6 Underrated Dermatologist-Approved Brands To Know About To Keep Your Best Face Forward

For some of you, this might have been the longest you’ve been without going for your monthly facial. All those pesky blackheads and pimples are starting to get the best of you and the thought of having to endure the next few weeks without going to your facial clinic is simply agonising.

And though your skin might be in dire desperation for some help, you’d be glad to know that you can still get clear and smooth skin online. And no, that was not a typo. Case in point: dermatologist-approved brands such as homegrown labels, Porcelain and IDS Aesthetics, have shifted operations online in light of the current Circuit Breaker situation — which means, you can still access their products and even engage their teleconsultation services at the comfort of your home. So if you’re still on the hunt for some top-grade skincare products that are approved by dermatologists, then you’ve come to the right page. Here are some of the few underrated dermatologist-approved brands you need to keep on your radar.

1. PORCELAIN

Porcelain (L — R): Intensive HA+ Hydrating Serum and Soothe Deep Hydrating Lotion

KEY PRODUCTS: Intensive HA+ Hydrating Serum and Soothe Deep Hydrating Lotion

WHO: Former beauty aesthetician and the current Director Aesthetician of Porcelain, Jenny Teng, and her daughter, Pauline Ng, who’s the Managing Director of the face spa. Both co-founders started their business in 2009.

WHAT THEY PROMISE: Specialising in curating a personalised experience, Porcelain Skin Spa prides itself on listening to your needs with its Skin Discovery analysis. This includes learning more about your skin and what it needs, down to the finest details. But that’s not all, in fact, Porcelain has extended its business into the world of skincare with their line of products that are tailored for your skin — promising to rejuvenate the skin from within.

Unlike most skincare brands, Porcelain’s treatments and products are targeted at treating the root cause of skin concerns, not just the symptoms. By doing so, this reboots the skin and reduces the sensitivity and frequency of skin problems to occur — with its main aim of correcting instead of concealing.

 

Find out more about Porcelain here

2. IDS AESTHETICS

IDS Aesthetics (L — R): Diamond-Dust Perfector and Lyco-White

KEY PRODUCTS: Diamond-Dust Perfector and Lyco-White

WHO: The brand was first founded by Dr. SK Tan which was first known as DRx Clinic in 1998 before Dr and Mrs Tan launched IDS — a new clinic and skincare line in 2014.

WHAT THEY PROMISE: What first started out as a small Singaporean brand, has grown into one of the most promising skincare labels in the local scene. Offering both in-house clinic treatments as well as skincare products, IDS Aesthetics has got everything you need to address those skin concerns — from oily to blemish-prone skin. But what makes them different? Dr. SK Tan believes that users have to be educated on what they are using on their skin instead of just using it because it doesn’t cause any skin problems. This brings about how the products that have been developed; they’ve been tested by Dr. SK Tan himself alongside his team to ensure top quality assurance.

Some of their most well-known treatments include the Light Cryo Treatment and Advanced Acne Treatment Plus(AAT+) that work to brighten and clear the skin of acne respectively. Their collection of products are also well-known amongst many in the market for its effective results such as the bestselling Diamond-Dust Perfector — a makeup base that instantly minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores and blemishes — and their Lyco-White Oral Supplements — a skin-whitening treatment that works to brighten and even the skin tone.

Find out more about IDS Aesthetics here. IDS will also be offering teleconsultation service during the Circuit Breaker period, available from Monday to Friday, 12 pm to 6pm. To book a slot visit idsclinic.com/tele-consulting.

3. DRGL

DrGL (L — R): Post Cleanser Step 2 and Collagen Essence
DrGL (L — R): Post Cleanser Step 2 and Collagen Essence

KEY PRODUCTS: Post Cleanser Step 2 and Collagen Essence

WHO: DrGL was first founded by Dr Georgia Lee — a medical doctor with a speciality in aesthetics — who is also known as the Medical Doctor and Founder of DrGL®, DrSpa® and DrHair®.

