Introducing The 2024 Marie Claire Skin and Hair Awards
Our beauty team, along with judges tested thousands of products for months. Here’s what came out on top.
Welcome to Marie Claire’s second annual Skin and first annual Hair Awards. Over the past few months, our beauty team, along with several board-certified dermatologists, professional hairstylists, and trichologists tested hundreds of products. Their mission: Identify the best skincare and haircare on the market.
Our selection process was steep. After reviewing thousands of applicants, we crafted a shortlist with over 600 brands. Our editors and judges took a long, hard look at efficacy, ingredients, and texture. In the end, we found the best formulas in the beauty world, proudly stating that every product has been thoroughly tested and deemed undeniably transformative.
Our winners span 12 skincare and eight haircare categories and will see you through every step of your routine. There are cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens, along with shampoos, conditioners, stylers, and leave-ins, and devices. Here, you’ll find tried and true cult-favorite winners, newly released items, affordable finds, and luxury indulgences.
So, without further ado, scroll ahead for winners of the 2024 Marie Claire Skin and Hair Awards.
Skincare
Best Cleanser Overall
Best Cleanser for Oily Skin
Best Cleanser for Dry Skin
Best Cleanser for Mature Skin
Best Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin
Best Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
Best Cleanser for Combination Skin
Best Drugstore Cleanser
Best Makeup Remover
Best Toner/Essence Overall
Best Toner/Essence for Oily Skin
Best Toner/Essence for Dry Skin
Best Toner/Essence for Mature Skin
Best Toner/Essences for Sensitive Skin
Best Toner and Essence for Combination Skin
Best Drugstore Toner/Essence
Best Moisturizer Overall
Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin
Best Moisturizer for Mature Skin
Best Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin
Best Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
Best Moisturizer for Combination Skin
Best Drugstore Moisturizer
Best Serum Overall
Best Serum for Oily Skin
Best Serum for Dry Skin
Best Serum for Mature Skin
Best Serum for Acne-Prone Skin
Best Serum for Sensitive Skin
Best Serum for Combination Skin
Best Drugstore Serum
Best Device Overall
Best Hair Removal Device
Best Skin-Tightening Device
Best LED Device
Best Cleansing Device
Best Acne Device
Best High-Frequency Wand
Best Glow-Boosting Device
Best Facial Roller
Best Device under $75
Best Sunscreen Overall
Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin
Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin
Best Sunscreen for Mature Skin
Best Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin
Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Best Sunscreen for Combination Skin
Best Mineral Sunscreen
Best Drugstore Sunscreen
Best Treatment Overall
Best Spot Treatment
Best Eczema Treatment
Best Wrinkle Treatment
Best Rosacea Treatment
Best Pigmentation Treatment
Best Drugstore Treatment
Best Face Mask
Best Eye Cream Overall
Best Depuffing Eye Cream
Best Brightening Eye Cream
Best Hypoallergenic Eye Cream
Best Drugstore Eye Cream
Best Body Product Overall
Best Body Wash
Best Bar Soap
Best Body Lotion
Best Body Cream
Best Body Exfoliator
Best Hand Sanitizer
Best Hand Cream
Best Bubble Bath
Best Deodorant
Best Antiperspirant
Best Foot Cream
Best Exfoliator Overall
Best Exfoliator for Oily Skin
Best Exfoliator for Dry Skin
Best Exfoliator for Mature Skin
Best Exfoliator for Acne-Prone Skin
Best Exfoliator for Sensitive Skin
Best Exfoliator for Combination Skin
Best Drugstore Exfoliator
Best Environmentally-Friendly Packaging
