Skincare is everywhere right now—but not all skincare is created equal. While some people with perfect skin swear by soap, water and whatever scrub happens to be in their shower, others with seriously enviable complexions will convincingly tell you it's all thanks to an eye-wateringly expensive serum. Our point is, finding the right skincare is a highly personal experience. Something that not only needs to be dictated by your individual skin concerns but also by your personal ethos and your budget.
But where do you actually start? Having tried countless products throughout our careers, we feel confident that we’ve developed a relatively clear picture of what brands consistently come out on top. We’re talking skincare that stands up to the hype with tried and tested, time-honoured favourites that make our skin (and by default, ourselves) feel our very best.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best of the best skincare brands in NZ, from affordable drugstore offerings to personalised prescriptive skincare, pharmacy faves to luxe solutions for problem skin so that you can make more informed and conscious decisions when it next comes time to shop.
Emma Lewisham
Setting out to redefine beauty industry norms, Kiwi beauty brand Emma Lewisham launched in 2019 and has since become a top-shelf staple in many beauty routines—and for good reason. Apart from creating results-driven and scientifically-backed products that tackle a variety of common skincare concerns, the brand is also highly environmentally conscious (being the world's first carbon-positive beauty brand).
The latest game-changing product to join the Emma Lewisham beauty roster is the Supernatural Vitale Face Elixir, launched globally after four years of careful development. This muscle relaxant plumps and firms the skin while relaxing wrinkles and has some impressive studies to stand by its claims. Check it out here.
Emma Lewisham offers everything from refillable packaging to traceable ingredients and an incredible circular recycling program for its packaging.
Check it out if you want luxurious, results-driven products that are great for your skin and easy on the planet.
Hero products: Supernatural Blemish Serum, Skin Reset Serum, Supernatural 72-Hour Crème, Supernatural Vitamin A Face Oil
Aesop
Loved around the world for its beautiful architecturally designed stores, Aesop's skincare more than lives up to its aesthetic inclination. The brand offers rich, luxurious formulas that brighten your complexion and smarten up your bathroom while they're at it.
Designed for city dwellers, the Parsley Seed range is a standout with anti-oxidant-rich botanicals while the B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel delivers meaningful doses of skin-supportive Vitamins B and C.
Check it out if your skincare routine is more of a sacred ritual than a results-driven process—and you like your products to look slick in the bathroom too.
Hero products: B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel, Parsley Seed Facial Cleansing Oil, Lucent Facial Concentrate
Shiseido
A Japanese Beauty leader for over 150 years, Shiseido is known and loved for its revolutionary beauty products in skincare, suncare and makeup. If you're new to the brand we suggest tapping into Shiseido's holy trinity of high-performing skincare products.
Start with the potent essence lotion to achieve smoothness and refreshed radiance, then use the award-winning Ultimune serum to build a powerful skin barrier and finally, use the new Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Advanced Cream to moisturise and improve your skin with multiple age-defying effects targeting loose skin, wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, lack of brightness and uneven skin tone.
Check it out if you're looking for products to work harmoniously together.
Hero products: Eudermine Activating Essence, Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate, Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Advanced Cream
Avène
French-pharmacy skincare brand Avène works to deliver optimal results without triggering irritation thanks to the inclusion of its mineral-rich thermal spring water.
This focus makes it a cult offering for treating and soothing sensitive and irritation-prone skin types and conditions. Always at the forefront of innovation, Avène's coveted new Hyaluron Activ B3 anti-ageing range comprising a concentrated plumping Serum, renewal firming cream and multi-intensive night cream has just landed in NZ.
Check it out if you have sensitive, irritation-prone skin or prefer gentle, calming, and soothing skincare products.
Hero products: Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum, Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream, Xeracalm Cleansing Oil, Thermal Spring Water
SkinCeuticals
SkinCeuticals has been a leader in skin care for over two decades thanks to its science-backed approach. Widely recommended by dermatologists, celebrities and beauty editors alike, the extensive skincare line has a serum or product designed to treat nearly every problem or skin concern.
