Hi-Fella Insights

Best Skincare Products and Insights into Beauty Industry Trends

Nowadays, there are so many skincare products sold in the market with all the ingredients that are believed to make our faces more beautiful and glowing.

Among the various skincare brands, there are certainly some of the best skincare products that have even been approved by consumers from all over the world.

So, what are the best skincare products in the world that are not only known to be expensive but also truly effective in caring for facial skin? Let’s take a look at this article!

Best Skincare Products Across Categories

skincare products packaging
Source: Rest Less

a. Cleanser

Cleansing your face is the first step in skincare. There are two types of products: face wash and face cleanser.

Use a facial cleanser to remove makeup and remove impurities, and a facial wash for deep cleansing the pores. This is known as double cleansing. Use a cotton pad for the facial cleanser, rinse the facial wash with water.

Best Skincare Products Recommendation in the Moisturizer Category

CeraVe Cleansing Balm

Cerave Cleansing Balm for Normal to Dry Skin

Source: Ubuy Indonesia

According to Self, Almost all experts give their own recommendations for this budget-friendly skincare product from the famous drugstore brand, CeraVe. With its fragrance-free formula, it is an excellent choice and suitable for all skin types, especially for those with sensitive skin, according to Dr. Champ. 

Additionally, the product is enriched with jojoba oil and moisturizing ceramides, which are known for their ability to “repair the skin barrier,” as explained by Dr. Camp. 

This basically means that they contribute to maintaining the strength of your skin’s protective layer, allowing it to retain moisture and fend off irritation. This quality makes them a very beneficial ingredient, especially for those with dry skin.

b. Toner

Toners play a crucial role in preparing your face for serums and moisturizers by quickly absorbing into the skin and removing any remaining makeup or dirt after cleansing. 

According to Dr. Jaliman, some toner formulas contain acids to exfoliate and resurface the skin, while others focus on hydration to lock in moisture. Basically, the specific formula of a product determines the results it delivers for your skin.

To apply a facial toner, Dr. Jaliman suggests doing it after cleansing and drying your face. Wet a cotton pad and gently apply it all over the face, neck and chest. Let it dry before continuing with serum, moisturizer, or sunscreen. 

Best Skincare Products Recommendation in the Toner Category

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

the ordinary glycolic acid toner

Source: Ubuy Indonesia

If you have acne-prone skin, Dr. Lamb suggests choosing a toner with glycolic acid, such as The Ordinary. 

According to Glamour, Glycolic acid sloughs off dead skin cells, preventing them from combining with the excess oil that causes acne. As an alpha hydroxy acid, it also helps reduce sun spots, acne, and hyperpigmentation, a benefit highlighted by many reviewers. 

Based on reviews, some people report improvements in acne, blackheads, and hyperpigmentation, even extending its use to treat dark spots on other areas of the body such as underarms, knees, and elbows.

c. Serum

According to dr. Mutia Utami, an aesthetic doctor, a facial serum is an additional element in a beauty ritual, with a light texture and high concentration that absorbs quickly into the skin. 

Different from toners, serums are high in active ingredients. Usually, results from skincare are noticeable within 3 months, but serums can deliver changes faster, around 1-2 months, due to their concentrated active ingredients. 

Best Skincare Products Recommendation in the Serum Category

SKINMEDICA TNS Advanced+ Serum

SkinMedika TNS Serum

Source: Walmart

Dermatologists appreciate SkinMedica’s commitment to research, especially this best skincare product, TNS Advanced+ Serum. This serum aims to turn around fine lines and sagging skin. 

According to dr. Libby, a board-certified dermatologist, the serum is a “powerful” solution by using a blend of growth factors and peptides for skin repair, supporting collagen and elastin production. The way to use it is through a pump, the serum is mixed in the hands before application.

d. Moisturizer

A good skincare routine needs a moisturizer, regardless of your skin type. Choosing the right one can be daunting, as not all moisturizers are the same. 

Dry skin requires a product to seal in moisture, especially in winter. Even if you don’t usually have dry skin, external factors like climate changes or product use can cause occasional dryness, according to dermatologist Melanie Palm, MD.

