Category: HEALTHY-FOOD

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Some of us remember a time before ceramic straightening irons and how obsessed we all became with stick-straight strands once they became readily available in the late ‘90s. Having highly reflective, unbending hair was the cornerstone of Y2K beauty, and nothing was cooler than a style finished off with downright linear tendrils. And Selena Gomez just proved it’s still a cool-girl indicator with her unbelievably sleek look.

Gomez celebrated the launch of Rare Beauty's new True to Myself Natural Matte Longwear Foundation at an influencer-packed West Hollywood event on Thursday night, and what better way to frame a face made even more flawless with a new complexion product than with two distinctly sleek tendrils?

Photo: Getty Images

Hairstylist Renato Campora gave Gomez a super-slick, mid-height updo, with not a hair out of place as they were tautly pulled back into a twist with loose yet sharp ends adorably poking out. The middle-parted masterpiece's Y2K key was the two lob-length tendrils flat-ironed within an inch of their lives and shining like the top of the Chrysler Building.

Photo: Getty Images

Although Gomez's hair was a retro throwback, her warm, pink makeup, beautifully done by Hung Vanngo, served much more modern vibes—save for perhaps that super-glossy lip. And nail artist Tom Bachik stuck with the color scheme by giving her a nude-pink cat-eye manicure.

We may be using our flat irons to create curls and waves these days, but Gomez's gorgeous style may just start a wave of pin-straight looks.

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

You know an ingredient has made it once it starts getting top billing in product names—and that’s exactly what’s happened with the best niacinamide serums. Once overshadowed by heavy hitters like retinol and vitamin C, his multitasking form of vitamin B3 has become a mainstay in dermatologist offices and bathroom cabinets alike. A huge part of its appeal is that it’s one of the rare actives that plays well with just about everyone. Whether your skin leans oily, dry, sensitive, or somewhere in between, niacinamide helps balance things out—regulating excess sebum, softening the look of pores, brightening uneven tone, and calming redness in the process.

Our Top Niacinamide Serums

• Best Overall: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox, $150
• Best for Dry Skin: Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum, $42
• Best for Dark Spots: La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Corrector Serum, $45
• Best for Oily Skin: Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%, $17

It’s also refreshingly low-drama. Unlike more aggressive actives, niacinamide supports the skin barrier rather than stressing it out, which makes it easy to layer into almost any routine. And because it pairs well with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinoids, and even exfoliating acids, it’s less about replacing your routine—and more about making everything else work a little better.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What does niacinamide do?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox

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SkinCeuticals

P-Tiox

$150

Bluemercury

Why we love it: As often as we’ve talked about SkinCeuticals P-Tiox (we’ve definitely called it “Botox in a bottle” more than once), it’s easy to assume the peptides are doing all the heavy lifting, but a closer look had us surprised to see niacinamide is actually front and center. As the first ingredient after water, it plays a major role in the formula, helping to even tone, refine the look of pores, and support the skin barrier so everything else works more efficiently.

As for the supporting players, “this serum contains a mixture of polyhydroxy acid that gently exfoliates skin and hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture,” says Christina Sun, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Philadelphia. Together, she adds, “these ingredients help moisturize skin while also decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

As mentioned, the formula also includes signal peptides, which soften expression lines over time, while sea kelp extract provides antioxidant protection to help preserve collagen. Around here, P-Tiox has become a maintenance staple—something our editors reach for between in-office treatments to help keep results looking smooth, fresh, and extend the effects of Botox just a bit longer.

Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying SkinCeuticals’s P-Tiox

Jessica Cruel

Cruel after applying SkinCeuticals’s P-Tiox

Jessica Cruel

Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel

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“There is a combination of peptides, niacinamide, and PHA in this serum to help target a very specific sign of aging: expression lines. As someone who loves to laugh, I am particularly concerned about my nasolabial folds, a.k.a. smile lines. I use this serum so they don't get any worse. I have to say, I find my filler is lasting a lot longer in that area. It is not a complete replacement for aesthetic treatments like filler or neurotoxin, but this serum can complement those in-office treatments as maintenance. I like to switch off between this and my retinol.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief

More to know

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• Niacinamide percentage: 5%
• Other key ingredients: polyhydroxy acid, laminaria extract, hyaluronic acid
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum

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Merit

Great Skin Instant Glow Serum

$42

Sephora

Why we love it: While you might think of Merit as a makeup brand, it’s been doing skin care all along—just look at its ingredient labels for the receipts. So it wasn’t exactly shocking when the Great Skin Instant Glow Serum became its first official foray. True to form, the lightweight, bi-phase serum keeps things minimal but effective: Niacinamide helps brighten, even tone, and refine the look of pores, while multiple forms of hyaluronic acid layer in hydration for that plump, bouncy feel. There’s also cocoa seed extract (which gives it its reddish color), vitamin E for antioxidant support, plus coptis japonica root to soothe skin. The finish is fresh, glowy, and intentionally low-effort.

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“The bi-phase formula has replaced a few steps in my routine: The water phase, where the niacinamide lives, gives that fresh, lit-from-within glow, while the oil phase softens and adds a subtle, hydrating sheen. It’s noticeably lighter than most serums I’ve tried—I actually wasn’t expecting it to feel quite so splashy! Because of that, I’ve found it works best when I pat it into my skin rather than rubbing it in like I typically would with a serum.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Niacinamide percentage: undisclosed
• Other key ingredients: cocoa seed extract, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, coptis japonica root
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Melasma: Medicube TXA Niacinamide 15% Serum

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Medicube

TXA Niacinamide 15% Serum

$22 $19 (14% off)

Amazon

$24

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: With 10% niacinamide, it’s already a pretty high percentage, but add 5% tranexamic acid, and you’re in serious pigment-correcting territory. Medicube’s TXA+Niacinamide 15% Glow Facial Serum pairs that high-strength niacinamide with TXA to specifically target melasma and those stubborn post-acne marks that tend to linger. Niacinamide helps even tone and dial down excess pigment, while tranexamic acid works a little deeper, interrupting the pathways that trigger discoloration.

Niacinamide also helps limit how much of that pigment makes it to the skin’s surface, so you’re not just fading spots, but helping prevent new ones from fully forming. Supporting ingredients like arbutin, glutathione, and ferulic acid double down on brightening, while hyaluronic acid keeps things hydrated and bouncy.

Allure senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino applying the Medicube TXA Niacinamide 15% Serum

Elizabeth Gulino

Gulino after applying the Medicube TXA Niacinamide 15% Serum

Elizabeth Gulino

Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino

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"I like to use Medicube's TXA+Niacinamide 15% Glow Facial Serum in the morning before my SPF—it gives me a hydrating glowy base before I put the rest of my makeup on. There's minimal scent to the serum and it feels nice on the skin—a bit watery, but it sinks into the skin nicely." —Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer

More to know

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• Niacinamide percentage: 10%
• Other key ingredients: 5% tranexamic acid, arbutin, glutathione, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dark Spots: La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Corrector Serum

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La Roche-Posay

B3 Dark Spot Corrector Serum

$45

Amazon

$45

Ulta Beauty

$45

Dermstore

Allure associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry applying the La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Corrector Serum

Melanie Curry

Why we love it: La Roche-Posay’s Mela B3 Serum pairs niacinamide with the brand’s proprietary Melasyl, which acts like a pigment “interceptor,” helping catch excess melanin before it clusters into visible spots—so you’re not just fading discoloration, but helping keep it from setting in to begin with. Niacinamide pulls double duty by evening tone and limiting the amount of pigment that reaches the surface, while retinyl palmitate (a gentler vitamin A derivative also known as pro-retinol) supports cell turnover to gradually lift existing spots.

Mineral-rich thermal spring water keeps the formula soothing and hydrating, making it a solid option for sensitive skin prone to hyperpigmentation—but since it contains a touch of fragrance and retinol, it’s worth patch-testing first.

