A ONCE-PROMISING North East skincare brand is being given a new lease of life, with the help of the e-commerce operation that inspired it.

Dermasalve was a Newcastle-made skincare firm that promised much before its owners hit financial problems less than five years ago. However, its new owner Meadow Laboratories has adapted the product, and is relaunching it in partnership with the company from which Dermasalve was born.

As part of the arrangement with Skin Salveation, Dermasalve will be made in Romford and distributed from the North East. Skin Salveation is currently looking for space in Alnwick for a fulfilment centre, and is planning to recruit warehouse and customer service staff.

John Davidson, director of Skin Salveation owner JHA Associates, said: “Many customers thought that since the collapse of Dermasalve, the product had gone out of production. We intend to spread the message through our new in-house designed website, very quickly making the public aware that the range is very much online.”

The Dermasalve story began when two County Durham miners discovered that mixing certain ingredients reduced the harsh effects of their skin-hostile workplace. They teamed up with Dr Mark Randle and Dr Stephen Drew, and the team sold products online under the name Skin Salveation while getting feedback from users.

It used this feedback to develop a distinct brand called Dermasalve in 2003, which offered irritant-free products such as creams and shampoos for treating eczema, dermatitis and acne. JHA Associates then bought the Skin Salveation business, including the original range.