Aestheticians have magic hands. They can transform a stressful day into a blissful one in seconds, melting away the tension we so frustratingly store in our faces with a good facial. They can help get stubborn skin conditions under control with the use of topicals, light-based treatments, lasers (except in some states where it's prohibited) and a host of other modalities in their arsenal. Aestheticians address skin with the TLC it needs as our largest organ, and they take pride in knowing which products produce results (and which ones don't). Here, leading facialists across the country share their favorite skin-care products so far this year, and many of them picked the same ones!
Aestheticians' Favorite Skin-Care Products This Year
Aestheticians Name Their Favorite Skin-Care Product of 2025 So Far
iS Clinical Extra Strength Active Peel Brightening System ($120)
"These peel pads launched earlier this year, and I’ll admit, I was underwhelmed at first. I already loved the original Active Peel System from iS Clinical, so I thought, Why create another peel pad? After the very first use, I understood. These pads go the extra mile for those dealing with pigmentation issues, or for anyone craving an instant glow. This two-step system delivers results comparable to a professional facial in less than five minutes. I’ve honestly never seen a peel pad create this level of radiance." —Candace Marino, "The LA Facialist," and creator of Radiant AF Aesthetic Retreat "These peel pads are my go-to for instant radiance. Six alphahydroxy acids polish and refine while barrier-strengthening tripeptides drench skin in hydration, revealing a smooth, luminous, glassy-skin finish." —Ashley Taylor, master aesthetician and founder of Kismet Skin Co.
"This two-step at-home treatment is designed and clinically proven to visibly resurface, brighten and hydrate the skin. Operating two skin-care locations in a sun-rich climate always has me seeking advanced brightening options for my clients! I love this product as an extension of my clients’ home-care routines and their in-studio professional facial treatments." —Jena Irby, licensed aesthetician and owner of SkinFIT Aesthetics
EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($52)
"This creamy SPF has a mild green tint to reduce the appearance of redness, and is great for post-treatment or anyone with rosacea or inflammatory conditions." —Rachel Bonelli, aesthetician and founder of Skin Ritual "This sunscreen feels luxurious and light, unlike traditional physical sunscreens. It’s been a great addition to my sunscreen arsenal, and clients are loving it not only for its sun protection benefits, but for its cumulative corrective and healing benefits as well!" —Jena Irby, licensed aesthetician and owner of SkinFIT Aesthetics
skinbetter science Even Intensive Skin Tone Correcting Serum ($190)
"This is such a game changer for anyone tackling pigmentation issues. What makes it even better is that it’s fantastic for those dealing with congestion or acne too. The alphahydroxy acids help refine pores and smooth texture, so you’re not just fading discoloration; you’re improving clarity and the feel of your skin. It’s gentle but so effective, and my clients are obsessed." —Katarina Forster, master aesthetician "Topical tranexamic acid and alphahydroxy acids improve melasma and hyperpigmentation while still being gentle on the skin." —Rachel Bonelli, aesthetician and founder of Skin Ritual
ISDIN Fusion Water MAGIC SPF 40 ($38)
"I’ve trusted ISDIN’s tinted SPF in my routine for years, and Fusion Water MAGIC is a standout addition. It feels weightless on the skin, layers beautifully under makeup, and gives that hydrated, healthy-skin finish without any white cast. It’s a perfect everyday SPF that truly lives up to the name magic." —Alex McDermott, JECT licensed aesthetician
AnteAGE MD Biosome Serum ($190)
"The brand's beloved growth factor serum got an upgrade! It was already highly anti-aging, healing and anti-inflammatory with bone marrow stem cells and cytokines, but now with biosomes that are meant to mimic exosomes without all the hassle, it’s even better! Exosomes are extremely anti-aging, but very unstable to work with. However, with AnteAGE's technology, they’re able to keep all the good things and leave the bad behind!" —Reanne Kelly, master aesthetician
Forlle'd Hyalogy P Effect Refining Lotion ($100)
"This is my favorite addition to all skin-care routines, I like to call it 'water that actually hydrates the skin.' For me, it stands out because it delivers so much more than moisture; it transforms the skin’s texture, resilience and radiance, and actually locks in hydration. It uses an ultra low-molecular hyaluronic acid and nutrient-rich formula to penetrate deeply to plump, smooth and calm the skin while prepping it to fully absorb everything that follows—it's like a vehicle for delivering your serums deeper into the tissue. The result is skin that feels stronger, looks fresher and glows as if you’ve just had a professional treatment. I'm full-blown addicted to this product and look forward to applying it both morning and night after cleansing and toning my skin." —Candace Marino, "The LA Facialist," and creator of Radiant AF Aesthetic Retreat
Sofie Pavitt Face Fridge to Face Blemish Defense Mist ($38)
"I reach for this mist because it’s incredibly gentle, effective and versatile, especially when my skin needs calming support. It’s formulated with a post-biotic to help protect and rebalance blemish-prone skin, panthenol (vitamin B5) to soothe, and niacinamide (vitamin B3) to reduce redness and even tone. I love keeping it in the fridge for an extra cooling boost—perfect for refreshing and calming the skin without irritation, any time of day." —Alex McDermott, JECT licensed aesthetician
Epicutis Hydrobiome Mist ($75)
"This mist does so much more than hydrate. It supports and balances the skin’s microbiome with prebiotics and postbiotics, helping strengthen the skin barrier and calm inflammation. It’s my go-to after treatments to soothe and speed recovery, but I also love it for daily use to keep skin healthy, hydrated and glowing." —Katarina Forster, master aesthetician
ONE/SIZE On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Setting Spray SPF 28 ($39)
"I already swear by the ONE/SIZE setting spray, and now that it has SPF, it’s a no-brainer for me. It locks in makeup with a smooth, matte finish, helps control shine throughout the day, and adds an extra layer of sun protection without disrupting your look." —Alex McDermott, JECT licensed aesthetician
Adipeau Volume Cream ($75)
"This is a standout for me because it effectively addresses one of the biggest concerns in aging: volume loss. Before now, most anti-aging products focused mainly on hydration, but this formula goes further by restoring fat and creating more density in the skin to support areas prone to wrinkle formation. It nourishes the skin, improves elasticity and helps stimulate the creation of new fat cells, providing essential structural support. Rich in hydrating and skin-plumping ingredients, it lifts and smooths the complexion for a more youthful, revitalized look, making it especially beneficial for mature skin or anyone seeking to boost skin density and suppleness." —Candace Marino, "The LA Facialist," and creator of Radiant AF Aesthetic Retreat