WHAT THEY PROMISE: Bespoke beauty brand, DrGL isn’t just any of your typical label you’d find in the market. Best suited for the modern-day warrior, the brand boasts treatments and products that ensure maximum efficacy and minimum fuss. The proprietary skincare range is dedicated to different skin types while delivering carefully crafted products for even the most sensitive skin. With an extensive lineup of beauty services to choose from, A DrBrand (ADB) specialises in beauty products, skin supplements, scalp care & treatments, and medic-aesthetic spas for the ultimate pampering experience.

Known as one of their bestsellers, the Post Cleanser Step 2 stands out from your usual alpha hydroxy acids as it exfoliates the skin — sloughing away dead skin cells — while hydrating it at the same time. Adding on, there’s also their Collagen Essence which is unique to its own kind as it’s able to hold 1,000 times its own weight in water thanks to the Hyaluronic Acid in its formula.

Find out more about DrGL here

4. SKINCEUTICALS

Skinceuticals (L — R): C E Ferulic® with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid and Phloretin® with Ferulic Acid. 

KEY PRODUCTS: C E Ferulic® with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid and Phloretin® with Ferulic Acid

WHO: Skinceuticals was first founded in 1997 by Sheldon Pinnell, the founding scientist of the brand itself who changed the face of topical antioxidants with his pivotal research.

WHAT THEY PROMISE: With a mission to improve the health of your skin, Skinceuticals was born from decades of skin cancer research which led to the birth of their esteemed line of hero products and professional treatments. Their clinical skincare range is formulated to correct signs of ageing, protect healthy skin, and prevent future damage — to be used for daily homecare as well as to complement post-aesthetic treatments.

One of their most iconic products to date — enter the brand’s C E Ferulic® with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid. Consistently ranked as one of the best Vitamin C serums in the market, the product has been supported by many dermatologists for its scientifically-backed formula. Though it’s price might be hard to swallow, the serum works well in neutralising damaging free-radicals caused by environmental factors while improving everything from skin tone to brightness, and even reduce lines and dark spots.

Find out more about Skinceuticals here

5. LA ROCHE-POSAY

La Roche-Posay (L—R): Anthelios Shaka Fluid SPF50+ and Thermal Spring Water by La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay (L—R): Anthelios Shaka Fluid SPF50+ and Thermal Spring Water by La Roche-Posay

KEY PRODUCTS: Anthelios Shaka Fluid SPF50+ and Thermal Spring Water by La Roche-Posay

WHO: The thermal springs of La Roche-Posay was first discovered by a French nobleman, Bertrand Du Guesclin — which drew much attention to the site and was officially recognised by the French Academy of Medicine in 1897. Then in 1975, the brand, La Roche-Posay Laboratoire Dermatologique, was then formed.

WHAT THEY PROMISE: With its main focus on providing effective skincare solutions, especially for those with sensitive skin, La Roche-Posay made it their mission to develop skincare products with the use of the unique thermal water. However, they made a name for themselves in the sunscreen market when they first launched their revolutionary Anthelios which was formulated with Mexoryl SX™  — AKA the only sun filter in a sunscreen formula to protect against both short and long UVA rays.

Find out more about La Roche-Posay here

6. EAU THERMALE AVÈNE

Eau Thermale Avène (L — R): Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray and Avène Skin Recovery Cream for Hypersensitive Skin
Eau Thermale Avène (L — R): Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray and Avène Skin Recovery Cream for Hypersensitive Skin

KEY PRODUCTS: Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray and Avène Skin Recovery Cream for Hypersensitive Skin

WHO: With a rich history that dates back to 1736, the brand first started when the Marquis de Rocozel’s horse was healed during its swim — where they discovered the soothing, anti-irritating properties of Avène Thermal Spring Water. Upon its discovery by the Americans in 1871, the Avène Dermatological Laboratories was then launched in 1990. 

WHAT THEY PROMISE: Famed for its products that contain naturally soothing properties, the brand is focused on delivering a better life for those with sensitive skin. Specially curated for those with red, sensitive or irritated skin, Eau Thermale Avène knows what’s best to combat these common skin concerns that many of us face on the daily. On top of that, they have also zoomed in their focus on their one-of-a-kind packaging technology which is unique in the world. In essence, it basically guarantees the purity and the soothing effectiveness of Avène Thermal Spring Water within each product. 

Find out more about Eau Thermale Avène here