Tester feedback from associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry

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“I started using this serum two months ago, and I've seen small improvements. My dark spots (specifically the acne scars under my chin) have slowly started to fade, and my skin has become slightly more even. A little goes a long way with this serum. A drop or two every night before moisturizing, and your skin becomes less discolored and more plump. And while results do take long (don't they always?), they do happen.” —Melanie Curry, associate manager of audience development

More to know

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• Niacinamide percentage: 10%
• Other key ingredients: Melasyl, retinyl palmitate
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Mature Skin: Alastin Restorative Skin Complex

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Alastin

Restorative Skin Complex

$230

Amazon

$230

Alastin

Lee applying the Alastin Restorative Skin Complex

Christa Joanna Lee

Why we love it: For all the buzz around TriHex+ and Alastin’s peptide tech, it’s worth noting that niacinamide sits right up top on the ingredient list (just behind water and glycerin), doing a lot of the heavy lifting to keep skin even-toned. For mature skin, this treatment focuses on keeping the renewal cycle moving—helping clear out damaged collagen and elastin so healthier skin can take its place. The latest reformulation adds octapeptide-45 to support collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production, while magnolol helps calm inflammation and l-ornithine lends a subtle firming, plumping effect. Janet Allenby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Delray Beach, Florida, says it’s one of her favorite products containing niacinamide—partly because this vitamin is so compatible with the other highly effective ingredients in this treatment.

Tester feedback from Lee

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“As someone with dry, sensitive skin and a few early signs of aging (read: the appearance of fine lines around my eyes), my first foray into Alastin skin care has been a pleasant surprise. The Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex+ feels like the perfect mix of an ultra-light moisturizer and serum—it sinks in fast but leaves my skin hydrated and smooth all day. After a few weeks, my complexion looks a little plumper and my texture is more even—with hardly any effort at all.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Niacinamide percentage: undisclosed
• Other key ingredients: TriHex Technology (peptide blend), magnolol, l-ornithine, glycerin
• Fragrance-free: yes

More niacinamide serums we like

Best for Oily Skin: Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%

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Naturium

Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%

$17

Amazon

$17

Soko Glam

Why we love it: Clocking in as the highest percentage of niacinamide on this list, this formula doesn’t beat around the bush. With 12% niacinamide to “refine pores, even tone, and dial down excess shine”—it’s a strong pick for oily or combination skin, says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. The addition of 2% zinc PCA pulls its weight, too: It regulates oil production and offers mild antibacterial support, which is especially useful if congestion or breakouts are part of the picture. Meanwhile, humectants like propanediol and sodium hyaluronate draw in moisture while helping the actives spread more evenly and absorb more efficiently, so you get the benefits without dryness.

More to know

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• Niacinamide percentage: 12%
• Other key ingredients: 2% zinc PCA, glycerin, propanediol, sodium hyaluronate
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: CosRx Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum

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Cosrx

The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum

$25

Amazon

$25

Ulta Beauty

$25

Yesstyle

Why we love it: K-beauty is synonymous with sensitive skin as the focus tends to be on barrier support, gentle actives, and formulas that do the job without pushing your skin too far. CosRx’s Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum fits right in: a fragrance-free formula that pairs 2% alpha-arbutin with niacinamide and tranexamic acid to target dark spots without the usual sting. This kind of combination “helps brighten discoloration through multiple pathways while remaining gentle enough for sensitive skin,” says Dr. Chang. Acetyl glucosamine helps refine tone, while madecassoside (a Centella asiatica derivative), panthenol, and allantoin keep reactive skin calm and comfortable.

More to know

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• Niacinamide percentage: undisclosed
• Other key ingredients: 2% alpha-arbutin, tranexamic acid, acetyl glucosamine, madecassoside, panthenol, allantoin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Budget: The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum

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The Inkey List

Niacinamide Oil Control Serum

$11

Amazon

$11

Ulta Beauty

$11

Sephora

Why we love it: Niacinamide wears many hats, but in The Inkey List’s Niacinamide Serum, oil control is the main event. This straightforward formula contains 10% niacinamide—an especially effective level, according to Dr. Allenby—which helps regulate excess sebum, minimize the look of pores, and reduce the likelihood of breakouts (and the redness that often comes with them). It’s the kind of serum that keeps shine in check without tipping your skin into that tight, stripped feeling. The texture helps, too: lightweight, fast-absorbing, and nonsticky. With 1% hyaluronic acid, it boosts hydration, while allantoin soothes and supports the skin barrier.

More to know

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• Niacinamide percentage: 10%
• Other key ingredients: 1% hyaluronic acid, allantoin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

What does niacinamide do?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 with a wide range of benefits, including supporting the skin barrier and minimizing the look of fine lines. "Niacinamide works with your skin's natural chemistry to improve overall skin texture by rebuilding a lipid layer, minimizing the appearance of pores, and preventing UV damage and inflammation as an antioxidant," Seattle-based board-certified dermatologist Brandith Irwin, MD, told Allure.

Niacinamide is also believed to reduce redness, discoloration, and even acne, according to New York City board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. "In topical forms, it has been shown to reduce sebum production," she told Allure, noting that it's quite gentle on the skin.

Meet the experts

• Janet Allenby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Delray Beach, Florida,
• Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
• Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology based in New York City
• Brandith Irwin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Concierge Dermatology & Laser, based in Seattle, Washington
• Christina Sun, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Partners based in Philadelphia

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best niacinamide serums and creams, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Courtesy of Dr. Ben Talei – Beverly Hills CenterSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Denise Richards, 55, earned sex-symbol status with a string of steamy movie roles in the ’90s before posing for Playboy in 2004, and appearing in two seasons of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Now she’s going viral for what may be her most provocative move yet: revealing the unedited before-and-after photos of her recent facelift.

Richards didn’t just push the boundaries of the current trend toward more aesthetic honesty, she blasted them open, sharing with Allure every intimate detail of her plastic surgery. Most remarkably of all, she revealed her clinical before-and-after photographs as well as candid shots with her face marked up the morning of surgery and bruised and swollen in the days following. Once the story broke, Richards’ surgeon, Ben Talei, MD, a facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, posted his complete set of standardized before-and-after photos of the actor, showing her from multiple angles, unfiltered and makeup-free, with consistent lighting and expressions. Countless outlets picked up the photos, flooding the internet with Richards’ face.

Historically, only a small handful of famous people have been honest about the plastic surgery behind their “ageless” faces; far, far fewer have ever shared the real before and afters. These photos, which are part of a patient’s medical records, are taken in the plastic surgeon’s designated studio, in accordance with strict guidelines. Pre- and post-op, the patient is photographed using the same camera on the same settings, from a prescribed distance, at specific angles, against uniform backdrops, in consistent lighting, both smiling and straight-faced. What media outlets typically tout as “celebrity before and afters” are something completely different. These are pictures captured out in the world, often at glamorous events, at two separate time points—prior to and following an alleged procedure. The images generally display a fair amount of production value—makeup, good lighting, contrived poses—and may be layered with filters. Richards’ reveal was entirely raw.

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Perhaps that’s why the public response to her disclosure has been overwhelmingly positive—celebratory, even. As a plastic surgery reporter who’s approaching 50, I was thrilled to see it—people commending Richards’ honesty, praising Dr. Talei’s surgical skills, and marveling at the time-machine-like results. Of course, I also scrolled upon the occasional “Why can’t we just be allowed to age naturally?” comment, which tends to turn up, in some form or another, on almost every plastic surgery post. The anti-interventionist who posed the question on Allure’s Instagram received a fair amount of pro-choice pushback from readers (242 of them at last look), including Richards herself, who replied: “I respect your opinion. I believe everyone has a choice and [can] do what's best for them and for me this was best.”

There’s also been loud applause for the Richards-Talei collab from the plastic surgery community. Dr. Talei’s post featuring the star’s before-and-afters, along with a nuanced breakdown of her surgery, has racked up more than 222,000 likes and roughly 10,000 comments—many from big names in the field. Amongst the barrage of clapping-hands and fire emojis, one comment from Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Ashkan Ghavami, MD, garnered an inordinate amount of attention: Boss moves. My patients pretend like I don’t exist. 😂😂 How do you do it? 👏🏽

While made in jest, the remark effectively addressed the inexplicably youthful-looking elephant in the room. In recent years, plastic surgery confessions have increased among a certain echelon of stars (Ricki Lake shouting out her facelift surgeon, Kylie Jenner dropping the specs of her breast augmentation). The crème de la crème of Hollywood, however, still rarely acknowledge the work they’ve had done or the doctors behind it, notes Steven Teitelbaum, MD, a plastic surgeon in Santa Monica. Instead, they appear ageless on screens and red carpets but stay quiet, leaving us to wonder, or to suspend our disbelief and accept the falsehood that the rich and famous are impervious to wrinkles, jowls, and wattles. What’s the harm in that? Glad you asked. The harm is that their omissions are actively reshaping our beauty standards: Snatched 60-year-olds are starting to seem normal—a natural fixture in every drama we stream—but in reality, measuring up means having a surgeon on call.

