Apostrophe is a skincare brand with a simple philosophy: science over hype.
With this philosophy, the brand has created an online skincare platform that gives you access to dermatology experts, education, and evidence-based products — all in the name of empowering you to know what really works to clear your skin.
In this Apostrophe Skincare review, we’ll give you the details on how this brand works, the products they offer, details on the key ingredients, and more.
We’ll also share some Apostrophe Skincare reviews so that you can get an idea of what customers really think of these products.
How Does Apostrophe Skincare Work?
Think of Apostrophe as an online dermatologist. The process is simple: you start by creating an account and choosing your condition. The options include:
- Skin
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Hyperpigmentation
- Eyelashes
- Male Pattern Baldness
Then, you’ll be matched with a board-certified dermatologist and you’ll be asked to pay the $20 consultation fee.
Once paid, you’ll fill out the intake survey, which includes around 30 questions about the condition of your skin, as well as your medical history.
The next step in the Apostrophe Skincare process is to upload photos of your skin so that your dermatologist can assess your skin and make a proper diagnosis.
At this point, your work is done!
Your dermatologist will review your profile and write your treatment plan, which usually happens within 24 hours from when you submit your photos.
The Apostrophe pharmacy will create your custom formula, and your products will be delivered to your door free of charge, typically within one week.
The Apostrophe experience doesn’t end with the delivery though. Customers are able to connect with their healthcare provider via the Patient Portal to ask any questions or concerns (such as, “Why is my skin peeling?”).
You’ll follow the Apostrophe treatment plan for three months, then schedule a follow-up appointment with your dermatologist to reassess.
What Conditions Does Apostrophe Address?
Apostrophe dermatologists can treat visually diagnosable conditions such as acne, rosacea, wrinkles and fine lines, hyperpigmentation, melasma, sparse eyelashes, and male pattern baldness.
What Are The Best Apostrophe Skincare Products?
At the time of writing this review, Apostrophe offers just three skincare products: a facial sunscreen, a custom topical formula, and a body cream for acne. Here’s a breakdown on each of these products:
Apostrophe ‘Screen SPF 43
If you’re struggling with acne-prone skin, you know how challenging it can be to find a good sunscreen. Some sunscreens may clog your pores and cause breakouts, while others leave a greasy mess on your face. And don’t even get us started on the sunscreens that leave you looking like a ghost due to the white cast!
If this predicament sounds all too familiar, you may want to consider the Apostrophe sunscreen, a lightweight, blendable sunscreen that’s designed for acne-prone skin.
This hybrid sunscreen combines the mineral sunscreen zinc oxide with chemical sunscreen ingredients octinoxate and octisalate, thereby offering broad spectrum SPF 43 protection.
One problem with octinoxate is that it’s absorbed into the body after one use, according to studies published by the FDA. Why is that a problem? Well, according to the EWG,
octinoxate is a hormone disruptor and can also cause allergic reactions after exposure to ultraviolet light.
Bottom Line: A lightweight hybrid sunscreen with physical and chemical sunscreen ingredients that provide broad spectrum SPF 43 protection, however, we’re concerned about the adverse effects associated with octinoxate.
Apostrophe Body Acne Treatment
Whether you’re dealing with back acne, butt acne, or chest acne, you can use the Apostrophe Body Acne Treatment to treat your breakouts from top to bottom.
The acne-fighting ingredients in the Body Acne Treatment include 1% clindamycin (an antibiotic) and 4% niacinamide (a B vitamin that helps balance sebum production). We’ll give you more details on these ingredients in the Key Ingredients section below.
Plus, we love that the base of the Body Acne Treatment includes aloe vera leaf juice and shea butter, which are ingredients that ensure your skin stays hydrated and soft.
Bottom Line: Clindamycin and niacinamide help to fight acne on your back, butt, chest, or anywhere on your body, while aloe vera and shea butter help to moisture and soften skin.
What Are The Key Ingredients in Apostrophe Skincare Products?
Apostrophe Skincare products include prescription-grade ingredients, including the following:
Azelaic acid
Azelaic acid is an ingredient that helps with acne and rosacea. It normalizes the shedding of dead skin cells and opens the follicle, resulting in fewer comedones (pimples).
