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We’ve asked plastic surgeons, we’ve polled our readers and now it’s time to ask NewBeauty editors: What are their favorite medical-grade skin-care products? As editors, our team tests hundreds of products every year, but there are only a select few we really go back to time and time again. Medical-grade skin care makes up a good chunk of that group.
What makes medical-grade skin care stand out from the rest? Simply put, they use scientifically proven (and oftentimes a higher concentration of) active ingredients—like retinol, vitamin C, antioxidants and more—to address skin issues—acne, hyperpigmentation, compromised skin barrier, etc.—to restore skin health, which in turn improves more cosmetic concerns, like fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
The world has changed pretty drastically since you could access medical-grade skin care only through a doctor’s office, but their brands’ high-quality ingredients, rigorous testing and clinical evidence supporting them hasn’t wavered. It’s no wonder so many of our editors have stood by these brands for years and call them “skin-care gold.” Keep reading for the ones our editors call the best of the best.
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“Everything from Alastin and SkinCeuticals is skin-care gold. I’m never without a tube of Alastin’s tinted SPF and I recently have been keeping SkinCeuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst on heavy rotation.” —Liz Ritter, executive editor
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“I’m always on the hunt for a hardworking vitamin C that doesn’t bother my sensitive skin, and this NewBeauty Award winner fits the bill. Not only does it brighten skin it helps with other signs of aging so you don’t have to layer on a dozen additional serums.” —Allie Hogan, senior beauty editor
Award Photo: C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum 3 / 12
“No matter how many vitamin C serums I try, I keep coming back to this one, created with oily skin types in mind. It immediately brightens my skin and I notice a huge downtick in how slick my skin is when I use it consistently.” —Danielle Dooley, director, digital content
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“I have a well-documented love affair with this serum and I stand by it. No other hyaluronic acid serum plumps the look of my fine lines as well as this one. It’s always a sad day when I run out.” —Danielle Dooley, director, digital content
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“I’m always looking for a standout cleanser, and you really can’t beat ZO Skin Health’s incredible Gentle Cleanser. The amino acid–powered formula protects your skin barrier and prevents post-cleansing dryness while antioxidants provide critical support.” —Rowan Lynam, staff writer
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“It took me over 30 years, but I finally found an SPF I want to wear every day. Not only does EltaMD’s formula blend in effortlessly, but it never causes breakouts or irritation, and has clinically proven skin-care ingredients (hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, niacinamide and more) that do double duty in helping my skin look its best.” —Leiana Foye, senior digital content producer
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“Sometimes you have to suffer through skin care; this is not one of those times. With antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, kojic acid and menthol, iS Clincals Hydra-Cool Serum is a skin refresher I’m addicted to.” —Leiana Foye, senior digital content producer
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“After loving Hydra-Cool, I gave another serum from iS Clincal a try: Pro-Heal Serum Advanced Plus. I was not disappointed. (It’s also a favorite of Chrissy Teigen and Julianne Moore.) The antioxidant-rich formula makes my skin look brighter and firmer with softer wrinkles and fewer blemishes.” —Leiana Foye, senior digital content producer
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“I love PCA Skin Perfecting Neck and Décolleté for its lightweight, yet powerful formula that visibly firms and smooths the delicate skin on my neck and chest. It absorbs quickly and leaves my skin feeling hydrated and rejuvenated.” —Tatiana Bido, aesthetic content manager
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“This tinted SPF is a must-have in my skin-care routine for its glowy tinted coverage that blends seamlessly into my skin while providing broad-spectrum SPF 36 protection. I love how it evens out my complexion with a natural radiance, making it perfect for daily wear.” —Tatiana Bido, aesthetic content manager
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“The pinnacle of deep hydration, Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 promotes more youthful looking skin by restoring essential lipids. I love its rich, creamy texture that leaves my skin feeling soft, plump and smooth. A little goes a long way, but that doesn’t stop me from slathering it on when my skin is super dull and dry.” —Tatiana Bido, aesthetic content manager
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“This lightweight, silky-smooth cream is a favorite for its ability to target signs of aging by firming and revitalizing the skin. I love that I don’t have to overthink my routine or use harsh actives to see a noticeable change in my skin tone and texture. It’s an absolute must-have for bouncier, plumper skin without the stickiness of a serum.” —Tatiana Bido, aesthetic content manager