Best Natural Formula
Best New Skin Brand
Best New Skin Product
Best New Skin Innovation
Best New Small Business
Haircare
Best Styling Product Overall
Best Styling Product for Curly Hair
Aveda Be Curly Advanced Coil Definer Gel
Best Styling Product for Coily Hair
Best Shine Enhancer
Best Heat Protectant
Best Blow-Dry Product
Best Texturizing Spray
Best Volumizing Product
Best Hair Oil
Best Hair Gel
Best Curl Cream
Best Pomade
Best Hairspray
Best Edge Control Product
Best Dry Shampoo
Best Hair Tool Overall
Best Hair Accessory Overall
Best Round Hairbrush
Best Boar Bristle Hairbrush
Best Detangling Brush
Best Hairdryer
Best Thermal Brush
Best Curling Iron
Best Hair Straightener
Best Hair Extensions
Best Heatless Curler
Best Hair Removal Tool
Best Scalp Massager
Best Overall Sustainable Hair Care Product
Best Environmentally-Friendly Packaging
Best Refillable Packaging
Best Natural Shampoo
Best Natural Conditioner
Best Vegan Shampoo
Best Vegan Conditioner
Best Natural Brush
Best Vegan Hair Styling Product
Best Hair Color Product Overall
Best At-Home Hair Dye
Best At-Home Hair Gloss
Best Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair:
Best Shampoo for Gray Hair
Best Conditioner for Gray Hair:
Best Shampoo Overall
Best Shampoo for Wavy Hair
Best Shampoo for Curly Hair:
Best Shampoo for Coily Hair
Best Shampoo for Straight Hair
Best Shampoo for Damaged Hair
Best Shine-Boosting Shampoo
Best Clarifying Shampoo
Best Shampoo for Oily Hair
Best Shampoo for Dry Hair
Best Shampoo for Fine Hair
Best Volumizing Shampoo
Best Shampoo for Kids
Best Shampoo Bar
Best Conditioner Overall
Best Conditioner for Wavy Hair
Best Conditioner for Curly Hair
Best Conditioner for Coily Hair
Best Conditioner for Straight Hair
Best Conditioner for Damaged Hair
Best Shine-Boosting Conditioner
Best Conditioner for Oily Hair
Best Conditioner for Dry Hair
Best Conditioner for Fine Hair
Best Volumizing Conditioner
Best Leave-In Conditioner
Best Hair Mask
Best Hair Strengthening Treatment
Best Anti Dandruff Product
Best Anti-Frizz Treatment
Best Treatment for Thinning Hair
Best Scalp Treatment
Best Hair Mask for Repair
Best Hair Mask for Dry Hair
Best Split-End Repair
Best New to Market Hair Product Overall:
Best New Hair Innovation
Best New Black-Owned Hair Brand
Best New Hair Mask
Best New Hair Brand
Best New Conditioner
Best New Scalp Treatment
Best New Hair Oil
Best New Leave-In Conditioner
Best New Hair Loss Product
Best New Hair Tool
***
Dr. Naana Boakye M.D., MPH, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Bergen Dermatology in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. A graduate of Temple University and George Washington University, she studied epidemiology and takes a holistic approach when treating her patients.
Lauren Penzi, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She earned her medical degree from New York Medical College, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. Dr. Penzi completed her dermatology residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital and a hair loss fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Dermatology. Her research has been published in top dermatology journals, and she remains committed to advancing dermatologic education and research. Dr. Penzi prioritizes preventative care for skin health and offers personalized treatments for conditions such as acne, rosacea, skin cancer, eczema, psoriasis, and hair loss. She provides a comprehensive range of cosmetic procedures, including neurotoxins, fillers, platelet-rich plasma injections, and advanced laser treatments. Born and raised on Long Island, Dr. Penzi is dedicated to serving her community and welcomes patients at the MDCS Plainview, Commack, and Hampton Bays locations.
