The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?
12 best skincare products for your 20s and 30s: From anti-ageing serums to SPF
Tackle blemishes, pollution and sun damage with these essentials

Investing in anti-ageing skincare might not seem like a priority in your twenties, but as your skin goes through significant changes in between then and 30, it’s important to do the prep work before it comes around.
From your mid twenties, your skin starts to produce less collagen (the protein that helps with your skin’s elasticity), and when you hit 30, signs of ageing and sun damage start to manifest.
Your skin also produces less sebum as you get older, so you may experience drier skin as you age.
Luckily, there’s a whole labyrinth of skincare ingredients to target specific concerns, so you can tailor your beauty regimen to suit your age and needs.
From brands that specialise in organic products to anti-pollution, it’s difficult to know where to start, but we’ve covered the essentials in our round-up.
We’ve covered all of your key bases here, with the basic staples like moisturiser, toner and cleanser, but we’ve also included some speciality products to give your skin an extra boost.
Some have specific benefits, like preventing blemishes, while others are wonderful for simply brightening your complexion. The below list consists of hero products from emerging brands and cult classics from established ones.
You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.
The verdict: Skincare for your 20s and 30s
There are so many wonderful products here, but our all-time favourite has to be Aesop’s exfoliating paste. Not just because of how cleansed it makes your skin feel after using it, but because of the sumptuous scent it leaves too. It’s the perfect combination of a serious scrub that sloughs away dead skin cells without feeling irritating or harsh. It’s a real treat to use.
Bookmark popover
Removed from bookmarks