In recent years, medical grade skincare brands have become popular among those who want the highest quality products backed by clinical research that target specific skin issues. Medical-grade skincare also has higher amounts of actives like peptides, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) that are formulated to penetrate more deeply into the skin than OTC skincare for more pronounced results. These products are generally recommended by dermatologists and are often distributed via medical offices or professional skin care firms.
Today, we share with you 33 top medical grade skincare brands backed by the pros. From anti-aging and hyperpigmentation issues to acne and sun damage, these brands have products to address loads of skin type-specific concerns.
What are medical grade skincare brands
Medical grade skincare brands undergo extensive testing and formulation with the highest quality ingredients. Even though “medical-grade” is not an FDA-regulated term, these products are broadly more effective and reliable than their OTC counterparts. So, here are some of the best medical grade skincare brands.
Top 33 Medical Grade Skincare Brands
1. Obagi Medical
Obagi Medical is popular for tonic prescriptions that target complex issues, including aging, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation. Dermatologists swear by their products, including the Obagi Hydrate Facial Moisturizer and the ELASTIderm Eye Cream.
2. EltaMD
EltaMD is famous for its sun care line, like UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 and UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 from. dermatologists and celebrities adore this line of products because they are cosmetically elegant and effective.
3. SkinMedica
SkinMedica has an entire line of products (serums, moisturizers, you name it) to help plump, hydrate, and rejuvenate skin. In particular, their TNS Advanced+ Serum and HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator are customer favorites.
4. SkinCeuticals
SkinCeuticals is famous for its science-driven, claim-proof products, like the C E Ferulic Serum, which contains 15% pure Vitamin C for brightening and protection. They put their products through extensive research and clinical trials.
5. Revision Skincare
Revision Skincare provides advanced products that address various skin concerns. Their Intellishade Clear SPF is a favorite among estheticians.
6. ZO Skin Health
ZO Skin Health offers a range of products designed to address skin texture and aging. Their Brightalive and Wrinkle & Texture products are highly praised.
7. Alastin
Alastin is recognized for its innovative skincare solutions that target aging and skin elasticity. Their products are formulated with advanced ingredients to deliver noticeable results.
8. SkinBetter Science
SkinBetter Science is famous for its comprehensive product line that addresses multiple skin concerns. Their products are formulated with advanced ingredients and are highly regarded by estheticians.
9. ColorScience
ColorScience is a line of skin health products that includes sunscreens and makeup. Their goal is to promote and protect healthy skin.
10. Neocutis
Neocutis is an advanced anti-aging product line that works to restore youthful looking skin. Their products contain growth factors and peptides to address the signs of aging.
11. AlumierMD
AlumierMD is a line of highly effective skincare products designed to treat specific skin concerns like aging and hyperpigmentation. Their products contain high-grade active ingredients delivered by cutting-edge delivery systems.
12. AnteAGE
AnteAGE uses an innovative approach to anti-aging backed by science that balances and repairs the skin’s defenses with stem cell technology and healing growth factors.
13. AQ Skin Solutions
AQ Skin Solutions products focus on different skin conditions, from aging to skin texture, with growth factor-based formulations.
14. Biophora Inc.
Biophora Inc. is a company producing dermatologically tested skincare products formulated to combat skin concerns.
15. Dermalogica
Dermalogica provides a complete line of skincare products and treatments free of common irritants, providing superior results without compromising the skin’s health.
16. PCA Skin
PCA Skin is a well-respected brand popular for its medical-grade products that address a variety of skin concerns, including aging, hyperpigmentation, and acne. They formulate their products with high-quality ingredients and dermatologists often recommend them.
17. Dermastart
Dermastart designed its products to improve skin health and appearance using clinically proven ingredients and technologies.
18. DermYoung
DermYoung is the leader in innovative skincare products utilizing natural ingredients, cutting-edge technologies, and anti-aging solutions.
19. Environ Dermaconcepts
Environ Dermaconcepts specializes in vitamin-based skincare products for restoring, protecting, and maintaining healthy skin.
20. Epionce
Epionce Skincare products are a full line of botanical-based products for enhancing skin health and beauty.
21. Hydrinity Skin Science
Hydrinity Skin Science combines hydration and skin barrier repair technology with the most advanced next-gen ingredients.
22. Lira Clinical
Lira Clinical offers skincare products and treatments developed with advanced ingredients and botanical extracts for aging, hyperpigmentation, and acne.
23. Martinni Beauty
Martinni Beauty offers an array of skincare products (like sheet masks and serums) using natural ingredients and technologically advanced formulations.
24. Monkia Heiligmann Paris
Monkia Heiligmann Paris focuses on advanced and high-luxury formulations addressing every skin concern.
