What Dermatica does

Dermatica Ltd is a UK-based, direct-to-consumer personalised skincare platform operating as part of the HeliosX Group (also referenced as the MedExpress Group). The company's core offering is bespoke prescription skincare: customers complete an online clinical consultation, which is reviewed by a multidisciplinary team of GMC-registered consultant dermatologists, pharmacists, GPs, clinical researchers and formulation scientists, who then prescribe a tailored formula blended with Dermatica's proprietary SmartBase cream containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin and panthenol. Personalised formulas are dispensed and dispatched monthly via subscription by the group pharmacy MedExpress, which is regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (registration 9012633), with clinical oversight provided through Central Medical Solutions Ltd, registered with the Care Quality Commission (registration 1-8739815477). Dermatica also sells a broader Routine Essentials line of cleansers, retinal serums, treatment serums, moisturisers, SPF, supplements and curated kits as one-time purchases.

Dermatica monetises via two streams: a recurring monthly subscription for personalised formulas priced at £24.99/month (with a first-month promotional price of £2.90 to drive new subscriber acquisition) delivered on a 28-day cadence with unlimited free dermatologist check-ins, and unit-priced one-time purchases of routine essentials ranging from approximately £5.95 to £48.00. The customer base is entirely consumer (B2C), segmented by clinical use case across acne, anti-ageing, hyperpigmentation, melasma, rosacea, weight loss skin support, hair loss and general skin glow. Geographic presence is primarily the United Kingdom (registered office in Leamington Spa, clinical operations anchored in London) with an emerging United States presence served through a partnership with US telehealth provider ZipHealth Medical Group, P.A.

Distribution is exclusively digital through the dermatica.co.uk owned e-commerce storefront — there are no physical retail locations, marketplaces or third-party resellers. Marketing is executed through a combination of owned content (the SkinLab educational blog), earned media placements in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, The Independent, The Times and Stylist, organic social on Instagram and TikTok, an affiliate/ambassador program ($10 per referral plus tiered bonuses up to $5,000), a Refer & Earn scheme (launched March 2021), and active management of review profiles on Trustpilot (4.5/5 across 6,804 reviews), Google (4.7/5 across 2,190 reviews) and Facebook (4.9/5 across 784 reviews). The company holds LegitScript certification and is a member of the DiCE (Digital Clinical Excellence) network.

Name

Dermatica

Legal name

Dermatica Ltd

Website

https://dermatica.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Dermatica is a UK-based direct-to-consumer telehealth platform that delivers personalised prescription skincare formulas, prescribed by consultant dermatologists and compounded in its group pharmacy, via a monthly subscription model to individual consumers in the UK and, increasingly, the US.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Telehealth Dermatology Skincare

NAICS

Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, and Perfume Retailers (456120)

SIC

Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)

akta.pro primary industry

Dermocosmetics & Medical-Grade Skincare (CRABAAAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Dermatology Specialty Pharmaceuticals (HLAIACAL)

Keywords

• Personalised prescription skincare
• Telehealth dermatology service
• Custom compounded formulas
• Online skin consultation
• Subscription skincare

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Personalised Formula Subscription: Recurring monthly subscription for prescribed personalised skincare formulas. First month offered at a discounted promotional rate (£24.99 discounted to £2.90). Subscription auto-renews at standard price unless cancelled at least 48 hours before the next shipment. Delivered every 28 days.
2. Routine Essentials (One-time Purchases): Sale of standalone skincare products including cleansers, moisturisers, serums, sunscreen, and kits/bundles. These are one-time purchases available to all consumers without requiring a consultation or prescription.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Dermatica sells personalised, clinician-prescription skincare formulas blended with its proprietary SmartBase cream, delivered monthly via subscription after an online consultation reviewed by consultant dermatologists, pharmacists, GPs and formulation scientists. It also sells a line of non-prescription Routine Essentials (cleansers, retinal serums, moisturisers, sunscreen, supplements and curated kits) as one-time purchases to UK consumers through dermatica.co.uk.

