From nascent to well-established, from niche to mainstream, here are the skincare brands you might not have come across through the usual PR channels or Insta ads—of course, now that you've read this, your phone will likely keep showing them to you. They are the creations of the aesthetics doctors and cosmetic chemists we've trusted as experts long before the launch of their lines—which is exactly why we know they are effective. Here are 19 under-the-radar brands to explore.
1. Dr. Ariel Ostad
Behind the brand
Dr. Ariel Ostad, a board-certified dermatologic surgeon based in New York City
About the brand
Dr. Ostad's eponymous line of highly concentrated medical-grade skincare covers almost all bases—there are regimen kits for acne, rosacea, anti-aging, and hyperpigmentation; retinol treatments of various strengths, tinted sunscreen; even shaving cream. But a standout is the Neck Refining Cream ($135), which contains growth factors, vitamin C, and ferulic and retinoic acid, and has noticeably softened our editor's "tech neck" lines and lightened brown sunspots on the chest over a period of six weeks.
2. Doctor Rogers Restore
Behind the brand
Dr. Heather D. Rogers, a board-certified dermatologist in Seattle
About the brand
The brand originated as a single product, inspired by a simple need for a reparative ointment with zero risk of skin reactions—a benign alternative to popular but potentially allergenic salves like Neosporin and Aquaphor, which can trigger skin reactions with neomycin and lanolin respectively. After the cult-like success of the Healing Balm, Dr. Rogers came up with four more essential products made from a selective collection of safe, sustainable, science-backed ingredients promising to restore damaged or delicate complexions. Regardless of your skin type, these nurturing formulas are ideal companions to the sometimes-frustrating Rx topicals and professional procedures we often rely on to treat acne and age-related issues.
3. MELÉ
Behind the brand
Three board-certified dermatologists specializing in brown and Black skin: Dr. Mona Gohara in Hamden, Connecticut; Dr. DiAnne Davis in Dallas; and Dr. Laura Scott in Miami
About the brand
A gap-filling collaboration between a beauty giant Unilever and influential dermatologists of color, MELÉ caters to the unique needs of melanated skin, aiming to prevent the irritation that often leads to hyperpigmentation while also fading existing dark spots. The smart collection includes a gentle gel cleanser; a skin tone-evening tonic with lactic acid; a spot-fighting serum with niacinamide and two forms of retinol; a milky pore-blurring potion; two SPF 30 sunscreens (a clear oil and a sheer lotion); and a glow-boosting moisturizer for the face and neck.
4. Evereden
Behind the brand
Dr. Rebecca Hartman and Dr. Sarina Elmariah, both board-certified dermatologists in Boston, and Dr. Joyce Teng, a board-certified pediatric dermatologist in Stanford, California
About the brand
Led by "moms in medicine," this family-oriented brand not only avoids questionable synthetic chemicals but also certain plant-derived botanicals that many find bothersome. The delicately scented formulas prioritize barrier health, using ingredients like sunflower seed oil to control eczema in infancy while preventing sensitivity and promoting overall skin well-being throughout childhood and beyond. New additions to the line include a Multi-Vitamin collection for kids—skin and hair care with faint hints of ripe peach, melon, or pomelo—and two zinc-rich (18%) sunscreens: a dewy, rose-infused lotion for moms (and dads) and a refreshing cucumber blend for babies and kids.
5. Juvive
Behind the brand
Dr. Heidi Goodarzi, a board-certified dermatologist in Newport Beach, California
About the brand
Dr. Goodarzi's offerings are as straightforward as the dermatologist herself (If you know, you know: she's famous for exposing skincare nonsense on Clubhouse). Our favorites from the line: the Retinol 100 Renewal Serum—pure vitamin A along with calming agents like bisabolol—and the Vitamin C Boost & Glow Serum, featuring the stable, fat-soluble form of C, tetrahexyldecyl (THD) ascorbate. Both formulas suspend their renowned actives in a lipid base to aid penetration and reduce irritation.
