The Best Skincare Sets for a Complete Regimen
Cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, essences—skincare can be overwhelming for a newbie. A good skincare routine requires more than one product to address your needs, but creating a routine can be difficult if you don’t know where to start. Lucky for you, creating a complete skincare regimen is a breeze with the best skincare sets of 2024. Making sure you’re fully stocked with the essentials, the ClarityRx skincare set is our favorite because of its effective ingredients. But if you want to browse, we’ve included a range of options for every budget and skin type, as well as a comprehensive buying guide.
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Best Overall
ClarityRx Essentials Skincare Set
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Best Packaging
Minimo Skin Essentials Skincare Set
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Best for All Skin Types
Tree of Life Beauty Skincare Set
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Best for Acne-Prone Skin
The Ordinary Skincare Set
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Most Effective Starter Kit
Dermalogica Skincare Set
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Best for Sensitive Skin
I Dew Care Skincare Set
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Best for Travelers
Image Skincare Skincare Set
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Skincare Sets: A Buyer's Guide
Starting your skincare journey can be both exciting and overwhelming. With all the options out there for facial cleansers, moisturizers, and everything in between, it's perfectly normal to feel a little lost in the beginning. This is why skincare sets are lifesavers for those who are just beginning to put together their skincare regimen. Like many people out there, I started my skincare journey with a skincare set, and it served as a stepping stone for my current skincare regime. Skincare sets usually come with everything you might need in a skincare regimen, saving you from all the fuss of having to find products yourself. There's also the added benefit of knowing that products in a skincare set are designed to work well together, so you won't have to worry about clashing ingredients. To help you get started, we've curated this buyer’s guide to show what features to look out for as you shop for your new skincare set. Ensure you get the most out of your purchase and that the products you choose fit your skin type and needs!
Quality of ingredients
Selecting skincare products that contain non-toxic ingredients is a must. These ingredients are gentler on your skin, won’t cause any side effects or allergic reactions, and can be more effective at delivering results. Look for products with thorough ingredient lists that are free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and artificial fragrances. Taking the time to read and research the ingredient labels can help you to identify which products contain safer, healthier ingredients and which ones don’t.
Aside from looking out for bad ingredients, also keep an eye out for ingredients that are great for your skin! Different ingredients are designed for different needs, so if you want to maintain your acne-prone skin, look for salicylic acid, niacinamide, and benzoyl peroxide. If you're concerned about signs of aging, opt for retinol or retinoids. For acne scarring and hyperpigmentation, all studies point to glycolic acid. If your skin is feeling dry, look for hyaluronic acid. And if you just want a natural glow, search for vitamin C.
Number of products included
Depending on which skincare routine you prefer, decide on how many products you need in your skincare set to cover all steps in your routine (such as a cleanser, toner, serum, and moisturizer). Assess your lifestyle to determine if you have time to entertain a lot of products, but also ensure that the number of products is enough to fit all your needs so you won’t have to buy extra items later.
Suitability
Determining which type of product will suit your skin type best is important. If you have oily skin, look for non-comedogenic products to help balance sebum production and clear pores. Opt for products that provide deep hydration and nourishment if you have dry skin.
If you have combination skin, consider products that provide balanced moisture and control oiliness. And if you have sensitive skin, look for products that are free from irritating ingredients.
Types of products
Every skincare set is different, with some having eye serums and others having sunscreens. Assess what you think you might need to improve and maintain your skin and look for the skincare sets that will meet those needs.
The staples of every skincare set are cleansers, serums, and moisturizers. The items outside of that trio might be the deciding factor for you. For example, if your skin is feeling dry, look for sets with hydrating serums. If you're fond of pulling all-nighters, studies found that a good eye cream can do wonders for wrinkles and eye bags. Every set is designed for a certain person in mind, so find the skincare set that you feel is designed for you.
Personal preferences
Consider whether you'll like how the products feel on your skin and their smell and texture. Some people may prefer certain types of scents or textures over others, so it's important to think about this before making your final purchase.
