The Truth About Medical Grade Skincare: Marketing Myths Explained
The Truth About “Medical Grade” Skincare
Did you know that “medical grade” or “professional grade” skincare doesn’t actually exist? Well, the products are out there, but the terms themselves don’t really mean anything. What you’re seeing promoted by brands, other estheticians, and even dermatologists is mostly a marketing ploy.
The Problem with Buzzwords
Companies often use trendy marketing terms like non-comedogenic or clean beauty because people search for them. But these labels don’t actually determine whether a product is good or bad. In fact, they have no standardized meaning and can appear on almost any label. As these terms gain popularity, more brands jump on the bandwagon to stay competitive. While I personally dislike this trend, I give some brands a slight pass if they have a genuinely quality product to back up the claims.
However, I would be wary of any esthetician or dermatologist using these buzzwords to sell you something. They are at best uninformed and at worst intentionally misleading you for profit.
What a True Professional Brand Looks Like
Skinscript Hyper Pigmentation Kit
Some companies really are “professional brands” because they partner with estheticians and clients to create customized routines instead of selling directly to anyone on the open market.
Examples include Skinscript, Glymed, and Circadia, brands you’ll often see us using and recommending. These companies embody what a professional brand should be, all without charging $100 for a two-ounce cleanser.
Some brands carry a heftier price tag, but it’s clear why: they pioneered unique formulas or they invest in backing their products with scientific studies. Others are expensive simply because they want the price tag to imply efficacy without the legwork of creating something special.
Do I enjoy some pricey products?
Unfortunately for my wallet, yes, but only when they meet those higher standards.
However only for my reasons above: they either have these uniquely stable formulas, like with Allies of Skin, or I want to invest back into the scarse world of cosmetic scientific studies, like with Skinceuticals and their holy grail Vitamin C.
Our Approach to Skincare
This is exactly why I don’t limit myself to one budget range or product line.
Great products exist at every price point, and understanding ingredients, formulations, and individual needs is key to building a long-term skincare plan people can actually sustain.
At The Skincare Consultant, we consider your budget, your starting point, and your personal goals to create a routine that works for you. We believe skincare should feel approachable, and that means meeting you where you are.
Some professionals prefer to work with a small roster of brands so they can master every product they recommend.
That is fine.
But when someone only pushes high-end brands while relying on flashy marketing terms, they are knowingly or unknowingly contributing to the elitism, inaccessibility, and classism that plague the skincare industry.
What Should We Break Down Next?
If there are other marketing ploys you would like us to explore, such as the meaningless label of clean beauty, the pitfalls of going paraben-free, or the greenwashing behind chemical-free, let us know!
