DERM iNSTITUTE

DERM iNSTITUTE began with its founders trying to develop a treatment for a family member's severe skin problems that followed chemotherapy. That work led the founding pair to a treatment protocol based on plant stem cells, which became the basis for the brand's formulas.

The formulas combine DNA technology and plant stem cell technology with Eastern therapeutic herbs. The company says it uses medical-grade ingredients, antioxidants and peptides, aims to use high-grade ingredients in effective amounts, and holds a patent on herbal extracts it created to support healthy skin function. It describes its products as backed by science and made in the USA, and says its approach is a new take on natural beauty. Formulas are free of parabens, petrochemicals, synthetic dyes and sulfates, use a natural preservative system, and are not tested on animals.

The range is organized into lines: Anti-Oxidant Hydration, Youth Alchemy, Cellular Brightening, Cellular Rejuvenating, Daily Defense sunscreen and Travel Essentials. Products are sold through retail partners that include Bergdorf Goodman in New York, Bloomingdale's Space NK shops, Hudson's Bay stores in Canada, Joyce Beauty in Hong Kong and Skin Lab stores in Thailand. The company's awards page lists honors from several beauty and fashion publications and award programs, which the company presents as its own record.

Shopping is done online. Orders usually ship within 24 to 48 hours, with standard international shipping taking 7 to 14 business days from shipment and express international shipping taking 3 to 5 business days. Orders cannot go to P.O. boxes, APO/FPO or military addresses, and customs fees in the recipient's country are not the company's responsibility. Returns require an email request and a Return Authorization number, and shipping and handling charges are not refunded. Products bought elsewhere cannot be returned through the site, and damaged items are replaced after the customer emails the company. The phone line is open weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and a 10% discount on a first order is offered to people who join the rewards program.

The company describes its approach as combining herbal, DNA and plant stem cell technologies with medical-grade ingredients in effective amounts.