus is that the microdarts deliver active ingredients deep into the skin to help ingrowns heal faster. Salicylic acid is the hero, and gently exfoliates pores to clear out any buildup that’s trapping the hair beneath the skin. The darts also infuse skin with cica to soothe inflammation, hyaluronic acid to hydrate and offset any dryness caused by the salicylic acid, and licorice root to even out skin tone and prevent the dreaded post-acne dark spot, aka post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

How I use the Fur Ingrown Microdart Patches

Because these patches are creating a little barrier between your ingrown and the outside world, you want to use them on clean, dry skin. I start by cleansing and exfoliating the area in the shower with the Fig. 1 Exfoliating Body Polish ($24). It’s made with super-fine volcanic pumice to gently exfoliate the skin. I find that it’s so gentle I can use it on my vulva daily without irritation.

Once I’m all clean I pat dry with a towel and then let myself fully air dry while I apply body lotion. Typically, I’ll also apply an exfoliating serum to my vulva—rn I’m loving Oui the People Cheat Sheet ($42)—BUT you NEVER want to layer a hydrocolloid patch over harsh active ingredients. That’s because the occlusive nature of the patch makes these ingredients more potent, which can just lead to more irritation and inflammation. So I make sure to skip the areas where I’m applying the patch when I put on an exfoliating serum.

Fig. 1 Exfoliating Body Polish — $24.00

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Oui the People Cheat Sheet — $42.00

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Once I’m ready for the patch, I peel it off the plastic backing and apply it straight on the ingrown, pressing it in for 10 seconds so the darts can penetrate. Then, I leave it be as I go about my day. After about six or so hours I remove the dot and notice that the area is significantly less irritated than it was pre-patch. If you’re also looking to tend to ingrowns on your body, the Fur Ingrown Microdart Patches are a must-have.

Recently, I decided to move my complexion-care dedication south of my shoulders, and replaced my lackluster body wash with Parrotfish Lavender Teak Soap Bar ($10). And not only has it squashed my body acne, but it’s completely changed the texture of my once dull skin.

Parrotfish Lavender Teak Soap Bar — $10.00

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Any dermatologist will tell you that there are a number of different factors that cause body acne, but the biggest culprit (and the one I’m most likely to blame for my own breakouts) is friction. The friction between your skin and your clothes can cause irritation, which leads to inflammation and acne. Synthetic fabrics, which don’t allow your skin to breathe (think: polyester workout leggings) are the worst offenders. They trap heat and sweat against the skin, creating the perfect breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria.

This means that in order to combat body acne, you need ingredients that are going to clear away that bacteria every time you step in the shower—which is exactly what Parrotfish Lavender Teak bar soap has to offer. Calendula petals and lavender essential oil soothe the inflammation and redness that typically accompanies body acne, and frankincense oil minimizes your pores and the appearance of blemishes. It’s the bar’s activated charcoal, though, that really holds its superpowers. This key ingredient cleanses pores by drawing out dirt and impurities from your skin while also offering gentle exfoliation.

Wetting the bar soap creates a sudsy lather, which you can apply to your skin using your hands or (for even more exfoliation) a washcloth or loofah. For best results, use it every time you shower—especially after a workout or an extra-sweaty spring day—to remove any acne-causing bacteria from your skin. To expand the life of your soap bar, you’ll want to store it in a dish to prevent it from getting waterlogged or soggy. Under the right conditions, it should last for 4-6 months.

After testing Parrotfish’s Lavender Teak Soap Bar for just one week, it was clear that this formula is the real deal—so much so that I saw (and felt) noticeable changes in my skin with only a few uses. The acne blemishes and razor bumps that dotted my skin’s surface have faded away; my once dull and uneven complexion has taken on a new glow; and any roughness has been replaced with soft-to-the-touch skin (thanks, exfoliation). Most importantly, though, my body acne is gone. Mission accomplished.

Hanni stepped into the body-care space with a bang in 2021, introducing the Shave Pillow ($24), a solid shaving cream stick, in May of that year. Then, Lola Arnao launched in April 2022 with its Shave Bar Starter Set ($45), which includes a totally plastic-free option that resembles a bar of soap. And that was just the beginning: Over the past few months, we’ve seen big-time expansion in the category. WYOS launched with four stick-skin-care options, including the shaving suds stick Disappearing Act ($16); Good Time released its Moisturising Shave Bar ($14), and Kitsch launched its Solid Shave Butter ($9).

Because these products don’t use an aerosol can, they don’t inundate you with a whole bunch of foam—which is a good thing, IMO. But, they still lather up thanks to gentle surfactants (aka cleansers) derived from coconut oil. Each of the below bars also contains either glycerin, shea butter, or both. These are super moisturizing ingredients that give the products their buttery-smooth textures. The formulas also contain soothing ingredients like oat kernel extract or adaptogenic mushrooms to help offset any irritation that can come along with shaving. They feel as if a lotion bar and a soap bar had a baby and offer a mess-free alternative to traditional shaving cream in a much smaller package. Just wet them, wet your skin, rub them on, and get to shaving.

Solid shaving creams “offer a couple of things to the consumer,” says Wendy Charland, COO and co-founder of WYOS. “They’re travel-friendly not only because they’re solid and they’re small, but they also won’t leak in your bag. They also offer direct application.”

Additionally, they offer a sustainable benefit. “When you’re creating solid products, they use less water in the formulation, and the shipping impact is significantly less because they’re smaller and lighter,” says Charland. Although they’re small, a little goes a long way. For example, a Lola Arnao’s 3oz bar replaces two cans of shaving cream.

If you’re using a solid shaving cream that’s a bar rather than a tube, it’s also plastic-free. “The ideal plastic-free shower wouldn’t be complete without an alternative to traditional shaving cream,” says Jenn Stryker, body and hair-care expert at Good Time. “We developed a formula that can be used anywhere on the body with just the right balance of lather and slip for a smooth shave, without all the packaging you get from a can of shaving cream.”

When it comes down to bar versus stick, I enjoy both for different reasons. The most obvious reason I love bars is that they’re plastic-free. But, I do think the plastic tube that the sticks come in can be beneficial—they allow for mess-free application and they’re easier to travel with. I plan to keep the bars in my shower for everyday use and keep the sticks tucked away for travel. No matter which one you choose, you can’t go wrong.

Hanni, Shave Pillow — $24.00

Shave Pillow is the perfect name for this stick, which has a super luxe gel-to-milk formula and glides on effortlessly to deliver the perfect shave. It pushes up like deodorant and it feels so good on my skin. In addition to helping you get a good shave, it’s got adaptogenic mushrooms to soothe and protect skin and cactus water, which is full of moisturizing electrolytes and protective antioxidants.

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Lola Arnao, Shave Bar Starter Set — $45.00

At first, I thought this set was overkill. I figured the brush looked cute but there was no way it made any difference—and then I tried it. The brush makes this bar lather into a perfect foam that you can’t replicate without it (trust me, I tried.) The set also comes with a wooden tray for storage and a canvas bag for travel. However, if you just want the bar, you can grab it for $19. It’s made with oat oil to soothe and prevent ingrown hairs, French rose clay to give an extra smooth shave, mango butter to moisturize deeply, and apricot kernel oil to soothe.

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WYOS Disappearing Act — $16.00

This was the first solid shaving cream that I tried, and the one that made me convert. It’s a gel formula that’s not as buttery as the other options. Because I have dry skin, I tend to prefer those thicker options, but by no means did I find this stick lacking—it still gave me a great shave without irritation. And if you have oily skin or don’t love buttery body care, this is hands down the best option. It’s made with a couple of forms of glycerin (making it nice and slippery!) and anti-inflammatory ginseng root extract.

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Good Time, Moisturising Shave Bar — $14.00

Good Time makes some of my favorite bar soaps, so I was stoked to try its shaving bar. Out of all the ones I tested, this one provided the best lather. But, it’s still super moisturizing—it’s packed with shea butter, glycerin, aloe leaf juice, and oat kernel extract. It’s got a round, flat shape, allowing it to fit nicely in your hand and coat your skin with ease.

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Kitsch, Solid Shave Butter — $9.00

What I love most about this bar is the price. At $9, it’s the most affordable on this list. The formula is super simple—it has just two gentle surfactants, shea butter, natural fragrance, titanium dioxide, and vitamin E. The surfactants allow it to lather, the shea butter moisturizes, and the vitamin E soothes.

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“A poison ivy rash is caused by contact with a certain family of plants that contain a chemical called urushiol,” says Dr. Fromowitz. “This chemical is an irritant to the skin and causes allergic contact dermatitis. Urushiol causes redness, swelling, severe itching, and if the swelling is severe enough, blister formation.”

You’ll usually notice a reaction 12 to 48 hours after exposure and it can last two to three weeks, according to Mayo Clinic. The severity of the reaction depends on how much urushiol you get on your skin. Treatment is relatively simple and can often be done at home. Learn how to treat a poison ivy rash below.

How to treat a poison ivy rash, according to a dermatologist

1. Wash the area immediately

Should you suspect that you touched poison ivy, Dr. Fromowitz says to wash the area with soap and water ASAP. If you have gloves (and aren’t treating position ivy on your hands) you can put them on to avoid spreading the urushiol

“Immediate and thorough washing can minimize the development of the skin reaction,” he says. Just be sure that this washing doesn’t happen during a bath. “Avoid baths as a way of washing off urushiol as you may expose unexposed areas of your body by soaking in the tub.”

2. Clean off contaminated objects

You’ll also want to wash any items that could have urushiol on them. “Clean contaminated objects with soap and water and wear gloves to prevent increased exposure to new areas,” says Dr. Fromowitz.

3. Treat the skin

Once your skin is nice, clean, and urushiol-free, Dr. Fromowitz says you can treat it with a barrier cream like the CeraVe Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream ($20), your go-to antihistamine, and/or hydrocortisone cream ($6).

CeraVe Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream — $23.00

This CeraVe cream contains one-percent pramoxine hydrochloride for fast-acting, long-lasting temporary itch relief, niacinamide to help calm skin, and hyaluronic acid to help retain skin’s natural moisture. Plus, like all CeraVe products, it contains three different ceramides to keep the skin barrier strong and protected.

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Amazon Basic Care Maximum Strength Hydrocortisone 1 Percent Anti-Itch Cream — $6.00

This cream blends one-percent hydrocortisone cream with vitamins A, D, and E plus aloe to soothe and moisturize the skin.

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4. Head to a doctor if things get worse

If things aren’t getting better, Dr. Fromowitz says you may want to seek out professional help.

“See a doctor only if symptoms worsen or if they are unmanageable with over-the-counter antihistamines, calming cream, or hydrocortisone,” he says. “You should also go if you show signs of a secondary infection like weeping, painful red wounds, puss formation, fevers, chills, etc.”

Bonus tip: Never EVER burn poison ivy

If you ever get the urge to burn poison ivy, please don’t. “The irritating ingredient urushiol can spread in the smoke,” says Dr. Fromowitz. Translation: You can end up in a haze of the bad stuff and get an all-over rash and lung irritation.

Sol de Janeiro, Rio Radiance Perfume Mist — $38.00

Key notes: Solar tuberose, coconut milk, vanilla

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The permanent reimagining of Sol de Janeiro’s limited-edition “Tan Lines” scent that came and went last summer, the Rio Radiance Perfume Mist bursts with notes of creamy coconut milk, solar tuberose, and warm sand that’ll make you want to jet-set to a tropical beach ASAP.

“I wanted to capture the transportive experience of a vacation in Rio,” explains Vincent Kuczinski, a senior perfumer at Mane Fragrances who created “Rio Radiance.” “[And] create a fragrance that evokes the radiant sun on salty skin and the warmth of the sand with a solar floral, with notes of tuberose and ylang ylang.” Kuczinski paired the sophisticated, sun-soaked floral notes with Sol de Janeiro’s “Cheirosa” fragrance, a sweet, gourmand scent that’s a cut above the normal vanilla scents you wore in the ’90s. “The creamy vanilla is enveloped in coconut milk to give a mouthwatering richness and playfulness,” he says. Tl;Dr: It smells like bottled sunshine—which is exactly what our senses have been craving after a long and gloomy winter.

If you’re familiar with Sol de Janeiro’s original “Cheriosa ‘62″ ($38) fragrance—the salted caramel, pistachio, and vanilla scent of its customer-beloved Bum Bum Cream ($48)—Rio Radiance has a much beachier vibe. “With ‘Cheriosa ’62’, we wanted to wholeheartedly capture and communicate the idea of the Brazilian concept of cheirosa [which means ‘perfumed’], so for us, smelling incredibly delicious meant using edible, gourmand notes that instantly uplift and bring joy,” the brand’s perfumer, Jerome Epinette, explains. “Rio Radiance contains unique floral notes that evoke the sun and sand of a vacation in Rio.”

Unlike those old-school body mists with scents that end up disappearing in a flash, Sol de Janeiro mists actually last on the skin. The Rio Radiance Perfume Mist starts off floral and sweet before drying down down to a warm, vanilla and amber scent that lingers without being overwhelming. Even after a long day spent out and about, you’ll still be able to sell its sunny, tropical floral scent on your skin.

Needless to say, we won’t be leaving home without it this spring and summer—and thankfully we won’t have to, because it’s also available in a travel-friendly 3 oz. bottle ($24) and in a limited-edition Illuminating Body Cream ($48) that feels as good as it smell. Order yours on Sephora, here.

It’s a pretty common problem for folks trying to whiten their teeth at home, and it’s why products like the Colgate Optic White ComfortFit Teeth-Whitening Kit (Normally $50, now $42) have become such a popular alternative. The kit relies on LED light and “purple wavelength technology” to whiten teeth, a process that is reportedly gentler on sensitive gums.

