YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

We love your questions. If you have a question that hasn’t already been answered below, then please reach out to us here.

FAQs

WHERE IS SKINSTITUT AVAILABLE?

You can find our Skinstitut products in medical and professional skin clinics all over Australia where qualified skin practitioners can diagnose and recommend the right products to help you achieve your skin goals. You’ll also find us online through our specialist, Skinstitut-trained online retail partners.

To find your closest skin clinic or preferred online retailer, please refer to our the stockist locator .

ARE SKINSTITUT PRODUCTS CRUELTY FREE TO ANIMALS?

We’re very proud to have been a cruelty-free skincare brand from day one, back in 2008. We don’t use any animal-derived ingredients in our products, we test every single product on willing (and discerning) human volunteers and never ever on animals.

SKINSTITUT VEGAN STATEMENT 

In our mission to create high-performing, results-based skincare that meets the varied needs of skin at all stages of life, our focus is always on the best quality, cruelty-free ingredients.  

Of Skinstitut’s full range, currently three products are not vegan. These are: 

Collagen Plus – contains Marine Cold Water Fish Gelatin 

Quick-Fix Calming Sheet Mask – contains Honey Extract 

Quick-Fix Anti-Ageing Sheet Mask – contains Fish Collagen 

Skinstitut’s Marine Collagen is a sustainably sourced by-product of the food industry, extracted from the otherwise discarded skin of wild-caught, deep-sea Atlantic cod. While both marine- and bovine-derived Collagen deliver similar benefits for the skin, Marine Collagen’s quality and bioavailability are superior, and its environmental impact smaller.  

Our rigorously researched and formulated products value quality, safety and efficacy above all else. Animal-derived ingredients are chosen when research demonstrates they outperform alternatives in pursuit of the best possible results for skin.  

HOW LONG SHOULD I USE SKINSTITUT PRODUCTS? SHOULD I STOP USING THEM ONCE MY SKIN HAS CORRECTED ITSELF?

The short answer: keep going. The longer answer: Skinstitut products are designed to correct a range of specific concerns and to return your skin to its best self and keep it that way. We use cosmeceutical ingredients in our formulations which correct those concerns and help to maintain skin health and prevent premature ageing and sun damage. So yes, ongoing use is strongly recommended, as is a seasonal skin consultation to monitor your skin and ensure you’re using the right products to weather all conditions and lifestyle challenges.

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH PRODUCTS TO USE?

We know. A thorough, professional skin analysis by a qualified Skinstitut practitioner is absolutely essential to ensure you’re investing in the right products for your skin type and concerns — and that you know exactly how and when to use them. 

Our advanced skin analysis investigates the cause of any skin concerns; we find that diet, lifestyle, and hormones often have a role to play which is why we take a holistic approach. If you’re unable to visit a Skinstitut clinic location, we invite you to have an online consultation here

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN I FIRST START USING SKINSTITUT?

Skinstitut is a corrective, cosmeceutical range created to inspire change in the skin. Our products hero active ingredients in potent concentrations so you should expect visible changes in the first two weeks of starting your new Skinstitut regime. 

In some cases as the skin renews itself, dehydration, flakiness or breakouts can be a common side effect as congestion and expired skin cells are encouraged up through the surface layers of the skin. Before you worry that you’re having an allergic response to your new products, know that these types of changes are often experienced when you begin to use new and especially active formulations; it’s a sign that the ingredients are working and creating that change you want to see. 

We’ve found that any skin response will settle down within a few weeks, making way for better, brighter, healthier skin. However, if you’re still concerned with the way your skin is responding we recommend you consult your Skinstitut dermal clinician.

WHAT IS A COSMECEUTICAL PRODUCT?

A cosmeceutical is a product that has a cosmetic and therapeutic  effect on both the health and appearance of the skin. They contain active ingredients that have a positive impact on cellular function and, as part of a committed skincare regime, they can visibly improve skin tone and texture, fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation and sun damage, and help to restore the skin’s natural radiance.

Skinstitut cosmeceutical products are typically prescribed by a skin professional in a medispa, skin clinic, or medical practice to suit your skin type and condition. As our cosmeceuticals contain active ingredients in the concentrations needed to effect change, it’s extremely important that you follow the specific usage amounts and product instructions and that you don’t just apply them liberally to the skin like traditional cosmetics.

WHAT IS AFTERPAY?

Afterpay allows you to purchase and pay later in 4 easy interest-free instalments.

