Does all your skincare have to be from the same brand?

We got the experts to confirm whether more products from the same label is, indeed, always merrier

Growing up, few pieces of literature have stayed with me as definitively as the line peeking out from under sudsy shampoo bottles during leisurely showers: ‘For best results, use this shampoo with the same conditioner’. To the adolescent mind, this was a cryptic warning that the formula’s efficacy was doomed unless accompanied by other products from the same range of the brand. While I have since grown to recognise this ploy for the marketing masterstroke that it is, knowing which brands to invite into your skincare cabinet can be a matter of great curiosity. If a brand has managed to perfect its hero product, does it stand to reason that the other names from the line-up will be crafted with the same levels of clinical efficacy? Or is it alright to cheat on your go-to names in favour of the latest advancements in skincare available elsewhere? To lay these doubts to rest, we rang up a few experts and here’s what we learned.

One-and-done: The merits of shopping from the same brand

While both schools of thought have their merits, Dr Madhuri Agarwal, founder of Yavana Aesthetics Clinic in Mumbai, has been observing that one-brand skincare is on the rise. “The philosophy behind this decision is that products designed by the same brand will factor in the pH level and how diverse ingredients can work in tandem on the skin, thereby making the formulas easier to layer,” she explains.

The Mumbai-based dermatologist believes that a one-brand approach could be ideal for beginners and those who don’t have enough time to invest in testing different brands' compatibility with their skin. “As a dermatologist, it is essential for me that my patients use some form of skincare at least, rather than nothing. Many have told me that the order of application is well-charted and can be followed easily when shopping from the same brand. Certain skin conditions, such as acne, also require specific ingredients that are often part of a well-designed routine by the same brand. This can be especially handy during a crisis when you are unable to reach your dermatologist’s clinic,” says Agarwal.

Mix, don’t match: The payoff for diversifying your skincare choices

On the other side of the spectrum, noted dermatologist Dr Jamuna Pai stresses that the attention should be on the ingredients rather than the brand bottling it for you. “I constantly tell all my clients to chase after the ingredients, not the brands. Skincare is never a ‘one-size-fits-all’ concept—you may find a sunscreen that is wonderful for your skin type but the moisturiser may not suit you. Finding the correct skincare product should be about using the correct ingredients for your skin type, rather than the brand. Having said that, if you’re lucky enough to find the right ‘skingredients’ in your favourite brand, then nothing is better,” she observes.

Even as skincare brands with single-product launches—from ZitSticka’s acne treatment patches to d’you skincare’s hero offering, the Hustle serum—demonstrate their commercial viability in the volatile skincare aisle, it helps to stay vigilant about marketing gimmicks and hype. Agarwal cautions, “Brands can often start with a single product and if it delivers starry success among consumers, they construct an entire range around it. This may mean you end up with a one-brand range of inconsequential products, such as a mild face wash, a strong toner and an ineffective night cream.”

Final thoughts

Whether you are a one-brand devotee or you like to play the field with your skincare choices, both experts opine that the golden rule is to consult a dermatologist to understand what your skin needs. The decision of how many brands to invite into your inner skincare sanctum can then be a matter of choice. “A basic routine of face wash or cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen is the bare minimum that you should be doing and this can be picked from the same brand if it is giving you good results. Gradually, as you become adept at using this routine, you can add more products from the same brand or another one that has convinced you of its ability to deliver results. Actives like Vitamin C, AHA, BHA and retinol need to be used carefully, as not all same-brand products may be equally effective,” Agarwal cautions as she signs off.

Also Read: Why good-enough skin is truly good enough

Also Read: 8 hydrating serums that’ll give you the dewy skin of your dreams

Also Read: Is a perfect sunscreen for darker skin tones a myth?