Looking for the best skincare products for your specific needs? You’ve come to the right place – Mum Central’s annual best skincare products and brands guide is officially here for 2023!
We’ve scoured the shelves to find the top skincare products for pregnancy, babies, and teens as well as to manage specific conditions such as nappy rash and eczema. Plus, you’ll find the best eye serum, best lip plumper together with our top picks for the best natural skincare, best anti-ageing skincare, and best skincare for a vitamin boost.
Why care about skincare?
We all want to be comfortable in our skin and this starts with a good skincare regime, including exfoliating, cleansing, moisturising and sunscreen. Of course, all of these steps aren’t necessary for babies, but, even our littlest ones will benefit from a good moisturiser at the end of the day.
When shopping for skincare products, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and confused. There are SOOO many products on the shelves, not to mention the countless skin adverts popping up on your Facebook feed. That’s why we made our best skincare guide in the first place – to help simplify the buying process and guide you to the best brands for your specific needs.
What to consider:
Your skin – Consider your skin (or your child’s skin). Is it dry? Oily? Combination? Prone to acne or eczema? This will matter when it comes to what skincare you choose, and especially what ingredients you look for.
Your needs – Next, consider what you’d like to achieve – are you trying to get rid of acne, reduce puffiness, and perhaps minimise the effects of ageing?
The ingredients – Natural is best when it comes to skincare ingredients but certain ingredients are designed to aid in certain skin conditions. Chamomile, for example, is ideal for soothing dry skin (great for babies) while collagen is ideal for improving skin’s elasticity (great for anti-ageing).
Here are our top 10 picks for the best skincare products for 2023:
BEST SKINCARE FOR BABY:
GAIA Natural Baby
Price: $9.99
More info: GAIA
You’ve probably heard of GAIA Natural Baby before – it’s been a staple for Aussie families for over 20 years. GAIA Natural Baby stands out because it provides specialised skincare products to specially care for your baby’s delicate skin. The GAIA signature scent is derived from natural oils and is free from artificial fragrances, which can irritate the skin and disrupt the natural balance of the skin’s microbiome.
This award-winning skincare line, which includes biodegradable wipes, shampoo, baby wash, cradle cap, massage oil and baby lotion, contains pure, natural, and organic ingredients and plant-derived ingredients wherever possible.
You’ll find no harsh soaps, SLS, parabens, artificial colours or fragrances. Just pure, natural ingredients and all at an affordable price. Check out the range at leading supermarkets, pharmacies and baby stores.
BEST SKINCARE FOR PREGNANCY:
Palmer’s® Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks 250ml
Price: $17.99
More info: Palmer’s®
If you’re pregnant, you need a skincare product that’s going to go the distance, especially on those pesky stretch marks. Enter Palmer’s®! This stuff is lotion gold for pregnant mums and is clinically proven to deliver results*. It’s also won several awards and is considered the #1 Stretch Mark lotion globally.
Palmer’s® Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks is hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, and safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding (does not contain vitamin A).
It does, however, contain Pure Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Natural Oils, Collagen, Elastin and Lutein to keep skin moisturised and supple for 48 hours, allowing the skin to stretch more easily. Use it during and after pregnancy and treat your skin with some lotion love – it deserves it!
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER SAVE: 20% OFF** CODE: MUMCENTRAL20 EXPIRY: 8 MAY 2023
* Over 98% of women saw improved skin elasticity, texture and tone. Based on an 8-week in-home trial by 102 female panellists aged 18 to 49.
**Offer only available on the Palmer’s Australia website, and only for the Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks
BEST SKINCARE FOR ANTI-AGEING:
Elucent Anti-Ageing Day Moisturiser SPF 30
Price: $52.49
More info: Ego eShop
Wrinkles and sun damage need to watch out when using Elucent’s Anti Ageing Day Moisturiser SPF 30. This little beauty is a multitasker which is why it’s our pick for the best anti-ageing skincare brand. It helps to visibly reduce wrinkles, maintain skin hydration and protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun.
