In a world increasingly captivated by the latest energy devices, cutting-edge injectables and next-generation in-clinic treatments, skincare, the quiet workhorse of any good aesthetic routine, can get overlooked. It’s understandable, as treatments can offer dramatic and immediate transformations. But those results don’t exist in isolation—how you look after your skin at home determines how quickly your skin recovers, and how well your results hold.

The most experienced clinicians know this better than anyone. They understand that a well-chosen skincare routine doesn’t compete with clinical treatment, but rather amplifies them. So, we asked Etre Vous experts to share the one product they purchase on repeat, reach for religiously and would genuinely struggle to be without. Read on to discover their must-haves.
 

The growth factor serum

“My non-negotiable has to be the CellDerma GF5 Next Generation Bio-Regenerative Growth Factor Serum. It gave me my first real experience of that coveted glass skin I’d always rolled my eyes at as a concept. I am hard to impress when it comes to skincare, but this crept into my own morning and evening routine and never left. It’s a lightweight serum containing five biomimetic growth factors, bioidentical to those found in the human placenta, alongside copper tripeptide-1, neuropeptides, and a five-ceramide complex. They work together to stimulate collagen and elastin, accelerate skin repair, calm redness, and restore the barrier from the inside out. I have also introduced it into my clinical practice as a pre- and post-procedure tool, as the clinical data on it is genuinely impressive and it’s great at reducing downtime post-procedure.”
Emmaline Ashley, Aesthetic Doctor

The peptide serum

“One skincare product I refuse to part with is the ZO Skin Health Peptide Facial Refining Concentrate. It’s a lightweight peptide serum designed to support skin renewal, improve firmness, and refine overall skin texture. The formula combines biomimetic peptides with antioxidants and hydrators to help stimulate healthy cellular activity, strengthen the skin barrier, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and enlarged pores. What I particularly love about this product is how versatile it is—it can be added to almost any skincare programme and works beautifully alongside active ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C, and exfoliating acids. Clinically, I see it as a ‘next-level’ product as it enhances skin quality, giving a smoother, more refined appearance while supporting long-term skin health. Excellent for menopausal skin too! It’s one of those formulas that consistently elevates results and helps skin look stronger, clearer, and more luminous.”
Anna Hemming, Aesthetic Doctor and Founder, Thames Skin Clinic 

The sunscreen

“I initially considered choosing my retinol or one of my active serums; however, the reality is that nothing will truly be effective without consistent, daily sun protection. One product I would never go without is the Mesoestetic Mesoprotech Melan 130 Pigment Control SPF50+. This is a high-protection, tinted sunscreen specifically formulated for skin prone to hyperpigmentation, melasma, and uneven tone. Its advanced, multi-layered protection makes it stand out. The Mesoprotech complex shields the skin from UVA, UVB, infrared radiation (IR), and visible light (HEV), both of which are increasingly recognised as key triggers of pigmentation and photoageing. From a treatment perspective, it offers more than just protection. It contains azeloglycine, a derivative of azelaic acid, which acts as a tyrosinase inhibitor to regulate melanin production, helping to prevent and reduce discolouration. Collagen Pro-47 supports collagen quality and resilience, while titanium dioxide provides physical protection, making it suitable even for more sensitive skin. In clinic, I am often asked this exact question: ‘If I could only use one product, what should it be?’ Most clients instinctively choose active ingredients, but the reality is that exfoliating actives, without proper daily sun protection, can do more harm than good by increasing sensitivity, triggering pigmentation, and compromising results. For me, this is the one product that protects your investment in your skin and ensures that everything else you use can truly perform at its best.”
Corina Mihalache, Advanced Aesthetician and Founder, Ace Skin Clinic 

The mask

“For me, the Niance Epigen9 Rejuvenating Mask is ‘The Skin Longevity Genie’ and has become the absolute cornerstone of my regenerative routine. This isn’t a standard topical; it is the world’s first senolytic-powered skincare I’ve used to target ‘zombie cells’—dysfunctional senescent cells that stall or work against repair. The science is grounded in epigenetic longevity, utilising a potent blend of NAD+ and ATP to bypass my cellular fatigue and chemically reboot my mitochondrial energy. Clinical cases show that the products' Fern-Antarctic-Complex significantly increases Type I collagen synthesis and improves skin density by up to 20 per cent within weeks. I use this to solve the issue of ‘inflammaging’ —dull, chronic redness and laxity caused by cellular debris—to the point where my skin ageing rate is now 80 per cent slower than the average. I rely on it because it acts like a medical-grade reset elixir, providing me with a ‘glacier skin’ finish. Furthermore, the commitment to vegan Swiss biotechnology and eco-certified glass packaging aligns perfectly with my own values regarding sustainability. I use it in the evening, after a whole day of chaos, when the skin tends to get a bit dull. It doesn’t just offer an instant glow, it also works on clarity, density, and light reflection all at once. Think of skin that looks almost glass-like but healthier and more structured: smooth in texture, visibly firm, and completely even in tone, without redness or surface shine. I wake up with the cool, refined luminosity you see in untouched alpine light—hydrated but not greasy, plump but not puffy. The pores appear tightened, the surface looks polished, and there’s a kind of lit from within brightness.”
Viviana Botoaca, Founder, Geneviv Clinic 

The moisturiser

“The Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream is a rich, replenishing moisturiser that contains a blend of Japanese botanicals and clinically backed ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and red algae to attract and retain moisture, alongside biomimetic squalane to strengthen the skin barrier. A standout component is Japanese purple rice, which is rich in antioxidants and helps protect against free radical damage and premature ageing. From a scientific perspective, this formulation works by improving hydration levels, reducing transepidermal water loss, and supporting barrier repair—key for maintaining healthy, resilient skin. Clinically, it has been shown to improve skin plumpness, radiance, and fine lines with consistent use. I love this cream for its ability to leave the skin visibly plump, luminous, and hydrated, making it ideal for dry, dull, or compromised skin, especially post-procedure, during barrier repair phases, or for women in peri-or post menopause.”
Bhavjit Kaur, Aesthetic Doctor and Medical Director

The retinol

“My go-to favourite skincare product is Skinceuticals Retinol 1.0. It’s a high-strength retinol cream, a vitamin A derivative that I’ve used consistently for years and always come back to. The science is simple: retinol accelerates cell turnover and stimulates collagen production, which means your skin sheds damaged cells faster and replaces them with fresh ones. Over time, it genuinely improves texture, reduces fine lines and evens out pigmentation. For me, it keeps my skin smooth, bright and even-toned. I see the effects of ageing and sun damage on patients every day, so I know prevention is easier than correction. Retinol is the single best preventative ingredient out there. What sets this one apart is the cream base—it absorbs beautifully without the dryness or irritation you often get with high-strength formulas.”
Ahmed El Muntasar, Aesthetic Doctor and Founder, The Aesthetics Doctor Clinic