Launch List: The Best New Beauty Products in May

Hundreds of products come across our editors’ desks every month, but not all of them deliver on their claims or live up to the hype. (Not everything that goes viral on TikTok is a miracle worker.) This is our exclusive curation of the best-in-class beauty products receiving rave reviews from our team and hitting shelves right now. From SkinCeuticals’ cutting-edge serum inspired by regenerative treatments to Laura Geller’s new beauty balm for an effortless glow, we’ve got the inside scoop on all the newness.

1 / 10

SkinCeuticals Advanced RGN-6 ($195)

A new post-procedure must-have to use after in-office treatments like lasers and microneedling, this cutting edge serum—RGN stands for regeneration—was inspired by the six dimensions of skin regeneration triggered by lasers. Infused with anti-inflammtory eperuline and niacinamide as part of the brand’s patented RGN-6 technology, it’s a multifaceted formula for signs of aging. And, it’s not just reserved for post-procedure use; you can also use it by itself as part of your skin-care routine.

“People are really looking for ways to look their best without people knowing they’ve done treatments and procedures,” says Birmingham, AL dermatologist Corey L. Hartman. “That’s the beautiful thing about RGN-6 is that it allows you to do these procedures and get right back to your life. The recovery period, when the skin is remodeling, is crucial. This serum helps reduce redness and inflammation, help the skin re-epithelialize as quick as possible, and provides antioxidants to minimize oxidative stress and maintain an even skin tone. It keeps the skin nice and firm and healthy.”

• BUY ON SKINCEUTICALS – $195
• BUY ON DERMSTORE – $195

2 / 10

Laura Geller The Wonder Balm ($32)

The secret to looking put together in seconds, this nonsticky balm can be worn on your eyes, cheeks and lips (on bare skin or on top of foundation) for a soft wash of color, as well as hydration and radiance. It comes in three shades that are essentially foolproof, so throw it in your bag and apply it on the go—no problem!

“I’m obsessed with our new Wonder Balm,” says founder Laura Geller. “It gives your skin this effortless, gorgeous glow. You can use the brush, but I like to just use my finger and put it on my cheekbones, lips or all over my face for a bit of luminosity and soft color.”

• BUY NOW – $32

3 / 10

Kosas Plump + Juicy Double Cleansing System ($86)

We are loving this brand-new set from Kosas featuring a nourishing, cushiony Cleansing Oil and a nondrying, soap-free Gel Cleanser that are meant to be used as part of a double-cleanse routine. And, for a limited time, you can get the set with a free bonus pink claw clip from Emi Jay (a necessary part of any cleansing routine as well). You can also buy each cleanser separately (the oil is $48 and the gel is $38). We love the refreshing, calming scent as well.

“If you’re not double cleansing, and you wear makeup or sunscreen, your skin is not clean,” says founder Sheena Zadeh. “I’m a makeup lover and wear a full face of makeup every day, and double cleansing has been a game changer for my acne-prone skin. Not everything can be done in one step—like shampoo and conditioner. First, you use the oil cleanser and then the gel, and you’ll get everything off, even your high-zinc sunscreen like DreamBeam.”

• BUY NOW – $86

4 / 10

ELEVEN Australia Smooth Me Now Flyaway Hair Balm ($27)

A summertime essential if you’re prone to frizz and flyaways like I am (it probably also works well for static in colder weather), this nongreasy, residue-free styling balm comes in an easy-to-use stick that lets you smooth only the spots you need. Or, use it all over to perfect those sexy, slicked-back styles, which are very on trend this season.

“We created this to be that effortless, everyday essential you didn’t know you needed,” says cofounder and co-creative director Joey Scandizzo. “It’s like lip balm for your hair: sleek, hydrating and totally fuss-free. As a stylist, I’ve always wanted a product that not only tames flyaways and frizz, but also actually cares for the hair while doing it. This balm works from the outside in to smooth and nourish in one swipe, without any greasiness or buildup. Whether you’re laying edges, refining a ponytail, or doing a quick touch-up between meetings, this stick is your new secret weapon for healthy-looking, polished hair—anytime, anywhere.”

• BUY NOW – $27

5 / 10

U Beauty Multimodal Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 25 ($98)

“This is not just sun care; this is a multifunctional skin-care product that also acts as a flawless makeup primer,” says founder Tina Chen Craig. “It helps correct past damage and enhances your present skin while protecting your future complexion. It’s 100-percent mineral but so sheer, so you’re not going to get a white cast. It also has a PA++++ rating, which really demonstrates the highest level of protection against UVA rays. These are the rays that contribute to aging skin.” We love the texture, which blends in seamlessly and layers well under makeup without pilling.

