{"id":606117658930,"title":"Skinbetter Science Review: Wildly Overpriced or Legit?","created_at":"2023-08-22T23:52:29-04:00","body_html":"\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\/\/ \u003c![CDATA[\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"Article\",\n \"headline\": \"Skinbetter Science Review: Wildly Overpriced or Legit?\",\n \"keywords\": \"skinbetter science, skinbetter science review, skinbetter science reviews, skinbetter science alpharet overnight cream, skinbetter science products, skinbetter science alto defense serum, skinbetter science alpharet\",\n \"description\": \"Our research team analyzes the ingredients in Skinbetter Science based on medical studies to give our take on whether this brand is worth the extremely high prices, or if it's a waste of money. We feature unsponsored customer reviews and discuss a potential inconvenience.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/skinbetter-science-review\",\n\"author\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Calloway Cook\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/calloway-cook\",\n \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/calloway-cook\/\",\n \"jobTitle\": \"President\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"entrepreneurship, dietary supplements, herbal supplements, eCommerce, medical research\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": \"S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University\"\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"editor\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Nely Aldrich\",\n \"honorificSuffix\": [\n \"M.D.\",\n \"FAAD\"\n ],\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/nely-aldrich\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.healthgrades.com\/physician\/dr-nely-aldrich-gf53b\",\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/nely-aldrich-16b99530\/\"\n ],\n \"jobTitle\": \"Dermatology Reviewer\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"skincare, anti-aging, wrinkles, acne, moisturizer, clinical research, clinical trials, hair, aging, sunscreen, soap\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": [\n \"University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center\",\n \"Northeast Ohio Medical University\",\n \"Kent State University\"\n ]\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n },\n\"image\": {\n\"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n\"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Skinbetter_Science_Thumbnail.png?v=1692765391\",\n\"width\": \"2203\",\n\"height\": \"2203\"\n},\n\"citation\": [\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33458927\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/17147561\/\", \n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33836179\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/tatcha-dewy-skin-cream-review\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31353601\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32387382\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5796020\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/28936777\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/fiera-cosmetics-review\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/1981416\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3997205\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30287361\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24471735\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30681787\/\"\n],\n\"mentions\": [{\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Allure\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"glycolic acid\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"superoxide dismutase\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"No BS Beauty\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"phytosphingosine\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"phenoxyethanol\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Dr Dray\"\n }\n],\n\"datePublished\": \"2023-08-23\",\n\"copyrightHolder\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n},\n\"publisher\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/\",\n \"description\": \"Illuminate Labs is the most transparent supplement company in the U.S., and is a leading publisher of research-based health information.\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"supplements, science, nutrition, exercise, health, medication, pharmaceutical, wellness, diet, weight loss, medical research\",\n \"publishingPrinciples\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/editorial-guidelines\",\n \"memberOf\": [\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"U.S. Chamber of Commerce\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.uschamber.com\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Certified B Corp\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.bcorporation.net\/en-us\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Natural Products Association\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.npanational.org\/\"\n }\n ],\n \"logo\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Illuminate_Labs_Favicon_48x48_7595c3cc-e27b-47b8-a4fe-edcc7ed9b29a.png?v=1666502785\", \n \"width\": 48,\n \"height\": 48\n},\n \"foundingDate\": \"2019-01-30\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/twitter.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/illuminate-labs-supplements\",\n \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCpgSJAsIPb-fZ25djtTxBEA\"\n ]\n }\n}\n\/\/ ]]\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Skinbetter_Science_Review_Article_Header_Image_Optimized.png?v=1692762687\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dc\"\u003eS\u003c\/span\u003ekinbetter Science is a luxury cosmetics brand that partners with dermatologists to sell their products. The brand has won awards from beauty publishers like Allure, and describes itself as “A New Paradigm In Skincare.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBut are Skinbetter Science products worth the high cost, or are they a waste of money? Are they really better than cheaper alternatives? Does Skinbetter Science use any questionable additive ingredients? And how do real customers rate and describe their experience with this brand?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we analyze the ingredients in Skinbetter Science’s best sellers (AlphaRet Overnight Cream and Alto Defense Serum) based on medical studies to give our take on whether the brand is worth the money or not.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe’ll feature unsponsored customer reviews and share our thoughts on the model of requiring customers to purchase through a dermatologist.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIngredient Analysis – AlphaRet Overnight Cream\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"AlphaRet Overnight Cream ingredients\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/AlphaRet_Overnight_Cream_Ingredients_Optimized.png?v=1692762885\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe ingredients in AlphaRet Overnight Cream are shown above.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis formulation contains a large number of research-backed active ingredients, which one would hope given that 1.7 fluid ounces (oz) retails for $195.