6. Mymiel Skincare
Behind the brand
Dr. Christina Weng, a board-certified dermatologist in Boston, and Dr. Tyler Menge, a board-certified dermatologist in Ann Arbor, Michigan
About the brand
We first discovered Mymiel in January 2024—and not long after, incorporated the creamy concoctions into our pandemic self-care rituals. While honey and its numerous components—AHAs, ferulic acid, and panthenol, to name a few—form the core of the brand, these ingredients blend well with other powerful essentials like retinol and ceramides in this five-product collection focused on hydration, brightening, and skin renewal.
7. BeautyStat Cosmetics
Behind the brand
Ron Robinson, a veteran cosmetic chemist in New York City. Before launching BeautyStat, he developed products for Clinique, Avon, Revlon, and others.
About the brand
Since its launch in 2019, BeautyStat Cosmetics' first product—Universal C Skin Refiner, a stabilized vitamin C serum with 20% L-ascorbic acid—has become a celebrated staple, capturing industry-wide attention and winning numerous awards. Not surprisingly, the thoughtful formulas that followed—Universal C Eye Protector (5% C plus antioxidants and hemp oil) and, later, Universal Pro-Bio Moisture Boost Cream (with hyaluronic acid and ceramides) and the squalane-based oil Universal Moisture Essence—received similar acclaim.
8. OathMD
Behind the brand
Dr. Divya Shokeen, a board-certified dermatologist in Torrance, California, and Dr. Mona Mislankar, a board-certified dermatologist in Mason, Ohio
About the brand
Like their physician founders, these rejuvenating products promise to "do no harm" when treating your skin. The star of the line, TBH Facial Serum, combines cell-normalizing bakuchiol (a gentle retinol alternative) with a trio of exfoliating AHAs (mandelic, lactic, glycolic) and a group of soothing ingredients, including honey, niacinamide, and aloe. If your skin is dry or sensitive, the company suggests using it as a liquid mask and rinsing it off after 15 minutes. Masks are actually a brand specialty: the gold hydrogel retinol-and-peptide eye patches feel almost as luxurious as the silk sleep mask and face mask (designed to minimize friction and mask-related acne).
9. Miracle Cream (The Pimple Cream)
Behind the brand
Dr. Anna Guanche, a board-certified dermatologist in Calabasas, California
About the brand
Add Dr. Guanche to the list of founders who have built a beauty brand with just one product. Originally developed for celebrity patients eager to shrink zits before public appearances, the spot treatment clears the skin with 10% sulfur—an acclaimed acne ingredient with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties—while reducing redness and flakes with calamine and a patented oat complex.
10. Atolla
Behind the brand
Dr. Ranella Hirsch, a board-certified dermatologist in Cambridge, Massachusetts
About the brand
A minimalist approach powered by advanced technology (specifically, MIT-level algorithms), Atolla aims to simplify your skincare routine with three customized formulas—a cleanser, serum, and moisturizer—infused with synergistic ingredients all hand-picked by Dr. Hirsch herself and then custom-blended based on a personal assessment of your skin goals and history as well as various lifestyle factors. Best of all, the Atolla system allows your regimen to change over time, accounting for seasonal variations, physiological fluctuations, and general skin capriciousness.
11. Anokha Skincare
Behind the brand
Dr. Nina Naidu, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City
About the brand
Anokha's discerning curator selected each natural ingredient—from blue yarrow to burdock root, plum seed oil to propanediol—for its distinct skin and/or sensory benefits. Among our favorites, the Blue Clay Clarifying Masque relies on Cambrian clay to clear the pores and essential oils of lime and yuzu to have the same effect on the mind. Similarly, in the Rice Bran & Pomegranate Facial Cleansing Oil, the named ingredients—the former is known for moisturizing and brightening; the latter, for suppressing inflammation and free radicals—mingle with mood-enhancing red mandarin. The entire line is clinically and allergy-tested and made in small batches to ensure potency.
