This Clinical Skin-Care Brand Delivers Results
If you’re not familiar with SkinMedica, let alone the best SkinMedica products, you’re probably thinking: The name sounds no-BS. And you’d be right, because this clinical-grade skin-care brand isn’t about the fluff. After all, if you’re paying $300 for a serum, it better give you results. By the way, we don’t take terminology like “medical grade” and “clinical grade” lightly—brands need the research, data, and in-depth clinical studies to back their formulas. Case in point: Every SkinMedica product listed in this story is backed by board-certified dermatologists (and us, of course). Interest piqued? Time to dive into the SkinMedica skin-care products that we wholeheartedly approve of and use every day.
Our Top SkinMedica Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: TNS Advanced+ Serum
Why we love it: The crème of the SkinMedica crop easily goes to the TNS Advanced+ Serum. This Best of Beauty Award winner has the clinical studies to prove why it deserves to be a mainstay in your skin-care routine. “SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ Serum is probably the single-best growth-factor product in the US market, and it’s the one that started it all,” Saami Khalifian, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist in California, has told Allure. “It combines growth factors—proteins that stimulate cellular repair and regeneration, boosting collagen and elastin production to improve skin firmness and texture—with other advanced ingredients to target fine lines and wrinkles.”
Science aside, it has a silky, lightweight consistency that’s won over many beauty editors and derms alike, because what good is a serum if it’s not pleasant to apply? What really justifies the high price point, of course, is the resulting plumpness and radiance you get from each pump of this highly-studied, innovative formula. Take it from our 48-year-old executive beauty director Jenny Bailly: “My skin looked noticeably duller when I recently ran out of this serum after several years of regular use.”
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“At 32, I’m not not concerned about fine lines creeping in. But what I can actually report on for this product is how plump and glowy it makes my skin look after every single application. I can’t fully explain how growth factors work but I do know that ingredients that support and encourage collagen and elastin production (which decreases as we age!) are vital to any skin-care routine. Growth factors and peptides? A dream team for an immediately more radiant complexion and slowing down signs of aging in the long run.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
“TNS is the true definition of a desert-island product (well, OK, in the event you’re stranded on a very fancy, high-tech island). I’ll be honest, I’m not 100% sure how the very advanced science behind this formula works—all I know is that it does virtually everything I need my skin care products to do: it hydrates, plumps, and soothes my rosacea-induced redness like very few products can. If I could have this on hand at all times, my skin-care routine would basically only consist of this, a cleanser, and some sunscreen. She’s that girl!” —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor
- Key ingredients: growth factor blend, peptide complex, French flaxseed
- Who it’s for: yes
- Fragrance-free: aging and sagging skin
Best Exfoliator: Even & Correct Brightening Treatment Pads
Why we love it: Dark spots and hyperpigmentation, meet your match—in the easy-to-use format that is toner pads. “[Even & Correct Brightening Treatment Pads] have been part of my personal morning skin-care routine for years,” Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Birmingham, Alabama, previously told us. “I like how easy they are to use. Grab a pad and gently rub it all over your face after cleansing.” Though they’re gentle enough to use daily, Even & Correct is packed with powerhouse actives, namely tranexamic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamide, and witch hazel extract, to exfoliate, promote cell turnover, and brighten your complexion.
Plenty more derms, including Saami Khalifian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego, California, approve of these pads, which also help maintain and even enhance results from in-office treatments. Basically, these individual treatments address just about any skin-care concern you have: discoloration, fine lines, dullness—what are you waiting for?