“I’m so excited about this formula, and I’ve tried every sunscreen under the sun,” says actress and U Beauty’s new global brand ambassador Michelle Monaghan. “I was diagnosed with melanoma several years ago and was very fortunate to have caught it early on. That experience really kickstarted my journey into skin health and sun safety.”

• BUY ON U BEAUTY – $98
• BUY ON NORDSTROM – $98

6 / 10

BeautyStat C Lip Serum SPF 30 ($15)

A first-of-its-kind mineral SPF 30 lip serum, this formula combines the brand’s triple-patented, pure and stable vitamin C (you’ve probably heard of its best-selling vitamin C serum) with advanced peptides to give lips the care and protection they deserve. It comes in two universal shades—baby pink and neutral peach—that flatter all skin tones.

“I have personally struggled with chapped, sunburned lips and could not find a product that would both protect them, as well as keep them hydrated,” says founder Rob Robinson. “I knew others shared my struggle, so I spent the past two years developing a patented, multibenefit skin-care and color hybrid lip treatment with mineral sunscreen SPF 30 that would not only provide broad-spectrum UV and free-radical protection, but also deliver instant shine, plumping and firming. This is very tough to do with a mineral sunscreen. I am thrilled to be able to offer this to consumers.”

• BUY ON BEAUTYSTAT – $15
• BUY ON ULTA BEAUTY – $15

7 / 10

Peter Thomas Roth WATER DRENCH Ice-Facial Cooling Mist ($30)

“Many facial mists feel cool, but my new mist literally cools down your skin,” says founder Peter Thomas Roth. “It’s clinically proven to instantly decrease skin temperature, and the formula is unbelievable! After researching ingredients from all over the world, my chemists and I discovered IceAwake ingredient technology in Switzerland. Extracted from glacial ice, this technology helps to visibly energize and awaken the look of tired skin! You’re going to love it!”

The formula also includes hydrating hyaluronic acid, cooling peppermint, firming caffeine and soothing green tea, which work together to depuff and give skin the ultimate pick-me-up. You will definitely want this on hand this summer.

• BUY ON PETER THOMAS ROTH – $30
• BUY ON SEPHORA – $30

8 / 10

AG1 Next Gen ($99)

The brand’s first launch since its OG AG1 powder was tweaked in 2016, this upgraded “daily health drink” combines superfoods, vitamins, probiotics into one potent supplement. If you’re someone looking for more energy, less bloating (and mood swings) and bolstered immune defense, this is worth a try.

“Since 2010, we have continued to upgrade the formula based on the latest research to make our one product better, manufacturing AG1 to the highest standard in the industry guided by the latest research,” says CEO Kat Cole. “After years of development, we’re proud to launch AG1 Next Gen, with industry-leading research that includes multiple gold-standard, placebo-controlled clinical trials, shown to close common nutrient gaps and support gut health.  Investing in clinical trials is important, because customers deserve more clarity around quality, efficacy and claims in the supplements they choose. We’re proud to be setting the bar for quality and scientific rigor even higher, as it’s the right next chapter for the supplement industry.”

• BUY NOW – $99

9 / 10

Moroccanoil High Shine Gloss Mask ($30)

Glass hair is one of the biggest hair trends this year, and this in-shower deep-conditioning mask is one way to get it. Inspired by professional glosses you get in salons, this intense shine treatment is packed with the brand’s signature ArganID, which sends argan oil into hair’s cortex for noticeable repair. It also contains amino acids, hydrolyzed quinoa, crambe abyssinica seed oil and vitamin B5, which together, strengthen strands, keep color vibrant and promote tons of shine.

After washing your hair, squeeze out excess water (crucial to make sure the mask penetrates properly), apply a good amount all over, comb it through and let it sit for five to seven minutes. Then rinse it out and style as usual. I find that you really see the shine when you heat style afterward, but you can air-dry as well.

• BUY ON AMAZON – $30
• BUY ON SEPHORA – $30

10 / 10

Origins GinZing Glow-Boosting Moisturizer ($39)

The skin-energizing, hydrating moisturizer we all love now comes in two new shades: Pearl Glow, which is great for adding cool, bright luminosity, and Bronze Glow, which is best for those who want to warm up their complexion with a little bit of a sun-kissed effect.

“With the launch of these new radiant shades, we invite more consumers to ‘Glow Their Own Way,’” says Francesca Damato, vice president of global marketing. “This new moisturizer highlights the radiance-boosting benefits of our GinZing collection while providing a personalized glow with two beautifully flattering shades. Combining our signature plant science with instant gratification, this innovative moisturizer blurs the line between skin care and makeup, delivering all day hydration and customizable glow in every application.”

• BUY NOW – $39