When it comes to skincare, Dermalogica and Image Skincare are two popular brands that often come up in conversation. Both offer medical-grade formulas packed with active ingredients, but they also have some key differences.
I’ve tried products from both Dermalogica and Image Skincare over the years and want to share my experiences to help you decide which brand may be a better match for your skin.
Let’s dive into the pros, cons, key features, and overall comparison of these two skincare lines.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Dermalogica | Image Skincare |
| Skin Focus | Skin health | Anti-aging |
| Best For | All skin types, especially sensitive | Mature, damaged skin |
| Hero Ingredients | Vitamins, peptides, botanical extracts | Retinol, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants |
| Product Range | Streamlined | Broad |
| Packaging Style | Clinical, minimalist | Luxe, glamorous |
| Price Range | $20-$100 | $30-$200+ |
| Where to Buy | Salons, spas, retail stores | Direct, some retail |
| Skin Compatibility | Less irritating for sensitive skin | Hydrating for dry skin |
Overview Of Dermalogica
Dermalogica was founded in 1986 by skin therapist Jane Wurwand who developed the brand’s products to be used with professional skin treatments. Today, Dermalogica is sold in over 100 countries worldwide.
Some key facts about Dermalogica:
- Claims to be the number one choice of skin therapists worldwide
- Formulas are 100% free of common irritants and allergens
- Features a blend of vitamins, botanicals, and advanced ingredients
- Products not tested on animals
- Offer personalized product recommendations based on skin concerns
Dermalogica is known for its focus on skin health as opposed to anti-aging. Their most popular products include the Special Cleansing Gel, Daily Microfoliant, and Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50.
Overview Of Image Skincare
Founded in 2003 by celebrity esthetician Janna Ronert, Image Skincare combines clinically proven ingredients with plant stem cells and peptides. Their products are cruelty-free and made in the USA.
Some key facts about Image Skincare:
- Formulas contain no parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or artificial fragrances
- Features lightweight gels, serums, and mineral-based SPF
- Offers customized regimens for different skin types
- Products designed to be layered together for maximum results
- Top-selling items include the Ageless Total Pure Hyaluronic Filler and Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum
Image Skincare aims to provide both instant results and cumulative skin benefits over time. They’re especially known for their anti-aging skincare.
Now let’s compare some key factors between these two brands.
Dermalogica Vs. Image Skincare: Key Differences
Product Types
Both Dermalogica and Image offer the usual lineup of skincare products: cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, masks, exfoliants, eye creams, etc. However, there are some differences in their product offerings.
Dermalogica has a simpler, streamlined range of products focused on skin health. Image Skincare has a wider selection of anti-aging creams, serums, gels, and specialty treatments. Image also has makeup including concealers and foundations not offered by Dermalogica.
Also Read: Comparison Between Alt And Dossier.
Ingredients
The active ingredients found in these brands’ products also set them apart.
Dermalogica relies on acids like salicylic acid and vitamins like vitamin C. Key ingredients are coconut oil, green tea, papaya enzymes, peptides, and sage. They steer clear of fragrances.
Image Skincare incorporates more anti-aging powerhouses like retinol, hyaluronic acid, peptides, antioxidants, and plant stem cells from edelweiss, lavender, and echinacea. Their formulas often have citrus or floral scents.
So Dermalogica has more familiar skin-nourishing ingredients, while Image uses advanced anti-aging complexes.
Skin Types
Dermalogica products cater to all skin types including sensitive skin. The brand avoids known irritating ingredients.
Image Skincare targets aging, damaged skin in need of repair. Dry, mature, and problematic skin benefits most from their nourishing formulas. However, they still offer basic cleansers and moisturizers for oily/combination skin.
Cost
Unsurprisingly, Image Skincare is priced higher than Dermalogica across the board. Their advanced anti-aging formulas come at a steeper cost.
Dermalogica’s products typically range from $20-$100. Image Skincare’s products go from $30-$200+. For both brands, cleansers and moisturizers start at lower price points while serums, treatments, and sets cost more.
Where to Buy
Dermalogica is sold through salons, spas, and authorized retailers like Ulta, Sephora, and department stores. It’s easy to find and purchase.
Image Skincare used to be exclusively available through skincare professionals. Now their website offers direct online sales, but product selection at retailers is limited.
Packaging
The packaging and branding for these two brands also differs.
Dermalogica uses sleek, clean-looking bottles often in white and green shades. Minimalist typography with modern accents give their products an almost clinical vibe.
Image Skincare, on the other hand, uses more ornate packaging. Think glossy containers, metallic accents, and sleek typefaces. Their products have a more luxe, glamorous aesthetic.