Best Skincare Products Recommendation in the Moisturizer Category

Skintific 5X Ceramide Barrier Repair Moisture Gel

Skintific 5X Ceramide Barrier Repair Moisture Gel

Source: BliBli

If you’re looking for a moisturizer with a comfortable texture, try the best skincare products from China, 5X Ceramide Barrier Moisture Gel. This water-based gel-textured product is suitable for oily skin, but also moisturizes dry skin and contains five different ceramides in its formula, making it a best-selling and sought-after product for improving the skin barrier.

It also contains collagen to help you get elastic, firm and smooth skin. The good news is that it also contains Centella Asiatica extract which can calm acne and reduce redness.

e. Mask

When it comes to your skincare routine, using the best face masks can promote better results. Whether you prefer deep-cleansing clay formulas or hydrating overnight masks, different types can treat different skin concerns.

These potent formulations, as explained by Joshua Zeichner, MD, of Mount Sinai Hospital, deliver concentrated active ingredients to your skin. Masks are typically used occasionally to give your skin a boost when needed, offering rejuvenation during the day.

Best Skincare Products Recommendation in the Mask Category

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Mask With 10.5% Squalane

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Mask With 10.5% Squalane

Source: Kiehl’s

This luxurious overnight balm, which was awarded the Best of Beauty Award 2023, is rich in essential acids that actively repair and strengthen the skin barrier while you sleep. 

Most importantly, the gentle formula ensures it doesn’t transfer to your pillow. It is fragrance-free and noncomedogenic, preventing pore clogging and potential breakouts.

f. Sunscreen

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, sunscreen’s efficacy in reducing both short-term and long-term sun damage to the skin. 

Everyone, regardless of age, gender, or skin tone, can benefit from sunscreen to prevent skin cancer and premature aging caused by excessive UV exposure. 

Best Skincare Products Recommendation in the Sunscreen Category

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++

Source: Kao

For those seeking sunscreen with approved Japanese ingredients, the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ is both moisturizing and colorless. 

It provides the highest UVA protection grade, rubs in easily without a white cast, and has a gel/cream consistency that feels cool on the skin. 

Despite its clear and lightweight nature, it offers ample moisture and sun protection. Some testers found it slightly oily, but overall, it received positive reviews.

Skincare Market Insights

Top countries with the most revenues on skincare products

According to Prime Target, the global skincare market reached $144 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $186 billion by 2028. This market contributes 27% of beauty revenue. The top markets are the US, Japan, China, India, and South Korea, driven by population and income, especially in Japan and South Korea, which focus on skincare.

Japan and South Korea spend the most on skincare per person, with $144 and $141, followed by Iceland, Luxembourg, and Norway due to high incomes. Asia also dominates, contributing as much as 47% of global skincare revenue by 2023.

This is because Japanese and South Korean skincare cultures, J-Beauty and K-Beauty, are popular worldwide, with a focus on glowing skin and anti-aging.

Top exporting countries of skincare products in 2022

In terms of skincare exports, France tops the rankings, surpassing even strong Asian markets such as South Korea and Japan. French dermocosmetics brands like La Roche Posay and luxury groups like LVMH contribute to this global leadership. France also excels in premium skincare products.

Summary

Skincare is growing in popularity around the world, especially in Asia, which is its largest market. Japan and South Korea are big players in producing and using skincare products around the world. 

This article offers a glimpse into the best and latest skincare products in the beauty industry to help you find the right products and expand your skincare knowledge.
If you are interested in exporting or importing skincare products, you can join Hi-Fella, a global B2B marketplace. Connect with manufacturers, suppliers, and fellow enthusiasts all in one platform!

