I Asked Dermatologists to Reveal the Best Skincare Sets Money Can Buy

Besides using SPF (literally) every single day, investing in a solid skincare set is probably one of the best things you can do for your skin. Whether you’d like to firm and tone or correct lingering dark spots, I can guarantee there’s a set out there for you just waiting to be snagged.

Although there are plenty of options out there, how do you know which ones are truly the best of the best? It’s tough to be sure unless you have an expert’s advice, which, fortunately for you, we’re also not short on. I asked dermatologists for their recommendations in this department so we can all eliminate the guesswork when deciding which ones are truly top-notch and worth the money. Whatever your skin concern might be, find the best dermatologist-recommended skincare set to help below.

Board-certified dermatologist Kaveri Karhade loves this set because it features the brand’s Discoloration Defense, Phloretin CF, and Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen. Sure, it’s quite the splurge, but when have SkinCeuticals products not been worth it?

Another of Karhade’s all-time favorite sets is this Dry Skin Routine Set from La-Roche-Posay. It features the gentle cleanser, a hyaluronic acid serum, and a face moisturizer with SPF to top it off.

Board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi created this set with her own skin in mind, so you know it’s well-formulated. “I have Keratosis Pilaris, as do many other people, which causes rough red bumps to come up on the back of my arms and legs,” she explains. “I use the KP bundle with a glycolic and salicylic acid spray that’s so convenient to use on the body. It’s the most effective treatment to improve the skin’s texture.”

Board-certified dermatologist Audrey Kunin uses this self-formulated brightening set. It’s the perfect combination of vitamin C–infused products including a kakadu C brightening cleanser, serum, and eye souffle.

“This is a good one, as everyone needs a gentle cleanser and hydrating moisturizer if they use other skincare actives and exfoliants,” says Shirazi. “This kit is very versatile and goes well with other skincare products in any given regimen whether it’s for acne or anti-aging.”

For acne-prone skin, Shirazi always recommends this set. “It really improves skin texture. It comes with a daily 2% exfoliant and a more potent once-a-week peel. I suggest pairing this with a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and most importantly, an SPF.”

Shirazi thinks this Laneige bundle is a dream for dry skin, as it’s just right for the winter months. “It’s perfect for most people this time of year. I love how they include their lip sleeping mask, as we often forget about our lips in our skincare routine. Skin hydration is important for all skin types!”

Okay, this set is definitely not cheap, but it does feature a few of SkinCeuticals’ all-time best products that provide a youthful glow.

Board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick always recommends this youth-boosting nighttime set. “It comes with all the essentials for an evening skincare routine to help prevent and improve the appearance of fine lines, and overall skin texture and tone,” she says. Depending on how long or short of an evening skincare routine you prefer, you can modify the steps included in this set.”

For a serious eye lift, Garshick swears by this restorative set. “It’s the perfect kit to provide 24-hour benefits to the eye area. It comes equipped with Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 that provides daily eye SPF and also works to soothe the skin. It’s followed by the Total Eye Concentrate, which boosts hydration and works overnight to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lastly, the Ultra Boost Total Eye Hydrogel Treatment Masks help to provide a protective barrier and lock in hydration.”

According to Garshick, we should never neglect the lips when it comes to skincare, especially during the winter. “There’s no better way to keep your lips hydrated than with a variety pack of Vaseline Healing Jelly Ointment in sizes small enough to fit in your pocket or bag. This way, you’ll never have to leave home without it. This variety pack offers different flavors, but all work to provide a protective barrier for your lips. Vaseline can also be used on minor cuts and to help heal dry skin.”

“This gift set not only incorporates many of Glow Recipe’s best-selling products, but it also makes them easy to incorporate as you receive a regimen complete with a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, gently exfoliating sleep mask, and retinol eye mask,” says Garshick.

“This set combines two of my go-to products,” Garshick shares. “Using them together is a great way to help slow down the signs of aging and improve the overall appearance of texture and tone on the skin.”

IS Clinical is a brand loved by estheticians and derms alike, so it’s only natural that its Pure Care Collection makes this list. It features its Cleansing Complex, Sheald Recovery Balm, Pro-Heal Serum Advanced +, Hydra-Cool Serum, and two of the Eclipse SPF 50. Separately, these products can be pretty pricey, but buying them as a bundle is a great way to save some cash. 

This set targets discoloration like no other with a brightening, clearing gel-like serum and hydrating overnight mask. It reduces the appearance of scars and dark spots while also improving your skin’s moisture barrier.

This bump-fighting set comes with 10 acne patches, a serum, and a cleanser to give you smoother, clearer skin. The key ingredients in this set of items are hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, and niacinamide will give you a truly balanced complexion.  

For a complete skincare routine of Origins’ best-selling products, opt for this bundle. It even includes an activated charcoal mask for days your skin could use a little extra TLC.

This powerhouse day-and-night duo is a must-have for more radiant skin. The Day Bright Serum contains 15% vitamin C for antioxidant protection while the Smooth Night Serum contains chemical exfoliants for a deeper nightly clean.

Listen, this set has the word “overachievers” in the name for a reason. Every item in this bundle is a best seller for Biossance and works powerfully together to create your perfect day-to-night clean skincare routine.

You already know about this brand’s magical eye cream, but you also can’t sleep on its blackhead eliminator and discoloration treatment. They’re the perfect items to have on hand for lightning-fast results.

Board-certified dermatologist Mariana Vergara says this is one of her all-time favorite sets. “It’s my go-to set after any medical facial like microneedling. Its gentle cleanser gently removes impurities while soothing the skin. The dermal repair is a great hydrator and moisturizer. It contains heparin sulfate, green tea, and vitamin E. Heparin sulfate is an endogenous glycosaminoglycan like hyaluronic acid, it binds and retains water enhancing hydration, reducing transepidermal water loss. It also improves the appearance of wrinkles and overall skin tone. Additionally, it preserves the structural integrity of collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in firmer skin.”

Next: Have Combination Skin? Here’s How to Shop for the Absolute Best Moisturizer