Every Skincare Staple Our Beauty Team Is Using to Transition From Summer to Fall

If there's one thing Who What Wear's beauty editors can agree on, it's the importance of adapting our skincare routines to whatever it is our skin demands from us each season, which can be a lot. My skin, for example, falls into an unfortunate cycle of dryness and uneven textures deterred only by heavy hydration efforts. Facing off against dull, lifeless-looking skin is another one of my skin struggles that rears its head by mid-November.

Now that we've reached the end of summer and are beginning our transition into all things fall, I thought it would be an ideal time to reflect upon the products my fellow beauty team members and I swear upon to lead the charge into this next season. Interested in learning which ones we're scrambling to add to our skincare routines? Keep scrolling!

The first step to a well-rounded and effective skincare routine is using a cleanser to remove the accumulation of skin pollutants, dead skin cells, oil, and dirt. This aids in the exfoliation of the top skin layer and keeps the pores clear. Like all skincare products, the cleanser formulation that works best for our skin over the course of a few months may not be as effective as we move from season to season. This fall, we're trading in foaming products for gel- and cream-based cleansers that promote even more hydration as the temperature drops and the air becomes noticeably drier.

I can't believe it's taken me this long to share this absolute gem of a cleanser with you. (Perhaps I was keeping it a secret.) Oak Essentials' Cleansing Balm is one of the products I have in rotation this fall that I can foresee using well into the winter and early spring months. The balm works by dissolving makeup and impurities while locking in moisture using an all-natural blend of sesame, avocado, and organic safflower-seed oils. Customer review: "As this is my first time using a cleansing balm, I have no comparison. That said, I am enjoying the balm. It took some time to get used to it because it is oil based. I like to follow up with using a gel cleanser. That combination seems to clean my skin but not over-dry it. I have hormonal acne and this balm has not made that worse. If anything, my skin has been clearer."

Skin exfoliation is a must year-round but is especially helpful in the fall to restore hydration and vibrancy after months of sun exposure. To do that, I'm reaching for this foaming cleanser by Chantecaille that I've used year in and year out. A mixture of rice bran and an anti-bacterial agent allows for gentle exfoliation that works in tandem with antioxidants (soybean, green tea, and olive) to protect the skin against free radical damage. Customer review: "I have been using this cleanser for about a year now and absolutely love it. It is not really an exfoliant but it feels and smells wonderful. Many companies claim to have products where a little goes a long way but this is the only one I have found where it is actually true. Less than a pea size will lather up to wash your face and neck (and maybe more)."

"I love a foaming cleanser, but normally, I have to swap them out for more gentle, creamy ones in the fall to care for my drier skin. I'm happy to report that I don't have to do that this year because Ilia just launched this fragrance-free, pH-balanced one that doesn't strip my skin. The hydrating formula means I can use the frothy goodness without experiencing tightness, redness, or irritation." — Kaitlyn McLintock, associate beauty editor. Customer review: "Lovely cleanser! I like this cleanser a lot. It removed my eye makeup easily and did not leave my skin tight after. My skin felt hydrated and nice after. I would recommend this as a nice gentle cleanser and makeup remover. I loved the foam."

Sometimes, you just need a trustworthy gel cleanser to up your skincare game in time for fall. By using this cleanly formulated, nondrying gel cleanser, your skin will undergo gentle exfoliation with the help of natural salicylic acid and grape water to purify the skin while absorbing excess oil. After using this over the course of a couple of weeks, my skin feels refreshed and looks noticeably brighter, firmer, and even toned. Customer review: "I love this product! You only need the smallest amount for it to foam up and cleanse the entire face. It has a gentle, refreshing scent—normally, scented cleansers sting my face but this one doesn’t cause any discomfort! I love that it cleanses the skin without drying it out. Overall, this is everything I look for in a cleanser!"

"I've recently switched out my cleanser to this gentle salicylic acid one. It has just the right amount of salicylic acid (05.%), so it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. It has nourishing ingredients like shea butter, so it never leaves me feeling tight or dry." — Shawna Hudson, associate beauty editor. Customer review: "I have acne-prone skin, and as a 30-year-old, I had basically resigned myself to the fact that I would forever be using face wash intended for hormonal teens. That was until I found the MediBac line from Dermalogica. I love how these products never over dry my skin. Seriously, my skin is in great shape these days! I definitely recommend this face wash."