Colgate, Optic White ComfortFit LED Kit — $42.00

Originally $50, now $42

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Tired of coffee-stained chompers, I decided to give the Colgate Optic White ComfortFit Teeth-Whitening Kit a whirl. What arrived was a futuristic-looking mouthpiece, a gel-whitening pen, and handful of charging cables. My first thought was, “How, exactly, does this work?” Thankfully, there are dentists to answer that.

How does the Colgate Optic White ComfortFit Teeth Whitening Kit work?

“The LED itself does not whiten your teeth,” dentist David Chen, DDS, explains. “What it does is inject energy into the peroxide whitening gel, which causes [dark stains to] decompose.” Now, don’t be afraid of the word “decompose”—Dr. Chen assures me my teeth aren’t going to fall out of my head.

He explains that the bright light decomposes stain bonds, aka, the very-scientific, color-absorbing double bonds on your teeth that cause yellowing and discoloration. When hit with an LED light, these double bonds undergo the process of decomposition that turns them into single bonds, which reflect more light and make teeth appear whiter to the eye. “What you may find interesting is that these tooth stains don’t exactly disappear… all that happened was that the double bonds became single bonds,” Dr. Chen says. “Technically they are still there in your tooth but they just become invisible to your eyes since it is now reflecting light instead of absorbing.”

So, unlike traditional teeth whitening strips, the LED whitening essentially camouflages stains and discoloration.

My honest review of the Colgate Optic White ComfortFit Teeth-Whitening Kit

Now that we have the “how,” it’s time for the experience. According to the box, I would see increased whitening after three uses, with a dramatic difference after 10 uses.

What’s included:

The ComfortFit Teeth-Whitening Kit comes with four pieces total: A whitening pen, a lightning connector for Apple devices, an LED mouthpiece, and the case for the head of the LED mouthpiece.

What puts the “comfort” in “ComfortFit” is the LED device itself, which features a soft, silicone mouthpiece that’s pleasant to keep in your mouth during treatment. It’s moldable, so it fits the shape of your mouth perfectly. The device connects, via a long cord, to a mobile device or power bank with its adaptable head— you choose whether you need a USB-C connection or use the lighting cable attachment.

My experience:

Ahead of even opening the box, I downloaded Colgate’s free mobile app on my phone, which allows users to create a personalized whitening schedule with daily reminders. Through the app, I also gain points that I can redeem in exchange for real products. If there’s a way that I can get my next tube of toothpaste for free, I’m gonna do it.

Once the app was on my phone, I took a picture of my teeth and opened the box. Following the instructions, I clicked the pen about 12 times to get the serum flowing (I was told it can take up to 20 clicks) and dried my teeth with a piece of paper towel before applying the serum. Unlike the whitening strips and gels I’ve tried in the past that hurt my whole mouth, I only felt a little tingle near the gums on one individual tooth, which was a good sign I could proceed comfortably.

Then, I waited the recommended 15 seconds before popping the LED strip in my mouth. To activate the LED strip all I had to do was plug it into my phone and click the “on” switch, which made it super convenient and hands-free to walk around with. I had just taken my evening shower and was wearing a robe with pockets, so I just tossed my phone into my pocket with the device in my mouth and let it go to work. It beeped once after five minutes (the halfway mark) then twice after 10 minutes to alert me my treatment was complete.

At the 10 minute mark, I shuffled to the bathroom to look in the mirror, brushed away the cured serum (which you can technically leave on over night, but it feels a little filmy, so I brushed mine away with warm water), and took another photo. I was pleasantly surprised that there was a difference from the first photo I took. I even noticed that my once tingly tooth felt fine.

Before I knew it, Day 3 came, and my teeth looked whiter. Not drastically whiter, but a bit sparklier. By Days 4-7, though, it felt like my results had plateaued. The photos I were taking didn’t look at difference at the day before. It really wasn’t until Day 10 that I realized how much progress had been made. After my final treatment, I put my pre-treatment photo side-by-side with my newest result. My jaw fell open as I realized just how far my teeth had come. Were they as white as a paper towel? No. But, they were significantly whiter than I’ve seen them in ages. Absolutely. Suffice to say, I’m glad I trusted the process.

Photo: Author

Final thoughts

While using the Colgate Optic White ComfortFit Teeth-Whitening Kit was an overall positive experience, there are a few drawbacks I noted. For one, after Day 5 I noticed a bit of a film forming between the bristles of the gel-whitening pen that made it difficult to get an even application. Fortunately, I was able to just pull them out.

The app could also use some improvement. On Day 6 I didn’t get to do my teeth-whitening treatment until 12:15 a.m., so I marked that I did it for the day. The next night, when I went to do my teeth whitening at my normal time of 10 p.m. like I had scheduled (technically on the same day), I couldn’t check it off in the app without risking not gaining points. Turns out, you cannot have completed two sessions in the same calendar day. I wish I could change that to a 12-hour limit so that if I have a late night again, I don’t lose out on points.

All in all, I think this treatment did what it said it would do and effectively whitened my coffee-stained teeth. If you want to embark on this teeth-whitening journey with the Colgate Optic White ComfortFit Teeth-Whitening Kit, make sure to heed dentist Chen’s words of wisdom: “I would complete the full whitening treatment which may be a week or two depending on your product,” he notes. If you ever want a touch-up, Chen recommends doing so every six months, but of course consult with your dentist for the best game plan for your teeth-whitening journey.

“We were underwhelmed with the lotions that were already out there. They gave some moisture, but you always had to reapply and I didn’t wanna have to go through that,” says Ayers. “I knew that we could have used just pure butters like cocoa butter or shea butter which have long-lasting moisture, but for me, the texture is just not there. The smell is just not there. Where’s the middle ground?”

The two of them wanted a lotion that was easy to apply and would leave their skin feeling moisturized, soft, and cared for all day long. So they did their research and created a whipped, light-as-air blend of shea butter and cocoa butter souped up with humectants like aloe vera and skin-strengtheners like vitamin B5.

“It took quite a few months, but we were able to solidify a formulation and just started using that,” says Ayers. “And then we started passing it out to family and friends and they liked it and kept coming back. I thought ‘Maybe, there’s something here.’ So we started Cashmere Moon and it’s just been, honestly, it’s just been a great ride since we launched in June of 2021.”

The Whipped Body Cream is the brand’s hero product. Although it feels amazing, it also smells divine. This is super meaningful for Ayers, who didn’t get to dabble much in scent and expression during her days in the United States Air Force. “In the military, you’re told what to wear, you’re told most of the time even what to think,” says Ayers. “If someone tells you that your perfume distracts your neighbors, you can’t wear that. Or if you’re out in the field and your lotion is attracting bees or other insects, you can’t wear that.” Now that she’s in the Army Reserves, she’s been able to explore what makes her feel good. And she loves smelling good.

Cashmere Moon Whipped Body Cream Sample Pack — $40.00

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“Shea butter has this really earthy scent and while there are people who love that scent, it just wasn’t me,” says Ayers. “I wanted to create a range of scents but still make sure that they complement the scent of the shea butter because there is a high concentration of shea butter in all of the whipped creams.”

So she created four luxe scents for the Whipped Body Cream. Mango Cocomilk (“It’s more of a vacation stent, reminds me of Miami.”), Jasmine Vanilla (“It’s for the ladies that like a more perfumey scent.”), Peppermint Eucalyptus (“It smells like a spa.”), and Watermint Clementine (“It has more of a softer, fresh scent.”).  Buy them individually ($12 to $30) or try minis of each ($40) in the above kit.

Each scent can be used with Cashmere Moon’s Lavender Rose Glow Oil ($14 to $34), which Ayers designed to be layered.  “We made the scents of the creams and the oil light so they can be mixed and matched,” she says. “The cream is more for long-lasting moisture, where the oil provides anti-aging benefits,” says Ayers. It has antioxidant-rich pomegranate seed oil to protect the skin from environmental stressors, collagen-boosting squalane oil to firm skin, and brightening rosehip oil to even-out hyperpigmentation.

Cashmere Moon Lavender Rose Glow Oil — $14.00 to $34.00

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And just last week, the brand introduced an Exfoliating Body Brush ($24) to kickstart the self-care before you even turn on the shower. It uses strong plant fibers to promote cell turnover, leaving your skin soft, supple, and smooth.

Cashmere Moon Exfoliating Body Brush — $24.00

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Creating Cashmere Moon has forced Ayers to be more intentional about her “me time,” and she wants it to do the same for you.

“The longer I’ve been working on the business,  I realized how much more important it is to have those like inward moments to just moment to just be with myself,” says Ayers. “Not worrying about business, not worrying about kids, not worrying about the military. Just focusing on who am I and who I want to be.”

Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion — $12.00

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As someone who has no less than a dozen different body lotions, creams, and oils in her bathroom at any given time (many of which are capital “L” luxury), this has become the only product I reach for to finish off my p.m. shower. Like any good lotion, it hydrates the skin, but it goes above and beyond to deliver an entire anti-aging regimen in a single step. To do this, it combines two of the most-potent, skin-firming ingredients money can buy—retinol and peptides—with nourishing butters like shea and jojoba.

Retinol, which has become a buzzy ingredient in body care of late, works by stimulating cellular turnover to bring fresh, healthy cells to the surface of your skin to replace dead, dull ones. “Retinol body cream can help improve the evenness of the skin’s texture and soften the skin while also reducing the appearance of fine lines,” David Petrillo, a cosmetic chemist and founder of Perfect Image, a beauty and skin-care company, previously told Well+Good. In addition to smoothing out discoloration and texture, it’s also got powerful acne-fighting abilities, which makes it an A+ pick for anyone trying to get rid of rogue zits on their back, chest, and butt (#itme).

For their part, peptides work by ramping up your body’s natural production of collagen to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin plump and supple. “As we age, our body’s collagen starts to degrade and becomes less dense under our skin,” board-certified dermatologist Shirley Chi, MD, previously told Well+Good. “This process is worsened by sun exposure, as ultraviolet radiation from the sun causes collagen to break down faster. We can see the signs in fine lines and wrinkles on our skin, the puckering of skin around our elbows and knees, and the crepe-like texture of our arms, legs, and torsos. With regular use, collagen-stimulating body lotions can increase the level of collagen in your dermis and minimize fine lines and crepey skin.”

As someone who doesn’t love applying body lotion (it’s always so sticky and greasy!), what initially got me on board with this particular product was its texture. It’s got the heft of an occlusive balm (think: Vaseline) with the slip of a traditional lotion, and glides beautifully onto my skin. It’s thick, but not goopy, and melts so quickly into the skin that I sometimes have to remind myself that I’ve already applied. All’s to say: It feels a whole lot more luxe than its drugstore price tag implies, and delivers the type of results you’d expect from something triple the cost.

And in case the draw of $12 for a skin-firming body lotion wasn’t enough to convince you to add this stuff to your cart, it comes with the added bonus of being gentle enough to use on your face. Talk about bang for your buck! I have yet to try it on my own visage (I’m a prescription-grade girlie), but plenty of others have sung its praises on that front.

“I bought this and all it took was three days to firm and help diminish wrinkles. I will be 70 next month, [and] my 47-year-old daughter complimented me how firm and healthy my face looked. I have never gotten that from her before!” writes one reviewer. “I saw a definite difference in my skin within a week of using this! I tested this product on my face and the deep wrinkles I have in my neck. I thought the results were great after six days of use!” shares another. Hard to argue with that.

Each part of your ear (and the rest of your body, ahem), have different timelines for healing from piercings. During that period, your holes can close up without proper care. You can also get nasty infections. To help you avoid those unwanted scenarios, we reached out to board-certified internal medicine physician Denise Pate, MD, and professional piercer Anke Labaere for aftercare tips and insight on how long ear (and other) piercings take to heal.

How long do ear piercings take to heal?

Healing time varies, based on where the hole is situated. Ear lobes are comprised primarily of connective tissue, areolar tissue, skin, and fat. They have a good blood supply and heal relatively quickly—around six to eight weeks.

The top and the sides of the ear, however, contain cartilage under the skin instead of fat. “Piercings in these areas (industrial and constellation piercings) take anywhere from four months to a year to heal completely,” says Dr. Pate.

What about everywhere else?

If you’re piercing other parts of your face or body, you can use this top-to-bottom healing timeline guide from our experts:

• Eyebrows: 2-3 months
• Nose: 2-3 months
• Lip and tongue: 3-4 months
• Nipples: 10-12 months
• Belly button: up to a year
• Genital piercings (male and female): varies by exact location, anywhere from 2 months to a year

How to avoid infections while it’s healing

Infections can happen during or after a piercing. The first rule of thumb is to find a reputable piercer, then check out their facilities for cleanliness, and no tell-tale “ick” factors. Make sure to ask about their sterilization process. Dr. Pate also recommends choosing piercers who only use new tools and instruments that are opened in front of you.

To eliminate the potential for an allergic reaction, your piercer will place a sterile, nickel-free, starter earring or bar in the hole. Don’t swap the starter out for at least six weeks for ear lobe piercings, and 12 weeks for cartilage piercings.

No matter where your piercing is, keep it clean and free from trauma or pressure. Dr. Pate stresses you should always wash your hands before handling a new piercing.

“Aftercare involves rotation of the ring and application of a cleansing solution, two or three times per day. If you run out of solution given by the place where you had your piercing, you can use sterile saline,” says Dr. Pate.

Labaere adds that you should avoid sleeping on new piercings (sorry, side sleepers). “For ears, avoid headphones and helmets that might put pressure on the piercing or spread germs,” she suggests.

She also mentions that swelling is to be expected, especially with industrial piercings. “Your piercer may use a long bar for industrial piercings, to leave room for extra swelling,” Labaere says. “After six to eight weeks, you will be able to go back to your piercer for a shorter bar. This will help you to avoid irritation bumps from the ends of the bar rubbing up against your skin.”

