Dermatica operates through a digital platform, offering personalized formulations designed to address specific skin concerns. The brand uses an online consultation to assess each user's skin through a questionnaire and photographs.
Based on this input, licensed professionals create a custom formula that is dispensed and delivered on a recurring basis. Through the Dermatica platform, you're guided through a structured process that begins with data collection and leads to a product tailored to your needs. Changes to your product composition are made over time based on how your skin responds, without requiring in-person appointments.
Dermatica also offers a range of basic skincare items such as cleansers, moisturizers, and serums, that are positioned to work alongside the primary product rather than stand alone. These are made available through the brand’s online store and are optional additions.
This review will examine how Dermatica operates, what it offers, and how its model compares to other services in the growing space of digital dermatology. It also considers factors such as accessibility, pricing, usability, and customer response to help you decide whether this platform aligns with your skincare approach and expectations.
Founded in 2018 by Dwayne D’Souza, Dermatica aims to improve access to evidence-based skincare prescribed by licensed professionals. The site highlights that the brand’s motivation stemmed from the gap between clinical dermatology and the affordability or availability of prescription options for people outside traditional healthcare systems.
The company began as a UK-based platform and has since expanded internationally, including services for people in the United States. As a digital health service, Dermatica connects you to regulated prescribers through a remote model.
The platform operates under the pharmacy license PH31739 and is headquartered in Delray Beach, Florida, for its U.S. operations. The pharmacy team includes licensed professionals such as Dr. Phillip Whitman and Dr. Scott Mazza, listed as a dispensing pharmacist and pharmacist in charge, respectively.
Dermatica’s structure includes a mix of dermatologists, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and formulation scientists. These professionals are responsible for evaluating medical forms, reviewing uploaded skin photos, and issuing prescription formulas that correspond with the user’s reported concerns.
With each consultation, you interact with a team trained to make ingredient decisions based on clinical standards rather than generic product pairings.
Dermatica’s product range reflects its focus on condition-led skincare. The core service involves creating personalized prescription formulations following an online consultation. These target concerns such as acne, both hormonal and inflammatory, rosacea, hyperpigmentation (including melasma and post-inflammatory discoloration), photoaging, fine lines, acne-related texture changes, and compromised skin barriers.
Formulations are tailored to each profile and may include clinically recognized ingredients such as tretinoin, azelaic acid, niacinamide, clindamycin, or hydroquinone, depending on suitability and availability.
In addition to its prescription offering, the brand produces a small number of non-prescription skincare items. These are not personalized but are formulated to align with common skin needs while using prescription actives. The available options include a gentle cleanser, barrier-focused moisturizers, and broad-spectrum sunscreens. These products are intended to support your skin during active use, especially where dryness or sensitivity may occur.
Rather than offering a broad commercial lineup, Dermatica keeps its product catalogue limited and functionally specific. This structure supports its goal of delivering targeted, issue-specific care through prescription-led routines instead of marketing general beauty or cosmetic products.
The brand’s delivery cycle is typically structured around an eight-week interval, with adjustments to formulas available between shipments based on user feedback.
The company maintains a Help Center with content organized around frequent user concerns. Sections like “My Skin Journey” and “Tips on Side Effects” provide brief insights into how to manage the experience over time, while direct contact with the customer care team allows for more specific follow-up when needed.
The Clarifying Azelaic Acid Cream by Dermatica might address acne, hyperpigmentation, rosacea-related redness, uneven skin texture, and early signs of aging.
According to the brand, it is available in two concentrations, including 15% for beginners or those with sensitive skin, and 20% for experienced users.
