Prior to doing this research, I had a deep bias in favor of boutique skin care companies. Their products seem more luxurious, have more appealing packaging, and create a sense of inclusion. However, the more important scientifically supported research and development breakthroughs usually come from the big companies who put more money into research. If you want science backed skin care, the larger brands provide a better bang for your buck. And, ironically, many of the boutique brands are actually owned by the giant cosmetic corporations.
Here is a list of big companies and some of the boutique brands they own: Estee Lauder owns Aveda, Clinique, Crème de la Mer, Dr. Jart+, Origins, Prescriptives, and is an investor in Deciem/The Ordinary. L’Oreal owns BioMedic, Biotherm, Kiehls, La Roche Posay, Lancome, Maybelline, Skinceuticals and Vichy. Johnson & Johnson owns Aveeno, Clean & Clear, Neutragena, and ROC. Shisedio owns Bare Minerals. Procter & Gamble owns SK-II and Murad. Unilever owns Kate Sommerville and Murad.
Some smaller companies are still privately owned. These include cult favorites such as Paula’s Choice, Drunk Elephant, Tata Harper, Thayers and Sunday Riley.
The products listed below are not necessarily products I endorse and I have not tried them all. These are the products that I most frequently encountered online and on podcasts and was most curious about. Paula Begoun, the cosmetic cop, has a book called Don’t Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me. The latest addition was written in 2012. It has an amazing directory of companies and products and hopefully the next addition will review many of the products listed here.
Remember the goal is to just clean your face for your next product application. Choose a cleansing oil if your skin is dry, choose a cleansing milk if your skin is sensitive. Avoid detergents.
Apply the AHA directly to dry clean skin and allow at least 20 minutes for full absorption.