Medicated Cosmetics (Quasi-drugs & Prescription Skincare): What They Are and How They Differ from Cosmetic Brands and Doctor’s Cosmetics

“What exactly are medical-grade cosmetics?”
“What brands are available in medical cosmetics?”

If you have questions like these, read on.

Medical cosmetics (medically formulated skincare) are products that can be considered for purchase after receiving a consultation at a medical institution. Medical cosmetic brands include Navigon, Cellnew Plus, and many others, each differing in their effects, ingredients, and characteristics.

It is important to visit a medical institution and choose the medical cosmetics that are right for your skin.

This page explains the details of medical cosmetics, major skincare brands, and the differences between cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.

At our clinic, we propose treatment plans tailored to each patient and provide results-focused care.
We take the time to listen carefully to your concerns and symptoms, so please use the button below to book a consultation.

What Are Medical Cosmetics? Skincare Products Sold Exclusively Through Medical Institutions

Medical cosmetics are skincare products intended to be used under the guidance of a physician, following a consultation at a clinic or other medical institution. They are researched and developed by skin specialists such as dermatologists and plastic surgeons, as well as pharmaceutical companies.

Many of these products are sold exclusively through medical institutions and are characterized by higher concentrations of active ingredients compared to over-the-counter cosmetics.

Their ingredients and expected effects are typically explained in detail, and they are sometimes treated more like pharmaceutical products than standard cosmetics.

Please note that there is no official regulation or defined standard for the term “medical cosmetics.”

Medical Cosmetic Brands Available at Medical Institutions

The following 15 medical cosmetic brands are available at medical institutions:

• Navigon
• Cellnew Plus
• Environ
• ZO Skin Health
• Skin Peel Bar
• Beautiful Skin
• NOV
• DRX
• La Roche-Posay
• Grafa
• Plus Restore
• Gaudi Skin
• Astarism
• Luscious Lips
• Mediplus

Below, we explain the characteristics and potential benefits of each brand.

Navigon | Contains Tranexamic Acid for Skin-Brightening Support

Navigon is a medical cosmetic brand developed by Shiseido.

Its key feature is the inclusion of tranexamic acid, an amino acid derivative, as an active ingredient. Tranexamic acid has anti-inflammatory properties and is expected to help improve the appearance of melasma and support brighter-looking skin.

Navigon offers two series. The “Navigon DR” series, in particular, is sold exclusively through medical institutions and is used as a skin-brightening skincare line.

Our clinic carries Navigon DR cosmetics. For more detailed information about Navigon, please see the page linked below.

Recommended Navigon Products: Explaining the Difference Between Navigon and Navigon DR, and Their Effects

Cellnew Plus | Suitable for Sensitive Skin and Post-Treatment Aftercare

Cellnew Plus is a skincare brand suitable for use even on sensitive skin.

After procedures such as Chemical Peeling, laser treatments, and iontophoresis, the skin is in a sensitized state. Cellnew Plus is designed to complement treatment results while caring for the skin during this recovery period.

Depending on the product, various benefits may be expected, including relief from dryness, redness, pigmentation concerns, and acne.

Cellnew Plus comes in two types: the “Basic Type” and the “Cellnew Plus DR,” which contains active ingredients. Both are available exclusively through medical institutions.

For more detailed information about Cellnew Plus, please see the page linked below.

What Is Cellnew Plus? Introducing Products Such as Sunscreen, Soap, and Facial Cleansers

Environ | A Medical-Grade Cosmetic Brand Formulated with Vitamin A

Environ is a medical-grade cosmetic brand formulated with Vitamin A.

It is designed with a balanced blend of Vitamin A as the core ingredient, along with Vitamins C and E, to help support the skin’s natural condition. It aims to support a luminous, healthy complexion and may help prevent concerns such as acne, enlarged pores, and pigmented spots.

Cosmetics with high concentrations of Vitamin A require a consultation at a dermatology clinic or similar institution. For more information about Environ, please see the page linked below.

What Is Environ? Explaining Its Effects, How to Use It, and How It Differs from ZO Skin Health

ZO Skin Health | A Cosmetic Containing Hydroquinone to Help Prevent Pigmented Spots

ZO Skin Health is a cosmetic line designed to help address a range of skin concerns. With continued use, it may help fade the appearance of pigmented spots and freckles, supporting a more even-toned complexion.