The active ingredient, azelaic acid, is known as a dicarboxylic acid that naturally occurs in barley and wheat and is also produced by skin-resident Malassezia species. It has antibacterial effects against Cutibacterium acnes, the microbe linked to acne, and may reduce inflammation and follicular blockage by normalizing keratinization in the skin’s pilosebaceous units. It may inhibit the tyrosinase enzyme involved in melanin production, potentially helping to reduce dark spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Clarifying Azelaic Acid Cream might help in reducing skin breakouts, managing pigmentation, and reducing signs of rosacea. The brand suggests applying 1–2 pumps to clean, dry skin once or twice daily. If you are also using other active options such as retinoids, the maker suggests applying the azelaic acid in the morning and reserving the other actives for nighttime to minimize irritation. Because azelaic acid may increase skin turnover, it could make your skin more sensitive to UV exposure; you should apply sunscreen during the day as part of your routine.
To decrease the risk of irritation, especially when using the 20% strength, the Clarifying Azelaic Acid Cream formula includes a glycerin humectant that draws water into the skin. It also has squalane emollient that mimics natural skin lipids, and a ceramide complex (NP, AP, and EOP) that may help maintain the skin’s protective barrier by replenishing intercellular lipids.
The Balancing Kit by Dermatica includes three products designed for oily, blemish-prone, and combination skin types. The kit contains the Balancing Glycerin Gel Cleanser (200 mL), a Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin B5 Serum (30 mL), and a Soothing Centella Gel Moisturizer (1.69 fl. oz).
According to Dermatica, these products are formulated to be used together daily and are developed to complement the effects of active products, including Dermatica’s personalized prescription formulas. The kit is positioned as a foundational routine that supports skin barrier function while managing common concerns such as acne, post-inflammatory pigmentation, and redness.
The Balancing Glycerin Gel Cleanser in the Balancing Kit may help remove makeup, oil, and debris from the skin without impacting your skin’s natural barrier. It contains glycerin that may maintain hydration during the cleansing process. The cleanser is intended for use once or twice daily, especially if you have extremely oily skin or use makeup regularly.
According to the brand, the cleanser is soap-free and suitable for blemish-prone skin because it does not contain pore-clogging or barrier-stripping ingredients.
Balancing Kit’s Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin B5 Serum might replenish moisture in dry, oily, or combination skin. It contains hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate, which bind water and may penetrate various layers of the epidermis, contributing to skin hydration at multiple levels. The inclusion of panthenol may help improve skin softness and elasticity while supporting barrier recovery. Dermatica claims that this product can help counteract dryness or irritation that may result from using prescription actives such as retinoids or azelaic acid.
The Soothing Centella Gel Moisturizer in Balancing Kit could help if you have oily and combination skin. It contains Centella asiatica extract, which may influence collagen synthesis and modulate inflammation through increased fibroblast activity. The product also includes a ceramide complex, squalane, and niacinamide (vitamin B3). The brand includes these ingredients as it believes they can strengthen the skin barrier, reduce trans-epidermal water loss, and help regulate sebum production.
Dermatica advises applying the cleanser first, followed by your prescription product (if applicable), then the serum and moisturizer. If your skin experiences localized dryness or peeling, especially during the retinization process, you may need to supplement with a balm or occlusive option at night.
The Nourishing Kit by Dermatica comes with three products meant to support skin hydration and strengthen your skin barrier, especially if you have excessively dry or combination skin. The kit includes the Caring Squalane Cream Cleanser (150 mL), the Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin B5 Serum (30 mL), and the Nourishing Ceramide + Peptide Moisturizer (50 mL).
Dermatica states that this set may help improve skin resilience and may be used to address concerns such as dryness, uneven tone, pigmentation, and dullness.
The Caring Squalane Cream Cleanser could gently clean your face without drying it out. According to Dermatica, this product starts as a cream, turns into oil, and then becomes a milk-like texture when mixed with water. It contains squalane, which is a moisturizing ingredient that copies your skin’s natural oils and helps reduce water loss. It also includes grape seed oil and rice bran oil, which are both rich in fatty acids and antioxidants. These ingredients may help soften your skin and support its natural barrier. This cleanser may work best if your skin is dry or balanced and can be used every day.
The Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin B5 Serum may add moisture to your skin using a mix of humectants. These are ingredients that pull water into your skin. It contains both hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate, which may help hydrate different layers of your skin.
Vitamin B5 and glycerin are also in the Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin B5 Serum formula and may help your skin hold on to water. Niacinamide may support your skin barrier and improve texture or tone over time.
The Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin B5 Serum also contains Centella asiatica extract, which has been studied for its possible ability to calm the skin and support collagen production. You may use this serum after cleansing and before moisturizing. It might help if your skin feels dry, especially while using actives like retinoids that can make your skin more sensitive.
The Nourishing Ceramide + Peptide Moisturizer in Nourishing Kit by Dermatica could hydrate your skin and protect the outer layer. It includes ceramides, cholesterol, and phytosphingosine, all of which are types of fats already found in healthy skin. These components help lock in moisture and protect your skin from losing water.
The Nourishing Ceramide + Peptide Moisturizer also has peptides, specifically palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, which may send signals to your skin to support firmness and reduce visible signs of aging.
Other moisturizing ingredients in Nourishing Ceramide + Peptide Moisturizer include shea butter, grape seed oil, and squalane, which help soften your skin without clogging pores. Dermatica recommends using this moisturizer both morning and night.
The Balancing Glycerin Gel Cleanser by Dermatica may help remove makeup, dirt, and SPF without stripping your skin’s natural moisture. It has a deep and gentle clean that helps rebalance your skin while maintaining its healthy barrier.
One of the key ingredients in Balancing Glycerin Gel Cleanser is glycerin, which may help draw water into the outer skin layers from the air or deeper layers, which could reduce transepidermal water loss and support temporary skin hydration. This might help the skin stay more balanced and less prone to dryness after cleansing.
Balancing Glycerin Gel Cleanser also contains sodium cocoamphoacetate and lauryl glucoside, which are mild surfactants. These may help emulsify and lift away oils and debris without disrupting the skin barrier. Preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin are included to keep the product stable during use. As it has a pH-neutral formula, it might support the skin’s acid mantle, which plays a role in protecting against bacterial overgrowth and external irritants.
The Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin B5 Serum from Dermatica may provide hydration support for your skin. The company states that the product is suitable for all skin types, including dry, oily, and combination skin. It is intended to deliver a noticeable boost in moisture, helping to reduce fine lines and making your skin appear more plump and healthy-looking.
Dermatica describes that the serum has hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate to aid in skin hydration. Vitamin B5, glycerin, niacinamide, and Centella asiatica extract may help calm the skin and improve its ability to hold moisture.
The Caring Squalane Cream Cleanser may help remove makeup, sunscreen, and other oil-based residues while helping maintain skin hydration.
The cleanser includes a blend of emollients and oils that could help support the skin’s barrier during cleansing without causing excessive dryness or irritation.
Caring Squalane Cream Cleanser contains squalane that may help in forming a light, non-comedogenic barrier on the skin surface. This could be beneficial for those using drying active options or experiencing moisture depletion.
Caring Squalane Cream Cleanser also has vitis vinifera (grape seed) oil and oryza sativa (rice bran) oil, both of which are rich in linoleic acid, vitamin E, and antioxidants. These oils might contribute to skin softening, lipid replenishment, and protection from oxidative stress.
Caring Squalane Cream Cleanser uses a combination of PEG-based emulsifiers, such as PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides and PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, which allow the formula to transition from cream to oil on the skin and then emulsify into a milk upon contact with water. This transition may help lift oil-soluble impurities while keeping the skin barrier intact. Glycerin is also present in the formulation and might help draw water into the outer layer of the skin during and after cleansing.
The Nourishing Ceramide + Peptide Moisturizer may aid in hydration and support your skin’s natural barrier. It may improve moisture retention, reduce irritation, and enhance the look and feel of your skin.
