Byrdie / Lecia Landis
There are a bazillion skincare brands out there. (Okay, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration, but you get the picture.) But only a select few are equally beloved by beauty editors, dermatologists, and consumers alike. And of this much smaller category, there’s one brand we all agree makes stellar products: SkinCeuticals. “The brand was originally developed by a dermatologist to help his skin cancer patients boost the repair mechanism of their skin and to heal and prevent environmental damage," explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Julie Russak, M.D. "The brand has evolved, but the core values and development remain."
To that point, hardcore science is always at the forefront, which is why derms love it, and why consumers rave about the legit results all of the products deliver. Their line-up of products is completely comprehensive (though not overwhelming), boasting a curated collection of medical-grade formulas that will fill every need in anyone’s skincare routine. The label addresses a full range of skincare concerns, from texture and dark spots to acne, fine lines, and wrinkles. Our team of product testers, editors, and dermatologists tested out dozens of products for weeks at a time to give you this definitive list of the most effective SkinCeuticals products for every skincare need.
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Bluemercury
Enhances skin radiance
Ideal for normal, dry, and sensitive skin types
Increases firmness
Slightly sticky texture
Product Type: Serum | Key Ingredients: 1% vitamin E, 15% l-ascorbic acid, 1% alpha tocopherol, .5% ferulic acid | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Honestly, if we had a dollar for every time a dermatologist recommended this serum...well, let’s just say we’d long be retired. It’s the OG that started it all, C E Ferulic is what Dr. Russak likes to call "the gold standard of all antioxidants” and adds that it’s her favorite SkinCeuticals product. It’s a team Byrdie must-have too. Credit the patented and highly effective combination in the formula of 15% l-ascorbic acid (the most powerful form of vitamin C), 1% vitamin E, and .5% ferulic acid that helps to shield your skin from environmental damage and encourage a fresh glow.
Read Full Review: We Tried the Most Hyped-Up Serum on the Market—Here Are Our Thoughts
Byrdie / Jenna Igneri
Dermstore
Reduces discoloration
Ideal for normal, oily, and combination skin types
Enhances skin radiance
Not ideal for sensitive skin types
Product Type: Serum | Key Ingredients: 2% phloretin, 10% l-ascorbic acid, .5% ferulic acid | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Another one of the brand’s top antioxidant serums, this one is especially ideal for combating existing discoloration and preventing new spots from forming. The namesake antioxidant, phloretin, is derived from apples and the root bark of fruit trees. Like C E Ferulic, there’s also a potent dose of l-ascorbic (10% to be exact) in the mix too, to further help enhance the radiance benefits.
Bluemercury
Reduces oiliness and oxidation that can lead to breakouts and blemishes
Reduces fine lines
Protects against environmental aggressors
Reviewers found it took time to see results
Product Type: Serum | Key Ingredients: 15% l-ascorbic acid, .5% silymarin, .5% salicylic acid, .5% ferulic acid | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
The latest addition to the brand’s line-up, this is their first new antioxidant product in six years. But it was well worth the wait, as it offers the perfect option for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Like the other antioxidant serums in the portfolio, it contains l-ascorbic acid and ferulic acid, in carefully formulated 15% and .5% concentrations, respectively. Where it differs is in its use of silymarin, an antioxidant derived from the milk thistle plant that helps balance the skin's sebum levels (which, in turn, can help with blemishes and oil production). As if that weren’t enough, the serum also contains salicylic acid to double down on acne and oil. The result is a serum that offers all of the antioxidant benefits of the brand's other serums, all while reducing oiliness and helping to ward off blemishes.
Dermstore
Encourages smoother, firmer skin
Delivers long-lasting hydration
Improves texture, plumpness, and elasticity
Bottle may not last long
Product Type: Serum | Key Ingredients: 10% Proxylane, 2% licorice root extract, .2% purple rice extract, 1.3% hyaluronic acid | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Hyaluronic acid is a superstar when it comes to hydration, as it attracts water to the skin and holds it there. This lightweight serum contains 1.3% hyaluronic acid, along with a proprietary ingredient, Proxylane, that helps support the skin’s natural moisture levels. A few drops go a long way toward leaving your skin super smooth and glowy, and it layers beautifully under moisturizer if you want even more hydration.
