What Strategist Readers Are Buying: Swedish Dishcloths and Denim Shirts

This electric toothbrush is a favorite of dentists, Amazon reviewers, and, clearly, our readers. The pros like that it both rotates and oscillates (vibrates) to clean teeth and remove plaque, and one reviewer raves: “This toothbrush leaves my teeth feeling like they’ve been power-washed.”

Now that the weather is getting colder, it makes sense that lots of you are stocking up on this thick cream (for both face and body) that dermatologists recommend for dry skin. Derms also like it for mature skin or anyone dealing with the drying effects of taking Accutane. Experts say it replenishes ceramides, natural lipids that are often missing in dry skin. Plus, it’s “fragrance free, so it is suitable for those with sensitive skin and doesn’t feel greasy,” and budget friendly. After a fifth-place finish last time around, it jumps to second this week.

Earlier this month, writer Ashlea Halpern tipped us off to these cheery, patterned Swedish dishcloths, which are superabsorbent, soft, and quick-drying. Made from a blend of biodegradable cellulose and renewable cotton, the cloths are an ecofriendly “game changer,” according to Halpern, who says she used to “plow through half a roll [of paper towels] in one cleaning session” before switching to the dishcloths.

This retinol night cream that dermatologists say is actually effective in treating and preventing wrinkles is becoming a staple on our list, making its fourth consecutive appearance. Derms explain that it can “increase cellular turnover and encourage the formation of new skin as well as the production of collagen and elastin, all of which help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.” Because it’s more mild than its prescription cousin, retinoid, it’s also “gentle enough to use on more sensitive, wrinkly skin around the eyes.”

If you’re thinking it’s time to replace your pillow, this longtime favorite of ours (which has made the bestseller list 22 times now) would be a solid replacement pick. We discovered it when we tested a wide selection of pillows designed for side sleepers and concluded that the Wamsutta Extra-Firm was the most comfortable and supportive of them all: “Unlike other pillows that mistake plushness or fluffiness for support, the WEF didn’t sink as soon as I rested my head. Instead, it had a firm, satisfying spring — it’s a different sensation but one I took to right away. And even though I didn’t do any measuring, my head felt more propped up from the mattress and sheets than with any other pillow.”

Another popular CeraVe product, this moisturizer that’s rich in ceramides and hydrating hyaluronic acid was rated the best overall night cream when we polled dermatologists. “This is an excellent moisturizer for when the weather starts getting cold and your skin starts losing more moisture,” according to one doctor we spoke with. Others say it’s just as effective as much more expensive creams.

As Strategist writer Liza Corsillo learned during her research into the best dog beds, different breeds have different needs. For small pups, though, this shaggy faux-fur bed is one of the best options. Certified professional animal behaviorist Jessica Gore says, “It’s great for warm snuggling and cuddling and provides just enough support and security for smaller body types.” Amazon reviewers agree, with more than 1,000 of them awarding it five stars and describing how soft it is and how much their dogs love it. It popped up on our list right after Liza’s story went live and, after a short hiatus, it’s back this week.

A standout skin-care ingredient, vitamin C is credited with everything from diminishing fine lines and wrinkles to fading acne scars and brightening skin. While the well-known (and very expensive) Skinceuticals version is deemed the “gold-standard vitamin-C serum,” when Strategist writer Dominique Pariso asked dermatologists which ones they like, she discovered this surprisingly affordable alternative. She writes, “In addition to skin brightening L-ascorbic and ferulic acids, the serum also has a soothing botanical blend of aloe, grape, magnolia, and orange peel to give the skin an added dose of nourishment.” It inches up the list this week from tenth to eighth place.

In our survey of 100 cool teens, Glossier’s highly Instagrammable lip balm was a clear favorite among respondents. One told us, “I can’t live without this. I know it’s a bit pricey, but it’s really good and also the packaging is cute!” That endorsement earned it a spot on our list of gifts for teen girls, and it doesn’t hurt that our beauty writer Rio Viera-Newton is a fan. She always keeps the berry flavor in her purse because, as she says, it “gives your lips a really nice I-just-drank-red-wine look that works just as well at night as it does at work.”