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGlycolic acid\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is described as a “topical therapy” that can improve skin texture, tone and sheen in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33458927\/\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33458927\/\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eJournal of Cosmetic Dermatology\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNiacinamide\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/17147561\/\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/17147561\/\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinically shown\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e to have a hydrating effect in skin.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSuperoxide dismutase\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is an enzyme that was shown to have an anti-aging effect when applied topically in a 2021 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33836179\/\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33836179\/\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCamellia sinensis\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e leaf extract\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e was clinically shown to have significant moisturizing effects, as we documented in our \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/tatcha-dewy-skin-cream-review\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/tatcha-dewy-skin-cream-review\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eTatcha Dewy Skin Cream reviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e article.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePortulaca oleracea\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e extract\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e was found to protect skin cells from sun-induced damage in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31353601\/\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31353601\/\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eJournal of Food Biochemistry\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThere are a number of other research-backed ingredients in this formulation. There is only one inactive ingredient we can identify that may be questionable from a health perspective.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePhenoxyethanol\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e was shown in a 2020 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32387382\/\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32387382\/\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e to be toxic to human cells.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOverall, we consider AlphaRet Overnight Cream to be one of the most potent and effective skin creams we’ve reviewed to date on Illuminate Health.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIt contains anti-aging, sunscreen, hydrating and barrier-protecting ingredients. We don’t currently recommend this cream due to the inclusion of one synthetic preservative, but we definitely consider it to be better-than-average and worth the price from an efficacy standpoint.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBut before analyzing the ingredients in another Skinbetter Science best-seller, we’ll feature some unsponsored customer reviews.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eReal People Try Skinbetter Science\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA YouTube creator named “No BS Beauty” shares her experience using several Skinbetter Science products:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/h80rPXCqF-4\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA YouTube creator named “Dr. Ania Marie, MD” explains why AlphaRet Overnight Cream is one of her favorite cosmetic products:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/aqAb5mMcK-8\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIngredient Analysis – Alto Defense Serum\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Alto_Defense_Serum_Ingredients_Optimized.png?v=1692764423\" alt=\"Skinbetter Science Alto Defense Serum ingredients\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eLike AlphaRet Overnight Cream, Alto Defense Serum contains an unbelievable number of ingredients.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMany of the active ingredients are the same, and are clinically shown to be effective, including \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eniacinamide\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003esodium hyaluronate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eceramide NP\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003etocopherol\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e and more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThere are also some ingredients unique to this formulation with clinical backing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOlive fruit extract\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e provides a strong antioxidant effect when applied topically, according to a 2018 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5796020\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePhytosphingosine\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is an endogenously-produced fat (meaning it’s produced naturally by the body), shown to enhance moisture in the skin barrier in a 2017 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/28936777\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eShea butter\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e supports optimal skin barrier function, as we discussed in our review of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/fiera-cosmetics-review\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFièra Cosmetics\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBeyond \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ephenoxyethanol\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e as a questionable inactive ingredient, this formulation also contains \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003esodium hydroxide\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, which is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/1981416\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinically shown\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e to be irritating to the skin in some cases.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe do not currently recommend this cream due to the inactive ingredients stated above, although these are relatively minor considerations, and like the previous Skinbetter Science product, we consider this one very likely to improve skin quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDermatologist Reviews Skinbetter Science\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA dermatologist with a popular YouTube channel called “Dr Dray” reviewed Skinbetter Science’s most popular product in a video with over 100,000 views:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/WSYuPNLt6Y0\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Skinbetter Science's Model Broken?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAs referenced in the intro to this article, Skinbetter Science disallows customers from purchasing directly from their website, and requires customers to order from \"authorized skinbetter professionals.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis approach has pros and cons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe good thing is that \u003cstrong\u003eworking with dermatologists to select appropriate and individualized skincare products may improve patient outcomes.