A key feature is its skincare program that combines multiple products to target skin improvement. Through a clinic consultation, you can find a program suited to your individual skin type.

If you are considering using ZO Skin Health for the first time, starting with a structured program is recommended.

For more detailed information about ZO Skin Health, please see the page linked below.

ZO Skin Health: Pricing, Effects, and Product Types Including Cleansers and Sunscreens

Skin Peel Bar | A Peeling Soap You Can Choose Based on Your Skin Concerns

Skin Peel Bar is a peeling soap available in four types to match different skin concerns.

AHA, an ingredient effective for exfoliation, gently removes dead skin cells and pore impurities from the skin’s surface. It is a soap designed to help support skin turnover and protect against a variety of skin concerns.

It is useful for acne care and may help promote the elimination of melanin pigment, supporting a clearer complexion.

Each type differs in the concentration of peeling ingredients, making it possible to select one suited to your skin type, from sensitive to oily skin.

Beautiful Skin | A Low-Irritation Cosmetic Line

Beautiful Skin is a cosmetic line formulated to minimize irritation to the skin.

Its mineral-only foundation is characterized by a light, gentle feel on the skin.

Because it is made with simple ingredients, it is designed to reduce the burden on the skin, making it more comfortable to wear for extended periods while lowering the risk of skin concerns.

In addition to foundation, the line includes a range of products such as a primer to help minimize the appearance of pores and a finishing powder to add a luminous finish to your makeup.

NOV | A Cosmetic Brand That Targets Pores and Sebum to Help Prevent Acne

NOV is a cosmetic brand that targets pores and sebum to help prevent acne.

The AC Active Series incorporates Vitamin C derivatives and glycolic acid to help remove the dead skin cells and clogged pores that can contribute to acne, while minimizing burden on the skin.

The brand also offers a variety of series, including skincare lines for sensitive skin and makeup series, allowing you to choose based on your individual skin concerns.

DRX | Formulated with Gentle Hydroquinone

DRX (DRX) is a clinic-exclusive cosmetic line developed by Rohto Pharmaceutical to incorporate hydroquinone in a formulation designed to minimize irritation.

Serums and creams containing hydroquinone are expected to help suppress melanin production and reduce the appearance of pigmented spots.

In addition to serums, the line includes moisturizers, eye creams, sunscreen lotions, and more.

La Roche-Posay | A Low-Irritation Brand for Sensitive Skin to Support Healthy Skin

La Roche-Posay is a skincare brand for sensitive skin that features thermal spring water as a key ingredient.

Thermal spring water is an ingredient that helps enhance the absorption and moisturizing effects of skincare products while soothing skin sensitivity.

A notable feature of the brand is that it offers not only basic skincare products but also makeup items such as BB creams and cleansing waters.

Grafa | A Skincare Lineup to Help Protect Skin from Dryness

Grafa is a skincare brand offering cosmetics designed to help protect the skin from dryness.

Among its products, “Grafa Moisture Keep Milk MC” is a formulation intended to support moisturizing care for atopic dermatitis-prone skin and is frequently stocked at medical institutions. It contains a moisturizing ingredient known as “MC Chitosan,” which helps sustain hydration over time.

Other products in the lineup include sunscreens, facial cleansing foams, and ointments containing hydroquinone.

Plus Restore | A Skincare Brand to Care for Skin Before and After Laser Treatments

Plus Restore was developed by J-MEC, a company with over 25 years of experience in laser treatments, as a skincare brand designed to care for the skin before and after procedures.

The lotion “TPNa Lotion MD” contains an antibacterial ingredient called amphiphilic Vitamin E derivative (TPNa). In addition, an ingredient called glycyrrhizic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, and together these two active ingredients may help alleviate symptoms associated with acne-prone and inflamed skin.

Other notable products include a facial cleansing soap designed to minimize friction, a cleansing foam, and a concealer to help reduce the appearance of post-treatment redness.

Gaudi Skin | A Vitamin A Derivative-Based Cosmetic Developed for Japanese Skin Types

Gaudi Skin is a skincare brand offering basic cosmetics formulated with Vitamin A.

It is generally understood that the tolerable amount of Vitamin A differs between Western and Japanese skin types. Gaudi Skin was developed with Japanese skin in mind.

The beauty cream “Eclat Revive” incorporates Vitamin A and seven types of peptides to help support the skin’s barrier function and promote a firmer, more radiant complexion.

