Mother Science

Mother Science is a biotech beauty company based in Santa Monica, California, that develops and sells skincare products formulated with malassezin, a naturally occurring, yeast-derived molecule found on skin. The company positions malassezin as a novel active ingredient it was first to characterize for cosmetic use, with claimed benefits for hyperpigmentation and dark spots, brightening, skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles, and barrier function. Its product line includes the Molecular Hero Serum ($89), a serum targeting dark spots and sun damage; Retinol Synergist ($96), a treatment for fine lines and wrinkles; and Molecular Genesis ($68), a barrier-repair moisturizer, along with travel sizes and multi-product bundles such as the Molecular Discovery Set, Molecular Foundation Set, Skin Renewal Set and Barrier Pair.

The brand launched in May 2023 with the Molecular Hero Serum, added Retinol Synergist in April 2024, and subsequently introduced Molecular Genesis. Marketing centers on clinical substantiation: the company cites independent studies using instrumentation, VISIA photography, expert grading and consumer perception panels, including two studies across 38 participants for the Molecular Hero Serum, a 33-participant study (ages 47-70, Fitzpatrick skin types I-VI) for Molecular Genesis, and a 33-participant study (ages 38-68) for Retinol Synergist. Ingredient policy excludes hydroquinone, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers, oxybenzone, octinoxate, synthetic fragrances, artificial colors, triclosan, triclocarban, mineral oil, plastic microbeads, BHA and BHT; the company states it vets ingredients against European Union regulatory standards and describes products as vegan and cruelty free.

Founding story

Co-founders Mike Einziger, guitarist of the band Incubus, and violinist Ann Marie Simpson-Einziger both had science backgrounds - Mike studied science at Harvard, and Ann Marie majored in biology at the University of Virginia and later taught physics and chemistry. While on tour in 2016, Ann Marie developed tinea versicolor, a harmless condition that left lightened patches of skin, prompting her to ask whether the cause could be harnessed to intentionally reduce dark spots. The couple assembled a team of scientists, joined by Edna Coryell as co-founder and CEO, and over about six to seven years identified and developed malassezin into a skincare serum.

Business model

Consumer packaged goods: the company formulates and sells branded skincare products at premium price points, primarily through its own e-commerce site, including single products, travel sizes and discounted multi-product sets and subscription-style bundles.

Product sales of serums, moisturizers and bundled sets, with free standard shipping on US orders over $75 and periodic promotional discounting.

Traction

Launched in May 2023 and expanded to three core products plus bundles by 2025; BeautyMatter cites industry estimates of $8-10 million projected full-year 2025 revenue. The company markets products as award-winning and reports clinical study outcomes across multiple products.

Latest developments

A $3.5 million funding round led by Greycroft was announced in 2024, adding Katherine Power (Greycroft partner and founder of Merit Beauty, Versed Skincare and Avaline Wine) to the board in her first outside board seat; proceeds were earmarked for R&D, further innovation, product launches and team growth. Retinol Synergist launched in April 2024 and the Molecular Genesis barrier-repair moisturizer followed. Named to BeautyMatter's NEXT50 2025 in July 2025, with leadership describing a pipeline of additional novel molecules.