To pay with Afterpay:

  • Add your items to the cart
  • Select Afterpay as the payment option at the checkout
  • Signup or use your existing Afterpay account
  • Once approved, we will despatch your order

Merchants will be able to initiate all eligible refunds on your behalf. Once completed, your refund will be applied to your order.

If you would like to know more about Afterpay, visit the Afterpay website www.afterpay.comfor a comprehensive list of FAQs & terms. Afterpay’s Privacy Policy which can be found athttps://www.afterpay.com/ privacy-policy

PRODUCT USAGE

MY SKINSTITUT PRACTITIONER SAID I SHOULD ONLY USE A SMALL AMOUNT OF PRODUCT. HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

Skinstitut is a highly active, cosmeceutical range that should be slowly introduced into your skincare regime. It’s extremely important to follow the usage instructions as being heavy handed with a cosmeceutical product may result in redness and inflammation as the skin is overwhelmed with too many active ingredients. A basic rule to follow: if you’re using more than a pea-sized amount of product you’re using too much.

EYE BELIEVE IS FLAKING ON MY SKIN, WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?

Skinstitut is a highly active, cosmeceutical range that should be slowly introduced into your skincare regime. It’s extremely important to follow the usage instructions as being heavy handed with a cosmeceutical product may result in redness and inflammation as the skin is overwhelmed with too many active ingredients. A basic rule to follow: if you’re using more than a pea-sized amount of product you’re using too much.

I HAVE STARTED USING THE RETINOL AND MY SKIN IS NOW SENSITIVE AND IRRITATED, WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?

You’re probably being a bit heavy handed and using too much. Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that promotes cellular renewal by increasing collagen and elastin production—and it’s very active. 

Please apply just one pea-sized amount of Retinol Serum every other evening, eventually building up to every evening on clean dry skin. Gently stroke outwards in a circular motion, gradually spreading onto the entire face, throat and chest while being careful to avoid the eye area. And make sure your skin is protected with Age Defence SPF50+ every time you’re outside, no matter what the weather.

If you have sensitive skin try our Rejuvenate 15 serum as it contains Lanablue which is a botanical Vitamin A and is less reactive on the skin.

PRODUCT INGREDIENTS

IS THE L-LACTIC DERIVED FROM MILK?

Lactic Acid is traditionally derived from milk but at Skinstitut we create it synthetically in a laboratory for hygienic reasons. It’s perfect for more sensitive skins as it doesn’t penetrate as deeply or quickly as Glycolic Acid. Lactic also has additional benefits including effective hydration and the ability to increase natural ceramides (which improve the skin’s barrier function) and reduced irritation.

WILL EVEN BLEND SERUM BLEACH MY SKIN?

No. Even Blend Serum will help to even out your skin tone for a brighter complexion with more clarity. Even Blend Serum contains Wakamine: Japanese seaweed which is very high in Vitamin B3 and is extremely effective in inhibiting melanin transfer into the skin cells. This brightening serum takes both a reactive and proactive approach to pigmentation; it doesn’t just treat visible melanin it works below the surface to help prevent the formation of future melanin.

CAN I USE LASER AID FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN JUST AFTER LASER TREATMENTS?

Absolutely you can. Laser Aid is a great multi-tasker to have on hand for a range of skin fixes. It has powerful properties to cool and soothe, serving as cooling mask for flushed or heat affected skin. We also recommend it for rosacea prone skin, where it can be used as a light-weight moisturiser. Laser Aid offers calming relief for skin post microdermabrasion, waxing, and shaving. It even makes a great mask for acneic skin types due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties.

We have lots of happy customers who also use Laser Aid as a pre or post shave gel.

HOW DO I USE THE VITAMIN C?

As our Skinstitut Vitamin C is extremely potent, it’s essential you follow our recommended usage exactly. Mix one tiny shake of powder (equivalent to a grain of rice) with one of the Vitamin C-compatible products we recommend below.

This is the recommended amount of our Vitamin C to be mixed with one pump of the compatible Skinstitut products of your choice into the palm of your hand and then directly applied to your skin.

CAN I MIX SKINSTITUT’S VITAMIN C WITH OTHER PRODUCTS?

Firstly, we don’t recommend you mix our Vitamin C with anything other than a Skinstitut product; our cosmeceutical products have been carefully formulated and tested to complement one another and to be safe to use. If you do want to add a little of our Vitamin C to one of your favourite Skinstitut products, it needs to be a formulation that is going to stay on the skin. 

