The Best e.l.f. Skincare Products Reviewed

I was aware that e.l.f. Cosmetics has some excellent drugstore makeup products, but I am quickly becoming convinced that this brand’s skincare products are just as good as their makeup. Today, I’d like to discuss my experience with some of the best e.l.f. skincare products.

If you’ve read my blog before, you may know that I am a huge fan of The Ordinary and The Inkey List. Both of these brands formulate effective skin care products at rock-bottom prices.

E.l.f. stands out amongst all other drugstore skincare brands and joins the ranks of The Ordinary and The Inkey List.

Why? Because e.l.f., too, has several products that are very low-priced (although their Full Spectrum CBD Collection is priced higher), and the products simply work.

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The Best e.l.f. Skincare Products

I tried the following e.l.f. Skincare products, and was quite impressed with the noticeable results:

This no-frills product is gentle and gets the job done. It has a somewhat strong coconut fragrance, so please take note if you are sensitive to fragrance.

This is the ideal cleanser to use in the morning to refresh your face after waking.

If you use it to remove makeup, you can follow their suggestion of letting it sit on your face slightly longer (10-20 seconds) to remove stubborn eye makeup like mascara and eyeliner.

I would still suggest using a cleansing balm first to dissolve hard-to-remove makeup since it didn’t remove all my eye makeup on its own.

Related Post: The Inkey List vs The Ordinary: Anti-Aging Skincare on a Budget

It is formulated with papaya leaf extract, tangerine fruit extract, and licorice extract, known for its sebum-regulating, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties.

Apply the liquid exfoliant (it has the texture of a gel cream) to your clean, dry skin and massage in circular motions, avoiding the eye and lip area.

Microcrystalline cellulose is the ingredient in the product that combines with the oils in our skin. This is what balls up, removing a small amount of accumulated dead skin cells with it.

You can use this treatment 2-3 times per week.

Related Post: Drugstore Anti-Aging Essentials For Your Skincare Routine

I’ve heard a lot of good things about this product, so I couldn’t wait to give it a try.

This creamy exfoliant is not irritating to my somewhat sensitive skin and does exactly what it is supposed to do, and more gently than manual exfoliants.

It leaves my skin soft and smooth and brightens my skin, providing more clarity. Please note that there is a light fragrance to this product.

This product will replace any face scrubs or manual exfoliants in my skincare collection.

This doesn’t replace chemical exfoliators like Good Genes (one of my favorites), but is an excellent alternative for gentle and effective exfoliation at a very low price!

The peel pads are formulated with exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), including glycolic acid. These AHAs sweep away dead skin cells for brighter, smoother skin.

You also find sugar maple extract in these peel pads.

Extracted from the sugar maple tree, sugar maple extract contains natural AHA acids, namely malic and tartaric acids which provide a gentler exfoliation than stronger acids like glycolic acid.

These peel pads also contain citrus extracts such as orange, lemon fruit, and papaya extracts. Witch hazel is included for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.

The jar of 45 peel pads provides a non-abrasive way to reveal fresher, brighter skin.

You swipe a single pad across your face after cleansing.

Be sure to avoid your lip and eye areas, and if you want some additional exfoliating benefits, continue down your neck and to your décolleté as long as this area is not too sensitive.

I prefer to use these peel pads at night when I don’t apply makeup on my skin afterward.

Glycolic acid is one of the smallest AHAs. It can penetrate deeper into your skin than gentler acids, so those with sensitive skin may have an issue with products containing glycolic acid.

I am one of those people who are pretty sensitive to glycolic acid, I was able to use these pads without any problems or irritation, so perhaps the concentration is not too high in this product.

I think these peel pads are a great introduction to chemical exfoliation. What an affordable exfoliating treatment for the low price.

It’s hard to believe that these are so cheap since they are an effective way to brighten skin and remove dead skin cells providing results quickly.

They may not be as strong as some formulas, such as my favorite peel pads, but they are the perfect introduction to AHAs and a quick and easy way to get an AHA treatment a few times a week.

Squalane is a plant-derived ingredient that supports hydration and maintains moisture. It’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores and cause breakouts.

This elf moisturizer also contains niacinamide. Niacinamide has so many benefits for your skin!

