A decade or two ago, skincare was simple. We picked products based on what our friends swore by or what was trending in beauty magazines. Most of us only saw a dermatologist for serious skin concerns, while estheticians were the unquestioned skincare authorities.

Fast forward to today, and everything has changed. Free skincare education is a click away on our phones and social media has introduced us to a wider range of skincare professionals. But with dermatologists, estheticians, cosmetic chemists, and influencers all weighing in, there’s now the opposite problem - there’s too much information and it’s hard to know who to trust.

This guide breaks down the roles of estheticians, cosmetic chemists, dermatologists, and other skincare professionals- their education, specialties, and the topics they’re best qualified to speak on.

Introduction: The Importance of Both Expertise and Accuracy

The sheer volume of skincare information available today is overwhelming. With so many different voices claiming expertise, it’s easy to assume that all “experts” are equally qualified to answer the same questions. Social media complicates things further - some social media experts aren’t above wearing lab coats or just to appear authoritative. Most recently, we’ve seen experts introducing themselves as doctors and wearing scrubs while omitting that they’re a chiropractor.

So what happens when the information is conflicting? Who should you trust?

Questioning an expert’s credentials can feel rude. But critically examining expertise isn’t about disrespect- it’s about being an informed consumer. Similarly, this blog isn’t written to demean or disrespect any skincare professional. It’s intended to highlight what they bring to the table while informing consumers and creating conversation around an important topic.

The truth is, skincare expertise isn’t one-size-fits-all. A dermatologist is the best person to diagnose and treat medical skin conditions, but they aren’t trained in skincare formulation. A cosmetic chemist understands how ingredients interact but can’t diagnose your acne. An esthetician can guide your skincare routine but shouldn’t be diagnosing rosacea or offering diet advice.

Yet, on social media, these distinctions often get blurred. Education and credentials rightfully earn respect but the relevancy of their expertise and the accuracy of what they’re sharing should still be analyzed. And experts aren’t the only ones with something of value to share! Content creators who are “just influencers” can still create content that is informative to their audience provided it’s true to their experience and accurate.

The bottom line: expertise should align with the topic and reflect the current evidence. Now, let’s break down what each professional actually brings to the table.

Dermatologists

Education

1. Undergraduate degree

2. Medical school

3. Dermatology residency

4. Optional fellowship

5. Ongoing continuing education

What They Do

Dermatologists are medical doctors specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that involve the skin, hair, and nails. If you’re dealing with acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or other skin diseases, a board-certified dermatologist is the best person to diagnose and treat your condition. 

They can:

• Prescribe medications

• Perform diagnostic tests 

• Annual skin cancer screenings

• Removal and biopsy of benign and cancerous growths

• Treat skin infections and skin disorders

• Perform aesthetic procedures like Botox, lasers, and chemical peels

• Help address hair loss 

• Offer patient education, including sun protection to prevent skin cancers

Limitations

• They do not formulate skincare products or specialize in cosmetic chemistry

• They are not toxicologists and aren’t the best experts to discuss ingredient safety

• Some medical dermatologists may not be able to offer product recommendations or routine advice

Cosmetic Chemists

Education

1. Degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering (most common)

2. Specialized training in cosmetic science (optional but increasingly common)

3. On-the-job training and experience

What They Do

Cosmetic chemists are the experts behind skincare formulations. They understand how ingredients interact, how variables like pH affect stability, and how to create effective, well-formulated products while delivering the desired user experience. Their expertise is essential in:

• Taking a client brief and developing skincare, haircare, and makeup formulations

• Ensuring formulas are stable and safe for consumer use

• Working with manufacturers to scale up production

• Troubleshooting issues like product separation or microbial growth

• Work closely with product development, packaging, and manufacturing - or at smaller companies, take on some of these roles

Limitations

• They cannot diagnose or treat skin conditions

• They do not perform aesthetic procedures or hands-on skincare treatments

• They are not toxicologists, though they have a general understanding of ingredient safety

