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Best Skincare Products In NZ: Buying Guide

Skincare — it's a jungle out there. We’ve sifted through the market to line up the top skincare brands in NZ.

Last updated: 23 May 2024


Skincare — it's a jungle out there. Aisle after aisle of products, each promising the secret to flawless skin. We pore over ingredient lists, chase the latest beauty trends, and debate whether that high-end serum is a miracle in a bottle or just a pretty package. It’s tough to know what’s worth your time and money. That’s why we've done the heavy lifting for you. We’ve sifted through the marketing fluff to line up the best skincare brands in New Zealand.

Top Skincare Brands in NZ

Popular for a reason, these brands stand out for their effective results, ethical practices, and genuine customer satisfaction.

1. The Ordinary

The Ordinary offers simple, effective and affordable skincare. Unlike the pricey brands, they use just one key ingredient in each product, so it’s easy to pick what your skin really needs. This no-fuss, honest approach quickly won over tons of fans. Their most loved serums? Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 for keeping skin hydrated and Niacinamide 10% for clearing up skin tone and acne.

Browse The Ordinary skincare products.

2. Okana

Okana is all about skincare so natural you could eat it. They keep their ingredients list short, using only the freshest stuff from New Zealand farms. Like their Vegetable Garden Day Moisturiser, made with NZ carrot and tomato juice. Okana is so confident you'll love their products that they offer a money-back guarantee if your skin isn't glowing after four weeks.

Find Okana skincare products.

3. Emma Lewisham

Emma Lewisham stands for two things: luxury and planet-friendly products. Her skincare is backed by science and aims to leave no environmental footprint, offering refills and using sustainable practices. The Skin Reset Serum is a standout, helping to brighten and even out skin tone, all packaged in a way that’s kind to the earth.

Shop Emma Lewisham’s skincare products

4. Sukin

Based in Australia and beloved across the Tasman, Sukin offers products free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and animal derivatives. The Sukin Facial Moisturiser is a fan favourite, known for its lightweight yet hydrating formula that leaves skin feeling soft and refreshed.

See all Sukin skincare products.

5. Tailor

This New Zealand brand makes products that are not only tailored to individual skincare needs but also to seasonal changes. Their Gold Dust concentrate is revolutionary, a blendable powder that boosts collagen synthesis and repairs skin with active vitamin C and CoQ10.

Browse the Tailor skincare range.

6. Trilogy

Trilogy Skincare has built its reputation on the power of rosehip oil, utilised across its range for its healing properties. For example, Trilogy’s Certified Organic Rosehip Oil will reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks and improve skin moisture levels.

Shop Trilogy products.

7. Antipodes

Antipodes blends high-quality botanicals with science to create organic, protein-rich skincare. Known for its use of unique New Zealand ingredients like Manuka honey and kiwi seed oil, Antipodes provides effective, scientifically validated skincare solutions that appeal to both green beauty enthusiasts and scientific sceptics. 

See the Antipodes range on Trade Me.

8. Honest

Honest Skincare is built on the philosophy of transparency, providing straightforward, safe, and effective skincare options. Each product in their line is developed to be gentle yet effective, free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and harmful chemicals. The Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream is a highlight, offering intense hydration through naturally derived hyaluronic acid and a blend of soothing and rejuvenating botanicals.

Browse the Honest skincare range.

9. Mecca

Known for its vibrant, chic, and approachable beauty havens, Mecca provides not just products but a full beauty experience. The skincare range includes everything from advanced bio-fermented formulas to luxurious gold-infused serums. 

Shop Mecca skincare products on Trade Me

10. Aspect

Aspect Skincare merges professional-grade formulations with natural ingredients for dramatic results. This Australian brand is popular among dermatologists and skin care professionals for its targeted solutions, such as the Aspect Vitamin C serum which combines multiple forms of the vitamin for powerful antioxidant protection and clarity-enhancing effects. 

Browse the Aspect skincare range

Popular types of skincare

Skincare isn't one-size-fits-all. What works for your best friend might not be the best for you. Here’s a quick rundown of the popular types of skincare available:

• Korean skincare: Known for its multi-step routines, Korean skincare focuses on hydration and gentle ingredients. It’s perfect for achieving that famous dewy glow.

Shop Korean skincare on Trade Me. 

• Natural skincare: These products ditch harsh chemicals in favour of ingredients from nature, great for those who prefer a green beauty regimen.

Find all-natural skincare.

• Sensitive skincare: Specifically formulated with fewer irritants, these products are a must for those with easily upset skin.

Browse our range of sensitive skin care.

• Skincare for acne: Containing active ingredients to combat breakouts, these solutions help clear your skin without stripping it of moisture.

Find your perfect skincare for acne.

• Combination/oily skin solutions: These help balance skin oils and reduce shine, while still providing hydration where needed.

Shop combination/oily skin solutions

• Men’s skincare: Tailored for typically thicker and oilier skin, men’s products focus on deep cleansing and moisturising.

Browse our range of men’s skincare.

Skin wins

Alright, you’ve made it through the skincare jungle. Whether you need something for acne or want to handle oily skin, you can now find your favourites and get your glow on.

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Trade Me Marketplace
Trade Me Marketplace

Written by one of our Trade Me Marketplace experts - providing you with the latest information to help you shop smarter in New Zealand.