Start by thinking about your main skin concern.

• For dryness or dehydration, look for Hyaluronic Acid and nourishing facial oils.
  
• For fine lines and loss of firmness, explore Retinol, Collagen, Peptides and SYN-AKE®.
  
• For dull or uneven-looking skin, consider Vitamin C or Tranexamic Acid.
  
• For blemishes and congestion, look for Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide.
  
• For sensitive-feeling skin, begin with simple, hydrating formulas and introduce active ingredients gradually.
  

You can also take our Skincare Quiz for personalised recommendations.

Hydrating products may make the skin feel softer and more comfortable shortly after application. Changes to the appearance of fine lines, texture, tone or blemishes generally require more consistent use.

As a guide, allow four to eight weeks of regular use before assessing a new skincare product. Results will vary depending on your skin, routine and how often you use the formula.

This depends on the product.

Cleansers, hydrating serums, eye treatments, moisturisers and SPF products are generally designed for daily use. Retinol, exfoliating acids and intensive treatments may need to be introduced more gradually.

Always follow the directions on the individual product page and packaging.

Yes. Our ranges can be mixed to create a routine around your particular skin concerns.

We recommend introducing new active ingredients one at a time. This makes it easier to see how your skin responds and helps avoid using too many strong formulas at once.

Yes. Skincare does not need to be chosen by gender. The best product for you depends on your skin type, concerns and preferred texture.

A simple morning routine should usually follow this order:

1. Cleanser
   
2. Toner or exfoliating treatment, if used
   
3. Facial serum
   
4. Eye serum or eye cream
   
5. Moisturiser
   
6. SPF

In the evening, follow the same order without SPF. Facial oils are normally applied after moisturiser or used as the final step in your routine.

More product does not always mean better results.

As a general guide:

• Cleanser: a coin-sized amount
• Facial serum: two or three drops
• Eye serum: a small amount shared between both eyes
• Moisturiser: a pea-sized amount
• Facial oil: two or three drops
• SPF: apply generously and evenly
  

Always check the individual product instructions where provided.

Yes. Apply your serum to clean skin first and allow it to absorb. Follow with moisturiser to help support the skin barrier and seal in hydration.

You can, but it is best to keep your routine focused.

If you are layering serums, apply the lightest texture first. Avoid combining several strong active formulas in the same routine, particularly when you are new to ingredients such as Retinol or exfoliating acids.

This depends on the type and strength of exfoliator.

Most people can begin once or twice a week. If your skin remains comfortable, use can be increased according to the product directions. Avoid exfoliating irritated, broken or sunburnt skin.

Most face masks can be used once or twice a week, although this varies by formula.

Hydrating masks may be suitable for more frequent use, while exfoliating or clarifying masks should be introduced more carefully.

Yes. SPF should be the final step in your morning skincare routine, including on cloudy days.

Apply it generously to exposed skin and reapply throughout the day, particularly after swimming, sweating or towel drying.

Yes. Allow each skincare layer to absorb before applying the next product. Giving your moisturiser and SPF a few minutes to settle can help makeup apply more evenly.

If products begin to roll or “pill”, try using smaller amounts and leaving more time between layers.

Hyaluronic Acid is a moisture-binding ingredient that helps attract and retain water within the surface layers of the skin.

It can help dehydrated skin feel softer, smoother and more comfortable.

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A commonly used to improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven texture and signs of skin ageing.

If you are new to Retinol, begin two or three evenings a week and gradually increase use if your skin remains comfortable. Apply SPF every morning while using Retinol.

Some experienced Retinol users may be able to use it nightly, but daily use will not suit everyone.

Begin gradually and reduce the frequency if you experience persistent dryness, peeling or discomfort. Avoid applying Retinol to irritated or damaged skin.

As a precaution, products containing Retinol or other retinoids are generally not recommended during pregnancy.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or receiving treatment for a skin condition, speak to your doctor or healthcare professional before introducing active skincare.

SYN-AKE® is a synthetic peptide inspired by a compound found in temple viper venom. It is used in skincare to help soften the visible appearance of expression lines.

It does not contain real snake venom.

