Cosmopolitan Philippines Beauty Awards 2024: Skincare Winners

Karlo Cadang

We may earn commission from the affiliate links on this page, but we only recommend products and services we love. We promise!

As much as we love our makeup—lippies, blushes, skin tints, and all that fun stuff—there's no denying that skincare still reigns supreme for us. After all, the first step to achieving a flawless base is by prepping your skin with the right products.

However, the prices of skincare products are no joke, which is why it's important to do your research and read reviews before spending your hard-earned money. Don't worry, this is where we, your trusted beauty BFFs, come in! *wave*

ICYMI, we recently released our master list of the winners of the Cosmopolitan Beauty Awards 2024, where we meticulously tested out over 600 (!) beauty products to help you narrow down your search for the products that are actually worthy of being in your routine. For today, we'll be discussing the winners of the skincare category. Keep on scrolling to learn more (or maybe, probably get budol-ed *wink wink*)

Cosmopolitan Philippines Beauty Awards 2024: Skincare Winners

Winner for face sunscreen: SOLA Beauty Daily Screen Sunscreen

Living in a tropical AF country means having to be pickier with the sunscreens we use—we need something that's lightweight while still being able to protect our skin from the harsh rays of the sun. Luckily, this one from SOLA Beauty has a watery cream texture that's easily absorbed by the skin and feels like you have nothing on once it dries down.

Why we love it: "I'm very picky when it comes to the texture of my sunscreen because I get very uncomfortable if it's too *heavy*, but I'm happy to report that this one just feels right!"

SOLA Beauty Daily Screen Sunscreen, P595, Shopee and Lazada

Winner for sunscreen for acne-prone skin: YOU Beauty Sunbrella Triple UV Acne Care Sunscreen

If you're dealing with acne or dark spots, we highly recommend including sunscreen in your morning regimen if you haven't already. (ICYDK, the rays of the sun can actually worsen your pimples and prolong their healing, eep!) Aside from protecting your skin from the sun, this sunscreen from YOU Beauty contains zit-busting ingredients like BHA and zinc PCA to help soothe your blemishes and control oil production.

Why we love it: "TBH, anything that doesn't break me out is a big win in my book, because my skin is so sensitive. I also like that this doesn't give me a ghostly white cast."

YOU Beauty Sunbrella Triple UV Acne Care Sunscreen, P349, Shopee, Lazada, Watsons

Winner for sunscreen stick: Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick

For the beauty girlies looking for a no-fuss sunscreen reapplication while you're out and about, grab this SPF stick from K-beauty brand Beauty of Joseon. It's formulated with soothing ingredients like mugwort and camellia, plus porous silica powder to give you a soft matte finish.

Why we love it: "Sunscreen sticks are probably one of my beauty obsessions rn—they're just so compact and make it easy to reapply. I finally get the hype with this one from BOJ. It's lightweight and I love how matte it makes my face look."

Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick, P990, Shopee, Lazada, Watsons

Winner for body sunscreen: SUNPLAY Ultra Shield SPF130 PA++++

If you're looking for something more *heavy-hitting* for your sunscreen, this one from SUNPLAY is for you. Made for application for both the face and body, this Japanese sunscreen has a watery liquid formulation that won't make your skin greasy.

Why we love it: "I'm a frequent user of motorcycle taxi-hailing apps, so I spend a LOT of time in the sun, lol. I usually apply this all over my arms and legs before going out and it doesn't feel sticky. The cute packaging is a big plus, too!"

SUNPLAY Ultra Shield SPF130 PA++++, P441, Lazada

Winner for cleansing oil: Biore Cleansing Oil

For a deeper clean at night, massage your face with an oil cleanser to help melt away makeup and product residue before going in with your usual facial wash. This one from Biore is loved by us—and basically the entire Internet—for being gentle enough to be used by all skin types while still being tough enough to melt away even the most waterproof of our mascaras.