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDermatologists can also explain proper use of skincare products, as documented in a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3997205\/\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/a\u003e published in the \u003cem\u003eJournal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology\u003c\/em\u003e, which may further enhance skin improvements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHowever, \u003cstrong\u003erequiring patients to go in-person is a major inconvenience\u003c\/strong\u003e that we're not sure is worth the slight advantages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe input our ZIP code into the \"Find a Professional\" page on Skinbetter Science's website, and the nearest dermatologist was around 10 miles away, which would be nearly an hour round-trip as there are no highways between the two locations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOur Clean Skincare Picks\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Skincare_Products_Image_Optimized.png?v=1664754145\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are skincare products that contain ingredients shown in clinical trials to be effective for reducing wrinkles and improving skin quality generally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"http:\/\/track.revoffers.com\/aff_c?offer_id=155\u0026amp;aff_id=7240\u0026amp;url_id=2077\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnnie Mak Vitamin C Serum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is our top skin cream pick because of its effective and clean formulation. It contains \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ehyaluronic acid\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e which was described as a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"skin-rejuvenating biomedicine\"\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30287361\/\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e due to its ability to reduce wrinkles and signs of facial aging.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterested consumers can check out Annie Mak Vitamin C Serum \u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"http:\/\/track.revoffers.com\/aff_c?offer_id=155\u0026amp;aff_id=7240\u0026amp;url_id=2077\"\u003eat this link\u003c\/a\u003e to the product page on the official brand's website.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"http:\/\/track.revoffers.com\/aff_c?offer_id=159\u0026amp;aff_id=7240\u0026amp;url_id=2174\"\u003eHydraglow\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis our top moisturizer pick. It features\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ebakuchiol\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eas an active ingredient which was described in a 2014 \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24471735\/\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/a\u003e as\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"clinically proven to have anti-aging effects.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterested consumers can check out HydraGlow\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"http:\/\/track.revoffers.com\/aff_c?offer_id=159\u0026amp;aff_id=7240\u0026amp;url_id=2174\"\u003eat this link\u003c\/a\u003e to the product page on the official brand's website.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe only oral supplement we recommend for skin quality improvement is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/bulletproof.fdf2.net\/c\/3271428\/1278011\/9221\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBulletproof Collagen Powder\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOral \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ecollagen\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e supplementation was shown in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30681787\/\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJournal of Drugs in Dermatology\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eto improve visible signs of skin aging as well as improve skin elasticity and skin hydration\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterested consumers can check out Bulletproof Collagen Powder \u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/bulletproof.fdf2.net\/c\/3271428\/1278011\/9221\"\u003eat this link\u003c\/a\u003e to the product page on the brand's official website.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNone of the products recommended in this section contain additive ingredients that we consider questionable from a health perspective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePros and Cons of Skinbetter Science\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHere are the pros and cons of Skinbetter Science in our opinion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePros:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eVery effective formulations\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMany research-backed ingredients\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eShould have anti-aging effect\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eShould improve skin quality generally\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eShould help to hydrate skin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCons:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe can’t find published clinical research on these products\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eVery expensive\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCan’t purchase directly online\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eConclusion\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSkinbetter Science is an impressive cosmetics brand, and one of the few extremely expensive brands that we believe actually justifies its price based on its formulation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe products we analyzed from Skinbetter Science contain more research-backed active ingredients than nearly any other skincare brand we’ve reviewed to date on Illuminate Health.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIt may be inconvenient for consumers to have to consult with a dermatologist prior to purchasing these products, but may also improve results.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe hope that in the future, Skinbetter Science allows customers to purchase directly from their website but also offers the option to meet with a local dermatologist, to improve user experience.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMost of the online customer reviews we came across while researching this article were favorable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis brand is recommended by many dermatologists, in what appear to be unsponsored videos, which is a good sign of a high-quality brand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","blog_id":49281925193,"author":"Calloway Cook","user_id":26601750601,"published_at":"2023-08-22T23:56:05-04:00","updated_at":"2023-08-23T00:42:28-04:00","summary_html":"We analyze the ingredients in Skinbetter Science based on medical studies to give our take on whether this brand is worth the extremely high prices, or if it's a waste of money. We feature unsponsored customer reviews and discuss a potential inconvenience.","template_suffix":"","handle":"skinbetter-science-review","tags":"_related:skincare"}

