The Honest CoLAB: Our Team’s Favorite Hyped-Up Products (That Actually Deliver)

SkinCoLAB
Oct 13
5 min read

At Skin CoLAB, we try everything. The trending skincare drops, the cult classics, and the under-the-radar gems. And because we love sharing what really works (and what’s worth the hype), we gathered honest reviews from our team of skin experts. These are the products we’re reaching for on repeat and not because social media told us to, but because they actually deliver results. Consider this your inside scoop from the pros who live and breathe medical-grade skincare in Grand Rapids.

Alicia Hope, Medical Aesthetician — PTiox

Serum bottle with text "SkinCeuticals P-TIOX" and a smiling woman inset. "SCL" and pink wavy lines on a light background.

“We know I’m saying PTiox. Love your Botox? Make it last longer, PTiox! Can’t get Botox? PTiox! Don’t get that glowy sheen like some do with neurotoxins? PTiox takes care of that!”

Alicia keeps it simple, PTiox is a staple for anyone who loves (or can’t currently get) their wrinkle relaxer treatments. It boosts longevity, enhances results, and gives that signature healthy-skin glow.Think of it as your Botox’s best friend.

Meredith Kent, MS, PA-C — Techno Neck Perfecting Cream

Pink bottle of "Techno Neck Perfecting Cream" with navy cap. Smiling person in a circle inset. Green wavy border, "SCL" text in pink.

“I LOVE Techno. It feels like silk, treats fine lines, and helps prevent against the aging that’s bound to happen on my neck and lower face before you all get to experience it :-) Plus, it enhances the microtox technique I use for patients to tighten neck skin with Botox!”

Meredith’s pick is one of our most luxurious textures in the clinic. Techno by Skinbetter Science is like a power treatment for your neck. It’s smoothing, hydrating, and supporting firm, youthful skin. Bonus: it pairs beautifully with Meredith’s in-office “microtox” technique for next-level results.

Angie Hultgren, Practice Manage— Skinbetter Alto Advanced + Repair

Gold serum bottle labeled "Alto Advanced Defense and Repair" on pink background. Smiling woman in inset circle. Text "SCL" in green.

“For me, my skin adores Alto Advanced + Repair. It’s my unsung hero of skincare. It’s the behind-the-scenes workhorse. It might not be instant gratification, but it’s a ‘trust the journey’ product. Five years from now, your skin will thank you.”

We love Angie’s perspective that not all skincare shows instant results, but this antioxidant powerhouse defends against free radical damage and strengthens your skin barrier over time. It’s the ultimate investment in your future skin.

Kendall Oberlin, Medical Aesthetican— Even Tone Intensive + Restorative Skin Complex + PTiox

Pink serum bottle with "Even Intensive Skin Tone Correcting Serum" text, surrounded by a smiling woman's photo. Blue background with "SCL" text.

“Even Tone Intensive is my ride-or-die, but I also love PTiox! Like Angie said, not every product gives instant gratification, Even Tone is one of those. PTiox is basically a celebrity itself, but when paired with other supportive skincare, it’s like Taylor Swift after a fresh album drop and engagement — trending and never goes out of style. (Okay, I’m done being funny!)”

Kendall’s routine hits all the right notes; brightening with Even Tone Intensive, firming with Restorative Skin Complex, and maintaining Botox results with PTiox. It’s a dream lineup for glow, texture, and tone.

Alicia Mancini, MS, PA-C — Mystro

Blue serum bottle labeled "Mystro Active Balance Serum" with a copper cap, set against a beige background. Includes small inset photo of a smiling woman.

“My favorite product is Mystro. Any client with an inflammatory skin condition like acne or rosacea NEEDS to be on this. In just two weeks it improves redness, rough skin texture, dullness, pore size, AND pigmentation. It even has the National Rosacea Society stamp of approval!”

Mystro by Skinbetter Science is a game-changer for reactive skin types. Alicia’s go-to for calming inflammation and restoring balance, it’s clinically backed and gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.

Jen Gates, NP-BC — AlphaRet Peel Pads

Blue AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads boxes. A person smiling in a white coat is in a circle above. "SCL" text and wavy lines in the background.

“I’m going with AlphaRet Peel Pads! They’re my mini home facial. I did an at-home facial with a peel pad and the glow is amazing! Everyone can use some exfoliation, and this is a great product up to three times a week to keep skin cell turnover up and dullness away.”

These peel pads are a Skin CoLAB favorite for good reason. They smooth texture, brighten tone, and keep your skin looking polished between treatments. Jen’s pro tip: use them at home for that in office facial glow!

Sarah Langerak, NP-BC — Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar

Skincare product "ALASTIN" on pink background with swirling white pattern. Inset shows a smiling person. The text "SCL" and "Regenerating Skin Nectar" visible.

“There’s nothing I enjoy more than tackling my skin concerns with an in-office treatment and then helping my skin bounce back with Nectar. It really enhances my results by supporting the production of new, healthy elastin and collagen. Total game-changer!”

Sarah’s pick is the perfect bridge between your treatment and your home routine. Alastin Nectar helps skin recover faster, minimizes downtime, and amplifies your post-treatment results.

Natalie VanGessel, Client Coordinator— An-DEW

An Anfisa Skin serum bottle with bold text on a blue background, features a woman smiling in a circular frame, with curved lines connecting them.

“This serum is such a gem, gentle yet effective. The Azelaic Acid and PHA work together to brighten, clarify, and smooth skin by gently exfoliating. It’s great for acne, dullness, uneven tone, and it’s even pregnancy and nursing safe! It fits into any routine with other serums like Vitamin C, retinol, or hyaluronic acid. Truly delivers that effortless glow.”

Natalie’s honest review nails why Anfisa’s An-Dew is such a clinic favorite. It’s effective without irritation, perfect for sensitive or breakout-prone skin, and leaves your complexion looking fresh and balanced.

Ellie Hamilton, Client Coordinator— An-BALM

Black jar of ÂN-BALM Radiant Hydra-Balm by ANFISA on a light background. Smiling woman in top corner. Wavy border pattern and “SCL” text.

“Everyone knows how much I love a good face oil, and this one is the best I’ve tried (and trust me, I’ve tried a lot!). Not only does it smell and feel luxurious, but it’s packed with nourishing ingredients like blueberry seed oil and murumuru butter. It helps calm my redness without causing breakouts, and it actually balances my skin’s oil production. It’s an absolute must for me!”

This face oil is a true multitasker, deeply hydrating while keeping skin balanced and calm. With antioxidant-rich and barrier-supportive oils, it nourishes without feeling heavy or greasy. It’s the perfect finishing touch for glowing, healthy skin and a favorite among our team for soothing redness and restoring radiance year-round.

Every product mentioned here has earned a permanent place on our counters for one reason: they work. From tried-and-true antioxidants to trending treatments like PTiox, our providers handpick what’s proven, not just popular.

If you’ve been curious about what’s actually worth the hype, let our Skin CoLAB team reviews be your guide. Whether you’re starting your skincare journey or elevating your regimen with medical-grade skincare in Grand Rapids, we’ll help you find the right fit for your skin’s needs.

Ready to shop the hype (with expert guidance)?

Visit skincolab.com/shop or stop by the clinic to explore our curated selection of skin-loving, results-driven products!