Inside Epicutis: Where Skincare Meets Molecular Science

Science-led skincare brand Epicutis has built a strong following within the aesthetic community since its debut in 2020. Launched as a luxury, medical-grade line focused on barrier repair, hydration, and long-term skin health, Epicutis has become a trusted choice for pre- and post-procedure care.

The brand was founded by Maxwell Stock, now CEO, in partnership with Dr. Jeffry Stock, a renowned biophysicist and tenured professor in the Departments of Molecular Biology and Chemistry at Princeton University. Product development is led by Chief Formulator and VP of Product Development, Masanori Tamura, a materials science and physical chemistry specialist with a Master of Engineering from the University of Tokyo. Tamura previously spent more than a decade at Rohto Pharmaceuticals, where he was instrumental in developing Hada Labo, one of Japan’s bestselling skincare brands.

Epicutis’s formulations centre on a select number of patented, in-house-developed molecules, each backed by years of scientific research and designed to support skin health at a cellular level:

• TSC (tetramethylhexadecenyl succinoyl cysteine): a patented molecule that acts as a super-lipid, significantly strengthening the skin’s barrier function while helping shield it from environmental aggressors, including UV rays and pollution.
• Hyvia: an advanced moisturising agent derived from organic, non-GMO chia seed oil. It delivers stable, potent omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that work at the cellular level to boost hydration, calm inflammation, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other visible signs of ageing.
• DSD (disodium S-phytyl diglycoloylcysteine): a proprietary antioxidant that helps protect against environmental stressors by blocking damage induced by UV and pollution.

The brand launched with a curated line of gentle yet effective skincare essentials, including its bestselling Lipid Serum, Hyvia Crème, and Oil Cleanser.

Its latest launch, the Arctigenin Brightening Treatment, features a proprietary extract of burdock rich in arctigenin, a credible alternative to traditional brightening agents such as vitamin C, kojic acid, and niacinamide.

“Vitamin C is most commonly found in the form L-ascorbic acid, which is highly unstable when exposed to oxygen, rendering it useless in most skincare formulas,” explains Maxwell Stock. “With our new patented ingredient, Arctigenin, we are able to create a more stable and effective brightening solution.”

All Epicutis products are cruelty-free and free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and artificial fragrance. The brand sources and produces ingredients responsibly and is actively working towards 100% recyclable packaging.

Epicutis is available through select clinics across the UK and US. In the UK, customers can also shop the range at dermoi.com, while US customers can purchase directly from epicutis.com.