Health Editors Share The Best Products They Tested in 2024

When we test a product to recommend on Health, we actually live with it—we bring it into our homes, try it on our skin, ask our families to use it, and consider whether we’d spend our own cash on it. It’s a surprisingly intimate process. We sleep on the mattresses; we dab on the creams; we sweat on the treadmills. And, sometimes, we find our own new favorites. It’s one of the coolest parts of our jobs. 

In 2024, we tested 906 products, ranging from two-dollar COVID tests to a $7,999 massage chair, with everything in between. Basically, we’re obsessed with whatever you’re obsessed with when it comes to health, and we try as much of it as we can. Here are some of the standouts that we tested last year. From running shoes that banished knee pain, to a retinol that totally changed an editor’s skin, these are products we write about, but they’re also the things we weave into conversations, gift to others, and use over and over. 

I’ve always been prone to cavities—that is, until I started using the Oral B iO 10 electric toothbrush. With a pressure sensor light that tells me when I’m bushing too hard, a timer that lets me know when I’ve hit the recommended two minutes, and a sensitive teeth mode—this electric toothbrush quickly became indispensable. To top it off, it has an AI-powered charging dock that tells you which sections of your mouth you’ve brushed enough and which areas need another scrub, so I never miss a spot. 

—Loren Brutsch, Editor 

I knew I’d be a convert the first time I tried this Gin Amber Derma Roller for our story on the best derma rollers. My skin immediately felt refreshed and more taut, and by morning, my skin had a firm, healthy look. As a woman in my 40s, my biggest skincare concerns these days are dull, sagging skin, so I was thrilled with the results. Dermatologists recommend at-home microdermabrasion for helping to fade acne scars and stretch marks, too. You can use a derma roller head up to ten times before replacing it, but it’s easy to lose track of how often you use it. That’s why I appreciate the handy tracker on the side of the box where you can record each use.

—Jessica Wozinsky Fleming, Senior Editor

As someone with sensitive skin, finding a retinol that works for me has always been tricky. I’ve wanted to add one to my routine for its anti-aging and skin-renewing benefits, but I was afraid the formulas would be too harsh. However, while editing our best retinol story this year and reading the impressive tester feedback, I decided to give the La Roche-Posay Retinol a try, and it’s been instrumental for my skin health. This formula is gentle and has made noticeable improvements in the texture and radiance of my face without any irritation. Plus, it’s super budget-friendly. Incorporating it into my nighttime routine has been a breeze, and I genuinely appreciate that La Roche-Posay understands sensitive skin. It’s  been a standout product for me this year, and it feels good to finally see the effect of retinol on my own face.

—Lauren Paige Richeson, Editor

After struggling with dry, frizzy hair and an oily scalp, I was excited to try Biolage’s Scalp Sync Concentrate for Health’s scalp treatment test. I was immediately impressed with how well it did everything it promised: My scalp was clear, and my hair felt healthier, more balanced, and even a little curlier. Using it gave me a fresh-from-the-salon feeling; the change was so apparent that I immediately got compliments.

—Jaylyn Pruitt, Associate Editor

As a card-carrying carb-lover, I’ve always struggled to eat enough protein—which was doubly true when I was pregnant and I needed even more of it. Enter this protein shake, a top pick in our best protein shake story. It is low in added sugar, and it had 20 whole grams of protein per serving. As a nifty side benefit, it’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids and amino acids that were great for my baby’s brain (and mine!). Plus, even though it is vegan, it tasted like creamy chocolate milk. A shake that has everything I need and tastes like a treat? Amazing. My kid is six months old now, but I’m still enjoying these.

—Cecily McAndrews, Editorial Director   

As a former Ironman athlete and three-time marathon runner, I have strong opinions about footwear. Unfortunately, I also have many foot issues, such as bunions, overpronation (my feet roll inward when I run), and flat arches, so selecting supportive, stable running shoes with arch support is a must. Of the dozens of shoes I’ve tested this year, only the Altra Women’s Torin 7 alleviated my nagging knee pain. Altras are specifically made for people with overpronation and bunions—they come in wide sizes for that reason. When I wear out these Altras, I’ll surely buy another pair. 

—Jessica Wozinsky Fleming, Senior Editor

The Kosas DreamBeam Mineral Face Sunscreen finally made facial SPF a part of my daily routine, even well beyond testing it for our mineral sunscreens test. It’s light, dries quickly, is chock full of peptides and ceramides, and even has a slight mattifying effect if you struggle with an oily T-zone like I sometimes do. Plus, it’s available in two shades: standard and Sunlit, which offers a year-round glow for all skin tones. Aside from its 40 SPF rating, what impressed me most was how well it layered with other skincare products and makeup; I never had to deal with pilling, running, or smudging, no matter what other products I used.

—Jaylyn Pruitt, Associate Editor

Earlier this year, I experienced one of the worst breakouts of my life—partly due to stress but mostly because I was using the wrong products for my sensitive, combination skin. This top pick from our moisturizer for oily skin story soothed my irritated skin and helped transform it for the better. The lightweight formula has a gel-like consistency that’s gentle enough for morning and evening use, and it left my skin feeling soft and supple far longer than any other moisturizer I’ve tried. 

—Brittany Johnson, Commerce Writer 

I spend most of the day sitting at a desk for work, and I had been looking for a compact piece of exercise equipment so I can get more movement. This under-desk walking pad solved my problem. It’s easily storable; it can fit in my closet, under the bed or couch, or just propped against the wall. It’s solid and attractive, and its sturdy frame makes me feel secure. It’s quiet enough so I can walk and talk—a great option for under a standing desk. It’s simple, but it provides everything I need, including a large LED display that shows steps, distance, calories, and speed. It is remote-controlled operated and comes with a small remote, but it can also be controlled through an app. Most of all, I love that I can use it when I only have a few minutes to spare—it’s made a huge difference in my life.

—Amy Fischer, MS, RD, CDN, Senior Nutrition Editor

During testing for the best air purifiers, I was impressed by this device’s modes and features, including a nighttime mode, an automatic mode that kicks on when the air gets bad, and a lock feature to thwart my toddler’s eager hands. I would notice the air purifier turn on when I was cooking on our gas stove, and the air quality would rapidly improve, even in our large dining and living room space. The change was noticeable, and I could also check the color-coded display on top to see how bad the air was at a given moment. After testing, when smoke came drifting through from wildfires miles away, I was so grateful to see this air purifier quietly humming away, helping keep my two kids’ lungs healthy. 

—Cecily McAndrews, Editorial Director

I seem to collect cheap and mediocre lip balms, but finding one that’s good and affordable is surprisingly hard. That’s why I was excited to be a part of our test to find the best lip balms. I love a moisturizing lip balm that delivers shine without feeling greasy, and Buttah Skin Luxe Lip Balm checks all the boxes. It leaves my lips feeling soft and hydrated, with just the right amount of glossy sheen—perfect for layering over other lip products or wearing solo. I was so impressed by the balm that I ended up exploring more of their lineup, and I’m currently using their moisturizer, which is also fantastic. It’s lightweight yet deeply nourishing, perfect for keeping my skin balanced. Plus, I love supporting Buttah Skin because they’re a Black-owned business dedicated to creating products that work for all skin tones and types. Their focus on luxurious, effective skincare has made me a fan!

—Lauren Paige Richeson, Editor