It balances sebum production, minimizes the appearance of pores, evens the skin tone, reduces redness, improves dullness, and supports the skin barrier.

If that weren’t enough, niacinamide also has antioxidant properties to repair and protect from UV and environmental skin damage.

Centella Asiatica (Cica) protects and soothes while Snow Mushroom plumps and hydrates. Vitamin E nourishes and moisturizes.

I am amazed at all of the fantastic skincare ingredients in this moisturizer for such a low price.

This is a fun moisturizer because it has a jello-like texture that provides so much hydration and moisture.

The one drawback is that it applies to a somewhat tacky finish and takes a little bit of time to dry. It’s ideal for all skin types.

This fragrance-free moisturizer is all about plumping and hydrating the skin. Notable active ingredients include:

• Hyaluronic Acid – a holy grail for hydration that can hold up to 1000% times its weight in water. Hyaluronic acid will help prevent water loss and plump the skin.
• Niacinamide – a true all-star skincare ingredient (and one of my favorites), niacinamide (Vitamin B3) controls oil production, brightens, evens skin tone, and soothes irritated skin.
• Squalane – balances oil production, is non-comedogenic, calms the skin, and seals in moisture, supporting the skin barrier.
• Peptides – amino acids that support collagen and elasticity production and help revitalize aging skin.
• Vitamin B5 – soothes with its anti-inflammatory qualities, supports the skin barrier, and hydrates the skin.

This formula is packed with hydrating and anti-aging ingredients and is incredibly affordable. The rich and creamy elf cream feels surprisingly light on the skin without feeling greasy.

If you couldn’t tell, I love this drugstore elf moisturizer!

NOTE: If you want this moisturizer with added sunscreen, you can purchase Holy Hydration! Face Cream with SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen protection.

E.l.f. All the Feels Facial Oil is a lightweight facial oil infused with hemp-derived cannabis sativa seed oil to hydrate and nourish the skin.

The oil has a base of jojoba seed oil and also contains sunflower seed oil, grape seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and carrot seed oil.

Squalane improves moisture, while rosehip seed oil provides antioxidant qualities along with vitamins and essential fatty acids.

This oil is so lightweight and doesn’t leave your face feeling like an oil slick.

If you have dry skin and are looking for a moisture boost, you can mix a few drops with your daily moisturizer or foundation for a beautiful glow and added radiance.

NOTE: This oil feels very similar to e.l.f. 100 MG CBD Facial Oil reviewed below in that they are both so lightweight and perfect for adding as the last step in your skincare routine to soothe, hydrate, and seal in moisture.

e.l.f. Full Spectrum CBD Collection

Unfortunately, as of January 2023, e.l.f. Full Spectrum CBD products appear to be discontinued! 😭😭😭

Continue reading for my thoughts on the collection:

I am including five products from e.l.f.’s Full Spectrum CBD Collection in this best-of and review post because they are that good. Every single one of them.

Yes, they are more expensive than most of e.l.f.’s other products.

This is because they contain respectable amounts of full spectrum hemp-derived CBD, and all of the products are so soothing.

You can read my review of the entire Full Spectrum CBD Collection here.

All of these CBD products, except the eye cream, have added fragrance, so please note this if your skin is sensitive.

The scent in these products contains notes of Japanese citrus and chamomile. It is a very light, soothing, and pleasant fragrance.

NOTE: E.l.f.’s CBD collection is not for sale in Hawaii, Idaho, Nebraska, or South Dakota.

e.l.f. 100 MG CBD Facial Oil

E.l.f. 100 MG CBD Facial Oil is formulated with an impressive 100 mg of full spectrum CBD, marula oil, balancing grapeseed oil, sunflower seed oil, and sweet almond oil.

This lightweight oil sinks into the skin without feeling the slightest bit greasy or oily.

e.l.f. 50 MG CBD Moisturizer

E.l.f. 50 MG CBD Moisturizer is formulated with 50 mg of full spectrum CBD, hyaluronic acid for plumping the skin, and sweet almond oil to retain moisture.

This moisturizer has the texture of a lightweight gel cream. It sinks into the skin, leaving a beautiful natural finish.

e.l.f. 50 MG CBD Eye Cream

E.l.f. 50 MG CBD Eye Cream contains 50 mg of full spectrum CBD plus hyaluronic acid for hydration and plumping and a peptide complex to brighten under the eyes and reduce the signs of aging.