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Dermstore
Silky texture
Absorbs well into skin
Noticeable differences in hydration levels
Might cause breakouts
Product Type: Cream | Key ingredients: 2% pure ceramides 1 & 3, 4% natural cholesterol, 2% fatty acids, essential oils blend | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Remember that "favorite moisturizer of all time" that we mentioned? It’s this guy. We can confirm that this formula delivers instant and long-term results, and the texture is a dream.“It’s the perfect moisturizer; it visibly improves hydration and decreases the appearance of lines and wrinkles,” Dr. Russak says, who has it on her list of favorites. The product's name refers to the ratio of ceramides to cholesterol to fatty acids in the skin, all essential lipids that are imperative for restoring and maintaining the skin barrier that’s responsible for the strength and health of our skin. Try it if your skin is super dry, and/or you want to combat wrinkles and sagging.
Dermstore
Comforts dry skin with 24-hour hydration
Encourages radiance
Smooths fine lines and wrinkles
Reviewers note it feels greasy and heavy
Product Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: 18% concentrated Proxylane, 4.25% wild fruit flavonoids, .1% glycyrrhetinic acid, 1% niacinamide | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Aging is a beautiful process we want to embrace, and this cream can help us do so gracefully. This popular buy contains a 30% concentration of that proprietary Proxylane ingredient, plus a lipid and blueberry extract, all of which work together to restore firmness and elasticity. It’s whipped and velvety, melting beautifully into the skin.
Dermstore
Improves the appearance of skin radiance, firmness, and density
Promotes smoother skin
Hydrating
Caused some reviewers redness, itching, and burning
Product Type: Serum | Key Ingredients: 1% resveratrol, .5% baicalin, 1% alpha tocopherol | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Antioxidant serums are typically thought of as daytime products, making this nighttime formula all the more unique. The namesake antioxidant is the same one found in red wine; the B refers to baicalin, another plant-derived and very potent antioxidant, and there’s also vitamin E in the mix. Apply it at bedtime and let the powerful treatment go to town, helping to undo any free radical damage incurred during the day.
Dermstore
Water resistant for up to 40 minutes
Boosts radiance for a more even, luminous complexion
Ideal for all skin types, even very sensitive skin
Watery formula, reviewers say
Product Type: Sunscreen | Key Ingredients: 5% zinc oxide, 6% titanium dioxide, artemia salina | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
You better believe SkinCeuticals makes some great sunscreens; this one is our favorite. Byrdie editor in chief Hallie Gould raves about the entirely mineral-based formula that’s ideal for all skin types—oily and acne-prone included. It goes on silky-smooth, feels completely featherweight, and—our favorite part—has a subtle tint (that works on all skin tones) to make skin look radiant and more even-toned, even before you put on any makeup.
Dermstore
Decongests clogged pores
Improves the appearance of blotchiness, blemishes, and uneven skin tone
Reduces excess sebum production
Some reviewers notice alcohol smell
Product Type: Serum | Key Ingredients: 2% dioic acid, .3% LHA, 1.5% salicylic acid, 3.5% glycolic acid, .5% citric acid | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Adult acne is a very real thing, which is why we appreciate that this standout effectively combats that double whammy of pimples and wrinkles. (FYI, sometimes using traditional acne treatments on more mature skin can only end up drying it out and making matters worse.) This formula relies on a variety of different acids—2% dioic acid to reduce excess oil, 0.3% lipo hydroxy acid to decongest pores, 1.5% salicylic acid to ward off oil, and two different alpha hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate, leaving skin look smoother and more even.
Amazon
Lightweight texture
Deeply hydrating
Free of parabens, alcohol, and fragrance
Suitable for all skin types
Dry skin may need to boost this with moisturizer
Product Type: Hydrating gel | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
For those times when you feel like your moisturizer alone just isn’t cutting it, this is the perfect serum to layer underneath. We can confirm that the texture is great, and it plumps fine lines, boosts the skin’s moisture content, and improves barrier health. Hyaluronic acid and B5 both work on their own and up the efficacy of your moisturizer, leaving skin smooth, soft, and glowing. And while yes, it’s meant to be used in tandem with a face lotion or cream, we like using it solo on super hot days or when our skin is feeling extra slick.
