I don’t know about you, but when a dermatologist recommends a skincare product to me, I take it as holy-grail advice. I mean, that’s their job, and they went through all that schooling and training for it, right? So I know that when I use those products, they’re most likely going to be effective and good for my skin. And you know what’s next-level? Trying a product from a dermatologist-founded skincare line.
Nowadays, there are so many great skincare brands founded and formulated by dermatologists. A lot of them are heavily backed by science and inspired by what these derms are seeing out in the field with their own patients. And in some cases, these skincare finds are a good alternative when you can’t get in to see a dermatologist ASAP. Caveat: They’re by no means a substitute for seeing a real professional, so you’ll want to visit one when you can if you’re dealing with something serious and/or want to see medical-grade results—nothing can beat an in-office treatment or a personalized consultation for a skin issue. But if you choose the right brands, you’ll be getting high-quality skincare that is effective and thoroughly tested. TL;DR: You’re getting the good stuff.
Take a look at some of our favorite dermatologist-founded lines, and give your skin some TLC.
You’ve probably seen that rose-gold mask all over your social media feeds. Well, it’s from Dr. Dennis Gross. And that’s not the only cult-favorite product from the line—almost every beauty editor and insider I know raves about the Alpha Beta Daily Peel pads, which leave the skin ultra glowy and smooth. Dennis Gross, MD, started his eponymous brand 25 years ago, and he and his team have been delivering high-quality, science-backed, transformative products ever since.
Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD, created her skincare line with the idea that there are four factors that contribute to skin aging: pollution, light, climate, and irritants. So her approach to skincare (and developing her products) is based on protecting the skin from these factors. All of the products are also cruelty-free and vegan and do not contains sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, artificial dyes or fragrances, or other known irritants.
Heather D. Rogers, MD, founded her Doctor Rogers Restore brand after seeing so many patients with damaged and injured skin (from cuts, burns, rashes, eczema, surgeries, scars, post-lasering, etc.). She was “frustrated by the healing process being hindered by unnecessary ingredients,” so she decided to formulate products that were safe and effective. The result is products that contain the fewest possible hypoallergenic ingredients that are also plant-derived and science-backed.
The name Eighth Day is all about “timelessness and renewal,” so you can expect products that are rejuvenating and regenerative. This line by Anthony Nakhla, MD, features formulas with synthesized ingredients that are bioidentical to the molecules already found on your skin—this technology results in effective skincare.
Carl R. Thornfeldt, MD, founded Epionce in 2002 when he partnered with a formulation chemist (whose resume included a stint at a major beauty company). Thornfeldt’s vision was to offer products that were backed by clinical studies—aka they’re actually proven to work. Now, the brand features products that have won numerous awards and have rave reviews.
Beverly Hills derm Harold Lancer, MD, developed his eponymous skincare brand in 1985. The basis of the line is The Lancer Method, which is “polish, cleanse, and nourish.” It’s the first regimen he recommends to all new patients, and it’s basically exfoliating, cleansing, and nourishing—this simple process promotes cell turnover and natural collagen production. In addition to skincare products that focus on the Method, the brand also features a huge range of formulations for different skin types and concerns, whether you’re dealing with acne or hyperpigmentation or a loss of firmness and fine lines and wrinkles.
If you’re looking for cleaner formulations, look no further than Macrene Actives. Developed by Macrene Alexiades, MD, Ph.D., FAAD, the line features products like a serum, lip filler, cleanser, and tinted moisturizer. But its hero product is the face cream, which features 55 good-for-the-skin ingredients.
Howard Murad, MD, founded Murad in 1989 and created a “skincare revolution” when he declared that “skincare is healthcare.” Murad has used both his medical and pharmaceutical training to create his line of science-backed products—he’s also obtained 19 patents for his skincare formulations. Today, the brand has so many beloved and cult-favorite items—you might even have a Murad product or two in your bathroom vanity.
Founded by Nicholas Perricone, MD, the brand has offerings that are all part of a three-tier skincare and wellness system—diet, essential supplements, and topical skincare. So in addition to finding high-quality moisturizers, serums, and even makeup, you can also shop daily supplements and super green powders.
Rose Ingleton, MD, wanted to create a clean and effortless skincare line for the most common skin concerns: anti-aging, blemishes, dullness, redness, and hydration. Her products address all of these issues thanks to scientifically proven ingredients and her key ingredient—a blend of natural fruit extracts that are native to her home country, Jamaica.
NYC-based dermatologist Howard Sobel, MD, says of his skincare line, “Creating authentic high-performance skincare is a balance of concentration and combination. It’s about the selection of the right high-quality active ingredients, delivered at the most concentrated levels, combined with the ability to ensure maximum penetration for real results—and then backing that up with clinical studies.” Offerings include a retinol night treatment, masks, cleansers, an eye cream, and even sunscreen.
For those dealing with hormonal acne or other hormonal skin issues, you’re going to want to bookmark this brand. Zenovia H. Gabriel, MD, FAAD, uses her hormonal dermatology expertise to develop products that target the root causes of skincare issues.
ZO Skin Health is a brand that constantly gets recommended to me by dermatologists. Founded by Zein Obagi, MD, the brand offers medical-grade skincare for all ages, ethnicities, skin conditions, and skin types.
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