By Ashlee Smith, Medical Aesthetics Nurse & Founder of S C I E N C E +

When it comes to skincare, not all products are created equal. The difference between medical-grade skincare and over-the-counter (OTC) products goes far beyond the packaging or price tag — it comes down to science, concentration, and proven results.

If you’ve ever wondered why medical-grade products deliver such visible transformations, here’s what sets them apart and why investing in the right formulations can completely change your skin health.

1.  Ingredient Potency & Purity

Medical-grade skincare, like S C I E N C E +, uses higher concentrations of active ingredients — such as peptides, growth factors, antioxidants, and retinol — in clinically proven doses. These ingredients are backed by scientific research and formulated for real, measurable change in the skin.

By contrast, most OTC products (found in drugstores or beauty retailers) contain smaller amounts of active ingredients, often diluted or combined with unnecessary fillers to make them more shelf-stable and mass-market friendly.

 In short: medical-grade skincare is science-backed potency — OTC is cosmetic maintenance.

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2.  Clinical Testing & Formulation Standards

Every S C I E N C E + formula is developed and tested in Canada under professional- grade standards. That means each ingredient is chosen based on evidence — not trends — and formulated to target skin at the cellular level.

Medical-grade products must undergo rigorous stability, safety, and efficacy testing to validate results. OTC products, however, are not held to the same standard and can legally make claims without the same level of proof.

This is why you’ll often feel and see the difference after just a few weeks on professional-grade skincare.

3.  Ingredient Delivery Systems

It’s not just what’s in your skincare — it’s how it’s delivered.

Medical-grade products use advanced delivery technologies that allow ingredients to penetrate deeper into the dermis, where real change occurs.

At S C I E N C E +, our serums use encapsulated delivery and micro-molecular formulations designed to ensure maximum absorption and stability, giving you superior results with minimal irritation.

In contrast, many OTC products only work at the surface level — temporarily softening or hydrating without creating lasting cellular improvements.

4.  Personalized & Professional Guidance

Medical-grade skincare is typically recommended by trained professionals — nurses, doctors, or clinical aestheticians — who understand skin physiology and can tailor your regimen to your unique needs.

OTC skincare, on the other hand, is often self-selected and marketed broadly, which can lead to using products that are not ideal for your skin type or condition.