Go to the store in search of new skincare products, and you’ll see plenty of them marked with labels that have been ‘Dermatologist Tested’ or ‘Dermatologist Recommended’. Such labels inspire confidence in the efficacy of the products, but what is the difference between the two? What do they mean?
Here is an overview of the differences between dermatologist tested and dermatologist recommended skincare products, as well as what you should do when looking for new skincare.
What Does Dermatologist Tested Mean?
In an ideal world, this would mean extensive testing with a good sample size and record of data. Unfortunately, this is not a label that is regulated by the FDA. As such, a company can slap dermatologist tested on their packaging if they sent their product to a dermatologist and said dermatologist tested it on their skin or someone else’s. While one would hope that a company would not put this label on their products unless the test had positive results, this is not always the case.
As such, this label means very little, unless the claim is accompanied by data about the tests done, the sample size, and the results of the test. You can always contact the company for more information about the results of the tests, the types of tests done, and the methods used. Unless the company willingly supplies this information, this label unfortunately has very little value. Just because a product was tested does not automatically mean that it is effective or safe.
What Does Dermatologist Recommended Mean?
This term holds more weight than the previous one. This is because it means that a dermatologist will actually recommend the product to their patients.
It is important to be wary of cases where products may be recommended because of financial incentives. While most dermatologists have their patients’ best interests at heart, there are cases where others may be swayed by a fat check to recommend a product that they wouldn’t normally. Consider all those sponsorships you see on social media and how some influencers will outright tell you it is their first time using the product that they are being paid to promote. Money can sway even professionals to dishonesty.
However, most dermatologists would not recommend a product unless they truly believed in it. This label, ergo, is more genuine and more trustworthy than dermatologist tested is.
Your dermatologist may give you a list of skincare products and brands that they recommend. In many cases, you will find that ‘dermatologist recommended’ labels align with the fact that your dermatologist is indeed recommending you this brand or product.
Can You Trust Labels?
Unfortunately, skincare is a very unregulated industry. Many brands can make unsubstantiated claims. However, the FDA can request that companies provide evidence for their claims, which curbs dishonesty and unsafe practices.
Generally, the bigger the brand, the more likely it is that you can trust what they say. This is because if people experience adverse reactions or find that the product does not work as advertised, they will complain, and the FDA is more likely to step in. Bigger brands are also more concerned with lawsuits.
Due to increased customer demand, more and more skincare brands are being more transparent with what their labels mean and the reasoning behind putting them there. They should list test results and back the validity of their claims on their websites. Data-based evidence is more trustworthy than words on the packaging, so you will want to look for that to ensure more credibility to the brand’s claims.
How Do You Find The Best Skincare For You?
If you’re looking at labels like dermatologist recommended or tested, you want to ensure that you’re choosing the best products possible for your skin, that you can rest assured will give you good results. The truth of the matter is that everyone’s skin is different. Even the highest quality skincare products can cause adverse reactions. What works miracles for one person’s skin could not work at all for another’s.
As such, if you would like to find the best skincare for you, it’s best to consult with your dermatologist. They will be able to analyze your skin’s unique needs and recommend you products and ingredients that will help. They will also be able to tell you the types of products and ingredients that you should avoid. If you experience adverse reactions to a skincare product, a dermatologist can help you.
Before using any type of new skincare product, always ensure that you do a patch test prior to applying it to your face. This way, you can learn whether or not it will cause any adverse reactions. If it does not, it is likely safe for you to use.
Intermountain Aesthetics is here to help you with your skincare needs. We are fully devoted to providing each and every one of our patients with the quality attention and personalized services and products they need. Contact us today to let us help you find the ideal skincare products for your specific needs so you can enjoy healthy, beautiful skin.