Despite its purpose of being the deep-cleaning superhero product that removes any last traces of environmental pollution, dirt, bacteria, makeup, and cleanser that may be left behind, toner possesses the odd reputation of being an "extra" step to your skincare routine. What if I told you it's one of the most important ones that protect the complexion against environmental stressors? To smoothly transition from summer to fall, Who What Wear's beauty editors are using gentle exfoliating cleansers to get the job done.

I tend to second-guess a majority of the TikTok-viral products that populate my For You page, but The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is the real deal. Here's what you need to know about it: The toner uses an AHA solution to gently exfoliate the surface of the skin to combat dead skin cell build-up are restore pH balance. Infused with Tasmanian pepperberry, aloe vera, and ginseng root for radiance, this toner is a must for a glowing and smooth complexion. Customer review: "I have combo skin that can be very sensitive to scents or just generally abrasive toners but this one is great! Really helps to clear up my acne and I don't even have to use it every night, just when I feel like my skin needs a little help. I can see this project lasting me a very long time, 10/10 would recommend if you're looking for a great toner."

I can't say enough good things about Rose Inc's exfoliating acid toner. Alcohol-free and noncomedogenic (the holy grail for sensitive skin types), this daily toner is rich with squalane, pink clay powder, and acids that purify, exfoliate, and brighten my skin without stripping away moisture. It's also the secret behind my smooth and even makeup base, as it leaves the skin ridiculously smooth and radiant. Customer review: "This is a great gentle but effective exfoliating toner. I have a normal-leaning dry skin type and this toner leaves my skin feeling smooth without causing any irritation or stinging. I also find this toner does not leave a sticky feeling on my skin like other toners I have used. I typically apply this at night-time and by morning my skin has a radiant and brighter look. I received this complimentary from Rose Inc."

If you have oily or blemish-prone skin, this Aesop toner belongs in your everyday skincare routine. While I don't personally have oily skin, a number of fellow beauty lovers who deal with it on the daily swear by the Bitter Orange Astringent Toner. It uses a nondrying, citrus-based formula that removes residual sweat and grime to reveal clear, soothed, and balanced skin with a lingering fresh scent. Customer review: "Best toner for oily and acne-prone skin. I'm sensitive and mostly oily, so I don't consider myself combo because it's rare my skin gets extra dry. This toner makes my skin feel fresh and helps after a small breakout because of the witch hazel. Great everyday toner! It does have a burning sensation, so if you don't like that get their other toner this one is mostly for oily skin."

Looking for a way to quickly and effectively minimize the appearance of your pores? Caudalie has cracked the code with its natural salicylic acid–based toner. Ideal for combination and oily sky types, it visibly reduces oil while minimizing the appearance of pores, blemishes, blackheads, and oiliness. Like other products in Caudalie's fan-favorite Vinopure line, it uses a hydrating and soothing blend of grape and rose water to boost your skin's glow. Customer review: "Caudalie Vinopure toner is one of my favorite skincare products and I've been using it for years! It does not dry you out at all. It does not leave your skin feeling sticky and wears really well under makeup! It helps breakouts in a very gentle way. By far, my favorite toner!"

It's time for some serum talk. Earlier on, I mentioned the importance of implementing products that lock in and boost hydration as the weather becomes increasingly dry and cold. I love a crisp and cozy fall day, but the air does a complete doozy on the skin. To help combat the impact of seasonal shifts, our beauty team is reaching for deeply hydrating serums that target dry skin using formulas featuring hyaluronic acid, all-natural concentrates, and vitamin blends.

If calm and hydrated skin is what you're after this fall, meet your new favorite jelly serum. Using squalane to deliver moisture to the skin barrier, all-natural extracts to combat redness while adding nourishment, and a blend of glycerin and hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration, this serum by Summer Fridays has quickly become a new favorite of mine to use morning and night. Customer review: "This product has been a lifesaver for the winter. I apply it right after toning and I feel like it really helps keep my skin hydrated throughout the day and evening. If you have dry skin, this is a great product to use. I’m not sure how it would do on oily skin, but I can say that this product doesn’t feel like it’s sitting on top and not being absorbed. There is no smell to it and it has a nice texture."

"My skin definitely gets dehydrated easily, so a good hyaluronic acid serum is key for the colder months. I've been wanting to try Skin Pharm's because it contains super hydrators and skin-soothing ingredients that are great for redness, fine lines, and dullness. My skin barrier has been a little damaged, so these ingredients are exactly what I need!" — Hudson. Customer review: "Within a week of using Youth Serum again, I was convinced that this is a product that I will never go without. My skin felt soft and looked plumper. The rough patches were gone. My face seemed brighter. Youth Serum meets all expectations!"

