According to Fortune Business Insights, the consumers of color represent a significant share in the rapid growth of the global skincare market. Despite this, a study reveals that only 2.04% to 16.8% of dermatology articles featured skin of color, highlighting a stark disparity in research focus.
While various cosmetic companies have attempted to address this issue, many fail to tackle the fundamental problem of inadequate foundational research for darker skin tones. However, innovative firms like 4.5.6 Skin are emerging to bridge the gap between inclusive skincare research and product development.
To better understand 4.5.6 Skin’s approach and its potential implications for the industry, we spoke to Noelly Michoux, the CEO of 4.5.6 Skin.
Author’s note: Upon researching, we came across many other startups and companies working on precision skincare. Curious to know about them? Read this article next!
We believe that effective skincare requires more than just trendy ingredients; it demands a deep understanding of skin biology and the unique needs of different skin tones.
– Noelly Michoux
With a background in marketing and a passion for inclusive beauty, Noelly Michoux leads 4.5.6 Skin in creating innovative skincare solutions for melanin-rich skin. Under Noelly’s leadership, 4.5.6 Skin develops effective, science-backed products for phototypes 4, 5, and 6. These products address the research gap and unmet needs of people with darker skin tones. Noelly’s vision drives the company to challenge traditional skincare methods and promote a more inclusive approach to beauty and skin health.
Want to know how 4.5.6 Skin is doing it? See for yourself.
Overview: 4.5.6 Skin’s Customized Skincare Solutions for People of Color
4.5.6 Skin, named after the Fitzpatrick scale for skin phototypes, focuses on creating tailored skincare solutions for people of color (phototypes 4, 5, and 6). The brand leverages unique vitalized water for enhanced hydration and nutrient delivery, avoiding conventional irritants like silicones and parabens.
With a foundation in rigorous research and community feedback, 4.5.6 Skin formulates biocompatible, clean beauty products that address the specific structural and functional needs of darker skin tones. They aim to close the skincare research equity gap and provide effective, inclusive solutions globally.
Short on time?
Here are key highlights from the discussion.
Highlights from the conversation with CEO Noelly Michoux
Could you elaborate on the origin and significance of the name ‘4.5.6 Skin’? What inspired this unique choice for a cosmetic brand?
We named our brand 4.5.6 Skin after the Fitzpatrick scale, a system established in the 1970s by dermatologist Thomas B. Fitzpatrick. This scale classifies skin types based on melanin content, impacting how skin reacts to sunlight, cosmetic ingredients, and procedures. Phototypes 4, 5, and 6, representing people of color, comprise over 50% of the global population. However, most skincare research has focused on phototypes 1, 2, and 3 (white skin), leading to poorer skincare outcomes for people of color.
4.5.6 Skin started as a research project in 2019, incubated with the LVMH Research Center in France. Noticing a lack of focus on darker skin tones, we created the world’s first skin tone research lab in France. Our mission is to understand the unique differences of darker skin tones and develop skincare solutions tailored to them. We address hydration, lipid content, acne, dullness, and hyperpigmentation while ensuring our products are eco-friendly and free of harmful substances.
How does 4.5.6 Skin differentiate itself from large cosmetic companies that may offer similar products?
4.5.6 Skin differentiates itself from large cosmetic companies through its unique approach to formulation, tailored specifically for darker skin tones. Unlike mainstream brands that use demineralized water, we use vitalized water, which offers superior hydration and nutrient delivery.
We avoid harmful texture agents like nanoplastics and silicones, opting for plant-derived, soothing agents. Our preservation system is all-natural, unlike common preservatives that can cause inflammation.
For active ingredients, we use lower concentrations of multiple ingredients to enhance effectiveness without irritation, especially for darker skin. This approach ensures our products are highly effective and safe, addressing the specific needs of people of color.
How is user feedback incorporated during the product development process? Is it primarily research-based, or do you actively gather feedback from users?
User feedback is integral to our R&D and product iteration process. We gather detailed information from our community through a customization quiz that asks about their skin type, concerns, lifestyle, and any health conditions that might affect their skin. This feedback loop allows us to customize products and continuously improve them based on real user experiences.
For instance, before launching a new product, we invite our community to try it and provide feedback, which we use to make final adjustments. This direct input has been crucial in developing products that meet our customers’ needs. Additionally, we consider customer requests and trends but always prioritize our mission to address the fundamental skincare needs of people of color. This approach ensures our innovations are responsive to user feedback and aligned with our core values.
Are there plans to integrate artificial intelligence into your product development or other business areas?
Yes, we are exploring integrating artificial intelligence into our product development. We have tested various AI tools, but many fail to analyze darker skin tones accurately. Most systems struggle to identify issues like hyperpigmentation in people of color. We are actively seeking inclusive AI tools that can provide precise skin analysis. If we find a suitable tool, we are committed to refining it to ensure it works effectively for all skin tones, enhancing our customization and product effectiveness.
What are the future plans for 4.5.6 Skin, and what challenges have you encountered along the way?
Our future plans for 4.5.6 Skin include expanding our online platform, launching in retail, and reaching markets in the UK, US, Middle East, and South Asia. We aim to grow our community and maintain brand integrity strategically.
The main challenge we’ve faced is funding, especially as women of color founders. Despite financial hurdles, we have strong support from ambassadors and continue to focus on our mission.
We aim to get 4.5.6 Skin products into the hands of people of color globally, addressing their unique skincare needs while staying true to our research-driven approach. We are open to future opportunities but remain focused on sustainable growth.
Can you describe your patent filing strategy?
Our patent filing strategy is selective. While patents can offer advantages, they are costly and complex for a startup. We prioritize product validation and customer growth over patents to protect our innovations through secrecy.
For instance, our proprietary vitalizing water and complex formulations are difficult to replicate, so we avoid widespread patenting. However, we plan to patent significant breakthroughs like our sunscreen, which features a unique organic filter, to protect our investment.
In summary, we focus on developing products and growing our community, opting for patents only when necessary and financially viable.
Meet our Interviewer – Vikas Jha, AVP, Solutions at GreyB
Vikas Jha is an experienced tech consultant focusing on Intellectual Property Consulting. With expertise in diverse domains like Telecom, Navigation, and Medical Devices, he helps clients navigate innovation challenges. His ability to bridge technology, innovation, and leadership makes him a valuable resource in the evolving tech landscape. Vikas has been featured on CNBC for his insights on next-gen technologies like space tech.
Want to be featured in Scouted by GreyB? Join a conversation with our experts and showcase your groundbreaking technology.
Book your slot today!
Take a look at other startups interviewed by GreyB!
Authored By: Ridhima Mahajan, Marketing
