SLMD Skincare is the product line created by dermatologist Dr. Sandra Lee, better known as Dr. Pimple Popper. It launched in 2017 and is built around a simple promise: dermatologist-designed products at over-the-counter strength for people who want to treat acne and care for their skin at home.
Is it worth trying? This review explains what is in the line, how the main acne routine works, what independent reviewers and shoppers say, and who should skip it and see a dermatologist instead. We are not affiliated with SLMD Skincare, and we do not use affiliate links in this article. Prices and stock change often, so check the official site before buying.
Quick answer: is SLMD Skincare good?
- SLMD is Dr. Lee’s own brand. The company says its formulas are at over-the-counter levels.
- The flagship product is the SLMD Acne System, a three-step routine. At the time of writing, the site lists it at about $60.
- Independent reviewers describe the ingredients as common and effective, not unusual. Customer reviews are mixed.
- Results vary. Severe, cystic or scarring acne is better handled by a dermatologist.
Why Dr. Lee created SLMD
In 2017, Dr. Lee told Teen Vogue that the SLMD Acne System is “for people who cannot see a dermatologist, whether it’s time or distance or money” and that the products are things she would give or recommend to her own patients. In other words, it is a home option for mild to moderate breakouts, not a replacement for medical care. Her own site says mild to moderate breakouts can usually be treated successfully at home.
The SLMD Acne System: how it works
According to the SLMD product page, the system has three steps, used twice a day:
- Cleanser: Salicylic Acid Cleanser (0.5%).
- Treatment: Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion (2.5%) in the morning, or Retinol Resurfacing Serum at night.
- Moisturizer: Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer. In the daytime, finish with sunscreen.
The instructions say not to use the benzoyl peroxide and retinol products at the same time, to test a small area of skin for three days first, and to expect an adjustment period that may include dryness or more pimples. If you see no improvement after about three months, the brand advises seeing a dermatologist. It also says to check with a doctor first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The ingredients are well known, and we explain each in our guides to benzoyl peroxide for acne and a skin care routine for acne-prone skin.
Other SLMD products
The line goes beyond acne. It includes AHA/BHA Resurfacing Acne Swipes (described by Allure as containing 2% salicylic acid and 5% glycolic acid), a vitamin C serum, a daily moisturizer with SPF 15, a sunscreen called Dual Defender, a salicylic acid body spray, a dark spot treatment and a comedone extractor tool. Range and names change, so confirm on the official site.
Watch Dr. Lee explain the routine
Disclosure: the two videos below come from the SLMD Skincare brand’s own YouTube channel, so they are promotional. We include them so you can hear her explain the products in her own words.
Sun protection matters when you use acne ingredients such as retinol and acids, which can make skin more sensitive to the sun. In this video, Dr. Lee talks about SPF:
What independent reviewers say
The Dermatology Review, in a review dated November 23, 2022, found the Acne System ingredients to be “nothing out of the ordinary” but common and effective, and noted that benzoyl peroxide can dry the skin. PopSugar editors wrote positive reviews of several SLMD products in 2020. On Influenster, the brand showed an average of 4.21 out of 5 from 585 reviews when we checked. Shopper comments on the SLMD site itself are mixed, ranging from enthusiastic to disappointed, which is typical for acne products. Skin type, how consistently you use the products and the cause of your acne all matter.
Who SLMD may suit, and who should look elsewhere
It may suit people with mild to moderate acne who want a ready-made routine from a dermatologist-led brand. It may not suit people with sensitive skin who react to benzoyl peroxide, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding without medical advice, or anyone with painful, deep acne. For deeper pimples, Dr. Lee says in her own advice to see a dermatologist. Read what she says in Dr. Pimple Popper’s advice on popping pimples at home, and learn more about her background in who is Dr. Pimple Popper.
Frequently asked questions
Is SLMD Skincare really made by Dr. Pimple Popper?
Yes. SLMD Skincare is the brand founded by dermatologist Sandra Lee, who launched it in 2017.
How much does the SLMD Acne System cost?
The official site listed it at about $60 at the time of writing. Prices and availability change, so check slmdskincare.com.
Can I use the benzoyl peroxide and retinol together?
No. According to SLMD, the benzoyl peroxide lotion is for the morning and the retinol serum for the evening, and they should not be used together.
How long does SLMD take to work?
SLMD says some adjustment is normal at first and recommends seeing a dermatologist if you notice no improvement after about three months.
Is SLMD a replacement for seeing a dermatologist?
No. It is designed for mild to moderate breakouts. Cystic acne, scarring or acne that does not respond should be seen by a dermatologist.
When to see a dermatologist
See a dermatologist if you have deep, painful acne, scarring, a reaction to a product, or no improvement after about three months. This article is general information, not medical advice, and Video Spotter is not affiliated with SLMD Skincare or Dr. Sandra Lee.
