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A couple of things to think about Smiler. The additive is often used in conjunction with "tanking". That is, the plaster is removed, a barrier is applied to the wall, then plastered in the usual way. Tanking can be cement-based eg "Vandex", or it could be bituminous, such as "Synthaprufe", or "RIW".
Marden mentions injection, which is a method I've used a lot in the past. Basically, it's injecting a solvent based silicone barrier into the horizontal line where the dampcourse would normally be. Again, plaster is removed and then replaced.
Tanking can work well, but occasionally, being a barrier, it can "push" the damp along, or up, to another untreated area. It has to be well thought through.
Perversely, modern thinking is returning to traditional methods or damp control using lime plasters.
The thinking is that, rather than trying to stop the damp, the idea is to let it go. Plasters using NHL (natural hydraulic lime) are able to let moisture pass unhindered into the room (partly attracted by normal room heating.) That moisture can safely pass through the fabric of the building through normal ventilation.
Plenty to think about there. One point though........... don't let some "Damp Remedial Company send one of their "surveyors" along unless you are sure you'll get an unbiased opinion. They do tend to push their systems to the point of having you knock off plaster all over the place........... then charge quite a lot of money for a service you most likely don't need at all.
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