Skinbetter Science Review: Wildly Overpriced or Legit?

Skinbetter Science Review: Wildly Overpriced or Legit?


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Skinbetter Science is a luxury cosmetics brand that partners with dermatologists to sell their products. The brand has won awards from beauty publishers like Allure, and describes itself as “A New Paradigm In Skincare.”

But are Skinbetter Science products worth the high cost, or are they a waste of money? Are they really better than cheaper alternatives? Does Skinbetter Science use any questionable additive ingredients? And how do real customers rate and describe their experience with this brand?

In this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we analyze the ingredients in Skinbetter Science’s best sellers (AlphaRet Overnight Cream and Alto Defense Serum) based on medical studies to give our take on whether the brand is worth the money or not.

We’ll feature unsponsored customer reviews and share our thoughts on the model of requiring customers to purchase through a dermatologist.

Ingredient Analysis – AlphaRet Overnight Cream

AlphaRet Overnight Cream ingredients

The ingredients in AlphaRet Overnight Cream are shown above.

This formulation contains a large number of research-backed active ingredients, which one would hope given that 1.7 fluid ounces (oz) retails for $195.

Glycolic acid is described as a “topical therapy” that can improve skin texture, tone and sheen in a clinical trial published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

Niacinamide is clinically shown to have a hydrating effect in skin.

Superoxide dismutase is an enzyme that was shown to have an anti-aging effect when applied topically in a 2021 clinical trial.

Camellia sinensis leaf extract was clinically shown to have significant moisturizing effects, as we documented in our Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream reviews article.

Portulaca oleracea extract was found to protect skin cells from sun-induced damage in a clinical trial published in the Journal of Food Biochemistry.

There are a number of other research-backed ingredients in this formulation. There is only one inactive ingredient we can identify that may be questionable from a health perspective.

Phenoxyethanol was shown in a 2020 clinical trial to be toxic to human cells.

Overall, we consider AlphaRet Overnight Cream to be one of the most potent and effective skin creams we’ve reviewed to date on Illuminate Health.

It contains anti-aging, sunscreen, hydrating and barrier-protecting ingredients. We don’t currently recommend this cream due to the inclusion of one synthetic preservative, but we definitely consider it to be better-than-average and worth the price from an efficacy standpoint.

But before analyzing the ingredients in another Skinbetter Science best-seller, we’ll feature some unsponsored customer reviews.

Real People Try Skinbetter Science

A YouTube creator named “No BS Beauty” shares her experience using several Skinbetter Science products:

A YouTube creator named “Dr. Ania Marie, MD” explains why AlphaRet Overnight Cream is one of her favorite cosmetic products:

Ingredient Analysis – Alto Defense Serum

Skinbetter Science Alto Defense Serum ingredients

Like AlphaRet Overnight Cream, Alto Defense Serum contains an unbelievable number of ingredients.

