At Skin at Peace, our formulations are guided by medical precision and microbiological insight. Modern skincare often overwhelms the skin with complexity. Studies show that the average woman applies up to 168 different ingredients daily, many of which can sensitize or destabilize the skin barrier (Alani et al., 2013). 

We take the opposite approach: a minimalist, evidence-based philosophy built around the skin’s natural biology. Each formula is designed with a short list of well-characterized, purposeful ingredients that support the microbiome, maintain the lipid barrier, and respect the skin’s inherent equilibrium. By excluding unnecessary additives such as synthetic fragrance compounds known to trigger sensitization (Diepgen et al., 2015), link to study, and instead using actives in their most stable, bioavailable forms, we reduce irritation risk and enhance performance.

Our fresh, micro-batch production model ensures maximum potency and removes the need for harsh preservatives that can disrupt the skin’s microbiota. This commitment to purity is not about using less for its own sake. It is about fidelity to skin health. Each ingredient must serve a clear and functional role; if it does not, it is not included. 

The result is skincare that works with your biology, not against it, freshly made, clinically reasoned, and meticulously crafted to restore balance, resilience, and calm.

Barrier Function and Epidermal Defense

The skin’s barrier is a remarkable natural defense system. Its outermost layer, the stratum corneum, functions like a brick and mortar wall, with corneocytes acting as the bricks and intercellular lipids such as ceramides and fatty acids serving as the mortar. Together, they lock in moisture and protect against environmental irritants, allergens, and microbes. When this structure is intact, the skin stays soft, hydrated, and resilient. When it becomes disrupted by over-exfoliation, harsh surfactants, alcohol-based products, or long hot showers, the result can be dryness, tightness, and increased sensitivity that often leads to redness or inflammation.

At Skin at Peace, every formula is created to strengthen and preserve the skin’s natural barrier. Our cleanser, Clean, contains no surfactants and instead uses lightweight esters and natural oils such as ethylhexyl palmitate, jojoba, grapeseed, and sea buckthorn to dissolve buildup and sunscreen without stripping the skin. Our pH-balanced toner, Tone, gently hydrates the skin with natural humectants and anti-inflammatory ingredients like aloe vera, green tea extract, and lactic acid to help visibly reduce redness, protect the skin, and refine the skin’s texture. Our moisturizers and serums, Day and Night, replenish barrier-supportive lipids using ceramides and plant-derived fatty acids that closely resemble those found in healthy skin. We include glycerin, panthenol, and niacinamide to enhance hydration and encourage the skin’s own lipid synthesis. 

All of our products are fragrance-free and formulated for even the most sensitive complexions. The result is skin that feels calm, balanced, and deeply supported, with a barrier restored to its healthiest state.

Non-Comedogenic Design

Every Skin at Peace formula is carefully created to nourish the skin without clogging pores. We select lightweight plant-based oils that are naturally rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that is often low in the sebum of acne-prone individuals. This imbalance can make sebum thicker and more likely to block pores (Downing et al., 1986), link to study. 

By formulating with oils such as grapeseed, jojoba, and sea buckthorn, we help restore a healthier lipid balance in the skin. These oils are non-comedogenic, quick to absorb, and compatible with all skin types. In our cleansing oil, Clean, this blend dissolves buildup and makeup while leaving the skin soft, balanced, and comfortable. Over time, these plant oils can actually reduce congestion by helping to dissolve hardened sebum and replacing it with more fluid, skin-friendly lipids.

Our formulas also include ingredients that actively promote clear and balanced skin. Niacinamide helps regulate oil production and support healthy cell turnover within pores, while gentle exfoliants such as lactic acid keep the surface smooth and refined. Ceramides, tocopherol, and squalane strengthen the barrier and maintain hydration without heaviness. Together, these components work in harmony to create products that feel weightless, absorb seamlessly, and help the skin feel calm, hydrated, and visibly refined. 

