About Apostrophe
Apostrophe is a virtual skincare service that connects customers with board-certified dermatologists. The brand offers clinically proven skincare treatments for acne, aging, and hair loss, utilizing compounding pharmacies to develop advanced, effective, and customized treatments that deliver real results.
The service’s unique and convenient approach has earned it the attention of notable publications such as Forbes, Cheddar, and WWD, as well as an impressive fan base of 40,000 followers on Instagram.
If you’ve tried countless products and nothing has worked for your skin, this service could be just what you need. To find out if it deserves your attention, read this Apostrophe Skincare review.
In the following sections, we cover everything you need to know about the service, including how it works, answers to important FAQs, and customer reviews. Ready? Let’s start by taking a look at some background information on the brand to get a feel for what it’s all about.
The story of Apostrophe would not be complete without YoDerm—the name of the brand before it was rebranded in 2019. YoDerm offered almost the same thing as the current version of the service, except that it did not offer shipping.
After the company found that nearly a third of patients did not pick up their medications after their consultation, it switched to a free subscription-based shipping platform to completely eliminate the hassle of obtaining a prescription.
YoDerm, now known as Apostrophe, was founded in Oakland in 2014 by Ben Holber and Ryan Hambley. The story behind why the two launched the brand is actually quite impressive and surprisingly concise. Hambley, the son of a dermatologist, had always had beautiful skin. Holber, on the other hand, did not.
Could it be that the difference between beautiful and bad skin is that simple? It turns out that this is the case, or at least it should be. With traditional dermatology, treatment is incredibly expensive, time-consuming, and frustrating, so Apostrophe was created to alleviate these problems.
Thanks to the fully certified electronic service, patients can quickly obtain a prescription, reduce doctor visits, and have their prescriptions delivered directly to their homes.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our mission is to help you make better and more informed purchasing decisions.
Our team spends many hours researching, consulting medical experts, gathering insights from professionals, evaluating customer feedback, and analyzing products to provide you with the information you need.
Pros & Cons
Before we reveal too much about how the service works (more on that in the next section!), let’s briefly discuss the pros and cons of the brand in this Apostrophe Skincare review:
Pros
- Personalized treatment plans: Apostrophe Skincare offers personalized treatment plans tailored to individual skincare needs. This approach enables targeted solutions and can be more effective than generic skincare products.
- Access to dermatology experts: The platform connects users with board-certified dermatologists who can provide expert advice and recommendations. This ensures professional guidance and support throughout the skincare journey.
- Convenient online service: Apostrophe Skincare operates entirely online, providing a convenient and easily accessible platform for skincare consultations and product purchases. This eliminates the need for in-person visits to the dermatologist and allows remote access from anywhere.
- Evidence-based approach: The brand values a scientifically sound approach to skincare and prioritizes evidence-based products and ingredients. This focus on scientific research can build trust in the effectiveness and safety of the products.
Disadvantages
- Limited availability: Apostrophe Skincare may only be available in certain regions or countries. It is important to check whether the brand is available in your region before deciding to purchase its products and services.
- Cost: The cost of Apostrophe Skincare’s personalized treatment plans and skincare products can vary. Some customers have reported that the prescriptions can be expensive, although they found the results to be worth the investment. Pricing details are typically provided after consultation with the dermatology experts.
Features
This brand is as painless as possible. This simple service saves you the hassle of visiting a dermatologist, not to mention the cost, and provides you with the help you need.
Although this is a review of Apostrophe’s skincare products, signing up for other treatments follows the same pattern. Next, we’ll summarize all the important facts so you can get started. But first, let’s take a look at what sets this brand apart from others:
1. Online dermatology: Apostrophe acts as an online dermatologist, providing users with access to dermatology experts, information, and evidence-based products. Users can create an account and select their skin condition to receive personalized treatment plans.
2. Personalized treatment plans: Apostrophe offers customized treatment plans tailored to individual needs. These plans may include prescription medications, topical treatments, or other recommended products to address specific skin concerns such as acne, aging, and hair loss.
3. Dermatologist consultations: Apostrophe allows users to book virtual appointments with state-certified dermatologists. During these consultations, users can discuss their skin problems, receive professional advice, and obtain prescriptions if necessary.
4. Evidence-based approach: Apostrophe follows a philosophy that prioritizes science over hype. The brand focuses on ingredients with proven scientific and clinical evidence and avoids unnecessary ingredients that can cause irritation or allergic reactions.
5. Acne treatment: Apostrophe specializes in personalized acne treatments. Its products and treatment plans are designed to combat acne and improve skin condition.
6. Product range: Apostrophe offers a range of skincare products, including cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and sunscreens. These products are designed to work in conjunction with personalized treatment plans and are formulated to be safe for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
7. Positive customer reviews: Apostrophe has received positive reviews from customers. Users report improvements in their skin condition and express satisfaction with the convenience and effectiveness of Apostrophe’s personalized approach.
Ingredients
It is important to know what you are putting on your skin. With this in mind, here are some of the active ingredients Apostrophe uses in its formulations:
- Aloe vera can relieve inflammation and redness when applied topically. Thanks to its high vitamin A, C, and E content, it also has powerful antioxidant properties.
