The 5 best boutique skincare brands

A host of smaller producers are carving out a successful niche

Lip balm, £24, Rodin, net-a-porter.com

The skincare industry has more than its fair share of behemoth brands, with big advertising budgets that help make sure you won't forget about them on your next shopping trip. But there are also a host of interesting, smaller producers out there who are carving out a successful niche.

It's extremely gratifying that so many of them are led by women, and surely no coincidence – for they are creating what they haven't been able to find from bigger rivals. Their businesses may be comparatively small, but by golly they're mighty.

Intense hydrating cream

£80, elethea.com

Founded by Nausheen Qureshi, a biochemist born and raised in Kenya, this made-in-England product line uses Rift Valley ingredients

Body oil

£54, Susanne Kaufmann, liberty.co.uk

This Austrian brand's minimal packaging and apothecary chic has won it many fans, as has the efficacy of its natural ingredients.

Good genes treatment

£85, Sunday Riley, spacenk.com

The eponymous Riley favours essential oils in her products, which may aggravate sensitive skin but her line is a skin saviour.

Resist hyaluronic acid booster

£42, Paulaschoice.co.uk

Paula Begoun's skincare brand is built on no-nonsense efficacy and years of experience; it's huge in America but has only recently launched here.

Lip balm

£24, Rodin, net-a-porter.com

Former fashion stylist Linda Rodin's jasmine oil-based range has won acclaim for its chic packaging and appealing scents.