/>
1. What inspired you to start a clean cosmetics brand?
Noble Panacea is the only skincare brand founded by a Nobel Laureate, with a mission to advance optimal skin health through cutting-edge Supramolecular Science, delivered in the purest and cleanest way possible.
Our founder, Professor Sir Fraser Stoddart, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2016 for his groundbreaking work on supramolecular machines. His discovery, the Organic Super Molecular Vessel™ (OSMV™) Technology, is an intelligent, programmable encapsulation and delivery system exclusive to Noble Panacea. This pioneering delivery system exponentially enhances the efficacy of our formulations, unlocking transformative results.
At the heart of Noble Panacea's philosophy is Responsible Clean Beauty- a commitment that shapes every facet of our brand. From sustainable, refillable packaging and eco-conscious production processes to meticulously clean formulations, we uphold the highest standards to safeguard both human health and the environment.
We are equally inspired by the power of simplicity- the belief in choosing what is inherently good, for yourself and for the world around you. With every Noble Panacea purchase, you contribute to the advancement of girls’ education in STEM globally, and embrace a brand devoted to sustainability: refillable, recyclable, biodegradable (including both our OSMV™ system and starch-based packaging). Our clean, high-performance skincare harnesses the very best in modern chemistry, delivering purity and potency in every Active Dose.
2. How do you define "clean" in terms of your products?
At Noble Panacea, clean begins with the purity of our formulations. We consciously exclude any potentially harmful ingredients- no alcohol, no parabens, no silicones, no PEGs, no synthetic fragrance or essential oils -and the list continues. Our commitment is unwavering: to deliver formulas that are meticulously crafted for optimal skin health, uncompromising in both purity and performance.
But clean beauty is not just about what we leave out, it’s also about how we create. We proudly uphold green chemistry principles throughout every stage of our research, development, and production. Green chemistry is the art and science of designing chemical processes that minimize or eliminate the generation of hazardous substances across the entire product lifecycle: from formulation and manufacturing to usage and disposal.
We strictly follow the 12 principles of green chemistry, embracing closed-loop, renewable processes that generate zero waste. Even in the production of our OSMV™ Technology, we go further by repurifying and reusing water, ensuring every step is as sustainable as it is scientific.
Our definition of clean is holistic: pure formulations, sustainable innovation, and an unwavering respect for both skin health and the planet.
3. Can you share some of the key ingredients you use and their benefits?
Before getting into our ingredients, as a Deep Tech company, I’d like to share how our technology works with any key ingredient we use.
The Organic Super Molecular Vessel™ (OSMV™) Technology is an advanced encapsulation and programmed time-release delivery system that safeguards each active ingredient at the individual molecular level. By preserving ingredient freshness and potency while preventing negative cross-interactions, it ensures every molecule performs at its optimal efficacy. For instance, with over 50 active ingredients in each formulation, OSMV™ deploys them in a precisely controlled, time-sequenced release for sustained, long-lasting results.
This breakthrough delivery system has been scientifically proven to enhance the potency of conventional skincare by up to tenfold. Beyond protecting and programming ingredient release, OSMV™ also optimizes delivery deep within the skin — demonstrated by lab data showing over 200% increase in penetration. Its precision allows actives to be released within the ideal therapeutic window, maximizing effectiveness while minimizing the risk of irritation. The OSMV™ Technology elevates every formula, delivering superior efficacy through scientific precision, ingredient integrity, and intelligent, sustained performance.
The Exceptional Chronobiology Sleep Mask is an excellent showcase of the programmed and time release capabilities of the OSMV™ Technology.
The skin has its own circadian rhythm, the same way your sleep/ wake cycle typically follows the shifts in light from day to night, your skin also adjusts itself on a 24-hour cycle.
During the day, the skin acts as a defensive shield, protecting against environmental aggressors. But at night, when protection is no longer a priority, the skin enters its regenerative phase — a critical window for detoxification, renewal, and deep repair.
Our Exceptional Chronobiology Sleep Mask works in perfect synchrony with the skin's circadian biorhythm, deploying ingredients in alignment with your skin’s natural overnight stages:
- Stage 1: Detox (11 PM – 4 AM)
As the skin begins its nightly detox, our mask gently exfoliates with Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) while fortifying the skin’s microbiome with a synergistic blend of pre- and post-biotics to prime the skin for regeneration.