Dr. Jennifer Levine is an award-winning, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, world-renowned beauty expert and industry innovator. When Dr. Levine started her surgical residency at Lenox Hill in 1995, she was the only female among 20 men, and prior to her career as a cosmetic surgeon, she was a professional calligrapher—proving that not all doctors have bad handwriting. From an early age, Dr. Levine has had a profound appreciation for beauty, precision and mathematics, solidifying her future career in aesthetic medicine. In addition to running her Manhattan private practice, an in-house operating room, and a Body Sculpting Suite. Dr. Levine is an attending plastic surgeon at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital and Lenox Hill Hospital. Dr. Levine’s passion for innovation earned her recognition from the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, who named her Vice Chairman of the Board for Emerging Trends in Technology in the Cosmetic Industry and Co-Chair at the 2021 Masters of Facial Plastic Surgery. Earlier this year, Dr. Levine was invited to join an esteemed cohort of fellow female physicians as part of Merz Aesthetic’s BeHer empowerment collective.
A board-certified and fellowship-trained dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, Dr. Margarita Lolis focuses on cosmetic and medical dermatology as well as surgically removing skin cancers with Mohs Micrographic Surgery. Dr. Margarita Lolis is known for her approachable nature and dedication to meeting patients’ satisfaction. As a cosmetic dermatologist, she believes that non-invasive procedures coupled with early intervention can restore and maintain a youthful appearance. Her interests particularly lie in scar removal and body contouring.
Dr. Margarita Lolis received her undergraduate degree from Yale University and her medical degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine. She received her dermatology training at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, where she served as chief resident, and completed a laser, cosmetic and Mohs surgery fellowship at Skin and Lasers Surgery Specialists, under the mentorship of Dr. David Goldberg. She is a member of American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and was elected to the prestigious Sigma Xi scientific research society.
Dr. Nkem Ugonabo, M.D., M.P.H. is a board-certified dermatologist with advanced training in cosmetic dermatology and lasers. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Stanford University, M.D. degree at the University of Michigan, and M.P.H from Harvard School of Public Health. She also completed her Dermatology training at NYU Medical Center and was appointed Chief Resident in her final year.
Dr. Ugonabo currently practices both medical and cosmetic dermatology at Unionderm and has extensive experience using lasers, injectables like botox and fillers, fat loss treatments, skin tightening, chemical peels, sunscreens and other forms of photo-protection, acne, and hyperpigmentation. She also works as an Assistant Professor at Albert Einstein School of Medicine where she enjoys teaching residents.
Robyn Gmyrek, M.D. is a Board Certified dermatologist that has received national recognition for her contributions to cosmetic dermatology, including Castle and Connolly America’s Top Doctors, New York Magazine’s 2013-2020 Best Doctors, and inclusion in the 2013-2020 lists of Super Doctors. Before joining UnionDerm Dr. Gmyrek was on the faculty of Columbia University Medical Center where she was Division Chief of Cosmetic Dermatology and founded Columbia University’s Cosmetic Skin and Laser Center. At Columbia, Dr. Gmyrek also was the Director of the Resident Cosmetic Clinic and was in charge of the Fourth Year Medical Student Electives in Dermatology. Dr. Gmyrek received her Bachelor’s degree from New York University. She went on to complete her medical school education at Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons. After graduation, she finished an internal medicine internship at Cornell University—New York Hospital. Dr Gmyrek then returned to Columbia’s College of Physicians and Surgeons where she completed her dermatology residency training, served as Chief Resident in Dermatology, and in 2000 joined the full time faculty of the Department of Dermatology.
Kimberly Kimble, more commonly called Kim Kimble is a celebrity American hair stylist originally from Chicago, Illinois. She is most recognized for her starring role work on WE tv's L.A. Hair.
Kim has been the go-to hair stylist for some of the world's biggest celebrities. As a Celebrity hairstylist, entrepreneur, and single mother, Kim believes that healthy hair and style should coexist. After working over thirty years in her own salon, she used her knowledge to make high-end hair care products, her Signature line Collection continues to grow, along with being affordable to consumers.
With much success, Kim’s first Hollywood gig was the film, B.A.P.S., and ever since then, it’s become a domino effect of great success. She is the go-to hairstylist for some of your favorite A-list stars such as Beyoncé, Zendaya, Mary J. Blige, Kerry Washington, Shakira, Mary, and more. Kimble has a plethora of iconic looks that have been recreated and have gone viral by her supporters online.