Genital piercings should only be done by people who are highly experienced and qualified to do this type of work. Your aftercare instructions may vary based on exactly where your piercing is. Cleanliness, of course, is essential. So is avoiding any type of pressure, friction, or sexual activity for the duration indicated by your piercer.

When to see a healthcare provider

Redness, clear or bloody discharge, and swelling are to be expected for a day or two after a piercing. However, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as:

• Excessive or worsening swelling
• More than a couple days of redness in pale-skinned people, or darker skin or a purplish-looking bruise in Black people
• Pus-filled discharge that may be yellow or green
• Pain that occurs without touching
• Throbbing
• Skin that’s warm or tender to the touch
• A fever or fatigue (signs the infection has started to spread)

You may also see signs of an allergic reaction to your starter earring. These can include itching, rash-like bumps, or even blisters in severe reactions.

To be on the safe side, Dr. Pate recommends letting your healthcare provider know about any of these symptoms. “When they examine you, your doctor may reassure you that you’re experiencing normal healing. However, it’s better to see your provider sooner rather than later, as you may need to remove the piercing and be treated with antibiotics,” she says.

Once your piercing is fully healed, you’ll be ready to show the world (or invited guests) your fabulous new look.

“So many people used it not only on their faces, but their arms, shoulders, and legs,” says celebrity makeup artist (and Charlotte’s niece) Sofia Tilbury. “Charlotte herself would carry a travel-size Magic Cream with her to moisturize her hands on the go, and she even released her XL 150 milliliter Magic Cream jar to supersize everyone’s skin care.”

For years, Sofia says fans have been asking Charlotte to create a body cream with the same transformative benefits and instant glow of the moisturizer. Well, “darlings,” the wait is over thanks to the newly launched Charlotte Tilbury Magic Body Cream ($65). The cream hydrates, smooths, and lifts using the same hero ingredients as the iconic moisturizer—along with some new additions to the formula.

Charlotte's Magic Body Cream, 200ML — $65.00

 

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“We worked closely with the labs to formulate a body cream that could give the same effect that Magic Cream is loved around the world for: immediate skin revival without being heavy or greasy with a hydrated, nourished, radiant glow from head to toe,” says Sofia. “Magic Body Cream has the same Magic 8 matrix as Magic Cream including hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, and shea butter, plus new body-targeted actives to help reduce the look of stretch marks and cellulite for brighter, tighter, more toned-looking skin over time.”

In just eight weeks, the cream is clinically proven to make skin look and feel 40 percent firmer thanks to ingredients such as caffeine, known to tighten and brighten skin, and Algaktive Uplift Technology, derived from an antioxidant-rich algae.

Part of the cream’s (literal) magic is it delivers certain results really quickly. “Magic Body Cream boosts hydration in just 28 seconds thanks to hyaluronic acid to effectively deliver water to the skin and instantly hydrate it, whilst the shea butter and oils in the formula act as smoothing emollients that help to soften the feel of skin to lock in that hydration,” says Sofia.

The cream’s delivery of immediate benefits—nearly all testers agreed it instantly shaped the appearance of body contours—made it a celebrity staple even before the official release. “We’ve been using it on every runway and red carpet in secret for months from Paris Fashion Week to the Golden Globes and all our celebrity clients, from Lily James to Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, are obsessed,” says Tilbury. (Just days after launch, the cream was sported by celebs on the Oscars’ red carpet as well.)

What happened when I tried it

The cream comes in a rose-gold accented tube with instructions to apply daily using “Charlotte’s magic massage technique”—placing the product on the palm of your hand and applying in upward, sweeping motions. The cream is lush but not heavy, so it goes on more smoothly and evenly than many creams I’ve tried. Within seconds of application, the promised “magic” occurred. The cream created an ever-so-light layer on my skin that made it feel supple and soft, with just the right hint of glow. I literally kept touching my arms throughout the day because I loved how buttery-smooth they felt.

After a couple weeks of using the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Body Cream, my skin continues to feel smooth, moisturized, and firmer, and I’m looking forward to seeing if further use will improve my cellulite. One side note: If you use the cream daily, you’ll likely go through the 200-milliliter tube within a month, so how often you apply might depend on your skin-care budget.

Even if you’re not walking the red carpet, you can do what I’ll be doing—using the cream to bring a little “magic” to your skin on the nights you want to shine.

Which is why today we’re going to help you pick out a foot cream. To streamline the process, we focused solely on the highest-rated foot creams on Amazon. After all, once you understand just how impactful a foot cream could be, you’ll want to get your hands on one as fast as possible. 

The highest-rated foot creams on Amazon, at a glance

• O’Keeffe’s, Healthy Feet Foot Cream for Extremely Dry, Cracked Feet ($9)
• PurOrganica, Urea 40% Foot Cream ($16)
• Gold Bond, Softening Foot Cream ($6)
• Ebanel, Urea Cream 40% Plus Salicylic Acid ($16)
• Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair Ointment ($9)
• AmLactin, Foot Repair Foot Cream Therapy ($10)
• Dr. Scholl’s, Cracked Heel Repair Balm ($7)

Why are foot creams necessary? 

Our feet take the brunt of our activity. Because of this—and because most of us don’t give our tootsies that daily TLC they deserve, dry, thick skin and even calluses can form. According to Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, who is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Family Nurse Practitioner certified in Family Medicine and Dermatology, foot creams can help. 

What to look for in a foot cream

According to LoGerfo, effective foot creams contain urea, salicylic acid, and/or alpha hydroxy acids. “Urea is used topically to treat skin dryness and itching,” she explains. “It is also used to soften thick, callused skin, like on the feet.” Additionally, urea has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, so it can help soothe irritation and even keep foot odor at bay. 

Meanwhile salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acids can be super helpful in sloughing away built-up dead skin cells which could be making your feet look more Corpse Bride and less red carpet chic. 

“Salicylic acid is an exfoliant that loosens up and unglues the cells of the epidermis, allowing skin cells to be sloughed off, encouraging new cells to be produced. It is the most common and popular BHA,” LoGerfo says. “Salicylic acid is a keratolytic medication, [meaning] it breaks down the outer layer of skin, softening the keratin.”

AHAs like lactic and glycolic acid work similarly but are known to be more gentle than BHAs. “Alpha hydroxy acids are water soluble acids made from fruit or milk sugars,” LoGerfo explains. “They are used as peeling agents to help to exfoliate your skin, removing the outer layer of the epidermis. They make skin smoother which is super helpful for feet.”

Now that you’re up to speed, let’s chat top-rated foot creams, shall we? 

O'Keeffe's, Healthy Feet Foot Cream for Extremely Dry, Cracked Feet — $9.00

This fan-favorite, urea-infused foot cream can be purchased in packs of one, two, four, six, or 12 cans—and as soon as you see how well it works, you may want to pick the latter to ensure you’re always stocked up.

One of the 56,000+ shoppers to give it a 5-star review writes, “I’ve been struggling with dry, semi cracked heels for a couple of years. This is despite regular moisturizing pedicures. I bought an expensive cream for about $30 and it didn’t really work. Mind you, I’ve never really worn lotion because I don’t like scented lotions or the greasy feeling. So the bottle went to waste. Fast forward to now, with summer around the corner and my feet not getting any better I figured I’d try something new. In comes O’Keeffe’s. In a matter of three days I can no longer see the cracks and my heels feel softer. The product glides on and soaks in, no greasy feel. It’s also unscented. The product works amazingly and the price point is great. I’ll continue to use and buy. Thank you O’Keeffe’s.”

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PurOrganica, Urea 40% Foot Cream — $16.00

Sold individually and in sets of three, the PurOrganica Urea 40% Foot Cream is beloved by over 18,000 Amazon shoppers for its ability to tackle thick, cracked heels and soles.

“I went to my dermatologist a week before I started using this because my heels were cracking so bad they would start bleeding,” one shopper reveals. “I thought maybe it was some kind of athlete’s foot, it wasn’t. she said that it was severe callus and I probably walked around without socks on (I work from home so she is correct). She suggested I find a lotion with high amounts of urea and use it once a day and wear socks. I did just that. A week later and my cracked heels are all but completely healed up. I’m really impressed. It works. This stuff actually works. And it smells really nice.”

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Gold Bond, Softening Foot Cream — $6.00

Tired of dry, cracked tootsies? So were over 18,000 Amazon shoppers when they discovered the Gold Bond Softening Foot Cream and promptly awarded it a 5-star review. With urea at the helm, this jojoba oil and shea butter-based foot cream nixes itching and softens soles for a shockingly smooth end result.

“It doesn’t look glamorous on your vanity and it doesn’t feel luxurious to use, but it works,” one shopper exclaims. “I started applying it after showers and before socks and it only took three days to feel a difference.”

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Ebanel, Urea Cream 40% Plus Salicylic Acid — $16.00

While the packaging of the Ebanel Urea Cream admittedly leaves a lot to be desired (in that it almost doesn’t look legit), over 11,000 shoppers swear that it’s been their feet’s saving grace. “I have struggled with extremely cracked/dry heels and skin on my feet,” one shopper reveals. “I noticed a huge improvement in as little as two applications (two nights in a row). My feet are so smooth and moisturized it looks as if I have a fresh pedicure. You have a customer for life!”

Bonus: While marketed as a foot cream, shoppers reveal that the Ebanel Urea Cream 40% Plus Salicylic Acid works well for keratosis pilaris, too.

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Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair Ointment — $10.00

While not technically a cream, the salicylic acid-infused Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair Ointment, which is sold on its own, as well as in 2-packs and sets with gel heel pads, has been praised for its ability to rehab even the most brutally cracked heels. “Since turning 30, my heels have become cracked and dry and sometimes painful at certain points,” says one of more than 30,000 5-star reviewers. “I have tried so many options… Vaseline, Aquaphor, Working Hands, body butter… This is the best yet. It seriously can help visibility improve the skin on your feet overnight. I thought that was just marketing BS, but it’s true. I am very diligent with my applications though. I recommend putting it on right after a shower and then [putting] socks on, and also right before bed with a fresh pair of socks.”

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AmLactin, Foot Repair Foot Cream Therapy — $10.00

For a gentler approach to your foot rehabilitation, consider the AmLactin Foot Repair Foot Cream Therapy, which is adored by over 6,000 Amazon shoppers. This fragrance-free lactic acid-infused foot cream softens dry soles without making them feel slippery in the process.

“This stuff is the bombdiggity! I ordered on a friend’s recommendation for extremely dry, cracked heels that nothing else really helped. This stuff has been amazing! I’ve only used it for two days and am already seeing a big difference. I have either bathed or soaked my feet prior to use both days and have applied morning and evening. Coincidentally, I noticed my fingers were extremely soft after applying the cream to my feet, even having washed my hands after. I’m going to start applying it to my hands, too, once a day. I noticed others weren’t thrilled with the odor, but honestly, I haven’t noticed anything overpowering or that made me even really take note of a bad smell.”

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Dr. Scholl's, Cracked Heel Repair Balm — $7.00

For a more travel-friendly option, check out the Dr. Scholl’s Cracked Heel Repair Balm. Urea, shea butter, epsom salt, and essential oils work together to soften and soothe dry, cracked heels on the spot.

“Look, I have horribly dry and cracked heels. I’ve had cracked heels so bad, I could barely walk…This stuff is like magic. I’ve used it nightly for a week and it’s amazing. I wish I had a before picture so I could show just how great one week of using it has already helped. Seriously, 5 stars! I’m looking forward to flip-flops and even thinking of taking pictures of my feet! But, for real, get you some if your feet are dry, at all.”

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Not only can the right razor give you silky smooth skin, it removes hair “without tugging on your skin or causing annoying and sometimes painful skin irritations,” explains Jeannette Graf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine based in New York. The best way to protect your skin is by looking for a razor with a sensitive-friendly guard, aka, the ones infused with a built-in soap or gel. “This helps lubricate and protect the underlying skin from abrasiveness of the razor blade itself,” says Dr. Ansell.

Have no fear—ahead are Dr. Graf’s and Dr. Ansell’s recommendations for the best razors for sensitive skin, here to “shave” the day next time you lather up.

The best razors for sensitive skin, according to derms

Kitsch, Perfect Glide Safety Razor — $29.00

For a no-frills shave, Dr. Graf recommends Kitsch’s Perfect Glide Safety Razor. “The single-blade, stainless-steel razor design is ideal for sensitive skin and reduces the likelihood of ingrown hairs,” she says. Included in the kit are a metal handle, five blades, and a razor cap, so you’ll be ready for future shaves to come. Chic and pink, this razor will keep razor burns and irritation far away. 

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Shick Hydro Silk Sensitive Skin Razor — $10.00

For a budget-friendly shave, Shick Hydro Silk gets the job done. The blade is equipped with skin guards—which are infused with shea butter to ward off skin irritation, and it comes attached to a soft, rubber grip for easy maneuvering. Even more, “its ergonomic head allows it to maneuver control of body,” says Dr. Ansell. Add some nourishing shaving gel, and you’ll be good to go.

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Schick, Intuition Razors — $9.00

Schick’s Intuition Razors are a dermatologist favorite, and it’s easy to see why. Each blade comes formulated with a gel-like aloe bar to soften and soothe angry skin. Once in contact with water, the soap lathers, allowing the razor to easily glide over skin, so, “there is no need for additional shaving gel,” says Dr. Ansell. It’s a one-and-done solution to shaving, perfect for minimalists who like their beauty routines to be fast and effective.

