For the nerds

Hello, fellow nerd.

We're really glad you're here.

If you've ever read an ingredient list and opened three more tabs, you're in good company. Come explore the studies, chemistry, and thoughtful choices behind Domi Skin—without the hype.

Explore the science How we read the research

Start exploring

Follow your curiosity.

Pick the question that brought you here. Go as deep into the details as you like.

01 Why molecular size matters The 500 Dalton guideline, what it suggests, and what it doesn't prove. Read it → 02 Explore the research Plain-English skincare science, with sources to follow. Browse → 03 Decode the ingredient list Six useful terms, translated into everyday language. Jump down →

The evidence

Curiosity deserves context.

We love a good study. We also love knowing what it actually tested. Here is how we think about the research that informs ingredient and formulation choices.

01 / IngredientWhat was studied?

Was the research conducted in people, in a lab, or using a different formula?

02 / FormulaDoes the context match?

Concentration, stability, delivery and other ingredients can matter.

03 / ResultsWhat can we actually say?

An ingredient study isn't the same as a test of a finished Domi product.

One detail worth remembering: The 500 Dalton rule is a useful guideline, not proof that a particular formula penetrates skin or delivers a particular result. Finished-product claims require their own support.

Explore the six references

Bos JD, Meinardi MM. The 500 Dalton rule for the skin penetration of chemical compounds and drugs. Experimental Dermatology, 2000. Review. Sets out the 500 Dalton size guideline for molecules that pass into skin. View source (opens in a new tab)
Schiltz JR. Studies of the penetration of native collagen, collagen alpha chains, and collagen cyanogen bromide peptides through hairless mouse skin in vitro. Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, 1988. Laboratory study of how intact collagen and smaller collagen fragments move through skin. View source (opens in a new tab)
Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018. Review of copper in skin biology, centered on the copper peptide GHK-Cu. View source (opens in a new tab)
Pavicic T, et al. Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011. Clinical study comparing hyaluronic acid at five molecular weights on facial skin. View source (opens in a new tab)
Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients, 2017. Review of vitamin C research, including topical forms and their derivatives. View source (opens in a new tab)
Hallstar. Olivem 1000 (Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate) product literature. Supplier literature on the olive-derived emulsifier system and its layered, skin-like structure. View source (opens in a new tab)

Glossary

The jargon, translated.

Because understanding skincare shouldn't require a chemistry degree. (Though we appreciate the enthusiasm.)

Dalton (Da): A unit used to describe molecular mass. Size influences skin delivery, but it isn't the only factor.
Sub-500 Active: Our shorthand for certain lower-molecular-weight ingredients. Being under 500 Da alone doesn't prove penetration or efficacy.
Barrier Lock: Our term for ingredients chosen to help maintain moisture at the skin's surface, such as certain forms of hyaluronic acid.
Humectant: An ingredient that attracts and binds water. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are familiar examples.
Amino acid & peptide: An amino acid is one building block. A peptide is a short chain of them.
INCI: Standardized names for cosmetic ingredients. In the U.S., ingredients at 1% or less may appear in any order after those above 1%.