12. Love YU Collective
Behind the brand
Ni'Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist and product developer in New York City with over 20 years of experience
About the brand
More of a platform than a product, Wilson's emerging brand, which she cofounded with her sister, strives to comprehensively address the chronic stress faced by Black women—more specifically, the significant toll cortisol takes on their physical, emotional, and mental health. (According to Wilson, studies show that unmanaged stress actually shortens the lifespan of Black women.) With a mission to encourage self-preservation, the Love YU Collective offers everything from virtual experiences—such as yoga, guided meditation, and group chats with life coaches—to nutritional supplements, sleep aids, and aromatherapeutic body products intended to make routine personal care a ritual. Skin and scalp care are said to be launching later this summer.
13. Obagi
Behind the brand
Dr. Zein Obagi, a board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills, California
About the brand
We can't count the number of dermatologists who have recommended products from this long-established brand. Based on the extensive clinical experience of Dr. Obagi, the tried-and-true formulations are thoroughly researched and verified to ensure they fulfill every claim—whether it's smoothing wrinkles with retinol or clearing breakouts with salicylic acid.
14. Visha Skincare
Behind the brand
Dr. Purvisha Patel, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in Memphis, Tennessee
About the brand
Visha divides its offerings into three distinct collections, each powered by evidence-based natural ingredients. The Advanced range relies on active ingredients such as retinol, antioxidants, AHAs, and a hydroquinone-free lightener to improve sun damage and signs of aging. The Mommy line addresses concerns that often arise during and after pregnancy, like melasma and hormonal acne, and happily removes the guesswork about skincare safety for those who are expecting or nursing. And Fitness—with tea tree oil, zinc, activated charcoal—fights sweat-induced bacteria and odor, along with rashes, chafing, bacne/buttne, and the like.
15. Aforé by Dr. Few
Behind the brand
Dr. Julius Few, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Chicago
About the brand
Aforé means "beginning" or "before," which makes sense, considering the goal of this line is to restore the skin to its condition before sun damage, pollution, and other environmental factors that contribute to aging. Taking into account Dr. Few's unique approach, known as Four Dimensional Beauty (an emphasis on ensuring the skin looks healthy and natural in motion, not just in photographs), the products are all formulated and tested by Dr. Few. Particularly notable is the use of clinically studied cannabidiol, which is the star of the CR Emulsion, a first-of-its-kind face cream that pairs CBD with retinol.
16. KaramMD
Behind the brand
Dr. Amir Karam, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in San Diego
About the brand
After years of seeing patients with overly complex and ineffective skincare routines, Dr. Karam set out to make things simple and streamlined. His line consists of a gentle cleanser, a vitamin C serum, and a multitasking anti-aging cream (all of which also come conveniently bundled together in one set—the Karam Trifecta). All you need to do is add sunscreen.
17. JORI
Behind the brand
Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, and his wife, Cori Zeichner
About the brand
When Cori Zeichner struggled with adult acne in her 30s, she turned to her dermatologist husband for help—but realized during the process that there was a significant lack of over-the-counter products aimed at adult acne. She created Jori Skincare as a solution, with Dr. Zeichner serving as the brand's medical advisor. The products—an oil-controlling primer and leave-on mask—rely on powerful acne fighters such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide along with a variety of botanicals to help combat the effects of stress and hormone fluctuations on the skin.
18. Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty
Behind the brand
Dr. Whitney Bowe, a board-certified dermatologist in Briarcliff Manor, New York
About the brand
For more than a decade, Dr. Bowe has studied and focused on the connection between the skin, gut, and mind. Appropriately, her new line features products that address the skin both internally and externally. Bowe Glowe is a skin-microbiome nourishing cream touting prebiotics and postbiotics, while Bowe Growe is a water-enhancing elixir that helps promote a healthy gut microbiome. Sustainability is also a priority; the eco-conscious brand features refillable products, recycled glass components, and recyclable packaging.
19. Sunder Skincare
Behind the brand
Dr. Sarmela Sunder, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California
About the brand
A dozen main products make up this line, including exfoliating pads, several sunscreens, serums, and more. Given that the line was created by one of the most sought-after facial plastic surgeons in Beverly Hills, it makes sense that many of the formulas are gentle enough to be used on skin that's compromised after procedures; there are even two separate kits, each featuring three products, specifically made for this purpose.
