From drugstore shelves to social media trends, consumers face a plethora of skincare products, making it challenging to discern what truly works. A study by Northwestern Medicine aims to clarify this by identifying ingredients that dermatologists agree are most effective for seven common skin issues.
The study highlights mineral sunscreen as one of the top recommended ingredients for protecting against wrinkles, redness, and dry skin. Retinoids, derived from vitamin A, were also highly recommended for improving conditions such as wrinkles, acne, dark spots, large pores, and oily skin. The complete list of dermatologist-recommended ingredients is available in the published study.
Dr. Murad Alam, senior author of the study and vice chair and professor of dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of this research: “This is the first time experts have come together nationally to cut through the overwhelming number of skincare options.” He added that their goal was to help both doctors and everyday users understand which ingredients have strong expert support.
Alam also noted that using too many products can be counterproductive: “Using too many products can irritate your skin and make things worse,” he said. “It’s about knowing which ingredients are most effective for your specific concerns and are best for your routine.”
Published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the study employed a rigorous Delphi consensus process where dermatologists rated skincare ingredients on a 1-9 scale. Only those with strong agreement made it to the final list after two rounds of scoring and expert discussion.
This research addresses a significant gap for consumers who often navigate skincare products without them undergoing rigorous review by authorities like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as medications do.
For further insights into these findings, Dr. Alam is available for interviews through Ben Schamisso at ben.schamisso@northwestern.edu.