About Proven Skincare
Proven Skincare provides personalized treatments for customers’ unique skin and lifestyle, and are found to be clinically effective. The brand has been featured in New York Times, Vogue, Allure, The Wall Street Journal, Refinery 29, and People magazines, as well as Shark Tank and CNBC news. To say that there’s buzz going on about this company is an understatement, but are they worth all the hype?
This Proven Skincare review will take an in-depth look at the brand and its products, customer ratings, promotions, and more, to help you decide if their products are worth the buy.
Overview of Proven Skincare
Proven Skincare began with a personal mission. Ming Zhao (founder and CEO) had difficult skin and she was always scouring the shelves to find products that would work for her. For Zhao, the process was “frustrating, time consuming and expensive,” so she decided to reinvent it.
Ming partnered up with cofounder Dr. Amy Yuan, who shared her vision of a holistic approach to skincare backed by data, with individualized, real results. The San Francisco-based company launched in 2018 while both of the women were pregnant! Talk about super moms.
The team uses your answers to the Skin Genome Quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and your Proven Skincare formula. This Proven Skincare review will explore the Skin Genome Project that backs the quiz, some of the questions covered, and sample formula results.
Proven Skincare Redness & Sensitivity Formula
Before we get into all this exciting science, take a look at the highlights of this Proven Skincare review:
Pros
- Backed by Ivy League science with the use of the Skin Genome Project
- Partnered with dermatologists and leading specialists
- Comprehensive questioning supported by science to formulate individualized products
- The company has an interest in your journey from its beginning and at each stage as your skin evolves
- Reasonably priced for premium products
- 35% savings with a subscription
Cons
- Only available in the continental US
The Skin Genome Project
If you’re not a science person/maybe you zoned out in highschool biology, don’t worry—this genetic-based program is easy to understand without getting into the technical stuff. Proven creates their formulas using data from the Skin Genome Project, winner of MIT’s 2018 Artificial Intelligence award.
This project analyzes the effectiveness of 20,238 skincare ingredients, has information on over 100,000 individual products, over 8 million testimonials and has been featured in more than 4,000 scientific publications. It almost makes your head spin, until you remember that it’s a super smart AI computer storing all this info.
On top of that data, the Skin Genome Project takes into account environmental factors including water hardness, humidity level, and UV index where you live. That irritating sensation hard water sometimes gives you after the shower or harsh winds battering your face in the winter? Yeah… They can do a number on your skin.
The Proven Skincare Quiz takes these environmental factors into consideration; for instance, it asks you where you live, to get information on humidity level and UV index. Using the data gathered on ingredients and other skincare products available, they’ve identified natural substances that are most effective.
Proven formulas are developed in collaboration with Dr. Hollmig of Aesthetic Dermatology at Stanford University. The products are backed by science, data, and expert dermatology—and as you’ll see in this Proven Skincare review, the results are telling.
Proven Skincare Quiz
When you perform the Proven Skincare Quiz, you identify your main skin concerns: sensitivity, redness, fine lines or wrinkles, loss of firmness or elasticity, hyperpigmentation, acne, dryness or other. As you progress through the quiz, ingredients are added beneath the bar, as Proven plans a personalized formula for you.
Proven asks nonspecific questions in addition to the ones posed on your individual problem areas: if you have been diagnosed with skin conditions such as rosacea, seborrhoeic dermatitis, facial psoriasis or eczema/atopic dermatitis; how your skin feels presently and in photos; whether your products are addressing your concerns; amount of plane travel, screen time, sun exposure; and your zip code.
The entire process takes 3-5 minutes, then you receive a personalized prescription, which suggests a set of 3 Proven Skincare products. Each product includes detailed information on the ingredients: the role they play in combating your dermatological issues, and how they contribute to healthy skin. You can buy individual products, make a one-time purchase of the set, or subscribe to receive it discounted (more on the Proven subscription later on).
I took the quiz 4 times for this Proven Skincare review to give you an inside look on the Anti-Aging, Acne, Hyperpigmentation, and Dry Skin formulas. If anyone asks, I’m one of four quadruplets… With the same name…
Proven Skincare Anti-Aging Formula
Picture me, at my computer, selecting the fine lines and wrinkles concern. Full disclosure in this Proven Skincare review: I am in my late 20s and do not have deep lines or wrinkles, but I’m definitely interested in preventative measures and slowing down the aging process.