I might be able to afford a facelift myself if I had a nickel for every celebrity who has attributed their impossibly sharp jawline or elevated brow to something other than surgery.

On the other hand, perhaps silence is preferable to distractions disguised as transparency. I might be able to afford a facelift myself if I had a nickel for every celebrity who has attributed their impossibly sharp jawline or elevated brow to something other than surgery—to “a little bit of Botox” or a popular skin-tightening gadget (that they’re paid to promote) or their derm in Dubai or daily horseback riding, Pilates, green juice, chia seeds, temple-lifting baby braids, the list goes on.

The scope of Richards' revelation is unprecedented. And it’s a powerful counterpoint to the nonsense we’ve grown accustomed to. More than just an act of openness, it’s a show of respect. As Richards told Allure, “Being in the public eye since my 20s, people know what I look like—a facelift is not something that I could hide.” Precisely! Yet, plenty of others, who also came of age in the spotlight, have attempted to hide their surgery or credit their refresh to something more palatable—a vacation, a new haircut, or heck, a divorce.

More than just an act of openness, it’s a show of respect.

But what about Kris Jenner? Yes, who could forget the media storm last spring, when a rep for Jenner disclosed the name of her plastic surgeon to Page Six in a statement that read, “We can confirm that Dr. Steven Levine did Kris Jenner’s recent work.” How transparent! But, also, not really: Jenner and her team didn’t reveal what, exactly, the “work” entailed or when it was done. And as more than a few plastic surgeons have pointed out to me in the wake of Richards’ reveal, we certainly never saw standardized before and afters of Jenner. The famous Paris photos that accompanied the news of Jenner’s “work” were not clinical photographs obtained from her surgeon. These “afters” were pictures taken in full hair and makeup, carefully edited, and obviously filtered by her team. As Allure contributor Valerie Monroe reminded us when we reached peak Jenner Facelift Frenzy: “Nobody looks like Kris. Not even Kris.”

Kris Jenner in May 2025

Getty images

The so-called “after” images of Jenner “set an unrealistic expectation and a beauty standard that is not attainable at 70 years old,” Austin plastic surgeon Ashley Gordon, MD, wrote in an Instagram post. “A facelift does not airbrush or FaceTune your face.” In conversation with Victoria Garrick Browne on her mental health podcast Real Pod, Philadelphia plastic surgeon Christian Subbio, MD, made a similar observation about Jenner: “A lot of these photos that I see of her after are a beautiful, top-tier facelift plus a filter, plus perfect lighting, plus Kardashian angles and all that. So, what is top-tier, beautiful, 10-out-of-10 work suddenly becomes 13-out-of-10 work and perhaps unrealistic to the average man or woman seeking a facelift. This underscores the importance of standardized before and afters.”

The scope of Richards' revelation is unprecedented, and a powerful counterpoint to the nonsense we’ve grown accustomed to.

Having reported on plastic surgery almost exclusively for the past decade, I can tell you this: The best doctors are fastidious about their photography, believing the quality of their before and afters reflects the quality of their outcomes. And in facial plastic surgery circles, Dr. Talei, who photographs patients himself, is famous for his exacting standards. “Ben is very careful about head positioning and expressions—no soft smiles or other subtle expressions that can make results look more impactful," says Jonathan Cabin, MD, a facial plastic surgeon in Washington DC. “And his lighting is pristine.” Dr. Cabin points to the “catchlights” (reflections from the flash) in Richards’ eyes as proof of consistency. These flecks of light accent her irises in the exact same spot in both the before photos and the afters. (Some on social media have noted that her eyes look bluer and brighter in the after pictures, speculating that the lighting was off. But surgeons explain it like this: Richards had an upper blepharoplasty, which removes skin from the top eyelids and reduces hooding, thereby allowing more light to enter the eyes.)

Technicalities aside, what I find most compelling about Richards’ photos is the pure and relatable emotion in her face. Anyone who’s ever posed for a before photo knows it to be a humbling experience—an act of vulnerability. Taken unforgivingly, for the express purpose of laying bare our perceived flaws and insecurities, these pictures invite judgment and defy deception. They’re honest by design. By consenting to share her before and afters with the world, Richards has recast transparency as something raw and radical—not a trend or talking point, but a moment of truth. And what could be more provocative than that?

To read more about plastic surgery:

• Denise Richards Opens Up About Her Facelift
• No 69-Year-Old Looks Like Kris Jenner IRL. Not Even Kris Jenner.
• Gen X Is Getting Plastic Surgery Right

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editor and IliaSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

I doubt that Ilia—the collector of many Allure Best of Beauty and Readers’ Choice Awards—needs an introduction. A quick summary for those unfamiliar: The “clean beauty” brand has built its reputation on effortless, multitasking makeup for people who want to look like themselves (just slightly more hydrated, even-toned, and well-rested). Case in point: Ilia's beloved Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40, which one Allure editor once described as making her look like she “drinks a gallon of water a day.”

So it feels less like a pivot and more like an inevitability that Ilia is finally coming out with its first standalone sunscreen, the Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50. While some might still think of Ilia as a makeup brand first, loyalists have long seen it as skin-care-first. (Not exactly news if you’ve been following our Best of Beauty Awards, where we’ve already crowned skin-care standouts like the Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream and Lip Wrap Reviving Balm.) If anything, this just makes it official.

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Ilia

Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

$40

Ilia

$40

Sephora

First things first, this is a mineral sunscreen, featuring 10.5% zinc oxide—a notoriously tricky ingredient to make feel enjoyable to wear. And, at SPF 50, the challenge only gets steeper. (Higher protection typically means more zinc oxide, which often translates to thicker, chalkier formulas—and that heavy white cast no matter how hard you try to blend it out.) “The core challenge is that zinc oxide is a dense, white inorganic pigment that resists elegant aesthetics,” says Sherry Backman, a cosmetic chemist based in Brattleboro, Vermont. “To achieve a serum texture, formulators need to control particle size, dispersion, and the chemistry of the surrounding system, especially pH.”

The pH of a sunscreen might sound technical, but it comes down to balance. Zinc oxide works best when the formula sits in a middle, neutral range. “Too acidic or too basic, and you risk destabilizing the zinc oxide, which can impact everything from texture to SPF performance,” she says.

Courtesy of Ilia

All of which is to say, the texture is what got me first, a signal that the pH is where it should be. And I’m not the only one who noticed. “I am a longtime user of mineral sunscreen, and I have never experienced anything like this,” says Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director. “This is such an elegant formula that is so lightweight, it performs like a chemical sunscreen—I can hardly believe that there are mineral blockers in it.”

Sun Serum is fluid and serum-y, though not quite as runny as the Skin Tint Ilia fans know well. It glides on and blends without resistance—blindfold me, and I’d never guess it was sunscreen.

Close up video applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Christa Joanna Lee

On the skin-care front, Ilia focuses on lightweight but deep hydration. Hyaluronic acid (seven molecular weights, to be exact) is doing the bulk of the heavy lifting here—Backman notes it’s “primarily for hydration, but secondarily, it improves skin smoothness, film support and texture enhancement,” helping counter that dry feel mineral sunscreens can leave behind. The formula’s sugars add another layer by boosting moisture and supporting the skin barrier, while coneflower (echinacea) and arctic root extracts help regulate oil, so you’re not trading dryness for midday shine.

Importantly, none of this seems to compromise the formula’s stability. Because yes, adding humectants and plant extracts can interfere with zinc oxide if you’re not careful. “They can, especially if they shift pH or introduce electrolytes that destabilize the dispersion,” Backman says. “Well-formulated systems are structured to keep zinc oxide evenly distributed and stable.”

This, it seems, is one of those formulas that actually gets that mix right—at least from where I’m sitting. On my dry, sensitive skin, it felt impressively hydrating. It melted in seamlessly without catching on the flaky spots around my cheeks and nose, leaving everything looking more plump than parched. In this unpredictable transitional weather we’re experiencing on the East Coast right now, that feels like a minor miracle.