In addition to creams with Vitamin A derivatives and skin-brightening lotions, the brand also offers a broad range of products including facial cleansers for sensitive skin.

Astarism | A Serum You Can Add to Your Post-Cleansing Routine

Astarism is a serum formulated with an ingredient called “astaxanthin.” It was developed by Astareal Co., Ltd.

Astaxanthin is expected to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential option for addressing a variety of skin concerns.

After cleansing, applying Astarism before continuing with your regular skincare routine helps form a base for your skincare regimen.

Luscious Lips | Supports Fuller, More Radiant Lips

Luscious Lips is a skincare brand designed to support fuller, more radiant-looking lips.

The brand offers lip glosses and lip masks that are expected to provide volumizing and moisturizing benefits for the lips.

It incorporates proprietary peptides and marine collagen to help hydrate the lips and even out their tone.

The products also contain moisturizing oils and hyaluronic acid, making them a helpful option for addressing lip dryness.

Mediplus | Offers Gels and Sunscreens Aimed at Preventing Dryness

Mediplus is a skincare brand focused on preventing skin dryness.

To help protect the skin from dryness and maintain long-lasting hydration, it contains ingredients such as Aqua Oil, Izumo Tamatsukuri hot spring water, human ceramide, and hyaluronic acid.

The brand’s flagship product is an “all-in-one gel” that incorporates the functions of a toner, milky lotion, and serum, allowing one product to cover a wide range of skincare needs.

What Is the Difference Between Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals? Their Effects and Purposes Differ

Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals differ in their effects and purposes. The specific differences are as follows:

Pharmaceuticals are intended for the treatment of disease, whereas quasi-drugs are intended for prevention and hygiene.

Cosmetics, by contrast, are products intended for cleansing and beautifying purposes, and their effects and efficacy are generally milder compared to quasi-drugs.

Standard cosmetics do not contain active ingredients, and therefore claims such as “prevents acne” are not permitted for such products.

What Is the Difference Between Cosmetics and Quasi-Drug Cosmetics? Their Active Ingredients Differ

Cosmetics can be divided into two categories: “quasi-drug cosmetics” and “cosmetics.”

As mentioned in the previous section, standard cosmetics do not contain active ingredients. However, quasi-drug cosmetics are classified as quasi-drugs and therefore do contain active ingredients.

The difference between cosmetics and quasi-drug cosmetics lies in whether or not active ingredients are included.

Among these, cosmetics used in medical settings (medical skincare) contain active ingredients at higher concentrations than over-the-counter cosmetics, making the effects more noticeable for many users.

What Are Doctor’s Cosmetics? Products Available Outside of Medical Institutions

Doctor’s cosmetics refer to cosmetics researched and developed by physicians with specialized knowledge, such as dermatologists and plastic surgeons. They include products available for purchase in general retail settings.

Medical cosmetics are also developed by dermatologists and plastic surgeons, but they are sold exclusively through clinics and medical institutions.

As a result, medical cosmetics cannot be purchased through online retail sites, whereas some doctor’s cosmetics are available for purchase online.

Can Medical Cosmetics Be Purchased Online or at Drugstores?

Purchasing medical cosmetics generally requires a visit to a medical institution.

For this reason, they cannot be purchased through online retail sites or at drugstores.

However, among medical cosmetics, some products can be purchased online after completing an online medical consultation.

If you are considering incorporating medical cosmetics into your skincare routine, we recommend first consulting with a clinic or medical institution.

How Much Do Medical Cosmetics Cost? Pricing for Home Care Products at Our Clinic

For detailed pricing information, please refer to our home care product price list.

Consult IC Clinic for Medical Cosmetics Purchases

Medical cosmetics are products sold exclusively through clinics and medical institutions. Also referred to as medical skincare, they cannot be purchased over the counter and require a visit to a medical institution for a consultation.

Unlike standard cosmetics, medical skincare products contain active ingredients, which may offer more noticeable effects and efficacy. Available skincare brands include Navigon, Cellnew Plus, Environ, and many others.

If you are interested in incorporating medical cosmetics into your daily skincare routine, please feel free to consult IC Clinic.

At our clinic, we propose treatment plans tailored to each patient and provide results-focused care.
We take the time to listen carefully to your concerns and symptoms, so please use the button below to book a consultation.