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Gillette Venus, Extra Smooth Sensitive Razor — $14.00

Razors can cost a pretty penny, but the Gillette Venus retails for $14, making it a budget-friendly option you can pick up at your drugstore. For the price, it features five thin blades that Dr. Graf says glide easily over the skin, so you can avoid irritation along the way. It also features an ergonomic, ribbed handle that makes it easy to maneuver for an effortless shave. Enjoy two razor head refills, giving you more bang for your buck.

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Billie, Razor Starter Kit — $10.00

Another budget-friendly razor option, you can’t go wrong with Billie. This starter kit features a bright or sparkly razor (you pick your own adventure) and four replacement blades so you have backup need be. “The five blades on this razor are so sharp that they don’t tug or further irritate the skin,” says Dr. Graf. The aloe-infused blades are also a nice touch—which instantaneously soothe and hydrate. If you end up loving it (which you probably will), you can subscribe to Billie’s subscription club which will send you fresh blades every 1-3 months depending on your shave schedule.

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Athena Club, The Razor Kit — $6.00

Similar to Billie, Athena Club is a shaving subscription that sends fresh blades straight to your door. The handle of these colorful razors are aluminum and built to last, no matter how wet or sudsy they get in the shower. As for the heads, each features five spaced-out blades complete with a hyaluronic-acid serum strip to hydrate skin and prevent bumps, redness, and ingrowns. The brand also just released body-care products specifically for sensitive skin, so you can round-out your shaving routine with a nourishing Creamy Body Wash ($15) (that doubles as a shave gel) and Dewy Body Lotion ($15).

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Oui the People, Rose Gold Sensitive Skin Razor — $85.00

For fancy shavers, Oui the People’s Rose Gold Skin Razor is a must. These single-bladed razors don’t tug on your skin and leaves your barrier feeling smooth and refreshed. Sharp, perfectly weighted, and featuring 10 replacement blades, this rose gold razor makes ingrown hairs and razor burns a thing of the past.

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Hanni, The Weighted Razor — $42.00

This razors comes recommended by Dr. Graf. “The Hanni weighted razor is great because it has a single-blade, and the handle of the razor is weighted, so that you don’t have to apply any pressure and can just let the razor glide along your skin,” she says. Coated in powder, the handle won’t rust, and it features grooves to make it easier to grip when things get slippery.

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“We’ve been excited to introduce body care for a really long time,” says Courtney Rubin, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Fig.1 co-founder. “I see so many patients in my office who have body-related concerns and they were directly the inspiration for these products. I see about a hundred patients a week and I really try to let what I see myself in the clinic inform the decisions that we make about products and ingredients.”

The body-care line comprises three products that make for a full-fledged routine. “It follows our already existing cleanse, treat, and moisturized parameters,” says Dr. Rubin. “So we have our Exfoliating Body Polish, which you would use in the shower as sort of your cleanse step. Um, the second step treat would be our Retinol Renewal Body Serum. And then the last treat step, moisturize, would be our All Over Oil.” Get them each individually or get the full trio for $88.

Fig. 1 Full Body Set — $88.00

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The only place where these products differ from the usual Fig.1 lineup is in their packaging. Fig.1 uses glass refillable bottles with airless pump inserts for all of its facial care products, but those didn’t work for the size and formulations of its body care. The packaging for these products is a bit more varied, but the Retinol and All Over Oil are still 100 percent recyclable. The body scrub is recyclable (depending on your local municipality) and comes in a thin plastic pouch, which uses roughly 70 percent less plastic than a bottle, and the serum comes in an aluminum tube. The oil bottle is plastic and fully recyclable, but the pump is not —a refill pouch will be coming soon.

Learn about each product in the Fig.1 Body Care line

fig 1 Exfoliating Body Polish — $24.00

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The Exfoliating Body Polish is hands-down the best body exfoliator I’ve ever used. It’s made with a super-fine exfoliating polish that feels ridiculously good on your skin.

“Over-exfoliation, or exfoliating with the wrong particles, if they’re too rough, can lead to damaging the skin barrier and micro-tears in the skin,” says Dr. Rubin. “So instead of choosing an exfoliating particle that was like a salt scrub or sugar scrub, which are crystals that have really sharp, 90-degree edges, or plastic microbeads or anything that was going to accumulate in the environment once it rinses down the drain, we decided to go with this really finely ground, French volcanic pumice that almost feels like very, very finely ground sand that you would find on a white sand beach.”

Dr. Rubin says this scrub was formulated for everyone to use, but was made specifically with keratosis pilaris in mind. “Keratosis pilaris, so those sort of rough bumpy spots on the backs of the arms and on the legs, those patients have basically a genetic alteration in the way that their skin cells exfoliate,” she says. “So instead of exfoliating normally, they sort of clumped together and stick around hair follicles. Those patients tend to benefit the most from two things: gentle exfoliation and moisturization. So we tried to really get at that with this lineup.”

It’s also the brand’s first product with fragrance. Originally, Dr. Rubin says they didn’t want to add any fragrance so the line was suitable even for those with fragrance allergies or sensitivities. “But when we were thinking about the experience that we wanted people to have in the shower, we really wanted there to be a ritual aspect to it, a real relaxation moment that involved multiple sensorial experiences,” says Dr. Rubin. “So we decided to include fragrance, especially knowing that the risk of contact dermatitis from fragrance in a wash-off product is incredibly low. The skin is not having that much contact with this product before it’s rinsed off.” The fragrance is called Catalyst and is a blend of sandalwood, eucalyptus, blood orange, and mandarin. “It is a very botanical, spa-like fragrance,” says Dr. Rubin. “It’s actually quite sophisticated, which we’re really excited to offer people, especially at this price point.”

fig 1 Retinol Renewal Body Serum — $38.00

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The Retinol Renewal Body Serum feels like a lightweight, fast-drying lotion and is packed with skin-loving ingredients to brighten, exfoliate, and firm the skin. “I’m obsessed with the retinol body serum,” says Dr. Rubin. “I tell people that I wanna bathe in it. I have not ever seen anything on the market that has that high quality of formulation, that level of actives.”

It’s got encapsulated retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, and vitamin E.

“We’ve got a lot of antioxidant support. We’ve got an evening of the skin tone from the retinol and the niacinamide,” says Dr. Rubin. “We have collagen support from the retinol and the vitamin C. And the goal here was to create a cocktail of actives that was really going to address, hyperpigmentation and creepy skin, which are the biggest concerns that I see when people come in asking body questions.”

The serum also includes all of the signature Fig.1 oils—grapeseed, meadowfoam, borage, and evening primrose. “These oils are the bases of the emulsions for all of our other Fig products,” says Dr. Rubin. “We never formulate with mineral oil or silicons or mineral oil derivatives.”

fig 1 All Over Oil — $42.00

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The All Over Oil is incredibly rich and silky. I love to add it to my bath water so my skin is soft and moisturized instead of pruny after a long soak.

“We love to layer this on top of the retinol body serum if we want an extra layer of moisture and to lock in moisture,” says Dr. Rubin. “But we also use this in our hair, on our cuticles, on rough patches. If I am feeling lazy and I don’t wanna rinse my whole face off from the day, I’ll just tap a little oil on and then do my night makeup right on top. I also use this as a last step in my nighttime skin care, almost like slugging light to seal in the moisture without having to use a really thick layer like petrolatum or something.”

It’s got retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, and all those great oils. “It’s just a really beautiful, really high-quality product.”

Do yourself a favor and get your hands on these wipes before you find yourself in a shower-less situation. These  multipurpose towelettes can be used to clean hands, feet, faces, armpits, your private parts—you name it—all when you need to freshen up most.

9 best body wipes, at a glance:

• Best travel wipes: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths 2-Pack ($13)
• Best for the whole family: WaterWipes Baby Wipes 4-Pack ($14)
• Best with essential oil: Herban Essentials Travel Body Wipes  ($16)
• Best cooling wipes: Oars + Alps Cooling + Cleansing Wipes ($16)
• Best warming wipes: Nurture Valley Bathing Wipes 4-Pack ($20)
• Best moisturizer: Pipa Mint Body Wipes 5-Pack ($20)
• Best in bulk: Clean Life No Rinse Body Wipes 8-Pack ($29)
• Best for the planet: Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes ($7)
• Best individual wipes: Goodwipes Really Big Body Wipes ($14)

What to look for

If you have sensitive skin, the best body wipes are gentle and preferably contain soothing ingredients like aloe or vitamin E while being alcohol- and latex-free. Softness and flushability should be taken into account, too (if you have access to a bathroom when you use them.)

When wipes are at their best they are durable, powerful, environment-friendly (i.e. biodegradable or made from recycled materials), and leave you feeling clean and not too damp or sticky. Plus, they take up virtually zero real estate in your bag, meaning they’re a no-brainer for throwing in your purse or commuter bag when you’re on the move.

Best travel wipes

Cetaphil, Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths (2-Pack) — $13.00

Cetaphil is one of the most trusted skin care brands out there, and with good reason: It’s dermatologist tested and recommended, gentle, and gets the job done, whether you’re cleansing, moisturizing, or nourishing your skin. The Cetaphil Cleansing Cloths (aka, body wipes) meet all that criteria with aplomb. They’re gentle enough to be used on your face, underarms, and other areas that require something sensitive-skin friendly. And they come in a small resealable case which makes them extra convenient for getting clean on the go.

Pros:

• Safe for the body and face
• Gentle and sensitive-skin friendly
• Affordable

Cons:

• Can feel a bit oily
• Not good at removing makeup

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Best for the whole family

WaterWipes Baby Wipes 4-Pack — $14.00

If you have babies in your house, chances are you’re familiar with WaterWipes. The WaterWipes Original Baby Wipes are super popular amongst parents for one very good reason: their ingredient list. Each wipe is made up of, “99.9% water and a drop of fruit extract.” That’s it—absolutely nothing else. WaterWipes also now makes XL Bathing Wipes, which are essentially the same thing, just a little larger and with texture. That said, we’re still fans of the original.

Pros: 

• Gentle and hypoallergenic
• Affordable

Cons:

• Not great for makeup removal
• Packs are a bit big

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The best with essential oil

Herban Essentials, Travel Body Wipes — $16.00

Made with essential oils, these body wipes are scented perfectly in fragrances that smell naturally inviting and not-too-overpowering. The wipes come in orange, lemon, lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus scents that manage to both clean your body and promote a bit of relaxation all at the same time. As one Amazon reviewer noted, “If I had a Favorite’s List like Oprah I would put this on it!”

Pros: 

• Good texture and thickness
• Aromatherapeutic properties

Cons:

• Individually wrapped
• Scent isn’t for everyone
• Essential oils might disrupt skin

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Best warming wipes

Nurture Valley, Ultra Thick Waterless Body Wipes — $20.00

These are on the pricier end of the spectrum, but with reason. The Nurture Valley wipes are hypoallergenic, moisturizing, and durable enough to be heated up in the microwave which makes them an ideal shower alternative. They are definitely on the thicker side but if that’s what you’re looking for, these will deliver.

Pros:

• Microwaveable
• pH-balanced
• Hypoallergenic

Cons:

• Pricey
• Some reviews say they’re sticky

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Best moisturizing wipes

Pipa Mint, Body Wipes (Pack of 5) — $20.00

High-quality, thick, and extra large, these Pipa Mint wipes are a great shower substitute and smell like a trip to the spa. A quick look at reviews makes it clear you can use them in all sorts of situations, whether that’s camping, freshening up after the gym, or getting clean when you just don’t feel like doing the whole shower thing. Each pack includes 10 individual wipes, each infused with aloe vera and vitamin E that’ll make your skin say, “ahhh.”

Pros:

• Infused with aloe vera and vitamin E
• pH balanced

Cons:

• Some reviews say they’re sticky

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Best in bulk

CleanLife, No Rinse Bathing Wipes (Pack of 8) — $29.00

Loving the no-shower life? Keep up the clean work with this 8-pack of body wipes from CleanLife. Another excellent microwaveable option, the CleanLife Bathing Wipes contain the magic ingredients of aloe and vitamin E, are hypoallergenic, and will have you smelling clean in seconds. For $29, you’ll have enough packs to keep everywhere, including your carry-on bag, purse, car, gym duffel—really anywhere you might need to freshen up.

Pros:

• Deodorizing
• Microwaveable
• Hypoallergenic

Cons:

• Some reviews say they’re sticky

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Best for the planet

Sea to Summit, Wilderness Wipes XL — $7.00

Enjoying the Great Outdoors doesn’t have to be synonymous with skipping shower day. Especially after a day of strenuous, sweaty activities like hiking or climbing, sometimes you need to wipe away the day’s grime. When you don’t have access to an actual shower, these wipes from Sea to Summit are an excellent substitute. And while they’re gentle on skin, they’re even gentler on the planet, as each wipe is made from a plant-based viscose that is totally compostable after use.

Pros:

• Gentle
• Compostable
• pH balanced

Cons:

• Only eight wipes per

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Best individual wipes

Goodwipes, Really Big Body Wipes — $14.00

Maybe you don’t want to carry around an entire packet of wipes, or maybe you don’t have room to stuff a larger pack in your bag. If you want individually-wrapped sachets, go with Goodwipes. Each box comes with 10 pre-packaged wipes that are small and slim enough to fit in your pocket. And they work really well. (They happen to be the exact wipes W+G’s Associate Commerce Editor, Francesca Krempa, packs with her on fishing trips to get the salt and fishy gunk off her face while she’s at sea.) If they’re good enough at removing fishy gunk, they’re good enough for just about anything. Choose from dreamy scents like lavender, aloe and ginseng, and rosewater.

Pros: 

• Travel-friendly
• Plant-based
• Hypoallergenic and pH balanced

Cons:

• Fragrance might upset skin

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Effective as it may be to neutralize odor, baking soda can also irritate dry or sensitive skin, leaving underarms red and rashy—mine included. That’s because, “baking soda is highly alkaline and disrupts the skin’s natural pH, which can cause irritation under the arms,” according to board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology, Geeta Yadav, MD. If you suspect baking soda is irritating your skin, it, isn’t the only aluminum-free option to keep underarm odor at bay. Magnesium natural deodorants are one such alternative that dispels smells without the potentially drying, irritating side effects.