Check it out if you like your skincare products effective, potent and backed by science—with the price tag to match.
Hero products: Daily Moisture, Triple Lipid Restore, Blemish + Age Defence Treatment
Essano
Originally founded by two Kiwis as a hair product brand, Essano has now become a household name, becoming the top natural skincare brand in New Zealand. Known for their quality, natural and accessible beauty products, they have the largest percentage of certified organic products of any leading New Zealand skincare brand, use sustainably sourced rosehip oil from Patagonia and are cruelty-free to boot.
Essano products also have some of the strongest free-from product promises in the world, meaning that even the most sensitive skin can use their range as it doesn't contain unsafe chemicals, irritants and contaminants.
Check it out if you want natural products that are kind to your skin, your wallet and furry friends.
Hero products: Hydrating Rosehip Mist Toner, Advanced Brightening Vitamin C Concentrated Serum, Superfoods Kale Regenerating Night Creme
La Roche Posay
Shopping for skincare at the chemist is easy to overlook, but if you're familiar with all things French pharmacy, you know La Roche Posay shouldn't be slept on. Or actually, maybe that's exactly what you should do.
The Cicaplast Baum B5 Face And Body Cream has recently been lauded on #BeautyTok as the French girl's slugging product of choice, even being praised for healing severe acne. Aside from this, the widely available cult-French skincare brand delivers affordable yet high-end style formulas designed to target specific skincare concerns and a broad range of products suitable for nearly all skins.
Check it out if you have sensitive, red or breakout-prone skin or prefer a gentle and budget-conscious approach to skincare.
Hero products: Rosaliac AR Intense Anti-Redness Moisturiser, Effaclar Duo (+) Acne Moisturiser, Toleriane Sensitive Prebiotic Moisturiser
Dermal Therapy
Recommended by dermatologists, Aussie affordable brand Dermal Therapy has products to address all your skincare concerns from dryness and sensitivity to eczema and psoriasis and delivering proven results at an accessible price point.
Dermal Therapy's multi-award-winning lip care range has just released its viral overnight lip repair in New Zealand and having already sold out twice in Australia, we suggest you run, don't walk to nab the hottest new scientifically-proven lip product with visible results after just eight hours.
Check it out if you suffer from dry skin.
Hero products: Lip Balm | Heel Balm | Scalp Relief Shampoo & Conditioner
Kiehl's
Starting as an apothecary in 1851, Kiehl's is about as experienced as a skincare brand can get. With various products ranging from cult-skincare staples to reliable best-sellers and no-fuss favourites, this quality and heritage brand truly has a product to suit everyone—and every skin type.
Check it out if you want to add some tried and tested favourites from a heritage brand to your routine.
Hero products: Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane, Midnight Recovery Concentrate, Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
The Ordinary
The Ordinary is all about no-fuss, affordable skincare with pared-back packaging and marketing. With products listed by ingredients and concentrations, you might need to do a bit of research before jumping into the brand.
Still, once you know what you're looking for, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more affordable way to update your beauty routine.
Check it out if you want to add specific ingredients to your routine that won't cost you more than a cup of coffee (or two).
Hero products: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Squalane Cleanser, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Tailor Skincare
For a hero NZ brand that delivers good quality skincare without breaking the bank (or breaking you out), check out Tailor Skincare. Delivering cruelty-free, non-toxic and vegan products that actually work for over 10 years, you'll find tailor-made solutions for you, whatever your skin type.
Check it out if you're looking for natural skincare that works.
Hero products: Oil Cleanse, Gold Dust, Awaken Eye Cream
RAAIE Skincare
Homegrown RAAIE Skincare uses rare oceanic and alpine botanical ingredients to create a line of gorgeous science-backed skincare. With sustainability at its core, you can return your used bottles to score 20% off your next order. Lauded by Vogue, its pretty bottles will also level up your bathroom vanity.
Check it out if you're looking for botanical skincare that's kind on the planet.