• Not working with patients means they may not be able to offer individualized routine help

Estheticians

Education

1. Esthetics program (260-1,000 hours depending on state)

2. Licensing exam

3. Advanced certifications in treatments in some states

4. Continuing education (often from cosmetics companies)

What They Do

Estheticians specialize in non-medical skin treatments that target the top layer of the skin and enhance skin health and appearance. They offer:

• Facials and extractions 

• Exfoliation (chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and dermaplaning if allowed by state board)

• Microcurrent, red light therapy, high frequency, and other treatments mwaqqw

• Waxing and other beauty services

Limitations

• They cannot diagnose or treat medical skin conditions and should not offer diet advice

• Their knowledge of skincare may vary based on training and continuing education

• They can not formulate skincare products or speak on cosmetic chemistry

• Often lack education background needed for more complex science concepts

Despite these limitations, accessibility should not be overlooked. Estheticians not working on their own will often work in spas, medspas, or dermatology clinics. They can be seen more quickly than a dermatologist, have more time with clients to answer questions, and their rates can be more reasonable for patients who can’t get a derm visit covered. Dermatologists often won’5 have the time to go over your routine but an esthetician can.

Other Skincare Experts

Medical Professionals

• Nurse Practitioners (NPs) & Physician Assistants (PAs) can specialize in dermatology, prescribe medications, and perform aesthetic treatments.

• Registered Nurses (RNs) & Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) may also perform aesthetic treatments depending on their scope of practice in that state. Nursing can provide a great foundation but they won’t be knowledgeable on skincare unless they seek additional training.

Toxicologists

Toxicologists assess the safety of cosmetic ingredients. Unlike cosmetic chemists, who focus on formulation and performance, toxicologists evaluate:

• Understanding how a substance affects the body and how it’s cleared from the body 

• Assessing short and long term risks based on considerations like systemic exposure, cumulative exposure, and aggregate exposure

• Determining safe usage levels

If you want the most accurate answer on ingredient safety, a toxicologist is your best source. We recommend Mohammed Kanadil, who was previously featured on the blog.

Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory specialists ensure that skincare products meet legal safety and labeling requirements. They don’t develop formulas themselves but play a critical role in ensuring that products are compliant.

They work in:

• Regulatory Affairs (ensuring global compliance)

• Quality Assurance (maintaining product safety standards)

• Labeling & Claims Compliance (ensuring product claims are accurate)

• Government regulators like the FDA, EU Commission, and Health Canada enforce these regulations.

Skincare Formulators

Not all formulators are cosmetic chemists. Some are self-taught or pursued training without having a degree first. They may not always be able to answer more complex chemistry questions but cosmetic formulators can still be very knowledgeable on everything related to formulating products and can excel in this area. Formulators are also really important for smaller skincare brands who may not have a cosmetic chemist in the budget.

Conclusion

When evaluating skincare advice, ask yourself:

• Is this expert speaking within their area of expertise?

• Are they providing evidence-based information, with citations?

• If sharing a personal opinion, do they make this clear?

• Are they transparent about what they do and don’t know?

• Does their perspective align with other experts in their field?

No single expert knows everything about skincare. Unpopular opinion: the best advice comes from those who stay in their lane - dermatologists for skin health, cosmetic chemists for formulation science, estheticians for routine guidance, and toxicologists for safety - and know when to collaborate with other experts.

What to Remember

• Titles don’t equal expertise - accuracy does.

• Trust evidence-based information over authority bias.

• Look for transparency and consistency among experts.

All the information you need is available - you just need to know how to filter out misinformation and get the best advice for your skin.

Mira is a skincare educator, blogger, and the content creator behind Skin Science by Mira and The Skincare Forum on Facebook. While skincare keeps her busy, she’s also pursuing her degree in Nursing and loves to spend her free time hiking.  As a content writer for Stratia Skin, Mira shares her evidence-based approach to skincare topics and a passion for making science accessible.