Read Full Review: SkinCeuticals's Hydrating B5 Gel Gave Me Bouncy, Healthy Skin
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Dermstore
Promotes cellular turnover
Formulated to minimize irritation commonly associated with the use of retinol creams
Improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, pores, and blemishes
Can be irritating/too intense for some skin types
Product Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: 0.3% retinol, soothing complex | Size: 1 oz.| Cruelty-Free: No
Retinoids are the undisputed champion in the skincare world, with a long and proven history of delivering impressive results. Retinol can do everything from fade spots to unclog pores to reduce fine lines, making it a worthy addition to any skincare routine. The only problem? It’s notoriously irritating.That’s why Gould loves that SkinCeuticals offers this more mild version, which contains only a .3% concentration of the ingredient in a formula that’s ideal for those with sensitive skin or retinol newbies. (It combines the ingredient with a soothing complex to further minimize irritation.) Ready for something a bit stronger? The brand also offers a 0.5 concentration and 1.0 concentration, too.
Dermstore
Reduces the appearance of skin discoloration
Improve radiance
Paraben-, fragrance-, silicone-, gluten-, and hydroquinone-free
Many reviews received defective product
Product Type: Serum | Key Ingredients: 3% tranexamic acid, 1% kojic acid, 5% niacinamide, 5% sulfonic acid | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
The star of the show in this brightening serum is tranexamic acid, an ingredient that’s not super common in many over-the-counter products, but can be highly effective. It’s paired with some other tried-and-true brighteners—think kojic acid, niacinamide, and more—to knock out dark spots, be they caused by the sun or leftover acne marks. Plus, it works on all skin tones, a major win, since darker complexions are more prone to hyperpigmentation, to begin with.
SkinCeuticals
Promotes cell turnover
Removes long-wear makeup
Suitable for twice daily use
May be harsh on sensitive/acne prone skin
Product Type: Cleanser | Key Ingredients: 8% glycolic free acid value, 1% phytic acid, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, glycerin | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Glycolic acid is another one of those do-it-all skincare ingredients, excellent for gentle chemical exfoliation to improve tone and texture, but also with the ability to stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin to fight fine lines and wrinkles. If you’re new to the ingredient, using it in a cleanser, like this one, is a perfect place to start. The gel formula combines 8% glycolic with 1% phytic acid, alongside soothing and hydrating aloe. It’s effective yet gentle enough to use even twice daily, and is great at removing even stubborn makeup, too.
Bluemercury
Promotes cellular turnover
Encourages glowing skin
Tested tolerable for nightly use
Reviewers aren't thrilled about watery formula
Product Type: Cream | Key ingredients: 10% glycolic free acid value, 2% phytic acid, 1% soothing complex | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
If you’re ready to up the glycolic acid ante, try this nightly leave-on. Just make sure to ease into this one gradually, working up to nightly use over the course of a week or so. This product contains 10% glycolic acid and 2% phytic acid for extra exfoliation, though it also boasts a soothing complex made of natural oils and botanicals to minimize the likelihood of irritation.
Bluemercury
Hydrates to rejuvenate, reshape and replenish lip tissue
Alleviates dryness and tightness
Intensive treatment
Results can take a few uses
Product Type: Lip treatment | Key Ingredients: Silymarin, vitamin E, hydroxyethyl urea, allantoin, hyaluronic acid | Size: .34 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
It's true, you really should consider your lips when thinking about your skincare routine. So much more than a basic lip balm, this anti-aging lip treatment contains all kinds of goodies more often reserved for serums and eye creams; peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E to shield your delicate lips from sun damage while also leaving them soft and smooth.
