Over-the-Counter Products vs Professional Products
Posted by Anny Jetson on
As an esthetician, I get asked all the time about products that are sold in drug stores, Target, Ulta, Sephora and through multilevel marketing companies. Below I've adapted a chart from Skin Script that I find very helpful. I'm not going to say that there aren't some great products at Sephora, because there definitely are, but when it comes to professional skincare, you really do get more bang for your buck.
| Over-the-Counter Products | Professional Products |
| Made in large batches for the masses | Made in small batches |
| Low percentage of active ingredients | High levels of active ingredients |
| Contain fillers | Chirally correct; clinical, corrective |
| Sensory; Smells good | No colors or dyes |
| Probably have high pH levels | pH adjusted |
| Products are made of large molecules | Product molecules are small |
| Sits on top of the skin; feels good | Penetrates the skin; treats condition |
| Purchased at department/drug stores | Sold in professional outlets |
| Usually pricey for what you really get | Reasonably priced for quality products |
Examples of OTC:
- Clinique
- Drunk Elephant
- Rodan and Fields
- No7
Examples of Professional Lines:
- Skin Script
- Image
- Eminence
- Rhonda Allison
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- Tags: OTC, Professional Skincare