Curious whether a personalised skincare service is really worth the monthly spend? I was, too. Enter, Dermatica, the trail blazing online skincare service that is democratising access to dermatologists, making it easy to access targeted treatment no matter where you live, nor whether or not you have hundreds of pounds to spend on your skincare regime.
As someone who’s battled breakouts for what feels like forever — plus a healthy dose of hyperpigmentation — I’m usually reluctant to swap out any part of my obsessively curated skincare routine. But if like me, you're one of the millions of people who experiences acne or other skin conditions, you'll know how hard it is to get professional help. You can visit your GP, who may only have a few minutes to see you, or else may add you to a lengthly waiting list for help on the NHS.
As anyone suffering will know, this can be very distressing seeing as acne can cause stress and anxiety. If you can't withstand a seemingly never ending waiting list, you can seek out a private dermatologist for specialist treatment – but it's likely to come at a price. So, I decided to sideline my usual line-up in favour of Dermatica’s affordable science backed skincare — here are my honest thoughts…
New customers can get 50% off their first 3 months with the code GLAMOUR50 (usually £24.99 a month).
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Dermatica review, at a glance…
| Who it's best for: | People who want personalised, science-backed skincare tailored to concerns like acne, pigmentation, and rosacea. |
| What I love: | Personalised formula that’s tailored for your skin concerns. |
| What I don't like: | The formula can take some time to get used to and may initially cause dryness or irritation. |
How I tested
I’ve been testing Dermatica’s personalised skincare service by following my customised treatment plan religiously for just over 30 days now. I went through the full customer journey exactly as any new user would, starting with completing their detailed online consultation, which included a questionnaire about my skin concerns, medical history, and current routine, followed by uploading make-up-free photos in natural lighting so their dermatology team could assess my skin accurately. Within 24 hours, I received a personalised treatment plan tailored to my concerns, along with a breakdown of the active ingredients and how they were expected to work.
I’ve used my bespoke formula every night since it arrived at my doorstep as recommended and paired it with SPF50 in the mornings, tracking changes in texture, clarity, and sensitivity while also testing the usability of the service itself – delivery times, packaging, and customer support. While I’m only a month in, the results so far mean I’m fully committed to continuing the full four-month course.
Why you can trust me
I’ve spent more than five years working as a journalist – over two of those at Glamour – where honest, no-nonsense beauty reporting is our bread and butter. I’ve tested hundreds of products in that time, trying them exactly the way you would at home. I only recommend things that genuinely work, and I’m always upfront about my experience – good or bad.
Before & After Pics
Dermatica Review: The Consultation
Dermatica’s consultation process couldn’t be simpler. All you have to do is complete a quick questionnaire when you sign up — covering your skincare goals, medical history and any treatments you’ve tried before. You’ll also be asked to upload three photos so Dermatica’s experts can get a clear look at your skin. From there, their team of consultant dermatologists, pharmacists and GPs create a personalised treatment plan, complete with follow-up check-ins and unlimited confidential advice to keep your progress on track.
For me, they designed a plan specifically to fade my acne scarring. My formula is a carefully chosen mix of science-backed ingredients, and comes with follow-up check-ins and unlimited advice to monitor my progress. Essentially, it’s like having a personal skincare team on call – which feels like a total game-changer.
Dermatica Review: The Delivery
After the online consultation is complete, the products are then sent out in the post, arriving on your doorstep. The subscription box arrived in a neat, slim parcel that slipped straight through the letterbox so there's no need to be home or chase a delivery.
Inside, you’ll find your treatment details clearly printed on one side, with your personalised formula neatly tucked on the other. While the external packaging comes in a bold aqua colour, the personalised formula tube itself is nondescript: a small white cylinder with just the brand name. It's worth noting that postage is separate from your monthly subscription, coming to £2.90 in the UK.
Dermatica Review: The Formula
For me, my treatment plan was designed to tackle acne scars and pigmentation in a gradual, step-by-step approach.
I started with a gentle personalised formula in month one, and gradually moved to a stronger, science-backed blend for months two and three. From month four onwards, I’ll be switching to a refreshed personalised formula designed to further support brightness and even tone. The idea is simple: begin slowly, let your skin adjust, then increase strength or introduce new actives to target pigmentation and uneven texture more effectively.
The personalised formula is created to support smoother skin by encouraging natural renewal, helping to reduce the appearance of dark spots, uneven tone and congestion. It also includes science-backed brightening and calming components that work together to minimise the look of discolouration and redness over time.
In terms of feel, this isn’t a glamorous, scented face serum — it’s lightweight, uncoloured, and clinical in texture, which makes sense given the potency of the ingredients. It’s not exactly a pampering experience, but the results are what count, and that’s exactly why I was happy to stick with it.
When my Dermatica package arrived, it wasn’t just my personalised formula — it also came with a few extra additions to complement my routine. Dermatica provides guidance on how to layer these products alongside your formula, so you know what to apply, when, and why. Alongside my personalised formula, I received:
- The Balancing Duo — designed to regulate oil and calm inflammation.
- Clarifying Azelaic Acid 15% Cream — aimed at gently exfoliating and brightening the skin.
- Vitamin C 15% — for antioxidant protection and to even out skin tone.
Dermatica Review: The Results
Initially, I experienced some sensitivity when starting the personalised formula – something I’d been warned about after my consultation. My skin felt a little red and irritated as it adjusted, but knowing I could reach out to a dermatologist anytime through Dermatica’s dashboard made the whole process feel much more manageable.
My acne scars, which had stubbornly lingered on my cheeks and chin despite months of using a Vitamin C serum with no luck, slowly began to fade around week four. The improvement was subtle at first, but it was actually exciting to see my skin tone evening out and those old marks gradually lightening as I looked at progress photos.
It took a good six weeks before I started noticing any real differences, which was also when friends and family began to comment on the changes. I’m pleased with my progress now that I’m entering the second month, and with months three and four still ahead, I’m optimistic about the results yet to come.
Dermatica Review: The Verdict
Overall, from my experience, Dermatica’s personalised skincare is worth the investment. The whole process – from an online consultation to having a formula delivered straight to your door — is seamless, and the results really start to show after a few weeks. I loved having direct access to a dermatologist whenever I had questions, which made the whole experience feel safe and supported. The price feels fair for tailored skincare, and with the first month costing just £2.90, it’s easy to give it a try. From start to finish, it’s a straightforward, effective way to upgrade your routine and actually see results.
Looking for more tips and expert advice on how to treat acne? Check out our ultimate guide to acne, including the skincare ingredients to look out for and the things to avoid as well.
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