- Stage 2: Repair (2 AM – 4 AM)
During this peak regenerative window, Retinol and Peptides are released to stimulate collagen and elastin production, accelerating cellular renewal and fortifying skin structure.
- Stage 3: Nourish (4 AM onward)
As skin temperature rises and blood flow increases, permeability is at its peak. While this heightens trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), it also creates an optimal environment for absorption. At this precise moment, our mask delivers Ceramide NP and dual-molecular-weight Hyaluronic Acid to replenish moisture reserves and reinforce the skin’s barrier, locking in hydration for lasting suppleness.
Through the intelligent, precisely programmed release of potent actives, the Exceptional Chronobiology Sleep Mask maximizes skin’s natural overnight potential — delivering transformative results by morning.
4. What challenges did you face when launching your brand, and how did you overcome them?
In the early days, I spent a great deal of time immersing myself in the Organic Super Molecular Vessel (OSMV™) technology. Deep diving into its groundbreaking and entirely unique properties was nothing short of mind-blowing.
After leading extensive market research and refining formulation calibrations, I began building a stellar team at Noble Panacea. It took immense hard work, dedication, and belief in what we were creating. In October 2019, we officially launched the brand at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City with a once-in-a-lifetime, curated gathering of eclectic and inspiring guests. Among them were Sir Fraser Stoddart, 2016 Nobel Laureate, and his friends and colleagues; incredibly talented journalists; and a diverse group of accomplished women who are thought leaders across philanthropy, art, architecture, photography, and more.
However, just a few months later, the Covid-19 pandemic struck-and, as you can imagine, it was an incredibly challenging time for any brand. Retail channels were deeply impacted, and many of the plans we had set in motion were suddenly put on hold.
Yet we chose to meet this moment not with hesitation, but with resilience. We embraced the disruption as an opportunity to evolve. We built a modern, agile structure. While we’re not fully remote, our team is globally distributed. With offices in multiple locations, we encourage in-person collaboration whenever possible-yet it’s our international footprint that has become one of our greatest strengths.
This global force has enabled us to draw from a rich variety of perspectives, adapt our offerings to regional needs, and stay intimately connected to our consumers-all while staying true to our core vision. In the face of adversity, we didn’t just survive; we emerged stronger, more connected, and more innovative. It’s proof that even in the most challenging times, there is always space to grow and redefine what’s possible.
5. How do you ensure sustainability in your packaging and sourcing?
As our dear founder Sir Fraser Stoddart once said, “Preventing waste is better than treating or cleaning up waste after it’s created.” This ethos is reflected in everything we do at Noble Panacea.
We make no compromises when it comes to sustainability. Every decision is driven by a commitment to create lasting positive impact. One example we’re especially proud of is our iconic, infinitely refillable white box. As pristine and luxurious as it looks, it’s made entirely from starch-a biodegradable material that surprises many when they first encounter it. Through the craftsmanship and engineering of our team, we’ve created something that’s both beautiful and environmentally responsible.
All of our packaging is 100% recyclable, including our tertiary cartons, which are made from FSC-Certified paper sourced from responsibly managed forests.
Our proprietary Organic Super Molecular Vessel™ (OSMV™) technology is highly sensitive and precise. In order to protect the encapsulation system and ensure ingredients are released exactly as programmed, we launched our Active Daily Dose format. This single-use packaging not only preserves the integrity and efficacy of each formula but also allows us to reduce the need for preservatives while delivering perfect, pre-measured dosages for optimal skin health.
By preventing exposure to air, light, and heat, each Active Daily Dose maintains its full potency right up to the moment of use-unlike larger jars or pump bottles, where the remaining formula is continuously compromised.
What’s more, our Active Daily Doses generate up to 15 times less plastic waste compared to traditional jar or pump formats, and they are fully recyclable through our partnership with TerraCycle.
Still, we don’t consider this the end point. We’re constantly exploring new innovations and materials to further improve the sustainability and responsibility of our packaging. For us, this is a journey-and we’re committed to pushing boundaries at every step.
