Is Medical Grade Skincare Worth the Hype? The Truth Revealed

Is medical grade skincare more effective than over-the-counter alternatives? This is one of the questions that built the foundation of The Secret and a question that gets a lot of attention. While over-the-counter products have been formulated to effectively tackle common concerns for the majority of the general population, skincare is not a one-size-fits-all solution. You know it. We know it.

And as Australian consumers become increasingly educated about skincare ingredients and efficacy, we’re proud to lead with transparent, evidence-based formulations—ensuring you have access to tailored, results-driven skincare that’s grounded in science.

What is Medical Grade Skincare?

Medical grade skincare consists of products that are both curated using active ingredients, and tested by medical and skincare professionals. You’re likely to find more active ingredients in medical grade skincare products than most, if not all. That’s because certain actives can be used to treat specific skin conditions, which is why medical grade skincare can also be referred to as prescription skincare.

Active ingredients are derived from proven sources and scientifically shown to transform the structure of your skin cells. They not only work to hydrate and nourish the skin, but also to repair, rejuvenate and protect it. Some of the most common active ingredients you’re likely to see in medical grade skincare include niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and tretinoin, but there are plenty more.

In 2025, ingredients like peptides, ceramides, azelaic acid and bakuchiol are also at the forefront of customised skincare—offering anti-ageing, calming and barrier-repair benefits without irritation. These additions reflect the ongoing innovation in dermatology and align with what Australian skin often needs: resilience against harsh climates, UV exposure, and pollution.

Not all active ingredients are used in every medical grade or prescription skincare product, and that’s simply a result of everyone having different concerns they’d like to treat. So, while the base ingredients may be the same or similar in most cases, some actives are added or taken out as needed.

In Australia, any product containing prescription ingredients must comply with Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulations. This ensures that medical grade skincare is not only effective but also developed and prescribed with your safety in mind. At The Secret, our formulations are overseen by qualified medical professionals and created in Australia under strict pharmaceutical standards.

Is Medical Grade Skincare Accessible?

It’s common to think you may need to see a doctor or medical professional (such as a dermatologist) to get access to medical grade skincare. While this might’ve been the case in the past, the internet has made medical grade and prescription skin care more accessible for those who need it. And we’re all here for it.

A perfect example of this is the fact that we’ve been able to develop a quick, easy and free online skin quiz. Our quiz allows people to provide information about their skin; whether or not they’ve ever had an allergic reaction to skincare products, if they have specific skin concerns, and more, to receive a doctor’s recommendation and a customised list of solutions tailored to one's needs.

This level of accessibility is a game changer for Australians living in regional or remote areas who previously struggled to access dermatology care or personalised skincare advice. Our digital platform breaks that barrier and promotes convenience and simplicity for all. 

Medical Grade Skincare vs Over-the-Counter Skincare

We know there are many people who haven't been able to hit the jackpot when it comes to over-the-counter skincare products. Finding the ideal product for your skin is not easy, and after trying some, or way too many options sold to be “the magical formula” for your concern without any luck, it can be frustrating. You know it. We know it.

There are a number of reasons this might happen. As we touched on earlier, over-the-counter products usually contain a lower concentration of active ingredients. For individuals dealing with specific skin concerns like pigmentation, acne, or rosacea, these ingredients are often not effective enough to deliver significant results. So, while over-the-counter products are easily accessible and priced well, they may not be the right option for you.

Medical grade skincare, on the other hand, is not only backed by extensive clinical research with scientifically proven benefits. Due to the nature of the ingredients used and the concerns that medical grade skincare tackles, you’re also able to have completely customised products that are developed to help treat your specific concerns based on your skin and history with skincare products. However, with this level of customisation and formulation comes a higher price than what you might be used to paying for over-the-counter solutions.

Still, when compared to the cycle of trial-and-error often experienced with over-the-counter products, many find medical-grade options more cost-effective in the long run.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Over-the-Counter Skincare	Medical Grade Skincare (The Secret)
Ingredient Strength	Low	High (prescription level)
Customisation	One-size-fit- all	Tailored by doctors
Accessibility	Easily Purchased	Online quiz + doctor approval
Clinical Backing	Minimal	TGA-regulated, doctor formulated

So… Is Medical Grade Skincare Really More Effective?

While we wanted to give you a straightforward answer, we also wanted to make sure we told all (as the title suggests). Generally speaking, the answer to this question is not so simple and just like skin care, it's your call to make.

Medical grade skincare that uses prescription ingredients is likely to be more effective than most, if not all, over-the-counter remedies. Through using a higher concentration of ingredients that not only benefit the skin, but are designed to reach the deepest levels of it, medical grade skincare is a fantastic way to treat specific skin conditions - especially if you’re not having any luck with over-the-counter products.

But don’t just take our word for it:

“I was extremely nervous to try out The Secret Skincare, couldn’t be more glad that I did. After wasting thousands of dollars on medication and products and different treatments. I’ve struggled with acne all my teenage years and after being on my medicated skincare I couldn’t be happier with my amazing results!" - Shelbee, Real Results patient. 

“After years of trying off-the-shelf solutions, The Secret’s prescription cream finally cleared my hormonal acne within weeks.” – Liane, Real Results patient. 

A Final Word on Your Skin, the Environment, and Ethical Beauty

As an Australian-owned brand, we also care about what goes beyond the surface—our impact on the planet. That’s why we’re committed to sustainable practices, local production, and cruelty-free formulations. Our packaging is minimal, recyclable, and designed with intention. Because caring for your skin shouldn’t come at the planet’s expense.

Whether you’re looking to add the perfect products to your skincare routine, treat a specific concern, or are interested in finding out if medical grade and prescription skincare is the right option for you, The Secret is here to guide you on your journey to clear, glowing skin.

Still unsure if medical-grade skincare is right for you? Take our free skin quiz and receive a personalised plan—created by a doctor, made just for your skin. Experience the science of confidence with The Secret.

If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, please contact us online.