Lee applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Christa Joanna Lee

Allure contributing writer Christa Joanna Lee before applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Christa Joanna Lee

Then there’s the tint—available in two flexible shades, light-medium and medium-deep—which helps counteract the inevitable white cast. As Backman explains, “tinted skin-care products incorporate white, yellow, red, and black pigments blended in various ratios to achieve shades compatible with the lightest to darkest skin tones.” Those pigments (here, in the form of iron oxides) “help offset zinc oxide’s naturally chalky white base, so the formula blends in more seamlessly with skin,” she says.

Even though I’m pretty fair, I found the light-medium shade surprisingly spot-on. That said, I tend to prefer a slightly warmer finish with my tinted products, so I ended up mixing in a bit of the medium-deep—I found the sheerness of the tint makes it surprisingly flexible across skin tones.

The finish lands somewhere between natural and softly radiant—not matte, not super-dewy, just convincingly like a glowier second skin. Ilia has always lived in that in-between space: makeup that behaves like skin care, skin care that wears like makeup. Since introducing the Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen into my routine, my already minimalist approach has been humbled. It’s the ease and sun protection, sure, but also my skin has never looked better.

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Ilia

Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

$40

Ilia

$40

Sephora

With a whole team of editors who swear by multiple-times-daily sunscreen usage, everyone wanted to get their hands on this launch for testing. Keep reading for more reviews of the new Ilia Sun Serum from Allure editors.

Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Shana Shipin

Shipin before applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Shanna Shipin

“When Ilia named it 'Sun Serum,' I didn’t realize that on top of the SPF, it meant you’d have the kind of radiance found at the center of our solar system. I am a longtime user of mineral sunscreen, and I have never experienced anything like this. This is such an elegant formula that is so lightweight, it performs like a chemical sunscreen—I can hardly believe that there are mineral blockers in it.

It’s not milky, runny, or watery, which is a problem I have with most mineral facial sunscreens out on the market. I sit between the two shades available; I was concerned about the limited selection, but the sunscreen is so sheer that I can wear either one. I’ll be switching from light-medium to medium-deep as my skin tans throughout the year.

I opt for the ‘four-finger rule’ when applying sunscreen on outdoor days, and I find that the tint completely dissipates after rubbing it in for 20 seconds or so. Once it’s absorbed, my skin is perfectly primed for makeup, though the sunscreen’s lit-from-within effect shines through whether I’m bare-faced or wear makeup over it. (I know lit-from-within is an oft-used marketing term, but that’s actually what it looks like when I use this product!)

Another rare feat? A mineral sunscreen that doesn’t pill. I’ve been reaching for this product habitually every day (and actually reapplying throughout) in part due to this. One thing: The package feels lovely in the hand, and I love the nod to the sun in its shape, but it is a little puffy, and I imagine it will be hard to squeeze every last bit of the formula out when I get down to the final dregs. That being said, it’s super easy to squeeze the formula out of the pinpoint dispenser for now.

There's a real radiance that lasts all day when I use the Sun Serum Sunscreen. It’s the kind of product that flips your mentality and makes you want to use it not just because it gives you SPF 50, but because it makes your skin look absolutely brilliant.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

Sydney Malone, creative producer

Allure creative producer Sydney Malone applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Sydney Malone

Malone before applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Sydney Malone

Malone after applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Sydney Malone

“I have combination skin, so I am always wary of products that will either dry me out or make me appear too oily—I prefer a happy medium. This is especially true of sunscreens, because I have found that there are either mineral formulas that often leave an ashy appearance or sheer ones that are supposed to give a ‘glow’ but, in reality, make me look sweaty.

When I first squeezed this product out of the bottle, I was scared by the tone of brown that the product was because it seemed like it would be ashy. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it applied to my skin and settled. It felt like that perfect mix I look for, and honestly, it was the most impressed I’ve ever been with a facial sunscreen. I didn’t look sweaty; I didn’t look ashy. In fact, you almost couldn’t even tell it was on, which I loved.

It has a super natural finish, and I wore it for almost nine hours before I washed my face at night, and it never changed. It gave my holy grail sunscreen a run for its money.” —Sydney Malone, creative producer

Sarah Han, commerce editor

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Sarah Han

Han before applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Sarah Han

“I’m a noted mineral sunscreen—hater is too strong a word, so I’ll say—skeptic. As someone who doesn’t have sensitive skin, I rarely stray away from elegant chemical formulas (particularly Korean sunscreens) just to try hit-or-miss mineral formulas. Still, as a beauty editor, it’s my job to try as much of the market as possible—or that my skin can handle. I’ve definitely found a handful of tolerable mineral formulas over the years, but the constant pilling (whether I’m wearing makeup or not), drying finishes, and white cast (even on my light Asian skin tone!) prove that the category still has room for improvement.

I went in with low expectations but it was very evident from the first application that the Sun Serum checked all of my boxes. Major points for how lightweight and airy the texture is, but it isn’t so thin that it gets all over my fingers, so applying the product to my index and middle fingers (adhering to the classic two-finger rule) is mess-free. From there, the formula sinks in seamlessly and you can barely detect that it’s there, but my combo skin looks noticeably more radiant—without veering into greasy territory. It wears well throughout the day without a hint of white cast or pilling, even if I apply a standalone moisturizer underneath and base makeup (concealer, blush, the works) on top.

I will say, if you’re looking for a tinted sunscreen that provides decent coverage, this isn’t the one for you. But then again, that’s not really what the Sun Serum is seeking to do. For all intents and purposes, this is a very breathable, second-skin-like mineral sunscreen just about anyone would like, even the skeptics.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor

Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Annie Blay-Tettey

Blay-Tettey before applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Annie Blay-Tettey

Blay-Tettey after applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Annie Blay-Tettey

“I really like it! It's lightweight and sheers out really nicely, and it doesn't leave any white cast or stains on my fingers like some mineral sunscreens. It's not as hydrating or moisturizing as some of my other SPFs, so I'd mainly reach for this in the summer. But, yes, I would definitely reach for this daily.” —Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor

Ingrid Fowler, senior art director

Allure senior art director Ingrid Fowler applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Ingrid Fowler

Fowler before applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Ingrid Fowler

Fowler after applying the Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Ingrid Fowler

"I'm always on the hunt for mineral sunscreens that blend in and aren't sticky (a tall order!), and this Ilia formula really hits the mark. The super light tint gives the tiniest bit of coverage without leaving any white cast. It feels weightless on my skin and works as a great base for my daily makeup. I also love the cute round bottle; it fits nicely in my bag for on-the-go, and the flat base is great for a bathroom shelf, so it can live anywhere. Big fan!" —Ingrid Fowler, senior art director

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Ilia

Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

$40

Ilia

$40

Sephora

Meet the expert

• Sherry Backman, a cosmetic chemist based in Brattleboro, Vermont

How we test and review products

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the Ilia's first sunscreen, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete review process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine. You may simply be browsing for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we're able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brands and editorsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

The best diffusers for curly hair can make the difference between defined, bouncy spirals and a frizzy, deflated mess. If you're tired of cycling through cheap attachments that slip off mid-dry, universal models that create uneven heat distribution, and bulky designs that leave your arm aching before you’re halfway done, we feel you. The frustration of damp roots, over-dried ends, and crushed curls is what separates bad diffusers from good ones. The difference comes down to thoughtful engineering: even heat distribution to prevent hot spots, an appropriate bowl size that accommodates curl length and density, and an ergonomic design that works with thick hair, not against.

Our Top Diffusers for Curly Hair

• Best Overall: Bellissima Diffon Supreme Ionic XL Curly Hair Dryer, $169
• Best for Mixed Curl Types: Dyson Airwrap Wave+Curl Diffuser Attachment, $40
• Best for Type 3 and 4 Curls: Pattern The Blow Dryer, $199
• Best for Type 2 Curls: GHD Professional Hair Dryer Diffuser, $30
• Best for All Hair Lengths: Shark Beauty FlexStyle Curl-Defining Diffuser, $39
• Best Universal Diffuser: Drybar The Bouncer Diffuser, $34

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What is the difference between using a diffuser and using a blow-dryer without one?
• How should a diffuser be used to maximize curl definition and minimize frizz?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Of course, Allure editors have put countless diffusers to the test, but we also tapped professional hairstylists to help compile a list of 10 of the best diffusers for curly hair on the market. Ahead, discover the diffuser attachments we trust to deliver defined curls, minimal frizz, and damage-free drying.