Skinstore
Firms skin on the neck
Reduces look of fine lines
Helps address tech neck
Can cause irritation at first
Product Type: Neck cream | Key ingredients: .2% pure retinol, 5% glaucine complex, 2.5% tri-peptide concentrate | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Just like your lips, the skin below your chin deserves some love, too. The brand recently launched a cream dedicated solely for your neck, combining two extra-powerful wrinkle-fighting ingredients, .2% retinol and a 2.5% tripeptide concentrate (hence the name). It works to combat all neck-related texture, from horizontal fine lines and tech neck to laxity to crepiness.
Amazon
Calms and cools skin
Reduces redness
Hydrates
Some reviewers felt dry and tight after using
Product Type: Face mask | Key Ingredients: 9% soothing botanicals, calming dipeptide, hyaluronic acid | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Skin freaking out? Slather on this mask and prepare to be amazed. “I have rosacea and my skin is very sensitive, so anytime I have any irritation, this product is my go-to to calm down my skin,” explains Dr. Russak. "It’s also amazing to use after procedures such as lasers." Dr. Russak notes that her practice did studies with the product when it was being developed and found that it both calmed the skin and improved healing. A variety of calming botanicals, a dipeptide, and hyaluronic acid get to work, soothing the skin and neutralizing redness (thank you, green tint). Use it daily or whenever needed, but try stashing it in the fridge (or a specialized skincare fridge) to further the soothing feel. The brand also has a Phyto Corrective Gel, which delivers similar effects, and is great to use on more targeted areas.
Dermstore
Effectively removes makeup and addresses breakouts
Gentle, milky consistency
Leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated
Strong citrus fragrance may irritate sensitive skin
Product Type: Cleanser | Key Ingredients: Orange oil, skin conditioners and emollients | Size: 6.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
A gentle, effective, non-irritating face wash is the foundation for any effective skincare routine, regardless of your skin type. This formula, which calms acne and removes oil with ease, is easily a favorite for us. Nice and creamy, it's especially great for the dry and sensitive crowd, as it's packed with plenty of moisturizing and soothing ingredients. It’s amazing at taking off even a full face of makeup, rinses beautifully, and leaves skin feeling fresh and clean, though never stripped.
SkinCeuticals
Reduces the appearance of lines, puffiness, and under eye circles
Combats signs of fatigue
Ideal for most skin types
Some reviewers experienced irritation
Product Type: Serum | Key Ingredients: 1% phloretin, 5% L-ascorbic acid, .5% ferulic acid | Size: .5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Consider this eye cream the arch-nemesis of tired, puffy eyes. Caffeine is known to take down both puffiness and dark circles (great for a fast fix) but also has long-term benefits, while a synergistic combo of three antioxidants— vitamin C, ferulic acid, and phloretin—protect the skin from environmental aggressors. The gel texture also gives it a super refreshing feel, and it layers nicely under makeup as well.
What to Look For in SkinCeuticals Products
- Ingredients: SkinCeuticals is renowned for its potent science-backed ingredients. Each product contains ingredients that are specifically included to target the skin concerns it has been designed for. For example, if you're looking to boost hydration, look for formulas that include hyaluronic acid and ceramides. To add luminosity to your skin, try something with l-ascorbic acid and vitamin C. If you want to address acne, try a product with salicylic acid.
- Product Type: When choosing a SkinCeuticals product, consider what type of product you are looking for. The brand offers several cleansers, serums, under-eye creams, retinol creams, and moisturizers to choose from.
- Skin Type: Not all products are suitable for every skin type. Look for products that are designed for your skin type. Acne-prone skin requires products that are unique from products for dry skin. Aging or sensitive skin will need unique ingredients and may need to avoid others to ensure the best results without irritation.
Why Trust Byrdie?
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. SkinCeuticals was one of the first brands she was introduced to at the start of her career, and many of their products have been staples in her daily skincare routine ever since. Caitlyn Martyn updated this article in 2024 to ensure each product lives up to Byrdie's standards and offers the best results. She is a longtime fan of SkinCeuticals and worked closely with the brand in a previous role, so she knows each formula like the back of her hand.
- Dr. Julie Russak, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of the Russak Dermatology Clinic in New York City. She is an Associate Professor at Mount Sinai Hospital, and an expert in general and cosmetic dermatology, as well as dermatologic surgery.