The company highlights ceramides as a central component of the Nourishing Ceramide + Peptide Moisturizer. These are lipids naturally found in the skin, and their inclusion is meant to restore and maintain your skin’s protective barrier.
Dermatica claims this helps reduce water loss and shield the skin from environmental stress. Niacinamide, another key ingredient, is included to brighten the skin, diminish the appearance of dark spots, and calm redness or inflammation.
The Nourishing Ceramide + Peptide Moisturizer formula also includes peptides, which are said to help decrease the appearance of fine lines with consistent use.
Additional ingredients listed by Dermatica include centella asiatica extract for its soothing properties, panthenol for hydration and skin repair, and emollients like shea butter and squalane to deliver nourishment.
Antioxidants in Nourishing Ceramide + Peptide Moisturizer, such as grapeseed oil and vitamin E, are added to help protect your skin from excessive free radical damage. Sodium hyaluronate is also included in Nourishing Ceramide + Peptide Moisturizer for its ability to attract and retain moisture within the skin layers, contributing to longer-lasting hydration.
The Brightening & Barrier Repair Kit by Dermatica includes three products, the Caring Squalane Cream Cleanser, the Clarifying Azelaic Acid 15% Cream, and the Nourishing Ceramide + Peptide Moisturizer.
Dermatica describes this Brightening & Barrier Repair Kit as a complete daily skincare routine to improve skin brightness, fade dark spots, reduce fine lines, and strengthen the skin barrier. It is intended for most skin types, including sensitive skin, and is especially suitable for those with dry or dull skin. According to Dermatica, the kit includes products that are alcohol-free, fragrance-free, vegan, and cruelty-free
Dermatica recommends using the kit daily as a three-step routine, starting with cleanser, cream, and moisturizer, both morning and evening. For daytime use, they advise following the routine with a broad-spectrum SPF.
The Daily Hydration 5HA+Cica Serum
The Daily Hydration 5HA+Cica Serum by Dermatica may help with dry skin. Dermatica says this serum helps keep your skin hydrated, supports your skin’s natural barrier, and leaves your skin feeling soft and looking refreshed. It’s made to layer well under sunscreen, moisturizer, or makeup without causing pilling or stickiness.
The main ingredient in the Daily Hydration 5HA+Cica Serum is hyaluronic acid, included in five different molecular weights. Dermatica says this helps hydrate both the surface and deeper layers of your skin. The heavier weights stay on the surface to give long-lasting moisture, while the lighter and broken-down (hydrolyzed) forms go deeper into the skin to make it feel smoother and plumper.
The Daily Hydration 5HA+Cica Serum also contains Centella asiatica extract, which may calm your skin and make the barrier stronger. Other ingredients include niacinamide, panthenol, glycerin, and moisturizing saccharides. These are added to help the skin hold on to water, protect it from dryness, and reduce sensitivity.
Dermatica gives you access to a focused set of services that extend beyond the core offering. The platform supports a range of skin concerns through personalized formulas that adjust over time. These services include acne, including melasma, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory marks, uneven skin tone, and visible aging such as fine lines or texture irregularities. These services are provided through their personalized formulas, created following an online consultation and dispensed under medical oversight. Each formula is delivered every 56 days in a set of two bottles, with ongoing access to dermatology support and optional check-ins for adjustments.
Individual skin profiles determine ingredients used in these prescriptions and may include compounds such as tretinoin (a retinoid used for acne, aging, and pigmentation), hydroquinone (a melanin inhibitor permitted only in certain geographies), azelaic acid (for inflammation, pigmentation, and rosacea), kojic acid (for discoloration), niacinamide (for barrier support and tone), metronidazole or ivermectin (for rosacea), and clindamycin or benzoyl peroxide (for acne management).
Depending on your response, formulas may evolve, substituting or adjusting concentrations within this evidence-backed range. Access begins with an online consultation, where you provide information about your skin concerns. Based on this, Dermatica prepares a custom formula using active ingredients selected by clinical staff.
