We asked experts which skincare brands are actually worth the money – here’s what they said

Whether it’s the latest viral Gen Z brand to grace our algorithms, plush dermatologically tested moisturisers or formulas laced with luxurious ingredients that result in a hefty price tag, it can be hard to decipher which skincare brands are truly worth adding to your bathroom shelves.

While it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation when it comes to skin, there are brands that beauty journalists hear about on the regular that receive rave reviews from experts (and that stand out in our personal skincare arsenal, too). We got the intel for you and asked skin experts on the brands they really think are worth investing in – no matter the price tag.

From the skin barrier-saving moisturiser to the brand that helps tackle a plethora of skin conditions, here are the skincare brands that made the cut and have the endorsement of the UK’s leading skin experts. 

La Roche-Posay

“La Roche-Posay is the skincare brand worth investing in,” says Dr Christine Hall, pharmacist and aesthetic doctor. “It’s a brand that has worked extremely hard to create clinically backed, affordable products that are highly trusted and widely recommended by doctors and professionals. The brand is supported by robust clinical studies showing measurable improvements, and I have seen numerous success stories for my own patients, and those of other clinicians, whose specific skin concerns and conditions have been genuinely revolutionised by these products. 

“La Roche-Posay stands out because it is considered a pharmacy and clinical-grade skincare brand, offering high-quality products without the high prices typically associated with this level of clinical credibility. Compared to other doctor-led skincare brands, it is competitively priced and far more affordable. For specific medical conditions, its SPF has even been approved for use on the GP prescribing system in the UK, meaning the NHS recognises the products as so clinically proven that they warrant prescription – something that is very rarely seen.

“The formulations aren’t overcomplicated, routines are simple and effective, and there is a solution for virtually every skin concern and condition. This includes acne, sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema and even specialised ranges for children.”

Dr Hall shouts out several products from the brand’s extensive range. “For sensitive skin, the Toleriane range is excellent, particularly the moisturiser, which is gentle, calming and very well tolerated. For acne-prone skin, the Effaclar range is brilliant, with the Effaclar Duo Cream being a particular favourite because it helps exfoliate, balance the skin’s microbiome and support acne treatment without overly compromising the skin barrier. Its SPF products are also highly rated,” she says. 

iS Clinical

“The formulations are very sophisticated, and the ingredients used are backed by rigorous data,” says consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto. “The brand does extensive clinical trials, and I’ve found them to be consistent in terms of the results they generate for my patients. I really love the Active Peel System. It’s a two-step peel system that you can use at home. The first step is a towelette drenched in acid for a very controlled exfoliation. The second step is another one, but this time soaked in a hydrating formula to neutralise the acid. It’s a very good at-home product and one I use myself every couple of months. It’s great for someone looking to address texture concerns/uneven skin tone. In the right patient, it can also be beneficial for those with acne.

“With iS Clinical, you are paying for high concentrations of clinically active ingredients, hence the higher price point. You’re also paying for a product that’s had independent clinical trials, too. I’ve used/recommended it in my clinic for a long-time and you’ll find that it’s loved by a lot of industry professionals because they too have witnessed great patient results,” she says. 

Elizabeth Arden

“Elizabeth Arden,” says consultant dermatologist Dr Mary Sommerlad. “It’s a female-founded brand and features simple to navigate, highly effective formulas that respect the skin’s integrity. I love the Eight Hour Cream for its skin barrier restoring qualities, the Ceramides Capsules for its iconic formulations and distinctive biodegradable materials and the Prevage range for its focus on protecting the skin from environmental stressors that accelerate premature skin ageing.”

Her most-used products from the brand? “The Retinol + HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin Renewing Water Cream – I love how effective it is without irritation,” she says. “The blend of ceramide and retinoids is not common and incredibly beneficial. The 8 Eight Hour Cream Intensive Moisturizing Hand Treatment is always in my handbag and relieves my chapped hands during a day in the clinic.

“Aside from being highly effective and a sensory pleasure to use, Elizabeth Arden skincare is also supported by clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of their innovative, science-backed formulations. Despite being a heritage brand, the research and development continues to be at the core of the brand, with products being reformulated to offer the best in the latest skincare.” 

SkinCeuticals

“For cleansers and moisturisers, brands like Cetaphil and CeraVe are great options and what I recommend to my patients and have at home for me and my family. However, when it comes to active ingredients, I think it’s worth investing in better-formulated products like SkinCeuticals or genuine bespoke prescription skincare products like my own brand,” says consultant dermatologist Dr Ophelia Veraitch. 

“SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic is a good example of how formulation stability and pH directly influence antioxidant efficacy, and Discolouration Defence helped normalise the use of ingredients like tranexamic acid in consumer skincare. I recommend these to patients, especially when their skin concerns have been treated by some of the more powerful prescription products I recommend in clinic. I see a significant amount of contact allergic dermatitis caused by luxury brands adding unnecessary fragrance, botanicals or preservative systems purely for sensory appeal – SkinCeuticals doesn’t do this.” 

If you’re familiar with the brand, you’ll know the price point makes it quite the investment. However, Dr Veraitch thinks it’s worth it. “Active products are often where cheaper formulations fall down; they can be harsher, less stable and more irritating. In those cases, paying more can reflect better formulation, stability testing and tolerability,” she says. 

Image: AdobeStock; courtesy of brands