Meet 4.5.6 Skin, the brand that focuses on the science of skin tone, a skincare collection developed for skin phototypes 4,5 & 6.
The reality of the one-size-fits-all approach of international brands prioritising research is based on white skin standards, ignoring the needs of darker skin even as calls for racial equity grow louder and the face of the public becomes more diverse. CEO Noelly Michoux brought together world-leading experts to flip the script on a skincare industry that ignores the needs of over 40% of the world.
This April, the brand is launching its first retail collection, leveraging data from thousands of customised formulas to create a science-backed skincare system that targets the top concerns of darker skin.
The foundation of skin tone science uses a dermatological system called the Fitzpatrick scale, where phototypes are categorised based on the amount of melanin pigment in the skin.
4.5.6 Skin’s formulas are based on the unique functional and physiological differences of phototypes IV, V, and VI.
4.5.6 Skin spent three years building the world’s first Skin Tone Research Lab in the heart of the French Cosmetic Valley, which has become the hub for the brand to research, formulate and manufacture the new retail collection – addressing a considerable R&D gap and democratising the foundational science of skincare. 4.5.6 Skin aims to make skincare truly inclusive, effective, and accessible to all skin types and tones.
“When brands say they are formulated for everyone, that is simply not the case. We started 4.5.6 Skin as part of an accelerator program where some of the world’s biggest and most prestigious brands are being made, and these brands do not include phototypes IV, V, and VI in the research and development process. Our new retail collection was created in the world’s first Skin Tone Research Lab, addressing not only skin type but the functional and physiological differences of skin tone.” says Noelly Michoux, CEO, 4.5.6 Skin
What makes phototypes IV, V and VI different?
Phototypes IV, V and VI have a denser stratum corneum and an often-deregulated skin barrier, causing sensitivity and trans-epidermal water loss, meaning skin needs deeper hydration. Melanin also plays a protective role for darker skin. When skin is irritated, inflamed or under attack, it produces extra melanin to protect aggressed areas, leading to hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and brown or dark spots. Dry and sensitive skin will also defend itself by producing extra sebum, leading to Hyperseborrhea, which causes oily skin, blocked pores, inflammation, enlarged pores and non-hormonal acne. Living in colder climates with less sun exposure can also weaken skin metabolism in phototypes IV, V and VI, causing Vitamin D deficiency and a sluggish cell renewal process, resulting in dull, lacklustre skin.
For more information on 4.5.6 Skin and the Co-Founders Noelly, Imen and Dr Carlos Charles, please click HERE