“In the fight against dark spots, using tranexamic acid is among the best offensive moves you can make—at least in my experience. These pads are loaded up with the discoloration-reducing ingredient along with glycolic acid (for gentle exfoliation) and niacinamide (which is anti-inflammatory). A couple nights a week, I whisk one of these pads across my face (post-cleanser but pre-serum) and I swear my skin is brighter for it.” —Dianna Singh, features director
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
“I’m so prone to hyperpigmentation that I get a dark spot if I even think about a zit (or so it feels), so following a gnarly breakout, I usually come in hot with these exfoliating pads. They’re not what I’d call gentle, but that’s what I like: The combo of glycolic acid and witch hazel basically resurface my skin, leaving it brighter and baby-soft.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
- Key ingredients: glycolic acid, lotus sprout extract, tranexamic acid, niacinamide, witch hazel extract
- Who it’s for: anyone with hyperpigmentation
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Oily Skin: AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Why we love it: Sometimes you need a cleanser that simply cleanses, but for those with breakout-prone skin and hyperpigmentation, a face wash that exfoliates can be a small yet game-changing tweak. SkinMedica’s AHA + BHA Exfoliating Cleanser stands out from the competition thanks to a blend of alpha hydroxy acids (lactic, glycolic, citric, and malic), beta hydroxy acid (salicylic), and jojoba spheres that dive deep into pores to sweep away debris. Tiffany J. Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Rhode Island, says this particular concoction of actives helps “to mildly exfoliate skin and improve skin’s texture and complexion.” In other words, this cleanser ensures a clean, smooth slate for the rest of your skin care performs its best.
“This exfoliating cleanser does the impossible: It leaves my skin super-soft and smooth, even when I’m dealing with hormonal breakouts, but never feeling squeaky-clean or overly tight. That’s a big deal, considering the potent ingredients in its lineup. Plus, the combo of AHAs and BHA targets my two primary concerns, hyperpigmentation and acne, respectively.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
Key ingredients: lactic acid, glycolic acid, jojoba beads
Who it’s for: oily skin types
Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Skin: HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
Why we love it: We all know—or should know—that hyaluronic acid and peptides are gold-standard ingredients for hydration. HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator ups the replenishing ante with five types of hyaluronic acid, including a time-released HA that continuously hydrates skin for up to eight hours. Suppose that wasn’t enough to win you and your dry skin over. In that case, Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles, approves of this hydrating serum for reactive, sensitive skin because it’s fragrance-free and non-irritating. TL;DR HA5 is a valuable addition to just about any skin-care routine. Hydration (and preventing transepidermal water loss) is king, baby.
“I have dry skin year-round, so I’m always on the hunt for something that actually hydrates and sticks around. SkinMedica’s HA5 Hydra Collagen Replenish and Restore Hydrator has a gel-cream texture that—wait for it—doesn’t instantly absorb, which I actually love. It gives me a chance to really see where I’ve applied it (and where I’ve missed). It takes a minute or two to fully settle in, which feels more intentional than hydrators that disappear as soon as they touch your skin. Once it settles in, my skin looks super plump and dewy, to the point where I’ve skipped moisturizer a few times. I wish the photos did the in-person glow more justice!” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, trehalose, grape flower cell extract, peptides
- Who it’s for: people with dry or sensitive skin, or prefer fragrance-free products
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Fine Lines: Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5
Why we love it: Retinol is the heavyweight of skin care. What can’t it do, honestly? Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5 is no exception, which shines with its abilities to reduce the look of fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and overall dull skin. David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, recommends that patients start with twice-a-week application for the first two weeks, and slowly ramp up the frequency over five to seven weeks. Though it’s technically formulated for the face, it acts as an excellent hand cream. “It features a calming bisabolol and antioxidant-rich formula, which helps soothe the skin while protecting against environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution,” Dr. Khalifian attested. “I like how it absorbs quickly, so it won’t leave your hands greasy and pairs beautifully with a rich hand cream if you want to lock in hydration.”
“I’ve never been loyal to a retinol, but this has worked for well that I keep coming back to it: I’ve never experienced any kind of irritation (though I’m not beginner) and I’ve seen a big improvement in my breakouts and hyperpigmentation. It also absorbs instantly and doesn’t have a noticeable scent—two big pluses for me.” —Pai, contributing commerce editor
- Key ingredients: retinol, niacinamide, squalane, vitamin E, glycerin
- Who it’s for: anyone who wants to incorporate retinol into their routine, mature skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for the Neck: Neck Correct Cream
SkinMedica
Neck Correct Cream
Why we love it: Don’t neglect the neck, as just about anyone who loves skin care will remind you. “[SkinMedica’s Neck Correct Cream] deeply hydrates, addresses hyperpigmentation, and tackles existing wrinkles while preventing new ones,” Noah Gratch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously shared. This Best of Beauty winner keeps things taut with a blend of retinol, peptides, microalgae, and vitamins C and E. Just about anyone can benefit from this neck cream because, in case you needed a reminder, “The neck area has thin, sensitive skin compared to other parts of the body,” Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, previously told Allure. Add in constantly craning our necks towards our laptops and smartphones, and it’s an area uniquely at risk for fine lines and sagging. According to the brand, after three months, 98% of participants said this product made their neck feel smoother—very promising, as our editors will also attest.
