Health editors share the best products they tested in 2024

When we test a product that we would like to recommend in Health, we actually live with it – we bring it into our homes, we try it on our skin, we ask families to make use of it, and we consider whether we might spend our own money on it. It’s a surprisingly intimate process. We sleep on mattresses; rub with creams; we sweat on treadmills. Sometimes we discover our recent favorites. This is certainly one of the coolest parts of our job.

In 2024, we tested 906 products, starting from $2 SARS-CoV-2 tests to a $7,999 massage chair and all the things in between. Basically, we’re obsessive about all the things you might be obsessive about relating to health, and we try to make use of it as much as we are able to. Here are a few of the standout products we tested last yr. From trainers that eliminate knee pain to retinol that completely modified the editor’s skin – these are the products we write about, but they are also things that we weave into conversations, gifts for others and use over and all over again.

I’ve all the time been susceptible to tooth decay – that’s, until I began using it Oral B iO 10 electric toothbrush. With a pressure sensor light that lets me know when I’m brushing too hard, a timer that lets me know when I’ve reached the really useful two minutes, and a sensitive teeth mode, this electric toothbrush has quickly change into vital. What’s more, it has an AI-powered charging station that lets you already know which parts of your mouth have been sufficiently cleaned and which have to be scrubbed again, so I never miss a spot.

—Loren Brutsch, editor

I knew I could be converted the first time I attempted the Gin Amber Derma Roller for our best derma roller story. My skin immediately felt refreshed and tighter, and in the morning my skin had a firm, healthy appearance. As a girl in my 40s, my biggest skincare concern nowadays is dull and sagging skin, so I used to be delighted with the results. Dermatologists recommend at-home microdermabrasion to assist reduce pimples scars and stretch marks. You can use the derma roller head as much as ten times before replacing it, nevertheless it’s easy to lose track of how often you utilize it. That’s why I appreciate the handy tracker on the side of the box where you possibly can log every use.

—Jessica Wozinsky Fleming, senior editor

As someone with sensitive skin, finding retinol that works for me has all the time been difficult. I desired to add it to my routine for its anti-aging and skin renewing advantages, but I used to be concerned that the formula could be too harsh. However, after editing our best retinol story of the yr and reading impressive tester reviews, I made a decision to try La Roche-Posay’s Retinol and it has played a key role in my skin’s health. This formula is gentle and has noticeably improved the texture and glow of my face with none irritation. Plus, it is very budget-friendly. Incorporating it into my nightly routine was easy and I actually appreciate that La Roche-Posay understands sensitive skin. For me, this was a standout product this yr and it’s nice to finally see the effects of retinol alone face.

—Lauren Paige Richeson, editor

After fighting dry, frizzy hair and an oily scalp, I used to be excited to try the Biolage Scalp Sync Concentrate for Health scalp care trial. I used to be immediately impressed with how well it delivered on all the things it promised: my scalp was clearer and my hair was healthier, more balanced, and even a bit of curlier. Using it gave me a salon-fresh feeling; the change was so visible that I immediately received compliments.

—Jaylyn Pruitt, associate editor

As a carb lover, I’ve all the time had trouble eating enough protein – which was doubly true once I was pregnant and needed much more of it. Check out this protein shake, the top pick in our best protein shake story. It’s low in added sugar and comprises 20 full grams of protein per serving. An interesting advantage is that it’s wealthy in omega-3 fatty acids and amino acids, that are great for my child’s brain (and mine!). Plus, although it’s vegan, it tastes like creamy chocolate milk. A shake that has all the things I want and tastes like a treat? Incredible. My baby is now six months old, but I still enjoy it.

—Cecily McAndrews, editorial director

As a former Ironman competitor and three-time marathon runner, I actually have strong opinions about footwear. Unfortunately, I even have a variety of foot issues corresponding to bunions, excessive pronation (feet roll inward when running), and flat arches, so selecting supportive, stable trainers with arch support is a must. Of the dozens of shoes I’ve tested this yr, only the Altra Torin 7 women’s shoes have alleviated my nagging knee pain. Altras are specially created for individuals with excessive pronation AND bunions – for that reason they can be found in wide sizes. When I wear out these Altras, I will certainly buy one other pair.

—Jessica Wozinsky Fleming, senior editor

Kosas DreamBeam Mineral Face Sunscreen has finally made facial SPF a component of my each day routine, well beyond testing it in our mineral sunscreen test. It’s lightweight, dries quickly, is filled with peptides and ceramides, and even has a rather mattifying effect if, like me, you struggle with an oily T-zone. Plus, it’s available in two shades: Standard and Sunlit, which provides year-round radiance for all skin tones. Aside from the SPF 40 rating, what impressed me the most was how well it blended with other skincare products and makeup; I never needed to take care of pilling, running or smudging, no matter what other products I used.

—Jaylyn Pruitt, associate editor

Earlier this yr, I experienced certainly one of the worst breakouts of my life – partly attributable to stress, but mostly because I used to be using the mistaken products for my sensitive, combination skin. This best product in our oily skin moisturizer story soothed my irritated skin and helped transform it for the higher. The lightweight formula has a gel texture that is gentle enough to make use of morning and night, and it leaves my skin soft and supple for for much longer than another moisturizer I’ve tried.

—Brittany Johnson, trade author

At work, I spend most of my day sitting at a desk and I used to be in search of compact exercise equipment that will allow me to get more exercise. This desk pad solved my problem. It might be stored easily; it is going to fit in my closet, under my bed or couch, or simply lean against the wall. It is solid and attractive, and its solid frame gives me a way of security. It’s quiet enough for me to walk and talk – an amazing option under a standing desk. It’s easy but does all the things I want, including a big LED display showing steps, distance, calories and speed. It is remotely controlled and comes with a small handheld remote control, but can be controlled via an app. Most of all, I really like that I can use it once I only have just a few minutes of free time – it has made an enormous difference in my life.

—Amy Fischer, MS, RD, CDN, senior nutrition editor

While testing the best air purifiers, I used to be impressed by the modes and features of this device, including an evening mode, an automatic mode that kicks in when the air gets worse, and a lock feature that thwarts my toddler’s impatient hands. I noticed that the air purifier activates once I cook on the gas stove and the air quality quickly improves, even in our large dining room and lounge. The change was noticeable, and I could also see how bad the air was at any given moment on the color display at the top. After testing, with smoke rising from fires miles away, I used to be so grateful to see this air purifier humming quietly while helping keep my two kid’s lungs healthy.

—Cecily McAndrews, editorial director

I seem to gather low-cost and mediocre lip balms, but finding one which is nice and reasonably priced is surprisingly difficult. That’s why I used to be glad to participate in our test to search out the best lip balms. I really like a moisturizing lip balm that gives shine without feeling greasy, and the Buttah Skin Luxe Lip Balm ticks all the boxes. It leaves my lips soft and moisturized, with just the correct quantity of glossy shine – perfect for layering over other lip products or wearing alone. I used to be so impressed with the lotion that I finally researched their ingredients and am currently using their moisturizer which can also be implausible. It’s lightweight yet deeply nourishing, perfect for keeping my skin balanced. Plus, I really like supporting Buttah Skin since it’s a Black-owned company dedicated to creating products that work for all skin tones and kinds. Their give attention to luxurious, effective skincare has made me a fan!

—Lauren Paige Richeson, editor