Olay Quench Plus Firming Body Lotion ($7.99 for 13.5 ounces). This is an outstanding body lotion that’s best for normal to slightly dry skin. It contains an effective blend of skin-identical (repairing) and cell-communicating ingredients plus antioxidants, including palm oil, which is a rich source of vitamin E. Overall, this formula has a lot more to it than most of Olay’s body lotions, as well as those from many other brands sold at the drugstore. You have to be willing to tolerate the shimmer finish this leaves behind, and it does contain fragrance, though the amount is small. Those looking for a fragrance-free body lotion sans shimmer may want to consider the options from CeraVe or Paula’s Choice, but without question this Quench body lotion is worth considering. One more comment: this product’s firming benefit is minimal, especially if you’re not diligent about protecting your skin from sun exposure and using a well formulated AHA or BHA exfoliant.

 B. Kamins, Chemist AHA + BHA Daily Peel Pads ($59 for 35 applications). This expensive at-home peel is a waste of your time and money. Step 1, labeled “Prep” is merely a water soluble cleanser steeped onto pads. Big deal, right? Step 2 is the Peel, but its second ingredient is alcohol (the kind that hurts your skin by causing free-radical damage and collagen breakdown). The amount of glycolic and lactic acids has the potential to exfoliate and the pH is within range of efficacy, but this is the wrong way to go about obtaining the benefits AHAs provide. As for the BHA (salicylic acid) it is likely present in too low an amount to help your skin. Did we mention that B. Kamins added peppermint oil to the peel, too (as if the alcohol wasn’t bad enough)? Please refer to our list of Best AHA or Best BHA Products for our top picks for superior exfoliants that really can help your skin improve.