I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m a total nerd when it comes to skincare. Luckily, as a beauty editor, it’s my job to sift through all the new launches and unpack what actually works – it’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it!

While claims and studies are strong evidence of efficacy, I like boots-on-the-ground journalism, specifically finding out how these products work in the wild across different skin types and tones. Admittedly, at a party, I’m the person cornering people to ask what their favourite skincare products are and why.

So, as everyone focuses on their skin at the start of the year, what better way to help you navigate the thousands of products out there than by enlisting some of our favourite skincare obsessives to share their all-time favourite holy grail products? The skincare products they’d take with them to a deserted island.

From cult faves to undiscovered gems, keep scrolling to find out the skincare products that our 17 skincare experts swear by.

‘Picking my all-time favourite holy grail skincare products is a difficult task! As you’ll find out below, my fellow skincare obsessives have highlighted loads of great products that are already on heavy rotation in my routine – think cult faves from the likes of Paula’s Choice, Tatcha, The Ordinary and more, but I wanted to put you onto some undiscovered gems.’

‘COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is a hydration hero, but the lesser-known Comfort Ceramide Cream is a repeat purchase for me. As a dry skin girlie, the nourishing texture of this rich moisturiser is perfect and the skin-loving ceramide and centella asiatica gives my skin a noticeable plumpness and refined finish.’

‘While La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ is hardly undiscovered, I couldn’t not mention it. A product that took a while for me to get my head around, for me it works best as a skin saviour on days where I’m feeling particularly dry and need some extra TLC. Before bed, I apply a thin layer of this as the last step in my routine and wake up the next morning as if skincare elves have given me a nighttime facial – refreshed, glowing and intensely moisturised.’

‘On the rare occasion that I do get spots or blemishes, I immediately reach for The Inkey List Succinic Acid Blemish Treatment. I remember being sceptical when this product first launched, as lots of products promise to banish blemishes, but this one really works. Apply directly onto any spots as soon as they appear and like magic they’ll disappear overnight. Has to be seen to be believed!’

Courtesy of James Welsh

‘A far more grown-up and gentle way to deal with congested nose pores, blackheads and whiteheads. ilso Super Melting Sebum Softener gently softens and loosens congestion without ripping at the skin, making old-school pore strips feel harsh, outdated, and unnecessary! This product takes inspiration from a popular aesthetician product called desincrustation solution, so it’s like you are getting a professional extraction at home.’