Photo: Epicutis By leveraging our biotechnology platform — built on patented molecules that work at the membrane level — we're helping skin function as it was designed to – Maxwell Stock, founder and CEO of Epicutis

Biotechnology-driven skincare company, Epicutis, has launched two new products in its mission to deliver long-term skin health, barrier recovery and microbiome harmony. 

Epicutis is a skincare line born from 20 years of dermalogical research at Princeton University, US, co-founded by molecular biologist Dr Jeffry Stock. He spent more than a decade creating ingredients that foster healthier looking skin in non-toxic formulas that don't require stabilisers, fillers and fragrances.

Epicutis Hydrobiome Serum

The Epicutis Hydrobiome Serum is designed to support blemish-prone and congested skin. The formula contains a proprietary ingredient called TCP, which is a TLR2 modulator (a key protein that affects inflammatory responses). The TCP helps to regulate inflammatory signalling in the skin’s microbiome.

Instead of suppressing inflammatory responses, like other topical products designed to soothe the skin, TCP restores the skin’s own balance. 

The brand says this leads to skin barrier integrity and maintenance, hydration balance, a reduction in the visible signs of redness and inflammation and a balanced-looking complexion following daily use of the serum.

Maxwell Stock, founder and CEO of Epicutis, told Spa Business: "Hydrobiome Serum represents a more intelligent approach to supporting clear, healthy-looking skin. By leveraging our biotechnology platform — built on patented molecules that work at the membrane level — we're helping skin function as it was designed to: balanced, resilient and self-regulating."   

The serum is available for retail and it costs US$165 (€142, £123).

Epicutis Massage Oil

Epicutis has developed a professional-only massage oil that provides guests receiving treatments with a luxurious experience, but also protects and offers long-term skin health benefits to the therapist too.

Lisa Johnson, president of sales and marketing at Epicutis, said: "Massage therapists work with these products every single day, often for hours at a time, yet the industry has historically prioritised fragrance and sensory experience over ingredient safety and long-term skin health. 

“With Epicutis Massage Oil, we wanted to create a formula that delivers a truly luxurious treatment experience while being exceptionally mindful of both the guest and the professional. By eliminating essential oils and focusing on a minimalist blend of high-performance botanical ingredients, we’ve developed a massage oil that nourishes the skin barrier, enhances luminosity, and supports skin integrity with every use – for everyone involved in the treatment experience.”  

The formula contains seven botanical-based ingredients known for their antioxidant and nourishing benefits, including:

• Oryza sativa (rice) germ oil
• Amla (gooseberry) oil
• Lycium barbarum (goji berry) seed oil
• Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil

The blend is nut-free, does not leave a greasy residue and nourishes the skin barrier. 

This product is available for the backbar only and costs US$95 (€82, £71) per gallon.

Epicutis Body Scrub

The Hydrobiome Serum and Massage Oil follow the brand's release of a professional-only showerless exfoliating treatment called Epicutis Body Scrub. The scrub was developed as an efficient way to perform treatments in spas and clinics without the need for shower facilities.

The formula combines sugar grystals, hinoki wood oil, rice powder and Epicutis' proprietary omega-rich moisturising agent called Hyvia. Hyvia is derived from organic non-GMO chia seed oil and it delivers omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to help boost hydration and fight visible signs of poor skin health. The combination of ingredients means the product melts into the skin without leaving a thick residue.

Distribution

Epicutis distributed through professional spa channels to dermatology clinics, medi spas, high end luxury spas and plastic surgery practices in more than 20 countries outside the US. The company is expanding in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region in markets the brand says "reward efficacy over marketing."