Dr. Nicholas Perricone may not be the first celebrity dermatologist to launch his own skincare line (Dr. Howard Murad and Dr. Frederic Brandt also jumped in) but he was one the first to embrace holistic healthcare and wellness. His line has been around for 20 years and has expanded beyond skincare to include “no makeup” makeup as well as supplements. Here’s a closer look at the brand, what it stands for, and does it really work?
OUR TOP SKINCARE PICKS
Rank | Brand | Link | |||||
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1 | Carrot & Stick | Review | |||||
2 | Formulyst | Review | |||||
3 | Skinceuticals | Review | |||||
- | Perricone |
Is Perricone Skincare Worth The Money?
There’s no need to compromise when it comes to finding skincare that’s effective and safe.
If you’re looking for effective skincare products that skip harmful toxins, one brand we recommend is Carrot & Stick.
Carrot & Stick is committed to creating plant-derived formulas that deliver extraordinary results without relying on toxic chemicals or standard preservatives.
Carrot & Stick takes a tough love approach to skincare, perfectly balancing the gentle nurturing of plants with innovative science.
What’s Inside Perricone MD Skincare?
Perricone MD skincare products are formulated with a blend of well known ingredients, such as vitamin C, peptides, and retinol. These ingredients should all be part of your skincare routine. Here’s why:
Vitamin C
We’ve been hearing for years that Vitamin C is the best anti-aging ingredient. It’s a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals, the unstable molecules that contribute to the formation of premature wrinkles and fine lines on the skin.
Vitamin C also helps fade dark spots, evens out skin tone, and increases radiance. As if that wasn’t enough, research suggests that when vitamin C is applied to the skin, it significantly reverses aging-related structural changes by influencing collagen and elastin synthesis.
It’s in Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum.
But our favorite Vitamin C serum is Carrot & Stick The Defence Serum. It contains 3 distinct types of Vitamin C that work together to help fight free radical damage. We recommend using it every morning.
Peptides
As you age, your body’s production of collagen and elastin slows down. These two proteins are responsible for your skin’s structural support. As a result, the skin loses its natural plumpness and smoothness.
While collagen is necessary for maintaining youthful-looking skin, the collagen protein is too large to absorb into the skin topically. That’s why applying skin care products that contain collagen won’t provide the anti-aging benefits you’re looking for.
This is where peptides come into action. Peptides are the building blocks of protein, and they are easily absorbed into the deeper layers of skin due to their smaller size.
Perricone MD Neuropeptide Facial Cream uses Neuropeptides to support skin’s barrier and hydration via a unique chemical structure.
If you’re looking for a peptide serum, we recommend Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum. It contains 7 plant-based peptides to promote plumper and smoother-looking skin.
Retinol
Retinol is the go-to anti-aging ingredient recommended by dermatologists and skin experts. It’s clinically proven to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve uneven skin tone, restore skin firmness, and shrink the appearance of enlarged pores.
The only downside? Retinol can often lead to side effects like skin dryness, peeling, and irritation.
Retinol is found in the Perricone MD Growth Factor Firming Serum as well as the Retinol Treatment and Moisturizer.
Use retinoids at night. We recommend this retinoid oil serum. It contains Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, an ingredient that provides similar benefits with less irritation.
Who is Dr. Perricone?
Dr. Perricone was an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine when he published his first book, “The Wrinkle Cure.” In this book he laid out his philosophy of aging. He doesn’t believe that fine lines and wrinkles are an inevitable part of getting older. Instead, he sees aging as an inflammatory disease that happens at the cellular level. His theory is that when inflammation is controlled, skin can maintain a youthful look and the cornerstone of this concept is a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Dr. Perricone’s three day and 28 day diet plans focus on eating antioxidant rich foods, high-quality proteins and vitamin supplements combined with the right topical skincare to fight the signs of aging. His diet includes food such as wild salmon, turkey, almonds, beans, pomegranates and yogurt.