Product overview

Dermatica is a personalised skincare platform offering custom prescription formulas prescribed by dermatology experts. The core offering is the Personalised Formulas system, which provides tailored treatments based on individual skin consultations covering conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, ageing, rosacea, and melasma. These prescription formulas are blended with the company's SmartBase cream. The product portfolio also includes a comprehensive line of Routine Essentials spanning cleansers (Balancing Glycerin Gel Cleanser, Caring Squalane Cream Cleanser), treatments (Retinal 0.05%-0.2% Serum, Collagen Complex, Advanced Dark Spot Corrector Serum, Daily Hydration 5HA+Cica Serum), moisturisers (Soothing Centella Gel Moisturiser, Nourishing Ceramide + Peptide Moisturiser), and sun protection (Vitamin C 15% Ascorbic Acid, SPF 50 Photodamage Defence Sunscreen, Restoring Ceramide Skin Balm). The company also offers curated kit bundles (The Balancing Kit, The Nourishing Kit) and supplements (Marine Collagen Complex).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Personalised Skincare Formulas Custom prescription skincare formulas prescribed by dermatology experts based on individual online skin assessments. Formulas include active ingredients such as tretinoin and azelaic acid, blended with Dermatica's SmartBase cream containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin and panthenol. Delivered every 28 days on subscription for UK consumers across multiple indications including acne, ageing, hyperpigmentation, melasma, rosacea, skin glow, weight loss skin support and hair loss.
• Balancing Glycerin Gel Cleanser Gentle gel cleanser formulated for oily, blemish-prone skin that removes makeup, dirt and SPF while rebalancing the skin. Available as a one-time purchase on Dermatica's e-commerce store.
• Caring Squalane Cream Cleanser Cream-to-milk cleanser designed for balanced or dry skin that nourishes while removing makeup. Sold as a one-time purchase on dermatica.co.uk.
• Retinal 0.05%—0.2% Serum Clinically-backed anti-ageing serum range with retinal, designed with dermatologists to target and help prevent advanced signs of skin ageing. Available in three strengths (0.05%–0.2%) and suitable for all skin types. Sold as a one-time purchase on dermatica.co.uk.
• Collagen Complex Marine collagen peptides supplement (5,000mg per serving) combined with antioxidants including Vitamins C, D, B, biotin and zinc to support skin, hair and nails. Sold as a one-time purchase on dermatica.co.uk.
• Advanced Dark Spot Corrector Serum Precision dark spot serum combining three science-backed actives (glycolic acid, kojic acid and tranexamic acid) with encapsulation technology for visibly clear, radiant skin. Sold as a one-time purchase on dermatica.co.uk.
• Daily Hydration 5HA+Cica Serum Ultra-light hydrating serum formulated with five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica (cica) to support skin barrier health and resilience. Sold as a one-time purchase on dermatica.co.uk.
• Soothing Centella Gel Moisturiser Lightweight, calming, oil-free moisturiser formulated for oily and combination skin. Sold as a one-time purchase on dermatica.co.uk.
• Nourishing Ceramide + Peptide Moisturiser Brightening and hydrating moisturiser for balanced or dry skin, formulated with moisture-locking niacinamide and soothing ceramides. Sold as a one-time purchase on dermatica.co.uk.
• Vitamin C 15%: Fresh Batch Ascorbic Acid Brightening serum with triple antioxidant protection (Vitamin C, Vitamin E and ferulic acid) designed to fight signs of ageing and dullness. Sold as a one-time purchase on dermatica.co.uk.
• SPF 50 Photodamage Defence Sunscreen Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen formulated for daily year-round protection from harmful rays and suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. Sold as a one-time purchase on dermatica.co.uk.
• Restoring Ceramide Skin Balm Targeted barrier balm formulated for dry, irritated or flaky skin to speed up retinisation recovery. Sold as a one-time purchase on dermatica.co.uk.
• The Balancing Kit Curated starter kit for blemish and breakout-prone skin containing three essential products at a reduced bundle price (£32.95 vs. £45.00 individually, saving £12). Sold as a one-time purchase on dermatica.co.uk.
• The Nourishing Kit Curated starter kit for glowing, healthy skin containing three essential products at a reduced bundle price (£34.95 vs. £48.00 individually, saving £13). Sold as a one-time purchase on dermatica.co.uk.
• Clarifying Azelaic Acid 15-20% Cream Prescription-strength azelaic acid cream (15–20%) formulated for clarifying and treating skin concerns. Sold through Dermatica's prescription skincare offering.

