Ask Dr. Parks, Skin Care

What’s the Difference Between Pharmaceutical Grade vs Cosmetic Grade Products?

When it comes to skincare, the multitude of products on the market can make selecting the right one for your needs quite an overwhelming process. However, there is one aspect that we consider to be one of the most important to take into consideration: quality. I know from experience that selecting pharmaceutical grade skincare products over cosmetic grade skincare products, wherever possible, can make all the difference.

Pharmaceutical grade products are skincare products that you would find at your dermatologist’s office. Though they don’t require a prescription, the ingredients used in pharmaceutical grade products are higher quality and strength than something you would find at a drugstore. 

The higher quality ingredients used in pharmaceutical grade products provide deeper nourishment and longer-lasting restorative support to your skin, without the chemicals or additives often present in cosmetic grade products. These chemicals and additives can actually increase the inflammation in your skin, promoting breakouts and preventing your skin from effectively restoring and detoxifying itself.

For the delicate skin around your eyes, it can be especially important to select a product that protects your skin long-term while it provides daily benefits. SkinMedica TNS Eye Repair is an ultra-hydrating, rich eye cream that moisturizes the delicate eye area while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Jan Marini Age Intervention Eye Cream and NeoCutis MicroEyes are specially formulated for their anti-aging properties, preserving the radiance of your skin for the long-term.

Skin serums are an excellent choice for those who are seeking to deeply hydrate their skin without adding weight or excess moisture. These products provide targeted treatment for healing and restoring damaged areas of your skin, as well. The SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum and Defenage 8-in-1 BioSerum are two amazing products focused on rejuvenation from the inside out. Both products assist with the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles while improving overall radiance. The Defenage 8-in-1 BioSerum also provides the added benefit of reducing redness while improving the tone and texture of the skin. 

And, don’t forget your neck when designing your skincare routine! The delicate, sensitive skin on your neck and decolletage needs special treatment to maintain its tone and texture, as well. The iS Clinical NeckPerfect Complex is a transformative, anti-aging neck cream that tones and tightens the skin on your neck while providing deep moisture and protection. 

Whatever brand you choose, we believe that it’s always the best option to use pharmaceutical grade products and brands, instead of cosmetic grade products. If you are on a budget and can’t buy ALL pharmaceutical grade products, never fear! You can make calculated decisions to invest in quality where it matters most. 

For example, something like a cleanser, moisturizer or sunscreen can be purchased from a drug store, as those products spend less time on your skin. Your serums and treatment products, however, should be where you’re spending your money, as these products spend extended time on the skin and are formulated to deeply restore and rejuvenate over time. 

Investing in your skin is a lifetime commitment and it makes an enormous impact on confidence and well-being. We know that if you treat your skin with care, you will reap rewards for years to come.

About Dr. Alan J. Parks

Dr. Alan Parks is a board certified dermatologist. Dr. Parks founded his practice, Eastside Dermatology, in 1986 and has been practicing there ever since. In 2016 Dr. Parks launched DermWarehouse, an eCommerce website selling professional strength skin care products to customers across the United States.