His other books include “Ageless Face, Ageless Mind”; “The Perricone Prescription”; “Forever Young”; and “Dr. Perricone’s 7 Secrets to Beauty, Health, and Longevity: The Miracle of Cellular Rejuvenation.” Dr. Perricone no longer practices dermatology and focuses on his skincare business instead. The company was initially called NV Perricone but was rebranded to be named Perricone MD. The packaging was also changed to follow a color coded system.
What Is the Perricone MD Philosophy?
The Perricone motto is “We pick up where nature left off.” As the company explains, Perricone MD is a three-tier skincare and wellness system that consists of an anti-inflammatory diet, dietary supplements and potent topical skincare solutions. The brand takes a holistic approach to skincare by focusing on what goes inside- and outside- the body. The key concept for Perricone is controlling inflammation. As explained on the company website, inflammation is caused by poor nutrition, sun exposure, stress and irritating skincare treatments — which lead to an increase in free radicals, which can ultimately lead to accelerated signs of aging.
What Does Perricone MD sell?
Perricone MD sells a wide range of skincare products as well as makeup and supplements. The brand debuted in 1997 with the goal of treating inflamed skin. In 2003, the line was available on QVC and proved to be a hit. One of the brand’s standout products was the Cold Plasma Cream which launched in 2009. The “No Makeup” makeup line launched in 2014 to rave reviews, and Dr. Perricone is credited for being a pioneer of “Cosmeceuticals,” which is makeup that is good for you. The newest line to join the range is the Essential Fx, which includes vitamin F, which is found in argan, rosehip and chia. The Perricone MD line features multiple collections, including the High Potency Classics, Vitamin C Ester, Hypoallergenic, Cold Plasma Plus, Essential Fx, Neuropeptide, No: Rinse, No Makeup, Masks, Pre:Empt Series and H2 Elemental Energy.
What Are The Most Popular Perricone MD Products?
Perricone has plenty of loyal fans (which are known as Perriconistas) and some of the company’s best-sellers include its Cold Plasma line, serum, moisturizers and makeup. Here’s a closer look.
The powerhouse ingredient in the Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum is vitamin C ester, a more gentle version of vitamin C. The serum delivers a dose of radiance while helping to even out skin tone. The Cold Plasma collection targets the signs of aging and has earned cult favorite status. The line has a proprietary liquid crystal delivery system for faster and deeper penetration of key ingredients. The Cold Plasma collection includes the Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus and Cold Plasma Sub D, which addresses signs of aging on the jawline, face and neck.
Serums are a big part of a Perricone MD skincare regimen, and some of the most popular include the Cold Plasma Plus Advanced Serum Concentrate, which is packed with vitamin C ester and tripeptides. Another serum, the Brightening Anime Face Lift, contains glycolic acid for a gentle exfoliation along with vitamin C. The Brightening collection also includes the best-selling Brightening Overnight Treatment, which is designed to boost elasticity and fade the look of dark spots.
The Deep Crease Serum targets wrinkles thanks to vitamin F and antioxidants. The Vitamin C Ester CCC + Ferulic Brightening Complex 20% contains vitamin C ester along with two additional forms of vitamin C for the brand’s highest concentration of vitamin C (20%). The Brightening Eye Serum helps to reduce the look of under eye circles and discoloration.
Some of Perricone MD’s best-selling moisturizers and creams include the Cold Plasma Advanced Eye Cream, Hyaluronic Intensive Moisturizer and Face Finishing and Firming Tinted Moisturizer, with SPF 30. Specialty best-sellers include the Chlorophyll Detox Mask, which deep cleanses the skin, and the Intensive Pore Minimizing Toner, which is packed with DMAE and salicylic acid to help minimize the look of pores.
Perricone’s makeup line is known for creating a subtle look, including the liquid Bronzer Broad Spectrum SPF 15, which delivers a sun kissed look along with protection.
Where Are Perricone MD Products Sold?
Perricone MD products are sold at major department stores such as Nordstrom, Macys and Neiman Marcus, as well as specialty makeup stores such as Blue Mercury, Sephora and Ulta. It is also sold on QVC and Amazon.
How Much are Perricone MD Products?
Perricone MD products are on the pricier side of the spectrum without nearing stratospheric prices. The Cold Plasma collection is among the most expensive- the Cold Plasma Plus Duo, which contains the Advanced Serum Concentrate and Advanced Eye Cream retails for $199. The products are sold individually as well as in kits.The Face Finishing & Firming Moisturizer retails for $69, while the No Makeup Foundation Serum is $69. The Lightweight Moisturizer for men is $59. The Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum is $69, and the Brightening Amine Serum is $99.
Are Perricone Products Cruelty Free?
Yes. The company says “Perricone MD does not test on animals nor do we believe in the practice.”
Do Perricone MD Products Work?
Perricone MD products have been best sellers for around 20 years and many of the products have achieved cult favorite status – which suggests the brand is doing something right. Many Perricone products have scooped up beauty industry awards as well. The No Makeup Instant Blur powder received a coveted award in 2017 from O Magazine, which called it a “Magic Eraser for your face.” Perricone’s Pre:Empt Oil-Free Hydrating Cream won Allure’s Best Facial Moisturizer for Oily Skin in 2016, while the Perricone MD Photo Plasma Anti-Aging Moisturizer won a New You Beauty Award in 2017. One of the most prestigious awards was from Good Housekeeping magazine, which named the Perricone MD Photo Plasma Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 one of the beauty breakthrough products of 2018. The Good Housekeeping Lab found that the cream increased skin’s hydration by 30%, improved the look of pores by 8%, and texture by 11%, according to the lab’s measurements.
But what do real people think about Perricone MD? Customer reviews are harder to come by. On Influenster, the Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Serum gets a 4.4 out of 5 star rating from about 400 reviews. Satisfied customers noted “My skin looks brighter, my complexion is even, and I love how my skin looks in the morning after using at night” and “this deserves the hype.” Some users commented on the high price tag, and people who gave it low stars felt that it didn’t work for them or made them break out. “I don’t see any results. I’m very disappointed. I was really hoping it would lighten up a few spots I have.
On Sephora, the Cold Plasma Plus+ Sub-D/Neck has 4.3 out of 5 star rating, from more than 200 reviews. Some people can’t get past the smell. “It smells like a spoiled fish drizzled in vinegar,” while someone else commented, “It smells horrible (like chemicals) and pills on my neck. I don’t want either of these for a $100+ product. Will return.” But for many people, it is “hydrating and luxurious” and worth every penny. “I have been using this product for 5 years now and I am 42 yrs old and I have a neck of a 30yr old.”
The Perricone MD High Potency Classics: Face Finishing & Firming Moisturizer has a higher number of reviews on Sephora; more than 1,000 reviewers gave it 4.2 out of 5 stars. Fans call it “the best” and “lovely.” One reviewer noted, “This is by far my favorite anti-aging moisturizer that I have tried so far. It smells great (to me),like roses, and absorbs quickly with no greasy feel.” Others noted that the product smells bad, like “old-lady rose room deodorizer.”
Why You Should Use a Skin Supplement to Support Collagen
Collagen adds density and plumpness to your skin.
In your 20’s and 30’s, natural collagen production starts to decline.
When natural collagen declines, skin loses its elasticity and bounce. This contributes to lines, wrinkles and a loss of firmness.
If you are over 30, we recommend including a plant based collagen support supplement in your skincare routine.
Our recommendation is Collagen Bounce. It supports skin’s natural collagen production, inside out.
What Are Alternatives to Perricone MD Products?
If you’re looking for skincare products to address the signs of aging, we recommend Carrot & Stick. Carrot & Stick maximizes the use of powerful ingredients and minimizes the use of superficial ones, resulting in advanced skincare solutions that help promote healthy more youthful-looking skin.
Carrot & Stick routines take the guesswork out of building a skincare routine. We recommend the Day & Night Routine.
If you are over 30, we recommend including a plant based collagen support supplement in your skincare routine. Our recommendation is Collagen Bounce. It supports skin’s natural collagen production, inside out.
Vanessa Original review: Apr 30, 2024.
I am 41 and I been using Perricone MD for the past 5 years, I never had a problem or a reaction to any of these products. I loved them, I have seen a change in my skin, my skin looks and feels great. I will be using these products for more years to come.