Everyday Health and Beauty Products Worth Trying

When it comes to health and beauty, your daily routine doesn’t need to be complicated to be powerful. The best wellness habits often start with health and beauty products you actually use—day in and day out. These are the multitasking essentials that support your skin barrier, strengthen your hair, boost your mood, and help you feel good from head to toe.

As Vicki Belo, MD of the Belo Medical Group, notes in a conversation on evolving Filipino beauty standards, “There’s a growing acceptance of different skin tones and features, encouraging individuals to embrace their own unique beauty instead of conforming to a singular standard.” With that in mind, here’s a curated, expert-approved guide to everyday health and beauty products that go beyond surface-level—and why they’re worth the hype.

1. A gentle, skin-barrier-loving cleanser

A good cleanser should remove dirt, oil, sunscreen, and makeup without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry. The key? Using the right formula for your skin type—especially something gentle and fragrance-free if you’re sensitive or acne-prone.

2. Moisturizer with benefits

Whether you’re oily, dry, or somewhere in between, moisturizer is non-negotiable. Choose a formula based on your skin type—light gel creams for oily skin, richer creams with ceramides or hyaluronic acid for dry skin. Some multitasking moisturizers also offer SPF, antioxidants, or anti-aging peptides.

3. Daily sunscreen

You’ve heard it before: SPF is your skin’s best friend. Use at least SPF 30 daily—even when indoors. Opt for broad-spectrum protection, and look for lightweight, non-greasy textures if you’re prone to breakouts. “The American Academy of Dermatology always recommends an SPF of 30 because it is clinically proven to be a sufficient amount of protection to reduce or minimize the adverse effects of sunlight,” says David Colbert, MD, a New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist, in a previous Allure report.

Also, according to the Philippine Dermatological Society, a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is one of the most effective ways to prevent premature aging and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

4. Multivitamins or supplements

A balanced diet is your skin’s best friend, but when life gets hectic, supplements like vitamin D, magnesium, or biotin can help fill nutritional gaps that affect energy, hormones, and even skin health. Just make sure you’re choosing trusted, third-party tested brands—and always check in with a doctor or licensed dietitian before adding anything new to your routine.

If you’re also using active ingredients like retinoids, go slow and stay informed. “Tretinoin really is the ‘OG’ for acne and aging, but we don’t give it left and right, because it can be very irritating to some,” says dermatologist Katrina Reyes, MD, in a previous Allure Philippines report. “For oily skin, we usually start with adapalene or trifarotene. For dry to normal skin, we start with retinol or retinal. The stronger the retinoid, the more it has an effect on scars and collagen boosting.” Her tip: “In general, when in doubt, use the milder form. The more liquid it is, the milder the formulation.”

5. Lip balm with SPF

Often forgotten but essential, lip balm with sun protection is your underrated hero. Sunburnt lips? No, thank you.

Dermatologists emphasize that sun exposure is a significant cause of chapped lips, and using a lip balm with SPF is important, especially if your lips are already dry or inflamed. As Dr. Erum Ilyas explains, “If your dry, chapped lips are affected by the sun, they can burn easily and possibly trigger a fever blister outbreak. If you already have dry lips, more fever blisters or cold sores can spread in that dry, cracked skin.”

6. Hydrating mists or toners

Especially in humid climates like the Philippines, a lightweight toner or mist helps reset your skin throughout the day. Look for ones with soothing ingredients like centella asiatica, niacinamide, or panthenol. These not only hydrate but also help with redness and irritation.

7. Scalp-care products

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Think scalp exfoliants, gentle clarifying shampoos, or pre-wash oil treatments. These can help manage dandruff, excess oil, and product buildup.

Allure tip: Scalp-focused routines have gone mainstream for good reason—don’t skip this step.

8. Toothpaste with fluoride

Oral health is part of beauty, too. Fluoride toothpaste is still recommended by most dental associations to prevent cavities and strengthen enamel. Bonus points if it has whitening properties without being too abrasive.

9. A reliable deodorant or a natural alternative

Whether you prefer clinical-strength or aluminum-free, daily deodorant keeps odor at bay. Just be sure to choose a formula that won’t irritate your underarms, especially if you shave frequently.

10. Body lotion or oil

Hydrated skin is glowing skin. After bathing, applying a nourishing lotion or oil helps lock in moisture. Coconut oil, shea butter, or squalane-based formulas work well, depending on your skin type.

Bonus: Mental wellness add-ons

Health and beauty aren’t just about appearance. Products like aromatherapy rollers, sleep-support teas, or calming adaptogen blends (like ashwagandha or L-theanine) can support stress management and mental clarity.

A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Nutrition supports the role of micronutrients and adaptogens in improving mood and reducing anxiety—just remember, supplements are complements, not cures.

Final thoughts: Choose what works for you

Not all health and beauty products need to be luxe or trending to be effective. The real goal? Choosing products that support your skin, body, and mental wellness consistently. And if a product makes you feel better—whether it’s a hydrating serum or a peppermint essential oil—it’s doing its job.

Before you overhaul your stash, start small. Swap one product that’s not serving you for one that does. Build a routine that feels good and works hard behind the scenes. That’s where real beauty—and health—begins.