Quantifiable outcome

• Results visible from 6 weeks of personalised formula use
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• MedExpress (MedExpress Pharmacy)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMedExpress operates as the registered pharmacy responsible for compounding, dispensing, and dispatching prescribed medications on behalf of Dermatica. MedExpress is regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and is part of the MedExpress Group. This is a core operational partnership enabling the physical fulfilment of personalised prescriptions.
• Central Medical Solutions LtdcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCentral Medical Solutions Ltd is a CQC-registered organisation (CQC registration 1-8739815477) that delivers clinical advice and education to Dermatica's prescribing team. The company's consultant dermatologists are GMC registered doctors working under Central Medical Solutions Ltd. This partnership provides the clinical governance and prescribing authority for the telehealth service.
• ZipHealth Medical Group, P.A.supportingTechnology or IntegrationZipHealth Medical Group, P.A. provides telehealth infrastructure and services for Dermatica's telehealth consultations. ZipHealth physicians enable remote consultations, chart review, remote prescribing, and appointment scheduling. The telehealth consent form on the Dermatica registration page references ZipHealth services, including state-specific telehealth consent requirements for US patients.
• HeliosX Group (Parent Company)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDermatica Ltd is part of the HeliosX group of companies. HeliosX publishes the Privacy Policy on behalf of Dermatica and its subsidiaries. The group is committed to protecting privacy and maintaining robust data protection processes. Dermatica Ltd is the data controller for the Dermatica service under UK GDPR and EU GDPR.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Skin + Me: UK-based personalised prescription skincare subscription offering online consultation and custom formulas for acne, ageing, and pigmentation. Closest head-to-head competitor to Dermatica in the UK, with a near-identical business model, formulary, and target customer.
• Curology: US pioneer of personalised prescription skincare delivered via telehealth consultations and monthly subscription. Comparable product/clinical model, target customer (acne, hyperpigmentation, anti-ageing), and direct-to-consumer e-commerce delivery - the American counterpart to Dermatica.
• Apostrophe: Telehealth dermatology platform offering personalised prescription topicals for acne, rosacea, melasma and anti-ageing on a subscription basis. Directly comparable in delivery model, formulary, and consumer positioning to Dermatica's personalised formulas.
• Musely: Telehealth platform offering personalised prescription skincare (and hair loss) treatments via online consultation, with direct-to-consumer subscription delivery. Closely comparable model - online derm consultation, custom formulas, recurring shipments - and overlapping use cases (melasma, anti-ageing, hyperpigmentation).

Broad incumbents

• Hims & Hers: Large US telehealth platform with an expanding skincare vertical offering prescription and OTC personalised treatments via online consultation. Operates at much greater scale across multiple health categories, but the Skincare-by-Hims product line directly overlaps Dermatica's value proposition.
• La Roche-Posay: Global dermocosmetics brand owned by L'Oréal, offering dermatologist-developed skincare for acne, rosacea, pigmentation and ageing. Represents the broad incumbent mass-market alternative to Dermatica's personalised subscription, sold through retail and pharmacy channels.
• Allergan Aesthetics (SkinMedica): AbbVie-owned medical-grade skincare brand offering professional and consumer products with actives such as tretinoin and growth factors. Overlaps Dermatica's evidence-based, dermatology-led positioning at the professional/clinical skincare end of the market.

Others

• MedExpress (pharmacy brand): UK online pharmacy within the same HeliosX Group that owns Dermatica; MedExpress Pharmacy compounds and dispenses Dermatica's personalised formulas. Sister entity under the same parent, providing operational infrastructure rather than competing commercially.
• Medical Medium (Anthony Williams) / holistic acne brands: Adjacent ecosystem of influencer-led skincare content and protocols targeting the same acne-prone consumer that Dermatica serves. Included as an adjacent, thematically related community rather than a commercial direct competitor.

Emerging players

• Nourkrin: Consumer hair-loss and scalp-health brand offering science-backed supplements and topicals. Comparable to Dermatica's newly launched Hair Loss category, with overlap in target consumer (thinning, shedding) but a non-prescription go-to-market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/dermatica.skin
• Facebookfacebook.com/dermatica.skin
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dermatica

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Dermatica