About Author

Silvia Stefani Chandra

Silvia Stefani Chandra

Leave a Reply

Other Article

The Intersection of Religion and International Business: Understanding Pope Leo's Influence
The Intersection of Religion and International Business: Understanding Pope Leo's Influence
In today’s global marketplace, business decisions are shaped by a complex web of economic, political,...
Read More
Pope Leo’s Emphasis on Social Justice: Implications for Corporate Governance and ESG Reporting Pope Leo XIII might not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking about supply chains, board structures, or ESG metrics—but perhaps he should be. In 1891, with the encyclical Rerum Novarum, Pope Leo XIII became one of the earliest modern figures to articulate a systematic philosophy of social justice grounded in dignity, fairness, and responsibility within economic life. Over a century later, his message is finding surprising resonance in boardrooms, compliance frameworks, and ESG reports. As global businesses, particularly those operating across borders in the export-import arena, face mounting scrutiny over how they treat workers, engage communities, and protect the environment, the principles championed by Pope Leo offer more than ethical guidance. They offer a blueprint for long-term, resilient corporate governance. Revisiting Rerum Novarum: The Origins of Modern Social Doctrine Issued in response to the harsh conditions of the industrial revolution, Rerum Novarum—Latin for “Of New Things”—was Pope Leo XIII’s response to capitalism’s rapid evolution. The encyclical didn’t condemn free markets outright but warned against the dehumanisation of labour and unchecked industrial power. Its key tenets included: The right to private property, balanced by the obligation to use it responsibly. The dignity of labour and the necessity of a living wage. The importance of trade unions and collective bargaining. The role of the state in protecting vulnerable populations. A critique of both unregulated capitalism and radical socialism. In effect, Leo XIII laid out a social framework that prioritised human dignity over profit maximisation. And while this doctrine was originally written for a 19th-century Europe grappling with mechanisation and urban poverty, its philosophical architecture is highly relevant to today’s conversations on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. From Papal Doctrine to ESG Standards: The Bridge ESG has become the de facto language for expressing how corporations manage risks and opportunities beyond traditional financial metrics. But at its core, ESG is about values translated into systems: how we treat people, how we steward resources, and how we design institutions to be accountable. In this context, Pope Leo’s teachings become not only compatible with ESG but foundational to it. Consider the thematic overlap: Social justice aligns with Social (S) in ESG, covering labour conditions, employee wellbeing, and equitable supply chains. Ethical use of property aligns with Governance (G), touching on shareholder responsibility, executive accountability, and ethical decision-making. Concern for the common good parallels Environmental (E) imperatives, especially the long-term view of sustainability and stewardship. This is particularly relevant for multinational export-import players who straddle jurisdictions, labour regimes, and supply chains that often include both highly regulated markets and vulnerable geographies. Corporate Governance: A New Moral Imperative Corporate governance is no longer just about fiduciary responsibility and compliance checklists. Boards are now expected to think critically about systemic risks—climate, inequality, supply chain fragility—and to embed values into business models. This is where Pope Leo’s influence becomes strategically significant. His emphasis on subsidiarity, a principle later elaborated in Catholic social teaching, holds that decisions should be made at the lowest competent level. Applied to corporate governance, this suggests empowering local suppliers, decentralising certain ESG strategies, and trusting community-rooted partners rather than imposing top-down mandates. For export-import firms, especially those operating in developing economies, this governance model encourages: Partnering with local stakeholders on environmental and social policies. Ensuring board diversity includes voices with on-the-ground operational or social insight. Establishing ethical trade committees that go beyond legal compliance into moral accountability. A good example comes from Unilever, which embedded sustainability goals directly into board oversight mechanisms, giving ESG performance equal weight to traditional financial KPIs. This approach reflects not just smart governance but the moral sensibility that Leo XIII envisioned—a business accountable not only to shareholders but to society at large. Social Justice in Supply Chains: From Ethics to Action One of Pope Leo’s most striking contributions was his insistence on a “living wage”—a concept that remains radical in many parts of the world. Today, the globalised supply chain continues to struggle with this legacy. From textile factories in Bangladesh to cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo, millions of workers form the backbone of export-import networks, yet live on precarious wages with minimal protections. ESG reporting frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) now require disclosure of workforce conditions, safety, gender pay gaps, and forced labour risk. These aren’t just regulatory