25. NEOVA SmartSkincare
Using innovative technologies, NEOVA SmartSkincare focuses on repairing and protecting the skin from environmental damage.
26. Omni Bioceutical Innovations
Omni Bioceutical Innovations offers skincare products formulated with advanced ingredients to address aging, hyperpigmentation, and acne.
27. OxygenCeuticals
OxygenCeuticals specializes in skincare products infused with oxygen to deliver hydration and healing benefits.
28. Oxygenetix
Oxygenetix offers breathable makeup products that promote post-procedure healing and camouflage imperfections.
29. Procell Therapies
Procell Therapies provides skincare products and treatments using microchanneling technology to stimulate collagen production and enhance product absorption.
30. Institut’ DERMed
Institut’ DERMed provides skin care products and professional solutions to address several skin-related issues. Formulations are clinically proven. Many dermatologists recommend them.
31. Vivierskin
Vivierskin uses the highest quality ingredients that target aging, skin texture, hyperpigmentation, and more. Dermatologists use their products widely due to their effectiveness.
32. Medik8
Medik8 are experts in anti-aging, acne, and hyperpigmentation skincare. They have some of the most trusted and scientifically proven formulations.
33. iS Clinical
All iS Clinical products are formulated to repair and regenerate the skin at a cellular level, which can really help with aging, active acne, dark spots and more. Skin care professionals recommend their products because they use clinically tested ingredients.
Is medical-grade skincare regulated?
In the United States, the FDA regulates cosmetics under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). However, there is no legal definition for “medical-grade” cosmetics under this legislation. The term “medical-grade” is not defined in the FD&C Act, nor is the intermediate term “cosmeceutical,” according to Courtney F. Rhodes, a press officer for the F.D.A.
How a product is regulated depends on how it’s intended to be used, which the FDA determines by looking at factors like what’s written on the label. If a product is supposed to be “medical-grade,” that could mean it will be used as a drug — and in that case, it would need to adhere to stricter FDA guidelines.
In the U.S., skincare products are broadly classified as cosmetics or drugs. Cosmetics clean, beautify, or change appearance; drugs are for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease or for affecting the body’s structure or function. Some products fill both roles, such as a moisturizer that doubles as a sunscreen.
Cosmetics:
- Intended for cleansing, beautifying, or altering appearance.
- Available over the counter without a prescription.
- Do not require a drug fact label.
- Must have truthful and non-misleading labeling claims.
Drugs:
- Intended for diagnosing, curing, mitigating, treating, or preventing diseases.
- Include over-the-counter and prescription products.
- Require a drug fact label.
- Must comply with stricter FDA regulations.
For acne treatments, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are examples of active ingredients; their presence in certain concentrations can determine whether the product is a drug. For instance, salicylic acid can be found over the counter in concentrations up to 2%. At the same time, stronger formulas must be obtained by prescription.
There are no regulations for the term “medical-grade,” and anyone can call a product “medical-grade” without meeting any particular standards. So, while certain “medical-grade” skincare products may work and contain higher concentrations of active ingredients, they are still classified as cosmetics unless they make a drug-like claim or contain ingredients that place them in that category. If a product is misrepresented as a drug, it would also be subject to regulation by the FDA, including the potential for enforcement action.
Advantages of Using Medical Grade Skincare Brands
Here are a few reasons why medical grade skincare brands excel over OTC:
- More Active Ingredients or Higher Concentration: These products have higher concentrations of peptides, AHAs, and BHAs, which offer better and faster results.
- Clinical Testing: Many medical-grade products go through extensive clinical trials to prove their effectiveness and safety.
- Expert Endorsement: Dermatologists or skincare professionals often recommend these products, which is a stamp of approval on the quality and effectiveness of the products.
- Personalization: Medical-grade skincare can be personalized for specific skin concerns, therefore creating a customized treatment plan.
Which Medical Grade Skincare Brands Are Right for Me?
The right skincare line is the one that addresses your particular skin-related issues. Here are some tips:
- Seek a Professional: Your Dermatologist and/or skin care professional can help you select products that suit your skin type and conditions.
- Check out the reviews and studies: Search for clinically tested and well-reviewed products by users and professionals.
- Check the Ingredients: Look for products with ingredients proven to treat your skin issues.
Conclusion
For people struggling to find effective and trustworthy results-oriented skincare, medical-grade skincare brands are more than just a good option. Various brands worldwide have been presenting their best skin care expertise that seems to work for almost every skin type and problem. If you are trying to tackle aging and hyperpigmentation or want healthier skin, medical-grade skin care will meet your results.
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Sources: www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/a63107732/what-is-medical-grade-skincare/