Why magnesium natural deodorants?

According to Dr. Yadav, magnesium is similar to baking soda in that it is highly alkaline—even more so than its counterpart—and it can inhibit the growth of bacteria on the skin. “Bacteria and its interaction with skin and sweat are one of the most common causes of body odor,” she told Well+Good. “In this way, magnesium can be an effective deodorizer.” By comparison, though,  magnesium is generally less irritating irritating for people with dry or sensitive underarms.

“[Magnesium] is slower to absorb [into the skin]—baking soda is highly soluble in water and sweat,” says Dr. Yadav. Because magnesium is less soluble, it may be less irritating than baking soda.” One thing to keep in mind: While magnesium is potentially less irritating than baking soda, it can still cause irritation so it might be worth doing a patch test to make sure it interacts well with your skin. Dr. Yadav also recommends avoiding it immediately after shaving. “Introducing magnesium to freshly-shaved skin may heighten your risk of irritation,” she explains.

Like traditional and baking soda-based deo, magnesium natural deodorants come in all shapes and sizes, including including sticks, sprays, and creams. There’s also pure magnesium oil, which Dr. Yadav says people can use in place of a deodorant. “This may be a good route—magnesium is slow to absorb into the skin, and putting it into an oil may slow that process even further, reducing irritation,” she says. “Oils are typically nourishing, too, which can help keep skin comfortable.”

7 magnesium deodorants for sensitive pits

Best overall

Each & Every, Worry-Free Natural Deodorant — $20.00

Each & Every’s natural deodorant is a fan favorite, with a 4.7-star overall rating based on more than 13,000 shoppers. The deodorant is free from baking soda, aluminum, parabens, and artificial fragrance. It features magnesium to neutralize odor-causing bacteria and tapioca starch to absorb excess sweat, plus coconut oil to moisturize the skin. Additionally, this pick is EWG-certified and 100 percent vegan and cruelty free. It’s available in 11 dreamy scents, including two limited-edition fragrances and one fragrance-free option. As a welcome bonus, it is sustainably packaged, too.

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Most budget friendly

Schmidt’s, Sensitive Skin Stick — $8.00

At under $10, Schmidt’s Sensitive Skin Stick is a budget-friendly option that’ll get your pits smelling fresh. It’s free of potentially irritating baking soda, as well as aluminum, propylene glycol, parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrance. What you will find in its formula are odor-neutralizing magnesium, arrowroot powder to absorb excess sweat, and a number of other moisturizing ingredients, including vitamin E, shea butter, and coconut and jojoba oil. What’s more, the deodorant is Ecocert certified, vegan, and cruelty-free.  Choose from six refreshing fragrances, including Jasmine Tea (pictured above), Vanilla & Oat Milk, and Coconut & Kaolin Clay.

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Best for the planet

Ethique, Botanica Floral Deodorant Stick — $13.00

This compostable deo from Ethique is ideal for those who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint. The deodorant itself is made with magnesium and zinc oxide to prevent odors caused by bacteria, moisturizing sweet almond and jojoba oil, plus bamboo powder to soak up excess oil. On top of being free of any suspect ingredients, it’s certified vegan and cruelty-free. As for fragrances, choose from the floral “Botanica” (above), the woodsy “Rustic” or the fragrance-free “Minimalist.”

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Most luxe

Prim Botanicals, Flor Oscura Deodorant Stick — $19.00

Prim Botanicals’ pretty deos are like perfumes for your pits. On top of being free from harmful chemicals or irritating ingredients (including baking soda) these magnesium-based deodorants are formulated with a boatload of emollients and extracts that nourish skin while its on. The luxe scents are just the cherry on top; “Flor Oscura” blends jasmine, bergamot, and neroli, while “Garden at Midnight” smells like a rose bush.

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Best deodorant cream

Meow Meow Tweet, Grapefruit Baking Soda Free Deodorant Cream — $14.00

With a consistency akin to “creamy cake frosting,” applying Meow Meow Tweet’s natural cream deodorant is sure to be a treat for your underarms. This certified organic and Fair-Trade formula features magnesium to neutralize odor, arrowroot powder to absorb excess moisture, and a combination of coconut and jojoba oil to keep skin conditioned—all with zero unwanted chemicals. Another thing you’ll love? The adorable container it comes in is made fully recyclable. Choose from Grapefruit (above), Lavender, or Unscented.

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Best spray

Bare Pits, Lavender Vanilla Magnesium Aluminum Free Deodorant — $29.00

If sticks and creams aren’t your thing, consider a magnesium-enriched deodorant in a convenient spray, like this one from brand Bare Pits. The lavender-and-vanilla scented deodorant has no aluminum, parabens, phthalates, or artificial fragrance—it relies chiefly on magnesium to fight odor-causing bacteria. It also comes in perfume-worthy scents, like Sandalwood Bay Rum and Love Rose.

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Best for *really* sensitive skin

Violets Are Blue, Baking Soda Free Magnesium Deodorant — $25.00

For those with highly sensitive skin, reach for this stick from Violets Are Blue. Magnesium is first on the ingredients list, meaning your underarms will receive a potent hit of its antimicrobial properties. You’ll also find coconut and sunflower oil in the ingredient list to condition the skin, while tapioca starch works to ward off sweat. There’s absolutely no baking soda, aluminum, or essential oils—three common irritants—and is vegan and free of alcohol, gluten, and soy. It only comes in a fragrance-free option, but shoppers have attested that it works just as well as scented varieties.

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Best magensium oil

Life-Flo, Pure Magnesium Oil — $12.00

As Dr. Yadav suggests, pure magnesium oil will also keep sweat and stink at bay. This magnesium oil spray is a popular choice on Amazon, with many reviewers singing its praises for its ability to neutralize unwanted underarm odor. “I use magnesium oil, along with some essential oils, as deodorant. It lasts quite awhile, and works well. It absorbs fairly quickly, and keeps odor away,” one reviewer writes, with a caveat: “I wouldn’t recommend using it right after shaving, as it can sting a bit.” It comes in a handy spray format and doesn’t just make a good deodorant but can alleviate muscle aches, pains, and cramps, too.

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I especially find that the controlled movements really work my ab muscles much deeper than traditional workouts, which is great for when I want to tone up fast, but not so great for when I literally can’t laugh without pain. The issue was, however, that I had no idea what to do about it. After all, when other parts of your body hurt, you can foam roll or massage the tightness away. Trying to do either on my stomach, though, just had me rolling about in (even more!) pain and confusion. I wasn’t really sure what to do, since I didn’t want to stop going as often as I did.

But then, I found Therabody’s newest product, the RecoveryTherm Hot Vibration for Back and Core ($249), which promised to help hit the exact same spots that left me in pain after a good workout sesh—and I knew I just had to try it.

Therabody, RecoveryTherm Hot Vibration Back and Core — $249.00

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I was a huge fan of Therabody before I saw this new release—the Theragun Mini ($199) has saved my quad muscles multiple times, while the Wave Roller ($149) has been amazing for active recovery days. But I’d never seen something like the RecoveryTherm before. Essentially, it works as a back and core massager, using a unique combination of the brand’s signature percussion therapy with three levels of heat to loosen up the muscles. You can pick and choose which level of heat and percussion therapy you want, and then secure the belt around your waist while the machine gets to work.

And let me tell you: This is one of the most unique sensations I have ever experienced. The percussion therapy felt like someone was giving me a deep tissue massage, while the heat felt like I was sitting in front of a campfire (aka warming, but not overly so). And it really did work: In a couple of minutes, I found that my muscles ached significantly less, and I could laugh without holding my stomach in pain (a total win in my book).

According to physical therapist Dr. Andrew Ward at Balanced, that’s due to the unique combination of heat and vibrational therapy used in the RecoveryTherm, both of which have been proven to ease the body’s reaction to pain. “Heat is usually applied superficially on achy muscles in rehab,” he says. “This is done because the addition of heat increases blood flow to the region, which can help to reduce muscle tension, increase the rate of metabolism, and improve the elasticity of connective tissues such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments.” In fact, studies have shown that the application of heat on sore or painful muscles causes immediate relief, and even helps cramps and menstrual pain.

In addition, the RecoveryTherm also includes vibration therapy, consisting of three levels of soft, percussive motion. I found that this basically felt like getting a massage, and I could easily switch between levels as and when I wanted. “Vibration therapy can help to reduce the sensation of muscle tension, promote relaxation, and may have applications in reducing Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS),” adds Ward. Studies indicate that vibrational therapy both reduces pain and increases range of motion after muscle soreness: In fact, Therabody also claims that their percussion therapy is far superior to others, because it uses 16 mm of amplitude to work 60 percent deeper into muscles than the competition.

While I can’t really compare that claim, what I can be sure of is that the combination of heat and vibrational therapy pretty much is a miracle worker on my sore muscles. The next day after first using it, I could feel a substantial difference in the amount of pain I felt, and a couple of days later, the machine even helped reduce my period muscle cramps that would have otherwise had me grabbing a whole bunch of painkillers.

“I’m a proponent of basically any tool that helps people move their bodies,” adds Ward, who notes, however, that you should never use any type of therapy on inflamed muscles, because that could potentially aggravate those muscles and cause more damage. To use the RecoveryTherm, all you really have to do is wrap the soft mesh band around your waist, fastening it to the tightness level of your choice, and then select your heat and vibrational level. I usually keep the machine on for 10 to 15 minutes, which is more than enough time to start feeling some pain relief. I keep the device on the lowest settings for muscle pain, but bump up the heat for menstrual cramps, since I find it way more soothing.

While there isn’t a max amount of time the company recommends keeping the device on, I find that using it once or twice a day for at least 10 minutes works best for me, since the relief I get allows me to still feel slightly sore, but not in a way that gets debilitating and prevents me from working out again. “Recovery is a huge part of any workout regimen, and combining heat and vibrational therapy works by adding in mechanisms of increased blood flow and involuntary muscle contraction/relaxation,” explains Ward.

While there hasn’t been any research done comparing the two types of therapy together versus one or the other in isolation, it’s definitely been working for me—and I have to say that the fact that I don’t have to awkwardly roll over my foam roller anymore definitely helps!

Apparently, I’m not alone in sticking to a simple routine for the skin from my neck down: According to Dove, 80 percent of women say that facial care is more important than body care, a sentiment any pro will tell you simply isn’t true from a skin health standpoint. “We have all been programmed to focus on the face forgetting that most of our skin is actually below the neck,” says Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut who works with Dove. “The same tenets of facial skin health should be applied to one’s whole body. Cleansing, moisturizing, exfoliation, and protection are all necessary to keep our skin in its entirety in its best shape.”

To help fill the gap, the iconic beauty brand developed its Body Care Love collection of cleansers and shower butters, which contain active ingredients typically found in facial-care formulas. The line includes individual products that target specific skin issues—acne, dryness, and uneven skin tone—that have largely been associated with the face, but can actually occur all over.

For my own bone-dry skin, I was most excited about the “Age Embrace” faction of the line, which contains a Pre-Cleanse Shower Butter ($11) and a Liquid Body Wash Cleanser ($8) designed specifically for mature skin concerns such as dryness and lack of suppleness.

Dove Body Love Age Embrace Pre-Cleanse Shower Butter — $11.00

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Dove Body Love Age Embrace Liquid Body Wash Cleanser — $8.00

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The two-step regimen includes a pre-cleanse body butter, which deposits moisture into the deepest layers of the skin, and a serum-infused cleanser to clean and fortify the skin barrier to lock in the nutrients from the butter. This doubling-down approach borrows from the facial care concept of “layering” moisture for improved results, says Dr. Gohara.

“Two are better than one. Think about layering on clothes on a cold day. The team adds more benefit than any individual player alone,” she explains. “Each step helps to lock in moisture and provide skin barrier nutrients to leave behind soft and supple skin.”

Both Age Embrace products contain peptide serum and pure glycerin to address common mature skin issues such as roughness, dryness, and dullness. The body cleanser is also infused with Dove’s unique 10x Moisture Boost Complex, a signature mix including stearic acid and glycerin with 10 times the moisturizers of the next leading body wash, says Dr. Gohara.

Putting it to the test

Using a body butter in the shower (instructions are to apply it to wet skin), before a cleanser was something I hadn’t tried before. As soon as I opened the jar, I fell in love with the product’s texture. It was soft and thick, yet went on easily and smoothly. The body cleanser’s creamy, lotion-like formula lathered well and felt soothing on my parched skin. It also made shaving my legs a breeze. (You can easily ditch the shaving cream and use this instead.) Although the products are not labeled as “unscented,” there was no scent that I could distinguish, which might be a plus or minus depending on your preference. Post-shower my skin felt moisturized, soft, and supple—just as promised.

One drawback: Adding the body butter to my shower routine was somewhat time-consuming. While the two steps are not something I can indulge in every day, it was a nice luxury on the days I didn’t have deadlines piling up. It’s a wonderful moment to give the skin below my neck the same love you give the skin above it. And thanks to these two products, my body-care routine has done a much-needed “about face.”

Get more tips for winter skin care form Dr. Gohara:

If you’re already someone who is known to swig mouthwash, it’s possible that the bottle you currently use for the express purpose of fixing bad mask breath or refreshing the bad taste in your mouth isn’t effective for boosting your mouth’s health. Below, dentists provide a breakdown of what to look for in a mouthwash for gums, some much needed dental health tips, and their favorite options to buy so you can maximize your oral care routine and preserve the health of your pearly whites.