Tester feedback from associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen
“Like every other young person in America, my screen time is horrifying. I’m on my phone for most of the day (for both work and pleasure) and because of that, I’ve developed the ‘ole tech neck. Tiny fine lines now etch across my once-smooth neck and sometimes, they are all I see in the mirror. So lately I’ve been reaching for SkinMedica’s Neck Correct Cream, a serum-like treatment made with firming peptides and hydrating squalene, twice a day to target said fine lines. It’s super lightweight and doesn’t interfere with any of my other skin-care products, nor does it irritate my sensitive skin (especially the thin-skinned neck area), so here’s to hoping it tackles those wrinkles while I work on finding a new hobby…away from my phone.” —Sarah Kinonen, associate beauty director
Tester feedback from Dall’Asen
“To be totally frank, I’m probably too young to be using a neck cream for aging reasons. That said, my tech neck is pretty intense, so it can’t hurt for me to be investing in a formula that hydrates and firms now. SkinMedica’s Neck Correct is just that: a blend of extracts, proteins, and peptides to keep neck skin looking fresh.” —Dall’Asen, senior news editor
- Key ingredients: peptides, shiitake mushroom extract, microalgae, vitamins C and E
- Who it’s for: people concerned with neck lines
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Discoloration: Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment
SkinMedica
Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment
Why we love it: Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment is a Best of Beauty winner that’s “a sophisticated brightening product with many tone-evening ingredients, including tranexamic acid,” Karan Lal, DO, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona, previously stated. Unlike other acids and hydroquinone, tranexamic acid is suitable for all skin types, people who are pregnancy and/or breastfeeding, and pairs well with other brightening ingredients like retinoids and vitamin C. You can also use this serum in conjuction with the Even & Correct Brightening Treatment Pads mentioned earlier for a one-two punch of discoloration-fighting ingredients. Though tranexamic acid is anti-inflammatory by nature, it’s accompanied by antioxidant-rich humectants such as phytic acid, niacinamide, and sodium hyaluronate that help soothe sensitivity. An all-rounder treatment, as we say.
- Key ingredients: tranexamic acid, phytic acid, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, grape flower cell extract
- Who it’s for: anyone with discoloration or uneven texture
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for the Body: Firm & Tone Lotion for Body
SkinMedica
Firm & Tone Lotion for Body
Why we love it: While no topical product can literally tighten skin, body lotions formulated with ingredients that can bolster collagen production, such as retinol, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, can ease outer skin laxity. “[SkinMedica’s Firm & Tone Lotion for Body] is backed by clinical studies showing its effectiveness in improving the appearance of crepey skin,” Dr. Khalifian previously shared. According to said clinical studies, SkinMedica says you can see ”enhanced body skin texture” in as little as two weeks. But, of course, you should use it consistently for a few months to see more visible improvements, especially when it comes to sagging skin. Dr. Khalifian also credits the blend of caffeine and botanical extracts—green microalgae and shitake mushrooms support collagen and elastin structure—for its efficacy. It doesn’t hurt that this cream feels luxurious on the skin as you massage it in.
- Key ingredients: shiitake mushroom extract, green microalgae, caffeine, ginger root, Japanese parsley
- Who it’s for: people concerned with crepey and/or uneven skin texture, postpartum skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Meet the experts
- Saami Khalifian, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of SOM Aesthetics in San Diego
- Noah Gratch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles
- David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and founder of Lightsaver
- Tiffany J. Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Rhode Island and Mohs surgeon at Brown Dermatology
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology based in Birmingham, Alabama
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best SkinMedica products, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors, along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page involved in our reporting, check out our complete review process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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