Derm-Recommended Products Our Editors Love

“I love anything with 5% cysteamine to treat my melasma. Right now, there are more options than ever for this hydroquinone-alternative, including Cyspera Intensive by Scientis ($185), Sente’s Cysteamine HSA Pigment & Tone Corrector ($149) and Urban Skin Rx HyperCorrect Intense Fading Cream ($48). Every dermatologist I’ve spoken with in the last two years—Dr. Joel Cohen, Dr. Jeanine Downie and Dr. Janet Allenby to name a few—have touted this ingredient’s ability to slow overactive melanocytes that lead to more pigment. The smell takes a little getting used to and I had to gradually introduce it into my routine as it can feel a bit spicy on sensitive skin, but in terms of lightening dark spots and overall brightening, nothing else compares.”
—Tatiana Bido, Aesthetic Content Manager

“I used to think vitamin C serums were one-size-fits-most, but then New York dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD introduced to me to the oil-banishing powers of SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF ($169), made specifically for slicker skin types. I haven’t used another formula since it launched earlier this year and I can absolutely see a difference in my skin’s health, oil production and brightness.”
—Danielle Fontana Dooley, Associate Director, Digital Content

“Countless derms, including Dr. Matthew Elias, have recommended Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream ($130) to me consistently over the past five years, and it does not disappoint. When friends and family ask me what their ‘splurge’ product should be, this is always top of mind. It combines lactic acid and a retinoid to resurface my skin without irritation or flaking, and it really helps make my skin tone look more even—I have some redness and hyperpigmentation—and my fine lines look a little less pronounced.”
—Brittany Burhop Fallon, Director of Beauty

“Some of my favorite go-to products are the same as Saddle Brook, NJ dermatologist Dr. Fredric Haberman. Skinceuticals CE Ferulic ($169) and Neutrogena Hydrobooost Water Gel ($29), recommended by him, never disappoints. Prospect, KY dermatologist Tami Buss Cassis, MD is always quick to suggest Avene Thermal Spring Water to combat dry skin, and it’s been a savior. I’ve been a loyal user of bareMinerals Complexion Rescue SPF 30 ($37) for years, so knowing dermatologists like Torrance, CA dermatologist Divya Shokeen Khalsa back it makes me even more confident in my decisions to have this on hand as a staple.”
—Allie Hogan, Staff Writer

“I have New York dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD to thank for turning me on to Altreno (20g-$60/45g-$115)—and being a very patient man who renews my prescription in minutes whenever I desperately tell him CVS says it’s up. The Rx retinol is incredible, and if I had to pick my most favorite product discovery of the past five years, it would be this little tube. I’m somewhat picky about sunscreens, and I have a special place in my heart for Fort Lauderdale, FL dermatologist Dr. Matthew Elias and Bloomfield Hills, MI dermatologist Linda C. Honet, MD for getting me into the ISDIN SPFs. As Dr. Honet so accurately and emphatically says, ‘they’re life-sustaining.’”
—Liz Ritter, Executive Editor

“I swear by Dr. Dennis Gross’ Vitamin C Dewy Deep Night Cream ($75). This whole line of products was developed based on Dr. Gross’s research on the benefits of lactic acid working hand-in-hand vitamin C to reverse free-radical damage and improve overall skin health, and this cream is one of the few moisturizers I’ve used that makes my skin feel plump, hydrated and renewed without feeling greasy. I had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Gross on Zoom for the launch of this line, and he let me in on the fact that—despite this being a night cream— it’s completely multifunctional and can be used wonderfully as a daytime product added as a final layer on top of lighter products. I use it every night to help my skin re-set overnight, but I also use it in the morning when I’m feeling super dry since I can count on this product to compliment my daily regime and give me that extra hydration.”
—Isabelle Bueno, Editorial Intern