I asked ChatGPT to curate my skincare routine — The results are shocking

As a full-time beauty product tester who has *actually* cycled through hundreds of formulations day and night, the advent of AI has piqued my interest. No doubt about it, the beauty world is advancing, especially as we’re adding smarter tools like shade finders and personalized product quizzes to the mix.

After years of hopping on calls with board-certified dermatologists, makeup artists, estheticians and other beauty pros, I can tell you the science behind top ingredients like salicylic acid (good for acne) and niacinamide (good to help reduce pores) in my sleep. So, I decided if AI was just as seasoned as the chockfull of information I’ve learned about and firsthand-studied throughout the years.

Yes, I asked ChatGPT to create a skincare routine for me.

Wonderfully, plenty of the brands and specific products that were generated on my iPhone app are sold on Amazon, just in time for the Big Spring Sale that’s happening now. Of course, nothing compares to consulting with your dermatologist, but I was naturally curious about what AI would prescribe to use.

RELATED: Best Amazon Big Spring Sale beauty deals to shop now

“Remember to patch test new products and introduce them gradually to prevent irritation,” AI told me, robotically. “It’s also essential to read reviews [like our hundreds of reviews, obviously], consider ingredients and consult with a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns or conditions.” Thanks for the disclaimer, ChatGPT.

Both insightfully and unsurprisingly, I agree with AI on just about every single product. And, spectacularly, I’ve used every product AI recommended, so you’re hearing it from me (technically) first.

Ahead, find the custom routine that is fairly accessible for every beauty shopper. You’ll be just as pleased as I am that you can snag most of them on sale right now.

Cleansers

• CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

  
  
  
  

  According to AI, the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is worth it because it’s gentle yet effective, has hydrating properties within its formulation, boasts a non-foaming formula, is noncomedogenic (so it doesn’t clog your pores) and it’s affordable. I second all of this.

  “It’s formulated with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which help to cleanse the skin without stripping away its natural moisture barrier,” ChatGPT programmed. “This makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin.”

  Not only is CeraVe one of the best skincare brands I reviewed but the AI description hits the nail right on the head. It’s non-stripping and works wonders for my skin, which is wholly sensitive and oftentimes parched and dry.

  For more options, check out our expert-backed guide to the best cleansers for sensitive skin.

• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

  
  
  
  

  ChatGPT recommended me to use the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, but the joke’s on AI, because this formula has been a part of my routine for years. It’s a top cleanser to use because it’s gentle and soothing, contains a minimalist formula, has hydrating properties, is both soothing and calming and is dermatologist-recommended.

  “It’s specifically formulated for sensitive skin, containing gentle surfactants that effectively cleanse without irritating or stripping the skin of its natural oils,” ChatGPT noted. “This makes it suitable for individuals

• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid

  
  
  
  

  During the Amazon Big Spring Sale, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid is on sale — the ChatGPT-chosen cleanser to add to your skincare routine. Because of its hydrating formula, gentle cleansing feel, noncomedogenic formula, refreshing texture and affordability, it’s prescribed by AI. And, as a beauty product tester, I surely agree.

  “Enriched with hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant, this cleanser helps to attract and retain moisture, leaving the skin feeling hydrated and refreshed after cleansing,” ChatGPT spewed out. “Hyaluronic acid is known for its ability to plump the skin and improve hydration levels, making it ideal for dry or dehydrated skin.”

Toners

• THAYERS Witch Hazel Facial Toner

  
  
  
  

  If you have acne-prone skin, get this toner. It has been one of my long-standing drugstore favorites for years and is less than $10 during the Amazon Big Spring Sale. What’s more, it’s an AI-endorsed toner to pick up for its natural ingredients, alcohol-free formula, gentle and soothing feel, versatility and variety of formulations you can choose from, including unscented versions and those infused with various natural extracts like rose petal, cucumber and lavender.

  “It is formulated with natural witch hazel extract, known for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps to tighten pores, control oil production and reduce inflammation, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin,” ChatGPT said.

• Paula’s Choice Skin-Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner with Niacinamide

  
  
  
  

  I’m a *huge* fan of Paula’s Choice, with plenty of her formulations being my No. 1 choice (I had to go there). Of course, the Skin-Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner with Niacinamide is in my skincare rotation, with AI loving the toner for its superstar niacinamide ingredient, pore-reducing efficacy, balancing formula, non-irritating feel and clinically proven final formula.

  Additionally, this toner has noticeable results, making it unbelievable that it’s less than $25 on Amazon.