The eye cream is unscented and non-irritating under my eyes.

e.l.f. 50 MG CBD Body Cream

This is my new favorite body cream! E.l.f. 50 MG CBD Body Cream is infused with 50mg of full spectrum CBD, argan oil, and shea butter.

This body cream absorbs quickly, is never sticky, and is so soothing. I’ve gone through three tubs of this body cream…love it!

e.l.f. 5 MG CBD Lip Oil

It has a delicious flavor of peppermint vanilla and is not sticky or greasy. I’ve repurchased this lip oil, too! It’s so soothing!

E.l.f. 5 MG CBD Lip Oil is formulated with 5 mg of full spectrum CBD and sunflower seed oil to moisturize the lips.

This cleansing balm is formulated to easily remove makeup, dirt, and oil without leaving your skin feeling dry or tight.

It contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides to cleanse while hydrating and plumping the skin.

This silky cleansing balm melts into your skin and turns into a milk when water is added. It rinses cleanly and leaves my skin soft and hydrated.

This is an effective cleansing balm at an affordable price.

Please note that it does have a light, fresh fragrance.

TIP: This elf cleansing balm is perfect as Step 1 of a double cleanse. A double cleanse consists of an oil-based cleanser as the first step and a water-based cleanser as the second step.

If you want to stick with e.l.f. products, follow with e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Daily Cleanser as step 2!

Related Post: The Best e.l.f. Cosmetics Makeup Products

It is formulated with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to hydrate the skin and support the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

It has a thin gel consistency that provides a nice foam action without stripping the skin.

Like the rest of the Holy Hydration! products, this cleanser has a very impressive formula for the incredibly low drugstore pricing.

This gentle cleanser works well on its own but really shines when used after e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm in a double cleanse to completely clean your skin.

It preps skin with moisture to get it ready for the rest of your skincare routine. Please note that this water-based cleanser is lightly fragranced.

It uses niacinamide to soothe and brighten, while willow bark and tea tree oil minimize shine and clarify the skin.

If you’ve never tried niacinamide on your skin, this would be a great introduction at a very affordable price.

Niacinamide is the second ingredient in this product, so for a niacinamide-rich formula for such a cheap price, you can’t beat it.

This is a very lightweight serum that I like to use as a booster to keep oil production at bay around my t-zone.

I like it because it is easy to incorporate into my skincare routine, and it doesn’t interfere with other products or makeup.

It also contains witch hazel, green tea, and aloe to calm and soothe inflammation from acne and pimples.

I love that this acne spot gel is in a rollerball format because you don’t need to use your fingers (and accompanying bacteria) to rub it in.

It’s really hard to believe that this effective treatment is so cheap! You can buy a few and throw one in your purse, one in your travel bag, another in your gym bag…so easy and convenient!

The cream is formulated with Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, which is rich in omega fatty acids, including omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids.

These fatty acids help support the skin barrier by locking in moisture.

Hemp seed oil, which does NOT contain THC or CBD, also has anti-inflammatory properties and may even help with acne.

The cream also contains brightening niacinamide, which offers barrier repair and anti-aging benefits. Niacinamide can help to reduce the look of enlarged pores and improve uneven skin tone.

You’ll also find Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 in this cream.

This peptide duo is also known as Matrixyl 3000, a peptide complex that can help smooth wrinkles per the manufacturer, as well as improve skin tone, elasticity, and roughness.

Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) hydrates and plumps. Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) soothes and hydrates the skin.

Ideal for all skin types, this cream absorbs quickly and is very nourishing and moisturizing.

I really like the nourishing but non-greasy texture of this moisturizer. It leaves my skin with a lovely glow and works well under makeup.

This lightweight eye cream contains hyaluronic acid in the form of sodium hyaluronate to hydrate and plump the skin. Glycerin and jojoba esters moisturize the skin.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, also known as Matrixyl 3000, is a peptide complex that is said to have anti-wrinkle benefits and helps stimulate collagen production for a firmer, more youthful complexion.

The eye cream is lightweight, non-greasy, and fragrance-free. It doesn’t irritate the skin under my eyes and provides a nice layer of moisture under my makeup. An excellent drugstore eye cream!