Here are some sample questions Proven asked me, with 4-5 possible answers varying from not concerned to extremely concerned:
- How concerned are you with fine lines and wrinkles?
- Specifically, how concerned are you about the wrinkles around your mouth or forehead?
- Are you concerned that your skin is thinning, wrinkled and sagging?
- And what about fine lines, wrinkles or crow’s feet around the eyes?
I answered some questions on how much time I spend in front of a screen (probably too much), if I wear sunscreen regularly (I’m pretty good with that), and other environment-related questions I mentioned earlier, aaaaaand:
Pretty cool, right? Proven uses your zip code to fill in the data in the second box (because who would be able to answer questions on factors like ‘humidity forecast,’ aside from a meteorologist?).
Their award winning technology ensures that the Anti-Aging Formula the product is suited to your skin and lifestyle. The scientists on the team selects 51 active ingredients to cleanse, protect and renew your skin, and no one else will have the same formula. Except for my make believe identical sisters…
Proven breaks down the costs associated with the Anti-Aging Formula:
- Cleanser: $35
- SPF Moisturizer: $55
- Night Cream: $95
You can purchase individual products or the entire Anti-Aging Set ($145) for a 2 month supply of the daily routine. With an auto-refill membership, the 2 month supply costs $119, and the fourth set is free. According to happy Proven Skincare customers, 81% see more radiant, brighter and younger looking skin.
Since the Anti-Aging Formula varies across individuals, yours won’t include the same ingredients as mine, but you can get a sense of the info Proven provides:
- Granactive Retinol: a retinoid near prescription strength, though gentler; promotes cell turnover and renewal and improves the clearness and smoothness of skin
- Ubiquinone: renews and brightens the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin with long lasting benefits
- Mandelic Acid: derived from almonds and firms and brightens the skin
- Curcumin (Turmeric Extract): delays the appearance of aging and strengthens the skin
- Ginseng Extract: a superfood that brightens and smoothes the skin
- Green Tea Extract: an antioxidant that prevents cell damage, nourishes the skin and protects the skin barrier
- Ferulic Acid: a plant derived substance that protects the skin against UV exposure, pollution, and signs of aging
- Niacinamide: softens the looks of wrinkles and dark spots
- Matrixyl 3000: a patented ingredient that reduces the look of wrinkles in 28 days
- Pomegranate Extract: boosts collagen and fights mineral pollutants
These are just some of the 50+ ingredients prescribed in my Anti-Aging Formula. Some of the ingredients are not specific to anti-aging—for instance, since I wear makeup, Licorice Root Extract and Probiotics are also included to assist in the cleansing process.
You’ll receive regular check-ins with Proven estheticians and dermatologists to make sure you’re on track with your skincare regime and are satisfied with the results.
Proven Skincare Acne Formula
If you think acne is a teen problem, let me assure you, it’s not. According to the International Dermal Institute: “Clinical studies indicate that between 40 and 55 percent of the adult population age 20-40 are diagnosed with low grade, persistent acne and oily skin.”
It may feel like you’re the only adult around experiencing acne, and I have one word for you ladies: makeup. Ok, two words: skincare. Whether you get a sprinkle of pimples when you’re stressed, a monster of a cyst during your period, or persistent, seemingly untreatable acne, it’s definitely a confidence killer.
That’s why we thought it imperative to explore Proven’s Acne Formula and the quiz that goes with it. These are some of the questions you’ll be asked, with answers ranging from never to all the time:
- How often do you experience acne/breakouts?
- Do you have blackheads (clogged pores) or whiteheads?
- Do you get bumps that are tender and inflamed and look swollen and pink?
- What about large, red and inflamed pimples?
- How often do you experience those bumps/pimples?
Questions are answered, ingredients pop up on the screen, et voila:
My Proven Skincare acne regime has 36 active ingredients and matches location, incorporating unique factors like water hardness, temperature, humidity forecast, UV index and air quality (which influence all skin issues in some way, shape, or form).
Proven breaks down the costs associated with the Acne Formula:
- Cleanser: $35
- SPF Moisturizer: $55
- Night Cream: $95
You can choose which products you want or get a 2 month supply of the Acne Formula for $145, marked down from $185. If you opt for the auto-refill membership, you get a 2 month supply, with the fourth one free for the cost of $119.