The initial plan includes a 28-day trial, with a prescription fee of $4.99. After this period, the service continues at $29.95 per month, with each shipment containing two bottles and delivered approximately every 56 days.
You can monitor your progress over time, and adjustments to product formulations may be made based on updates provided. The platform also allows you to reschedule, cancel, or pause your subscription when needed.
Dermatica maintains a brand-wide commitment to vegan and cruelty-free formulation. All of its products, including prescription-strength products, are 100% vegan, containing no animal-derived ingredients or byproducts.
According to the brand’s official support documentation, Dermatica uses only plant-based or lab-synthesized compounds, even in its prescription formulas. Compared to competitors, Dermatica’s ethical formulation policy is broader in scope and more clinically integrated.
Curology, for example, is cruelty-free and vegan in practice. However, its vegan positioning is more prominently marketed through cruelty-free language and certification visibility rather than systematically emphasized across all formulations.
For example, Curology’s site highlights paraben-free and fragrance-free claims, but does not explicitly state that all active and inactive ingredients meet vegan standards in every product.
Musely also positions itself as cruelty-free and offers most of its vegan products, except for a few exceptions like The Hair Pill, which contains gelatin, making it non-vegan. Musely is also cruelty-free and does not test on animals.
Thus, Dermatica’s fully vegan model offers a reliable path if you're looking to align your skincare routine with ethical, plant-based, or sustainability-driven values.
Dermatica’s brand is structured around an expert-driven model, with clinical oversight embedded in every stage of the user experience.
A multidisciplinary team, including consultant dermatologists, pharmacists, and formulation scientists, guides the development and review of all skincare formulations.
Medical Director Dr. Catriona Maybury, a UK-based consultant dermatologist, ensures that protocols are created and supervised by professionals with recognized clinical credentials.
Decisions about active ingredients, concentrations, and dosage adjustments are made by trained healthcare providers rather than being automated or outsourced.
The formulation approach prioritizes published clinical data over cosmetic trends. Core actives such as tretinoin, azelaic acid, niacinamide, and clindamycin are selected based on peer-reviewed research and prescribed at concentrations consistent with dermatological literature (e.g., tretinoin at 0.025% or 0.05%, azelaic acid at 15–20%).
All prescriptions are compounded in-house, giving Dermatica control over ingredient stability, precision in concentration, and batch quality, without relying on third-party manufacturers. This ensures consistency across formulations and maintains alignment with clinical relevance rather than shifting market preferences.
Personalization is achieved through a structured intake and review process. Users submit a medical history and facial photographs through a secure platform.
These are reviewed by Dermatica’s clinical team, who create and calibrate a formulation based on your skin type, history, and goals.
If your skin response changes over time, or new concerns arise, your formulation can be revised accordingly. This reflects an ongoing model of care, not a static, one-size-fits-all prescription.
This expert-led structure of Dermatica provides access to a skincare experience that is both personalized and medically guided.
Rather than navigating through trial-and-error or influencer recommendations, you receive a formulation developed through clinical review, supported by scientific literature, and tailored to your needs. Dermatica’s expert-led model offers a transparent, adaptive, and clinically aligned path to addressing skin concerns.
One notable disadvantage in Dermatica’s brand positioning, especially in a market that increasingly values transparency and accountability, is the absence of visible third-party certifications for product quality, safety, and ethical practices.
Dermatica does not display verification marks from widely recognized bodies such as ISO 22716 (which governs Good Manufacturing Practices for cosmetics), USP ingredient validation, or Leaping Bunny certification for cruelty-free status.
Dermatica and Curology are both leading teledermatology brands offering personalized skincare support through online consultations, but they differ in approach, product variety, pricing, and geographical reach.
Curology is a U.S.-based teledermatology brand launched in 2014 that specializes in personalized prescription skincare.
