Yahoo Finance 9 Best Skincare Lines Founded by Dermatologists
Getty Images
Log onto Instagram and it's almost impossible to avoid a flurry of sponsored skincare recommendations—often from celebrities and influencers who, let's be honest, might not actually use the product they're persuading you to buy, or understand its complex chemistry.
But long before #skinfluencers and #sponcon, there were dermatologists—you know, the medical doctors who devoted themselves to years of rigorous training and clinical practice so they could provide the absolute best dermatologic treatment. While getting a derm-recommended skincare regimen once required an office visit, snagging their suggestions and benefiting from their expertise is now much more achievable—thanks in part to a boom of dermatologist-founded beauty brands.
And it makes sense, right? "Dermatologists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat skin diseases and conditions," says Ron Robinson, a cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat. "Their experience working directly with patients helps them understand what people are looking for and makes them very credible in launching their own brands." It's what happens when all that clinical training in med school meets all that one-on-one time spent talking to patients about their real, day-to-day skin struggles: They understand exactly what the consumer wants, and they know how to deliver it.
Ready to add a derm's touch to your own routine? All the brands below are backed by trusted dermatologists—from iconic industry veterans to up-and-coming trailblazers—who champion innovation and efficacy.
Atolla
Atolla co-founder Ranella Hirsch, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and former president of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery. But the role she's perhaps best known for? As one of Instagram's top skincare myth and misinformation debunkers, Dr. Hirsch educates her audience using epic Q&A sessions, save-worthy infographics, and bingeable video content—all in a signature style that fuses smart, succinct advice with dry humor and a refreshing dose of empathy. Dr. Hirsch's personal emphasis on respecting the skin, understanding how it functions and avoiding overconsumption is reflected in Atolla's innovative and sustainability-forward philosophy: The brand uses a patented system that collects real-time feedback from your skin to create customized formulas—so you get exactly what your skin needs, with zero worries about wasted product.
Editor's pick: Sure, you could try Atolla a la carte—but to get the full experience (and benefits) of the brand's truly game-changing customization model, go for the The Ritual trio ($69; atolla.com), which includes Atolla's cleanser, serum, and moisturizer. After filling out a digital skin assessment, you'll receive custom blends to use twice daily. Before Atolla whips up your next batch, you'll provide personal feedback and submit a skin test (no need to study—you'll just press a few testing strips to your face!), which are both used to adapt and improve your custom formula.
Dr. Dennis Gross
Known as "the pioneer of peels," Dennis Gross, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and surgeon beloved by celebrities and beauty editors. His results-driven range began with a groundbreaking at-home alternative to harsh chemical peels—and it now includes everything from innovative serums to techy wrinkle-reducing devices to a plethora of peel options (you'll find one for every skin type). By focusing on educating consumers and improving upon popular formulations, Dr. Dennis Gross aims to deliver the effects of his in-office treatments to skincare enthusiasts everywhere—no appointment required.
Editor's pick: If you're seeking tighter pores, firmer skin, and all-over radiance overnight, look no further than the cult favorite that started it all. You'll be in good company, too: Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Constance Wu, and Naomi Campbell have all gone on the record as fans of the Alpha Beta Universal Peel ($17; sephora.com)—and the instant glow it delivers.
Dr. Loretta
After performing thousands of full-body skin exams during her time as chief resident at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist in Florida, was struck by the stark differences she noticed between exposed skin (like the top of your forearm) and unexposed skin (like your lower back). She identified four major factors that she says contribute to 85 percent of skin aging—pollution, light, climate, and irritants—and developed every product in the Dr. Loretta range to counteract or address the damage these factors can cause.
Editor's pick: Many of Instagram's most trusted skinfluencers and content creators (hi, Charlotte Palermino) swear by the Tightening Eye Gel ($60; dermstore.com)—and multiple sources agree it's not just good, but the best eye product on the market(!). Packed with antioxidants, peptides, algae, and powerful molecules like Chromabright and Lipochroman, the eye gel reduces puffiness and dark circles, tightens eye contour, fades uneven pigment, and guards against free radical damage.
Dr. Sam's
Dr. Sam Bunting might be based in London, but you don't need to cross the pond to benefit from the renowned cosmetic dermatologist's expertise. She's frequently featured in the media (you may have seen her on TLC's Extreme Beauty Disasters), posts tips and tutorials on her popular YouTube and Instagram accounts, and launched her eponymous skincare line to help consumers cut through the confusion of a saturated skincare market. To get started, you'll take a simple skin survey on her website to get a recommended routine using Dr. Sam's products—all simple and thoughtfully developed basics with highly effective actives. Plus, Dr. Bunting offers supporting video content to answer all your questions and a subscription service to ensure you never run out.
