As a beauty editor, I have a long list of products that I love, so it’s a big deal when I come across a true miracle product. I’m talking about something that not only gets added to my regular lineup but also helps me out of a bad situation, kind of like a ride-or-die friend. You know that one person who you can call up if you ever find yourself in a bind? I found the skincare version of that, and it’s The Outset’s Firming Vegan Collagen Prep Serum ($46).

It all started when I was suddenly hit with a breakout around my jawline. I wasn’t sure whether it was a hormonal breakout, maskne, or that sometimes I wake up with my chin resting in my palm similar to thinking man’s pose. What I did know was that I had four new pimples that I promptly named Blanche, Sophia, Dorothy, and Rose after the Golden Girls. I was about to go on vacation, so I did what anyone would do: panic, then reach for the strongest acne treatment that I could find. I decided to do a benzoyl peroxide–based acne product even though I historically tend to avoid those. But I was desperate and wanted those zits gone as fast as possible. The good news is it worked. My pustules cleared up in a couple of days. But the bad news is I was left with extremely dry skin along my jawline that was rough to the touch and bad to the bone.

Anyone who deals with dry and flaky skin knows all about the drama that it can cause. It can look gross and feel itchy and rough, and it also messes with makeup application. A true nightmare! Thankfully, I had some time to correct the issue and went all in with a regimen that focused on The Outset’s serum. To jog your memory, The Outset is Scarlett Johansson’s relatively newish skincare line.

After cleansing, I’d splash my current favorite essence on my face—SK-II’s iconic Facial Treatment Essence—followed by three to four pumps of the serum, and I paid particular attention to the dry Sahara Desert that was my jawline. In three days, that itchy, annoying dryness had disappeared. I am not being hyperbolic when I say that this is the best serum I have ever tried.

So what makes The Outset Firming Vegan Collagen Prep Serum so special, and how exactly did it rescue my face from the dryness hell I was dealing with? I’m guessing it’s due to the moisturizing powers from the brand’s proprietary Hyaluroset Complex, which is sourced from botanicals like the cassia flower. (Traditional hyaluronic acid is sometimes sourced from roosters.)

The serum also contains vegan collagen to promote firmer-looking skin as well as botanicals like brassica napus seedcake extract, which helps even tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots, and Mexican arnica-flower extract, another source of hydration. Not only is the dryness totally gone, but my skin also feels softer and looks brighter. Needless to say, I’m now a hard-core devotee of The Outset’s Firming Vegan Collagen Prep Serum, and I made sure to pack it on my trip. It’s an amazing product to have on hand, especially during the transitional-weather season and for winter, but I know I’ll be reaching for it all year long—cue me turning into Sméagol from Lord of the Rings and screaming, “My precious!”

This night cream from The Outset is great for all skin types. Not only does it contain that special Hyaluroset Complex I talked about, but it also has niacinamide, the incredible ingredient for improving texture and brightening complexion, as well as the plant-based retinol alternative bakuchiol.

I always appreciate a good physical exfoliator, and I know I’m going to love this one. The newest offering from the brand, this face polish gently exfoliates the skin with fine perlite. It also contains caffeine to promote circulation, white tea to protect the skin from stress, and soothing chamomile.

If you’re looking for a gentle face wash, consider the brand’s micellar cleanser. Great for sensitive skin, it’s jam-packed with antioxidants and a seven-amino blend.

This nourishing moisturizer is infused with squalane for bouncy, hydrated skin that lasts a full 24 hours. 

My favorite eye creams tend to have vitamin C, which this one includes. It also has nourishing Irish moss, and I love the convenient pump that is a lot easier to use than a tub. 

I convinced one of my friends to try The Outset, so she picked up this handy kit of the brand’s essentials. It’s a great way to try the cleanser, serum, and moisturizer before fully committing to the full-size products.

Containing a powerhouse of ingredients like vegan collagen, peptides, plant probiotics, and more, this is another great option for a serum. Plus, it comes in spray form, which is always a win.

If you’re in the market for a retinol serum, this new one from the Icelandic skincare line is an awesome choice, as it promotes cellular turnover and collagen production and reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles. 

Fresh found a powerful tea plant on the small island of Mauritius and harnessed its benefits for this serum, allowing it to boost the skin’s visible resilience by 62%.

Your skin will feel hydrated and look dewy after using this plant-based serum. It contains vegan collagen, hyaluronic acid, plus the antioxidant japonica-seed oil.

This serum contains the strongest antioxidant on the market (the mineral Lipochroman) to protect the skin against pollution while minimizing fine lines and dark spots. 

This serum has triple the benefits thanks to a three-in-one combination of 8% vegan lactic acid, bioactive flower acids, and a PHA. Expect smoother texture and a reduction in fine lines and the appearance of large pores. 

Up next, My Beauty Collection Needed an Intervention—Here’s How I Organized the Chaos