SkinMedica skincare
SkinMedica is an American skincare brand founded in 1999 and owned by AbbVie Inc. since 2020.
SkinMedica is beloved for its sophisticated range of moisturizers, serums, cleansers, and eye products, all driven by meticulously researched formulas. Its products suit dry skin and sensitive skin best, offering gentle yet effective daily care. For specific concerns, the brand offers standout solutions such as the AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser for acne-prone skin, the Ultra Sheer Moisturizer for skin with dark spots, and the TNS Eye Repair for mature skin. Through these targeted offerings, its thoughtful formulations work to gently address individual skin needs with remarkable precision.
Hyaluronic acidThis page covers some of the most popular SkinMedica products; for the whole SkinMedica range, with a fit score for every product, use the Lovi app.
People Say
★4.6Overall rating based on 13.9k+ reviewsReviewers most often praise SkinMedica for potent anti-aging benefits, deep and lasting hydration, and improved skin texture. The most common complaints are its high price tag and issues with breakouts or heavy formulas for oily skin.
Highlights
Hydrating and softening moisturizers Mostly Mentioned
- “Keeps dry skin away entirely — HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator”
- “My skin feels moisturized all day long. — Dermal Repair Cream”
- “Very hydrating — Rejuvenative Moisturizer”
Anti-aging and skin smoothing serums Mostly Mentioned
- “can make the world of difference in your fine lines and wrinkles — TNS Advanced+ Serum”
- “Neck rings are disappearing — Retinol Complex”
- “my skin had much more elasticity — TNS Advanced+ Serum”
Gentle and effective cleansers Mostly Mentioned
- “gentle enough to use everyday — AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser”
- “pores look smaller and more empty — AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser”
- “leaves skin soft — Facial Cleanser”
Easy-to-use and sensitive-safe serums Mostly Mentioned
- “Easy pump bottle — Retinol Complex”
- “anti aging treatment that works for sensitive skin — TNS Advanced+ Serum”
- “It doesn't irritate my skin like others. — Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment”
High price point Mostly Mentioned
- “The price tag is steep — TNS Advanced+ Serum”
- “Fairly expensive — HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator”
- “expensive for a wash — Facial Cleanser”
Packaging and dispenser issues Often Mentioned
- “One of the pumps failed on me — TNS Advanced+ Serum”
- “serum ran out before the cream that you mix it with — TNS Advanced+ Serum”
- “hate dipping finger in jar — TNS Eye Repair”
Causes breakouts or skin irritation Often Mentioned
- “Slight adjustment period — Retinol Complex”
- “Burned my face — Retinol Complex”
- “Caused acne — Rejuvenative Moisturizer”
Slow results or ineffective performance Sometimes Noted
- “not moisturizing enough — Ultra Sheer Moisturizer”
- “I don't see any difference after finishing my 1st bottle. — Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment”
- “Deemed as a fake — HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator”
Sources: lovi.care, dermapproved.com, lovelyskin.com, ellemesmedspa.com, walmart.com, theskinspot.com, and more
Questions and answers
Is SkinMedica good for oily skin?
Yes, Lovi rates the SkinMedica-focused routine Superior for oily skin. Products like the AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser and Ultra Sheer Moisturizer help care for this skin type.
Is SkinMedica worth it?
SkinMedica may be worth it for shoppers looking for hydrating moisturizers and smoothing serums, though reviewers note a high price point and occasional skin irritation. Lovi rates SkinMedica-focused routines Superior for dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin.
What are SkinMedica's best products?
SkinMedica's top products vary by skin need, with Ultra Sheer Moisturizer rating Superior for mature skin, sensitive skin, and skin with dark spots. TNS Eye Repair and AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser also rate Superior for mature skin and oily acne-prone skin respectively. Additionally, HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator rates Superior for dry skin.
Which SkinMedica moisturizer is best for dry skin?
HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator is the best moisturizer for dry skin, and Lovi also rates Ultra Sheer Moisturizer and Dermal Repair Cream High for dry skin.
Does SkinMedica cause breakouts?
SkinMedica may cause breakouts or skin irritation, as reviewers often mention this issue with the brand's products. However, Lovi rates the brand's fit for acne-prone skin as Superior.
Is SkinMedica fragrance-free?
Not all of the SkinMedica products on this page are fragrance-free, as Dermal Repair Cream, Facial Cleanser, and Rejuvenative Moisturizer list fragrance among their ingredients.
What are the key ingredients in SkinMedica products?
Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient featured across the SkinMedica products on this page. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.
How do I build a SkinMedica skincare routine?
Building a SkinMedica routine involves different steps for the morning, evening, and once a week. In the morning, use a cleanser, a hydrating toner, a moisturizer, and an SPF. In the evening, use a pre-cleanser, a cleanser, a serum or treatment such as TNS Advanced+ Serum, and a moisturizer. Once a week, add an enzyme powder and a nourishing mask before applying your serum and moisturizer.
Where can I buy SkinMedica, and how much does it cost?
SkinMedica products are available on this Lovi page with prices in Australia ranging around A$469.39. Reviewers note that the brand carries a high price point.
What are good alternatives to SkinMedica?
CeraVe, Cetaphil, Paula's Choice, Neutrogena, Kiehl's, and Dermalogica are good alternatives to SkinMedica. Lovi rates CeraVe-focused routines High for dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, combination skin, and acne-prone skin.
SkinMedica vs CeraVe: which is better?
SkinMedica is better suited for dry skin, where Lovi rates the SkinMedica-focused routine Superior and the CeraVe-focused routine High. SkinMedica offers specialized targeted treatments, though reviewers frequently note high prices and packaging issues.
Who owns SkinMedica, and where is it from?
SkinMedica is an American brand founded in 1999, owned by AbbVie Inc. since 2020.
Is SkinMedica cruelty-free?
PETA, Leaping Bunny, and Cruelty Free International, the registries Lovi checks, do not list SkinMedica as cruelty-free.
Is SkinMedica good for dry skin?
Yes, SkinMedica is good for dry skin. Lovi rates SkinMedica-focused routines Superior for dry skin. Reviewers mention that the brand offers hydrating and softening moisturizers.
Which SkinMedica cleanser is best for oily skin?
The AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is the best choice for oily skin, while the Facial Cleanser offers an average fit.
Is SkinMedica good for sensitive skin?
Yes, SkinMedica is well-suited for sensitive skin. Lovi rates the SkinMedica-focused routine Superior for sensitive skin.
Is SkinMedica good for acne-prone skin?
Yes, SkinMedica is well-suited for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates the brand-focused routine Superior for this skin type. Reviewers often mention that the cleansers are gentle and effective, and individual products like the AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser fit oily acne-prone skin at a Superior level.
Is SkinMedica good for skin with dark spots?
SkinMedica helps with skin with dark spots, as Lovi rates Ultra Sheer Moisturizer Superior for skin with dark spots and TNS Advanced+ Serum High. Reviewers often mention its anti-aging and skin smoothing serums. Some products also contain hyaluronic acid.
Is SkinMedica good for mature skin?
Yes, SkinMedica is good for mature skin, as Lovi rates products like TNS Eye Repair, Rejuvenative Moisturizer, and Ultra Sheer Moisturizer as Superior for this skin type. Reviewers often mention the serums as anti-aging and skin smoothing, while topical vitamin A helps stimulate collagen accumulation in naturally aged skin.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
Research behind SkinMedica's key ingredients
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Ethosomes of Phenylethyl Resorcinol as Vesicular Delivery System for Skin Lightening Applications
Skin-Whitening Effect of a Callus Extract of Nelumbo nucifera Isolate Haman
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Behind these ratings
Lovi rates every product from its full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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