Choosing skincare products can be a challenge for many of us. We’ve all bought creams or serums that never had the desired outcome. Unfortunately, not every skincare product is made the same. That's why science-based products like those from Whish, formulated with safe and effective ingredients, actually work wonders.

Dermatologists often recommend staple products like a brightening vitamin C serum, a gentle bakuchiol serum (a natural alternative to retinol), and the best eye cream for delicate under-eye skin. These proven categories target concerns like dullness, fine lines, and tired-looking skin. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best clean beauty skincare routine inspired by what dermatologists would actually recommend.

What Dermatologists Look for in Effective Skincare Products

Many dermatologists recommend only safe, well-researched skincare products that deliver results. For instance, dermatologists recommend clean and non-irritating products that are less likely to cause sensitivity and still deliver meaningful results. The active ingredients included in the product should be backed by good clinical studies, like vitamin C for brightening or bakuchiol for anti-aging. 

Dermatologists prioritize products that strengthen and protect your skin barrier, not the formulas that could weaken or damage it. This dermatology approach to safe and effective skincare aligns well with Whish's clean beauty skincare routine with plant-powered and cruelty-free formulas that deliver results, while being gentle to all skin types.

Vitamin C Serum: The Brightening & Protective Powerhouse

Many dermatologists identify vitamin C serum as a necessary part of a comprehensive skincare process. As a potent antioxidant, it does more than make your skin glow; it can also help shield it from everyday environmental aggressors like UV rays and pollution that contribute to premature aging.

In addition to stimulating collagen production to help skin appear firmer and fuller, vitamin C also brightens dull and uneven skin tone. This is why most experts recommend incorporating a vitamin C serum into your morning routine for the best protection and visible results.

Key Benefits of Vitamin C Serum

• Fades dark spots and visibly evens out skin tone.
• Boosts collagen for smoother, firmer-looking skin.
• Shields skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

How to Use a Vitamin C Serum

Apply Whish Vitamin C + Bakuchiol Serum after cleansing and before moisturizing or applying sunscreen. This serum combines glow-inducing and anti-aging benefits in a single clean, plant-based product. To maximize its benefits, always apply SPF after the vitamin C serum; both products work together to protect skin and repair damage. These serums also work well with most hydrating serums, such as those containing vitamin E or hyaluronic acid, and provide extra comfort.

Bakuchiol Serum: A Gentle Alternative to Retinol

For those looking for natural options for anti-aging, dermatologists frequently point to bakuchiol serum. This plant-based ingredient has retinol-like effects for smoother skin and fewer fine lines, without the irritation, redness, or peeling often associated with traditional retinoids. Bakuchiol is effective, cruelty-free, gentle on most skin types, and pregnancy-safe.

Benefits of Bakuchiol Serum

• Stimulates collagen to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
• Improves elasticity and overall skin firmness.
• Brightens dull skin without triggering peeling or sensitivity.

Who Should Use Bakuchiol Serum?

Bakuchiol serum is a great choice for those with sensitive or rosacea-prone skin, as well as anyone seeking visible anti-aging results without downtime. Bakuchiol is also a natural alternative for anyone avoiding retinol during pregnancy.

Whish offers bakuchiol-powered products to add to your routine. Our collection includes the Bakuchiol Boosting Drops to help soften fine lines, the Bakuchiol Serum for overall renewal, the Revitalizing Eye Cream with Bakuchiol to reduce puffiness and fine lines, and a Bakuchiol Lip Mask to help soften and renew delicate lips. Each formula is 100% clean and effective, delivering results without compromise.

Founder's Vault Bakuchiol Boosting Drops

$124.00

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Revitalizing Eye Cream with Bakuchiol - New and Improved!

$64.00

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Lip Mask with Bakuchiol - NEW IMPROVED FORMULA!

$36.00

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Eye Creams: Targeted Care for Delicate Skin

The skin below the eyes is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of the face, which can lead to fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles. That's why dermatologists always recommend using a specialized formula, not your regular moisturizer. The best eye cream is specifically formulated to address these concerns without overwhelming the sensitive skin.

Ingredients to Look for in the Best Eye Creams

• Caffeine to visibly reduce puffiness and awaken tired eyes.
• Niacinamide to brighten dark circles and even tone.
• Hyaluronic acid & peptides for plumping hydration and improved firmness.
• Bakuchiol for gentle renewal and smoother texture.

How to Apply Eye Cream Correctly

Use your ring finger to gently tap Whish’s Revitalizing Eye Cream with Bakuchiol around the orbital bone; never rub. It offers a lightweight, multi-benefit formula that hydrates, smooths, and brightens, giving your eyes the targeted care they deserve. Apply morning and evening for consistent results, and don’t forget to pair it with sunscreen during the day for added protection.

Building a Dermatologist-Approved Nighttime Routine

Your evening ritual is more than just winding down; it’s the perfect opportunity to repair and restore your skin. While you sleep, your body enters repair mode, making nighttime the ideal window to apply active skincare products that work best without interference from sun or environmental stressors. 

Here’s an example of a dermatologist-approved routine, featuring Whish favorites:

• Cleanse: Start with a gentle cleanser (revitalizing cleansing oil) to remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities.
• Exfoliate (1-2x per week): After cleansing, use Whish’s Renewing Mud Mask to gently resurface and remove dull, dead skin cells.
  
• Treat: Use vitamin C serum in the morning and bakuchiol serum at night as a gentler, effective alternative to retinol.
  
• Target: Apply your eye cream both morning and night to address puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.
  
• Moisturize: Lock in hydration with a nourishing night cream or Whish’s body butter for intense overnight replenishment.
  
• Sleep Mask: On nights when your skin needs an extra boost, swap your night cream for a sleep mask to deeply hydrate and restore your barrier.

Consistency and proper layering are key. By following this type of dermatologist-approved skincare routine, you give your skin the tools it needs to recover, recharge, and reveal a healthier glow by morning.

Revitalizing Cleansing Oil with Bakuchiol

$38.00

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Renewing Mud Mask with Bakuchiol

$52.00

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DAY AND NIGHT BAKUCHIOL SKIN CARE BUNDLE - SAVE 20%

$110.40

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Why Whish’s Clean Beauty Approach Aligns with Dermatologist Standards

The rise of clean beauty today isn’t just a craze; it reflects a shift towards safer, healthier, and more sustainable skincare. Dermatologists often recommend non-toxic, well-formulated products that are gentle enough for daily use. While some harsh chemicals can give quick fixes, they may disrupt the skin barrier in the long term. Clean products can achieve visible results while staying safe for ongoing use.

Whish embodies this philosophy with paraben-free, sulfate-free, and phthalate-free formulas powered by plant-based actives. From bakuchiol for gentle renewal and aloe and shea butter for soothing hydration, to vitamin C for brightening, every ingredient is chosen with both skin health and sustainability in mind. Plus, our products are cruelty-free and eco-friendly, aligning with modern values while delivering dermatologist-loved results.

Smarter Skincare with Dermatologist-Backed Products

September 25, 2025

By Aimee Werner

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