Great for all skin types and not tested on animals, the Elucent range contains exfoliating and moisturising AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) which remove dry, dead skin through chemical exfoliation. As more dead skin cells are shed, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is reduced. See, what a little gem of a product!
Elucent also works to maintain skin hydration, whilst helping to visibly improve skin texture and tone with Vitamin B3 and E. Plus it is a true multitasker as it is SPF 30, helping to protect skin against UVA & UVB radiation.
* Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear to further reduce risk. Frequent re-application is required.
BEST SKINCARE FOR NAPPY RASH:
Calendula Nappy Change Cream
RRP: $16.95
More info: Weleda
Nappy rash is a common concern for new parents and there are several nappy creams on the market to choose from. Our pick for the best nappy cream goes to Calendula Nappy Change Cream, by Weleda. The whole Weleda range is great actually, and 100% certified natural, and hands down we just love their Nappy Change Cream.
We love it so much thanks to the organic calendula, a natural anti-inflammatory that works wonders on delicate skin. Each tube also contains chamomile extracts, sweet almonds and sesame oil, plus lanolin and zinc oxide. It’s designed to protect the skin from dampness while calming irritated skin, reducing redness and supporting skin regeneration.
Not only recommended by mums but also by paediatricians. Calendula’s Nappy Change Cream is dermatologically tested, and highly skin-friendly – even for sensitive skin. Best of all it’s free from synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colourants or raw materials derived from mineral oils.
BEST SKINCARE FOR TEENS:
Sam & Jo’s Complete Skincare Kit for Boys/Girls
Price: $65.00
More info: Sam & Jo Skincare
When it comes to the best skincare for teens, our pick goes to Sam & Jo Skincare. Their skincare products are made with teenagers in mind and work wonders on teen skin filled with congestion, blackheads and pimples. Ahhh hormones!
Sam & Jo Skincare is designed to handle this increased production of sebum or oil which tends to block pores, while removing dirt, oil and dead skin cells, leaving skin brighter and smoother.
The Complete Skincare Kit contains all 3 of their products; the cleanser, moisturiser and spot remover. It’s perfect as a gift, or for the first step in helping teens achieve clean, clear skin.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER SAVE: 20% OFF CODE: Mums20 EXPIRY: 7 JUNE 2023
BEST SKINCARE FOR A VITAMIN BOOST:
Skin O2 Multi Vit B, A, C, E Moisturiser
Price: $59.95
More info: Skin O2
If you haven’t heard of Skin O2, now’s the time to check it out. This all-in-one treatment serum and daily moisturiser is a dream for tired skin. It targets all 7 signs of ageing and skin fatigue, giving your face a vitamin treatment like no other.
Skin O2’s Multi Vit is cruelty-free, vegan, lightweight and non-greasy. It deeply penetrates the skin without weighing you down, it’s a great multi-tasker for busy mums and is light enough to apply both morning and night. It’s also ideal for teens and those with oily, acne-prone skin.
In addition to reducing redness, sun spots, acne, fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation, it’s also great on scars and stretch marks. Be sure to check out the whole range at Skin O2 – your skin will love you for it!
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: SAVE: 10% OFF CODE: MUMCENTRAL EXPIRY: 31 DECEMBER 2023
BEST NATURAL SKINCARE:
Hemp Co Australia’s Detox, Purify, Restore and Hydrate Skincare Pack
Price: $159.00
More info: Hemp Co Australia
Hemp Co Australia is another great skincare brand that should definitely be on your radar. Hemp is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, has the ideal balance of essential fatty acids 3, 6 & 9, and also contains valuable anti-ageing properties all naturally occurring in the oil. This makes a perfect starting ingredient for a natural product that will heal your skin naturally.