Best Overall: Bellissima Diffon Supreme Ionic XL Curly Hair Dryer

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Bellissima

Diffon Supreme Ionic XL Curly Hair Dryer

$169

Amazon

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin using the Bellissima Diffon Supreme Ionic XL Curly Hair Dryer

Shanna Shipin

Why we love it: Rather than using a clip-on diffuser as an afterthought, the Bellissima Diffon Supreme builds the diffuser into the dryer itself as a dedicated tool for curly, coily, and wavy hair. The XL bowl handles extra-long and thick curls better than standard models, with digital temperature control monitoring heat constantly (50 times per second!) to prevent damage. Air flows evenly through multiple outlets in a micro-perforated grid, while the ceramic-infused argan oil coating boosts shine and cuts frizz. The Easy Hold Handle beats juggling a heavy dryer with attachments, and you can dial in your exact needs with adjustable airflow, multiple heat settings, and a cool-shot button.

Shipin before using the Bellissima Diffon Supreme Ionic XL Curly Hair Dryer

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after using the Bellissima Diffon Supreme Ionic XL Curly Hair Dryer

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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"Holy life-changing product! This diffuser gives me the juiciest, most volumized, and simply snatched curls of my life. Yes, it must be used in conjunction with a bang-on styling product (and nothing comes close to Chris McMillan's The Mousse for me), but this diffuser sends your flat, lifeless curls into the stratosphere. Talk about volume! It's lightweight and very easy to hold; that curved shape is nice and ergonomic, which is important if your hair takes a long time to dry. The large bowl is so necessary for anyone with shoulder-length or longer hair—no more second-thought attachments with too-small bowls! It's great for travel, as it's a streamlined, diffuser-only blow dryer that's easier to store than standard L-shaped dryers. It also comes with a pretty little carrying bag to keep things tidy.

This product is a simple, straightforward hair-drying device, which eschews the cumbersome body of a typical blow-dryer and just has a diffuser head—so it's just for curly girls! There are a handful of settings you can choose from to get the head and air speed just right for your curls; there's even an ultra-gentle setting with low heat for those who have severely damaged hair (that's me!). I tend to use the lowest heat and the higher hair drying speed; that results in a somewhat frizzy look, but I'm into that effortless and somewhat undone look right now. I do turn it up to high heat and speed when I'm in a hurry and, man, does it dry fast.

This product is on the pricey side for people who don't always wear their hair curly, but if you're even a once-a-week curly girl, I'd recommend it!" —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Blow-dryer compatibility: built-in integrated diffuser (not an attachment)
• Diffuser diameter: 6 inches
• Diffuser highlights: 112 air outlets for even distribution, digital temperature control, ceramic-infused argan oil coating

Best for Mixed Curl Types: Dyson Airwrap Wave+Curl Diffuser Attachment

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Dyson

Airwrap Wave+Curl Diffuser Attachment

$40

Nordstrom

$40

Dyson

Shipin using the Dyson Airwrap Wave+Curl Diffuser Attachment

Shanna Shipin

Why we love it: Dyson's Airwrap Wave+Curl Diffuser Attachment offers a two-in-one airflow system designed for a range of curl types. The Wave+Curl diffuser features a convertible design that adjusts airflow to your hair. In Dome mode, air is drawn into the chamber and infused gently through the hair to support natural wave and curl formation without a direct blast, helping preserve pattern, reduce frizz, and improve definition. This approach aligns with the technique used by Michele Aquino, a New York City-based hairstylist: "I set it on a lower heat and airflow, gently lifting hair into the diffuser to encourage natural curl formation and maintain shape."

In Diffuse mode, the longer prongs distribute airflow deeper into thicker sections, delivering lift and volume closer to the root for curls and coils. As you know, the Airwrap doesn't use heat, which is a major win for frizz-free curls. And despite the large bowl attachment size, the design is pretty lightweight, with Aquino adding that it "makes longer styling sessions more comfortable for both my clients and me."

Shipin before using the Dyson Airwrap Wave+Curl Diffuser Attachment

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after using the Dyson Airwrap Wave+Curl Diffuser Attachment

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from Shipin

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“The Airwrap i.d. for Curly+Coily Hair is the best Dyson tool I have ever tried—period. I have type 3A curly hair that I sometimes wear natural and sometimes blow-dry; this version of the Airwrap gets whatever look I want to achieve done in 15 minutes or less (yes!). It's thanks to the strength that you get in the Co-anda2x that can truly power the multi-styler like a standalone hair dryer. The diffuser has two settings; you can keep the diffuser with the prongs in for volume, or remove the inner body to create an inverted cone for longer styles—both are so effective at giving you bouncy and juicy curls. One really amazing feature is that the tool automatically shuts off when it senses that it’s been put down, an unexpected but much-loved perk for routine stylers like me. It's a great product for traveling and for any curly girl who likes to switch up their look.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Blow-dryer compatibility: Dyson Airwrap
• Diffuser diameter: n/a
• Diffuser highlights: texture-specific mode switching

Best for Type 3 and 4 Curls: Pattern The Blow Dryer

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Pattern

The Blow Dryer

$199

Ulta Beauty

Allure creative producer Sydney Malone using the Pattern Blow Dryer

Sydney Malone

Why we love it: Pattern's The Blow Dryer was engineered specifically for curly, coily, and tight-textured hair. The diffuser attachment features long, ventilated prongs that distribute air evenly from root to tip, plus an aluminum plate that radiates heat to accelerate drying without direct heat damage. What sets this apart is the vortex shape that controls airflow, whether you're gently sectioning strands or flipping your head upside down to diffuse at the roots. Three heat and two speed settings create six customizable combinations for different curl densities, and a lock-in cold shot sets your style in place.

Beyond the diffuser, Pattern includes three additional attachments: a wide-tooth comb that detangles while distributing heat evenly, a brush designed for drying and stretching coils and tight textures, and a concentrator nozzle for sleeker styles. The dual-locking mechanism keeps attachments secure mid-style, and the removable filter makes cleanup easy—therefore, also extending the motor's lifespan.

Malone before using the Pattern Blow Dryer

Sydney Malone

Malone after using the Pattern Blow Dryer

Sydney Malone

Tester feedback from creative producer Sydney Malone

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“I like the simplicity of the Pattern Blow Dryer. The cool setting gets very cool and the multiple settings of heat and fan make it really easy to customize the temperature & feel like you are getting exactly what you need out of the use. It's not too loud and helped to dry my hair pretty quickly after washing it at night. The diffuser was a nice, large size, which was helpful as a girl with shorter hair to be able to cover more ground at once. (I imagine this would also work in favor of someone with a lot of hair as well, to be able to diffuse large sections.)

I love all of the attachments that the blow-dryer comes with because whether I'm looking to style my curls or blow my hair straight, there are plenty of versatile tools that would make either of those styles super possible.” —Sydney Malone, creative producer

More to know

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• Blow-dryer compatibility: Pattern Blow Dryer
• Diffuser diameter: n/a
• Diffuser highlights: vortex-shaped bowl, ventilated prongs

Best for Type 2 Curls: GHD Professional Hair Dryer Diffuser

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GHD

Professional Hair Dryer Diffuser

$30 $22 (27% off)

Amazon

$30

Dermstore

$30

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: Most diffusers treat all curl types the same, but GHD's Professional Hair Dryer Diffuser was developed with top stylists to handle everything from tight coils to loose waves with its hard, contoured fingers that lift and separate hair as it dries. These structured prongs create soft volume at the roots while the perforated bowl distributes airflow evenly across your hair, which prevents the patchy drying that leads to frizz.

What makes this attachment particularly versatile is its dual compatibility: It works directly with the GHD Air hair-dryer and includes a ring adapter for the GHD Helios, so you're not locked into a single tool. (However, just so you know, the Helios is a favorite blow-dryer for editors with both thin and thick hair.) It actively shapes curls as they dry, giving naturally curly hair a smooth, uniform finish or building loose, natural-looking waves in finer, straighter textures that typically resist holding curl.

