The Beginner's Guide to the Best SkinCeuticals Products

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A trip to my dermatologist’s office or go-to esthetician’s spa is always a treat, and I typically leave smarter than how I arrived. I ask questions—about the treatment, my at-home skin care routine, and the products used during our session to ensure I’m on the right path to clear, healthy skin. My eyes love to wander to the side table housing the products lined up for my treatment, and no other brand takes up residence in my skin experts’ rooms than SkinCeuticals.

Like most skin care obsessives, I was introduced to SkinCeuticals through its viral C E Ferulic Serum. A mainstay in my collection for years, my dermatologist recommended I expand my collection a bit further with an acne scar-fighting serum and a gentle cleanser. I took it upon myself to add more products to the point where the brand infiltrated my entire routine. Beloved by skin experts, editors, and, well, the internet, SkinCeuticals offers professional-grade results you can see and feel.

The lofty price tag might be startling, but an effective skin care regimen is a worthy investment. Of course, not all skin types are made equal but there is a SkinCeuticals product available for your every woe. To narrow down SkinCeuticals’ expansive SKUs to find the absolute best ones, ELLE editors tested bestsellers and polled a dermatologist to curate a guide to the eight best SkinCeuticals products on the market.

Discoloration Defense

Size: 1 fl. oz

Who’s it for?: All skin types

When treating hyperpigmentation and post-acne scarring, the skin care world typically turns to retinol, salicylic acid, or glycolic. While effective ingredients, there are others better suited to address your various skin woes—and they can be found in this corrective formula. Discoloration Defense uses kojic acid, tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and more to calm inflammation, brighten post-inflammatory scarring, and clear any impurities overall. “After a skin consultation during the pandemic—when my skin was at its lowest—my skin expert urged me to invest in the Discoloration Defense, and I’m glad I obliged. This helps to keep any pre- and post-period breakouts flattened and has improved the radiance and clarity of my skin,” says Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor.

Dermstore rating: 4.4/5 stars

Our expert says: “Various factors like UV exposure, prescription drugs, and certain treatments stimulate melanin production in the skin’s lower epidermal layers. This surplus in melanin then surfaces, leading to visible skin discoloration such as post-acne marks and stubborn brown patches on the cheekbones, forehead, and upper lip. This cutting-edge dark spot corrector is equipped with potent lightening ingredients, including innovative tranexamic acid, designed to combat various types of skin discoloration. It helps reduce the appearance of stubborn brown patches and post-acne discoloration, while improving overall skin tone.”—Dr. Ted Lain, MD, MBA

Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight

Size: 1.7 fl. oz

Who’s it for?: Normal, oily, and combination

If you’re averse to retinol but still want to stimulate cell turnover and renewal, this glycolic-based overnight treatment can offer the results you desire. With 10 percent glycolic acid, this lightweight cream sloughs away dead skin and gradually lightens the appearance of post-acne scarring. To balance the skin, the Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight has a medley of soothing properties, comprised of jojoba and sunflower oil, to arm the skin with nourishment. “My skin is typically sensitive to stronger acids, so I was in for a surprise when I began using this glycolic treatment and had no adverse reaction. I’m on a retinol hiatus right now, so I opted to use this nightly; my skin felt smooth and soft each morning, which made my makeup application even more flawless,” Penrose says.

Dermstore rating: 4.8/5 stars

Our expert says: “Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight is a nighttime exfoliating treatment to promote cellular turnover, refine texture, and brighten the skin’s appearance. It features a potent 10 percent glycolic acid concentration in a pH-balanced formula, suitable for nightly application. Enhanced with botanicals, oils, and 2 percent phytic acid, it works to improve texture, radiance, and overall skin glow.”—Dr. Lain

A.G.E Advanced Eye Cream

Size: 50 ml

Who’s it for?: All skin types, especially mature skin

The earlier you incorporate eye creams into your regimen, the better. Infused with caffeine, peptides, and other soothing components, the A.G.E eye cream works to smooth crow’s feet and improve the overall health and appearance of the under-eye area. “Aging doesn’t scare me—premature fine lines and wrinkles do. So, every night, I swipe on a dot size of this eye cream to ensure I look as young as I am, especially since I don’t always get a full night’s rest. The texture is thick enough to lock in moisture but also lightweight, so my under eyes don’t feel bogged down or irritated. What I wake up to is brighter eyes and no evidence of late-night TikTok scrolling,” Penrose adds.

Dermstore rating: 4.5/5 stars

Our expert says: “This eye cream addresses aging concerns such as crow’s feet, puffiness, and dark circles around the eyes while improving skin firmness and elasticity. Glycation, a key factor in skin aging, occurs when excess sugar molecules bind to collagen and elastin, forming advanced glycation end-products (A.G.E.s). This process leads to visible signs of aging, such as severe wrinkling, especially around the delicate eye area. A.G.E. Advanced Eye cream targets glycation-related aging, reducing the appearance of crow’s feet and dark circles while instantly brightening tired eyes.”—Dr. Lain

C E Ferulic

Size: 1 fl oz

Who’s it for?: Most skin types, particularly aging, stressed, or photodamaged skin

Almost every skin expert recommends using a vitamin C serum in a routine. This particular one combines the potency and efficacy of vitamin C with nourishing vitamin E and ferulic acid, a powerful antioxidant used to ward off free radicals. “This is a cult favorite of beauty lovers because it actually works. Serving as armor against aging, this vitamin C serum is one of the most stable formulas on the market. In fact, the brand promises that it’s stable for up to 36 months and up to 6 months after opening—one bottle lasts me about three to four months. Vitamin C serums are a long-game product. You won’t see results overnight, but with consistent use of this fast-absorbing formula, you’ll notice that overall, your skin tone will be brighter and more even. I cycle through different vitamin C serums, but this one is a regular in my rotation,” says Danielle James, ELLE.com beauty director.