Collagen-focused skincare is designed to help moisturise, condition and improve the appearance of smoother, firmer-looking skin.

Topical skincare cannot replace the collagen naturally found within the deeper layers of the skin, but a well-formulated product can support hydration and improve the appearance of the skin’s surface.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant ingredient used to support brighter, more even-looking skin and help protect the skin’s surface from environmental stress.

Different forms and concentrations of Vitamin C may feel different on the skin, so introduce a new formula gradually.

Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a versatile ingredient that can help support the skin barrier, balance the appearance of excess oil and improve uneven-looking tone.

Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid that helps remove excess oil and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and within congested pores.

It is commonly used in formulas created for blemish-prone, oily or congested skin.

Green Caviar is a marine botanical also known as sea grape. It is used in skincare for its conditioning and moisture-supporting properties.

Products described as containing Bee Venom may use a cosmetic-grade Bee Venom ingredient.

If you are allergic to bee stings, bee products or any listed ingredient, do not use the product without first seeking medical advice.

Yes. Hyaluronic Acid provides hydration and can be used alongside Vitamin C.

Apply the products according to their texture, beginning with the lightest serum before finishing with moisturiser and SPF.

Using Retinol and strong exfoliating acids in the same routine can increase the likelihood of dryness or irritation.

It is usually better to alternate them on different evenings, especially if your skin is sensitive or you are new to active skincare.

A percentage indicates the concentration of a particular ingredient or ingredient complex within the complete formula.

A higher percentage does not automatically mean a product will work better for your skin. The overall formulation, supporting ingredients and frequency of use are equally important.

No. We do not test our products on animals. You can read more about our approach here: Sustainability.

Not every formula should be assumed to be vegan. Some products may contain ingredients such as Collagen, Beeswax or Bee Venom.

Please check the complete ingredient list for the individual product or contact us before ordering if you need help confirming suitability.

Our Dr. Botanicals range is completely vegan.

Keep products tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, excessive heat and moisture.

Avoid leaving products on a sunny windowsill or in a hot car, as temperature changes can affect the formula.

Look for the Period After Opening symbol on the packaging. This resembles an open jar and may show a number such as 6M, 12M or 24M.

The number tells you how many months the product should normally be used within after opening.

The batch code is usually printed or stamped on the bottle, tube, jar or outer carton. If you contact us about a product concern, please include the batch code where possible.

Some of our products use airless pump packaging and may need to be primed before the first use. Tap the base of the container firmly against the palm of your hand, keep the bottle upright and press the pump several times. Avoid unscrewing the packaging, as this can affect the vacuum mechanism.

If the pump still does not work, contact us with your order number and a short video showing the issue.

Recycling availability varies by local authority and packaging component. Separate cartons, lids, pumps and containers where possible, and check your local recycling guidance before disposal.

You will receive an order confirmation email after completing checkout. If you cannot find it, check your spam or junk folder and confirm that the email address entered at checkout was correct.

We begin preparing orders promptly, so changes and cancellations are not always possible. Contact us at help@skinchemists.com as soon as you can with your order number. If the order has already been dispatched, it cannot be cancelled and will need to be returned after delivery.

We may be able to update the address if your order has not entered the dispatch process.

Contact us at help@skinchemists.com immediately with your order number and complete new address. Once an order has been dispatched, you may need to arrange a redirection directly with the courier.

Although uncommon, an item may occasionally become unavailable while your order is being processed. If this happens, we will contact you to offer a suitable resolution, such as an alternative product or refund.

Available payment options are displayed at checkout and include all major debit and credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay.

Yes. Klarna is available at checkout, allowing eligible customers to spread the cost of their order using the payment options displayed.

If your order is refunded, the refund will be sent to Klarna, who will update your payment schedule or return any amount already paid.

Unless the offer specifically says otherwise, only one discount code can be used per order. Discount codes may not apply to sale items, bundles, gift cards or other excluded products.

Check that:

• The code has been entered exactly as shown.
• The offer has not expired.
• Your basket meets the minimum spend.
• The products are included in the promotion.
• Another discount has not already been applied.
  

If it still does not work, contact us with the code and a screenshot of the offer.

