Beauty editors rarely empty products, but it's even more uncommon to have multiple refills. Here are 9 skincare items I've used up more than three times.
As someone who incorporates a fresh skincare product into her routine weekly (often more than one, I must confess), I rarely—if ever—completely finish products. My bathroom counter has enough upcoming staples to rival the shelves of Sephora, so when I actually commit to a formula until the last pump, you can be sure it's impressive—really impressive. And when I find myself restocking that formula repeatedly, using it until the very last drop each time? It’s not just great; it's truly exceptional. That being said, these A+ products are quite rare—definitely more so than the occasional empty from a beauty editor. After nearly a decade in the industry, I have only nine products that I regard as essential, automatic restocks—ones I cherish so much that I feel genuinely disappointed when I reach the bottom. Here, check out the current list of cult favorites I’ve used up not once, not twice, but three (or more!) times.
A quick overview: My 9 Highly Desired Repeated Skincare Products
U Beauty
The Super Hydrator
Fun fact: I ran out of this deeply hydrating face cream four days before my wedding and rushed to the Cos Bar in my neighborhood to grab a new bottle. I never want to be without this silky, skin-soothing formula, and I certainly wasn’t going to risk anything before such a significant (and highly photographed) event. I apply it twice a day; it's moisturizing enough to keep me dewy all night while maintaining a lightweight consistency that never clogs my pores. It's arguably my favorite moisturizer ever, and I won’t stop talking about it!
Shani Darden
Retinol Reform
Another product I frantically restocked before my wedding is celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden's slow-release retinol. It’s just right—gentle enough to avoid irritation and flaking (what some call the "retinol uglies"), yet clinically proven to keep skin smooth and firm. I cycle through too many actives each week to rely on Tretinoin (the ultra-potent prescription version of retinol), but I want my over-the-counter retinoid to deliver results. Darden's is one of the best consumer options I've encountered.
Mother Science
Retinol Synergist
If you're new to retinol, I highly recommend Mother Science's Retinol Synergist. (My fellow beauty editors agree; it received a prestigious spot in our WWW 100 Beauty Awards last year!) I went through multiple bottles before moving on to Darden's serum above, but I'm tempted to restock it again for the dry winter months. Paired with a powerful antioxidant called malassezin, it enhances the effects of retinol while also strengthening the skin barrier and preventing irritation—an absolute lifesaver during these brutally cold months.
HPPY Skin
Plump + Renew Hyaluronic Acid Serum
I’ve tried more hyaluronic acid serums than I can count, yet I consistently return to this HPPY Skin formula over the past year. It’s relatively new compared to classic HA staples, but the extra berry-derived nutrients make it a standout for me. Essentially, you get two serums in one: a skin-plumping hyaluronic acid and a brightening, antioxidant-rich blend.
Dove
Sensitive Skin Body Wash
There's a reason this is a classic! Over the years, I’ve tested countless trendy, high-end body washes (some so luxuriously scented they could double as perfume), but Dove's fragrance-free, skin-friendly formula will always be a shower essential. It holds nostalgic value for me (it was the only body wash my mom kept at home while I was growing up), but the hypoallergenic, creamy cleanser truly delivers; it consistently makes my skin feel velvety-soft from head to toe.
Dr. Diamond's Metacine
Instafacial Plasma Bioactive Growth Factor Serum
If you know me, you’re aware of my fondness for Dr. Diamond's Instafacial Plasma serum. I use it every night without fail, and I've gone through three bottles and counting. A good friend recently texted me to ask if the skin-repairing serum is worth the $200 price, as she was considering it while it was on sale during the holidays. I immediately replied, "Absolutely!" I’d even say it’s my secret to 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 apply it every morning (retinol at night!), as the AHA gently exfoliates dead skin and stops clogged pores without compromising my moisture barrier. Using gentler exfoliators more frequently has drastically improved my skin, and I owe the glow to Pavitt!
Sunsolve MD
ZnO+ Mineral Care Calm + Revitalize SPF 50
A daily
Other articles
Beauty editors rarely empty products, but it's even more uncommon to have multiple refills. Here are 9 skincare items I've used up more than three times.
My collection of beloved cult classics.