Don't let the price tag on this scare you; it's truly one of the best concentrated serums on the market. This La Mer serum rebuilds and protects your skin's natural barrier with marine-sourced stabilizing ferment, lime tea concentrate, and the brand's Concentrated Miracle Broth to protect the skin from inflammation and reduce visible signs of irritation. When used before and after certain dermatologic treatments, it also encourages skin-barrier recovery. Customer review: "I have been using some La Mer products for a while. This serum feels cool and soothing. It has the Miracle Broth in it, which smooths the face and is the first thing I use after cleansing. I have used less expensive serums, but always come back to La Mer! I use the too to put a little on my fingertips, to warm the serum. It really feels lovely on my face, and prepares my skin for cream!"

Here's another hyaluronic acid–based serum you won't regret investing in. Not only does it visibly plump, firm, and smooth away fine lines and deep wrinkles, but it also uses vitamin E for antioxidant benefits that nourish and defend against free radical damage. That's right—this product reduces signs of aging and prevents the impact of environmental aggressors on the skin. Customer review: "This is such a great product. I’ve only been using it for a few weeks and I can already see a significant difference in my skin. It has smoothed out my complexion and there are noticeably less fine lines and wrinkles. It goes on smoothly, dries quickly, and doesn’t leave my face feeling sticky. I received this product complimentary from Kateceuticals for my honest review, but I will definitely be purchasing again in the future."

To bring our skin back to life as the leaves change colors and lose their vibrancy, we're using a selection of skin-nourishing creams and oils to restore and refresh. No matter your skin type or tone, there's a product out there that can lock in all the "good stuff" while providing protection from environmental aggressors and preventing future damage to the skin barrier.

Korres's multitasking oil blurs the appearance of imperfection and evens the textures of otherwise lackluster skin with the help of Santorini grape extract, grapeseed oil, and resveratrol. You'll be left with a complexion that's noticeably brighter and smoother with a velvety look and feel. It also happens to be vegan, cruelty-free, and housed in recyclable packaging. Good for your skin and for the environment. Customer review: "This is unlike any face oil I've ever used, due, I'm sure, to the inclusion of so many oil-like ingredients that aren't technically oils. It is clearly formulated to be incredibly light and easy to spread. As someone who is not sensitive to fragrance, I find this formula very soothing to my acne-prone skin. It softens my skin more quickly than anything I've ever tried. I find that for my oily skin it applies best either underneath moisturizer or mixed in with my moisturizer, rather than on top. Applying it this way also ensures maximum absorption of the resveratrol."

My longtime love affair with Osea's line of seaweed-powered products began with its Atmosphere Protection Cream. It's a lightweight daily moisture that protects the skin against environmental stressors by improving its elasticity while rebalancing your skin's own microbiota. The result? A formula that quickly absorbs into the skin for a silky finish and radiant complexion that can be worn beneath your sunscreen and makeup. Customer review: "I received this in a monthly subscription box, and I'm so thankful I did. I have combo skin and three hours into a full face of makeup— I’m usually already blotting my face. I used this moisturizer under my makeup and my makeup stayed put, my face is matte and so comfortable. It is also extremely comfortable worn alone. I will definitely be purchasing a backup soon."

Ole Henriksen's face oil combines three oil-soluble, skin-supporting peptides with pure Scandinavian berry oils (cloudberry, lingonberry, and elderberry) and ceramides to provide long-lasting moisture in addition to encouraging strength and elasticity. Clinically tested to enhance barrier moisture by 19% and visibly improve texture by 25% in eight weeks, this nourishing face oil does everything it promises. Customer review: "This is the best face oil I've ever used. I've been hesitant when buying face oil as they tend to break me out, doesn't absorb well, and they're messy. This oil not only absorbs well, it doesn't break me out, and makes my dehydrated combo skin smooth and moisturized."

"I have so many body lotions I love, but in the fall, my skin requires something richer and more moisturizing. I'll be using this body oil, which uses squalane, jojoba oil, and calendula-flower extract to drench the skin in moisture. Its subtle floral-fruity fragrance is just a bonus." — McLintock. Customer review: "Ellis Brooklyn gifted me their newly launched Sun Fruit Golden Glistening Body Oil! It’s truly a beautiful golden oil that doesn’t have any shimmer in it but gives the skin a beautiful golden glow and has their signature Sun Fruit scent! Such a beautiful smelling body oil!"

from Who What Wear