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How to choose new skincare brands to try

Chris987

Veteran

A recent conversation between LJP and runcarla got me thinking about this question.

When you want to try new skincare brands, either because what you are using is no longer optimal, or you like to try new things, or whatever other reason, how do you choose? If you have a dermatologist's recommendation of course that's simple enough, but otherwise there are an overwhelming number of companies. The only way I know is is to search online for reviews like but there are so many of those too! I believe there are some sites that have more general information on types of formulations but I'm not up on those.

How do you approach it?

TIA for all ideas and suggestions.

General

21 replies

Latest reply was from Chris987

Kathie

Veteran

I started with articles from Cleveland Clinic and Mayo, and then went poking around on the internet for products that contained those ingredients. From there, I landed on The Ordinary/DECIEM, which I remembered some people had mentioned on the forum, so I checked here to see what people have liked, and have now ordered a few times, trying new products each time. For me, the products are working, and the price points are great, so I'm set.

Sisi

Veteran

I ask advice to the perfumery shop assistant.

LJP

Veteran

Instagram - certain skin care / makeup artists / derms etc . Also blogs like TNMA, Flair Index, I want to be like her , Girls of A Certain AGe , etc .

Joyce B

Veteran

This is a great topic, Chris. I have very sensitive skin, making me reluctant to try any new products.

JAileen

Veteran

The lotion I mentioned on Carla’s post was from a lotion we got at a hotel. At the hotel, the scent was mint and thyme, and while the lotion was fine, the scent was wonderful. I found the brand on Amazon but they didn’t have that version, so I ordered lavender lime, and it’s very nice. I only use this on my legs. My legs usually look a little scaly, but don’t really need anything special.

For my hands and lips I use Aquaphor. It has no scent at all. It really helps in winter. It was recommended by my son’s pediatrician, a long time ago!

For sunscreen on my face I use EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum spf 46. My PCP recommended it - she uses it! Elsewhere I use Neutrogena mineral sunscreen, spf as high as I can find.

Irina

Veteran

When I want to try something new, I lookup a couple of beauty bloggers I know and check their recommendations and search the net for the reviews. Generally, I'm aware of some brands I haven't try but want to and get samples or travel size products with my orders from Sephora.

Anonymous

I only buy cruelty free products. If I try a new brand it's often something I see at Whole Foods, but generally stick to the same few brands. I did get an eye serum from The Ordinary, since I've seen it mentioned here so much. TBH I don't think any of these things make that much difference.

Irina

Veteran

Suntiger, absolutely, cruelty free is a first check I do with any cosmetics, it is simply a must!

gryffin

Veteran

EWG.org. The environmental working group to scope out clean non toxic products. Then I extensively read reviews. I’m currently trying to remove toxins from my environment. I’ve been steadily working through.

ANewMindset

I have been focusing on clean brands, so i look products up on EWG to check the safety of ingredients in products i may be interested in:

https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

Also... i have been wanting to try some new brands, and came across https://www.thedetoxmarket.com/ . The have the option to get a sample pack of any 3 products on their site. I just tried it for brands such as Kosas and Ilia, and am waiting for the samples to arrive.

Brooklyn

Veteran

Years ago I read Paula Begoun’s book “Don’t go to the cosmetics counter without me” and I still consult Beautypedia (spin off from the book) if I’m thinking of trying something new. I also rely on editorial content from the cosmetic sellers that I buy from to alert me to something new. The companies I buy from are aggregators who sell lots of brands so I hope there is some degree of independence/integrity to their reviews. But I do approach them with some scepticism because fundamentally it’s still about selling stuff.

https://www.beautypedia.com/

cat2

Veteran

I have sensitive skin, so only change one product at a time. I have go to brands that I stay with, because I know they don’t have fragrance, silicones, etc.

Chris987

Veteran

Great suggestions from all! Will get back soon to read in more detail.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

A different Angie (Hot and Flashy) gives me lots of ideas on skincare that I than follow up with lots of research. What I don't do for my hair, I do for my skin.

bj1111

Veteran

Sali Hughes of the guardian has been a good source

The ingredients list is usually my first stop. Then any place that will give a generous enough sample to really give it a go. Sephora and nordies are tops.

trying to stop buying in brand families. I usually love product A then buy B and C because same brand, but those dont usually make the cut.

rachylou

Veteran

Oh gosh… I see adverts on Pinterest that have piqued my interest. But most truly, I go to the organic pharmacy, Pharmaca, and try what’s there. I’ve become afraid of the petrochem brands. Tbh, I can’t keep my lunch down in a Sephora. It’s like being stabbed in the lungs and stomach for me. Although, I have to admit, there are some drugstore brands that don’t make me retch re foundation; can’t do the lipsticks.

Chris987

Veteran

Thanks so much for all the replies! It is fascinating how many different approaches there are. Kathie those articles you posted are great info on basic ingredients. Brooklyn thanks for the reminder about beautipedia - I had forgotten about them. Rachy you;d better stay out of Sephora!!

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I haven’t been to Sephora, but I like Ulta because, unlike a department store where each cosmetic line has its own rep, they can and will steer you to the products they think will best meet your needs. Of course, some SAs are better than others at “getting” certain concerns but I’ve generally felt happy with what I got there.

Runcarla

Veteran

My dermatologist carries this brand https://www.riversol.com/?camp.....9&, but I had been using Cereve, which he said was a good product. When the local drugstore had a weekend special on Riversol, with a product specialist on hand, I got a 3 product tester pack - and they loaded me down with free samples. Within one month both my husband (who never comments) and my mother (who always has something to say) commented (positively) on the appearance of my skin!

I’ve been using the hydrating cream cleanser, reparative serum, and daily moisturizing cream since October 2021 and it’s my product of choice at the moment. A full size 3 pack lasts about 8 months and I stock up on a Thursday when my pharmacy has a 20% discount day for seniors!

My usual go to for product info are the two ‘women of a certain age’ who work the specialty beauty product section of my local pharmacy, but I greatly respect the opinion of the folks on this forum as well.

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

I use this blogger Gio to check whether the ingredients of something I like are actually useful or just bunk (scientifically speaking): https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/

I have sensitive skin too, so have to be careful not to overdo it. My current routine is pretty simple, and consists mostly of Olay & The Ordinary/ Deciem (AM: micellar water, niacinamide, SPF suncream + PM: micellar water, retinol, moisturiser). I'll occasionally use salicylic acid &/ or a weekly sheet mask if I feel my skin needs it, but otherwise the simpler I keep it, the easier it is to isolate if something in particular is irritating my skin.

Chris987

Veteran

... more suggestions to get reco's from your dermatologist, get advice from an SE, or use advice from blogger .... so many good possibilities!