Dermstore rating: 4.7/5 stars

Our expert says: “SkinCeuticals’ research demonstrates that combining antioxidants in specific formulations yields superior results compared to using each antioxidant alone. C E Ferulic is backed by extensive scientific research and provides potent environmental protection with its synergistic blend of 15 percent pure vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, formulated under the Duke Antioxidant patent to ensure optimal absorption and efficacy. C E Ferulic provides advanced environmental protection, improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and brightens the complexion.”—Dr. Lain

Phloretin CF

Size: 1 fl oz

Who's it for?: Oily, combination, acne-prone

Those with acne-prone skin understand efficacy over hype. While vitamin C is an important step, not all vitamin C serums are created equally or effectively for those with frequent breakouts. Phloretin CF was designed with reactive, acne-prone skin in mind and uses phloretin and vitamin C to fade discoloration and smoothes the slows signs of aging. “Since I’m an acne-prone girlie, finding the right vitamin C serum has been a task. I was a huge fan of the C E Ferulic Serum, but then my derm recommended I try Phloretin CF instead, which delivers similar results without the E (vitamin E). Over time, my skin’s newer scars began fading, although the stubborn, deep-seated ones took their own time. The fast-absorbing formula is light and doesn’t leave my skin feeling sticky,” Penrose shares.

Dermstore rating: 4.7/5 stars

Our expert says: “Phloretin CF provides advanced environmental protection, improves the appearance of discoloration, and refines skin texture. It combines a patented blend of 2 percent phloretin, 10 percent pure vitamin C, and 0.5 percent ferulic acid to provide superior defense against atmospheric skin aging and diminishes discoloration, fine lines, and uneven skin tone for a more radiant complexion.”—Dr. Lain

Soothing Cleanser

Size: 5 fl oz

Who’s it for?: All skin types, especially sensitive or compromised skin

Before serums are mixed into your routine, you want to ensure your skin is being properly cleansed to maximize the effects of your subsequent treatments. The SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser is calming and refreshing, thanks to a host of nourishing compounds like cucumber extract and glycerin. It’s a great cleanser to have on hand if you’re dabbling in peels or any treatments that require a gentle regimen. Carol Lee, ELLE.com’s associate beauty writer, who has dry, sensitive skin normally isn’t a fan of foaming cleansers, “but I trust SkinCeuticals, so I tried this one—and I’m glad I did. Unlike some other products in the same category, this one didn’t strip my skin, and my redness-prone skin felt calmer after use. I was also able to take my mascara off, which was a pleasant surprise.”

Dermstore rating: 4.7/5 stars

Our expert says: “Gently cleanses and hydrates sensitive or compromised skin while replenishing moisture levels. The rich amilite surfactant and a 22% concentration combining sorbitol, glycerin, orchid extract, and cucumber extract to gently remove impurities while soothing and comforting sensitive, compromised, or post-procedure skin.” —Dr. Lain

Cell Cycle Catalyst Exfoliating Booster Serum

Size: 1 fl oz

Who’s it for?: All skin types, especially mature skin

Superbly lightweight but effective, the Cell Cycle Catalyst serum aims to encourage turnover and renewal via a medley of alpha- and beta hydroxy acids that gradually slough away impurities residing on the surface of the skin. “This is water—those were my exact words when I first applied the serum to my skin. While it’s not as creamy as my other serums, it has helped to reduce my breakouts and keep my skin’s surface flat. I’m obsessed with looking at any breakouts in a magnifying mirror, and after using this for a few weeks, I’ve yet to return to the looking glass,” says Penrose.

Dermstore rating: 4.4/5 stars

Our expert says: “Cell Cycle Catalyst supports the skin’s natural renewal process, improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and enhances overall skin radiance. Fueled by a blend of alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids totaling 7.7 percent, along with 1 percent Taurine, Cell Cycle Catalyst undergoes clinical testing to delicately exfoliate and boost cellular renewal on the skin’s surface, resulting in refined texture, reduced discoloration, and diminished visible lines. This serum, designed to combat aging, aids in preserving adequate hydration levels to fortify the skin barrier and promote overall skin health.”—Dr. Lain

Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Who’s it for?: All skin types, particularly sensitive skin

Of course, sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of your skin care routine. The best sunscreen to buy is the one you will wear consistently, and this gem from SkinCeuticals is a worthy contender. It’s tinted (great for lighter tones, can leave a white cast for deeper tones), is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes (re-application is a must regardless!), and has a high SPF of 50 to guarantee adequate protection.

Dermstore rating: 4.6/5 stars

Our expert says: “Cell Cycle Catalyst supports the skin’s natural renewal process, improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and enhances overall skin radiance. Fueled by a blend of alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids totaling 7.7%, along with 1% Taurine, Cell Cycle Catalyst undergoes clinical testing to delicately exfoliate and boost cellular renewal on the skin’s surface, resulting in refined texture, reduced discoloration, and diminished visible lines. This serum, designed to combat aging, aids in preserving adequate hydration levels to fortify the skin barrier and promote overall skin health.”—Dr. Lain

Meet the experts

Dr. Ted Lain is a board-certified dermatologist and chief medical officer at Sanova Dermatology, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the hair, skin, and nails.

Why Trust ELLE Beauty?

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose polled a dermatologist to explain the benefits and purposes of SkinCeuticals’ bestselling products.

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