- Vitamin E is one of your skin’s best friends. It protects the skin from stress factors and reduces the signs of aging.
- A 2019 study examined the effects of propylene glycol on skin texture, tone, and radiance in women aged 35 to 65. The results showed that 8 weeks of using the product led to a significant improvement in skin hydration, texture, and radiance, as well as a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Olive oil is known for its balanced fatty acid composition and high nutritional value. It contains components such as phenols and lignans, which are powerful antioxidants.
Apostrophe Review
In this review of Apostrophe’s skincare products, you will learn exactly how the service works, what to expect when you sign up, who will treat you, and how much it costs. To help you get started, we will first explain who the service is best suited for and why, so you can decide if it is right for you.
Who Is Apostrophe For?
Apostrophe’s services are provided entirely online. You don’t have to leave your house or waste time in waiting rooms to see a dermatologist who always seems to be at least an hour late.
Apostrophe offers treatments for skin, eyelashes, and male pattern baldness and is geared more toward people who struggle with acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and skin aging.
Apostrophe is ideal for anyone who wants to avoid long doctor visits or simply wants to take control of their skin and streamline the prescription process. Apostrophe makes it easy to be seen, heard, and treated.
How Does Apostrophe Work?
So here you are on the Apostrophe website. It sounds great, and maybe it’s just what you need to finally get ahead. You decide to take the plunge and sign up, especially since this service is pretty low-risk.
Signing up is relatively straightforward, but we’ll describe the service in full here so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 1: Create an account
After clicking “Get Started,” you will need to create an account. You will use this account in the next steps and return to it later to make changes. Therefore, you should click “Save Password” when your computer prompts you to do so.
Step 2: Select your problem
After registering, select the problem you want to treat. You have the following options:
1. Skin
- Acne
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Rosacea
- Hyperpigmentation
- Eyelashes
- Male pattern baldness
Step 3: Find the right doctor!
Next, enter some more information about yourself so that we can find a dermatologist near you. You will receive all the information about your doctor and can even read what other customers have to say about them.
Step 4: Pay the consultation fee and fill out the questionnaire
Your dermatologist needs as much information as possible about your skin in order to prescribe the right treatment for you. To do this, you will need to fill out a questionnaire with around 30 questions about the condition of your skin and your medical history.
You can also indicate if you are interested in a specific type of prescription, and your doctor will decide if it is suitable for you.
Step 5: Upload photos
Don’t worry, these will be stored in an encrypted location, but they are necessary for your dermatologist to assess the condition of your skin and make a correct diagnosis.
Once all this is done, your dermatologist will review your profile and issue a prescription. This usually happens within 24 hours of submitting your photos.
Step 6: Prescription
Your work is done for now. Now it’s the pharmacy’s turn. Apostrophe’s pharmacies, which specialize in compounds, will dose and mix your prescription according to the specific needs of your skin. Each prescription is tested for effectiveness and stability before shipping. Shipping is free and takes about a week.
Step 7: Application
Start taking and applying Apostrophe’s medications as prescribed. You will use them for three months and then schedule a follow-up appointment with your dermatologist for a reassessment.
If you need anything in the meantime, contact an expert via the patient portal.
What Do You Get When You Sign Up For Apostrophe?
If you decide to take serious care of your skin, you will quickly be guided through the steps of filling out an intake questionnaire, uploading photos, and receiving feedback from a dermatologist.
If necessary, the dermatologist will issue you a prescription for three months and ask you to come back to see them at that time. You will receive your prescription by mail directly to your home and can contact customer service at any time if you have further questions or need clarification.
So with your subscription, you get feedback from a board-certified dermatologist, a prescription, and support—and hopefully the solution you’ve been looking for.
Apostrophe Skincare Review
Apostrophe specializes in skin care. With this service, you can obtain prescriptions for a range of issues such as melasma, acne, rosacea, and skin aging. The service also offers prescriptions for male pattern baldness and sparse eyelashes, but below we will limit ourselves to the best-selling skin care products.
Apostrophe Skincare ‘Screen SPF 43 Review
Regardless of your skin condition, and even if you think you have perfect skin, it is important to protect it. Apostrophe Skincare “Screen SPF 43” is an unscented, easily absorbed cream that protects against UVA and UVB rays with zinc oxide, octinoxate, and octisalate.
Recommended for use with the brand’s skincare system, this moisturizing sunscreen contains sodium hyaluronate, panthenol, and allantoin to hydrate, soothe, and nourish problem skin.
This sunscreen comes in a 3-ounce tube to encourage regular use—other clinical brands typically only offer 1.7 ounces. Get “Screen” for $26.
Apostrophe Topicals Review
The topicals used by Apostrophe are all prescription-only and are prescribed by a dermatologist – they are not mixtures of a few prescription ingredients.
In addition to the active ingredients that combat inflammation, sebum production, and bacteria, the topicals contain a blend of 4% niacinamide, aloe, and vitamin E to nourish and care for your skin.
Apostrophe topicals are as easy to apply as a face cream and don’t come in weird metal tubes that need to be refrigerated or as a moody goo.