Allure contributor Jennifer Hussein diffusing her hair with the GHD diffuser

Jennifer Hussein

Hussein after diffusing her hair with the GHD diffuser

Jennifer Hussein

Tester feedback from contributor Jennifer Hussein

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“I rarely diffuse my hair, but the GHD Helios’ diffusing attachment gave my usually flat, 2B curls some serious volume, and now I’m hooked. Its slender tips feel like a mini scalp massage and are long enough to keep heat from searing my scalp, and I’m a sucker for the sensory experience it provides.” —Jennifer Hussein, contributor

More to know

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• Blow-dryer compatibility: GHD Air, GHD Helios (with included ring adapter)
• Diffuser diameter: 6 inches
• Diffuser highlights: hard contoured fingers for lift and separation, ring adapter for dual compatibility

Best for All Hair Lengths: Shark Beauty FlexStyle Curl-Defining Diffuser

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Shark

FlexStyle Curl-Defining Diffuser

$39

Amazon

$40

Nordstrom

$39

Sephora

Why we love it: The selling point for Shark Beauty’s FlexStyle Curl-Defining Diffuser is that any hair length can use it, thanks to its extendable and retractable prongs. Retract them for shorter, finer hair that requires less direct heat, or extend them fully to reach the roots of longer, thicker hair and add lift. The adjustable design eliminates the one-size-fits-all problem, while the perforated bowl ensures even heat distribution from root to tip for consistent drying throughout. The attachment works exclusively with the Shark FlexStyle blow-dryer system (a 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner!), which means you'll need to own that specific tool to use it. The trade-off (and notable pro) is a secure magnetic connection that doesn't budge mid-style. For curly, coily, and wavy hair types across all thicknesses, this diffuser delivers defined curls with the volume control you actually want.

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai using the Shark FlexStyle diffuser

Deanna Pai

Pai after using the Shark FlexStyle diffuser

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“I haven't had a ton of luck with diffusers, but the Shark FlexStyle surprised me. First, I loved that the prongs were retractable—so I could make them shorter for my bob. I also found that I could get way more lift at the roots than I have with other diffusers, making this a winner in my book.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Blow-dryer compatibility: Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System
• Diffuser diameter: 5.79 inches
• Diffuser highlights: extendable and retractable prongs, magnetic attachment

Best Universal Diffuser: Drybar The Bouncer Diffuser

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Drybar

The Bouncer Diffuser

$34

Amazon

$34

Nordstrom

Why we love it: While initially designed for Drybar's Buttercup lineup, Drybar’s The Bouncer Diffuser works with most standard blow-dryers thanks to its universal nozzle, eliminating the need to match brands just to get a good diffuser. This sunshine-yellow attachment reduces the speed of your dryer's airflow while spreading it across a wider area, letting your curls dry gently without getting roughed up by concentrated heat. The extended finger prongs let you work in circular motions at the root to build lift while your curls form naturally in the bowl of the diffuser, creating definition without disrupting your curl pattern. The perforated design ensures heat distributes evenly so you're not left with damp patches near your scalp.

Pai using the Drybar Bouncer Diffuser

Deanna Pai

Pai after using the Drybar Bouncer Diffuser

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from Pai

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“I had no problem attaching this to both my Shark FlexStyle and more traditional T3 hair dryer. It stayed put the whole time, and while the prongs were a little long for my hair length, I loved the really wide bowl. Plus, I had little to no frizz after using this, and didn't even have to use a smoothing cream.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Blow-dryer compatibility: Drybar Buttercup and Baby Buttercup, universal with 2-inch nozzles
• Diffuser diameter: 6.5 inches
• Diffuser highlights: universal nozzle attachment

More diffusers for curly hair we like

Best for Travel: Curlsmith Defrizzion Hair Dryer and Diffuser

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Curlsmith

Defrizzion Hair Dryer and Diffuser

$139

Amazon

$139

Ulta Beauty

$139

Sephora

Why we love it: Hotel blow-dryers seldom come with a diffuser attachment, yet packing your regular dryer feels like an unnecessary hassle. Curlsmith's Defrizzion Hair Dryer and Diffuser was designed with exactly this problem in mind. Aquino says it was created “specifically for texture with an oversized diffuser and ionizing technology to help enhance natural waves, curls, and coils while reducing frizz and maintaining moisture.” The ionizing technology works to seal the hair cuticle as you dry, locking in moisture while the oversized bowl distributes gentle, even heat across larger sections of hair.

Multiple heat and speed settings let you pixie diffuse for tighter waves, hover diffuse for curl definition, or stretch diffuse for elongated coils. "It's especially great for clients with thicker, longer, or more stubborn curl patterns who need efficient drying and definition without unnecessary heat damage," Aquino adds. The lightweight, foldable handle makes it a great travel companion without compromising on results.

More to know

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• Blow-dryer compatibility: Curlsmith Defrizzion Travel Hair Dryer
• Diffuser diameter: 6 inches
• Diffuser highlights: foldable handle for travel

Best Heat Distribution: T3 SoftTouch 3 Diffuser

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T3

SoftTouch 3 Diffuser

$30 $26 (13% off)

Amazon

$30

Ulta Beauty

$30

Dermstore

Why we love it: Uneven heat is one of the biggest problems with standard diffusers, leaving some sections overdried and damaged while others stay damp and frizzy. The T3 SoftTouch 3 Diffuser solves this with vented finger extensions that distribute heat evenly throughout the drying process instead of concentrating it in hot spots. The venting system allows airflow to circulate through the fingers themselves, which accelerates drying time. The finger extensions also lift and separate hair as they work, building volume and body while defining curls, waves, and coils without disrupting their natural pattern. The diffuser fits the T3 AireLuxe (our top pick for fine hair), T3 Featherweight StyleMax, and T3 Featherweight 3i models (earlier Featherweight iterations have picked up their fair share of Best of Beauty Awards)—making it a versatile option if you already have dryers within the T3 ecosystem.

More to know

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• Blow-dryer compatibility: T3 AireLuxe, T3 Featherweight StyleMax, T3 Featherweight 3i
• Diffuser diameter: 5.3 inches
• Diffuser highlights: vented finger extensions

Best Ergonomic Design: BaBylissPro Style/Switch Ionic Multi-Styler & Dryer

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BabylissPRO

Style/Switch Ionic Multi-Styler & Dryer

$250 $187 (25% off)

Amazon

$250

Ulta Beauty

$250

Sephora

Why we love it: Awkward angles and arm fatigue are common complaints with traditional diffusers, but the BaBylissPro Style/Switch Ionic Multi-Styler & Dryer addresses both issues with its head-conforming, wavy perimeter and lightweight ergonomic handle. The extra-deep bowl accommodates all curl types and hair lengths, while the ionic technology reduces frizz as you dry. What sets this apart from single-purpose diffusers is the interchangeable attachment system that includes four other styling tools, smoothing, adjustable drying, and round brush attachments, so you're getting a complete styling kit. The ergonomic handle is designed to fit comfortably in your hand during extended styling sessions, weighing in at less than a pound. Plus, the dual voltage feature means it works internationally without adapters, making the already-compact design even more travel-ready.

More to know

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• Blow-dryer compatibility: BaBylissPro Style/Switch Ionic Multi-Styler & Dryer
• Diffuser diameter: n/a
• Diffuser highlights: extra-deep bowl, waved-perimeter design that contours to head shape

Best for Quick Diffusing: Conair InfinitiPro DigitalAire Hair Dryer

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Conair

InfinitiPro DigitalAire Hair Dryer

$147

Amazon

Why we love it: Conair's InfinitiPro DigitalAir Hair Dryer uses a digital motor with its diffuser attachment for faster drying that doesn't disrupt curl patterns. Honeycomb ceramic technology prevents the hot spots that damage curls, while an ionic generator reduces frizz and adds shine. Finger prongs lift and separate curls naturally, and the lightweight build eliminates arm fatigue during longer sessions. With three heat and three speed settings, you can customize airflow for fine waves or thick coils, then lock everything in place with the cold-shot button. The dryer comes in blue and pink and includes a concentrator for non-curly styling.

More to know

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• Blow-dryer compatibility: Conair InfinitiPro DigitalAire Hair Dryer
• Diffuser diameter: n/a
• Diffuser highlights: finger prongs for lift and separation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between using a diffuser and using a blow-dryer without one?

"A diffuser is designed to disperse airflow gently and evenly, which helps preserve natural curl patterns, enhance definition, and reduce frizz," Aquino explains. "Using a blow-dryer without a diffuser directs concentrated heat and air, which can disrupt the curl structure and create unwanted volume or frizz." The core distinction is that "a diffuser works with the hair's natural texture, while a bare blow-dryer works against it, especially for curls, coils, and waves."