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an all-star hydrator. It acts like a sponge to attract and bind water to the skin cells.

There are multiple molecular weights of HA in the moisturizer, which help the product penetrate and work on different levels of the skin for lasting hydration.

Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, and Ceramide EOP are lipid molecules that help to reinforce the skin’s natural barrier, preventing moisture loss.

The moisturizer also contains anti-aging peptides Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (Matrixyl 3000) for firmer skin.

These peptides support collagen production for visible anti-aging benefits, including a reduction in wrinkles and skin roughness and improved skin elasticity.

This moisturizer is ideal for all skin types, especially those with normal, combination, and oily skin. The light, non-greasy texture creates a smooth canvas for makeup application.

Please note there is an added fresh fragrance in Holy Hydration! Hydro-Gel Moisturizer.

I liked the lightweight texture of the hydro-gel, but I find myself reaching for Pure Skin Moisturizer (below) since it is fragrance-free and provides richer moisture.

It’s packed with skin-loving ingredients like sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) to help hydrate and smooth the skin.

Niacinamide helps brighten skin and improve the appearance of pores while reducing the look of wrinkles and fine lines.

Niacinamide also helps to balance sebum (oil) production in the skin, making it an excellent active ingredient for oily skin.

Oat milk soothes the skin and is ideal for itchy, irritated, and dry skin. Allantoin is another calming agent that helps to soothe and protect the skin.

The moisturizer also contains Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, and Ceramide EOP. These ceramides are found in our skin naturally and work to maintain the skin’s barrier but decrease as we age.

Adding them back into the skin helps to restore moisture and prevent moisture loss.

This moisturizer has a rich texture that never feels greasy or too heavy on the skin. It works well with makeup and is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores.

This is another excellent moisturizer from e.l.f. that is multi-benefit: it hydrates and nourishes while protecting the skin barrier and balancing the skin in a fragrance-free clean formula.

I like to use this moisturizer on nights that I use retinol since it is super-soothing and non-irritating.

Plus, it’s super affordable, considering you get a large 2.54 oz. bottle.

e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum

E.l.f. Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum is an ultra-hydrating serum that contains 1.7% hyaluronic acid (HA) in three molecular weights.

Ultra-low, low, and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid work together to penetrate the skin at different levels and provide intense long-lasting hydration.

Hyaluronic acid is a natural moisturizing factor and hydrator that plumps your skin for a more youthful look and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The serum also contains niacinamide to balance oil production in your skin, reduce the look of pores and uneven skin tone, support a healthy skin barrier, reduce redness, and smooth the look of fine lines.

Other ingredients include glycerin, a humectant that helps retain moisture, and panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), which soothes the skin.

Squalane is an emollient that provides lightweight nourishment and moisture while keeping the skin barrier intact.

Formulated for oily, combination, normal and dry skin types, this serum is fragrance-free.

This is a lightweight serum that absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel greasy on my skin.

There’s nothing worse than a tacky feeling hyaluronic acid serum, but this isn’t the slightest bit sticky or tacky.

This serum stands out to me due to its added nourishing ingredients like niacinamide and squalane.

It leaves my skin feeling soft and plump, and works well under makeup, too. It would be great for dehydrated and dry skin.

The serum is enriched with vitamin E and antioxidant pomegranate extract to protect the skin from environmental stress.

The vitamin C derivative in the serum is ethyl ascorbic acid.

Ethyl ascorbic acid is metabolized into pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the skin, so it offers many of the same benefits as pure vitamin C, like providing antioxidant protection, brightening the skin, and promoting healthy collagen production.

Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid in its salt form) hydrates and glycerin moisturizes.

I have a love-hate relationship with pure vitamin C since higher concentrations irritate my skin. So I couldn’t wait to try this serum to see how my skin would respond.

This serum has a lightweight and silky texture that absorbs quickly into my skin.

It doesn’t irritate my skin at all, which is a huge plus for me, and has nice hydration benefits. My skin looks slightly brighter after using it in my morning skincare routine for about a month.

This vitamin C serum is a winner for me for use during the day due to its gentle formula and antioxidant skin-protective benefits.

e.l.f. Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum

E.l.f. Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum combines the power of 1% Granactive Retinoid and 0.06% retinal with antioxidants to address the signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines.