Best Mouthwash for Gums at a Glance

• Best healing mouthwash to strengthen gums : Colgate Peroxyl Antiseptic Mouthwash and Mouth Sore Rinse
• Best mint-alternative: Desert Essence Coconut Oil Mouthwash
• Best mouth wash for sensitive gums: CloSYS Sensitive Mouthwash
• Best for bad breath: Therabreath Fresh Breath
• Best pH-balanced: Elementa Oral Care
• Best alcohol-free mouthwash for gum inflammation: Listerine Zero Alcohol Mouthwash
• Best anti-cavity: ACT Anticavity Zero Alcohol Fluoride Mouthwash
• Best whitening: Crest 3D White Brilliance Alcohol Free Whitening Mouthwash

What To Look For in a Mouthwash Ideal for Gum Health

An important feature of your gum-friendly mouthwash mouthwash is that it shouldn’t have too many dehydrating agents, says Dr. Rhonda Kalasho, a cosmetic Doctor of Dentistry and CEO of TruGlo Modern Dental. “For example, mouth rinses with alcohol tend to give you that burn, but it can dry up the membranes and gum tissue in your mouth. Gum-cleaning mouthwashes mouth rinses with mild antiseptics like stannous chloride and zinc are great to kill bacteria that it is gum disease causing and plaque producing,” she says. You can also look for natural essential oils, such as licorice oil, coconut oil, or castor oil, which Dr. Kalasho says have proved themselves effective in reducing gum disease when added to mouthwashes. Because of the dehydrating nature of alcohol, alcohol-free mouthwash is generally recommended for ideal gum health and cavity prevention.

Ingredients To Look For in the Best Mouthwash for Gums

There are several gum-friendly mouthwash formulations, and they’re intended for different specific uses (the top mouthwash for gum inflammation may not be the best for someone with canker sores), all of which promote oral health. “The purpose of gum-cleaning mouthwash is to decrease microbes in our mouth, which helps with gum disease and cavities,” says, Sage Pollack, DMD, owner and general dentist at Dentistry of Colorado.

“The purpose of mouthwash for gum health is to decrease microbes in our mouth, which helps with gum disease and cavities.” —Sage Pollack, DMD

If the gum-friendly mouthwash in question is specifically for preventing cavities, for example, it likely has a mineralizing agent in it, such as fluoride. “Topical fluoride use in this way is known to improve the micro-hardness of the enamel, which makes it stronger and more resistant to decay,” says Joyce Kahng, DDS a dentist in California.

If the mouthwash is for gum disease or gingival inflammation, you want more of an antimicrobial-based mouthwash for your gums. In general, the best mouthwash for gums will have antimicrobial ingredients, like chlorhexidine, chlorine dioxide, cetylpyridinium chloride.

But keep in mind that mouthwash for gum health and cavity prevention are related: Tooth decay can, after all, lead to gum disease. And since both gum disease and cavities can cause bad breath, by using a mouthwash geared toward gum and teeth health, you’re really preventing future breath issues, as well.

What To Avoid in Your Mouthwash

Regarding potentially harmful ingredients you might find in non gum-friendly mouthwash, the pros say to stay away from alcohol used as an ingredient. While it is found in many formulations currently available, it can be abrasive on the gums, causing dry mouth and irritation. It can also remove some good-for-you bacteria in your mouth, which is actually detrimental to your gum and teeth health.

What’s more is that the ideal gum-cleaning mouthwash should be alkaline. “When a mouthwash is alkaline, it will help neutralize the pH of the mouth,” says Dr. Kahng. On the pH scale, lower numbers are more acidic, while higher numbers are more alkaline. “The pH at which cavities form is 5.5, and our goal is to minimize the amount of time our enamel spends in the lower pH ranges, as low or acidic pH’s will essentially dissolve enamel,” she adds.

It doesn’t make sense for a product that is meant to restore enamel to be acidic, but many mainstream brands of mouthwash are lower than that pH threshold of 5.5, so it’s important to read labels and make sure you’re finding one that’s alkaline, which has a pH of 7 or higher.

As for frequency of how often to use the best mouthwash for sensitive gums and teeth health, simply add it into your morning and evening routines. “Use mouthwash to strengthen gums once or twice a day, after you brush and floss,” says Dr. Pollack. Order can be important too, the ADA says that whether you rinse after brushing depends on your toothpaste and mouthwash.

Is mouthwash good for healing gums?

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It is super common with almost half of all adults older adults reported to have some level of gum disease, according to the Cleveland Clinic. As we’ve laid out so far, mouth wash is absolutely a tool that can support your oral health including your gums. When it comes to healing gums, there are many things that can be done in terms of treatment and prevention. Some mouthwash for gum disease requires a prescription, but it might be the key to rebuilding your gums if store bought brands aren’t helping you. Stopping in to see a provider when you have concerns is always a good idea.

What is the fastest way to heal receding gums?

If you’re experiencing a flare in gum disease symptoms like inflammation, bleeding, sensitivity, and more, it can make sense that you want to heal them as soon as possible. Of course, the first line of defense is prevention which includes brushing twice a day for two minutes, flossing once a day, and rising with an ADA-approved mouthwash, according to the American Dental Association.

As far as the top mouthwash for gum inflammation or the best mouthwash for receding gums, it really depends on the state of your condition and symptoms. Some people may benefit from any of the listed mouthwash to strengthen gums, but you may also need to visit a provider and talk about receiving a prescription-based mouthwash.

At the end of the day, though, it’s always about taking small steps in your daily life to improve your overall well-being, and that includes your oral health. Things like gum health, gum disease, finding the best mouthwash to strengthen your gums, and oral health can’t be fixed overnight. Learning more is always one of the best steps on the path to feeling better and potentially healing your gums as well.

Best Mouthwash for Gums

Best Healing Mouthwash to Strengthen Gums: Colgate Peroxyl Antiseptic Mouthwash and Mouth Sore Rinse — $10.00

“Chlorhexidine is probably the best for your gums if you have gum disease, as it has a strong antimicrobial effect,” says Dr. Pollack, who adds that this Colgate mouthwash is one of the best options for your gum health you can find.

Chlorhexidine can help prevent gum disease effectively, and this option aims to help heal small oral wounds and soothe minor gum irritation that may appear after dental procedures and gum surgeries, she adds.

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Best for Gentleness: Desert Essence Coconut Oil Mouthwash — $9.00

Any type of mouthwash with coconut oil in it can be healing for the gums. “This is a great alternative to harsh mouthwashes and helps lubricate the gum line instead of drying them out,” says Dr. Pollack. “Coconut oil is cleansing and hydrating at the same time, and it offers a more gentle approach to mouthwash when compared to some other astringent and harsh mouthwashes.” It acts as an antibacterial agent to help keep the mouth and gums clean and bacteria-free, she adds.

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Best for Sensitive Gums : CloSYS Sensitive Mouthwash — $12.00

“CloSys is pretty good, too, since it balances the pH and decreases the chance of bad breath,” says Dr. Pollack. This one comes in a nice minty flavor, and by having a more alkaline state in your mouth, you can help prevent gum disease and cavities, as well as any unwelcome odors.

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Best for Bad Breath: Therabreath Fresh Breath — $16.00

This is definitely one of the top mouthwash for gum inflammation. Even better? It comes in cool, icy mint. “This particular mouthwash fights plaque, prevents gingivitis, and is more mild since it does not contain alcohol, artificial colors, or flavors,” says Dr. Pollack. “It also prevents germs from spreading to keep gums healthy and clean.”

This selection is also adept at fighting stinky breath and bacteria that may form on the gum line, she adds, which can lead to inflammation in the mouth and on the gums.

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Best pH-Balanced: Elementa Oral Care — $19.00

“Hands-down the best mouthwash is Elementa Oral Care, and while it is a bit more pricey, it is very pure and has only five ingredients,” says Dr. Pollack.

Elementa is around a pH of 8, which helps to neutralize acids in the mouth. It also contains xylitol in a concentration that is actually helpful for your gums and teeth. “Xylitol is an expensive ingredient and I’ve found that mouth rinses on the market claim they have xylitol but the concentrations cannot be confirmed,” she adds. So, this mouthwash, which has a concentration of 25 percent, is a major winner.

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Best Alcohol-Free: Listerine Zero Alcohol Mouthwash — $30.00

Listerine has been in medicine cabinets for decades, and this formula contains no alcohol and has a less intense mint flavor for sensitive gums. It kills 99.9 percent of bad breath germs, and rinsing both morning and night can give you 24 hours of protection.

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Best Anti-Cavity: ACT Anticavity Zero Alcohol Fluoride Mouthwash — $4.00

Help keep your teeth and gums healthy by strengthening your enamel; this once-daily ACT mouthwash has the maximum strength of fluoride in rinse form without a prescription. It’s alcohol-free and available in three different flavors, and the dosing cup makes sure you use the correct amount each time.

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Best Whitening: Crest 3D White Brilliance Alcohol Free Whitening Mouthwash — $7.00

Alcohol and peroxide-free, the Crest 3D whitening mouthwash can help protect your gums and teeth and keep your pearly whites, well, white. It uses the same technology as the brand’s whitestrips, so it removes surface stains to brighten your smile after just seven days of use.

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The spa itself is based in the principles of Ayurveda—a holistic health system created in India more than 10,000 years ago—and Ayurvedic master Martha Soffer, a sought-after healer of Gwyneth Paltrow, the Kardashians, and more, founded it. I was booked in for the Signature Abhyanga Massage (starting at $295), a “rejuvenating, four-handed massage that uses customized, warm, herbalized oils that are cooked all night for the next day’s use.” To say my body was ready would be an understatement.

“When you come to Surya, your treatment experience will be designed and fine-tuned to either calm your constitution, or cool it, or energize it, based on what imbalance you may be currently experiencing,” Soffer says. “The herbalized oils that are used, the pace of certain treatments, even the mantras or music that’s played in your treatments…Everything is designed to balance you inside and out.”

Prepping for an Ayurvedic, two-person massage

Heading to the treatment room in the spa, I was immediately calmed by candle light and a full bathroom off the spa (more on that later). The lead therapist explained what was going to happen and asked if I had any concerns, to which I said I just wanted to be more relaxed. She then left, I disrobed, got onto the table under the covers, and Soffer entered to chat through the experience more with me.

Putting her hands over my back and feeling different areas, she seemed to intuitively know things about me and my body (literally spot on)—how long ago it had been since my period, how I hadn’t slept well in a couple days, how I deal with migraines—which then gained follow-up questions from her for more clarity. This is part of Soffer’s practice as an Ayurvedic Pulse diagnostician, and I was fascinated. It felt like I was getting a body scan from her hands, and the results were scarily accurate. Then, it was time for the main event.

A very hands-on experience

The therapists worked like an orchestrated dance, their movements mirroring each other’s on each side of my body. Not only did the movements match, but the pressure did, too, which was incredible. As the therapists worked my muscles, I could feel myself becoming more relaxed and my tension melting. The oils were warm and fragrant, and at times it felt like I had transcended my body (particularly when it got to the scalp massage)—I had no idea what time it was or how much time had passed until it was over.

After the massage, I was treated to a yoni steam—yes, a vaginal steam, and that was surprisingly comforting? It felt like the whole experience was a warm, fragrant hug. Afterwards, I was told I could take a hot shower in the adjoined bathroom to finish the session (and tone down the amount of unabsorbed oil). As I showered, I felt like this was something I would need to do again at some point, sort of like body maintenance.

Finishing out the experience with some tea, I went home refreshed and raving about it to anyone who would listen. This year, Soffer says there’s more to come from the spa like new treatments, including facials, and classes. But most importantly, “what won’t change is the love you feel when you walk in the door, and for all the time you’re there,” she says. And I can attest, that is very much felt. Until next time, Surya.

We’re also in a recession, which means I don’t want to spend a ton of money doing it—frugal foot care only please! Enter this affordable foot mask I found on a recent trip to Target. The Aveeno Cica Repairing Foot Mask ($4) is a single-use pair of “slippers” that promises to nourish and repair extra dry skin and leave feet looking soft and smooth. Soft, moisturized feet for less than my usual Starbucks order? Suffice it to say that I couldn’t add these babies to my cart fast enough, and I’m so glad I did—here’s why.

Aveeno, Cica Repairing Foot Mask — $4.00

An ultra-nourishing, reparative foot mask that leaves extra-dry feet feeling softer and more moisturized—for less than $5 bucks?! That’s going to be a yes from me.

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If you’ve ever tried one of those viral foot peeling masks or used a glycolic acid toner on your feet, the Aveeno Cica Repairing Foot Mask is not that (though it can certainly be used in conjunction with either one). It’s a gentle, one-and-done foot treatment that blankets dry, crusty feet in comforting, skin-softening moisture. The “cica” in the name actually refers to the French word “cicatrisation” or “healing,” which is exactly what my neglected feet needed. And thanks to the foot mask’s hero ingredients—prebiotic oat (which also happens to be the hero of the brand’s sensitive skin-friendly face moisturizer) and shea butter—that’s exactly what they got.

The foot mask contains oat kernel flour, oil, and extract, all of which are beloved by derms for its soothing properties that work wonders on irritated, eczema-prone skin. “[Oat] is very soothing and helps improve the redness and inflammation,” Audrey Kunin MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of DERMADoctor previously told Well+Good. In the foot mask, the prebiotic oat helps soothe and protect dry feet, while keeping dryness at bay. Another beloved skin-soother, shea butter delivers that intense nourishment that my dry feet had been deprived of all fall and winter long—softening my dry, cracked heels and coating them in calming moisture.

