Lab Grab by Silk Therapeutics – Clean Skincare

Our skin is our largest organ and comes into contact with many, many chemicals on a daily basis. Crazy when you really think about it, isn’t it? Also unsettling to think of all the unsavory things we are exposed to as a result.

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As I have gotten older, I have prioritized using better quality products. It truly does matter! Several months back, my aesthetician sister (one of two sisters in the career field– loving skincare is in our genes) tagged me in a giveaway on Silk Therapeutics’ Instagram page. I won, and a love affair was born! So when I was approached to partner on their Lab Grab line (more on that in just a minute), I said yes without hesitation. Not only are their products always phthalate, paraben and fragrance free, but they’re made with non-GMO, cruelty-free pure natural silk and never tested on animals.

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The Medford, MA based company was founded by two friends, a father and an ovarian cancer survivor, both silk scientists who believed that skincare should be clean– and that it could do so while still performing well. Pure silk, in addition to promoting healthy, radiant, firm, smooth skin, actually reduces the need for stabilizers, emulsifiers, fillers and preservatives. Silk, once free of sericin and other impurities, is remarkably bio-compatible and a collagen promoter. Subsequently, Silk Therapeutics is the cleanest, performance-based skincare collection currently on the market.

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As you may imagine, all of the necessary research, and their top tier standards, does not come cheaply. The company, whose core mission is to improve health by improving how skin is treated, is aware that their price point is a barrier is being accessible to the masses. As a small company faced with the steep price tag of transforming silk fiber into liquid silk– a cost higher than gold and platinum– and an unwillingness to compromise their ingredients OR their values, where do we go from here?

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During R&D, the company often makes between 10-20 formulas, each tested extensively for performance, safety and quality. After that, only one is decided upon to move forward to the manufacturing stage based on need and fit in their product line. But what about the remaining formulas, the brainchildren of scientists which may have taken months of work only to have a different option chosen?

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While the co-founders were discussing price and accessibility, their General Manager (hi, Rachel!) walked by and mentioned the team had finished making and testing some great hydrating serums, but they were lacking a place in their boutique line for them. She suggested that they just “grab them from the lab” so others can try them. In exchange for feedback, and offered at a fair price, why couldn’t an otherwise $150 serum be passed along to someone who would appreciate it instead of letting it sit in the lab?

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Making the most of short gaps in the R&D production schedule, an opportunity to make limited small batches of the already tested and amazing formulations came to light. Customers could get them quickly and their feedback would be welcomed, offering an opportunity to influence what was developed and created next.

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To keep costs down, and pass those savings along to the consumer, all extra expenses were limited.  The formula name would be their internal formulation number with a simple description of the product’s purpose on the label. To give the inventor credit, their initials were added as well. Bottled in simple glass bottles within a recyclable box created by fellow Massachusetts company and partner, Botwell-Ownes, the frills were limited. Lastly, in lieu of a high marketing budget, Silk Therapeutics opted for a more grassroots way of spreading the news– which is why you’re reading about Lab Grab, which officially rolls out tomorrow, March 9, 2017, here!

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I have been using Formulation No. NC-014, created by D.H. It is a serum for fine lines and has the faint scent of Neroli. I love it! One drop is all that’s needed for my entire face, and it is actually most effective in small applications. I have come to know the feel of quality skincare and this is it. I have already noticed a difference too! I use it once a day under my moisturizer (which is optional). The only ingredients are:

• Water
• Vitamin C /Ascorbyl Glucoside (antioxidant, promotes collagen)
• Sodium Hyaluronate (hydrates, pumps)
• Silk (firms/tightens, anti-aging)
• Aspen Bark Extract (natural preservative)
• Sodium Anisate (natural preservative)
• Raspberry Seed Oil (antioxidant)
• Neroli Essential Oil (antioxidant)

That’s it!

Key Features/Benefits:

• EWG Verified
• Phthalate, paraben and fragrance free (lightly scented by the inclusion of Neroli)
• Promotes skin’s regeneration cycle
• Targets fine lines and improves radiance
• Stabilized Vitamin C
• One drop goes a long way (less product needed)
• No harmful chemicals (only pure ingredients)
• Safe for all skin types, including sensitive

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I’m super jazzed about Lab Grab in general and I strongly encourage you to check it out! While I partnered with Silk Therapeutics for this launch, I genuinely admire and respect the brand and all opinions are my own.

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Have you ever tried liquid silk in your products?