Granactive Retinoid is a retinoid complex that contains hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR), a retinoic acid ester that binds directly to the retinoid receptors in the skin without needing to be converted (like retinol does) to be available in the skin.

It is a gentle retinoid that provides results that are similar to retinol but is less likely to cause irritation than other over-the-counter forms of retinol.

The serum also contains retinal, also known as retinaldehyde, a form of vitamin A that is more potent than retinol.

The serum also contains antioxidant-rich extracts like vitamin E and acai berry extract that protect your skin from environmental damage.

Anti-inflammatory dipotassium glycyrrhizate from the licorice plant soothes your skin, and lactobacillus ferment lysate, a probiotic-derived ferment, helps strengthen your skin barrier.

I’ve never used a combination of HPR and retinal, so I didn’t know what to expect with this serum, especially since stronger retinoids tend to irritate my skin.

I’ve been using this retinoid serum for a few weeks now, and I am impressed. I’ve been careful not to use it more than a few times a week since I know better than to overdo it with potent retinoids.

The serum is a deep golden orange shade that feels creamy and comfortable on my skin.

I make sure to always follow this serum with a rich moisturizer to give my skin an extra layer of hydration and protection.

My skin is bright and clear every morning after I use this serum, even if I didn’t get optimal sleep the night before.

The main drawback is that since it is potent, it may be irritating if you are new to retinoids or have sensitive skin. (I’ve built up my tolerance to retinoids over the years.)

Otherwise, I think this is a very effective anti-aging treatment. It’s a little pricier than other e.l.f. skincare products, but for the advanced formula, I think it’s worth every penny.

Just make sure to wear sunscreen while using this serum and for a week after since retinoids can make your skin sensitive to the sun.

e.l.f. Hydrating Water Essence

E.l.f. Hydrating Water Essence, which unfortunately appears to be discontinued, has been a favorite of beauty bloggers and influencers for its moisturizing qualities thanks to purified water, coconut water, algae (red seaweed extract), and coffee.

It also contains brightening and soothing niacinamide and hydrating hyaluronic acid. This product is lightly fragranced.

This essence was an e.l.f. skincare product that I was curious to try since it is often touted as an affordable alternative to more expensive essences such as Tatcha The Essence.

E.l.f. Hydrating Water Essence leaves my skin soft and smooth after the minute or two that it takes to dry.

It would be nice if this had a spray nozzle so that you don’t overpour, but the large bottle provides enough product in case you do.

This essence would be ideal for those who have dry, parched skin and need a little extra hydration. Add it into your skincare routine in the colder months for a well-needed extra layer of moisture.

The e.l.f. Philosophy

E.l.f. Cosmetics (which stands for Eyes, Lips, Face) prides itself on taking a small, independent approach to working, learning, and testing so they can move their products to market in a timely fashion.

By using their relationships with some of the best manufacturers in the world and listening to feedback and reviews from their customers, they can offer the best products at VERY AFFORDABLE prices.

All elf products are free from phthalates, parabens, nonylphenol ethoxylates, triclosan, triclocarban, and hydroquinone. E.l.f. skin care products are also free from sulfates.

All of their products are 100% vegan and cruelty-free worldwide!

Final Thoughts on The Best of e.l.f. Skincare

E.l.f. is one of the few drugstore brands that offers innovative and unique skincare products.

It seems that drugstore products are often late to the game when it comes to skincare trends and new product offerings, but e.l.f. is becoming competitive with some of my budget-friendly favorites: The Ordinary and The Inkey List.

Honestly, there are very few e.l.f. skincare products that I don’t like.

If you’re unsure where to start, you can try this affordable intro to e.l.f. skincare products: Holy Hydration! Hydrated Ever After Skincare Mini Kit. It contains 5 mini e.l.f. skincare products:

• Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm – 0.45 oz (13 g)
• Holy Hydration! Daily Cleanser – 1.01 Fl oz (30.0 mL)
• Holy Hydration! Eye Cream – 0.23 oz (6.5 g)
• Holy Hydration! Face Cream – 0.529 oz (15 g)
• Hydrating Booster Drops – 0.14 FL oz (4.2 mL)

Thanks for reading!