Credit: Courtesy of brands
Stylist Loves
The skincare brands dermatologists swear by, and the products to know
By Darcy Brown &Charlotte Bitmead
3 months ago
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
6 min read
With so many skincare formulas available, you can always rely on a dermatologist-approved brand to promise results.
With so many skincare brands, products and ingredients, knowing what’s best for you can be difficult. Plus, trying a new brand comes with the uncertainty of how the formula will react with your skin.
When you ask a dermatologist the all-important question of their favourite skincare brand, certain brands always seem to come out on top despite hundreds of options. And when a brand gets a dermatologist’s seal of approval, you can be reasonably confident that you can trust it with your skin.
Here is a round-up of dermatologist-loved brands and products that have gained a coveted cult status.
La Roche-Posay
French pharmaceutical brand La Roche-Posay is known for its commitment to dermatological expertise and innovation. The brand has a strong reputation for developing skincare products that are gentle, effective and suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. That’s why dermatologists rely on its formulas as a trusted skincare solution.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M
It’s safe to say this gel moisturiser knows how to deal with blemish-prone skin, with ingredients in place to take them on before, during and after they appear. Zinc PCA targets the cause by controlling oil production, while pore patrolling salicylic acid fights blemishes already there. A pigment-controlling addition leaves no marks behind.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid
This sunscreen has gained a cult reputation as one you can rely on. The formula isn’t greasy or reactive and it’s non-drying, making it compatible with all skin types. Protection against UVA, UVB and ultra-long UVA protection leaves your skin safe.
Shop La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid at Boots, £20
Avène
Designed for the most sensitive skin, this range of dermatologically approved skincare dates back to the 18th century, when the first thermal spring water baths in France were used to treat everything from eczema to dermatitis. Now, you can harness the hydrating and soothing goodness of thermal spring water from the comfort of your own bathroom.
Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream for Sensitive Skin
If skin feels itchy, sore and sensitive, there is no better cream to reach for. This velvety cream soothes inflamed skin from the get-go, while its star ingredient, thermal spring water, helps to rebalance the skin’s microbiome and repair damaged skin barriers.
Shop Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream for Sensitive Skin at LookFantastic, £21
Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel Hydrating Cream-in-Gel
Shop Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel Hydrating Cream-in-Gel at LookFantastic, £25.25
Cerave
This pocket-friendly brand has gained ride-or-die status, sitting within skincare routines at the same importance as their more expensive counterparts. Dermatologists recommend Cerave highly as its formulas do just what they say on the bottle, with no frills or confusing jargon to understand. A blend of fatty acids and ceramides is found in all of its formulas, helping to nurture, strengthen and protect your skin for next-level results.
Cerave SA Smoothing Cleanser
Your shortcut to seamlessly soft skin. Suitable for the face and body, it rids the skin of oil, dirt and make-up. Oil-controlling salicylic acid, nurturing ceramides and hydrating hyaluronic acid come together in just the right quantities to refine your skin’s texture and remove bumps.
Cerave Intensive Moisturising Lotion
The ingredient to turn to if you have dry skin? Ceramides. This formula delivers three essential ceramides in a moisture surge with hyaluronic acid to nurture the skin’s barrier and provide a warm hug of comfort to your face and body.
SkinCeuticals
SkinCeuticals is a prestigious skincare brand known for its advanced, science-driven approach to skincare. Founded in the US, it is renowned for its high-quality formulas with potent ingredients and clinically proven results. Dermatologists rely on the brand to address skin concerns, including ageing, discolouration and environmental damage.
SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier Serum
Hyaluronic acid is the A-list hydrator in skincare. It has an incredible ability to draw moisture from its surroundings and deliver it to your skin. This serum delivers a high concentration to keep skin hydrated for longer, providing toning and tightening benefits. One to reach for to target the appearance of fine lines.
Shop SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier Serum at Lookfantastic, £120
SkinCeuticals Serum 10 Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum
A daytime serum that gives all skin types the gift of glow. Using concentrated antioxidants and a high dose of glow-giving vitamin C, it shields the skin from harmful aggressors and strengthens its natural defences. All to put your best face forward to take on the day.
Shop SkinCeuticals Serum 10 Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum at Lookfantastic, £98
Dr Sam’s
Created by our go-to dermatologist for anything acne or rosacea-related, Dr Sam Bunting’s namesake brand is all about streamlining your routine with efficacious products, thanks to her years of experience on Harley Street.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Cleanser
Dr Sam’s Flawless Neutralising Gel
If you’re breakout-prone, this gel is going to be your new BFF. Packed with neutralizing azelaic acid, acne-fighting salicylic acid and a natural retinol alternative, bakuchiol, this works to reduce the size of breakouts and the redness that comes with them while being gentle to skin in the process.
Cetaphil
Cetaphil is the brand you reach for if your skin is acting up – you know its no-frills formula is unlikely to make you react. The brand’s minimalist approach to ingredients gets the dermatologist’s seal of approval as an effective way to treat your skin while remaining assured you won’t disrupt its balance.
Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion
Intense skin nourishment need not leave oily residue behind. This never-greasy formula delivers long-lasting hydration thanks to avocado oil and vitamin E. It comfortably cools and leaves skin soft, supple and balanced.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
A cleanser to rely on to look after your skin. It blends skincare heroes glycerin, niacinamide and panthenol to balance your complexion and improve its overall texture and tone. It delivers the cocktail to your skin gently by defending against skin sensitivity.
MZ Skin
London-based MZ Skin was founded by Dr Maryam Zamani, a globally respected, A-lister-loved oculoplastic surgeon and facial aesthetics doctor. Unsurprisingly, her brand’s product offering knows a thing or two about caring for your face. Founded among medical expertise and a dedication to skincare excellence, MZ Skin is a trusted choice for those seeking high-performance products with a strong emphasis on skin health.
MZ Skin Light Moisturiser
If you are prone to excess shine, this daily moisturiser is one to rely on. It has a silky-smooth consistency that is comfortably lightweight and packed with skincare powerhouses. A formula of hyaluronic acid, bioidentical human collagen, peptides and a touch of gold particles leaves your skin in good hands.
MZ Skin Reviving Antioxidant Facial Oil
Restore calm to stressed-out skin with this ultra-luxe face oil. Its low molecular weight allows it to melt into the skin. Once absorbed, it delivers skin-loving omegas, antioxidants, and other barrier boosters to strengthen your skin’s function and reduce sensitivity and discomfort.
Shop MZ Skin Reviving Antioxidant Facial Oil at Cult Beauty, £160
Images: courtesy of brands
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