While we are brand agnostic, the manufacturer is a relevant factor in product quality. High quality manufacturers work with quality chemists using ingredients that are well researched, and have a reputation to protect. Their success or lack of success in the market also reflect in a limited way, the likelihood of producing quality products in the future.

Actives refer to the ingredients in a product that has a biological effect. It’s what makes the product work. There are other important factors that affect the quality of a product as well, such as the concentration of said actives. A miniscule amount of a great active is not going to help. Similarly, poor packaging or stabilizing of ingredients will ruin an otherwise strong product. It’s important for dermatologists to take a holistic view of these factors.

Is there evidence supporting the ingredients and formulations that the product uses? Did the product conduct any clinical trials to demonstrate its efficacy for what it intends to do, and were the results positive?

Is the product tolerated well on the skin? Is the product known for triggering unwanted reactions in the market? If so, is it a relevant concern for what the product aims to do? Are the trade-offs worth it? Many acne treatments can be irritating for the skin, especially when starting the regimen, but that alone would not make it an undesirable product. If many known irritant ingredients were in a product designed for sensitive skin, however, this would be a problem.

A panel of dermatologists review each new submission for inclusion. Products must be eligible for submission, however. Any product that does not make their ingredient list open to the public will not be eligible for consideration on DermApproved. We believe in open information.