Dermstores Free Sample Program How To Get Beauty Freebies With Your Orders

Oct. 20, 2025, 9:23 a.m.

Tags: drmstore

Dermstore, an online retailer of skincare and beauty products established in 1999, has developed a comprehensive approach to customer satisfaction that includes a free sample program with every order. The company, which has received Bizrate's Circle of Excellence award for over 10 years, positions itself as a trusted source for expert beauty advice and personalized product recommendations. Among its key differentiators is the inclusion of free samples with purchases, allowing customers to discover new products and brands they might not have encountered otherwise.

How Dermstore's Free Sample Program Works

Dermstore automatically includes free samples with every order placed through their platform. This practice is designed to enhance the customer experience by introducing shoppers to new products they may wish to purchase in the future. The samples are included as a surprise element in each order, with the company noting that most customers find these "little surprises delightful." This approach to sampling differs from some competitors that require customers to specifically request samples or meet certain purchase thresholds to receive complimentary product trials.

The program operates on a simple premise: as customers complete their purchases, Dermstore selects appropriate samples to include in their shipment. These samples are typically full-sized or generously sized trial versions of products from brands carried by the retailer. The selection process appears to consider factors such as the customer's purchase history, product category, and potentially seasonal offerings or new brand launches.

Types of Samples Available

While the source materials do not provide a comprehensive inventory of all available samples, Dermstore's approach suggests they offer a diverse range of product categories. The company indicates they provide samples across hair care, makeup, and skincare solutions, addressing various beauty concerns and trends. This diversity allows customers with different skin types, concerns, and preferences to potentially discover products suited to their individual needs.

The samples often feature brands that customers "probably haven't heard about yet," suggesting Dermstore uses the sampling program to introduce lesser-known or emerging brands alongside established favorites. This strategy benefits both customers by expanding their beauty horizons and smaller brands by gaining exposure to new audiences.

The SkinMedica Lumivive Samples 5oz, worth $66.00, demonstrates the premium nature of some samples offered. This particular sample, available for purchase rather than inclusion in orders, represents a higher-value offering that rewards members with 330 points when purchased. While not a free sample in the traditional sense, it illustrates the tiered approach Dermstore takes to product trials, from complimentary samples with orders to premium samples available for purchase.

The Value of Dermstore's Samples

Dermstore's free samples program provides tangible value to customers in several ways. First, it allows shoppers to test products before committing to full-sized purchases, reducing the financial risk associated with trying new beauty items. This is particularly valuable in the beauty category, where product effectiveness can vary significantly based on individual skin type, tone, and concerns.

Second, the samples introduce customers to innovative products they might not otherwise discover. As one customer noted in a review, it's important to have information about beauty products, and Dermstore provides both factual information and testimony from other users. The samples serve as a practical extension of this educational approach, allowing customers to experience products firsthand.

The company emphasizes that they are an authorized retailer of every product they carry, which extends to their sampling program. This authorization ensures that samples are authentic products from the brands themselves, not counterfeits or inferior versions. This commitment to authenticity builds trust with customers who may be hesitant to try new products, particularly those with sensitive skin or specific skincare requirements.

Rewards Program and Additional Benefits

Beyond the free samples included with orders, Dermstore offers several programs that enhance value for regular customers:

Dermstore Rewards Program: Customers can earn points by writing product reviews (100 points per review) and sharing purchases on social media (150 points per share). These points can be redeemed for future discounts. For example, purchasing the SkinMedica Lumivive Samples 5oz earns rewards members 330 points.
Auto-Replenishment Program: By signing up for automatic delivery of favorite products on a 30, 60, or 90-day schedule, customers receive 15% off each delivery and free shipping. This program requires no commitment and helps customers maintain consistent skincare and beauty routines.
Free Shipping: Dermstore offers free standard shipping on orders over $50 within the 48 contiguous United States. Standard shipping for orders under $50 typically takes 5-8 business days, with expedited options available for additional fees.
Flexible Payment: Customers can use Klarna to pay for products over time, allowing them to enjoy their purchases immediately while managing their budget.

These additional benefits complement the free samples program, creating a comprehensive value proposition that encourages customer loyalty and repeat business.

Customer Experiences and Reviews

Dermstore's commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in the more than 100,000 product reviews from verified purchasers. The company highlights these reviews as one of their greatest strengths, noting that real customer feedback makes shopping easier for potential buyers.

Customer testimonials indicate appreciation for the variety of products available, the user-friendly website, and the excitement of discovering free samples with each order. One shopper specifically mentioned loving to see what free sample is available to try upon receiving their product, suggesting that the sampling program creates anticipation and enhances the unboxing experience.

The company's consistent recognition with Bizrate's Circle of Excellence award for over 10 years further validates their customer satisfaction approach. This award, based on thousands of real customer feedback submissions, recognizes retailers who demonstrate exceptional service. Dermstore has received top scores in categories including product selection, ease of finding products, on-time delivery, likelihood to buy again, and overall product and service satisfaction.

Conclusion

Dermstore's free samples program represents a significant component of their customer experience strategy, combining product discovery with value-added benefits. By automatically including samples with every order, the company reduces the barriers to trying new products while introducing customers to both established and emerging brands. This approach, complemented by their rewards program, auto-replenishment options, and free shipping policy, creates a comprehensive ecosystem that encourages customer loyalty and repeat business.

The program's success is evidenced by the company's numerous customer reviews and consistent recognition for excellence in customer service. For beauty enthusiasts looking to explore new products without financial risk, Dermstore's sampling approach offers a valuable opportunity to discover effective solutions tailored to individual needs.

While the source material does not provide exhaustive details about all sample offerings or program specifics, the available information suggests that Dermstore has developed a thoughtful approach to product sampling that prioritizes customer satisfaction, product authenticity, and discovery. As the beauty market continues to evolve, programs like Dermstore's free samples initiative may set standards for how retailers introduce customers to new products and experiences.