Dermatologist designed £5 anti-ageing serum has 50-year-old 'ditching expensive brands'

Dermatologist-designed budget serum

A personalised anti-ageing treatment from Skin + Me is winning over shoppers by offering dermatologist-designed formulas for as little as £4.99 for the first month, with many users saying it has outperformed far pricier creams and serums.

How the service works

Skin + Me asks customers to complete an online consultation, after which a dermatology professional reviews the answers and creates a customised Daily Doser formulation tailored to individual skin concerns. The introductory price for the first month is £4.99, followed by a recurring subscription of £24.99.

The Daily Doser is intended for evening use only and arrives with the customer’s name printed on the packaging for a more personalised feel. The brand states that it adjusts the formula according to skin type, tone, medical history and previous skincare experience to ensure the treatment is as precise and targeted as possible.

Ingredients and skin concerns

According to Skin + Me, its Daily Doser uses what it calls “gold-standard” active ingredients aimed at reducing visible signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles. The formulations are also designed to address acne, rosacea, pigmentation issues, enlarged pores, uneven texture and dullness, helping improve overall skin vitality over time.

Newcomers to potent active ingredients start with lower-strength formulas so that the skin can gradually adapt, reducing the likelihood of irritation. As tolerance builds, Skin + Me can increase the strength of the formula in subsequent deliveries to maintain progress.

Full skincare routine options

Beyond the Daily Doser, Skin + Me offers a complete regimen that can include a cleanser, moisturiser, SPF and serum to streamline a whole routine. Customers who opt for this route can purchase a Cleanser and Moisturiser set for around £29.99, while the Sunscreen and Serum are approximately £19.99 each, with products usually shipped every eight weeks.

After the first order has been dispatched, customers can access ongoing support from the dermatology team to check whether their formula needs tweaking or if they need advice about side effects or changes in their skin. All Skin + Me products are described as vegan and cruelty-free, appealing to those who want ethical skincare alongside visible results.

Other brands with consultations

Several other skincare companies provide similar personalised services and online tools, giving shoppers more choice in tailored routines. The Inkey List, for example, runs a free online quiz that guides users through building a bespoke skincare regime based on their answers.

Following the quiz, the brand recommends specific products such as a large Hyaluronic Acid Serum, a cleansing balm and a lightweight Omega Water Cream, each priced in the low to mid single digits in pounds at the time referenced. This makes it easier for customers to assemble an affordable routine that still focuses on targeted ingredients.

Face Dr is another option and offers a free video skincare consultation through its website, after which users receive a customised product treatment plan from a professional. Its range includes higher-priced clinic-style products, such as a hydrating gel, a rich cream and an exfoliating treatment, with prices running into the tens or over a hundred pounds.

Customer reviews and experiences

Skin + Me has attracted a large number of positive reviews, especially from people in their 40s and 50s who feel their skin needs have changed. Many reviewers mention that they previously relied on expensive, non-prescription creams but did not see lasting results until switching to a customised formula.

“My skin appeared dull and grey, with fine lines emerging. As a 50-year-old navigating menopause, I began noticing changes in my skin. After just a few months of the Skin + Me Daily Doser, I saw a remarkable improvement—my skin radiates again, my frown lines have diminished, the annoying spots have disappeared… and it just continues to improve! I’m also no longer spending money on pricey creams that never deliver results.”

Another user described a long battle with skin issues that left them feeling forced to wear full-coverage foundation every day. After starting Skin + Me, they now feel confident enough to switch to minimal base makeup and report smoother texture and fewer bumps.

“I faced challenges with my skin but could never find a remedy. I transitioned from always wearing a full face of foundation and feeling uneasy without it to using only concealer. I consistently apply Skin + Me every night, and each month brings more progress. I struggled with rough, bumpy skin texture but couldn’t find a solution. Skin + Me has completely changed my skin. I feel more confident than ever.”

Critical feedback

Not every review is completely glowing, and some customers point out limitations and mixed long-term results. A few users highlight that although the Daily Doser initially calmed their skin and brought problem areas under control, the benefits did not always seem to last without ongoing adjustments.

One Trustpilot reviewer praised how easy the sign-up process was and liked the way the Daily Doser dispenses the exact amount needed per use. However, they also suggested that the improvements plateaued over time, leaving them unsure about the value of continuing the subscription indefinitely.

Overall impressions

Despite some critical notes, the general tone of feedback remains very positive, especially regarding ease of use and customer support. Many customers like the convenience of a personalised tube that clearly indicates how much product should be applied each night.

“Fantastic company, user-friendly website, and excellent customer service. I’ve been using the Daily Doser for eight months, and it has entirely transformed my skin—I love it!”

The combination of dermatologist oversight, tailored active ingredients and a relatively low introductory price helps explain why some reviewers, including those in their 50s, say they are moving away from expensive high-street and luxury brands in favour of this targeted serum service.

Author’s summary: A low-cost, dermatologist-tailored serum subscription from Skin + Me is earning praise from midlife users who report brighter, smoother skin and feel confident abandoning high-priced, generic anti-ageing products.

The Mirror — 2025-11-27