When it comes to top-shelf skin care products, it can be tough to determine which products can actually walk the walk. Some really are worth the price, while others... well, not so much. That's why we've turned to the experts — AKA dermatologists, who make it their job to deep-dive into skin care ingredients and their efficacy — to find out which products you should be spending your hard-earned cash on.
Most MDs in the field agree that price, while an important factor, is not always the determinant for top-notch skin care products. "Some $400 creams are nothing but a genius marketing ploy, and some pyramid scheme skin care lines sold by your friends may be expensive but lack real results or ingredients at sufficient quantities or concentrations or preparations to be effective on the skin," says Dr. Melanie D. Palm, San Diego–based dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and founding director of Art of Skin MD.
Of course, there are some spendy skin care products that really are worth the extra bucks. Dr. Palm's best recommendation in this regard is to look for cosmeceutical-grade lines, since these brands have generally invested significant time, money and research to create products that are up to snuff (even for the high standards of a well-trained dermatologist). "There is a sunk cost for the development of such products by the manufacturers, and therefore the cost of many cosmeceutical lines are more expensive than over the counter but often competitive with makeup counter products, but with far better ingredients, science and effectiveness," she explains.
Tyler Hollmig, director of Laser and Aesthetic Dermatology at Stanford Health Care, agrees that price plays a factor, but only to an extent. "Some of the best-rated products are actually quite cheap, however, really elegant formulations are often expensive to produce," he says. "The savvy consumer instead should focus on the ingredient list and have a product feels on his or her skin."
Wondering which brands and products are worth the dough? Keep reading for 10 high-performing skin care products that come officially dermatologist-approved.
Dr. Cynthia Bailey, dermatologist and founder of Dr. Bailey Skin Care, turns to this product to keep her feet and elbows soft as can be year round. "Glytone packs 30-percent glycolic acid into this pharmaceutical-grade professional product and nothing compares in terms of results," she says. "As a main ingredient, glycolic acid eats through rough heels to soften hyperkeratotic skin so that you can file it off and have soft and pretty feet in summer sandals." In the winter, this product also comes in handy to heal dry, cracked joints.
Dr. Dendy Engelman, who practices out of the Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York, believes this cult favorite product is the gold standard. "It noticeably reduces fine lines and wrinkles while improving overall skin appearance," she says. "In addition, I particularly like the sonic cleansing brush to remove dead skin cells and clear the way for better penetration of products."
Likewise, celebrity dermatologist Dr. Natasha Sandy also counts herself a fan of CE Ferulic, which she says fights against free-radicals like UV rays, sun exposure, pollution and cigarette smoke that can cause cell damage and lead to appearance of aging and injury. "Vitamin C is the only collagen stimulator that also has antioxidant properties and collagen provides a structural protein that helps with skin firmness, improving wrinkles, fine lines and large pores," she says.
This topical moisturizer has a pricier retail tag, but for good reason, according to Dr. Palm: "The manufacturers of Botox own the line and have invested millions in basic science and clinical research to develop the most effective hyaluronic acid ingredients in a moisturizing cream," she explains. "HA5 contains five types of hyaluronic acid to deliver unmatched hydration to the skin and creating a luminescence in areas of application." It's also formulated for all skin types — even oily — which is always a plus!
Sun protection is always a good idea — especially when it comes in drop form like this light formulation by Dr. Barbara Sturm.
"The drops contain a blend of the most advanced SPF 50 UVA and UVB filters and is packed with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, cell-regenerative and pH balancing ingredients, like purslane, cassia extract, vitamin E, beta glucan and arginine," explains Dr. Sandy. "Purslane is a natural antioxidant that protects DNA of the cells from age-related dysfunctional, like UV damage." You can wear the drops on their own, or mix them with your favorite face cream (another bonus of the easy-to-use dropper packaging and formulation).