6. What advice would you give to someone looking to create their own clean beauty brand?
If you’re thinking of creating your own clean beauty brand, my biggest piece of advice is this: build something only you could build. The world doesn’t need another "clean" label-it needs brands with real purpose, deep thinking, and the courage to challenge what already exists.
Start with a clear problem you’re solving. Think about how you can offer something genuinely new-whether that’s through innovation, formulation, or philosophy. Purpose-led brands stand the test of time.
For me, the turning point came when I stopped chasing trends and started focusing on true innovation. I surrounded myself with scientists who could bring real breakthroughs to life, and I saw firsthand how powerful it is to own your technology and control your formulations from the inside out. That’s what gave our brand its edge.
Lastly, be patient but precise. Building a brand with integrity takes time. Be relentless in your standards-even when no one’s watching. It's that quiet discipline behind the scenes that ultimately creates something meaningful, lasting, and unforgettable.
7. How do you stay updated with trends and consumer preferences in the beauty industry?
We keep a close eye on trends, but we don’t let them lead us. Our approach is to stay ahead of consumer needs by understanding not just what they want now, but the deeper shifts driving those desires-whether scientific, behavioral, or cultural.
We’re passionate about uncovering rich consumer insights and pairing them with the most advanced scientific solutions. On one side, we stay deeply engaged with our community. We listen carefully to our customers-their feedback, skin goals, and lifestyle evolutions.
On the other side as a Deep Tech brand, I believe AI will soon allow us to draw more nuanced conclusions about our clients' behaviors-helping us understand their skin’s trajectory and how to support it in a truly preventative way. As paradoxical as it may sound, AI, when used responsibly, can unlock a new level of personalization that’s more human, not less.
We’re in a truly unique position, with a technology as limitless as the Organic Super Molecular Vessel™. And that means we’re not just responding to today-we’re building what our customers will need next.
8. What is your favorite product from your line, and why?
It’s hard to choose but our The Exceptional Chronobiology Sleep Mask we launched in 2022 is considered a cult product. We were sold out only 2 weeks after launching, after explaining our Sleep Mask releases ingredients while you sleep according to the biorhythm of your skin at night, the equivalent of different expert facialists giving treatment one after the other for detoxification, then regeneration and then hydration, while you sleep. It’s the first of its kind - a deeply intelligent, high-performance treatment designed to do heavy lifting while you sleep.
9. Can you share a success story or a moment that made you proud of your brand?
One of the proudest moments for our brand was the launch of The Energist collection in 2024-a true milestone in the evolution of our groundbreaking OSMV™ technology. What made it so revolutionary was that it introduced the world’s first photoaging protector and corrector activated by UV light-a triggerable response that still feels almost sci-fi in the world of skincare.
What makes this achievement even more meaningful is that it was all developed in our private lab in California-something exceptionally rare for a brand of our size. Under the leadership of our visionary polymath CTO, Dr. Ben Limketkai, our in-house team of scientists-who remain the only ones in the world capable of growing, programming, and loading OSMVs™-brought this innovation to life. Together, they’ve built a robust technology roadmap to ensure the continued evolution of OSMV™.
But this was more than just a product launch-it was a proof of concept. It proved that deep tech has the power to completely redefine what’s possible in beauty. It showed us that when science and purpose align, we can break through the boundaries of conventional skincare. And that was a moment of true pride.
10. What are your future goals for the brand?
Our founder, Nobel Laureate Sir Fraser Stoddart, wholeheartedly believed that scientific discovery and innovation-like our patented OSMV™ Technology-should be shared to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. He envisioned a future where skincare doesn’t just treat the surface but empowers individuals to feel truly confident in their skin, today and beyond.
His passing in December 2024 marked the end of an era, but not of his influence. His legacy continues to guide us as we push the boundaries of what’s possible in beauty science.
Looking ahead, our goal remains the same: to uphold the principles of green chemistry, maintain rigorous scientific integrity, and deliver formulations that are both exceptionally efficacious and environmentally responsible. We believe in the power of precision science to create clean beauty with real results.
And in the more immediate future-we’re thrilled to be launching something truly exciting later this year. An innovation that builds on everything we stand for and moves us another step forward in redefining skincare.
xx Celine Talabaza