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the best dermalogica products

What are the best Dermalogica products? The brand sure has an outstanding reputation for delivering skincare products that work and deliver a brighter, younger-looking complexion. A lot of it is due to the founder, Jane Wurwand, who sought out to educate consumers about what their skin needs.

Dermalogica never sought out to be a luxury or trendy brands. Instead, their philosophy is to focus on skincare products that do what they say on the tin. But, in recent years, their formulations have left a lot to be desired. A lot of their offerings are loaded with essential oils that can irritate sensitive skin. *sighs*

Thankfully, not all of them are a dud. The line still have a few moisturisers, serums, and masks that are worth the investments. What are they? Here are the best Dermalogica products for all skin types and needs:

About The Brand: Dermalogica

In 1983, Jane Wurwand moved from the UK to Los Angeles on a mission to improve the state of skincare induction. Her first step was to create The International Dermal Institute (IDI) in Marina Del Rey, in the sunny state of California), where she offered post-grad training to licensed skin therapists. On the back of that success, Jane launched Dermalogica in 1986.

Back then, most skincare brands were loaded with fragrances and other skin irritants. Jane decided to take the opposite approach and create a line focused on three core principles: : education, personalization, and human touch. Unfortunately, over the years, a few irritants have made their way into Dermalogica products too. *sighs*

What Are The Best Dermalogica Products?

Best For Anti-Aging: Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum ($92.00)

Dermalogica claims this serum contains a 3.5% retinoid complex. That’s true, but not as impressive as it sounds. Retinoids are forms of Vitamin A that boost collagen, fight free radicals, and reduce wrinkles. Plus, they have exfoliating-like properties that also fade away acne and fade away dark spots. You do want them in your routine. But 3.5% of any retinoid would be way too irritating for your skin.

Thankfully, the serum contains a blend that includes Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate and Retinol (two retinoids) + moisturising ingredients. All these ingredients together add up to 3.5%, but the amount of the two retinoids is less. That’s good news. It means it can fight wrinkles, dark spots, and acne without causing severe irritations. The moisturising squalane base also counteracts any dryness. Still, for best results, use it every other night.

Available at: Cult Beauty, Selfridges, Sephora and Ulta

Active Ingredients: Hydroxypinacolone retinoate, retinol, squalane.

Benefits: Fights wrinkles, fades away dark spots, and helps treat acne.

Cons: Retinoids can cause dryness and irritation when used too much too often. It also has essential oils that may irritate sensitive skin.

Skin type: All skin types, bar sensitive.

Fragrance-free: Technically, yes. But it has fragranced essential oils that may irritate sensitive skin.

Related: The Complete Guide To Retinol: What It Is, What It Does, And How To Use It

Best For Anti-Aging For Sensitive Skin: Dermalogica Retinol Clearing Oil ($86.00)

Don’t be fooled by the name. Dermalogica Retinol Clearing Oil does NOT contain wrinkle-fighter retinol. It contains rosehip oil, a natural source of retinol. Rosehip oil is less effective than retinol, but also gentler for sensitive skin. If retinol irritates your skin, switching to this serum is totally worth it. Plus, rosehip oil also has moisturising and anti-acne properties. It’s one of those rare oils that work for all skin types and a variety of skin conditions. Plus, it has a bunch of natural oils that enhance the oil’s moisturising properties.

Available at: Dermalogica, Look Fantastic, Sephora, SpaceNK, and Ulta

Active Ingredients: Rosehip oil.

Benefits: Moisturises skin and prevents premature wrinkles.

Cons: Doesn’t contain retinol.

Skin type: Sensitive.

Fragrance-free: Yes.

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Best For Acne-Prone Skin: Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Liquid Peel ($29.50)

Dealing with breakouts/pimples/blackheads? This powerful exfoliant contains 2% salicylic acid, an oil-soluble acid that penetrates deep inside your pores to remove blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. Plus, a 10% blend of AHAs to remove dead cells from your skin before they can fall into your pores and give you breakouts in the first place. Lightweight and fragrance-free, it also smoothens out your skin’s texture and brightens the complexion. For best results, use it every other night, after cleansing.

Available at: Look Fantastic, Selfridges, SpaceNK, and Ulta

Active Ingredients: Lactic acid and Salicylic acid.

Benefits: Exfoliates, brightens, and gets rid of pimples and blackheads.

