SkinMedica skincare
SkinMedica is an American skincare brand founded in 1999 and owned by AbbVie Inc. since 2020.
SkinMedica is beloved for its expertly crafted moisturizers, targeted serums, gentle cleansers, and restorative eye products. Its products suit dry skin and acne-prone skin best, offering balanced support through these carefully formulated types. For specific concerns, the AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser addresses acne-prone skin, the Ultra Sheer Moisturizer suits skin with dark spots, and the TNS Eye Repair targets mature skin. Each offering works harmoniously to support a consistently healthy and balanced complexion.
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, SkinMedica fits oily skin well, as Lovi rates the SkinMedica-focused routine Superior for oily skin. The brand offers several options like the AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, which rates High for oily skin.
Is SkinMedica worth it?
SkinMedica may be worth it for shoppers looking for hydrating moisturizers and smoothing serums, though it comes with a high price point and occasional packaging issues. Lovi rates the brand-focused routines Superior for dry, oily, sensitive, combination, and acne-prone skin.
What are SkinMedica's best products?
SkinMedica's best products are Ultra Sheer Moisturizer, which Lovi rates Superior for sensitive skin, skin with dark spots, and mature skin, and HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator, which Lovi rates Superior for dry skin. Additionally, TNS Eye Repair and AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser are top performers, rated Superior for mature skin and oily acne-prone skin respectively.
Which SkinMedica moisturizer is best for dry skin?
The best SkinMedica moisturizer for dry skin is HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator, followed by Ultra Sheer Moisturizer and Dermal Repair Cream. Lovi rates HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator as Superior for dry skin, while Ultra Sheer Moisturizer and Dermal Repair Cream rate High.
Does SkinMedica cause breakouts?
Yes, SkinMedica may cause breakouts or skin irritation, as reviewers often note this issue among its products. Lovi rates the brand-focused routines as Superior for acne-prone skin.
Is SkinMedica fragrance-free?
No, not all SkinMedica products on this page are fragrance-free, as Dermal Repair Cream, Facial Cleanser, and Rejuvenative Moisturizer contain fragrance. However, 7 out of the 10 products on this page list no fragrance.
What are the key ingredients in SkinMedica products?
Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient across the SkinMedica products on this page. Topical sodium hyaluronate helps improve skin quality and signs of aging.
How do I build a SkinMedica skincare routine?
To build a SkinMedica routine for dry skin in the morning, use a cleanser and hydrating toner, apply a moisturizer, and finish with SPF. In the evening, use a pre-cleanser, cleanser, TNS Advanced+ Serum, and a moisturizer. Once a week, add a nourishing mask into your evening steps.
Where can I buy SkinMedica, and how much does it cost?
SkinMedica is available on Amazon US. The products on the page are priced at $295.00.
What are good alternatives to SkinMedica?
Good alternatives to SkinMedica with pages on Lovi include CeraVe, Cetaphil, Paula's Choice, Neutrogena, Kiehl's, and Dermalogica. These similar brands offer various skincare options that may suit different skin needs.
SkinMedica vs CeraVe: which is better?
SkinMedica and CeraVe both rate Superior for dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, combination skin, and acne-prone skin on Lovi. SkinMedica offers specialized anti-aging serums and rich moisturizers, though some reviewers 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?
SkinMedica is well suited for dry skin, and Lovi rates the SkinMedica-focused routine for dry skin as Superior. Reviewers note that the brand's moisturizers help keep skin soft and hydrated. Additionally, topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.
Which SkinMedica cleanser is best for oily skin?
The AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is the best SkinMedica cleanser for oily skin, while the Facial Cleanser offers an Average fit for this skin type.
Is SkinMedica good for sensitive skin?
SkinMedica is a good choice for sensitive skin, and Lovi rates the SkinMedica-focused routine Superior for sensitive skin. Reviewers often mention that the brand provides gentle and effective cleansers, alongside easy-to-use and sensitive-safe serums.
Is SkinMedica good for acne-prone skin?
Yes, SkinMedica is well-suited for acne-prone skin, as the brand fits this skin type best with its brand-focused routines. Lovi rates the SkinMedica-focused routine Superior for acne-prone skin.
Is SkinMedica good for skin with dark spots?
Yes, SkinMedica is good for skin with dark spots because Lovi rates several of its products, such as HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator and TNS Advanced+ Serum, High for skin with dark spots. Reviewers often mention that the brand provides anti-aging and skin smoothing serums.
Is SkinMedica good for mature skin?
Yes, SkinMedica is well suited for mature skin, offering targeted anti-aging serums and rich moisturizers. Lovi rates TNS Eye Repair and Ultra Sheer Moisturizer as Superior for mature skin, while several other creams and serums achieve High fit levels.
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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