Depending on your skin condition, a 90-day supply costs around $75 to $90.
Apostrophe Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
For those who struggle with acne and other skin problems, finding an effective product often involves high costs for dermatologists and a variety of products that don’t really help.
To find out if these products work, we scoured the internet for helpful feedback from June 2023 in this section of our Apostrophe skincare review. Below, you’ll find reviews for the brand’s three skincare products, as well as ratings from Trustpilot and a detailed review from a blog called Wake Up For Makeup.
- “Screen”: average 5/5 stars from 7 reviews
- “Topicals”: average 4.4/5 stars from 362 reviews
- “Orals”: average 4.2/5 stars from 294 reviews
The above ratings are from the brand’s website, and we decided to take a closer look at what patients had to say about the “Topicals.”
Please note that topical treatments vary depending on the condition, but the following information refers specifically to acne, as this is the most common condition treated with apostrophes.
One user who had struggled with acne his entire life wrote: “Even after treatment with Accutane, I was not rid of it. The topical application of tretinoin + clindamycin really cleared up my skin and kept me acne-free for the first time in my life. It’s truly amazing.”
Other reviews are similar, with many users reporting quick results and “radiant, clear, and smooth” skin. Of course, experiences vary, but the fact that Apostrophe is helping those who have struggled with this issue is a pretty great thing.
To get more information about the effectiveness of the brand’s treatments, we turned to Trustpilot. The review site showed a rating of 4.5/5 stars from 186 customers and the following excerpt:
- Excellent: 80%
- Great: 8%
- Average: 3%
- Poor: 4%
- Very poor: 5%
When reviewing the comments, we found many that spoke of considerate doctors, the ease of use of the service, and appreciation for how quickly one could obtain a prescription.
We also came across several comments reporting that skin had improved within just a week. One review of Apostrophe Skincare said, “My acne has cleared up within DAYS, it’s incredible. I’ve been using the product for a week and can’t imagine life without it.”
So far, it sounds like a really great service with medications that actually work. To back this up, we wanted a little more depth and looked at a review of Apostrophe Skincare on Wake Up For Makeup.
The author, Ivy, wrote that she struggles with melasma (dark spots) and occasional breakouts. After her consultation with a dermatologist, she said that her medications arrived “in less than a week after being prescribed” — helpful information, because who wants to wait a long time before trying something new?
Is Apostrophe Worth It?
Considering that a visit to a dermatologist can cost $150 for a consultation alone, Apostrophe’s $20 fee is well worth it. What’s more, this fee is refunded if they can’t help you, so there’s virtually no risk involved.
Add to that the effective, fast-acting skincare solutions, and there’s really nothing more to discuss. If you prefer a face-to-face consultation, Apostrophe may not be the best choice for you. For everyone else, virtual appointments are extremely convenient and can be done without leaving your home.
Apostrophe Promotions & Discounts
Remember that $20 fee we talked about? Well, the fact that this fee is applied to your prescription means that the visit to the dermatologist is practically free.
You really can’t ask for more, but during this review of Apostrophe’s skincare products, we also found that the brand offers a $10 discount when you sign up for their newsletter.
Where To Buy Apostrophe Skincare
As a telemedicine company, you can register directly on Apostrophe.com for the brand’s services.
FAQ
In which states is Apostrophe available?
The service is available in 37 states, from California to Hawaii to New York. A complete list can be found on the brand’s website.
Where will my prescription be filled when I order through Apostrophe?
Apostrophe uses three pharmacies in the US to fill prescriptions:
- Apostrophe Pharmacy, Arizona
- PostMeds Pharmacy, California
- ITC Compounding Pharmacy, Colorado
With more pharmacy options, medications can be delivered faster and the brand can serve more patients.
Why do I have to submit photos to Apostrophe?
During our research for this Apostrophe skincare review, we discovered that the service’s dermatologists cannot prescribe medication without seeing your condition in person—this is actually prohibited by law.
The photos are stored with 256-bit encryption, so they are safe and secure.
Can I use Apostrophe if I am under 18?
Of course. Apostrophe is suitable for people aged 13 and above. If you are under 18, you will need the permission and electronic signature of a parent or legal guardian.
How can I pause or cancel a subscription?
Your subscription will automatically renew until you decide to take a break from Apostrophe Skincare. Whether you want to pause or cancel, the steps are the same and are described below:
- Log in to your account.
- Click on “Settings.”
- Go to “Shipping Information.”
- Select “Pause” or “Cancel.”
To avoid being charged for your next order, you should do this at least 48 hours before your next delivery.
What are Apostrophe’s return/refund policy?
The service does not accept returns of prescription medications for any reason. By law, prescription medications cannot be returned once they have left the pharmacy. The only refund the brand offers is your consultation fee if a dermatologist was unable to help you.
How to contact Apostrophe
If you are a member, you can contact a customer service representative through your patient account. If you have not yet signed up and need more information that is not included in this review of Apostrophe skincare products, please contact the brand through the following channels:
- The contact form page
- Email: care@apostrophe.com
The Apostrophe team is available Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST.