After completing an online consultation and submitting photos, users are paired with licensed dermatology providers who design custom formulas based on specific skin concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and early signs of aging.
Curology’s plan typically includes a Custom FormulaRx or HydroTretRx, each combining three clinically backed active ingredients, commonly tretinoin, clindamycin, niacinamide, or azelaic acid.
Curology offers a full skincare ecosystem, including cleansers, moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, and targeted spot support.
Prices for individual over-the-counter (OTC) items range from $8 to $28, while the subscription for prescription products starts with a free first month (excluding a $5.45 shipping fee) and continues at $29.95 per month with products shipped roughly every 60 days.
Dermatica, operated in the U.S. by ZipHealth Inc., similarly offers customized skincare via a telehealth model. The user experience starts with an online assessment, after which board-certified providers prescribe a personalized support, typically blending two active ingredients into a soothing SmartBase cream.
This base includes ceramides, glycerin, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid for hydration and barrier support. The actives used include tretinoin (0.025%–0.1%), azelaic acid (up to 20%), niacinamide (4%), hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, metronidazole, and ivermectin, among others.
Dermatica targets a broad spectrum of issues like acne, melasma, rosacea, and signs of aging. The first 28-day trial requires only a $4.99 prescribing fee, followed by a $29.95 monthly subscription, with shipments occurring every 56 days.
In addition to prescription care, Dermatica offers a focused OTC range including a Clarifying Azelaic Acid 15–20% Cream ($24.95), Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin B5 Serum ($19.95), and Centella Gel Moisturizer ($14.95), designed to complement its prescription offerings.
Both Curology and Dermatica use clinically validated prescription actives to deliver personalized plans, but they differ in formulation approach and supplementary offerings.
Curology includes three actives in its custom formulas, while Dermatica typically uses two actives in a SmartBase with barrier-enhancing properties. Both services begin with an affordable trial (under $5–$5.45) and maintain a consistent $29.95 monthly fee thereafter.
Curology offers a broader OTC product line, allowing users to build a comprehensive regimen, while Dermatica’s OTC options are more minimalistic but highly aligned with its philosophy.
Moreover, Dermatica emphasizes round-the-clock support with unlimited dermatology check-ins and flexible plan management, including the ability to pause or reschedule shipments via an online dashboard.
Curology similarly provides access to provider follow-ups but focuses more on integrating support within a full skincare routine.
Both companies deliver products fresh per shipment and are designed to evolve based on your progress, making them strong contenders for ongoing skin health management through
teledermatology.
Musely and Dermatica, both founded in 2018, have appeared as leaders in the personalized teledermatology space, offering virtual access to prescription skincare. While they share a common goal, providing customized, clinically effective options through digital consultations, their approaches differ in terms of pricing models, product ranges, regional availability, and areas of specialization.
Musely, a U.S.-based platform founded by Jack and Cherry Jia, addresses pigmentation, aging, and hormonal skin issues using potent, freshly compounded products.
Dermatica, headquartered in the UK and launched by Dwayne D’Souza, began as a medical-first platform, offering science-backed skincare for chronic facial conditions such as acne, rosacea, and melasma. Dermatica now operates across the UK, U.S., and select European markets, with a focus on evidence-driven dermatological care.
Both services begin with an online questionnaire and photo upload, reviewed by licensed health experts who customize each prescription. Products are freshly compounded and mailed directly to the user, with ongoing clinical support. The core similarity between the two lies in this hybrid model of personalization, medical oversight, and convenience.
Musely offers a broader category range, including prescription products for facial discoloration (The Spot Cream and its variants), anti-aging (The Anti-Aging Night Cream, The Aging Repair Cream, The Eye Serum), rosacea (The Red Set, The Rosacea Pill), and hair loss (The Hair Pill, The Hair Topical). Its offerings extend to underarm and body discoloration, as well as menopause-related skin changes. While its over-the-counter (OTC) range is limited, you can add The Cleanser and The Day Cream (SPF 50) as a $18 bundle to initial orders. The potency of Musely’s formulations remains a notable differentiator, with options like tretinoin up to 0.1%, often higher than what many competitors offer.