Check out the highlights of my Acne Formula:
- Granactive Retinol: near prescription strength but gentler than tretinoin, it promotes cell turnover and gives you smooth skin
- Sulfur & Tea Tree Oil: anti inflammatory and antibacterial agents useful in combating clogged pores, acne and rosacea
- Salicylic Acid and L-Mandelic Acid: powerful and effective acids that peel away the surface of the skin for more even pigment
- Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf (Witch Hazel) Extract: reduces irritation, redness and inflammation
- Probiotics: reinforce the skin’s natural barrier and fights hard water deposits
- Vitamin D: has scientifically proven anti-acne properties and boosts moisture levels
- Willow Bark Extract: an exfoliator that shrinks the appearance of large pores
- Green Tea Extract: helps to protect the skin’s barrier
- Squalane: a plant-based agent that provides a barrier shield that regulates oil production and fights against acne-causing bacteria
That’s not even 30% of the active ingredients in my Acne Formula—it’s a power packed set natural ingredients to keep that dreaded acne away and at bay. On the website, an impressive 90% of customers agreed that their skin is rid of impurities since beginning the treatment.
Proven Skincare Hyperpigmentation Formula
The last set we’ll look at in this Proven Skincare review is the Hyperpigmentation Formula. For those with pimple problems, hyperpigmentation often follows (especially if you can’t fight the urge to pop them). Other factors trigger an increase in melanin production, including sun exposure, hormonal influences, and age.
These are some of the questions that the fourth Julia quadruplet was asked, with answers ranging from not concerned to extremely concerned, or yes/no/partially/not sure:
- How much of a concern is hyperpigmentation for you?
- Did you notice more hyperpigmentation appearing after sun exposure?
- Do the hyperpigmentation spots feel raised or bumpy on your skin?
- Did hormonal changes cause or worsen your hyperpigmentation?
- Is the hyperpigmentation the result of acne, acne scarring or other skin injuries?
As per usual, there were also questions on age, gender, skin tone, skin sensitivity, and environmental factors. At this point in the Proven Skincare review, you know what comes next:
Proven provides the price points for individual products in the Hyperpigmentation Formula:
- Cleanser: $35
- SPF Moisturizer: $55
- Night Cream: $95
The auto-refill Proven Skincare membership is marked down from $185 to $119 for two months of the Hyperpigmentation Formula. One advantage of the auto-refill (aside from price) is that the fourth month’s supply is free. If you prefer a one time purchase, you’ll receive the Cleanser, SPF Moisturizer, and Night Cream for $145, marked down from $185.
The folks at Proven Skincare excel at putting together clever combinations of ingredients that cover all the bases. In this formula there is multi-action from granactive retinol which gets at those dark spots, and kojic acid and mulberry extract which reduce pigmentation. Don’t forget a pinch of Proven Skincare prickly pear seed oil to reduce redness and dryness. Vitamin C and licorice root will help with that redness too.
That’s only a handful of the ingredients in my Hyperpigmentation Formula. If we can trust the reviews on the website, this Proven set is extremely helpful for reducing the effects of melanin overproduction: 87% of customers noticed a more even skin tone.
Proven Skincare Dry Skin Formula
You’ll be quizzed using evidence-based questions to formulate your Dry Skin Formula in our Proven Skincare Review.
- Does your skin feel itchy, especially at night?
- Does your skin feel (or look) flaky or scaly?
- Does your skin feel rough, patchy or uneven?
- Are you concerned with dark circles under or around the eyes?
- Does your current skincare routine address all your skin concerns?
We developed a Proven Skincare formula for a male between the age of 34-39, without sensitivities. We specified the formula to a hard water hardness, a temp. Of 50-90F, and a humidity over 60%.
Proven provides the price points for individual products in the Dry Skin Formula:
- Cleanser: $35
- SPF Moisturizer: $55
- Night Cream: $95
This Proven Skincare product:
- $119 for the auto-refill membership, marked down from $185.
- Two months supply and the fourth set is free.
- A set for a two month supply as a one time purchase is $145 marked down from $185.
- A set includes cleanser, SPF, and night cream.
Our product for our male prototype addressed dry skin, offering hydration. Squalane, Ceramide and Sodium Hyaluronate are all ingredients which help the skin to gain and retain moisture. Proven Skincare’s Shea butter helps to do this work too.
