If you're as skin-care obsessed as Euphoria 's Cassie these days, you're not only in the right place, but you're far from alone. Over the past few years, countless beauty enthusiasts have changed their ways and switched to products that offer purely aesthetic benefits for skin health. As a result, the market value of the skin care industry has increased by nearly 60% (and is expected to grow by another 30% in the next five years), officially surpassing traditional makeup.
That said, shopping for skin care products is no easy task, and it can be especially challenging when you're looking for medical-grade skin care products. Not only can it be difficult to tell the difference between "medical grade" and over-the-counter products, but it can also be daunting to guess which of the thousands of products available will actually deliver the results they promise.
Fortunately, as mentioned above, you are not alone. Bustle asked dermatologists for their favorite medical-grade products, so the next time you're confused about which makeup products to add to your cart, you'll know what to do. Below, check out 18 medical-grade skin care products that dermatologists love and recommend.
Experts
Dr. Snehal Amin, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. He is co-founder and chief of surgery at MDCS Dermatology and a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. She is a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Center at Cornell University.
Dr. Audrey Kunin, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Kansas City. She is the founder of DERMADoctor Skincare, chief product officer of NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, and author of the DERMAdoctor Skinstruction Manual.
Dr. Jaimie DeRosa, MD, is a double board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at DeRosa Center Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa in Boston. She is an assistant professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Peter Young is a board-certified dermatologist in Boston. He is the medical director of clinical skin health platform Facet.
Dr. Jeanine Downie, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Image Dermatology in Montclair, New Jersey.
Dr. Lauren Penzi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in MDCS Dermatology.
Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in MDCS Dermatology.
What is medical grade skin care?
Wondering what exactly medical-grade skin care is and how it differs from other types of skin care? According to Dr. Snehal Amin, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist, surgical director, and co-founder of MDCS Dermatology, “medical-grade” skin care products can be defined by three main characteristics: efficacy level, clinical testing, and where they are sell.
"The medical-grade skincare line has a higher efficacy and concentration of active ingredients [than other products]," Amin tells Bustle. Medical-grade products are clinically tested and evaluated to comply with FDA regulations, which is why medical-grade skin care products tend to be more expensive, he added.
Finally, medical-grade skin care products can only be purchased from a dermatologist's office, Medispa, or an authorized supplier, and since authorized sales require a medical director, you won't find them in pharmacies (unfortunately).
Derms’ Favorite Medical-Grade Skin Care
Anti-aging powerhouse
CRYSTAL RETINAL Stabilizing Retinal Night Serum Medik8
If your main concern is wrinkles and fine lines, MDCS board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, recommends Medik8's Night Serum, which is formulated with the superstar anti-aging ingredient retinaldehyde.
Garshick explains, "Retinal actually helps fight wrinkles and fine lines faster than other commonly used retinols because it only needs to be converted into retinoic acid (the active form of vitamin A) once." He adds, The product's dual encapsulation system and incorporation of glycerin and hyaluronic acid ensure it's also gentle on the skin.
Brighten skin colour
Kakadu C 1% Retinol + 12% C Ferulic Acid and E Complex DERMAdoctor
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Audrey Kunin recommends this blend of retinol, ferulic acid, and vitamin E, clarifying that 1% retinol is an especially potent over-the-counter form of vitamin A. "It helps improve fine lines, wrinkles," Kunin continued, noting that since it also blends dermatologist-recommended levels of vitamins C, E and ferulic acid, "the formula provides a single desert island of anti-inflammatory properties." The formula for aging.”
Skin quenching care
SkinMedica TNS Ceramide Treatment CreamDermStore
If your skin needs a lot of moisture, Amin recommends this ceramide-rich treatment, formulated with palmitoyl oligopeptides (aka synthetic tripeptides that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles), anabolic fibrin Cell Conditioned Medium (SkinMedica's famous TNS) and Hydroxypropyl Dipalmitamide MEA, a ceramide that promotes and maintains skin moisture while improving its texture.
Lightly hydrating
HA Enhanced Serum Alphascience
If you prefer a hydrating serum over a cream (and/or are prone to oily skin or breakouts), Dr. Jaimie DeRosa, a double-board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at DeRosa Center Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa, tells Bustle that this is Her favorite hydrating serum. "The combination of silicone and hyaluronic acid feels great when applied to the skin," says DeRosa. As a bonus, it contains high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid for optimal absorption.
Peptide Infused Neck Cream
Nectifirm® ADVANCED Corrective Skin Care Products
Worried about tech neck? If so, this Garshick-approved neck cream is for you. "Neck cream is one of my top picks, and it's a great option for anyone with moderate to advanced signs of aging on their neck," Garshick tells Bustle. He explains that it combines microbiome-friendly ingredients, peptides and red microalgae. The extract smoothes the skin. "This helps the skin appear firmer and lifted, while smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," she says.
anti-acne cleanser
Benzoyl Peroxide 5% WashFacet
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Peter Young recommends this face wash for anyone suffering from acne because it contains the all-star acne fighter benzoyl peroxide. "Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most common medical-grade acne combatants," Young tells Bustle, adding that it can help control acne breakouts by unclogging pores and destroying the bacteria within them.
Multifunctional essence
8 in 1 Bio Serum DefenAge
Garshick is also a fan of DefenAge 8-in-1 Bioserum because it's formulated with the brand's exclusive retinol alternative, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. As a result, Garshick claims this lightweight serum can rejuvenate and smooth skin, improve the overall appearance of redness and strengthen the skin barrier. “What makes this product stand out is that it contains five times more defensin molecules than any other formula,” she adds.