The Best Skincare Sets of 2024
ClarityRx Essentials Skincare Set
Pros
- Provides a complete and well-rounded routine
- Formulated with professional-grade ingredients
- Compact and travel-friendly products
Cons
- Ingredients might not be suitable for everyone
The ClarityRx Essentials skincare set is a collection of products excellent for anyone at any stage of their skincare journey. Perfect for newbies, this comprehensive kit is an all-in-one solution for radiant and healthy-looking skin. But even skincare enthusiasts and veterans will be impressed by the carefully selected and professionally formulated products, each of which has a vital role in daily skincare rituals. Together, these items ensure an effective approach to cleansing, treating, and moisturizing.
As far as skincare sets go, this one is the most advanced one out there. The kit includes a Vitamin-Infused Cleanser, Crushed Bamboo Exfoliator, Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum, Soothing Recovery Cream, and Environmental Protection SPF 30. The recovery cream and sunscreen made this set an automatic winner for me. As a skincare set that delivers high-quality results after consistent use, this skincare set is our top choice.
Minimo Skin Essentials Skincare Set
Pros
- Skincare set suitable for sensitive skin
- Unscented and gentle on the skin
- Removes dead skin and nourishes
Cons
- Can take a while to see results
The Minimo Glow skincare set is most suitable for sensitive skin. All the unscented products included are gentle on the skin, making them perfect for those with sensitive skin. They effectively remove dead skin while nourishing your face with natural ingredients, botanicals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
The Glow starter pack includes the Glow Turmeric Scrub to brighten and exfoliate your skin, the Lumen Serum that corrects dark spots and face blemishes, and the Radiant Moisturizer to hydrate your skin and finish off the glowing look. This pack targets various skincare concerns, specifically brightening uneven skin tone, soothing and hydrating the skin, and moisturizing dry skin. Each product is full-sized, ensuring that you get your money’s worth with the set.
Tree of Life Beauty Skincare Set
Pros
- Improves skin tone and texture
- Easy-to-use products
- Can work for all skin types
Cons
- May cause irritation for some
If you’re looking for a comprehensive skincare routine that’s cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested, and made for all skin types and tones, then the Tree of Life Vitamin C complete five-piece set is the perfect choice. It includes a cleanser, toner, serum, eye gel, and moisturizer—all infused with vitamin C. Together, the set is formulated to reduce the look of dark spots, even out skin tone, minimize the appearance of dark circles and puffiness, and brighten and hydrate your skin.
The cleanser gently removes impurities and provides hydration to the skin for a refreshed look, while the toner removes makeup and excess oil and helps keep the skin clean. The serum is great for reducing dark spots and evening out skin tone and the eye gel minimizes puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. Finally, the moisturizer visibly brightens and hydrates the skin for a healthy glow.
The Ordinary Skincare Set
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Can help with acne
- Cruelty-free brand
Cons
- Small amount of each product
The Balance Set by The Ordinary is a fantastic collection of products designed to enhance the look and feel of your skin. The four-piece set includes the Squalane Cleanser, Salicylic Acid 2% Masque, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum, and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA. This carefully crafted combination of products will help maintain acne, reduce oiliness, minimize the look of enlarged pores, and even out your skin tone.
The Squalane Cleanser has a specialty formulation to gently cleanse away dirt and oil while preserving your skin’s natural lipids, while the Salicylic Acid Masque contains 2% salicylic acid to penetrate deeply into pores and clear away impurities. This set’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum benefits those with oily or acne-prone skin, and the Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA helps rehydrate thirsty skin after cleansing and exfoliation. Acne is no match for these products when they come together.
Dermalogica Skincare Set
Pros
- Small containers are convenient for travel
- A little product goes a long way
- Effective at reducing discoloration
Cons
- Higher price point for travel-sized products
The Dermalogica Discover Healthy Skin kit is the perfect way to pamper your skin. This professional-grade skincare set contains four products: a pre-cleanse, a facewash, a face exfoliator, and a moisturizer that work together to reveal glowing skin. The pre-cleanse helps to loosen dirt and debris, while the face cleanser washes away impurities without stripping the skin. The face exfoliator polishes away dead skin cells to reveal a glowing complexion. Finally, the moisturizer nourishes and improves skin texture on the face and around the eyes by smoothing away dehydration lines without being too heavy or greasy.
