Emma Lewisham was founded to prove that nature could unlock the most intelligent skincare formulations in the world so that people wouldn't have to compromise, while simultaneously bringing about necessary change to the beauty industry.
For Lewisham, the seed was planted when her doctor advised her to avoid using the skincare ingredient hydroquinone when attempting to start a family.
"This new knowledge sparked my research into skincare. I began looking for formulations that I felt comfortable putting on my skin, and for me, this now meant natural," said Lewisham.
She began researching natural skincare globally. However, she struggled to find natural products that didn't compromise on technology and performance. With her previous science studies and a curious spirit, she started to piece together what the Emma Lewisham company would become today.
Lewisham explained that skincare is traditionally developed by focusing on one or two singular active ingredients limiting what skincare could achieve. In comparison, its formulations begin with a focus on the physiology of the skin. She found that to unlock results, a formulation needs to work on multiple pathways of the skin in symphony.
Work starts by attempting to deeply understand the physiology of the skin and the complex network of processes behind each skin concern. It is then determined how multiple active ingredient combinations can work in synergy with each other and the skin to target these processes and deliver superior results effectively.
"We work synergistically with the skin's natural systems to unlock unparalleled results. It isn't just about natural ingredients; it is about working with the nature of the skin itself."
Lewisham sources inspiration from pushing the conventional ideologies on what skincare can achieve. The sleeping mask, for example, was inspired by having an accelerated treatment that could be used to supercharge results from the range and deliver benefits on top of what their existing products offer.
"We discovered an extract found in Gardenia Jasminoides which enhances the skin's natural night-time restoration by boosting the activation of our skin's melatonin receptors, which trigger night-time cellular repair, renewal and regeneration processes."
Lewisham's Beauty Blueprint has been shared publicly. It contains the intellectual property surrounding their circular and carbon-positive achievements industry-wide, hoping that it can help drive the necessary change within the beauty industry.
The Beauty Blueprint includes refill packaging designs, sterilising processes, recycling and returns processes, packaging supplier connections, take-back procedures and carbon calculation guides.
Emma Lewisham is also passionate about all women having equal rights and opportunities, which is why they are proud supporters of the Malala Fund. Founded in 2013, Malala Fund invests in education advocates and activists challenging the policies and practices that prevent girls from attending school in their communities. With more than 130 million girls out of school today, they are breaking down barriers holding them back.
"I founded Emma Lewisham to set a new benchmark in beauty. Our next big goal is to halve our product's inherent carbon footprints by 2023 and cut them to virtually zero by 2030. This is a big goal but one I am very excited to achieve."