Why we love it: "No matter how many other cleansing oils or balms I try, I always go back to Biore with its *iconic* purple bottle. It just works sooo well on my skin."

Biore Cleansing Oil, P375, Shopee, Lazada, Watsons

Winner for cleanser for sensitive skin: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Trust us when we say that this cleanser really lives up to its name. It's gentle enough to be used by everyone—even those with super sensitive skin. It's the perfect product to prep your skin with for the next steps of your a.m. and p.m. routine!

Why we love it: "I've been using this for as long as I can remember, and it's never failed me. It's completely gentle but cleans my face well and doesn't make it taut after rinsing."

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, P315, Shopee, Lazada, Watsons

Winner for cleanser for acne-prone skin: Mentholatum Acnes Double Centella Asiatica Creamy Wash

Dealing with angry, red breakouts? Centella asiatica is guaranteed to be your BFF—and this facial wash's formula is loaded with 95% of it! It also contains familiar names like salicylic acid and vitamin C which make it a great cleanser for acne-prone skin.

Why we love it: "I noticed that my face looked a lot brighter after I started using this facial wash despite me having active breakouts."

Mentholatum Acnes Double Centella Asiatica Creamy Wash, P250, Shopee, Lazada, Watsons

Winner for hydrating toner: Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner

If you're looking for a toner that can do it all, do us a favor and add this Internet-famous K-beauty toner to your cart, stat. Not only can it hydrate your skin, but it can also exfoliate and soothe it.

Why we love it: "This exfoliating toner is gentle enough to be used every day, and for that reason, it has earned a spot in my heart (and permanent skincare shelf)."

Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner, P850, Shopee, Lazada, Watsons

Winner for exfoliating toner: SNAILWHITE Glow Potion AHA·BHA Toner

For glowing, glass-like skin, add this exfoliating toner from SNAILWHITE to your routine. It contains AHA, BHA, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid that will smoothen, hydrate, and brighten your complexion.

Why we love it: "Aside from using it on my face, I found that this toner also works well on my—spoiler alert!!!—underarms. Bye, chicken skin."

SNAILWHITE Glow Potion AHA·BHA Toner, P499, Shopee, Lazada, Watsons

Winner for brightening toner: Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light)

Ngl, we will use anything that the Japanese swear by for fresh, glowy skin, and this brightening toner is one of them. Also known as a hydrating lotion, this one from Hada Labo boasts a combination of tranexamic and hyaluronic acid that work together to brighten and plump up the complexion.

Why we love it: "I've already tried Hada Labo's original hydrating lotion, but I find the brightening version to be more hiyang on my skin. It just makes me look so glowy!"

Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion (Light), P205, Shopee, Lazada, Watsons

Winner for toner pads: Zo Skin Health Oil Control Pads

Hit two birds with one stone with these toner pads from Zo. Its formula contains 2% salicylic acid to regulate sebum production and treat acne, while its cotton pads are lightly textured to gently exfoliate your skin.

Why we love it: "I'm a busy bb, so I love anything that can streamline my routine. These pads already come pre-soaked with toner, so it's a win for me. Despite making my face less oily, it didn't make my skin dry. Love!"

Zo Skin Health Oil Control Pads, P5,000, Belo Med Shop

Winner for micellar water: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water Vitamin C

The long process of massaging and emulsifying oils during oil cleansing can be too much for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin, so we suggest using micellar water instead. This one from Garnier lets you hit two birds with one stone. Its formula combines micelles (that lifts away residue like a magnet) with vitamin C (that then reduces dullness).

Why we love it: "This micellar water is perfect for the days where I just feel like I can crash on my bed any second. I love that it also gets to brighten my skin as I use it."

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water Vitamin C, P129, Shopee, Lazada, Watsons

Winner for hydrating lotion: La Mer Treatment Lotion

Right after cleansing, bring back the moisture by patting this hydrating lotion from La Mer onto your skin. With its combination of Miracle Broth™ (for soothing the skin), Revival Ferment™ (for calming down redness and irritation), and active liquid hydrogel (for hydrating and moisturizing), your skin will be prepped for the next steps of your routine.