Cons: Can dry out and irritate skin if used too much too often.

Skin type: Acne-prone skin, oily skin, combination skin.

Fragrance-free: Yes.

Best For Sensitive Skin: Dermalogica Ultracalming Serum Concentrate ($66.00)

Designed for sensitive skin, the moisturising base is made up by evening primrose oil, an oil rich in fatty acids that strengthen your skin’s protective barrier against environmental aggressors. Primrose oil also has soothing properties. It doesn’t do the job alone. This serum is loaded with anti-inflammatory ingredients, like oats and probiotics that help to calm down redness. It heals dryness and irritations faster. Unfortunately, there’s a drop of sage oil that may irritate those who are allergic to it. If your skin’s cool with it, there’s no reason not to use it.

Available at: Dermalogica, Harrods and Ulta

Active Ingredients: Evening primrose oil and oats.

Benefits: Moisturises and soothes skin.

Cons: Contains sage oil, which can cause allergies in some people.

Skin type: Dry and sensitive.

Fragrance-free: Technically, yes. But it contains sage oil to make it smell good.

Best For Combination Skin: Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance Moisturiser ($74.00)

A lovely formula for combination skin, this moisturiser is high in humectants like hyaluronic acid that hydrate skin by attracting and binding moisture into it. It works so well, it can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. All that moisture helps skin function its best, so that it’s naturally plumper, softer, and brighter. Plus, it’s enriched with ceramides and other components of your natural skin’s barrier to keep that moisture in and your skin hydrated all day. In other words, it keeps both the dry and oily areas of your skin happy without clogging them up. It also has a sprinkle of antioxidants to fight premature aging.

Available at: Dermalogica, Look Fantastic, SpaceNK, and Ulta

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and ceramides.

Benefits: Moisturises skin.

Cons: I wish it had more antioxidants, but even a sprinkle is better than nothing.

Skin type: Combination.

Fragrance-free: Yes.

Best For Oily Skin: Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque ($54.00)

A simple clay mask to absorb excess oil, so it doesn’t fall into your pores and clogs them up. This oil-absorbing action also gives skin a beautiful matte finish. Plus, the mask is loaded with anti-inflammatory ingredients, like bisabolol and oats, that calm down redness (acne is an inflammatory disease that always brings redness along). There’s also a sprinkle of salicylic acid, but at 0.5%, don’t expect it to treat acne. Still, this is a wonderful preventative treatment that gets rid of excess oil without drying out skin in the process. For best results, use it a couple of nights a week.

Available at: Dermalogica, Look Fantastic, SpaceNK, and Ulta

Active Ingredients: Kaolin and bentonite.

Benefits: Absorbs excess oil.

Cons: Doesn’t contain enough salicylic acid to treat acne.

Skin type: Oily and acne-prone.

Fragrance-free: Yes.

Best For Soothing Irritations: Dermalogica Ultracalming Mist ($43.00)

Does your skin gets irritated easily? Grab yourself a bottle of Dermalogica Ultracalming Mist and keep it at hand for when your skin throws a tantrum. It’s a highly concentrated blend of anti-inflammatory actives (including probiotics, oats, and aloe vera) that reduce any redness or irritation you may be experiencing. Plus, it delivers an extra burst of moisture. You can also spray it on top of makeup without ruining it.

Available at: Dermalogica, Harrods, SpaceNK, and Ulta

Active Ingredients: Probiotics, oats, aloe vera.

Benefits: Soothes redness and irritations.

Cons: Can’t think of anything.

Skin type: Sensitive skin.

Fragrance-free: Yes.

Best For A Skin Pick-Me-Up: Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Mask ($65.00)

Does your skin need a pick-me-up before a special occasion? This lightweight mask will do the trick. It’s full of vitamins, including A, C, and E, and plenty of other antioxidants that fight free radicals and prevent premature wrinkles. It’s true antioxidants work better when left on the skin for hours (you could use this as a serum/moisturiser), but even 20 minutes is better than nothing. Plus, you’ll get a burst of hydration and a bunch of anti-inflammatory agents to calm down any redness or irritation. It just makes your skin look better.

Available at: Dermalogica, Look Fantastic, SpaceNK, and Ulta

Active Ingredients: Vitamins A, C, and E.

Benefits: Hydrates skin and prevents wrinkles.

Cons: Antioxidants work better when left on the skin over a long period of time. It also has fragrant extracts that may irritate sensitive skin.

