Mom creates the first skincare line with ‘nutrition labels’ on its products after dealing with her son’s allergies

This story was written by Anna Robertson and originally appeared on The Cool Down.

When Barb Paldus’ 10-year-old son developed a skin allergy to a common preservative found in most skin care products, she took matters into her own hands.

She used her background as a biotech innovator and entrepreneur to develop the first skincare line to offer “nutrition labels” on their products, challenging the industry to be more transparent and accountable for their products.

Codex Labs, a science-based biotech company focused on creating effective, plant-based skincare, was born out of Paldus’ frustration with the lack of affordable, effective products to treat common skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and rosacea.

Dr. Paldus, fluent in five languages with a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University and 40 patents to her name, has built successful companies that do everything from detecting greenhouse gases to creating equipment that makes vaccines and cancer treatments. 

But it was her motivation to help her son and the “many moms like me with kids who have skin conditions that are genetic” that led Codex Labs to develop over-the-counter products that are clinically tested for efficacy and have even earned seals from the National Eczema Association and the National Psoriasis Foundation

The company did so by devising a patented preservative system and focused on protecting the skin’s microbiome, which often gets disrupted by the use of conventional skin care and topical treatments. 

Codex’s first-of-a-kind “nutrition labels” set its products apart from traditional formulas. 

“Customers deserve to know,” Dr. Paldus told The Cool Down of what exactly goes into skincare products. “I wish the whole industry would start doing this.” 

After solving her son’s skin allergy when he was 10, Dr. Paldus decided to tackle his next skin issue when he turned 13: acne. 

“To some extent, he drives our product roadmap,” Paldus said with a smile. “My dream is to take on Accutane and get the same results with plant-based biotech ingredients.” 

Next up, she says, will be fungal infections and jock itch (not kidding), as well as tackling other challenging skin conditions like rosacea. 

“We’re looking at the whole over-the-counter skincare space, because these products haven’t changed for a very long time,” she said. 

Codex has also developed a full line devoted to protecting skin from pollution, as studies show that increasing pollution is making our skin worse. 

Particulates in the air land on your face and can cause irritation and inflammatory responses, which can worsen skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. 

When it comes to sustainability, aside from using plant-based ingredients, Codex doesn’t provide frivolous samples because, as Dr. Paldus says, “I don’t want to crap up the planet.” 

All of the company’s packaging is recyclable and sourced sustainably in North America, and all tubes are made from sugar cane. 

So what advice does she have about where to start with clean, sustainable skincare? Get sleep, drink enough water, get outside, and get exercise. 

When it comes to products, Dr. Palus advises that most people just need a good cleanser and a good moisturizer. 

“Less is more,” she said. 

This story was written by Anna Robertson and originally appeared on The Cool Down.

Shop Codex below!

Codex Labs

$45

Antu Brightening Eye Cream

Fine lines, dark circles, inflammation–this lightweight eye cream tackles them all with the power of hyaluronic acid, M3 antioxidants and squalane.

Codex Labs

$25

Bia Gentle Cleansing Oil

An oil-to-milk cleanser that effectively removes makeup and impurities without giving your skin that squeaky, overly dry feeling.

Codex Labs

$75

Dry or Sensitive Skin Soothing Set

If you’re dealing with sensitive or eczema prone skin, this soothing set is for you. The trio (Bia Unscented Soap, Bia Nourishing Face Oil, and Bia Hydrating Skin Superfood) are designed to cleanse, nourish and hydrate without exacerbating irritation.

Original Article Source | Author

Share
Published by
The Port

Recent Posts

Can I Talk About Politics With My Therapist Right Now?

If politics are currently ruining your mental health, trust us, you’re not alone. It’s hard… Read More

7 hours ago

You Can Do Anything For Three Months” Is The Parenting Advice We Needed

I full believe that if anything would be helpful in parenthood, it’s a time machine.… Read More

8 hours ago

Found: 23 Pairs Of The Absolute Softest Leggings

We love the commitment that comes with assembling a never-leaving-the-couch outfit — from trendy, coordinated… Read More

8 hours ago

4 Things Eldest Daughters Need To Hear Every Day

The day I found out my first baby was a girl, I was delighted. I… Read More

8 hours ago

‘I’m Leaving My Toxic Job. I Wish I Didn’t Have To Work Again.’

Most of us, at some point in our parenting journeys, have had to adjust our… Read More

9 hours ago

Bladder Cancer and Black Women

Monica Austin-Cox remembers well the day a routine pelvic exam changed her life forever.Her gynecologist… Read More

10 hours ago