Why we love it: "I'm normally v cautious about trying out expensive skincare products because they might not be worth the hefty price tag, but girl, this lotion was worth the price. It makes my skin look super plump and glowy!!! I would definitely purchase...once I get my 13th-month pay *wink*."

La Mer Treatment Lotion, P10,500, Rustan's

Winner for overall serum: Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum

Tired of your three-step skincare routine? Expand it by adding a serum to the lineup. This one from Innisfree makes for a great starter serum. Its two superstar ingredients—green tea and hyaluronic acid—work together to grant you a plump complexion with visibly less redness.

Why we love it: "It leaves my skin looking radiant and plump! The green tea scent is so comforting, too."

Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum, P1,690, Shopee and Lazada

Winner for brightening serum: Bioten Skin Glow Whitening Face Serum

If your skincare goal for this year is a brighter, more even skin tone, then it's time to add this Bioten serum to your cart ASAP. It's loaded with holy grail brightening ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid that help smoothen out and illuminate your complexion.

Why we love it: "It's a pretty good serum to use if you're looking for one with a lot of brightening ingredients. I'd like to think it helped a lot with my dark spots!"

Bioten Skin Glow Whitening Face Serum, P859, Shopee

Winner for anti-aging serum for beginners: Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum

Combat fine lines and other signs of aging with this Clinique serum. Designed by scientists and dermatologists, it contains potent ingredients like retinoid and hyaluronic acid that target lines and wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.

Why we love it: "Left my skin soft and supple—parang baby! I'd like to think it also helped a lot with minimizing the appearance of the minor crow's feet I have."

Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum, P4,400, Lazada

Winner for anti-aging serum: Pond's Age Miracle Ultimate Youth Day Serum

This anti-aging serum from Pond's contains HEXYL-RETINOL™ (a combination of hexylresorcinol, niacinamide, and retinol-C), a potent anti-aging ingredient that can help boost collagen production, plump up the skin, and reduce hyperpigmentation.

Why we love it: "Can never go wrong with a classic! I will always go back to Pond's for my anti-aging needs."

Pond's Age Miracle Ultimate Youth Day Serum, P1,359, Shopee, Lazada, Watsons

Winner for brightening moisturizer: Hada Labo Premium Whitening Water Cream

If you're dealing with the aftermath (read: dark spots) left behind by your pesky breakouts, try this moisturizer from Hada Labo. It has a triple combination of brightening ingredients—niacinamide, alpha arbutin, and vitamin C—that will gently even out your skin tone with continued use.

Why we love it: "I like pairing this with its matching hydrating lotion and their effect on my skin is just...*chef's kiss*. The cream doesn't have the lightest texture, but it does sink into my skin immediately."

Hada Labo Premium Whitening Water Cream, P890, Shopee, Lazada, Watsons

Winner for moisturizer for acne-prone skin: Mentholatum Acnes Oil Control Moisturizer

If you need a no-B.S. moisturizer for your acne-prone skin, this product might be for you. It's loaded with ingredients like apple extract and salicylic acid (for gently exfoliating the skin), cica extract (for soothing redness), and aloe vera (for moisturizing and hydrating the skin).

Why we love it: "I like how it calmed my skin down after my skin *legit* looked like a tomato after I was experimenting with different products, lol. Would definitely repurchase!"

Mentholatum Acnes Oil Control Moisturizer, P325, Shopee, Lazada, Watsons

Winner for gel moisturizer: Sunnies Face Dream Cream Moisturizer

Just a quick reminder: Yes, oily complexions still need moisturizer—you just have to be picky about the formula. We recommend going for one with a gel texture, like this one from Sunnies Face. It contains skin-good ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, and antioxidants to lock in moisture and strengthen your skin barrier.

