The annual 21Ninety Awards are back and better than every. The 2024 collection of winners include some of the best and brightest in beauty, hair, skincare, wellness and fashion. The skincare awards specifically highlight the best skincare products and other must-haves, celebrating innovative formulas, on-trend treatments, and accessible luxury options that are raising the bar in the beauty industry. These favorites are handpicked by the 21Ninety staff, along with pros and influencers. Winners are not only high-performing, but many also have a proven track record of catering to Black and diverse customers.
21Ninety Awards Skincare Winners
This year, the skincare category winners were chosen by a distinguished panel of judges, including Board-certified Dermatologist Dr. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, along with the 21Ninety staff. The judges were selected for their expertise and influence in the beauty industry, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the unique needs and preferences of our community. Together, they evaluated each product’s price point, effectiveness, ingredients, founding principals and overall brand reputation to ensure the selected winners truly represent the best of the best.
Hydropeptide Solar Dew SPF 30
Effectiveness, Ingredients
This lightweight sun serum from Hydropeptide offers luxurious mineral protection without leaving a white cast, which is a major concern for melanated skin. With SPF 30, it shields your skin from harmful UV rays while CellRenew-16 boosts key antioxidants to keep your skin healthy and radiant all year round. Free of gluten, sulfates, phthalates and parabens, this sunscreen is also cruelty-free.
“Luxe lightweight mineral SPF that can be used on all skin types without leaving behind a white cast,” Imahiyerobo-Ip said. “It includes skincare ingredients to help with anti-aging and hyperpigmentation that commonly affects skin of color.”
Oui the People Rose Gold Sensitive Skin Razor
Effectiveness, Black-owned/Founded, Brand Reputation
This stainless steel, single-blade safety razor from Oui the People is designed to deliver a close shave without irritation or ingrown hairs. Made in Germany with expert craftsmanship, it’s built to last and can be recycled after use, making it a sustainable choice for sensitive skin.
“Yes, it’s an $85 razor, but it’s designed for a super close shave that won’t irritate skin or cause ingrown hairs,” 21Ninety Deputy Editor, Arielle Poteau, said. “Plus, it’s made of 100% recyclable stainless steel. We call that a win-win!”
ColoreScience Tinted Sunforgettable Total Protection SPF 5
Effectiveness, Ingredients, Brand Reputation
This tinted powder sunscreen by ColoreScience is a top contender on our list of the best skincare products of 2024. It offers complete protection in a portable brush applicator. Providing SPF 50, it defends against UV rays, pollution, blue light and infrared radiation while moisturizing with hyaluronic acid. Perfect for reapplying over makeup, it’s water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
“100 percent chemical-free, mineral SPF that is convenient for on-the-go reapplication throughout the day,” Imahiyerobo-Ip said. “Its antimicrobial brush and non-comedogenic formula make it a favorite for acne-prone skin.”
Sweet July Pava Exfoliating Cleanser
Black-owned/Founded, Ingredients
Sweet July’s gentle exfoliating cleanser combines papaya and guava extracts with lychee seed powder to remove makeup and impurities without stripping the skin. Gentle enough for daily use, it refreshes and invigorates your complexion, making it a favorite for those who love a light yet effective exfoliant.
“This exfoliant cleanses skin and removes makeup effectively while still being gentle enough to use daily without stripping your skin,” Poteau, said.
Specific Beauty Replenishing Moisture Complex
Price point, Effectiveness, Ingredients, Black-owned/Founded
With ingredients, like tsubaki oil and hyaluronic acid, this moisturizer from Specific Beauty deeply nourishes dry skin and helps restore its natural barrier. Its rich, lipid-restoring formula works especially well during the colder months, making your skin feel supple and hydrated.
“Great product for excessively dry skin with lipid-restoring tsubaki oil and hyaluronic acid to help repair your skin’s barrier,” Imahiyerobo-Ip said.
Buttah Skin Vitamin C Serum
Effectiveness, Black-owned/Founded
Buttah Skin’s Vitamin C Serum offers a daily dose of radiance with antioxidants that target dark spots and uneven skin tone. The blend of Vitamin C, ferulic acid and grapeseed extract retexturizes skin, making it smoother while delivering much-needed nutrients to melanin-rich complexions.
Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
Effectiveness, Brand Reputation
Kiehl’s offers a heavy-duty, yet non-greasy hand salve perfect for repairing dry, overworked hands. With ingredients, like shea butter and avocado oil, it forms a protective barrier that locks in moisture, making it ideal for people dealing with manual labor or exposure to harsh elements.
“This Kiehl’s offering leaves your hands deeply moisturized without feeling greasy,” Poteau said. “The slightly medicinal smell is perfect for me as I try to avoid strong perfumes in hand creams.”
Skinfix Acne +2% BHA and Azelaic Acid Acne Spot Treatment
Effectiveness
With a potent mix of salicylic acid, azelaic acid and niacinamide, this acne treatment from Skinfix is one of the best skincare products of 2024 for good reason. It visibly reduces blemishes and redness without being too harsh on the skin. It helps unclog pores, regulate oil and improve the look of acne scars. It’s perfect for anyone fighting stubborn breakouts.
Shani Darden Triple Acid Signature Peel
Black-owned/founded, Ingredients, Brand Reputation
Shani Darden’s two-step at-home peel uses glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids to resurface and brighten skin with no downtime. This gentle, yet effective treatment helps minimize pores and improve texture, making it perfect for anyone looking for a quick glow-up before a big event.
“This two-step peel brightens and resurfaces skin with no downtime,” Poteau said. “It includes a Triple Acid Exfoliating Peel Solution and Kaolin Clay Neutralizing Mask.”
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