Hero products: Sun Milk Drops Tinted SPF50 | AM/PM Set | Morning Dew Vitamin C Serum
Augustinus Bader
Developed by a stem-cell scientist who famously spent the majority of his career working alongside burn victims, Augustinus Bader's blue bottles have been seen in endless celebrity bathrooms. The brand was initially launched with a single moisturiser containing a combo of 40 ingredients and the brand's patented TFC-8 complex designed to support the skin's natural renewal processes.
Check it out if you want seriously luxurious and nourishing celebrity-approved products with a price tag to match.
Hero products: The Cream, The Light Cream, The Rich Cream
esmi Skin Minerals
This Australian brand is all about skin health—specifically your skin barrier and its delicate ecosystem. Each product in the expansive range has been designed to treat and support your skin barrier, honing in on issues like redness, dehydration, and dryness.
The esmi Skin Minerals philosophy is all about no harsh chemicals or filler ingredients—just the good stuff your skin actually needs. The brand offers free skin consultations to ensure you pick the right products based on your skin and your lifestyle—and so that you're able to customise your esmi routine from the get-go too.
Check it out if you want a customised skincare routine built to suit your skin concerns and your lifestyle.
Hero products: The bright blue esmi Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum has thousands of 5-star reviews.
Tatcha
Tatcha was founded by a Taiwanese American who spent months healing her skin health through Japanese rituals and ingredients, leading her to create her own line of gentle, effective and skin-loving products. The range was developed alongside guidance from a team of scientists, cultural advisors and geisha, ensuring the perfect balance of proven clinical ingredients and Japanese botanicals.
Check it out if you love the dewy skin look—and you're looking for a luxurious and relaxing skincare routine that takes its cues from Japanese traditions and ingredients.
Hero products: The Dewy Skin Cream, The Rice Wash, The Water Cream
Grown Alchemist
Grown Alchemist is an Australian skin, body and haircare brand that has earned its stripes over the years in the world of natural beauty. Founded by brothers Keston and Jeremy Muijs, the sleek line's philosophy is science meets plant-based ingredients, packaged up in ultra-cool unisex tubes and bottles.
While their natural shampoo and conditioner duo is a cult favourite, their diverse and effective skincare has also made waves, earning a permanent residency on many beauty gurus' top shelves.
Check it out if you want simple, natural skincare that works.
Hero products: Natural Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF30, Regenerating Night Cream, Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser
iS CLINICAL
With a brand ethos centred around the four steps of cleansing, treating, hydrating and protecting, the recently buzzy skincare brand iS Clinical was founded in 2002 by two biochemists. The range comprises high-grade formulations that deliver visible skin improvements, with the unique selling point of being a privately-owned brand whose products are all conceptualised and produced in-house.
Check it out if you have specific skincare concerns such as persistent congestion, breakouts or hyperpigmentation and want an uncomplicated (albeit expensive) solution.
Hero products: Cleansing Complex, Active Serum, Hydra-Cool Serum
Antipodes
New Zealand brand Antipodes combines science with the nutrient-rich bioactive ingredients Aotearoa has to offer. Each product is rigorously tested and developed, and it can take up to 18 months to perfect the formulation. Not only that, this beauty brand conducts in-vitro testing, meaning that its products have clinically proven results on human skin cells.
Check it out if you want natural, anti-ageing skincare that is backed by science.
Hero products: Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum With Plant Hyaluronic Acid, Baptise H20 Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel, Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream
Trilogy
Trilogy is a New Zealand skincare brand known for its natural yet effective products. They were the first New Zealand skincare brand to achieve carbon-neutral certification, and use certified natural and organic ingredients, meaning their products renew your skin and the planet at the same time.
Check it out if you're after clean, simple skincare that will leave your skin glowing.
Hero products: Rosehip Oil Antioxidant +, Rosapene Bakuchiol Oil, Vitamin C Ceramide Night Cream
Tronque
Are you guilty of neck-down neglect? New Zealand brand Tronque is here to make sure the rest of your body gets as much TLC as your face does.
