OTC VS. PHARMACEUTICAL GRADE SKINCARE

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OTC & PHARMACEUTICAL GRADE SKINCARE

While widely available and known to be less expensive,OTC products are generally formulated for everyone and are not tailored to any one person’s specific skincare needs. One of the biggest differences between over the counter skincare and medical (pharmaceutical) grade skin careis not only the level of active ingredients but also their ability to penetrate and physically change your skin, reduce wrinkles, discoloration and hydrate.

Below are some key differences to note before deciding on your next skincare regimen.

PHARMACEUTICAL GRADE SKINCARE	OTC
Only sold by highly trained skincare providers who recommend products to address your specific skin type and concerns	Allows for the consumer to self-diagnose their skin and select products assumed to be best
Higher concentrations of active ingredients	Formulated for everyone / less potent actives for mass market
Created to treat deeper layers of the skin (Dermis)	Formulated to work superficially (epidermis)
Backed by research/science - Proven to work	Formulated inexpensively for mass market limiting penetration capabilities of active ingredients
Upholds to the highest standards including purity, potency and stability	No standards. May not be stable and/or active

Pharmaceutical ingredients are of the highest quality, demonstrating vast differences in purity, irritation, penetration and overall results.