Vitamin C plays well with the following: our Enzymatic Micro Peel, Even Blend Serum, Retinol, Hydrating Mask, Moisture Defence or Age Defence SPF 50+.

We don’t recommend combining our Vitamin C with the following: our Multi-Active Oil, Rejuvenate 15 Serum or Repair Balm.

WHAT PERCENTAGE IS YOUR RETINOL?

At Skinstitut, we pride ourselves on being transparent about our products. Some brands may only promote the percentage of an ingredient as the whole Retinol complex (which can include derivatives of other ingredients) which can be misleading. Our Retinol Serum is a 1.25 % potent encapsulated Retinol which is the equivalent of 0.25% active Retinol.

We use one of the most potent, highest-quality Retinols available on the market. Our Retinol Serum is transported on dry ice to our lab to maintain maximum freshness and uses microscopic encapsulation technology for superior ingredient penetration and stabilisation.

Our latest addition to the Retinol family is Expert Reveal Retinol Face Oil. This is a carefully considered oil blend of Retinyl Palmitate and Retinol that’s a lightweight, nourishing, and hydrating night-time treatment which helps to nurture more mature, dry skins. This highly effective Retinol treatment oil is equivalent to 0.9% active Retinol. Best of all, you enjoy the retinol benefits without the irritation often associated with Vitamin A.

CAN I USE SKINSTITUT PRODUCTS WHEN I’M PREGNANT?

Yes but here are four important things to note before you do. 

1. If your skin has undergone significant changes since becoming pregnant, we strongly recommend you have a consultation with your skin therapist who will assess your skin and recommend a gentler but still effective regime to use during this time. 

2. Pregnancy is not the time to start an all-new, highly active regime as your skin will likely be more responsive than usual. Instead, make small and gradual changes, ideally in consultation with your therapist, and opt for nutrient-rich, calming and nourishing skincare products and ingredients. 

3. High-concentration Vitamin A should be avoided throughout both pregnancy and breastfeeding; this includes our Retinol Serum and Expert Reveal Retinol Face Oil or any other forms of Vitamin A such as Retinoic Acid. You are best to switch to a more gentle, low concentration of Vitamin A such as the botanically derived Vitamin A we use in our Rejuvenate 15. It contains a Blue Algae extract, rich in essential lipids, proteins, vitamins, and trace minerals that has Retinoic-like properties that help to rejuvenate and refine the signs of premature ageing with a more gentle approach.

4. AHAs are safe to use but be careful not to be excessive. When pregnant, your skin will be much more responsive with an increased tendency for sensitivity or dryness. If you’ve been using L-Lactic Cleanser, Glycolic Cleanser 12%, or Glycolic Scrub 14% prior to your pregnancy, then you should be safe to continue their use. However, if you’re noticing or feeling increased sensitivity then don’t use them as frequently as you had been and cleanse with our Gentle Cleanser as an alternative.

MUST I DO ALL 5 STEPS?

If you want to get great results, yes. While you don’t necessarily need to be doing all 5 steps morning and evening, incorporating cleansing, exfoliating, correcting, hydrating, and protecting within your overall regime is what creates change in the skin.

CAN I USE MORE THAN 5 PRODUCTS?

Absolutely. Many of our customers and staff enjoy using multiple products within a particular step. For example: you can start with Gentle Cleanser to remove makeup, followed by a second cleanse with Glycolic Cleanser 12% to decongest and clear breakout-prone skin. Furthermore, as your skin adapts to the intensity of your Skinstitut products you can move to using higher intensity products. For example: progressing from using Rejuvenate 15 to the higher-intensity form of Vitamin A in Retinol Serum.