Formulated with active, naturally derived ingredients without the fillers, you'll be left with your limbs looking smooth, hydrated and glowing while skipping out on harmful endocrine disruptors and toxins.
Check it out if you're looking to spice up your body care routine.
Hero products: Vitamin C Body Oil, Exfoliating Refining Serum Body, Scar Concentrate Serum
JSHealth
If you're familiar with Australian wellness brand JSHealth and its cult vitamin range, you've undoubtedly heard about their latest launch of vitamin-infused skincare products.
The simple four-step system includes a cleanser, serum, face oil and moisturiser, all designed to support your most healthy-feeling and looking skin.
Check it out if you're interested in a pared-back, simple and botanical-driven skincare routine.
Hero products: Balancing Vitamin Cleanser, Luminous Vitamin Oil, Pro-Collagen Vitamin Serum
Dr Barbara Sturm
Originally famed for developing the "vampire facial", orthopaedic surgeon turned skin specialist Dr Barbara Sturm's products took the skincare world by storm and earned her a long list of celebrity clientele.
With a simple yet luxurious (translation: expensive) approach to skincare, the line focuses on addressing everything from signs of ageing to common skin concerns with an easy-to-follow and effective routine.
Check it out if you want to invest in simple, straightforward and effective skincare with a luxurious feel.
Hero products: Face Cream, Night Serum, Enzyme Cleanser
Cosmedix
Created in 1998 by a team of aestheticians, chemists and doctors, Cosmedix products were designed to effectively treat common skin concerns without the risk of irritation that can often occur when using actives.
The brand achieves this through using "chirally-correct" ingredients, which according to the brand, means their formulas are filtered to only contain molecules that positively interact with the skin.
In short (and less scientifically explicit terms), this equals more concentrated formulas that cause less skin irritation.
Check it out if you want to add cosmeceutical-grade products to your routine to target specific skin care concerns.
Hero products: Purity Solution Nourishing Deep Cleansing Oil, Serum 16 Rapid Renewal Serum, Skin Thirst Moisturising Hyaluronic Acid Cream
Cetaphil
Tried and tested, Cetaphil is a dermatologist-recommended and universally recognised bathroom staple. Its range of gentle and non-comedogenic products is specifically formulated to be suitable for all skin types—even those with sensitive or inflamed skin.
So it's the perfect entry point if you're starting out with a skincare regime or for those needing to go back to basics after going overboard on actives (see: retinol).
Check it out if you want wallet-friendly products that won't upset sensitive or inflamed skin or need something to pair with your more active products.
Hero products: Gentle Skin Cleanser, Moisturising Lotion, Oily Skin Cleanser
Dr Dennis Gross
Founded by dermatologist Dr Dennis Gross, this long-standing brand has produced many a cult favourite product. The brand's clinical-inspired and innovative range was designed to target and treat everything from stressed skin to signs of ageing.
Through the brand's extensive research, they have also eliminated more than 1650 ingredients from the line that they believe are potentially harmful, toxic or irritating to the skin.
Check it out if you want clinical-inspired formulas and products that will last the test of time.
Hero products: Vitamin C Lactic 15% Vitamin C Firm & Bright Serum, All-Physical Dark Spot Sun Defense Sunscreen SPF 50, Hyaluronic Marine Meltaway Cleanser
Estée Lauder
Founded way back in 1946, Estée Lauder is to this day one of the most trusted skincare brands around. Despite being a big beauty conglomerate, the company is invested in quality first, as well as sustainable practices and packaging, and a positive future for beauty.
Estée Lauder's Advanced Night Repair series is one of the most popular skincare lines all around the world.
Check it out if you want to add one of the best anti-ageing products on the market to your nighttime routine.
Hero products: Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex, Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex
Overwhelmed by all your new skincare buys? Check out the order to apply them.
Image credit: Kiehl's, Tatcha, Emma Lewisham.
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