8 Best SkinMedica Products That Are Staples in Our Routines

12.06.2025, 20:56 allure.com

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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.

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Sarah Han applying 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

Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall'Asen

“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

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Dianna Singh using SkinMedica 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?

Tester feedback from features director Dianna Singh

“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

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Deanna Pai applying SkinMedica's 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.

Tester feedback from Pai

"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

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Key ingredients: lactic acid, glycolic acid, jojoba beadsWho it's for: oily skin typesFragrance-free: yes

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Christa Lee applying SkinMedica 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.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

“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

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Pai applying SkinMedica 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.”

Tester feedback from Pai

“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

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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 tackle