Brand Comparison

SkinMedica vs The History of Whoo

A head-to-head comparison of two popular K-beauty brands. Which one is right for your skin?

Our Pick

SkinMedica

Higher editor rating (9 vs 8.8)

SkinMedica The History of Whoo

Rating9/108.8/10

Price RangePremium ($$$)Premium ($$$)

Founded19992003

OriginCarlsbad, California, USASouth Korea

Products25

Best ForMature, post-procedure, photoaging, fine-linesMature, Dry

PhilosophyPhysician-dispensed American skincare built on growth-factor technology — the TNS serums are what plastic surgeons actually prescribe post-procedure.Royal-court hanbang for the woman who wants her anti-aging to feel ceremonial.

SkinMedica

SkinMedica is the US physician-dispensed brand responsible for mainstreaming growth-factor serums. The TNS Advanced+ Serum — derived from human fibroblast growth factors — is the most-prescribed post-procedure recovery serum in US cosmetic dermatology for a reason. Clinical-grade, eye-watering pricing, genuinely-documented efficacy for photoaged skin. Not for everyone — but for the "I'm four weeks post-Fraxel and need recovery" use case, nothing beats it.

Pros

✓ growth-factor technology with real published data
✓ TNS Advanced+ is the US post-procedure gold standard
✓ Allergan-owned — serious regulatory discipline
✓ physician-channel gatekeeping means fewer counterfeits

Cons

✗ premium pricing ($295+ for flagship serum)
✗ growth-factor sourcing raises ethical questions for some buyers (human fibroblast-derived)
✗ pregnancy-safety debated — most OBGYNs advise against
✗ distribution is tightly physician-channel-only

The History of Whoo

Price tags that make you wince and packaging that belongs in a palace museum — but the Bichup Self-Generating Anti-Aging Essence is legitimately good, and the Gongjinhyang:Seol brightening line has receipts. You're paying for the ritual as much as the results, which is either the point or the problem, depending on who you are.

Pros