TESTIMONIALS
  • Product Reviews
  • Site Reviews
14/06/2025
Katherine C.
Australia
It’s OK it seems to last most of the day
Vitamin C Ceramide Moisturiser
13/06/2025
Gavin
Australia
Works very well.
Glycolic Scrub 14%
09/06/2025
Leigh D.
Australia
Love the enzymatic micro peel.
Enzymatic Micro Peel
09/06/2025
Lynda B.
Australia
This product feels very smooth and calming coupled with all the ingredients that are doing wonders for my skin it is now a daily must have and I look forward to putting it on.
Rejuvenate 15 Serum
07/06/2025
Barbara D.
Australia
I love using this as a night cream. It is smooth and nourishing on my skin.
Expert Restore Niacinamide Replenishing Cream
04/06/2025
Jonique
Australia
Lightweight moisturise that doesn’t leave you skin sticky.
Moisture Defence – Normal Skin
02/06/2025
Patricia K.
Australia
Wonderful product …. Order regularly. After using, my skin feels plump for a good part of day … no easy feat for an aging person. Occasionally switch to a different serum. But always revert back to Expert reset skin firming peptide serum
Expert Reset Skin-Firming Peptide Serum
31/05/2025
Liliana W.
Australia
I have been using these products for the past two years and my skin looks and feels great.
The Edit
31/05/2025
Dimitra P.
Australia
Excellent and very effective results , my skin looks soft and smooth and no residue built up from wrong PH levels
L-Lactic Cleanser
28/05/2025
Mary V.
Australia
I have been using this product for the past 3 years, and find it does exactly what its meant to do, moisturise! Supper absorbing, and refreshing feel.
Moisture Defence – Normal Skin
28/05/2025
Cindy W.
Australia
Product has really soothed my skin, I was having breakouts and dry skin but now after using the oil my skin feels and looks smoother and much clearer.
Expert Reveal Retinol Face Oil
28/05/2025
Dominique C.
Australia
Fantastic product. I’ve always struggled with acne/redness on my bum, but I have otherwise clear skin. I have used many skin scrubs and cleansers over the years, but nothing has provided consistent results. This scrub has halted the breakouts and has reduced the redness significantly. While it’s...Fantastic product. I’ve always struggled with acne/redness on my bum, but I have otherwise clear skin. I have used many skin scrubs and cleansers over the years, but nothing has provided consistent results. This scrub has halted the breakouts and has reduced the redness significantly. While it’s unlikely to take it away completely, I’m happy with the current outcome and feel more confident as a result.
Glycolic Scrub 14%
27/05/2025
Sallie g.
Australia
My skin really misses this when I run out, so good to get it back in my hands & on my skin
Expert Restore Niacinamide Replenishing Cream
23/05/2025
Glaucia H.
Australia
It’s a very smooth and easy cream to apply. The cream hydrate my eyes and loosen to much better. Very happy with the results.
Expert Revive Smoothing Eye Treatment
21/05/2025
Angela W.
Australia
Great, quick easy
Glycolic Scrub 14%
20/05/2025
Natasha W.
Australia
Great thank you
Expert Reset Skin-Firming Peptide Serum
19/05/2025
Colleen A.
Australia
I love this cream. I use it when I feel my skin needs a bit of TLC.
Repair Balm
19/05/2025
Amanda C.
Australia
Excellent. I'm pretty sure I have one of everything! My favourite is the Glycolic scrub 14%. Been buying these products for 6 years.
Even Blend Serum
18/05/2025
Susan B.
Australia
Love this product. I use prior to oily skin moisturiser, your products are the first I’ve used that suit my skin and don’t make me feel greasy
Rejuvenate 15 Serum
18/05/2025
Amanda
Australia
Nice smell, light on the skin, easy to use
The Discovery
12/05/2025
Jan
Australia
Great products Thankyou so much 😊
Expert Reset Skin-Firming Peptide Serum
11/05/2025
Rikki F.
Australia
I've been using the gentle cleanser for a year now and my skin has never been better. I use it in combination with the scrub.
Gentle Cleanser
05/05/2025
Jayne D.
Australia
I have been using Skinstitute over 7 years
Vitamin C Ceramide Moisturiser
05/05/2025
Lisa M.
Australia
Have been using this for a few years now and have noticed big improvements with my skin. Even friends and family have commented.
Retinol Serum
05/05/2025
Rose-Marie P.
Australia
Makes my skin feel more hydrated and evens skin tone
10% Vitamin C Super Serum
05/05/2025
Angela S.
Australia
My skin has never looked or felt better. I live for this stuff.
Expert Restore Niacinamide Replenishing Cream
04/05/2025
Jan
Australia
These products are amazing for us older ladies
Expert Restore Niacinamide Replenishing Cream
01/05/2025
Jan
Australia
Absolutely gorgeous products 😍
DELUXE NORMAL SKIN MOISTURE DEFENCE 15ML
01/05/2025
Melissa
Australia
Love this
1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum
30/04/2025
Lisa B.
Australia
Love the texture of the products and how beautiful my skin feels and looks my skin is firmer and hydrated the fine lines less obviously
Expert Reveal Retinol Face Oil
REVIEWS