The one product that has earned its viral status entirely on merit, is this one. The 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant has been recommended by dermatologists, makeup artists and skincare editors consistently for years—not just because it’s exciting to look at, but because it works hard. Salicylic acid at 2% gets into the pores, clears out the congestion sitting inside them and smooths the skin’s surface in a way that physical exfoliants simply cannot replicate. Be it blackheads, enlarged pores or rough texture, this will help you tackle it all. Cleanse your face, apply the exfoliant with a cotton pad, skip the rinse and let it do its job.

Azelaic acid is one of the more underrated ingredients in skincare—it addresses uneven tone, post-breakout marks, redness and mild texture concerns simultaneously. And it does so without the irritation that stronger actives can cause. At 10%, this booster delivers it at a concentration that’s effective enough to produce visible results while remaining comfortable for daily use. It can be mixed into a moisturiser or serum, applied directly or used as a targeted treatment on areas of concern. It’s versatile, it’s gentle and it’s underestimated until you’ve tried it.

Peptides are the workhorses of anti-ageing skincare—they signal the skin to produce more collagen, improve firmness and support the overall structure of the skin without the sensitivity that comes with retinoids. This booster combines multiple peptide types into a concentrated formula that can be mixed into any product in your routine or used alone. The result over time is skin that feels more resilient, looks firmer and holds its structure better through the day. This is a product that rewards patience and consistency in equal measure.

This is a daily moisturiser from Paula's Choice's Resist line, which is built specifically around the concerns that come with skin that’s starting to show signs of ageing. The fluid texture is lightweight enough to wear comfortably under SPF and makeup without pilling or sitting heavily on the skin. It delivers hydration, antioxidant protection and ingredients that support the skin barrier throughout the day. It’s the moisturiser that makes everything else in your routine work better.

Not a toner in the old-school, astringent sense, this is closer to a hydrating treatment that preps the skin for everything that follows. The Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner is packed with antioxidants, skin-restoring ingredients and barrier-supporting actives that help skin recover from environmental damage and stay resilient through the day. Apply it after cleansing and before a serum. It absorbs immediately, leaves no residue and makes a noticeable difference to how the rest of your routine performs.

Niacinamide is one of the more versatile ingredients in skincare—it works on pores, oil control, uneven tone and post-breakout marks without being particularly demanding on the skin. This booster delivers it at 10%, which is where the research suggests it starts producing consistently visible results. The format is flexible—it can be applied directly, layered under a moisturiser or mixed into other products depending on what the routine calls for. It’s a useful addition without being a complicated one.

From Paula's Choice’s CLEAR line, which is built around oily and acne-prone skin specifically, this cleanser does what every good cleanser should. It removes oil, makeup and daily buildup thoroughly. But with salicylic acid in the formula, it also starts addressing congestion before the rest of the routine begins. It rinses clean without leaving skin feeling stripped or uncomfortable, which matters more than it sounds when you’re cleansing twice a day. This is a solid, unfussy first step.