Beauty editor empty products are uncommon, but using the same item for multiple refills is quite rare—here are 9 skincare selections that I have repurchased over three times.
As someone who incorporates a new skincare product into her routine every single week (often more than one, I must confess), I rarely finish products. My bathroom counter is piled high with enough upcoming staples to rival the shelves of Sephora. So, when I actually commit to a formula until I reach the last pump, you can be sure it’s exceptional—truly exceptional. And when I continuously buy that same formula, using it right down to the final drop? It's not just good; it’s absolutely fantastic. That being said, these standout items are pretty rare—definitely more uncommon than the occasional beauty editor's empty bottle. After nearly ten years in the field, I can count only nine products that I consider essentials to restock without question—ones I value so much that I feel genuinely disappointed when I’m down to the last bit. Here, discover the current list of cult classics I’ve used up not just once or twice, but three (or more!) times.
Here’s a quick overview. Shop My 9 Most Coveted Repeat Skincare Products
U Beauty
The Super Hydrator
Interesting fact: I ran out of this incredibly hydrating face cream just four days before my wedding, causing me to drop everything and rush to the Cos Bar nearby to grab a new bottle. I never want to be without this silky, skin-soothing formula, and I certainly wasn’t taking any chances before such a significant (and highly photographed) occasion. I use it twice daily—it's moisturizing enough to keep my skin dewy throughout the night but lightweight enough to avoid clogging my pores. It's arguably my favorite moisturizer ever, and I can’t stop raving about it!
Shani Darden
Retinol Reform
This is another product I frantically restocked before my wedding. Celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden's slow-release retinol is just right. It’s gentle enough to prevent irritation and flakiness (often referred to as the "retinol uglies") while being clinically proven to maintain smooth and firm skin. I cycle through far too many actives weekly to use Tretinoin (the super potent prescription retinol), but I still want my over-the-counter retinoid to deliver results. Darden's product is among the most effective consumer options I've tested.
Mother Science
Retinol Synergist
If you’re new to retinol, I highly recommend Mother Science's Retinol Synergist. (My fellow beauty editors agree—it won a coveted place in our WWW 100 Beauty Awards last year!) I went through multiple bottles before finally opting for Darden's serum above, but I’m tempted to restock it again for the dry winter months. This product combines a powerful antioxidant called malassezin, which enhances the retinol's effects while strengthening the skin barrier and minimizing irritation—a lifesaver during these harsh winters.
HPPY Skin
Plump + Renew Hyaluronic Acid Serum
I've used countless hyaluronic acid serums, but this HPPY Skin formulation has consistently brought me back over the past year. It's a newer release compared to classic HA staples, but the added berry-derived nutrients really set it apart. You essentially receive two serums in one: a skin-plumping hyaluronic acid and a brightening treasure rich in antioxidants.
Dove
Sensitive Skin Body Wash
It’s a classic for a reason! Throughout the years, I’ve tried various popular, high-end body washes (some so luxuriously scented they can double as perfume), but Dove's fragrance-free, skin-friendly formula will always be a shower essential for me. It's nostalgic (the only body wash my mother used when I was growing up), but the hypoallergenic, creamy cleanser still delivers; it consistently leaves my skin feeling velvety soft from head to toe.
Dr. Diamond's Metacine
Instafacial Plasma Bioactive Growth Factor Serum
If you know me, you know how much I love Dr. Diamond's Instafacial Plasma serum. I use it every night without fail and have gone through three bottles and counting. A good friend recently texted me asking if the skin-repairing serum justifies its $200 price tag (she was weighing her options during a holiday sale), and I promptly replied with a resounding "Absolutely!" I’d even say it's my secret for achieving glowing, glass-like skin.
Sofie Pavitt Face
Mandelic Clearing Serum
I'm currently on my fourth bottle of celebrity aesthetician Sofie Pavitt's mandelic acid serum. I use it every morning (retinol is for the night!), as the AHA removes dead skin and prevents clogged pores without damaging my moisture barrier. Utilizing gentler exfoliators frequently has transformed my skin for the better, and I’ll always attribute the glow to Pavitt!
Sunsolve MD
ZnO+ Mineral Care Calm + Revitalize SPF 50
A daily sunscreen that also calms redness and evens out skin tone
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Beauty editor empty products are uncommon, but using the same item for multiple refills is quite rare—here are 9 skincare selections that I have repurchased over three times.
My selection of beloved cult classics.