Skin type: All skin types.

Fragrance-free: Technically yes, but it has fragrant extracts that make it smell good.

Related: How To Treat Crow’s Feet

Best For Sun Protection: Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF 30 ($58.00)

This lightweight chemical sunscreen provides broad spectrum protection that’s suitable for daytime wear without leaving a white, greasy mess all over your skin. Plus, it’s loaded with antioxidants (way more than most sunscreens have) that boost the effectiveness of your sunscreen and help to prevent premature wrinkles. It’s not the most hydrating, but it dries to a soft, matte finish oily skin will love. Everyone can use it though. Just remember to reapply it during the day.

Available at: Dermalogica, Look Fantastic, SpaceNK, and Ulta

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3.00%, Homosalate 8.00%, Octisalate 4.00%, Oxybenzone 5.00%, and antioxidants.

Benefits: Provides broad spectrum protection and helps prevent premature aging.

Cons: It has a few drops of fragrant essential oils that may irritate sensitive skin.

Skin type: All skin types can use it, but it’s best for oily skin.

Fragrance-free: Technically yes, but it has essential oils that make it smell good.

What Are The Best Dermalogica Products For Wrinkles?

  • Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum ($92.00): This serum contains a retinoid complex that can reduce the wrinkles you already have and prevent new ones from forming. Available at Cult Beauty, Selfridges, Sephora and Ulta.
  • Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF 30 ($58.00): A broad spectrum sunscreen loaded with antioxidants to neutralise sun damage and keep your skin looking younger for longer. Available at Dermalogica, Look Fantastic, SpaceNK, and Ulta.

What Are The Best Dermalogica Products For Acne?

  • Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Liquid Peel ($29.50): A 2% salicylic acid exfoliant to unclog pores and remove blackheads and acne. Available at Look Fantastic, Selfridges, SpaceNK and Ulta.
  • Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque ($54.00): An easy-to-use clay mask to absorb excess oil, mattify skin, and prevent acne. Available at Dermalogica, Look Fantastic, SpaceNK, and Ulta.

What Are The Best Dermalogica Products For Dark Spots?

  • Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum ($92.00): This serum contains a retinoid blend that helps fade away wrinkles and dark spots at the same time. Don’t you love products that do double duty? Available at Cult Beauty, Selfridges, Sephora and Ulta.

What Are The Best Dermalogica Products For Sensitive Skin?

  • Dermalogica Ultracalming Serum Concentrate ($66.00): A serum concentrated with moisturising primrose oil and soothing ingredients to strengthen your skin’s protective barrier and calm down redness and irritations. Available at Dermalogica, Harrods and Ulta.
  • Dermalogica Ultracalming Mist ($43.00): A hydrating mist full of soothing ingredients to calm down any tantrum your skin’s throwing. Available at Dermalogica, Harrods, SpaceNK, and Ulta.
  • Dermalogica Retinol Clearing Oil ($86.00): If your skin can’t tolerate retinol, try rosehip oil. It has anti-aging, moisturising and soothing properties to help sensitive skin age better. Available at Dermalogica, Look Fantastic, Sephora, SpaceNK, and Ulta.

Is Dermalogica Cruelty-Free?

Yes, Dermalogica is cruelty-free. The brand doesn’t test on animals and doesn’t sell in countries that still require that.

What Are The Pros Of Dermalogica Skincare?

Dermalogica skincare has some great formulations for dry and sensitive skin. Their products are loaded with moisturising oils and soothing agents that strengthen your skin’s barrier, soothe irritations, and keep skin in top shape. They also tend to package their products in opaque, air-tight containers that don’t spoil the goodies inside.

What Are The Cons Of Dermalogica Skincare?

Most Dermalogica products contain fragrant oils and extracts that make them smell good, but may irritate sensitive. They also use derivatives of Vitamin C or low concentrations of active ingredients, like salicylic acid, that work more slowly. It make take a long time to see results. *sighs*

The Verdict

Dermalogica shines in creating soothing, moisturising concoctions for dry and sensitive skin. They also have some oil-absorbing products to keep oily skin free from acne. Unfortunately, a lot of their products are also loaded with fragrant oils and extracts that can cause allergies and irritations. Choose wisely.

About Gio

Hi, I'm Gio. I'm a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever - every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what's worth the splurge and what's best left on the shelf - using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.