Many of the active ingredients are the same, and are clinically shown to be effective, including niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, ceramide NP, tocopherol and more.

There are also some ingredients unique to this formulation with clinical backing.

Olive fruit extract provides a strong antioxidant effect when applied topically, according to a 2018 medical review.

Phytosphingosine is an endogenously-produced fat (meaning it’s produced naturally by the body), shown to enhance moisture in the skin barrier in a 2017 clinical trial.

Shea butter supports optimal skin barrier function, as we discussed in our review of Fièra Cosmetics.

Beyond phenoxyethanol as a questionable inactive ingredient, this formulation also contains sodium hydroxide, which is clinically shown to be irritating to the skin in some cases.

We do not currently recommend this cream due to the inactive ingredients stated above, although these are relatively minor considerations, and like the previous Skinbetter Science product, we consider this one very likely to improve skin quality.

Dermatologist Reviews Skinbetter Science

A dermatologist with a popular YouTube channel called “Dr Dray” reviewed Skinbetter Science’s most popular product in a video with over 100,000 views:

Is Skinbetter Science's Model Broken?

As referenced in the intro to this article, Skinbetter Science disallows customers from purchasing directly from their website, and requires customers to order from "authorized skinbetter professionals."

This approach has pros and cons.

The good thing is that working with dermatologists to select appropriate and individualized skincare products may improve patient outcomes.

Dermatologists can also explain proper use of skincare products, as documented in a medical review published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, which may further enhance skin improvements.

However, requiring patients to go in-person is a major inconvenience that we're not sure is worth the slight advantages.

We input our ZIP code into the "Find a Professional" page on Skinbetter Science's website, and the nearest dermatologist was around 10 miles away, which would be nearly an hour round-trip as there are no highways between the two locations.

Our Clean Skincare Picks

There are skincare products that contain ingredients shown in clinical trials to be effective for reducing wrinkles and improving skin quality generally.

Annie Mak Vitamin C Serum is our top skin cream pick because of its effective and clean formulation. It contains hyaluronic acid which was described as a "skin-rejuvenating biomedicine" in a medical review due to its ability to reduce wrinkles and signs of facial aging.

Interested consumers can check out Annie Mak Vitamin C Serum at this link to the product page on the official brand's website.

Hydraglow is our top moisturizer pick. It features bakuchiol as an active ingredient which was described in a 2014 clinical trial as "clinically proven to have anti-aging effects."

Interested consumers can check out HydraGlow at this link to the product page on the official brand's website.

The only oral supplement we recommend for skin quality improvement is Bulletproof Collagen Powder.

Oral collagen supplementation was shown in a medical review published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology to improve visible signs of skin aging as well as improve skin elasticity and skin hydration.

Interested consumers can check out Bulletproof Collagen Powder at this link to the product page on the brand's official website.

None of the products recommended in this section contain additive ingredients that we consider questionable from a health perspective.

Pros and Cons of Skinbetter Science

Here are the pros and cons of Skinbetter Science in our opinion:

Pros:

  • Very effective formulations
  • Many research-backed ingredients
  • Should have anti-aging effect
  • Should improve skin quality generally
  • Should help to hydrate skin

Cons:

  • We can’t find published clinical research on these products
  • Very expensive
  • Can’t purchase directly online
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Conclusion

Skinbetter Science is an impressive cosmetics brand, and one of the few extremely expensive brands that we believe actually justifies its price based on its formulation.

The products we analyzed from Skinbetter Science contain more research-backed active ingredients than nearly any other skincare brand we’ve reviewed to date on Illuminate Health.

It may be inconvenient for consumers to have to consult with a dermatologist prior to purchasing these products, but may also improve results.

We hope that in the future, Skinbetter Science allows customers to purchase directly from their website but also offers the option to meet with a local dermatologist, to improve user experience.

Most of the online customer reviews we came across while researching this article were favorable.

This brand is recommended by many dermatologists, in what appear to be unsponsored videos, which is a good sign of a high-quality brand.




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