Discount codes cannot normally be applied after an order has been completed.

You may contact us at help@skinchemists.com, but we cannot guarantee that the order can be amended once processing has started.

Standard UK priority delivery is currently £4.99, with complimentary delivery available when the qualifying order value is reached.

Delivery on orders over £50 are free within the UK. The final delivery charge will always be shown at checkout before payment.

UK orders are generally delivered by Royal Mail. The courier may vary depending on the order, delivery location and service selected.

The estimated delivery time will be shown at checkout or in your dispatch confirmation. Delivery dates are estimates rather than guarantees and may be affected by bank holidays, severe weather, courier delays or unusually busy periods.

Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive an email containing your tracking information. You can also use our Track Your Order page by entering your order number and email address.

Tracking can take up to two working days to begin updating after dispatch. If there is still no movement after this time, contact us at help@skinchemists.com with your order number and we will look into it.

Contact us immediately. If the order has not been processed, we may be able to correct it. Once an order has been dispatched, we cannot guarantee that it can be redirected or recovered. Additional delivery costs may apply if the parcel is returned and needs to be sent again.

Yes, international delivery may be available depending on your destination.

Available countries, shipping charges and any free-delivery threshold will be displayed at checkout. You can also shop through the relevant regional skinChemists website:

• skinChemists - US & Americas
  
• skinChemists - Europe

Occasionally, products may be dispatched separately.

If your order is split, you should receive tracking information for each parcel. Please check all tracking details before contacting us about a missing item.

You have the statutory right to cancel an eligible online purchase within 14 days of receiving it. You must then return the products within 14 days of notifying us.

Unless otherwise stated, skinChemists products are also covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Products must meet the applicable return conditions, and your statutory rights are not affected.

Contact us at help@skinchemists.com before sending anything back and provide:

• Your order number
• The name of the product or products
• Your reason for returning them
  

We will provide the correct return instructions.

UK returns are free. Return shipping charges may apply to orders from outside the UK. Please contact us before returning anything so we can confirm the correct process for your location.

For hygiene and health-protection reasons, sealed cosmetic products may not be eligible for return once their seal has been removed.

This does not affect your rights if the product is faulty, damaged, incorrectly supplied or not as described.

Refunds are normally processed within three to seven working days after the return has been received and checked.

Depending on the circumstances and your payment provider, you should allow up to 14 days for the refund to appear in your account.

Approved refunds are returned to the original payment method used for the purchase. Shipping charges are only refunded where required under the applicable returns policy or your statutory cancellation rights.

No. For security reasons, refunds must be returned to the original payment method. If the original card has expired, your card provider will normally redirect the funds to the associated account.

We generally replace products when they are damaged, defective or incorrectly supplied. For preference-based changes, you may need to return the original product and place a new order.

Contact us at help@skinchemists.com and include:

• Your order number
• The product name
• Clear photographs or a short video showing the problem
• A photograph of the outer packaging, where relevant
  

Please keep the product and packaging until our team has confirmed the next steps.

We are sorry about the mistake. Contact us at help@skinchemists.com with your order number and a clear photograph of the item received. We will investigate and arrange the appropriate replacement or refund.

Check your dispatch emails first, as your order may have been sent in more than one parcel. If all parcels have arrived and an item is still missing, contact us at help@skinchemists.com with your order number and the name of the missing product.

First check the account connected to your original payment method. Your bank or card provider may need additional time to display the transaction.

If the stated processing period has passed, contact us at help@skinchemists.com with your order number and return details.

You may be able to check out as a guest, but creating an account makes it easier to view your order history and manage saved details.

Log in to your account here and open your settings. From there, you can update information such as your password, saved addresses and contact details.

Changes to your account will not automatically update an order that has already been placed.

Try the following:

• Refresh the page.
• Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
• Try a private or incognito window.
• Use another browser or device.
• Try a different payment method.
• Check that your billing address matches your payment details.
  

If the problem continues, contact us at help@skinchemists.com with a screenshot of the error.

Email: help@skinchemists.com
Telephone: 020 8132 9188
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:30pm

You can also use the form on our Contact Us page