Inside, you’ll find your prescription 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 prescription plan was designed to tackle acne scars and pigmentation in a gradual, step-by-step approach. I started with Tretinoin 0.025%/Hydroquinone 4% cream in month one, and have now moved up to Tretinoin 0.05%/Hydroquinone 4% cream for months two and three, and from month four onwards I will switch to Tretinoin 0.05%/Azelaic acid 15%/Tranexamic acid 5% lotion. The idea is simple: start gently, let your skin adjust, then increase strength or introduce new actives to target pigmentation and uneven tone more effectively.

The tretinoin in the formula helps speed up skin cell turnover, which smooths texture, fades dark spots, and prevents pores from getting congested. Hydroquinone is a well-known brightening agent that works to lighten stubborn pigmentation, while azelaic acid and tranexamic acid help calm inflammation, reduce redness, and further fade discolouration 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 prescription formula — it also came with a few extra additions to complement my routine. Dermatica provides guidance on how to layer these products alongside your prescription 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 doo — 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 prescription-strength, 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.