Azelaic acid also has been shown to prevent the growth of acne bacteria. According to a publication in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, both in vitro and in vivo it has an antimicrobial effect on both aerobic and anaerobic (Propionibacterium acnes) microorganisms.
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is the gold standard ingredient for treating hyperpigmentation. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, hydroquinone produces reversible lightening of the skin by interfering with melanin production by the melanocytes. Ultimately, this causes a decrease in the number of melanocytes and decreased transfer of melanin leading to lighter skin.
There are numerous studies that have demonstrated that hydroquinone is an effective treatment for hyperpigmentation. For example, in a 2003 study published in The International Journal of Dermatology, hydroquinone was found to reduce signs of hyperpigmentation associated with melasma by 76.9%, beating another skin whitening complex at 66.7%.
Normally hydroquinone is very well tolerated, however, there is still a potential for side effects. Common side effects include dryness, redness, irritation, and itching.
Niacinamide
You’ll find niacinamide in the Apostrophe Custom Topical Formula and Body Acne Treatment.
Scientifically speaking, niacinamide is the amide form of vitamin B3 (niacin). It plays an important role in cellular metabolism, and it’s a potent antioxidant. But let’s talk about the benefits you can expect from niacinamide because there’s a lot!
According to a publication in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, niacinamide can repair the skin barrier and improve skin moisture, as well as reduce inflammation, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkling.
An added bonus is that niacinamide helps to reduce and prevent acne because of its antimicrobial and sebostatic effects, meaning it can help protect against the bacteria that cause acne while also helping to reduce oil production.
Two double-blind studies published in the International Journal of Dermatology (one in 1995, the other in 2013) found that a topical preparation of 4% niacinamide treated moderate acne just as well as 1% clindamycin (a topical antibiotic prescribed for acne) when applied twice daily for eight weeks. And a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy found that a 2% topical niacinamide formulation could reduce oil production
How Much Do Apostrophe Skincare Products Cost?
In order to ensure you’re getting the right treatment plan for your skin, you’ll need to see a virtual dermatologist, which requires you to pay a $20 consultation fee.
As far as the Apostrophe Skincare products, we noticed they are mid-range in terms of cost; they aren’t cheap but they are ridiculously expensive.
The Apostrophe sunscreen costs $27 USD, the Custom Topical Formula costs $75 USD, and the Body Treatment costs $75. Both the Custom Topical Formula and Body Treatment are said to last for 90 days.
Where to Buy Apostrophe Skincare Products?
Apostrophe Skincare Products are sold exclusively on the brand’s website.
What is The Apostrophe Skincare Return Policy?
Apostrophe Skincare offers a 90-day Money Back Guarantee that states, “While we wish clear skin could be an overnight success, it can take time to see results. If you use your entire treatment plan for the full 90 days and aren’t satisfied with the progress, we’ll provide a full refund for your treatments, no questions asked.”
Is Apostrophe Skincare Cruelty-Free?
We were unable to determine whether or not Apostrophe Skincare is cruelty-free because the brand does not have an animal testing policy on their website.
Is Apostrophe Skincare Vegan?
Yes, Apostrophe Skincare is vegan.
Our Verdict
Overall, we think that Apostrophe Skincare is a great option for those with acne-prone skin who need prescription-grade ingredients.
Pros
- You’ll receive a custom treatment plan from a board-certified dermatologist
- Easier access to prescription-only acne treatments
- Ingredients are supported by research
- Many positive Apostrophe Skincare reviews
- Pause or cancel anytime
Cons
- Unknown if Apostrophe Skincare is cruelty free
- Not available in all states
- You must get a subscription to order Apostrophe Skincare products
- The online assessment will not be as thorough as seeing a dermatologist in person
References:
Am Fam Physician. 2017 Jun 1;95(11):740-741.
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010 Feb; 3(2): 22–41
Int J Dermatol 1995 Jun;34(6):434-7.
Int J Dermatol 2013 Aug;52(8):999-1004.
J Int Med Res 1990;18 Suppl 3:18C-25C.
J Am Acad Dermatol 1987 Dec;17(6):1033-41.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology “Hydroquinone”
Int J Dermatol. 2003 Feb;42(2):153-6.
EWG “The trouble with ingredients in sunscreens”
