The Cult Classic Skincare Products That Have Stood The Test Of Time (And Why)

While there may be eleventy-three new hyped-up skincare products per day (and two and a half of them might actually be worth it), there are some products that have stood the test of time.

But why was it those ones? Dr. Andrea Suarez explains:

The top-tier reliables

Skincare trends come and go, but a few products have remained bestsellers for generations because they’re simple, evidence-based, and effective without unnecessary extras.

Even then, some are simpler than others, and it show:

• Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser: created in 1947 by a Texas pharmacist as a mild soap alternative, it uses cetearyl alcohol (whence the name) as an emollient and emulsifier. Modern versions add niacinamide, panthenol, and glycerin for hydration and barrier support. It’s fragrance-free, extremely gentle, and can even be wiped off without water—ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.
  • We don’t sell it, but here’s an example product on Amazon
• Dove beauty bar: launched in the 1950s by Lever Brothers (unilever), this bar was groundbreaking as a non-soap cleanser enriched with moisturizing cream. It maintains the skin’s acidic pH better than traditional soap and is still recommended by dermatologists for dry or eczema-prone skin. A fragrance-free version is available.
  • We don’t sell it, but here’s an example product on Amazon
• Pond’s cold cream: dating to the early 1900s, this dual cleanser–moisturizer was inspired by ancient Greek “cold creams.” Pond’s popularized it in the 1920s using socialite endorsements, one of the first influencer-style marketing campaigns. Its emulsion removes makeup while leaving the skin soft and soothed; a fragrance-free version remains available.
  • We don’t sell it, but here’s an example product on Amazon
• Vaseline (petroleum jelly): discovered in 1859 by chemist Robert Cheesbrough, who refined “rod wax” from oil rigs into petroleum jelly. It forms a protective, non-allergenic, non-comedogenic barrier that locks in moisture, resists oxidation and bacterial growth, and has an extremely long shelf life.
  • We don’t sell it, but here’s an example product on Amazon
• Aquaphor healing ointment: introduced in 1925 by Beiersdorf, Aquaphor contains 41% petroleum jelly with added lanolin, glycerin, panthenol, and bisabolol (from chamomile). It’s semi-occlusive and hydrating, but the extra ingredients can trigger allergies in sensitive users.
  • We don’t sell it, but here’s an example product on Amazon
• Noxzema: formulated in 1914 by pharmacist Francis Townsend and named for “no eczema.” Technically a cold cream containing menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil, which create a cooling sensation and relieve itching but can irritate sensitive or sunburned skin. Despite potential allergens, many people still swear by it for cleansing and acne relief.
  • We don’t sell it, but here’s an example product on Amazon
• Nivea cream: first made in 1911 after chemist Isaac Lifschütz developed a new emulsifier (Eucerit). Together with dermatologist Paul Unna and pharmacist Oscar Tropolowitz, he produced the now-iconic “mother of all creams.” It’s rich, moisturizing, and heavily fragranced—effective but not ideal for sensitive skin.
  • We don’t sell it, but here’s an example product on Amazon

For more on each of these, enjoy:

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Take care!