I look to dermatologists as my queens and kings—bona fide skin gurus, who can look at my face and tell me what’s going on with my skin, which products I should be using, and what beauty ingredients are worth knowing about. You could say that they’re like the Yoda to my Luke Skywalker, as I constantly pursue the route to the best skin that I can possibly have.

So, when a dermatologist comes out with their very own skin-care line, I’m all about it. They went to medical school for skin, for goodness’ sake. It’s as if Yoda came out with a bottle of the Force for people to use (okay I’m stopping with the Star Wars references now, but you get the idea). Anyways—there are actually so, so many dermatologist-founded skin-care brands out there that you’d probably be hard-pressed to walk into a beauty store without finding one.

There’s Dr. Dennis Gross, Dr. Perricone, Dr. Lancer—honestly, the list goes on and on. But here are my personal favorites, along with the product of theirs that I slather on the most.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare: Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Pads ($88)

This is the ultimate cult-favorite skin-care must-have among beauty fanatics, and it’s a creation by Dennis Gross, MD—a New York City-based dermatologist who’s known for his innovative products and skin cancer research. I can’t say enough good things about these peel pads—once I started incorporating them into my regimen, my post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (AKA acne scars) faded, my complexion became brighter, and I haven’t had a breakout. They’re a gentle chemical peel you can do in your own bathroom.

Perricone MD: Face Finishing & Firming Moisturizer ($69)

You could say that Nicholas Perricone, MD, is the godfather of the skin-inflammation connection. The famous dermatologist has long preached a holistic approach to skin health that not only involves topical care but also an anti-inflammatory diet. His high-potency moisturizer is light but fully-packed with strong antioxidants and vitamin C, and works wonders on redness.

Dr. Loretta: Intense Replenishing Serum ($70)

Loretta Ciraldo, MD, has been practicing dermatology for over 40 years, and created a super-smart skin-care line full of potent, targeted ingredients that go after the four external factors that impact the skin: pollution, light, climate, and irritants. I love to slather on this serum to plump my skin, while also fighting free radicals via its powerful antioxidant, lipochroman.

Lancer Skincare: The Method Polish ($75)

Superstar dermatologist Harold Lancer, MD has been working on celebrity’s complexion for ages (from Kim Kardashian to Jennifer Lopez), and his skin-care line is all about using smart formulations to achieve restored, healthy skin. One of his best-selling products is this facial polish, which sloughs off dead skin cells and eliminates dullness with pumpkin and pomegranate enzymes and pure minerals. It leaves your skin as soft as a baby.

Specific Beauty: Active Radiance Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($35)

Miami-based dermatologist Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD is well-versed on all things hyperpigmentation. And so she concocted her own skin-care line that’s catered towards fighting dark spots and uneven skin tone using a variety of ingredients—but first and foremost, sunscreen. This moisturizer-slash-SPF is one of the best I’ve ever tried. It absorbs super quickly and doesn’t leave any white streaks, and leaves my complexion nourished and protected all day.

Originally posted April 19, 2019, updated June 18, 2019. 

If you’re looking for more pro intel, here are the best acne spot treatments, according to dermatologists. And here’s what dermatologists have to say about using retinol vs. glycolic acid.