The skincare industry is booming. We’ve got more options than ever, more trends to try out, and so many brands to choose from. In fact, the overlap is real and far more difficult to navigate than in years gone by. What skincare brand you decide to use depends on many things, such as formula, price, cruelty-free or not, and sustainability. So how do you know exactly which brand to choose?
Let’s focus on SkinMedica vs. SkinCeuticals. A classic example of brand overlap. Both are popular, both have a huge range of products, and both aim to improve the health of your skin. They’re even more similar because they both class themselves as cosmeceutical brands. A cosmeceutical brand is one that sells cosmetic products with medicinal benefits. The scientists and dermatologists behind both brands stress the importance of their dedication to science. So, how do you decide which is best? Let’s compare.
Product diversity
In the game of SkinMedica vs. SkinCeuticals, we need to look at product diversity, as to be devoted to a skincare brand, you’d want all your skincare routine steps covered. While both SkinMedica and SkinCeuticals give the whole package of products for a 6-step routine, SkinMedica also offers full routine kits to make your decision easier.
Besides, you also need products that target your skin concerns. Aging, acne, dehydration, dullness, sensitivity, we all struggle with something. Both brands do cater to all kinds of skin types, with products to tackle different skin concerns. However, there’s some difference between SkinMedica and SkinCeuticals in terms of their targeting concerns.
SkinCeuticals
SkinCeuticals is a science-backed skincare brand targeting a broad range of concerns, including aging signs, skin discoloration, acne, dehydrated skin, redness, and dark circles. They also have products for every skin type.
SkinCeuticals best-seller products
- Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 – View on SkinCeuticals, $130.
- C E Ferulic With 15% L-ascorbic Acid – View on SkinCeuticals, $166
SkinMedica
SkinMedica is also backed by science, but compared to SkinCeuticals, they don’t have products that target acne. However, if it’s about correcting, moisturizing, protecting, or brightening the skin, SkinMedica got your back. Same as SkinCeuticals, SkinMedica’s products address all skin types.
SkinMedica best-seller products
- TNS Essential Serum – View on Amazon, $281
- HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator – View on Amazon, $178
While both brands address a wide range of skin concerns, SkinCeuticals may have the upper hand, having more products targeting a larger number of skin-related issues.
Formulas
We’re more aware than ever of what should and should not go on our skin. Ingredient lists have got to be as skin-friendly as possible. Not only that, but we want our products to contain formulas that will give transformative results and improve our skin.
Both SkinMedica and SkinCeuticals can deliver on the ingredients front. Their products are packed full of wonderful active ingredients and scientifically thought-out formulas. If there’s a specific ingredient you’re searching for, you can probably find it in these two brands. However, this is SkinMedica vs. SkinCeuticals, and you need both sides of the coin.
From extensive research, I found that some SkinCeuticals products contain fragrance and low concentration parabens. Not all, though, so be sure to look specifically! Also, both SkinCeuticals and SkinMedica have most of their products formulated without drying alcohol, which is especially to the liking of people with sensitive or dry skin.
Price Range
In the battle between SkinMedica and SkinCeuticals, you’ve got to factor in price points. Both of these brands are expensive, there’s no denying it.
SkinCeuticals
- Most expensive product: Vitamin C Serum – $166
- Least expensive product: Hydra Balm – $23
- Average product price: $66
SkinMedica
- Most expensive product: TNS Advanced+ Serum – $295
- Least expensive product: Essential Defence Everyday Clear SPF – $38
- Average product price: $83
As you can see, SkinCeuticals comes in at a less expensive price, so depending on your budget could be more friendly. The reasoning behind the expense can be found in the ingredients list and in the deep levels of research behind each product.
Accessibility
Whatever skincare brand you buy, you want them to be accessible and easy to get hold of. SkinCeuticals is easily accessible around the world, with the option to buy directly from their website, authorized online retailers, or authorized skincare professionals.
Contrastingly, SkinMedica is a little less accessible. Their website delivers to Canada and the US. They do have a list of unauthorized online retailers, which brings more international options in. However, with the use of unauthorized retailers comes potentially counterfeit or outdated products. It’s recommended that you tread carefully!
Customer satisfaction rate
The feedback for both brands appears to be fairly similar and generally positive, although SkinCeuticals seems to be the more popular of the two, with more reviews given on sites.
People using SkinCeuticals cite that their products are life-changing and worth the price. From looking at the reviews on their websites and other sites, you can see how popular the products are, with most achieving a 4.5-star rating. Those who give positive reviews on SkinMedica say that the products genuinely work, and a fair few push them to holy grail status!
No brand comes without some negativity, though, and you can see that for some people, the products just aren’t right for their skin. There are reviews for both brands stating irritation and skin reaction. Even if it’s SkinMedica or SkinCeuticals, it’s important to remember that no brand is going to work perfectly for every single person.
Cruelty-free
And in case you wonder, SkinMedica is cruelty-free, an important detail to take note of. Unfortunately, SkinCeuticals is not, and they may test on animals, either themselves, through their suppliers, or a third party.
So, which brand is right for you?
Okay, so now you have the low down on SkinMedica vs. SkinCeuticals, which do you think comes out on top? I believe that it’s a result that will change from person to person.
- For scientifically-backed products, both brands will suit you.
- If you can’t afford to pay the very highest prices, pick SkinCeuticals.
- If you have acne, SkinCeuticals is a much better choice.
No matter who really comes out on top, your own skin is what sways the vote most. Because both brands have high price points and less-than-simplistic products, it may be a great idea to seek advice from a skincare professional about what would be right for you.
