The inspiration behind the serum: “Initially, we didn’t set out to build a skincare brand. We wanted to understand what was happening on Ann Marie’s skin when she noticed lighter spots on her back. During that exploration, we discovered a new agent called malassezin, which can target hyperpigmentation while also improving the skin’s moisture barrier function. Ultimately, we decided that the highest and best use of malassezin was to formulate it into a revolutionary consumer skin care product to target dark spots and skin damage caused by aging to take.” — Mike Einziger, co-founder of Mother Science
What makes it unique: “Molecular Hero Serum is unique because it contains our patented ingredient malassezin, which is completely new in skin care. New ingredients are extremely rare in the consumer world because they are rare to discover and difficult to develop. The serum can replace many of the products consumers currently using to brighten skin and globally improve skin texture and skin’s moisture barrier. It’s unprecedented for one serum to be so versatile and effective.” — Anna Marie Simpson Einziger, co-founder of Mother Science
How long it took to develop: “We spent more than six years in research and development to ensure that malassezin was both safe and effective. Science takes time when done with accuracy, so we worked at the speed of science. We went beyond the standard range of product testing. The process of scientific discovery is something we love. It literally kept us awake at night and we would wake each other up to share papers or talk about study results. Our mantra as a couple is to learn and share as much as we can. We’ve learned much more about malassezin than we ever could have imagined, and we’re excited to share what we’ve learned with the world.” – But one
How malassezin works: “Malassezin is a naturally occurring molecule found on the skin with dramatic benefits for brightening and dark spots. Malassezin works through a novel mechanism of action to target hyperpigmentation in three ways. It reduces excess melanin production, reduces melanin transport to the upper skin layers, and minimizes the transfer of melanin to skin cells. In addition, malassezin improves the skin’s moisture barrier, improving the skin’s texture and allowing the skin to retain more moisture.” – Pearl Grimes, MD, chief dermatologist, Mother Science
How it differs from vitamin C: “Most dark spot ingredients are tyrosinase inhibitors, but malassezin is not a tyrosinase inhibitor and instead works through a completely new mechanism to reduce the appearance of dark spots and improve texture, fine lines and wrinkles. Malassezin is 10 times more powerful antioxidant than vitamin C. It helps neutralize free radicals, which in turn reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles and helps prevent the formation of future dark spots. Malassezin is also completely stable, while common brightening ingredients like vitamin C quickly become degraded when exposed to air and light.” —Grimes