Watch this review video of Image Skincare!
Dermalogica Vs. Image Skincare: Product Line Comparison
Now let’s look at some bestselling items from Dermalogica and Image Skincare to see how they measure up.
Cleansers
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel
- Soap-free gel formula
- Removes impurities without stripping skin
- Leaves skin clean and refreshed
Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Cleanser
- Creamy citrus-scented cleanser
- Contains antioxidants and nourishing oils
- Brightens and hydrates skin
Both are gentle daily cleansers free of sulfates and soap. The Dermalogica option is better for oily skin while the Image cleanser provides more hydration.
Also Read: Comparison Between RoC Deep Wrinkle Filler and Serum
Exfoliants
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
- Rice-based powder formula
- Activates with water to slough off dead skin cells
- Polishes and smooths skin texture
Image Skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Exfoliator
- Liquid leave-on exfoliant with lactic and glycolic acid
- Dissolves dead skin and improves tone
- Also contains arbutin and licorice root to brighten
The Dermalogica exfoliant is a finer physical scrub. The Image chemical exfoliant is stronger for targeting uneven tone and anti-aging.
Serums
Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum
- Stable vitamin C brightens skin
- Antioxidant vitamin E provides hydration
- Firms and evens out skin tone
Image Skincare Ageless Total Resurfacing Serum
- Multi-action serum with retinol and acids
- Smooths texture, fades dark spots, and reduces wrinkles
- Time-released formula minimizes irritation
For a classic vitamin C serum, Dermalogica delivers. The Image serum packs a stronger anti-aging punch with retinol and AHAs.
Moisturizers
Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream
- Medium-weight cream for normal/combination skin
- Locks in moisture and helps strengthen skin barrier
- Mix of peptides and antioxidants
Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum
- Lightweight gel-cream formula
- Hydrates using marine extracts and hyaluronic acid
- Brightens with vitamin C derivative MAP
The Dermalogica cream moisturizer provides balanced hydration. The Image serum-cream hybrid packs an extra anti-aging boost with vitamin C.
Eye Creams
Dermalogica Age Bright Clearing Serum
- Lightweight serum for under eyes
- Reduces puffiness and brightens dark circles
- Contains vitamin C, exfoliants, peptides, and arnica
Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Eye Recovery Gel
- Cooling gel-cream for under eyes
- Hydrates using aloe, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides
- Helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles
For brightening and treatment benefits, the Dermalogica serum delivers. The Image option offers richer moisturization better suited for dry skin.
Masks
Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil
- Nourishing facial oil concentrate
- Botanical oils hydrate dry, mature skin
- Can be used as massage oil or sleeping mask
Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Repair Crème Mask
- Intense hydrating treatment
- Contains antioxidants, ceramides, and olive oil
- Soothes and restores dry, aging skin
The Dermalogica face oil gives a nutrient boost and locks in moisture. The Image mask provides more intensive moisturizing effects.
Also Read: Comparison Between Skinstore And Dermstore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Image Skincare is considered a top clinical skincare brand. Their products contain proven anti-aging ingredients like retinol and hyaluronic acid. Image Skincare is a reputable brand among skincare experts, estheticians, and dermatologists.
Some skincare brands with a similar approach to Dermalogica include SkinCeuticals, SkinMedica, PCA Skin, and Obagi Medical. These brands offer a range of medical-grade products focused on skin health and treatment.
The “best” skincare line depends on your skin type and concerns. Some top medical skincare brands include SkinCeuticals, SkinMedica, Obagi Medical, Dermalogica, Revision Skincare, and Image Skincare. Consult your dermatologist for personalized recommendations.
Yes, Image Skincare is considered a medical-grade skincare line. Their formulas contain prescription-strength ingredients at therapeutic levels. Image Skincare products are sold through skincare professionals’ offices for in-office treatments and at-home use.
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The Verdict
After comparing these two clinical skincare brands, here are some key takeaways:
- Dermalogica is ideal if you want straightforward products focused on skin health.
- Image Skincare is preferred if anti-aging and correcting skin damage are top concerns.
- Dermalogica costs less across the board and is widely accessible.
- Image Skincare uses more advanced formulas but is pricier and less available.
- Those with sensitive or oily skin may do better with Dermalogica.
- Mature, dry skin types see the best results from Image Skincare’s hydrating and reparative products.
Ultimately, it depends on your skincare needs and budget. Try sample sizes where possible to gauge compatibility with your skin. A dermatologist can also help assess your skin goals and recommend products accordingly.
While these two brands take different approaches, both Dermalogica and Image Skincare produce high-quality skincare with proven ingredients. With the right products tailored to your skin, you can achieve your desired complexion goals.