If I had to pick one word to describe how I feel when I’m shopping for new skin care, it would be overwhelmed. And the endless list of questions rattling around in my brain is proof: Will this product really work as well for me as it did for all those people on TikTok? Do I just like it because it comes in cute packaging? How do I choose between so many similar formulas?
With all the options on the market, there’s only one source I truly trust for an unbiased, tell-it-to-me-straight recommendation: a dermatologist, of course. That’s why I tapped board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, FAAD, to give me the lowdown on Philosophy skin care—a brand I’ve been interested in trying because of its good reviews from my coworkers and the fact that the entire collection is up to 30 percent off on QVC from April 15 to April 18. (I can’t help it—I love a good deal).
According to Dr. King, overall the Philosophy skin-care line boasts “gentle formulations that leverage skin-care technology to offer ingredients and formulations that deliver targeted results without disrupting the skin barrier.” Gentle enough for my sensitive skin and protects my skin barrier? Consider me sold already.
Curious to find out which of the Philosophy skin-care products could help you meet your skin-care goals? Here are Dr. King’s recommendations for you.
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If you want to fight breakouts: Anyone with acne-prone skin like mine could benefit from adding this two-step exfoliating peel to their skin-care routine, Dr. King says, because it’s extra important for this skin type to exfoliate in order to keep pores clear, combat breakouts, and help smooth and soften skin. “[This system] combines physical and chemical exfoliation in an emollient base to gently resurface [your skin], while supporting the skin barrier,” Dr. King says.
If you’re after a glowy, hydrated complexion: Dry skin? This is the moisturizer for you. “[This water cream] contains the ideal combination of humectants to hydrate the skin, emollients to support the skin barrier, and occlusives to lock in moisture, making this an effective moisturizer for all skin types,” Dr. King says. Added bonus? It works as a makeup primer, too.
If you want to shorten your skin-care routine: The Purity facial cleanser gently cleanses, tones, and hydrates all in one step. Dr. King says this face wash will thoroughly cleanse your skin (bye, bye makeup, oil, dirt, and debris), without stripping it—once again providing support for that ever-important skin barrier thanks to its moisturizing ingredients.
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If you want healthy-looking radiance: According to Dr. King, this peeling mousse combines physical and chemical exfoliation in a hydrating, humectant-rich base (think: ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid) to polish and smooth the skin. The best part? When you massage the mousse into your face, you’ll be able to see the dead skin cells slough off—aka satisfying that pimple-popping urge, but in a way that’s actually good for your skin.
If you want to address visible signs of aging: Grab this serum duo that has anti-aging peptides to firm up your skin. For those who have sensitive skin that may have been bothered by harsher anti-aging products in the past, this serum may be a good choice for you, thanks to the addition of soothing ingredients such as aloe and allantoin, Dr. King says. Score one for the sensitive-skin crowd!
If you want to improve the appearance of the skin around your eyes: This eye treatment has everything you need. “[This formula] contains humectants to hydrate and plump the skin; emollients to support the skin barrier; antioxidants to help protect the skin from damage from free radicals; and anti-aging peptides, retinol, and glycolic acid to gently exfoliate,” Dr. King says. So basically, it’s the ultimate formula for making your eyes look majorly refreshed.
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If you want to reduce the appearance of pores: This pore extractor mask can draw out impurities, reduce the look of pores, and become a self-care moment you look forward to (who doesn’t love a face mask?). Like the microdelivery peel, this mask combines physical and chemical exfoliation to ensure your pores are unclogged, while the clay absorbs any leftover oils, Dr. King says. Hello, new favorite part of your skin-care routine.
If you want more youthful-looking skin: This serum contains two ingredients beloved by dermatologists (Dr. King included): Hydrating hyaluronic acid and brightening vitamin C. According to Dr. King, hyaluronic acid helps hydrate and plump the skin, making it a great choice for anyone looking for bouncier and more radiant skin (so, all of us).