Editor's pick: Dr. Sam's silky-smooth, award-winning Flawless Brightly Serum ($59; drsambunting.com) evens out skin tone, calms bumps and clear pores—and it's ideal for daytime use. It features four key ingredients: Azelaic acid tackles pigmentation, redness and blemishes. Niacinimide boosts the skin barrier, unclogs pores and helps the skin get along better with retinol (if that's your thing!). Ascorbyl glucoside is a gentle, brightening antioxidant, while bakuchiol reduces blemishes and signs of aging.
Dr. Wang Herbal Skincare
Founded by a father-son duo, Dr. Wang Herbal Skincare blends the expertise of a renowned dermatologist (Steven Wang, MD, of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center) and an experienced acupuncturist (his father, Gui Wang, LAC, founder of the New York City Acupuncture Center) to create a line of healing, holistic skincare products. Fusing the best of Western modern science with Eastern herbal traditions, the range focuses on healing, nourishing essentials that promote optimal skin health.
Editor's pick: Dr. Wang Herbal Skincare Herbal Rescue Balm ($30; amazon.com) is a favorite based on the sheer fun factor alone: It applies purple, then turns clear when rubbed in (making it ideal for kids). But the real magic is in its ability to soothe even the roughest, toughest and most irritated skin using a balanced blend of natural oils, vitamins, ceramides and anti-inflammatory herbs—with zero irritation, of course.
EverEden
Family skincare brand EverEden is proudly made by three "Moms in Medicine"—leaders in the field of dermatology (they hail from prestigious positions at Harvard and Stanford Medical Schools) who also happen to be mothers (which means they understand exactly what really matters when it comes to the skincare products being used on babies, kids, and pregnant or postpartum mamas). Joyce Teng, Sarina Elmariah, and Rebecca Hartman (all MDs) know that the skin is the body's first line of defense—and that's why they fuse the highest safety standards with the most nourishing and scientifically-supported formulas. The result? A range of products you can feel confident using on your family and yourself.
Editor's pick: For stronger, smoother skin anywhere on your body—whether it's your neck, arms, décolleté, or booty—reach for EverEden's Lifting and Firming Lotion ($42; amazon.com). Packed with 10 superfoods that deliver powerful anti-aging effects, this multi-tasking body treatment lifts, firms and tightens.
Murad
In 1989, Howard Murad, MD, board-certified dermatologist, founded the first modern line of clinical skincare products—and this OG brand is still one of the best. His philosophy? "Skincare is health care," a sentiment that's stronger today than ever before. Dr. Murad's impact on the field is undeniable (he has developed 19 patents, conducted ground-breaking research that led to the discovery of new scientific principles, and championed the important connection between stress and skin health), but he's perhaps best known for his prolific line of products (you'll find something designed to address almost every specific skincare concern).
Editor's pick: We love a multitasker! Murad's AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser ($42; sephora.com) combines two steps—purifying and exfoliating—into one creamy cleanser. The dynamic duo of chemical and physical exfoliants helps polish dull, dry skin—revealing a fresher look and clearing the way for any skin treatments that follow.
Perricone MD
If you're looking for a holistic, whole-body approach to aging, you'll appreciate the work of Nicholas Perricone, MD. The board-certified dermatologist and author of The Wrinkle Cure views aging as an inflammatory disease—which he treats with a three-tier skincare and wellness system consisting of diet, essential dietary supplements, and targeted topical skincare products. The Perricone MD line is built on cutting-edge research and extensive clinical and consumer studies—leading to healthy skin "from the inside, out and outside, in."
Editor's pick: Pairing SPF and Vitamin C is always a good move: Together, they're more effective at preventing and reversing the signs of sun damage. His Vitamin C Ester Photo-Brightening Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($22; amazon.com) packs powerful antioxidant benefits (smoothing, brightening and minimizing discoloration) with full protection from environmental aggressors and harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Sobel Skin Rx
A longtime fixture on some of NYC's most prestigious lists of best cosmetic dermatologists, Richard Sobel, MD, is an expert in aesthetic treatments and injections. (You've seen his work if you happen to watch The Real Housewives of New York—he's a favorite among cast members.) His namesake skincare line, Sobel Skin Rx, uses a proprietary delivery system that mimics the healthy structure found in youthful skin—which allows for better absorption of active ingredients and an extended window of benefits.
Editor's pick: Short on time, but set on smoother skin? Hailed as a "10-minute skin transformation," 11% Triple-Acide Mineral Mask ($47; sephora.com) uses a potent blend of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids (read: you can use it sparingly!) to exfoliate and deep clean at both the surface and pore level.