We love the whole Hemp Co Australia range as it’s 100% vegan, all-natural and full of plant-based ingredients. Their Detox, Purify, Restore and Hydrate skincare pack is perfect for your daily skincare routine and comes with a slew of 5-star reviews and awards too.
The pack contains Peppermint & Hemp Cleanser, Avocado & Hemp Green Clay Mask, Eye Elixir and Daily Moisturiser plus a mask brush and headband. Each product has been uniquely designed using a range of natural and vegan ingredients which your skin will love, regardless of skin type. Without any hidden nasties, you can expect bright, clear, more-youthful skin in no time from this Aussie-made and owned skincare brand.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER SAVE: 20% OFF FIRST ORDER CODE: Mumcentral20 EXPIRY: 11 AUGUST 2023
BEST SKINCARE FOR ECZEMA:
Dermal Therapy Little Bodies Eczema Relief Range
Price: Starting at $12.99
More info: Dermal Therapy
Our top pick for the best skincare for eczema relief goes to Dermal Therapy. Australian-made and owned Dermal Therapy Little Bodies is a clinically proven prescription alternative for the treatment and management of mild eczema and skin sensitivities in children aged 0-12, including newborns. Watch our Little Bodies Review to see for yourself just how much we loved it!
The Little Bodies includes three products:
1. Eczema Relief Cream – for the treatment of flare-ups which contains 5% colloidal oatmeal.
2. Eczema Relief Wash & Shampoo – an everyday wash with 1% colloidal oatmeal and free from SLS, soap, fragrance and parabens (absolutely no nasties! It’s also extra foamy so perfect for the bubble bath!)
3. Eczema Moisturising Lotion – designed for use after cleansing and as a preventative lotion with 2% colloidal oatmeal.
The range is supported by the Eczema Association Australia and recommended by Dermatologists Nationwide. It’s available in Chemist Warehouse, Coles and other leading pharmacies.
BEST PRODUCT FOR LIP PLUMPING:
The Looselips Lip Lifter
Price: $44.95
More info: Looselips
If you’re looking for something for yourself, specifically, your lips, then our top pick is looselips natural lip lifter. The advanced formula works to hydrate and lift lips to achieve a plump and full look, without any injections.
Looselips is 100% Aussie owned and made and only uses the best natural ingredients for maximum impact. This popular lip plumper is filled with antioxidants, peptides and botanical oils to nourish and inflate dry lips and boost collagen production in the long run. Simply apply to your lips and see instant results. Perfect for wearing under, over or instead of lipstick, the lip lifter enhances your lips, leaving them feeling soft and supple, making dry flaky lips a thing of the past. This nourishing beauty must-have will provide you with instant effects and long-term benefits.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER DEAL: FREE EYE LIFT SERUM WITH 2 PRODUCTS CODE: NOT REQUIRED EXPIRY: 31 MARCH 2023
BEST EYE SERUM:
Hexapeptide5 Anti-Wrinkle Eye Serum
Price: $299 for a 3 pack
More info: SumaNurica
Our final skincare product to make our 2023 best skincare guide is SumaNurica’s Hexapeptide5 Anti-Wrinkle Eye Serum. It’s your best option if you’re looking for an eye serum with age-defying peptides and probiotics. Say goodbye to fine lines, and wrinkles with this lightweight eye serum that works to relax muscular contraction in our face’s expressive areas.
Featuring a blend of 5 key active peptides and probiotic ingredients made possible by the latest biotech skincare science, this revolutionary formula will do wonders around your eyes – you will be amazed!
Simply use the eye serum day and night and see smoother fine lines, plumper, firmer skin and improved texture.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER SAVE: 40% OFF DISCOUNTED 3-PACK CODE: MUM40 EXPIRY: 11 APRIL 2023
Best skincare aside, we’ve also got plenty of other guides to cater for all your shopping needs.
Join us on Facebook!
Looking for more tips, tricks and advice from parents? Join our Mum Central Facebook Groups to connect with other parents about teething and more.
