you’re a skincare professional or esthetician building your brand, you’ve likely looked into online certifications to improve your visibility and boost client trust.
Two platforms that may show up in your search are Alison and Esthly.com. While both offer learning opportunities, they serve very different purposes especially when it comes to credibility, relevance, and real results in the beauty industry.
In this article, we break down the key differences between Esthly and Alison, so you can make the best decision for your skincare career.
What Is Alison?
Alison is a large open online learning platform offering thousands of free or low-cost courses across many industries, from business to hospitality to health care. Their cosmetology and esthetics-related classes include topics like hygiene, basic skin science, and general salon safety.
These courses are usually video or text-based, and some may offer downloadable diplomas or certifications. However, many users report that these certificates carry little weight professionally especially in specialized fields like esthetics.
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💎 What Makes Esthly Different?
Esthly.com is focused entirely on skincare and esthetician knowledge. Instead of traditional courses, Esthly gives users access to a comprehensive quiz that tests real esthetic skills like sanitation, client consultation, product usage, and skin analysis.
After completing the quiz, users receive an instant digital certificate, which can be downloaded and used on:
- Booking websites
- Instagram bios
- Linktree pages
- Email signatures
- Portfolios or resumes
Esthly is fast, focused, and designed specifically for working beauty professionals who want to show clients that they’re knowledgeable and trustworthy.
Quick Comparison: Esthly.com vs Alison
| Feature | Esthly.com | Alison |
| Primary Focus | Esthetics and skincare | General learning across many industries |
| Certificate Delivery | Instant digital download after quiz | Often requires course completion and payment |
| Designed For Beauty Pros? | Yes | Not specifically |
| Relevance to Skincare Clients | High | Low to moderate |
| SEO and Branding Benefits | Strong for personal brands | Limited |
| Platform Complexity | Simple, focused experience | Broad and general |
Why Estheticians Prefer Esthly
- their skill in a clean, modern, digital format.
Built for the Beauty Industry
Esthly focuses entirely on esthetics and skincare. Every quiz question is written for professionals working with real clients, not for general learners or theory-based academics. - No Course Fatigue
While Alison has great material, it often takes hours or days to finish a course. Esthly delivers certification in one quiz. Perfect for working professionals who need results fast. - Boosts Online Visibility
Adding “Certified via Esthly” to your digital profiles or booking page helps you rank higher in local searches and builds trust with potential clients. - Focused on Real-World Use
Esthly certification is designed to complement your experience, not replace it. It’s for beauty professionals who want to show proof of
What Professionals Are Saying About Esthly
“I had taken a couple Alison courses, but clients never really noticed. After I posted my Esthly certification on my Instagram and booking link, people started commenting and asking questions. It added real trust.”
— Jasmine R, Facialist and Studio Owner
“The Esthly quiz was fast but covered all the basics. It reminded me how much I already know and gave me something to show clients right away.”
— Sara D, Skincare Educator
So, Which One Should You Choose?
If you want to learn about a wide variety of subjects for personal development, Alison is a great platform. But if you’re a beauty professional focused on esthetics, looking to build client trust and elevate your online presence, Esthly is the better choice.
Esthly is clear, fast, and practical. It gives you a certificate you can actually use to grow your business, book more clients, and stand out online.
Final Word
Esthly was built for skincare professionals like you. Whether you are a student, a solo esthetician, or a beauty creator, this is your chance to prove your knowledge and make it work for your brand.
Take the test
Download your certificate
Strengthen your credibility today
Visit Esthly.com and start now.