I slipped my dry feet into the foot mask slippers (and put a pair of socks on top as added insurance), and kept them on my feet for 10 minutes, as instructed. Before I was done watching my YouTube video, my 10 minute timer went off, and I removed the slippers, massaged the excess product into my feet, and put on socks to help it absorb overnight. Because the last thing the internet needs is a foot pic by yours truly—believe me when I tell you that the next morning, my feet felt softer and more moisturized than they had in months. My dry, cracked heels had soaked up all of the mask’s moisturizing lotion as I snoozed and looked visibly improved.

While it’s not a miracle worker, the Aveeno Cica Repairing Foot Mask is the perfect no-fuss foot maintenance that my foot care routine desperately needs during the colder months. Which means I’ll always have a couple of these stashed in my cabinet going forward. And for less than $5 bucks? You can’t go wrong. Find yours at Target.

“Dermatologists at that time primarily recommended various exfoliation approaches but my skin would burn, tingle, and not tolerate any exfoliation products,” says Dr. Mikailov, who is now a board-certified dermatologist in Burlington, Massachusetts.  “Ultimately, I started a long journey to develop a non-exfoliation-based product that would become KPAway.

This skin-care line focuses on moisturization with ingredients like jojoba oil, squalane, and coconut oil.

“For my skin type–sensitive, eczema-prone–I can only tolerate non-exfoliation approaches that focus on repairing the lipid barrier of the skin,” says Dr. Mikailov. “Based on several clinical studies, one of the key problems with KP is the lack of oil-producing sebaceous glands. By replacing the natural skin oils, the majority of individuals with KP improve.”

Shop Dr. Mikailov’s keratosis pilaris routine

KP Away Skin Polish — $21.00

“While showering, I try to use either water alone, or two to three times per week I use the KP Away Skin Polish,” says Dr. Mikailov. “This is a unique formula that has jojoba wax beads, which are absorbing exfoliators.”

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KP Away Moisturizer — $41.00

Once Dr. Mikailov is out of the shower, he puts on a soon-to-come KP Away body oil (“it’s a proprietary blend of squalane oil, jojoba oil, and calendula oil to restore the sebaceous gland actives,” he says). And after 30 to 45 minutes, he applies this moisturizer. “It’s the brand’s original product and I’ve used it at least daily for the last eight years,” he says. “This product clears 80 percent of my KP.” He says he created it with his children in mind, who had KP as newborns. “I wanted to make sure I created a solution that worked for them, was easy to apply, and was very fast-absorbing.”

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Albolene Moisturizing Cleansing Balm — $10.00

Although this is meant to be a cleansing balm, Dr. Mikailov uses it as a repair ointment. “For rare times when the weather is ultra dry, or if I am washing my hands and sanitizing my hands an overwhelming amount (e.g. due to illness), then this is my go-to repair ointment,” he says. This works because the formula doesn’t include any harsh surfactants. Just a conditioning blend of mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin, ceresin, and beta-carotene.

 

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General tips for managing KP

1. Avoid potentially irritating ingredients

For example, “I avoid anything that can potentially irritate my skin, including fragrance, SLS, and propylene glycol,” says Dr. Mikailov.

2. Know your skin type

“Some people can tolerate physical and chemical exfoliators, but the majority cannot. If you can tolerate the exfoliators, then you are likely to see great improvement in your KP with low concentrations of glycolic and lactic acids, which are AHAs,” he says. “On the other hand, if you have quite sensitive skin, then the use of exfoliators will lead to more frustration.”

3. Know that you can’t cure KP but can manage it

“KP is primarily genetic and can never be 100 percent cured, but you can definitely improve it,” he says. “This is also something that takes months to years, not weeks to improve, so be patient!”

Here are some more tips for treating KP:

“It’s made with four key ingredients—oat, glycerine, ceramides, and dimethicone,” says Dr. St. Surin-Lord. These ingredients work overtime to soothe discomfort, provide much-needed moisture, and seal in all that goodness into your skin while keeping dry air out. Though the formula is designed to calm eczema flare-ups, it can be repurposed to treat pretty much any type of extra-dry skin.

Aveeno Eczema Therapy Itch Relief Balm — $31.00

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The star of the Aveeno Eczema Therapy Itch Relief Balm ($31) formula is none other than derm-beloved colloidal oatmeal, an ingredient you’ll find in a number of Aveeno products thanks to its ability to its unparalleled reputation for soothing and softening skin. It forms a protective and hydrating seal over the surface of the skin and contains anti-inflammatory avenanthremides to help calm any irritation.

Next up is glycerin, aka the “unsung hero of winter skin hydration, which gives the balm its buttery texture. It’s a humectant, which means it attracts moisture into the skin to give it a tall drink of hydration. Then, there are ceramides, which are like “the cement holds the keratinocytes, or skin cells, together to avoid loss of moisture,” says Dr. St. Surin-Lord. Finally, the formula includes dimethicone, a silicone that seals in the moisture your elbows need to heal from their dry, cracked state (and yes—silicones are totally safe to use topically).

Your best bet for smoothing and soothing the skin on your elbows is to start with some in-shower gentle exfoliation before applying the balm. “Exfoliants, like glycolic acid or another AHA, or a fruit enzyme, like papaya or pineapple, are very helpful to lessen existing dead cell buildup,” board-certified dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo, MD, previously told Well+Good. “Massage it into your elbows and leave it on for several minutes before washing it off so that the enzymes can work to dislodge the dead cells at the surface.”

Then, go ahead and slather on the Aveeno Eczema Therapy Itch Relief Balm (which you can use once or twice a day—just note that you don’t have to exfoliate every time!). Pro tip: Put it on right after you get out of the shower so that it can sink in deeper (fun fact: moisturizing ingredients penetrate better on wet skin) and seal in whatever water is left on your skin. Your elbows will be endlessly grateful.

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Versed, Buff It Out AHA Exfoliating Body Scrub — $18.00

This gentle—yet effective—body scrub promises to leave your body skin feeling “as smooth as glass,” and it delivers.

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As someone with pretty tough, non-reactive skin—who also loves the feeling of scrubbing their skin raw in the shower—I was mildly concerned that the Buff It Out Scrub wouldn’t give me the intense exfoliation I crave. But the creamy formula is loaded with super fine pumice, giving it just the right amount of grit, while still feeling gentle on my skin. I massaged it onto damp skin while in the shower (concentrating on the backs of my arms and legs where I’m most prone to bumps), and found that it exfoliated dry spots I didn’t even know I had. And the best part is that there’s no need to scrub hard, because the exfoliating pumice and AHAs do all of the work for you.

What makes Buff It Out effective?

To deliver the chemical exfoliation, Buff It Out uses a sensitive skin-friendly cocktail of alpha hydroxy acids. Lactic acid, an AHA derived from milk, helps brighten dark spots and dullness—and also happens to be one of the best AHAs for sensitive skin, according to dermatologists. “Lactic acid uniquely builds the moisture barrier,” Dennis Gross MD, dermatologist and founder of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare previously told Well+Good. “It specially triggers genes in the DNA of the epidermis to make more ceramides and squalane, and actually stimulates the production of the skin’s own ingredients.”

Meanwhile, glycolic acid, an AHA derived from sugar cane, helps resurface dry, dull skin and support a smoother, brighter look. “It’s used to improve the skin’s appearance and texture through exfoliation, while also reducing fine lines, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone,” Dr. Gross told Well + Good. Throw in the antioxidant-rich pomegranate enzymes that tout exfoliating and skin-renewing benefits, and you’ve got a gentle—but effective—trio of exfoliators. Though you definitely don’t have to, I let the scrub sit on my skin while I washed my face and hair, giving the exfoliating ingredients more time to work their magic (and there was no stinging or tingling!).

Final thoughts

When it came time to rinse, I could feel the difference right away. The scrub had totally sloughed off my dryness and polished away the uneven texture on my legs and arms—taking me from chicken skin to smooth, slippery dolphin skin. I decided to build on my results by shaving my legs, and can confirm that Buff It Out also makes for a fabulous pre-shave treatment, giving me a close, silky smooth shave. Plus, the mess-free, squeeze tube packaging gives it major brownie points—because who wants to fuss with scooping scrub out of a jar and risk getting water in the product? This all makes Versed’s new body scrub a true 10 out of 10 for me. Order yours on the Versed website.

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Consider the fact that bar soaps last longer in your shower and they’re usually more affordable than body washes, and the case in favor of bar soaps is looking pretty good. But despite their very obvious pros, the discourse around bar soaps is mostly negative, with many saying they’re too drying on the skin.

This isn’t totally false. According to Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, some bars contain harsh soaps that can, in fact, dry out skin. “Soap cleaners have a high pH that can strip the skin of natural lipids and oils, leaving it dry,” Dr. Gohara previously told Well+Good, so you wouldn’t want to use just any bar soap with abandon (especially not on your face). But to say that all bar soaps are stripping wouldn’t reflect the full picture. “Not all bar cleansers are soaps, and not all soaps are bar cleansers,” she explained.

There are bar soaps that can help treat body acne, for example, and other bars that can tackle dryness and leave your skin feeling softer and more moisturized than before.  We found eight super moisturizing options from Amazon that’ll change your mind about bar soaps.

8 moisturizing bar soaps you can find on Amazon

CeraVe, Hydrating Cleanser Bar (2-Pack) — $11.00

This bar version of the CeraVe’s derm-beloved hydrating cleanser is free of harsh soaps that can dry out skin. It’s packed with ceramides to strengthen your skin barrier, hyaluronic acid to give dry skin a dose of hydration, and 5 percent of the brand’s best-selling Moisturizing Cream for even more nourishment. And it can be used on the face and body, giving it major convenience points. It’s no wonder it has over 12,000 5-star ratings!

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Eczema Honey, Gentle Oatmeal and Lavender Soap — $9.00

We love Eczema Honey’s Original Skin Soothing Cream when it comes to moisturizing very dry, eczema-prone skin on the face. And the brand’s Gentle Oatmeal and Lavender Soap doesn’t disappoint, either. It’s made with colloidal oatmeal to soothe, protect, and reduce redness; honey to soften and lock in moisture; and plant-derived oils like coconut and grapeseed oil to nourish dryness. Plus, the sulfate, paraben, phthalate, and fragrance-free formula can be used on the face as well as the body.

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Peach, Moisturizing Hand & Body Soap — $9.00

You know Grove Collaborative for its home products, but did you know that the brand makes cleansing bars, too? Meet Peach, the sustainable, plastic-free personal care brand that makes a wickedly good bar soap. The Moisturizing Hand and Body Bar is free of skin-drying sulfates, and uses antioxidant-rich passionfruit oil along with moisturizing coconut oil and shea butter to deeply nourish and soften the skin. What’s more is that the brand claims that one bar can last as long as three 22 oz. body washes.

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Ethique, Lime & Lemongrass Solid Cream Body Wash — $14.00

Skin-softening creamed coconut and purifying kaolin clay give Ethique’s Solid Cream Body its rich, buttery texture, allowing it to effectively moisturize skin as it cleans. The low-lather cleansing bar is 100 percent soap-free, so you’ll never have to worry about it stripping sensitive skin. And the natural lime and lemongrass scent makes for the perfect morning pick-me-up. The cherry on top? It’s totally plastic-free.

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Kiss My Face, Olive Oil Bar Soap (3-Pack) — $6.00

You’ve probably run into this classic Kiss My Face Bar Soap in your local health food store, but it’s actually a great no-frills option for those who prefer to keep things simple. It only has three ingredients—olive oil, salt, and walter—so you can’t really get simpler than that! Despite its short ingredient list, this fragrance-free olive oil bar leaves skin feeling clean, soft, and moisturized—without leaving any trace of residue behind.

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Joanna Vargas, Cloud Bar — $22.00

Celebrities swear by Joanna Vargas products, and once you try the skin-care expert’s Cloud Bar Soap, you’ll totally understand why. It’s made with glycerin, a moisturizing powerhouse that dermatologists love for its humectant properties, chamomile water to soothe and hydrate, and vitamin-rich shea butter to deeply nourish dry skin. The ultra-gentle soap can be used on the face and body, and promises to leave skin feeling softer, smoother, and more moisturized—with zero dryness or residue. And according to Amazon shoppers, it delivers! “Probably the best beauty bar I have ever tried,” wrote one shopper in a 5-star review. “I have very sensitive skin and this soap was like a soft, moisturizing kiss.”

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L'Occitane Shea Milk Sensitive Skin Extra Rich Soap — $14.00

Everyone loves the L’Occitane shower oil—but the brand’s bar soaps deserve some praise, too! Formulated with sensitive skin in mind, this rich, creamy bar soap uses nourishing ingredients like shea butter, shea milk, and sweet almond oil to leave skin feeling silky soft and moisturized. Factor in the luxurious lather and the soft scent to match, and you’ve got a bar soap you’ll be psyched to use every day.

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Shea Moisture, Coconut & Hibiscus Shea Butter Soap — $6.00

This Shea Moisture bar soap uses softening coconut oil, nourishing shea butter, and antioxidant-rich hibiscus flower extract to deliver a moisturizing lather to dry skin and gently brighten its appearance over time. With over 800 5-star ratings, it’s clear that Amazon shoppers love it, too—pointing to the sulfate-free soap’s satisfying hydration-packed lather and the way it leaves skin feeling baby soft. “My skin has become so soft since I started using it,” wrote one customer in a 5-star review. “I can definitely tell when I forget to use it.”

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“Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids found in our skin that help our skin cells in the topmost layer of our skin, the stratum corneum, to seal in moisture,” says Tiffany Jow Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Rhode Island. And according to a small 2021 study out of the Journal of Dermatologic Therapy, ceramides as the best ingredient for strengthening skin. It was performed on 24 people, all of whom had mild-to-moderate dry skin. Researchers tracked how ceramides performed on their skin after 24 hours, seven days, and 28 days, and found that it significantly increased hydration, pH balance, and barrier strength.