Bridgette Hill is a highly sought-after certified trichologist and inventive colorist. For over 25 years, shehas been an integral force in the beauty industry, evolving from a top editorial stylist and colorist to hertrue calling as a bespoke trichologist and thought leader in hair and scalp health. Affectionately known as "The Scalp Therapist" Bridgette Hill is a practicing trichologist and the founder of Root Cause Scalp Analysis, a digital platform that allows her to offer personalized, virtual scalp analysis consultations, treatments, and guidance to build a comprehensive understanding of all underlying factors and disruptors that may cause scalp and hair concerns. Her customized solutions marry the latest combination of topical products, ingestibles, and technology to improve and guarantee the healthiestscalp and hair. She treats all facets of scalp health resulting from genetics, illness, diet and nutrition, stress, and hormonal fluctuations to medications—antibiotics, anti-clotting drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and hormone replacement therapies – all of which can contribute to hair loss and scalp abnormalities including receding hairlines and scabs on the scalp. Hill was ayurvedic trained at the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis, MN, and certified as a trichologist with the renowned David Kingsley, founder of the World Trichology Society, in New York in 2016. She developed her colorist career in top New York hair salons, such as Garren, Oscar Blandi, and Paul Labrecque, and served as the creative director for The Four Seasons in Palm Beach. As a result, she has a keen understanding of beauty services that cater to the elite global consumer. Hill's authentic voice, unmatched knowledge and vibrant personality are adored by her clients and the media alike.
Kevin Kelly is a celebrity hair stylist specializing in hair color and extension, is the owner of Kevin Kelly Salon and owner of hair extensions line Kevin Kelly Luxe. He has worked on some of today’s hottest celebrities including but not limited to Karen Wazen Bakhazi, Brittany Cartwright Cauchi and more.
Jennifer Korab is a professional hairstylist who specializes in all coloring techniques, and also holds many certifications in hair cutting, hand tied extensions, and hair design. Throughout her career, she’s worked various NYFW shows, editorial shoots, as well multiple celebrity photo shoots.
Dimitris Giannetos LA Based Celebrity Hairstylist, has worked behind the scenes at fashion shows around the world including Paris, Milan and New York. Dimitris left Greece in 2008 and moved to LA to begin working with celebrities full time. His talents have merged fashion hair with celebrity clients, creating iconic red carpets and editorial looks that have everyone talking. Giannetos has styled many notable celebrities including Gigi Hadid, Ciara, Megan Fox, Machine Gun Kelly, Kourtney Kardashian, Cindy Crawford, Joey King, Alessandra Ambrossio, Amal Clooney, Rosalia, and many more.
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Samantha Holender is the Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she reports on the best new launches, dives into the science behind skincare, and shares the breakdown on the latest and greatest trends in the beauty space. She's studied up on every ingredient you'll find on INCI list and is constantly in search of the world's glowiest makeup products. She's constantly tracking the biggest nail and hair trends to pop up in the beauty space, going backstage during fashion weeks, tracking celebrity looks, and constantly talking to celebrity hair stylists, nail artists, and makeup artists. Prior to joining the team, she worked as Us Weekly’s Beauty and Style Editor, where she stayed on the pulse of pop culture and broke down celebrity beauty routines, hair transformations, and red carpet looks. Her words have also appeared on Popsugar, Makeup.com, Skincare.com, Delish.com, and Philadelphia Wedding. Samantha also serves as a board member for the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME). She first joined the organization in 2018, when she worked as an editorial intern at Food Network Magazine and Pioneer Woman Magazine. Samantha has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from The George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs. While at GWU, she was a founding member of the school’s HerCampus chapter and served as its President for four years. When she’s not deep in the beauty closet or swatching eyeshadows, you can find her obsessing over Real Housewives and all things Bravo. Keep up with her on Instagram @samholender.
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