How should a diffuser be used to maximize curl definition and minimize frizz?

"To maximize curl definition and minimize frizz, a diffuser should be used on low to medium heat and low airflow, starting with properly hydrated hair and a curl-defining product applied evenly," Aquino says. "Gently cradle the curls into the diffuser and lift toward the scalp rather than blowing air directly onto the hair, allowing curls to set in their natural pattern." She adds that "it's also important to avoid touching the hair while drying and to diffuse in sections for even, controlled results."

Meet the experts

• Michele Aquino, a hairstylist in Riverdale, NY

How we test and review products

We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing tools, we also take into account testers’ experience levels. For instance, an innovative new blow-dryer may feature industry-leading technology, but if the only people who find it intuitive to use are professional hairstylists, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.

For our list of the best diffusers for curly hair, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists and seasoned estheticians. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

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A few months ago, I noticed that one of my favorite scents looked a little off. My once-clear By Rosie Jane eau de parfum in Dulce had taken on a honeyed hue. At first, I thought it had gone bad, which was upsetting because I’d only had the bottle for a year; when I spritzed it, though, it smelled the same—sweet like soft-serve ice cream on a bright summer day—but was noticeably richer.

I wasn’t sure what to do with it. Keep it? Toss it? I turned to TikTok to see if anyone else had experienced something similar—and they had. Viral videos suggested I had inadvertently “macerated” my perfume, a process that many content creators claim makes a fragrance smell better and last longer. Intrigued, I reached out to perfumers to learn more. They reported that maceration is, in fact, a real and vital step in perfumery, but it’s not at all like what you’re seeing in your feed.

What do “maceration” and “maturation” mean in perfumery?

“Maceration,” “maturation,” and the word “aging,” have been used interchangeably online, but they all have different meanings. Maceration and maturation are controlled manufacturing steps in perfumery, explains Gustavo Romero of Team of Two Perfumers and founder of the Fragrance Alliance Network, while the at-home process that content creators are touting online is simply aging. (More on that later.)

Let’s start at the beginning, when maturation produces the initial fragrance potion. In this stage of the scent-making process, raw fragrance oils are blended and left alone to age and amalgamate for about two to three weeks, says Bhushan Patel, a senior technical manager of scent at International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. Throughout this step, perfumers try different blends—they might add a little more depth with amber or brightness with citrus—until they’re happy with how the mixture smells.

After that, the scent is macerated. “[Maceration] is not a DIY waiting period at home,” says Romero. This step of developing a perfume, he explains, occurs after a fragrance concentrate is diluted in alcohol. “The mixture [then] rests so the aromatic molecules fully dissolve, distribute evenly, and reach a stable equilibrium.”

“[Maceration] is not a DIY waiting period at home.”

Most perfumers consider maceration to be the most important step in perfumery, Romero continues, because it’s when the formula really comes together and smells like a finished fragrance. “It becomes more cohesive and rounded,” he explains. “Harsh edges soften and the composition smells more integrated.” It’s generally the final crucial step before a perfume is transferred to its packaging and readied for the shelves. “Both stages are about integration and stability, not transformation.”

Why did my perfume change color?

What some people are referring to online as maceration or maturation is actually aging. It’s a phenomenon that, Patel says, changes the character of a perfume “sometimes beautifully, sometimes not.”

Adds Romero, a perfume is finished and stable when it hits shelves. “That said, over time, a fragrance can shift,” he says. He explains that lighter elements usually found in the top, like citrus and peppery notes, are more prone to evaporation. After these top notes have faded slightly, the base notes, many of which naturally change color, become more pronounced, “which can make the base feel louder and create the illusion that the perfume has grown stronger.”

Now back to those content creators: Some are equating a deepening color to a longer-lasting, better-smelling perfume. One of the most prevalent examples on TikTok is Kayali Vanilla 28. A new bottle plucked from a Sephora shelf has a rich caramel color, but content creators are touting the scent after it has aged to a nearly black hue. The smell of the aged perfume has gone so viral that many people are convinced that bottles with darker juice do, in fact, smell deeper and stronger.

Gabriela Chelariu, principal perfumer at dsm-Firmenich and the nose behind Vanilla 28, says that’s simply not true; the color is due to the behavior of certain ingredients. Natural ingredients, as well as heavier, sweeter accords, are more reactive than other perfume materials. “Vanilla has always been an issue in perfumery because it changes color as it sits in the product,” she says. “Vanillin, which is the main molecule in vanilla, vanilla absolute, and vanilla bean, naturally gets darker.”

Whether you prefer this darker iteration is entirely up to you. In the case of Vanilla 28, the crowd went wild. As for my Dulce fragrance, I’m enjoying this deeper iteration and have been reaching for it more and more.

How to tell if your perfume has expired

A change in your perfume’s color does not indicate that it has expired, nor should you throw it out; our experts say your nose will be able to tell when a fragrance has spoiled. If it smells sour, vinegary, or has a metallic quality that it didn't have before, it’s time to toss it. Adds Romero, if you experience skin sensitivity like itchiness, redness, or another irritation, you should stop using it.

There’s no harm in intentionally aging your perfume, but Romero reminds us, color fluctuations don’t drastically change a fragrance or make it better: “Transformation stories are great for social media. The real mark of excellence is simpler: a fragrance that smells beautiful and stays that way.”

Katie Gunderman / Briana RengifoSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Ever wonder what it’s like shopping with a beauty editor? Welcome to Counter Service, a new series where we visit our favorite beauty boutiques IRL. We’re visiting the curated spaces and places that make shopping in person oh-so worth it—and you’re coming with. On a gray spring day in NYC, shopping producer Sarah Hoffmann stopped by The Sun Room pop-up to go down memory lane with Summer Fridays’s first fine fragrance launch.

Fragrance launches used to be a strictly celebrity venture in the early aughts—but in 2026, everyone is getting into the scent game. Influencers, TV series, and even condiment brands are all trying their hand at perfuming your life. It’s hard to parse through it all, particularly from behind a phone screen, where you can get lost among note descriptors like “chypre” and “petrichor.” The story of a scent matters, and Summer Fridays has mastered the art with its new Sunlit Vanilla Eau de Parfum.

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Summer Fridays

Sunlit Vanilla Eau de Parfum

$82

Sephora

$82

Revolve

$82

Summer Fridays

Not actual size, but I wish!

Katie Gunderman

I’ve come to value world-building from brands to help make sense of the constant deluge of beauty launches that flood my inbox daily. Summer Fridays has a product line that makes you feel like a carefree, Californian, let’s-go-to-the-beach-today-why-not girl, even when you’re as far from the West Coast as possible (getting bowled over by Atlantic Ocean spring winds, to be exact). Try popping on the Jet Lag eye patches or dabbing some Blush Butter Balm onto your cheeks and not feel a deep urge to take a stroll along an LA boardwalk. (I can’t!)

In This Story

• The IRL Experience
• My First Scent Impressions
• Final Thoughts
• More Summer Fridays Faves

The IRL Experience

Come on in and stay a while.

Katie Gunderman

I have a major soft spot for a bistro table.

Katie Gunderman

When I heard that Summer Fridays was launching a fragrance, I immediately had a vision of what the scent would be. The brand’s Vanilla Lip Butter Balm (an Allure Best of Beauty winner) is both popular and delicious, so I had a gut feeling we were getting a tasty gourmand that’s sweet, cozy, and nostalgic. A few weeks ago, I visited The Sun Room, the brand's NYC pop-up, to see if my predictions were right (spoiler: I was right on the money).

No actual driving took place on this day (always wear your seatbelt!).

Katie Gunderman

I was a barista once, so this felt right at home.

Katie Gunderman

When I rounded the corner in SoHo, just steps away from New York’s Erewhon dupe, Happier Grocery, the first thing I saw was a vintage, caramel-colored Porsche parked outside—an immediate sign that I was both in the right place and onto something with my predictions. Entering the installation, the simple but cozy room was lined with beige curtains, which instantly warmed the space up against the austere, gray light streaming in from the windows.

Never a brand to slack on visuals, Summer Fridays set up a large table in the center of the room, with some of the scent note sources (like old school caramel chews) piled into adorable teacups. There were also plenty of bottles of perfume to sample, as well as a large bowl of—as I suspected—Lip Butter Balms in Vanilla. I knew they were sisters!

A visual and olfactory feast.

Katie Gunderman

One for the road, thanks!