Nécessaire The Body Cream — $45.00

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All ceramides essentially do the same thing: help to fill the gaps between skin cells to strengthen the skin barrier. However, each one works in a slightly different ways, so using a formula that contains five different ones helps to ensure you’re covering all your bases.

In addition to containing a quintuplet of ceramides, In addition to containing five different types of ceramides, Nécessaire The Body Cream ($45) includes colloidal oatmeal, 5 percent niacinamide, and 1 percent linoleic acid. Colloidal oatmeal helps to soothe and strengthen the skin barrier by creating a protective layer around it. “Oat extract forms a protective and hydrating seal over the surface of the skin and contains anti-inflammatory avenanthremides,” says board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD.

Niacinamide has a soothing and hydrating effect, and it decreases “the oxidative stress and damage that we get from environmental factors, like UV radiation from being outside, pollution, and smoking,” says Ivy Lee, MD, a board-certified-dermatologist in Pasadena, California. It also helps to gently brighten discoloration.

Linoleic acid is an essential omega-6 fatty acid that “helps to support and repair the skin barrier, increasing skin’s moisture and increasing elasticity and softness,” says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC. It also works with niacinamide to increase cell turnover, helping to brighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

So if you want to make your skin stronger, more supple, even-toned, and hydrated, Nécessaire’s The Body Cream is exactly what your skin needs.

Learn more tips to care for dry winter skin:

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“Our hands can sometimes give us away with respect to aging if we haven’t taken steps to protect them,” explains Sheilagh Maguiness, MD, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Stryke Club. “Photoaging takes place on all sun-exposed skin, including the backs of the hands.” It’s this constant sun exposure that can make age spots (or dark spots), wrinkles, and other blemishes inevitable.

The good news is, certain hand creams can work wonders when it comes to preventing and diminishing the look of age spots on your hands. They still have to be applied with sunscreen of course, but the skin-care world is positively brimming with hand cream options that’ll lessen the look of age spots and help prevent new ones from forming. We asked dermatologists to “hand” over their favorite hand creams for age spots—find their recommendations, below.

The best hand creams for age spots, at a glance:

• Best overall: Goldfaden MD Hands To Heart Hand Treatment ($38)
• Best fragrance-free: Necessaire The Hand Cream ($20)
• Best with SPF: Supergoop! Handscreen SPF 40 ($38)
• Best splurge: PCA Skin CE Hand Renewal ($82)
• Best budget: CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream ($10)
• Best with vitamin C: Dr. Loretta Intense Brightening Cream ($75)
• Best with retinol: Beauty Pie Super Retinol Anti-Aging Hand Treatment ($50)
• Best for very dry hands: Elta MD So Silky Hand Crème ($25)
• Best for wrinkles: StriVectin Volumizing & Rejuvenating Hand Cream ($29)
• Best for sensitive skin: Beekman 1802 Pure Hand Cream ($22)
• Best for firming: StriVectin Crepe Control Brightening & Firming Hand Cream ($29)
• Best hand cream that’s not technically a hand cream: REN Overnight Glow Dark Spot Sleeping Cream ($55)

Best overall

Goldfaden MD, Hands To Heart Anti-Aging Plus Brightening Hand Treatment — $38.00

For a hand cream that does the most to combat age spots, check out the Goldfaden MD Hand Treatment. “The ingredients look quite good for anti-aging,” says Dr. Maguiness. “The retinol is the most important active in this list, however it’s also rich in [moisturizing] avocado oil and contains niacinamide which is another great ingredient for reducing hyperpigmentation.” With its powerful ingredient line up—which also includes hydrating hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-rich red tea extract, and glucosamine, a humectant that locks in moisture—this multi-tasking treatment is the key to brighter, smoother, more hydrated hands.

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Best fragrance-free

Necessaire, The Hand Cream — $20.00

For a fragrance-free option, Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York loves the Necessaire Hand Cream. “The niacinamide can help with lightening age spots and the marula oil is a great addition,” he explains. Between the moisturizing marula oil, brightening niacinamide, and the skin-plumping, protective peptides, this fast-absorbing hand cream does it all, without leaving a scent behind. Bonus: the minimalist packaging looks good on your bedside table, too.

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Best with SPF

Supergoop!, Handscreen SPF 40 — $38.00

“Sun protection is vital for protecting the skin from photo-damage and collagen loss, which lead to dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles,” explains Courtney Rubin, MD, MBE, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Fig.1.

And Dr. Bhanusali agrees: “I love the Supergoop Handscreen given it has SPF 40, and my patients love it as well,” he tells us. “It also has ingredients like soy that can help with the dark spots and antioxidants that can help combat UV damage.” Antioxidant-rich sea buckthorn extract helps fend off environmental damage and support more even-looking skin, while moisturizing meadowfoam seed oil keeps hands hydrated without the greasy feel. Plus, you can snag one in a mini size for only $14 bucks.

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Best splurge

PCA Skin, CE Hand Renewal: Anti-Aging Corrective — $82.00

If you’re serious about addressing the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots on hands, you’ll want to invest in this antioxidant-rich hand cream by PCA Skin. “[It has] antioxidants that help with free radical damage from sun and pollution, as well as the antioxidant vitamin C which is a mild lightener,” explains Caren Campbell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in San Francisco.

It’s even formulated with bakuchiol for added age-defying benefits. “Bakuchiol is a gentler alternative to retinol which helps with skin cell turnover and collagen stimulation,” Dr. Campbell tells us. In combination with mega-moisturizing vitamin E, these powerhouse ingredients help support brighter and smoother looking hands.

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Best budget

CeraVe, Therapeutic Hand Cream — $10.00

If you’re on a budget, Dr. Maguiness says you can combat the look of age spots on hands by bringing your retinol face serums to the backs of your hands, then going in with the CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream to lock in the ingredients. Don’t be fooled by the affordable price—this fast-absorbing cream is chock full of good-for-you ingredients like ceramides to strengthen your skin barrier, hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump skin, and niacinamide to soothe and support an even tone.

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Best vitamin C

Dr. Loretta, Intense Brightening Cream — $75.00

Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist with over 40 years’ experience and founder of Dr. Loretta Skincare says she uses her brand’s Intense Brightening Cream to address age spots on hands. An effective solution to prevent and reduce the look of existing age spots, the Dr. Loretta cream touts a potent 20-percent vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid. “It’s well tolerated and gives amazing visible improvements [to the skin],” explains Dr. Loretta. “Since the Vitamin C is also photo protective, it can be applied morning as well as evening.”

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Best with retinol

Beauty Pie, Super Retinol Anti-Aging Hand Treatment — $50.00

“Topical retinoids are the most helpful thing you can apply to reduce the signs of aging, including decreased appearance of age spots and overall improvement of the thickness and texture of the skin on hands,” explains Dr. Maguiness.

Her pick? Beauty Pie’s Super Retinol Hand Treatment. The fragrance-free formula contains 1-percent encapsulated retinol to reduce the look of age spots and wrinkles, along with ultra-rich shea butter to nourish dry hands. Dr. Maguiness recommends steering clear of this one if you have sensitive skin, and only using it at night, as retinol can cause photosensitivity. Plus, if you sign up for a Beauty Pie membership, you can get this (and other luxe skin and body care) for less $$$.

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Best for very dry hands

Elta MD, So Silky Hand Crème — $25.00

For a hand cream that does away with dark spots and dryness at the same time, reach for the So Silky Hand Crème by Elta MD. The rich cream uses skin-strengthening ceramides and vitamin E to quench dry hands with moisture without feeling sticky. And according to Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and author based in Miami, Florida, it also helps brighten the look of age spots, too. “So Silky contains sclareolide, a plant-derived substance that helps improve the look of skin hyperpigmentation,” Dr. Chacon explains.

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Best for wrinkles

StriVectin, Volumizing & Rejuvenating Hand Cream — $29.00

“This cream focuses on hydration and barrier repair to reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging,” explains board-certified dermatologist Nava Greenfield, MD. “It leaves a subtle glow which also helps give a youthful appearance.”

Even better, the skin-plumping hand cream absorbs quickly without a hint of greasiness. And according to consumer studies, a whopping 90 percent of participants reported a reduced appearance in the crepey skin on their hands, so it’s no wonder why the cream has so many positive reviews. “My hands look like they’re 43 instead of 63,” gushed one happy StriVectin customer. “Really good stuff and I will use it up and buy it again.”

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Best for sensitive skin

Beekman 1802, Pure Hand Cream — $22.00

Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, recommends this nourishing hand cream by Beekman 1802 for its soothing and gently exfoliating ingredients that hydrate and can help gradually brighten the look of skin. “Glycerin, fatty alcohols, shea butter, jojoba seed oil, and triglycerides hydrate the skin, support the skin barrier, and lock in moisture,” she tells us. Dr. King explains that goat milk—the hand cream’s main ingredient—is a natural source of lactic acid. “[Lactic acid is] an alpha hydroxy acid that also has humectant properties, so it hydrates as well as gently exfoliates the skin,” she explains. “Gentle exfoliation can help to gradually brighten the skin.”

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Best for firming

StriVectin, Crepe Control Brightening & Firming Hand Cream — $29.00

According to board-certified dermatologist Aanand Geria, MD, this StriVectin Brightening & Firming Hand Cream is your first line of defense against loss of firmness and dark spots. Formulated with plantain extract and hexylresorcinol—a brightening ingredient known for its antioxidant properties—along with peptides to boost elasticity and firmness, this derm-beloved cream is the answer to brighter, firmer skin on your hands. “It’s been clinically proven to target age spots, dryness, and uneven textures,” confirms Dr. Geria. “It also helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles.”

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Best hand cream that's not technically a hand cream

REN Clean Skincare, Overnight Glow Dark Spot Sleeping Cream — $55.00

While it’s not technically a hand cream, Dr. Greenfield loves the REN Overnight Glow Dark Spot Sleeping Cream to address pigmentation on the hands. “This cream has clinical results to show, which I love,” Dr. Greenfield says. In a consumer evaluation study, 80 percent of participants reported that their skin looked more even after 2 weeks. The star of the show is the encapsulated algae complex, which promises to reduce the look of hyperpigmentation. “The jojoba seed oil, citric acid and linalool also provide brightening qualities to hyperpigmented skin without lightening surrounding skin,” explains Dr. Greenfield.

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You see, tampon applicators aren’t recyclable after use. As for pads, most are 90-percent plastic, meaning that they can take 500–800 years to decompose. What’s more, all conventional period products contribute to our microplastic problem by contaminating water systems. Finally, one year’s worth of feminine hygiene products (and all of the materials that comprise them) translates to a carbon footprint of 5.3 kg, or nearly 12 pounds of CO2 emissions.

“Single-use disposable period products aren’t only wasteful, they’re unsustainable, unsafe, and unaffordable for many,” says Helen Lynn, environmenstrual campaign manager at the Women’s Environmental Network. If it sounds like a toxic relationship, that’s because it is.

How to kick your tampon habit

The ecological damage that tampons and pads cause is clear, but they pose risks to our health, too—a fact that may make it easier for many to part ways with the products.

“Cosmetics are better regulated than period products,” Lynn says. “This is a huge concern given the number of toxic chemicals that have been found in period products all over the world, most recently in India. Toxic chemicals have no place in products intended for use in or near such an absorbent part of the body, i.e. the vagina and vulva.”

Phthalates, bisphenols, and parabens are among the chemicals commonly found in period products, those linked to cancer, reproductive and developmental disorders, asthma, allergies, and more—and that’s not even taking the synthetic fragrances (which can contain up to 3,000 chemicals) into account.

In short, period products cause both personal and environmental harm. So, are you ready to break the cycle and break up with your tampons for good? These alternatives will help ease the transition and improve your relationship with the planet in the process.

5 sustainable pad and tampon alternatives

1. Menstrual cups

One way to combat the waste problem associated with period products is to opt for something reusable—like the menstrual cup. Crafted from silicone, these cups are designed to be inserted into the vagina to sit and collect menstrual blood. Once full, the cups can be emptied, washed, and reused for anywhere from one to three years (though some claim to last much longer), saving the planet (and your wallet) from waste.

As for emissions, exchanging your tampons for a menstrual cup can lessen your carbon footprint, saving .007 tons of CO2 (or 17 miles in a standard gasoline-powered car) from entering the atmosphere.

2. Period underwear

Modern period underwear is sleek, hyper-absorbent, and downright convenient. Once purchased, these helpful undies can be worn and washed like any other pair; though, Lynn notes that some period underwear may contain PFAS, known as “forever chemicals” because they can say in your body for long periods of time and disrupt your endocrine system among other negative side effects, so keep an eye on materials and makeup.

3. Reusable pads

A single disposable pad and the packaging that accompanies it can contain as much plastic as five plastic bags! Reusable cloth pads help to mitigate this waste.

Made from sustainable fabrics like bamboo and organic cotton, the simple solution can work to absorb the same amount of blood as two to four tampons and last for up to five years. Once you wrap your head around the concept, you can even try your hand at a DIY version.

4. Plastic-free or reusable applicators

This is not a wholesale solution, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction. If you don’t see yourself eschewing tampons entirely, and you can’t imagine insertion sans an applicator, start by going plastic-free or reusable. That said, a finger alone really works.

5. Biodegradable pads and tampons

If you cannot fathom the thought of ditching your go-to period product, work toward a healthier future by purchasing biodegradable pads and tampons. Brands like Natracare and Saathi craft offerings from plant materials and organic cotton, ditching all synthetics so that the products can decompose in your home compost pile or bin, all while saving the world on plastic waste.

Keep in mind that cutting up pads and tampons will help them break down more quickly in your healthy compost. Even with the extra aid, the process can take up to two years. But hey! That’s literally hundreds less than a traditional period product.