Fragrance Toxicology, Sensitization, and Hormone Disruption

Fragrance is one of the most frequent, yet least recognized, sources of irritation and sensitization in skincare. While added scent may make a product more appealing, it often introduces unnecessary chemical exposure. 

More than 80 individual fragrance compounds are known contact allergens (Johansen et al., 1996), link to study. In dermatological research, 10 to 15 percent of individuals with contact dermatitis react to fragrance mixes or balsam of Peru (Diepgen et al., 2015; Warshaw et al., 2018), link to study. Even among people without known sensitivities, fragrance allergy affects an estimated 1 to 3 percent of the population, making it a leading cause of cosmetic-related dermatitis. 

Beyond irritation and allergy, fragrance ingredients have also raised concerns regarding endocrine disruption. Many commercial fragrances include or are contaminated with phthalates and synthetic musks, both of which are recognized as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These compounds can interfere with hormone signaling pathways, potentially affecting reproductive health, thyroid function, and developmental processes. 

Studies have shown that exposure to certain phthalates, commonly used as fragrance stabilizers, correlates with altered reproductive hormone levels, reduced sperm quality, and developmental changes in animal and human studies (Dodson et al., 2014; Kay et al., 2014), link to study. Synthetic musks such as galaxolide and tonalide have been detected in human tissue and breast milk, and in vitro studies suggest they may act as weak estrogenic or antiandrogenic agents (Rimkus, 2012; Schreurs et al., 2004), link to study.

These findings emphasize the importance of a cautious approach to fragrance use in skincare. Skin at Peace products are entirely fragrance-free, containing no perfumes, masking agents, or aroma chemicals added solely for scent. Any mild aroma comes from the natural characteristics of the raw materials and fades quickly after application. By avoiding fragrance altogether, we remove a leading source of sensitization and eliminate exposure to compounds with potential hormone-disrupting effects. This decision reflects our commitment to evidence-based, biologically harmonious formulation designed to support the skin’s health and long-term balance.

Manufacturing Approach: Micro-Batch Production and Stability Control

In skincare manufacturing, precision is more valuable than scale. Large production runs can compromise ingredient freshness, stability, and quality oversight, which is why Skin at Peace follows a micro-batch manufacturing model. Each batch is produced in small quantities under controlled lab conditions using pharmaceutical-grade equipment. This approach allows for close supervision at every stage, from ingredient weighing and mixing to monitoring pH and temperature. By keeping production runs intentionally small, we maintain strict control over formula integrity and ensure every product meets our quality standards before it reaches our customers.

Freshness and Active Stability

Micro-batch production ensures that every Skin at Peace product is made fresh and retains its full potency. Rather than sitting in storage for months or years, our formulas are created in quantities that meet current demand. This means that when a customer receives a product, its active ingredients, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and botanical extracts, are still within their optimal stability range. We also source raw materials in smaller lots to preserve freshness and prevent oxidation or degradation that can occur during long-term storage. This allows us to minimize the use of stabilizers and preservatives while keeping each formula potent, gentle, and effective.

Quality Control and Consistency

Our micro-batch system enables a level of quality control that reflects pharmaceutical standards. Each batch is examined for uniformity, pH, viscosity, and ingredient distribution to confirm consistency from one production cycle to the next. Detailed documentation tracks every ingredient, piece of equipment, and environmental condition, ensuring complete transparency and reproducibility. This level of precision protects the integrity of our formulas and guarantees that customers experience the same quality and results every time.

Continuous Innovation and Sustainability

Micro-batch manufacturing also allows for agility and innovation. Environmentally, it means less overproduction, minimal waste, and reduced product aging in storage. Each product includes a manufacturing date and expiration date so customers know exactly when it was made and can trust in its freshness.

By choosing micro-batch production, we prioritize integrity, freshness, and performance. This approach allows us to uphold the highest scientific and ethical standards, offering skincare that is meticulously crafted, consistently effective, and biologically in harmony with the skin.