There are also some ingredients which help to fight the pesky effects of inflammation. Vitamin E and Iron excel in this role. We didn’t lose sight of the fact that this fellow travels often; green tea extract and ylang ylang oil give some extra support to the skin barrier and moderate oil production.
94% see an increase in the softness of their skin, 87% saw smoother skin and 81% saw brighter complexion.
Proven Skincare Membership
Proven Skincare offers a recurring membership for customers committed to their skin routine. The team ships the products to you, and you’re billed at intervals of 4, 6 or 8 weeks depending on your selection.
With your membership, you receive a 35% discount off of the total value of the product set. When you have a Proven subscription, your journey is followed closely by the team who can personalize your formulations to stronger active concentrations as your skin changes.
The program is super flexible, since you can cancel or modify your subscription whenever you like. For more info on conditions, check out the FAQ section of this Proven Skincare review.
Membership Sign Up
Signing up for the Proven Skincare membership is easy. Start by visiting ProvenSkincare.com
To subscribe to the membership as a new customer, you can either:
- Purchase full-sized product(s) (default 8-week subscription plan)
- Purchase full sized product set (default 8-week subscription plan)
If you’re a returning customer, visit your Account page, where instructions for the sign up process are provided.
Proven Skincare Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
The company makes a lot of claims on their website, and quotes customer satisfaction figures, but this Proven Skincare review digs deeper. On TrustPilot, Proven Skincare received an average of 4.1/5 stars out of 127 reviews. Customers said that the products are effective, produced visible results, and affordable. They were also happy about the customer service they received.
Many commented that when they were feeling completely defeated about their skincare, they tried Proven and noticed changes immediately. For some customers, results took longer but they came nonetheless. The efficacy of Proven was excellent across the board!
Customers who posted reviews on ProductHunt were similarly happy across the board. They said that their skin was far more hydrated, balanced, and clear since they began their Proven Skincare regime. Their advice? Try it for yourself.
Is Proven Skincare Worth It?
It’s a rare feat that both customer service and the product meet the highest standards in the eyes of the customer, but Proven Skincare achieves it. We love knowing that the product is backed by the highest level science, and that the quiz supports each customer by getting to know their skin intimately. For the level of quality and thought that goes into these products, they’re of average price or lower compared to high-end beauty and skincare brands.
Proven Skincare gets even more points because, unlike other brands, the team stays with you through the journey. We think Proven is great and would recommend it to anyone looking for a one stop shop. Rather than having an entire medicine cabinet full of skincare products, you can opt for three personalized ones that have so many ingredients, you don’t need a crazy amount of products.
Proven Skincare Promotions & Discounts
I hunted the website for deals to put in this Proven Skincare review. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a Proven Skincare promo code or a Proven Skincare discount code, but keep checking their website and social media so that you can get all the tailored benefits of Proven dermatology at a discount.
Where to Buy Proven Skincare
You can purchase Proven Skincare products on ProvenSkincare.com, Sephora, Nordstrom, Walgreens and Amazon. If you’re buying from Amazon, make sure to verify that the seller is actually Proven Skincare.
FAQ
Cancel Proven Skincare Membership
Go to your account settings or email the team at care@provenskincare.com to modify your Proven Skincare subscription, including which products you’d like to receive, and how often.
In order to be eligible for cancellation with Proven Skincare, you must submit your request 3 business days before your next subscription date. It’s not a big deal to cancel your Proven Skincare Membership. Simply email care@provenskincare.com.
Proven Skincare Shipping Policy
Proven Skincare ships to anywhere in the continental US. They are working on getting their products all around the world and if you’re interested, you can email the team at care@provenskincare.com and you’ll be the first to find out when they can ship to your area.
Shipping times vary based on your location. After you check out, Proven needs 1-2 weeks to finalize your personalized formulations prior to shipping. Once shipped, you can expect your skincare products to arrive in 5-7 business days.
Proven Skincare Return Policy
According to the website, the Night Cream and SPF Moisturizer are eligible for re-formulation within 28 days of purchase. Email care@provenskincare.com and the customer experience team will find the fit for your skin needs.
For all other orders, the products are personalized for your skin and for that reason, returns are not possible.
Contact Proven Skincare
If there are any questions you’re left with after this Proven Skincare review, you can contact their team in a few ways:
- Fill out the contact form on ProvenSkincare.com
- Phone: 1-650-427-0836
- Email: care@provenskincare.com
- Mailing address: 350 Townsend st. San Francisco, CA 94107
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