Restorative eye care
Eye repair care ALASTIN Skincare
If you're looking for a topical treatment for the area under and around your eyes, DeRosa recommends Alastin's Restorative Eye Treatment. "TriHex technology helps support the production of new, healthy collagen and elastin, while also containing ingredients like niacinamide to help brighten the skin around the eyes," she tells Bustle.
Powerful antioxidant serum
CE ferulic acid Dermstore
Garshick and Amin both love Skinceuticals' beloved CE Ferulic Acid Serum because it's considered the gold standard for vitamin C. Its potent combination of vitamin C, which protects skin from free radical damage while brightening, works synergistically with hydrating vitamins, vitamin E and ferulic acid, which enhances the effectiveness and stability of vitamins E and C, Garshick says.
“By helping to protect skin from free radical damage, this product can help reduce signs of skin aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, brown spots and more,” says Garshick. “Antioxidants are often where the big bucks go when it comes to skin care, knowing that the products you’re using are backed by science and are consistently effective.”
Enhance barrier hydration
Daily Powerful Defense ZO SKIN HEALTH
If your skin barrier needs some protection or repair, DeRosa recommends this vitamin A-fortified moisturizer. "It contains vitamin A (think retinoids) and vitamin E, plus stem cells and enzymes, to help reduce signs of aging and defend against free radicals and environmental damage," DeRosa tells Bustle. But the best part? It helps restore the skin's natural barrier, keeping your complexion hydrated.
Retinoids for Sensitive Skin
AlphaRet Night Cream Skin Better Science
Garshick also recommends this cult-favorite cream that combines retinoids with lactic acid. "This retinoid and alpha hydroxy acid work together to enhance effectiveness and boost collagen production without causing irritation," Garshick tells Bustle. Combined with glycolic acid, the formula helps improve skin texture, she explains. and the overall appearance of the skin tone. What's more, Garshick adds, this nighttime serum provides skin with both powerful antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients (like ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid) to minimize irritation. "This may be a good option for those seeking an effective retinol option but cannot tolerate prescription-strength products," she says.
Collagen Night Serum
If you're in the market for a powerful night serum, consider this dermatologist-approved elixir from Isdin. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jeanine Downie is a fan of its multi-tasking active ingredients that improve your overall skin health. "This is a restorative night serum and oil containing melatonin, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A, bakuchiol and retinol derivatives to build collagen and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles ," she tells Bustle. In other words: it does it all.
Nourishing night cream
Apply this cream before bed and wake up to firmer, more radiant skin. "This cream contains retinol, peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate," says Downey. "It will help hydrate the skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles." It's specifically formulated to treat menopausal or estrogen-deficient skin, but anyone can benefit from it.
Powerful sun protection
Ask any dermatologist about their most recommended sunscreen, and there's a good chance they'll mention this one. "This cult-favorite SPF is a favorite of mine, especially for my patients who have acne-prone skin," says Dr. Lauren Penzi, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. "Not only does it protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays, but the formula also contains sodium hyaluronate for hydration and lactic acid to cleanse pores and reduce shine. Even better, it's available in tinted and untinted options ”
A freckle removal and exfoliation product
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid TreatmentDermstore
If hyperpigmentation is your biggest skin concern, do yourself a favor and try Sunday Riley's popular Good Genes Serum. "This is one of my all-time favorite chemical exfoliants because it deeply exfoliates the surface of dull skin for an instant glow," says Penzi. "It also visibly brightens dark spots and discoloration, and helps fight fine lines and wrinkles." Since lactic acid is one of the mildest alpha hydroxy acids, Penzi notes that it's safe to use on sensitive skin.
Moisturize skin
PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum Dermstore
Keep your complexion hydrated with a powerful hyaluronic acid serum like this one, a formula highly recommended by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp. "In addition to hyaluronic acid, this serum contains ceramides to restore and repair the skin barrier, and niacinamide to reduce inflammation and calm the skin," he tells Bustle, so it's super gentle while still being hydrating.
Increase skin radiance
iS Clinical Active Serum Dermstore
Camp calls this medical-grade serum a "workhorse" because it performs on multiple levels. "It helps address signs of photoaging such as fine lines and wrinkles, boosts collagen production, and treats acne-related blemishes," he says. This is thanks to its combination of alpha and beta-hydroxy acids as well as arbutin and mushroom extracts, all of which help brighten the complexion.
Makes eye skin smoother
Camp believes Obagi's product reigns supreme when it comes to eye care for reducing fine lines. "This is a lightweight eye cream that helps correct the appearance of wrinkled skin," he tells Bustle. "Using proprietary mineral ingredients, it tightens eyelid skin while softening fine lines and wrinkles."
Research references:
Bu, Y. C. (2021). Arbutin acts as a skin depigmenting agent and has anti-melanogenic and antioxidant properties. Antioxidants , 10 (7). https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10071129
Thorat, J. H. (1994). Topical retinaldehyde in human skin: biological effects and tolerability. J Invest Dermatol. doi:10.1111/1523-1747.ep12412861
Tang, C., and Yang, H. (2018). The dual action of alpha hydroxy acids on the skin. Molecules: A Journal of Synthetic and Natural Products Chemistry , 23 (4). https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23040863
