SkinCeuticals | Science

Research and innovation are at the core of the SkinCeuticals mission, and our dedication to science has established the brand as a leader in the advanced skincare arena. The company’s founding was the direct result of a revolutionary discovery that set the standard for antioxidant formulation. SkinCeuticals continues to pioneer next-generation products that will optimize the health and beauty of the skin—and change the face of skincare for years to come.

SHELDON R. PINNELL, MD

As SkinCeuticals founding scientist and chief medical advisor, Dr. Sheldon Pinnell established SkinCeuticals as the skincare industry’s antioxidant authority. Dr. Pinnell’s groundbreaking, peer-reviewed research and comprehensive dermatologic knowledge resulted in the Duke University Antioxidant patent, which is now the gold standard for topical antioxidant formulations and licensed exclusively to SkinCeuticals.

GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH

With nearly 40 years of experience researching and developing technologies that help to prevent accelerated skin aging and skin cancer, Dr. Pinnell’s work has established SkinCeuticals as a leader in scientifically validated skincare. SkinCeuticals is committed to cutting-edge skin science, and this is reinforced by strategic relationships within the scientific community. We have established a network of leading scientists from the fields of cellular and molecular biology, chemistry, and biophysics to further understand and research skin aging, skin types, and skin conditions. With this comprehensive knowledge of the skin and skin health, SkinCeuticals continues to raise the skincare bar and maintain its leadership position in the skincare industry.

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THE ANTIOXIDANT AUTHORITY

What is an antioxidant, and why is SkinCeuticals the authority? With four generations of topical antioxidant formulations, 10 patents, and more than 200 studies published in prestigious medical journals, SkinCeuticals is a trailblazer in antioxidant science.

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CLINICAL STUDIES

At SkinCeuticals, we discover, develop, and deliver innovative skincare products that improve the overall health and appearance of the skin. We subject our active ingredients and final formulations to rigorous clinical studies in order to obtain scientifically validated proof that they deliver on their claims—reinforcing our commitment to provide advanced skincare backed by science.

But all clinical studies are not created equal. Some studies only look at one or two ingredients in a formulation. Others test these ingredients at concentrations much higher than the levels found in the final product. Even more, some studies are performed in-vitro, or in a petri dish as opposed to real, live skin.

At SkinCeuticals, we hold our clinical studies to the highest medical and pharmaceutical standards, and dermatologists oversee our testing. We perform biomarker studies to assess a final formulation’s action within the skin, as well as evaluate a product’s efficacy on actual patients’ skin. As a result, the findings of our clinical studies translate exactly to how our products perform when used in the real world, on real skin.

Our first clinical study on vitamin C paved the way for antioxidant formulation, and set SkinCeuticals on the path to becoming one of the skincare industry’s most respected product innovators. As one of the first companies to provide scientific evidence that supports its product benefits by publishing clinical studies in respected medical journals, SkinCeuticals continues to raise the bar for skin science. Since the first vitamin C study, SkinCeuticals has been behind some of the most pivotal skincare discoveries in recent history.

Key Study 1:

Topical L-Ascorbic Acid Percutanous Absorption Studies
Pinnell, S.R., et al.,Topical L-Ascorbic Acid: Percutaneous Absorption Studies.
Dermatol Surg 27:2, 137-142, 2001

SkinCeuticals was the first to discover the exact formulation specifications a topical antioxidant must meet in order to penetrate—and protect—the skin. These parameters have become the gold standard for antioxidant formulation.

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Key Study 2:

Photodamage and Oxidative Stress and Protection Provided by Topical Antioxidants
Pinnell, S.R, J Am Acad Dermatol. 48(1): 1-19, 2003.

In order to provide full-spectrum protection against environmentally caused skin damage, it is imperative to use a topical antioxidant daily. This added protection from free radicals has been proven to prevent cellular changes deep within the skin.

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Key Study 3:

Sunscreens Inadequately Protect Against UVA-Induced Free Radicals
Haywood, R., et al, J Invest Dermatol 2006;121:862-868

Sunscreen is essential for shielding skin from UVA and UVB rays, but this pivotal SkinCeuticals study found that SPF alone only protects skin from up to 55% of damaging free radicals—and that the addition of a SkinCeuticals topical antioxidant provides comprehensive skin protection.

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Key Study 4:

A Topical Antioxidant Solution Containing Vitamins C and E Stabilized by Ferulic Acid Provides Protection for Human Skin Against Damage Caused by Ultraviolet Irradiation.
Pinnell, S. et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 59(3):418-25, 2008.

With SkinCeuticals third-generation topical antioxidant, C E Ferulic, it is possible to provide the skin with eight times its natural photoprotection, as well as unprecedented anti-aging results.

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Key Study 5:

Protective Effects of a Topical Antioxidant Containing Vitamin C, Ferulic Acid and Phloretin Against UV-Induced Photodamage
Oresajo C, Stephens T, Hino PD, Law RM, Yatskayer M, Foltis P, Pillai S, Pinnell SR.
J Cosmet Dermatol. 2008 Dec;7(4):290-7.

With the addition of phloretin, SkinCeuticals antioxidants have been clinically proven to reverse premature signs of aging while protecting skin from free radicals and other reactive molecules that are known to cause DNA mutations.

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Ethics Charter

At SkinCeuticals, our commitment to our patients is equally as important as providing advanced skincare backed by science. We hold ourselves to the highest ingredient, research, and testing standards to achieve our mission, which is to optimize skin health.

To learn more, download our Ethics Charter>

Research & Formulations

SkinCeuticals contributed to the rise of cosmeceuticals with the first clinically proven topical vitamin C formulation. Today, we continue to lead the industry by being one of the only companies to provide scientific evidence to support our products’ claims.

To learn more, download our Formulation Charter>