Why we love it: "Looooove the texture and finish of this on my skin! It doesn't feel like anything, which is good. It also acts as a great primer for my makeup."

Sunnies Face Dream Cream Moisturizer, P895, Shopee and Lazada

Winner for luxury night cream: Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Night Power Bounce Creme

This luxurious night cream is formulated with a blend of a potent peptide, hydrators, and antioxidants that will repair, firm up, and restore your skin as you sleep. Though it's more of a thicker formula—it is a cream, after all—it absorbs quickly and doesn't leave you feeling greasy.

Why we love it: "There's a big difference in how my skin would look on nights when I'd use this and when I wouldn't. It makes my skin look glowy and extra firm—it's worth the price tag for me."

Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Night Power Bounce Creme, P7,900, Lazada

Winner for retinol night cream: Olay Retinol24 Max Night Moisturizer

Here's a moisturizer that works just as hard as you do—this one from Olay contains retinol and hydrating ingredients that work their magic as you snooze. Its lightweight, non-sticky texture also ensures fast absorption onto the skin.

Why we love it: "This is my first-ever retinol product, so I was kinda nervous before trying it, but I'm glad my skin seemed to like it. It also doesn't feel heavy despite looking like a rich cream."

Olay Retinol24 Max Night Moisturizer, P2,499, Shopee, Lazada, Watsons

Winner for facial oil: Pili Ani Self-Care Night Recovery Oil

On days when you feel like your hydrating skincare routine just *isn't* cutting it, add this facial oil from Pili Ani to the rotation. Its star ingredient is—you guessed it—pili oil that delivers intense moisture to the skin overnight. You'll wake up with a dewy, plump face!

Why we love it: "I found that this works better when I use my gua sha to apply it onto my skin. It's relaxing, plus I wake up with plump-looking skin the next day."

Pili Ani Self-Care Night Recovery Oil, P3,600, Shopee and Lazada

Winner for color-correcting cream: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment

Don't be fooled by the size of this jar—its ability to neutralize redness while simultaneously soothing and calming down the skin makes it a winner in our book. This Dr. Jart+ product proves that size doesn't matter indeed! *wink*

Why we love it: "There's definitely a learning curve to this product, but once I was able to figure it out—a.k.a. you only need a little, lol—it worked well in correcting the redness from my acne marks."

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment, P1,000, Shopee and Watsons

Winner for eye patches: Bioten Hyaluronic Gold Eye Patches

The Cosmo editors are big believers in Treating Yourself™, so these eye patches from Bioten are a must in our weekly skincare routine. It has hyaluronic acid and ceramides to keep the thin skin of our undereyes looking fresh and hydrated.

Why we love it: "Using these eye patches is an easy way to add a little *extra something* to my p.m. routine. It feels soothing on my undereyes even if I don't put it in the fridge beforehand."

Bioten Hyaluronic Gold Eye Patches, P99, Shopee and Lazada

Winner for refreshing face mist: Ever Organics Ice Jeju Aloe Face Mist

Pop this in your bag for long commutes for a quick refresh! Aside from its cooling effect on the skin, it also contains aloe vera extract that can soothe your complexion.

Why we love it: "I have a tendency to look haggard while I'm commuting—don't look @ me plz—so I love having this in my bag so I can easily spritz my face. The cooling sensation is also definitely welcome, especially while I'm in hot AF public transport."

Ever Organics Ice Jeju Aloe Face Mist, P218, Shopee and Lazada

Links are updated regularly and as much as possible but note that products can run out of stock, discounts can expire, and listed prices can change without prior notice.

For more discounts and deals, check outCosmopolitan Philippines' exclusive vouchers.

***

PRODUCED BY: Cheska Santiago and Ida Aldana

ART DIRECTION BY: Pauline Moyano

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: Karlo Cadang

SET & PRODUCT STYLING BY: Paul Jatayna