Katie Gunderman

My First Scent Impressions

For me, spritzing the perfume for the first time immediately conjured up thoughts of vanilla ice cream and sunsets on the beach. It’s certainly a gourmand, but there’s a depth to it, especially when it settles into the nutty tonka and sticky amber base. There’s a natural quality to it, like you’ve spent the day wandering through bakeries and spice shops, hints of the aromas lingering on your skin. The solar quality to it (from the fresh bergamot and tropical coconut, if I had to guess) adds a rush of nostalgia to the whole composition, like this idyllic day happened months or years ago. You get caught in a sunbeam, and the whole sweet, hazy scene comes rushing back.

Final Thoughts

I crave storytelling from scent launches—especially in a market this crowded—and I’ll happily be adding this fragrance to my spring rotation for when I need a hit of golden hour. Sunlit Vanilla is available now at Sephora, Summer Fridays, and Revolve.

One final spritz before I go.

Katie Gunderman

Not your average NYC Uber.

Katie Gunderman

More Summer Fridays Faves

Summer Fridays Jet Lag MaskSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Summer Fridays

Jet Lag Mask

$49

Amazon

$49

Sephora

$49

Summer Fridays

The mask that started it all. I love wearing this to bed after a session torturing my skin (read: swimming laps in a chlorinated pool) or applying a very thin layer at my desk in the afternoon, to combat the infamous office air dryness. (It lives in my pen holder).

Summer Fridays Sheer Skin TintSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Summer Fridays

Sheer Skin Tint

$42

Amazon

$42

Revolve

$42

Sephora

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint in Shade 2

Sarah Hoffmann

I’ve loved this skin tint since it first launched, and it’s one of the products I recommend the most often to friends when they ask for base recommendations. The amount of coverage is simply perfect, and it makes your skin look like skin—but the kind of naturally perfect, gorgeous skin we all wish we had.

Summer Fridays Blush Butter BalmSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Summer Fridays

Blush Butter Balm

$26

Amazon

$26

Sephora

$26

Summer Fridays

Hoffmann applying the Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm in Pink Sunset

Sarah Hoffmann

I tend to gravitate towards roses and berries for blushes, but Pink Sunset is one of the best pink blush shades I’ve ever gotten my hands on. It wears like a perfectly faded, subtle sunburn, sans skin damage.

Summer Fridays Flushed Lip StainSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Summer Fridays

Flushed Lip Stain

$22

Sephora

$22

Revolve

Hoffmann applying the Summer Fridays Flushed Lip Stain in Almond

Sarah Hoffmann

I’ve been loving wearing the shade Almond under the Lip Butter Balm in Vanilla Beige. The staying power of this stain is no joke, so line with caution.

Summer Fridays Lip Butter BalmSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Summer Fridays

Lip Butter Balm

$26

Amazon

$24

Sephora

$24

Summer Fridays

Hoffmann applying the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Vanilla Beige

Sarah Hoffmann

Thick, shiny, and yummy. That’s all you really need to know about Summer Friday’s Lip Butter Balm, which comes in 11 mouthwatering flavors. It won a Best of Beauty Award in 2023, but the new scent and shade options keep me coming back for tube after tube.

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editor and brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

If you’ve ever proclaimed your skin as “reactive,” “irritated,” or simply quick to act up, you’re not the only one. Up to 71% of adults worldwide report some level of skin sensitivity, and while it’s not exactly a clinical diagnosis, it’s a very real lived experience. Mine tends to manifest as redness, the occasional surprise hives, and general itchiness when I get too experimental. So when I came across Dr. Barbara Sturm’s The Peptide Serum and spotted the word peptides, my ears perked up. Not because peptides are the buzziest ingredient right now (though they are), but since they’re made up of short chains of amino acids your skin already recognizes, it’s less likely your skin will freak out over them.

Spoiler alert: I didn’t exactly pace myself—I went straight in, and somehow my sensitive skin was fully on board. But don’t let the gentle reputation fool you; peptides are still putting in hard work. Here’s how it played out for me.

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Dr. Barbara Sturm

The Peptide Serum

$260

Bluemercury

First Off, What Are Peptides?

“Peptides are strands of amino acids that act as messengers, telling skin cells what to do,” says Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago. If your reactive skin has ever been personally offended by retinol (same), peptides offer a gentler way in. “They can stimulate collagen like retinol, just with far less irritation,” says Dr. Ibrahim. In practice, that means signaling your skin to ramp up collagen production, slow its breakdown, and support how it repairs itself over time—all things sensitive skin tends to appreciate, adds Maryam Safaee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles.

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee holding the Dr. Barbara Sturm The Peptide Serum

Christa Joanna Lee

A Closer Look at the Formula

Dr. Barbara Sturm’s formula doesn’t rely on just one peptide. Are you ready? You’ve got acetyl octapeptide-3 and hexapeptide-3, often referred to as “neurotransmitter-inhibiting” peptides, which help limit muscle contractions so, over time, expression lines look a little softer. As Dr. Ibrahim explains, “they work similarly in concept to Botox by dialing down the intensity of repeated facial movements.” Then there’s palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (a.k.a. Matrixyl), a longtime staple that signals fibroblasts to produce more collagen and elastin. Rounding things out, acetyl-tetrapeptide-2 and decapeptide-4 “support collagen production and act a bit like growth factors, encouraging overall skin repair,” adds Dr. Ibrahim.

Lee applying the Dr. Barbara Sturm The Peptide Serum

Christa Joanna Lee

Then there are supporting ingredients, including amino acids—glycine, proline, and arginine—which, as Dr. Safaee explains, “are essential building blocks of collagen itself.” In other words, peptides tell the skin what to make; amino acids make it happen.

And importantly, the formula doesn’t forget about hydration: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and a mix of oils and butters keep the barrier intact. Because, as Dr. Ibrahim points out, “there’s no point in stimulating collagen if your skin barrier is too compromised to function properly.”

First Impressions

It’s more milky than I expected from a serum, but it makes sense once you look at the formula: As mentioned, there are water-binding humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, but also emollients and lipids—think shea butter, sunflower oil, almond oil, and vitamin E—suspended into that base. That combination gives it that softly opaque, almost lotion-like look.

Lee applying the Dr. Barbara Sturm’s The Peptide Serum

Christa Joanna Lee

How I Used It

I worked this into my morning and evening routines, right after cleansing and before moisturizer. The first time I used it, I noticed the faintest hint of tightness as it dried down—nothing off-putting, just something I clocked—but it disappeared completely after that. From then on, it settled in seamlessly. Three weeks in, the fragrance-free formula kept things completely calm without tingling, redness, or surprise reactions (cue: sigh of relief).

At night, it slips easily under moisturizer; in the morning, it layers smoothly with sunscreen and makeup without pilling (just let it dry for a minute or two), which already puts it ahead of a number of serums in this category. It’s the kind of formula you don’t have to overthink. And don’t get me wrong—when you have sensitive skin, that kind of low-maintenance ease is the dream.

The Results

Let’s level-set expectations: This isn’t a wake-up-transformed-overnight situation (skin care rarely is). But within a couple of weeks, my skin felt noticeably calmer—less redness, smoother texture, and overall more quenched. And considering this all happened during that awkward winter-to-spring in-between (complete with seasonal allergies and a brutal cold), it had a lot working against it.

Lee applying the Dr. Barbara Sturm The Peptide Serum

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Dr. Barbara Sturm The Peptide Serum

Christa Joanna Lee

That lines up with what Dr. Ibrahim told me: “Usually improved hydration and texture can be seen within two to four weeks when using peptides, while reduced fine lines and improved firmness and elasticity may take up to six months.” He also pointed out something worth keeping in mind—peptides are doing real work, just not always in a dramatic, immediate way. “Peptides stimulate collagen production like retinol, albeit with less potential irritation, [but] the results are not as fast.”

Dr. Barbara Sturm The Peptide Serum displayed on a silk sheet

Christa Joanna Lee

Peptides work on a slower, steadier timeline, but the payoff is there if you stick with it. I’m curious to see how it handles the fine lines around my upper cheeks and eyes over the next few months. If your skin tends to prefer a gentle nudge over a full-on push, this one gets it.

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Dr. Barbara Sturm

The Peptide Serum

$260

Bluemercury

Meet the experts

• Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Salmalita Cosmetics, based in Chicago
• Maryam Safaee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles