logo

Dr. Heather Hensley’s recommendations

Gentle Cleansers

cleansers

CeraVe cream to foam cleanser

• Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Amino Acids, Hyaluronic Acid
• Texture & Suitability: Starts as a cream, then foams upon contact with water
• Best For: Dry to combination skin needing hydration while removing makeup
cleansers

La Roche Posay purifying foaming cleanser

• Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Ceramides, Prebiotic Thermal Water
• Texture & Suitability: Gel cleanser; foams lightly
• Best For: Normal to oily skin needing a gentle but deep cleanse
cleansers

Derma-E hydrating gentle cleanser

• Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Chamomile, Papaya Enzymes
• Texture & Suitability: Lightweight gel with mild exfoliation
• Best For: Dry or mature skin needing hydration and gentle cleansing
cleanser

Sente Daily Soothing Cleanser

• Key Ingredients: Heparan Sulfate Analog (HSA), Glycerin, Allantoin
• Texture & Suitability: Non-foaming gel-cream texture
•Best For: Sensitive, redness-prone, or post-procedure skin
cleanser

Epionce Gentle Foaming Cleanser

• Key Ingredients: Willow Bark Extract, Date Fruit Extract, Marshmallow Root
•Texture & Suitability: Lightweight foaming gel with mild botanical exfoliation
• Best For: Combination to oily skin needing a refreshing cleanse
cleansers

Epionce Milky Lotion Cleanser

• Key Ingredients: Meadowfoam Extract, Glycerin, Coconut Oil Derivatives
• Texture & Suitability: Non-foaming, creamy texture
• Best For: Very dry, sensitive, or post-procedure skin needing gentle hydration

Mild Exfoliating Cleaners 

Exfoliating Cleaners

Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser

• Key Ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA), Glycerin, Niacinamide
• Texture & Suitability: Gentle foaming gel with mild exfoliation
• Best For: Mild acne, clogged pores, and oil control without over-drying
Exfoliating Cleaners

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleanser w Salicylic Acid

• Key Ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid, Lipo-Hydroxy Acid (LHA), Zinc PCA
• Texture & Suitability: Foaming gel; stronger exfoliation
• Best For: Active acne, blackheads, and controlling excess oil
Exfoliating Cleaners

La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Gel Cleanser

• Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (B3), LHA, Glycerin, micropeeling
• Texture & Suitability: Hydrating gel cleanser with mild exfoliation
• Best For: Hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and post-acne marks
Exfoliating Cleaners

Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser

•Key Ingredients: Willow Bark Extract (Natural BHA), Menthol, Date Fruit Extract

•Texture & Suitability: Cooling gel; natural botanical-based exfoliation

•​Best For: Acne-prone, inflamed, or sensitive skin needing gentle exfoliation
Exfoliating Cleaners

Cl.n Acne Cleanser

• Key Ingredients: 0.5% Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hypochlorite (antibacterial), Glycerin
• Texture & Suitability: Gentle gel cleanser with antimicrobial properties
• Best For: Acne-prone skin, especially if prone to bacterial infections
Exfoliating Cleaners

Glytone brightening cleansing powder

• Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid (exfoliation), Malic acid (brightening), Vitamin C
• Texture & Suitability: Powder-to-foam formula activated with water
• Best For: Dull, uneven skin tone, dark spots; gentle exfoliation without irritation

Lightweight Moisturizers

Lightweight Moisturizers

La Roche-Posay Double Repair Face Moisturizer

• Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Niacinamide, Glycerin, La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water
• Texture & Suitability: Lightweight but deeply hydrating; the matte version is better for oily skin.
• Best For: Strengthening the skin barrier while providing balanced hydration.
Lightweight Moisturizers

Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion

• Key Ingredients: Sunflower Seed Oil, Barley Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Cucumber Extract

•Texture & Suitability: Lightweight, smooth lotion; absorbs quickly without residue.

•Best For: Simple, long-lasting hydration for normal to dry skin.
Lightweight Moisturizers

Avene Tolerance Control Moisturizer

• Key Ingredients: Avene Thermal Spring Water, D-Sensinose™ (anti-inflammatory), Glycerin
• Texture & Suitability: Rich but non-greasy, designed for reactive skin.
• Best For: Calming irritation, hydrating, and strengthening sensitive skin.
Lightweight Moisturizers

Boscia Green Tea Oil-Free Moisturizer

• Key Ingredients: Green Tea Extract, Japanese Wild Rose, Niacinamide, Burdock Root
• Texture & Suitability: Gel-like, refreshing, absorbs quickly.
• Best For: Oily, acne-prone, or combination skin needing hydration without clogging pores.
Lightweight Moisturizers

Epionce Renewal Lite Facial Lotion

• Key Ingredients: Meadowfoam Extract, Flax Seed Extract, Ceramides
• Texture & Suitability: Lightweight, fast-absorbing, but still nourishing.
• Best For: Combination skin needing hydration without heaviness.

Emollient Moisturizers

Emollient Moisturizers

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

• Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Sweet Almond Oil
• Texture & Suitability: Thick, rich cream; absorbs well but may feel slightly heavy for oily skin.
• Best For: Basic hydration for dry, sensitive, or compromised skin.
Emollient Moisturizers

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Triple Repair Cream

• Key Ingredients: Shea Butter, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Prebiotic Thermal Water
• Texture & Suitability: Thick, barrier-repairing cream; non-greasy but intensely moisturizing.
• Best For: Very dry, eczema-prone skin needing barrier support.
Emollient Moisturizers

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore Moisturizer

• Key Ingredients: 2% Ceramides, 4% Cholesterol, 2% Fatty Acids (Barrier Repair Complex)
• Texture & Suitability: Rich but non-greasy; absorbs well into the skin.
• Best For: Aging, dry, or compromised skin needing lipid replenishment.
Emollient Moisturizers

Sente Dermal Repair Cream

• Key Ingredients: Heparan Sulfate Analog (HSA), Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid
• Texture & Suitability: Lightweight but deeply hydrating; great for sensitive skin.
• Best For: Skin needing both hydration and anti-aging support.
Emollient Moisturizers

Sente Dermal Repair Ultra-Nourishing Cream

•Key Ingredients: Heparan Sulfate Analog (HSA), Squalane, Peptides

• Texture & Suitability: Richer than the original Dermal Repair Cream, designed for very dry skin.
• Best For: Those needing intense hydration and barrier repair.
Emollient Moisturizers

Epionce Renewal Facial Lotion

• Key Ingredients: Meadowfoam Extract, Flax Seed Extract, Ceramides
• Texture & Suitability: Lightweight, fast-absorbing, but still nourishing.
• Best For: Combination skin needing hydration without heaviness.

Retinols 

Retinols

Avene Retrinal 0.1% Intensive Cream

• Retinoid Type: Retinaldehyde (0.1%) – stronger than retinol but gentler than prescription retinoids.
• Additional Ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E.
• Texture & Suitability: Creamy, hydrating; suitable for dry and sensitive skin.

•Best For: Anti-aging, improving skin texture, reducing fine lines with lower irritation.
Retinols

La Roche-Posay Adapalene 0.1% Gel

• Retinoid Type: Adapalene (0.1%) – a synthetic retinoid typically used for acne treatment.
• Additional Ingredients: Minimalist formula, primarily focused on acne treatment.
•Texture & Suitability: Lightweight gel; best for oily, acne-prone skin.

•Best For: Acne treatment, unclogging pores, reducing blackheads, and preventing breakouts.
Retinols

SkinBetter Science Alpha-Ret Overnight Cream

• Retinoid Type: Retinol + Lactic Acid (a patented combination for slow-release effect).
• ​Additional Ingredients: Lactic acid, peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid.
• Texture & Suitability: Rich but non-greasy; suitable for aging skin, sensitive skin.

•Best For: Anti-aging with lower irritation due to the slow-release system.
Retinols

Sente Biocomplete Serum

• Retinoid Type: Encapsulated Retinol – slow-release, gentler on the skin.
•Additional Ingredients: Heparan sulfate analog (HSA) for skin repair, peptides.
•Texture & Suitability: Lightweight serum; best for sensitive skin and beginners.

•Best For: Gentle anti-aging, improving hydration and reducing inflammation.
Retinols

Rejuran Anti-Aging Retinol & c-PDRN Serum

• Retinoid Type: Retinol..
• Additional Ingredients: c-PDRN (a salmon DNA derivative for skin regeneration), peptides, niacinamide.
• Texture & Suitability: Serum-based; hydrating but may be potent.

•Best For: Skin rejuvenation, improving elasticity, and targeting wrinkles.
Retinols

Revision Retinol Complete 0.1%

• Retinoid Type: Encapsulated retinol.
• Additional Ingredients: Vitamin C, Bakuchiol (a retinol alternative), Coenzyme Q10
• Texture & Suitability: serum texture that absorbs well without feeling greasy or heavy. It spreads easily and has a smooth, non-sticky finish.

•Best For: Anti-aging and pigmentation concerns with minimal irritation

Exfoliating Toners 

Exfoliating Toners

Pixi Glow Tonic (5% Glycolic Acid)

• Main Actives: 5% Glycolic Acid (AHA), Aloe Vera, Ginseng
• Exfoliation Strength: Moderate
• Texture & Suitability: Gentle for most skin types, but may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

•Best For: Improving skin texture, brightening dull skin, and mild exfoliation.
Exfoliating Toners

Paula's Choice Mandelic & Lactic Acid Exfoliant

• Main Actives: Mandelic Acid (AHA), Lactic Acid (AHA), Gluconolactone (PHA)
• Exfoliation Strength: Gentle to Moderate
• Texture & Suitability: Hydrating, non-irritating; great for sensitive skin.

•Best For: Gentle exfoliation, brightening, improving hydration, and hyperpigmentation.
Exfoliating Toners

Naturium BHA 2% Liquid Exfoliant

• Main Actives: 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA), Betaine, Sodium PCA
• Exfoliation Strength: Strong (deep pore cleansing)
• Texture & Suitability: Lightweight, fast-absorbing liquid; ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.

•Best For: Reducing blackheads, controlling oil production, and preventing breakouts.
Exfoliating Toners

Rejuran Rebalancing Toner

• Main Actives: c-PDRN (Salmon DNA for skin repair), Niacinamide, Peptides
• Exfoliation Strength: None (hydrating & soothing)
• Texture & Suitability: Hydrating, lightweight; focuses on barrier repair rather than exfoliation.

•Best For: Strengthening skin barrier, reducing redness, and hydrating sensitive skin.

Viatmin C Serums

Viatmin C Serums

Neutrogena 20% Vitamin C Serum (Capsules)

• Vitamin C Type: 20% L-Ascorbic Acid
• Additional Ingredients: No water, uses anhydrous formula for stability
• Texture & Suitability: Lightweight, fast-absorbing, may tingle on sensitive skin

•Best For: Brightening, reducing fine lines, and targeting stubborn dark spots
Viatmin C Serums

Vanicream Vitamin C Serum (For Sensitive Skin)

•Vitamin C Type: 10% L-Ascorbic Acid
•Additional
Ingredients: Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Hyaluronic Acid •Texture & Suitability: Gentle, hydrating, minimal ingredients for sensitive skin •Best For: Sensitive skin users needing antioxidant protection
Viatmin C Serums

Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster

•Vitamin C Type: 15% L-Ascorbic Acid
•Additional Ingredients: Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid (stabilization), Peptides •Texture & Suitability: Lightweight liquid, easily mixed with other skincare •Best For: Everyday antioxidant protection, brightening, and anti-aging
Viatmin C Serums

SkinBetter Science Alto-Defense Serum

•Vitamin C Type: Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
•Additional Ingredients: Potent antioxidant- Allyl PQQ, Niacinamide, Bisabolol and Ginger Root Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 •Texture & Suitability: Silky, hydrating; ideal for sensitive or aging skin •Best For: Reducing redness, preventing oxidative damage, and calming irritation
Viatmin C Serums

SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF (For Oily Skin)

•Vitamin C Type: 15% L-Ascorbic Acid
•Additional Ingredients: 0.5% Ferulic Acid, 0.5% Silymarin (antioxidant for oil control), 0.5% Salicylic Acid •Texture & Suitability: Lightweight, helps with acne and oil production •Best For: Acne-prone, oily skin that needs brightening and antioxidant protection
Viatmin C Serums

SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic

•Vitamin C Type: 15% L-Ascorbic Acid
•Additional Ingredients: 1% Vitamin E, 0.5% Ferulic Acid (stabilization) •Texture & Suitability: Hydrating, slightly sticky finish •Best For: Anti-aging, brightening, and protecting against environmental damage; for combination or normal skin
Viatmin C Serums

Revision C+ Correcting Complex 30%

•Vitamin C Type: 30% THD Ascorbate (Lipid-Soluble, less irritating)
•Additional Ingredients: Peptides, Vitamin E, Prebiotics for microbiome support •Texture & Suitability: Silky, non-irritating, well-tolerated by most skin types •Best For: Sensitive, aging skin that needs potent antioxidant protection without irritation

Sprays for back acne 

Sprays for back acne

Pacifica Backne Warrior Spray

•Key Ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA), Niacinamide, Cucumber & Aloe
•Texture & Suitability: Lightweight mist, gentle exfoliation •Best For: Mild back acne, clogged pores, and redness
Sprays for back acne

Paula's Choice Clear Back & Body Acne Spray

•Key Ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA), Green Tea Extract (soothing)
•Texture & Suitability: Lightweight spray, gentle exfoliation •Best For: Clogged pores, blackheads, and mild to moderate acne
Sprays for back acne

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Body Spray

•Key Ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid, Green tea extract
•Texture and Suitability: Foaming spray that dries quickly •Best For: Inflammatory acne (red, painful pimples), blackheads, moderate acne.

Sprays for facial acne

Sprays for facial acne

Prequel Universal Skin Solution Dermal Spray

•Key Ingredients: Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl), water
•Texture & Suitability: Lightweight, misting spray •Best For: General skin irritation and redness, Post-procedure care (like after microdermabrasion or laser treatments), Acne-prone skin
Sprays for facial acne

Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray

•Key Ingredients: Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl), water
•Texture & Suitability: Very fine mist that is easy to apply and quickly absorbs •Best For: Acne-prone skin with active breakouts; Sensitive or irritated skin

Daily Facial Sunscreens (adult)

Daily Facial Sunscreens (adult)

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

•Type: Combination (Mineral + Chemical)
•Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (9%), Octinoxate (7.5%) •Best For: Acne-prone, sensitive, and rosacea-prone skin •Texture & Finish: Lightweight, silky, absorbs well, non-greasy •Key Benefits: Contains niacinamide (anti-inflammatory & helps with hyperpigmentation) •Best For: People with sensitive, acne-prone skin
Daily Facial Sunscreens (adult)

ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50+

•Type: 100% Mineral
•Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide (10.7%) •Best For: Anti-aging and sun damage repair •Texture & Finish: Thin, fluid texture, slightly drying, leaves a slight white cast •Key Benefits: Contains DNA Repairsomes (photolyase enzymes) to help repair sun damage and Vitamin E (antioxidant) •Best For: People concerned about sun damage and aging who want a repair-focused sunscreen
Daily Facial Sunscreens (adult)

Avene Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+

•Type: 100% Mineral
•Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide •Best For: Sensitive skin, post-procedure skin •Texture & Finish: Thick, may leave a white cast, moisturizing •Key Benefits: Contains Avene Thermal Spring Water (soothing and anti-inflammatory), helps protect against UV, pollution and blue light •Best For: People with sensitive skin, or post-procedure (post-laser or post-peel recovery)
Daily Facial Sunscreens (adult)

CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen SPF 30/50

•Type: Combination (Mineral + Chemical)
•Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Chemical UV Filters •Best For: Dry skin, sensitive skin •Texture & Finish: Lightweight, sheer, moisturizing •Key Benefits: Contains ceramides (barrier repair) & hyaluronic acid (hydration) •Best For: People with dry or sensitive skin who want a hydrating, drugstore-friendly sunscreen
Daily Facial Sunscreens (adult)

Tula Mineral Magic Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 30

•Type: 100% Mineral
•Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (16.3%) •Best For: Oily, acne-prone skin •Texture & Finish: Lightweight, non-greasy, matte finish •Key Benefits: Contains turmeric & blueberry extract for skin barrier support and antioxidant protection •Best For: People with oily or acne-prone skin who want an oil-free, matte-finish mineral sunscreen
Daily Facial Sunscreens (adult)

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Hydra Sunscreen

•Type: Chemical
•Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene •Best For: Normal to dry skin •Texture & Finish: Lightweight, hydrating, dewy •Key Benefits: Contains hyaluronic acid for hydration, antioxidant-rich formula •Best For: People with dry skin who want a lightweight, ultra-hydrating sunscreen with a dewy finish

Pediatric Sunscreens 

Pediatric Sunscreens

Babo Botanicals Baby SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen

•Active Ingredients: 100% Non-Nano Zinc Oxide (19%)
•Key Features: Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and EWG-rated safe •Enriched with organic plant-based ingredients (avocado, shea butter, calendula) for extra moisture •Reef-safe, non-toxic formula
Pediatric Sunscreens

Babyganics Mineral-Bascd Sunscreen SPF 50+

•Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (24.08%), Titanium Dioxide (4.64%)
•Key Features: Broad-spectrum, high SPF protection •Plant-derived ingredients (tomato, cranberry, sunflower, black cumin, and raspberry seed oils) •No PABA, phthalates, parabens, or artificial fragrances •Non-allergenic, tear-free
Pediatric Sunscreens

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Baby SPF 50

•Active Ingredients: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide (20%)
•Water Resistance: 80 minutes •Key Features: No chemical UV filters, parabens, or fragrances, Smart bottle technology (cap turns pink when exposed to UV) •Dermatologist-tested and reef-safe •Infused with Calendula Extract and organic Aloe
Pediatric Sunscreens

Pipette Mineral Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

Active Ingredients: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide (20%)

•Water Resistance: 40 minutes

•Key Features: Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and EWG-rated safe, Contains squalane for extra hydration

•Eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and reef-safe
Pediatric Sunscreens

Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection SPF 50

•Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (21.6%)
•Water Resistance: 80 minutes •Key Features: Contains colloidal oatmeal to soothe sensitive skin, No parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances •Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-recommended

Shampoos for dandruff 

Shampoos for dandruff

Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

•Key ingredient(s): Ketoconazole 1%
•Best for: Moderate to severe dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and fungal acne-prone skin. •Reduces flaking, itching, and redness while being relatively gentle.
Shampoos for dandruff

Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength

•Key ingredient(s): Selenium Sulfide 1%.
•Best for: Oily dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and scalp buildup. •Can be drying—pair with a gentle, hydrating conditioner.
Shampoos for dandruff

DHS Zinc Shampoo

•Key ingredient(s): Pyrithione Zinc 2%
•Best for: Mild to moderate dandruff, sensitive scalps. •Gentler than ketoconazole or selenium sulfide but still effective.
Shampoos for dandruff

Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo

•Key ingredient(s): Coal Tar 0.5-1%
•Best for: Thick scales, stubborn seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. •Can darken hair with frequent use and has a strong smell.