  “Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a potent antioxidant that offers multiple benefits for the skin; it helps to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, regulate oil production, improve uneven skin tone and strengthen the skin barrier’s function,” ChatGPT explained via app. “Paula’s Choice products are backed by scientific research and clinical studies, ensuring their effectiveness and safety.”

• Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner

  
  
  
  

  If I had to live on a deserted island with only one skincare brand (the horror), Mario Badescu would be a contender. Its formulas always make me feel like I’m at a salon, making me trust ChatGPT 100% more with my skin prescription once it recommended the Glycolic Acid Toner.

  Not only is it on a pretty nice discount during the Amazon Big Spring Sale but it’s revered by even artificial intelligence for its exfoliating properties, ability to unclog pores, brightening effect, ability to double as a lovely skin primer and suitability for most skin types — all of which I agree with.

  “By exfoliating the skin’s surface, glycolic acid can help to unclog pores and prevent breakouts,” ChatGPT shared. “It removes built-up debris and excess oil, reducing the likelihood of blackheads, whiteheads and other types of acne.”

Exfoliators

• Paula’s Choice Skin-Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

  
  
  
  

  Ah, the beauty lover’s secret weapon. Meet the Paula’s Choice Skin-Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, a ChatGPT-recommended exfoliant for its salicylic acid content, gentle yet potent formula, anti-inflammatory benefits, ability to improve skin texture, non-irritating feel and clinically proven final formula. Impressively, it’s safe for sensitive skin despite its potent nature.

  “Despite its potency, the liquid formula is gentle and non-abrasive on the skin,” ChatGPT typed out. “It’s suitable for daily use and doesn’t cause irritation or excessive dryness, thanks to its well-formulated and balanced pH level.” Those are pretty sharp claims coming from a robot, but as a human beauty tester, I can attest it’s effective and balances my skin well, looking lovely after cleansing.

• The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

  
  
  
  

  The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner is a coveted potion-style product for its affordability, though ChatGPT also loves how it effectively exfoliates, helps improve skin texture, unclogs pores, brightens the complexion and is both cruelty free and vegan. Remarkably, all of these characteristics are evident whenever I reach for the bottle myself.

  “The Ordinary is known for offering high-quality skincare products at affordable prices,” ChatGPT highlighted, plain and simple. “The Glycolic Acid Toning Solution provides excellent value for the money, allowing individuals to incorporate effective exfoliation into their skincare routines without breaking the bank. Amen.

• Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

  
  
  
  

  Though a splurge, the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is one of my favorite face masks to use weekly, giving me a much-needed skincare reset thanks to its AHA and BHA ingredients working overtime to produce satisfying cell turnover. AI also loves it for its professional-quality exfoliation, effective yet gentle feel, brightening and refining results, hydrating and nourishing texture, clean and transparent ingredient formulation and clinically proven results.

  And yes, I reviewed the lion’s share (or should I say elephant’s share) of Drunk Elephant, and AI surely knows what it’s talking about. “Regular use of the T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial helps to brighten dull skin, fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation and refine the appearance of pores and fine lines,” ChatGPT said. “It leaves the skin looking clearer, more even and more youthful over time. Hence, the name, “Babyfacial.”

Serums & Treatments

• The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

  
  
  
  

  Without a doubt, the The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum is one of my favorite little bottles I have on my skincare cart (yes, I own one of those). I consider this a universal serum that works wonders on any skin type because of its niacinamide content married with zinc, another antioxidant.

  ChatGPT approves of the formulation for its niacinamide content, its efficacy at regulating sebum production, its ability to reduce redness and inflammation, how it minimizes the appearance of pores, its inclusion of zinc, its affordability and versatility. Preach it, AI.

  “Overall, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum is worth it because it effectively targets multiple skincare concerns, including oiliness, enlarged pores, inflammation and uneven skin tone, at an affordable price point, making it a staple in many skincare routines,” ChatGPT listed.

• SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid

  
  
  
  

  Highly regarded and respected, the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid is an investment-driven formula that I *love*. In the beauty world, it’s the crème de la crème, and for reasons AI describes: it provides potent antioxidant protection, brightens and evens the skin tone, stimulates collagen production, enhances photo-protection and is a stable and effective formulation with clinically proven results.

  “The combination of 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), vitamin E and ferulic acid provides powerful antioxidant protection against environmental aggressors such as pollution, UV radiation and free radicals,” ChatGPT said, which made me smile that it mentioned “free radicals,” the dermatologist no-no that makes you want to really protect your skin with SPF and other ingredients, as found in this product.

  “This helps neutralize oxidative stress and prevent premature aging, including fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots,” it further explained.

• Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil with Retinol

  
  
  
  

  A staple in my evening skincare routine, the Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil with Retinol is the cherry on top of my cleanser. Truly. AI recommended this as part of my skincare routine because of its advanced retinoid formulation, time-release technology, moisturizing and nourishing feel, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, its ability to improve skin texture and tone and clinically proven results.

  What’s more, I love how this oil doesn’t feel greasy but, instead, feels elegant. Simultaneously, it’s protecting my skin (thanks, retinol!) and leaving it nourished.

  “The Luna Sleeping Night Oil contains a form of retinoid called hydroxypinacolone retinoate, which is a gentle yet effective derivative of retinol,” ChatGPT explained. “Retinoids are well-known for their anti-aging properties, including reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin texture.”

Moisturizers

• Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 50+

  
  
  
  

  Available for even less during the Amazon Big Spring Sale, the Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 50+ is a wonderful moisturizer with SPF to reach for as we’re approaching warm weather. I was pleased when AI recommended the product, all for its broad-spectrum sun protection (fighting both UVA and UVB rays), lightweight and non-greasy texture, hydrating feel, gentle and non-irritating formula, suitability for all skin types and dermatologist-recommended stamp of approval.

  “The moisturizer has a lightweight and non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a heavy or sticky residue,” ChatGPT noted. “This makes it comfortable to wear daily under makeup or on its own, without feeling greasy or causing congestion.”

• EltaMD Skincare AM Restore Moisturizer

  
  
  
  

  Though a bit of a splurge on Amazon, the EltaMD Skincare AM Restore Moisturizer is one of my favorites to use and, unsurprisingly, touted by AI for its moisturizing and nourishing feel, lightweight and non-greasy texture, sensitive skin-friendly formula and dermatologist-recommended appeal.

  “EltaMD is known for its gentle and non-irritating formulations, making it suitable for sensitive skin types,” ChatGPT said, of which I agree with, as all of its products are cosmetically elegant. “The AM Restore Moisturizer is fragrance-free, paraben-free and non-comedogenic, reducing the risk of irritation or allergic reactions.”

• Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+

  
  
  
  

  A fan-favorite of mine for years, the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ is, of course, part of AI’s recommendations for a skincare routine. This made me smile, as it’s been a while since I’ve reached for it but I remember *adoring* it. This is my sign to go back to it.

  “Overall, the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ is worth it because it provides effective hydration, strengthen’s the skin’s moisture barrier and is suitable for all skin types, making it a versatile and essential part of a skincare routine for many individuals,” ChatGPT passionately made note of. Additionally, it contains glycerin for much-needed hydration, a checkmark in its favor.

Sunscreens

• EltaMD Skincare UV Clear Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 46

  
  
  
  

  As far as facial SPF goes, the EltaMD Skincare UV Clear Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 46 is one of the best. It applies silky smooth and ChatGPT is a fan of it, too, namely for its broad-spectrum protection, high SPF content, transparent zinc oxide content, lightweight and non-greasy feel, sensitive skin-friendly design, water-resistant nature and dermatologist-recommended appeal.

  “Most EltaMD sunscreens are water-resistant, providing added protection during activities such as swimming or sweating,” ChatGPT said. “This makes them suitable for outdoor sports and activities, as well as everyday wear.

• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60

  
  
  
  

  I used the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60 nearly every single day last summer, and the crave for it is coming back again as the warm weather picks up. It’ll be in my beach bag, no question about it, and AI loves it for its high SPF content, advanced UV filters, melt-in milky texture (as its name suggests), sensitive skin-friendly appeal, water-resistant nature and dermatologist-recommended mark of approval.

  “The Anthelios sunscreen contains a combination of advanced UV filters, including Mexoryl SX, Mexoryl XL and Avobenzone, which offer effective and photo-stable protection against UV radiation,” ChatGPT explained in full-force typing mode. “These filters provide superior protection compared to traditional sunscreen ingredients.”

  As a whole, I love its texture and easy absorption, making me feel good that the protection is soaked deep within my skin.

• Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40

  
  
  
  

  If #BeautyTok wasn’t evidence of the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40’s success, let this be your sign. It’s *stunning* and offers a naturally glowing result, a reason why AI recommended this SPF as part of a skincare method.

  “The Unseen Sunscreen doubles as a primer, helping to blur imperfections, minimize the appearance of pores and create a smooth canvas for makeup application,” ChatGPT noted. “It extends the wear of makeup and helps to keep it looking fresh throughout the day.” This is 100% true; I love wearing this as I find it doubles as a makeup primer.

  Additionally, ChatGPT loves the product for its invisible finish, broad-spectrum protection, oil-free and mattifying formulation, primer-like properties, water-resistant feel, reef-safe formula and cruelty free intentionality.

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Victoria Giardina

March 21, 2024 4:17 pm