Dermatica, meanwhile, maintains a tighter clinical scope centered on facial skin concerns, including acne, melasma, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and uneven tone. Its personalized prescription creams are formulated with ingredients like tretinoin, hydroquinone, clindamycin, azelaic acid, and niacinamide, suspended in a proprietary SmartBase designed to support your skin barrier with hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
In addition to prescription options, Dermatica offers a growing non-prescription skincare line, including barrier-supportive moisturizers, cleansers, SPF, and serums, intended to complement its core regimens. As of 2025, Dermatica has not expanded into hair or body care.
Pricing structures also diverge significantly. Dermatica operates on a subscription basis. After a one-time $4.99 consultation fee, you receive a 30g formula every 56 days for $29.95. Multi-month plans offer up to 25% off, with the most economical being a 12-month upfront payment of $269, lowering the per-bottle cost to $22.42. Subscriptions can be paused, changed, or canceled anytime through the user dashboard.
Musely takes a per-prescription model with optional subscription savings. A one-time purchase of a 2-month supply of a core product like The Spot Cream costs $96, while subscribing reduces it to $67 per shipment, with a 30% discount. Each new prescription requires a $20 doctor consultation fee, with follow-up prescription changes available for $10. No insurance is accepted, but HSA/FSA reimbursement is permitted.
In terms of follow-up support, both brands provide ongoing care, but through different mechanisms. Musely uses its proprietary eNurse program and mobile app to guide you through the process, send reminders, and track results with photo documentation. These check-ins are essential for eligibility under Musely’s 60-Day Results Guarantee, which applies to select products and requires strict adherence to app check-ins. Dermatica offers continuous access through its user portal, where you can message experts, adjust prescriptions, and upload photos for review.
As of mid-2025, neither brand has made significant changes to its service models, pricing tiers, or product categories. Musely continues to focus on skin, hair, and select body options, while Dermatica remains centered on clinical facial skincare supported by its own curated OTC range. Subtle refinements, such as Musely’s bundled SPF and cleanser or Dermatica’s packaging improvements, reflect user feedback rather than structural shifts.
Both Musely and Dermatica represent the maturation of teledermatology into a sophisticated, user-centered model. Musely provides broader coverage and higher active concentrations, appealing to people with complex or multi-symptom concerns.
Dermatica’s strength lies in its consistency, evidence-based products, and simple subscription model meant for facial skin conditions. These platforms provide a distinct value proposition depending on your needs and priorities.
While evaluating user reviews for the Dermatica brand, we examined verified customer feedback to assess common patterns in product performance and user experience.
On Amazon, the Dermatica Caring Squalane Cleanser has a rating of around 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 260+ global reviews. Many users described it as gentle and suitable for dry or sensitive skin. Some users mentioned it worked adequately in double cleansing routines and noted that it has a smoother texture compared to similar products. The airless pump packaging was noted as convenient.
However, a recurring observation was that it can leave a residue if not followed by another cleanser, and it may not remove heavier makeup when used alone. A few users also mentioned mild discomfort, such as eye fog.
The Dermatica Balancing Glycerin Gel Cleanser received a 4.5-star average rating from 170+ reviewers on Amazon. A large proportion of reviews described it as mild and compatible with sensitive or combination skin. It was commonly used as a second cleanser in a routine. Some comparisons were drawn to more expensive alternatives, particularly in terms of performance.
On the other hand, users with dry skin found it less hydrating, and several reviewers indicated that it was not always effective at removing sunscreen or makeup. A few packaging complaints were also recorded, mainly regarding unsealed or previously opened items.