pressures—they're extensions of the same ethical imperative Leo XIII articulated: the dignity of work and the rights of workers. For global firms, this means: Auditing suppliers for not only compliance but dignity—ensuring workers have safe conditions, fair pay, and voice mechanisms. Moving from reactive CSR donations to proactive value-chain transformation. Embracing long-term contracts with suppliers that reward ethical practices over lowest-cost bids. Apple, for instance, began publishing annual supply chain responsibility reports in the 2010s, and while not perfect, the move to public accountability mirrors the moral transparency that Pope Leo would consider essential in any economic structure. ESG Reporting: The Shift From Optics to Substance Pope Leo XIII warned against philanthropy as a substitute for justice. Today, businesses are often accused of “greenwashing” or “social-washing”—presenting ESG initiatives as branding exercises rather than embedded values. This is where his legacy offers a potent corrective. True ESG alignment demands that social impact is not confined to a side office in marketing, but woven into procurement strategies, capital allocation, and product development. To do this effectively, companies must move beyond disclosure to deliberation: What ethical lens do we use when selecting markets or partners? How are decisions about automation, relocation, or workforce reduction made—and who benefits? Does our ESG data reflect lived realities, or merely pass the materiality test? The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), set to impact over 50,000 companies by 2026, moves toward this deeper integration by requiring not just narrative sustainability reports, but auditable, standardised ESG data. Firms that fail to build internal ESG data systems now will face reputational and regulatory penalties soon. Investor Sentiment and Catholic Social Ethics Interestingly, investor behaviour is also converging with Leo XIII’s ethics. Impact investing, faith-based investing, and ESG screening are no longer niche. According to the Global Sustainable Investment Review, global sustainable investment reached $35.3 trillion in 2020, accounting for more than a third of total assets under management. Faith-aligned investment groups, including Catholic institutions managing multi-billion-dollar endowments, increasingly exclude companies that violate labour rights, degrade ecosystems, or operate in high-conflict zones. Pope Leo’s social vision now directly influences capital flows. Export-import players hoping to attract institutional investors must demonstrate more than quarterly earnings—they must articulate how their operations align with justice, stewardship, and human dignity. These are not soft values; they are becoming capital differentiators. The Strategic Advantage of Moral Clarity It’s tempting to see ESG as a chore, an imposition from regulators and activist investors. But Leo XIII saw something deeper: that systems built without moral clarity eventually become unstable. Whether it’s collapsing supply chains during a pandemic, extreme weather disrupting logistics, or social unrest in response to inequality, businesses today are paying the price for ignoring the societal context in which they operate. For those in export-import—where interdependence, visibility, and velocity define competitive advantage—moral clarity is not just a compass. It’s a risk management tool. Embracing the social justice principles articulated by Pope Leo XIII is not about religious observance. It’s about recognising that every contract, every shipment, and every business decision takes place in a moral landscape. Companies that map that terrain wisely will build trust, attract capital, and sustain value in a turbulent century. Final Thought: The Long View Matters Pope Leo XIII understood that economic systems shape souls, not just markets. As ESG matures from a trend to a global standard, his insistence on dignity, justice, and moral economy becomes increasingly relevant. Businesses that embrace this long view—treating social responsibility as governance, not charity—will not only report better metrics. They’ll build more enduring, ethical, and ultimately profitable operations. Join Hi-Fella Today! As Pope Leo’s enduring emphasis on social justice gains renewed relevance in today’s ESG-driven business landscape, export-import companies must rise to the challenge of aligning profit with purpose. Hi-Fella supports this shift by connecting you with ethically aligned partners, offering transparency tools to enhance ESG reporting, and enabling responsible sourcing across global markets. Whether you're aiming to meet new governance standards or build a supply chain that reflects your values, Hi-Fella empowers you to trade responsibly while staying competitive in a world where ethics and economics go hand in hand.
Pope Leo’s Emphasis on Social Justice: Implications for Corporate Governance and ESG Reporting
Pope Leo XIII might not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking about supply chains, board...
Read More
UK Wildfires Highlight Climate Risks: What Businesses Should Consider
UK Wildfires Highlight Climate Risks: What Businesses Should Consider
Wildfires in the United Kingdom were once a statistical rarity, relegated to the heathlands and moorlands...
Philippines 2025 Elections: Implications for Foreign Investors and Trade Policies
Philippines 2025 Elections: Implications for Foreign Investors and Trade Policies
In May 2025, the Philippines will hold its midterm elections—a political event that may not grab global...