Some links are affiliate links. We earn a tiny commission if you buy (at no cost to you).
Quick note: Some links are affiliate links. We earn a tiny commission if you buy (at no cost to you). Keeps the lights on!
TL;DR: Amika Soulfood for moisture; K18 for repair; Fino vs. Tsubaki porosity-dependent; Olaplex is polarizing
TL;DR: makes hair silky and soft; great for high porosity; can weigh hair down; mixed results
TL;DR: makes hair silky and soft; great for high porosity; can weigh hair down; mixed results
TL;DR: very moisturizing; great for thick/curly hair; smells good; doesn't weigh hair down
TL;DR: very moisturizing; great for thick/curly hair; smells good; doesn't weigh hair down
TL;DR: truly repairs damage; very expensive; confusing instructions; can be drying
TL;DR: truly repairs damage; very expensive; confusing instructions; can be drying
TL;DR: great for low porosity; very softening; smells amazing; can cause bacne
TL;DR: great for low porosity; very softening; smells amazing; can cause bacne
TL;DR: good for moisture; saves damaged hair; mixed results; some find it ineffective
TL;DR: good for moisture; saves damaged hair; mixed results; some find it ineffective
TL;DR: makes hair silky smooth; affordable; good protein treatment; contains pig collagen
TL;DR: makes hair silky smooth; affordable; good protein treatment; contains pig collagen
TL;DR: great for damaged hair; good repair; less moisturizing than Soulfood
TL;DR: great for damaged hair; good repair; less moisturizing than Soulfood
TL;DR: extremely hydrating; great for dry hair; smells wonderful; very expensive
TL;DR: extremely hydrating; great for dry hair; smells wonderful; very expensive
TL;DR: very hydrating; lightweight; mixed reviews; some find it ineffective
TL;DR: very hydrating; lightweight; mixed reviews; some find it ineffective
Calming balms like Cicaplast & Cicalfate are top picks but can be heavy; Azelaic Acid is key for redness & bumps but often irritates initially; many swear by simple routines with Vanicream or Aveeno Oat; Ivermectin is a game-changer for pustules; daily mineral SPF is essential
Derm-favorites CeraVe, Vanicream & LRP are reliable staples; Tatcha and Farmacy Honey Halo are pricey HGs; focus is on barrier repair & hydration; YMMV as breakouts are a common complaint
often called a scam, many just use face moisturizer ; but dedicated creams offer targeted actives like retinol for lines & caffeine for puffiness; Shiseido & Skinceuticals are pricey holy grails; K-beauty offers value, but Vaseline is the ultimate cheap hack if you don't get milia.
Asian sunscreens dominate for elegant feel; Euro brands like LRP trusted for max protection; EltaMD is the derm-fave; Supergoop Unseen (or the TJ's dupe) for a primer-like texture
Oribe & Kerastase often worth the splurge but can be overhyped; Redken All Soft is a reliable favorite for softness; drugstore punches above its weight (L'Oréal Elvive, Dove Bond Repair); Olaplex is polarizing and your hair type is what really matters
Simple occlusives like Aquaphor, Vaseline, and Lanolin are often holy grails, especially when layered over hydrators; pricier 'cult' balms like Laneige are highly polarizing; Jack Black is a top pick for SPF that doesn't taste bad