On Amazon, the Dermatica Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 165+ reviews. A majority noted improved hydration and smoother skin texture. The serum was typically used under moisturizers.
However, some reviewers described the formula as sticky or too thick, which made layering difficult. The pump dispenser was also said to release more product than necessary, and the opaque bottle made it hard to monitor usage. Skin irritation was reported in a few cases, particularly among users with very sensitive skin.
Meanwhile, the Dermatica Soothing Moisturizer averages 4.2 out of 5 stars from 260+ reviews on Amazon. Users frequently mentioned its lightweight consistency and ease of absorption. It was described as better suited for oily or combination skin types.
However, some reviewers indicated that it did not provide sufficient hydration, particularly in colder conditions or for dry skin. A few users experienced irritation or breakouts despite the product being marketed for sensitive skin.
Dermatica products received generally favorable ratings, particularly from users with less reactive skin and those using them within layered skincare routines.
While the formulas are described as mild and functional by many, common concerns include stickiness, inadequate hydration for drier skin types, and packaging-related issues. Individual responses vary, and the effectiveness of these products appears to depend heavily on skin type, usage context, and product layering.
Dermatica’s reputation across various review platforms presents a mixed but generally positive impression. On REVIEWS.io, the brand holds a rating of 4.1 out of 5, based on 100+ reviews, with reviewers indicating they would recommend the service. Several users reported improvements in skin conditions such as melasma, rosacea, and acne, often attributing results to the use of 20% azelaic acid.
However, a number of customers expressed concerns about side effects, including breakouts and skin dryness. There were also complaints regarding automatic subscription renewals without prior notification, difficulty obtaining refunds, and delays or lack of updates in shipping and tracking.
On TenereTeam, Dermatica is rated 4.6 out of 5 based on feedback from over 1900+ users. In the most recent reviews featured on the platform, reviewers cited convenience, cost structure, and accessibility to prescription ingredients as key aspects of their experience.
The brand’s system includes a digital dashboard for users to monitor their products, manage subscriptions, and access consultations.
The inclusion of licensed professionals such as dermatologists and pharmacists is noted as part of the service model. Some users mentioned occasional shipping delays or packaging concerns, and others found the product sizes smaller than expected.
On Trustpilot, as of August 2025, Dermatica holds a 4.0 TrustScore from 1,600+ reviews. Users report visible skin improvements within 1–2 months, but some have faced billing issues and poor results for hyperpigmentation treatments.
Thus, the available customer reviews highlight both the potential efficacy of its treatments and certain operational limitations, such as communication around billing and shipping.
Dermatica offers a focused and guided skincare experience through personalization and expert oversight. As a platform, it distinguishes itself through a fully vegan and cruelty-free policy, which is applied across all products, including regulated items.
However, some limitations shape the impact. Dermatica does not display third-party certifications such as ISO 22716 or Leaping Bunny, which could raise concerns regarding independent assurance of safety or ethical claims. The absence of these markers may not affect the actual product quality, but it does reduce transparency if you prioritize external verification.
You may also notice skin changes like dryness or temporary sensitivity, particularly when active compounds are introduced or increased.
While Dermatica offers ongoing review options, how your skin responds depends on personal tolerance and usage consistency. What works well for one person may not apply universally, so outcomes are best understood over time.
Dermatica keeps its catalog deliberately narrow. The product line includes base care items like cleansers, barrier-supporting moisturizers, and sunscreens, but does not branch into cosmetic or lifestyle offerings.
If your interest is in focused care without a wide range of extras, this may meet your expectations. However, if you are looking for more variety or aesthetic-driven choices, the minimal product selection may seem limiting.
Dermatica is designed around function, ethics, and clinical relevance. It provides a methodical, expert-led way to address common skin concerns without relying on cosmetic marketing or high-volume product lines.
However, whether it aligns with your needs comes down to your expectations, how much weight you place on structured support, formulation ethics, or external certifications, and how your skin adapts over time.
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