Thanks to its gentle products and ingredients, this kit is suitable for all types of skin but works best for those without active acne. Overall, this is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy and effective way to keep their skin healthy and glowing.
I Dew Care Skincare Set
Pros
- Helps calm and balance the skin
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin
- Reduces redness, inflammation, and acne
Cons
- Doesn’t include a moisturizer
The I Dew Care skincare set is a wonderful gift for the skincare lover in your life. With three high-quality and innovative products, this Korean skincare kit will provide you with a complete routine. The Namaste Kitten cleanser is a gentle yet effective foam cleanser that gently washes away dirt and impurities from the face. The set’s Yoga Kitten mask combines kaolin to refine skin with heartleaf extract to calm irritated complexions for a perfectly balanced and clean feeling. Finally, the Juicy Kitten serum completes the kit with its power greens to boost the skin before moisturizing.
This set is great for those with sensitive blemish-prone skin looking for an easy, on-the-go solution to their skincare needs. The combination of kaolin and heartleaf extract works together to leave the skin feeling nourished and balanced. All these revolutionary ingredients are in petite travel-sized bottles, so you can take them wherever you go. But most of all, the fun product names and colorful packaging make this the perfect gift for friends and family!
Image Skincare Skincare Set
Pros
- Works well on sensitive skin
- Moisturizer has SPF protection
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Small product sizes may not last long
Always on the go? The Image skincare set is ideal for those looking to maintain their complexion and keep it healthy and vibrant no matter where they are in the world. As part of a four-step system, this set first provides a gentle cleanser that helps to remove impurities and makeup from the skin without drying it out. The second step provides a light exfoliator that helps slough away any dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and brighter. This kit’s third step is a potent moisturizer with SPF 30 that nourishes the skin and helps to hydrate it while protecting it from the sun’s harmful rays. Finally, the fourth step involves a light night serum that helps promote cell turnover while you sleep, enhancing the overall appearance of your skin.
All of the products are free of parabens and dyes, making them safe for even the most sensitive skin types. The unique blend of antioxidants also helps combat free radical damage while promoting a healthier-looking complexion.
People Also Ask
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Q: Is a skincare set better than individual products?
A:It really depends on personal preference and desired outcomes. Some may find that individualized products tailored specifically to their needs work better than a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. However, others may benefit more from having an entire system already pre-prepared since it saves time and money.
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Q: Should I use the products in a skincare set together or separately?
A:Typically, you should use the products in a skincare set together since they work synergistically to provide optimal results. But, it’s important to read through the provided instructions to distinguish which products work best together and which would be better for individual use or at different times during your skincare routine.
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Q: Is it necessary to use all the products in a skincare set?
A:No, it’s not always necessary to use all of the products included within a skincare set. Just keep in mind that brands usually put them together to work safely together and provide you with the most optimal results for your skin type and lifestyle needs.
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Q: What is the best way to store and keep the skincare set’s products fresh?
A:It’s usually best to store the products at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources (sometimes, you can put some products like Vitamin C serums in the fridge). It’s also important to close the lids tightly so air doesn’t get into the container and ruin the product’s efficacy.
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Q: Do skincare sets test on animals?
A:Testing practices can vary from brand to brand. Look for brands that are cruelty-free or vegan if you would like to ensure your skincare set is free from animal testing and animal-derived ingredients.
Why trust Us
At Us Weekly, we aim to inform readers to make smart purchasing decisions, saving you both time and money. Our editors are obsessed with finding products in a variety of categories from fashion and beauty, to home and fitness.
We try various products, so we can recommend our favorites, and we also summarize feedback and data from other customers. Data, like product reviews and ratings, helps us recommend the best product choices for individual price points and needs.
On top of that, we highlight unique product features for special use cases, ingredients preferences, and more. We strive to make sure you are discovering new products that can make your life easier, while keeping you up to date with the best product choices for types of items you already know and love.
