About 4.5.6 Skin
4.5.6 Skin formulates cutting-edge skincare using deep clinical expertise in the science of skin tone. The foundation of skin tone science uses a dermatological system called the Fitzpatrick scale, where phototypes are categorized based on the amount of the melanin pigment in skin. 4.5.6 Skin’s formulas are based on the unique functional and physiological differences of phototypes IV, V, and VI (aka darker skin tones). The team spent three years building the world’s first Skin Tone Research Lab to develop and manufacture high performance biomimetic skincare products from the ground up. By democratising the foundational science of skincare, 4.5.6 Skin’s aim is to make skincare truly inclusive and effective for all skin types and tones.
Noelly, tell us about yourself and what inspired you to start your brand?
I was born in Cameroon and spent my childhood in Normandy, France before moving throughout Europe during my young adult years working in diverse sectors including business intelligence in the pharmaceutical industry, purchasing in the beverage industry and in Marketing .These roles sustained me financially, but i never felt aligned or that i belonged in the big corporate world. Eventually, in 2013, I moved to New York City with my partner and as daunting as that was, I was excited for a fresh start in a place where anyone can reinvent themselves. My French upbringing had normalised the absence of diversity in beauty. Imagine my shock hearing the same narrative from women of colour in the US, a culturally diverse country with a powerful and visible community of colour. Why was this recurring pattern so stubbornly intact?
The answer for makeup was obvious, but Skincare? Not as clear. This led me into a deep exploration of skin physiology, peeling back the layers of the skincare industry to uncover the essence of consumer dissatisfaction.
Driven by personal empathy and a profound purpose, I invested in getting to the root cause of this problem and solving it. I didn’t focus on speed to market, instead, I went backwards to substantiate that feeling with science. Recognising the lack of highly effective skincare for the specific needs of darker skin tones, it was clear to me that the unique traits of darker skin physiology were historically disregarded and simply excluded from the R&D and testing processes.
In partnership with my co-founders and the French Cosmetic Valley, we created the world’s first Skin Tone Research Lab, leveraging decades of leading global expertise in skin tone science to test, develop and manufacture high performance products based on the functional and physiological differences of phototypes IV, V, and VI (aka darker skin tones).
What are some examples of how darker skin functions differently and why?
Several new scientific studies backed with our own research, and over a decade of practical expertise treating darker skin with prescriptive skincare, show that there are many differences that demand a specific, different way of creating skincare.
The skin microbiome differs depending on skin tone, melanin is intrinsically implicated in the synthesis of vital metabolites and vitamins like vitamin D3 which has been linked to skin dryness. These findings, coupled with research showing real differences in skin physiology, functions and pathology expression depending on skin tone, suggest that the skincare industry must evolve to factor-in the physiology of non-white skin (40% of the world’s population and growing) and not assume this population should continue to “make do” with what is currently available knowing that the majority of what exists on the market now is researched, tested and developed to fit the dermatologic principles of lighter skin tones.
What do you love most about 4.5.6 Skin?
It is everything I ever dreamed of in a beauty brand. It’s not just effective and gentle; it’s smart, empowering and in a constant state of evolution. 4.5.6 Skin redefines the very essence of genuine luxury in skincare. It’s an authentic brand that elevates the skincare journey for women, ultimately transforming their skin health outcomes for the better.
What is your favourite 4.5.6 Skin product and why?
Tough one! If I had to make a selection, it would be our Sevenly Delight Brightening Concentrated Serum. It stands tall as the ultimate hyperpigmentation hero. This serum is a testament to intelligent formulation, performing multiple tasks with finesse. It not only combats all types of hyperpigmentation but also serves as a preventive measure, while reducing inflammation and nourishing the skin.
For me, Sevenly Delight has immense emotional significance. It’s the product that triumphed over my dark spots and balanced my excess melanin production. Six weeks into using Sevenly Delight, it felt as if I had been given an entirely new skin. I could walk out for the first in over a decade without makeup, with a newly found sense of confidence.
What are your future goals for 4.5.6 Skin?
After years of collaborative research and development, enriched by customisation and invaluable customer feedback, we are ready to present 4.5.6 to the wider world. Our next destination is retail, a prospect that fills us with great excitement. We have hosted sold out events time and time again, and can’t wait to get even closer to our customer and community.
Find out more about 4.5.6 Skin here