Block Chain-based Skin Care?

How many buzzwords can fit in a headline? A startup company is relying on epigenetics and blockchain technology to power its customers' skin care formulas. Now all EpigenCare needs is Ivanka Trump to sign on as a spokesmodel.


The Farmingdale, NY company says it has created the world's first project for personalized skin care based on epigenetics and blockchain technology. Its digital platform will connect consumers with skin care companies using a scientific matching algorithm based on the consumer's epigenetic profile and a product's active ingredients. Amassing dynamic and scientifically-grounded skin profiles, EpigenCare introduces a brand new marketing channel for the $130 billion skin care industry.


EpigenCare developed a personal epigenomics test to generate epigenetic skin profiles that correlate with key skin quality indicators; eg, aging, elasticity and moisture retention. Through a simple and non-invasive sample collection kit, the DNA samples used for the test are self-collected directly from consumers' skin in the comfort of one's own home. The samples are subsequently mailed to EpigenCare's facilities for testing via a proprietary next-generation sequencing based application.


Because epigenetics, not genetics, functionally determines the dynamic state of skin, EpigenCare's test most accurately reflects the true state of one's skin quality in a quantifiable manner. Moreover, epigenetics allows EpigenCare to implement a recurring business model by helping consumers track the progress of their skincare routine's effectiveness on their skin, according to company executives.


The company is indexing the ingredients of thousands of skincare products, ranging from name brand to boutique. EpigenCare's matching algorithm will then select the ingredients that epigenetically impact the consumer's tested skin quality indicators in a positive manner. The ingredient selections are subsequently checked against the product database for the skincare products that have an optimal ingredient composition, which are finally presented as recommendations in the consumer's skincare test report. EpigenCare will offer the first direct-to-consumer test that contains specific, actionable results.


Through EpigenCare's web platform named “The EpigenCare Network,” skin care companies will be able to leverage the scientific-matching mechanism of the recommendation engine. These companies will target epigenetic profile segments with the opportunity to place their auto-screened products in the recommendation section of the consumer's test results.


Developed on the Ethereum blockchain, this platform rewards consumers that have been targeted by companies with tokens that can be used to subsidize future skin care tests. Because of the “anonymous transparency” of blockchains, EpigenCare is able to address the commonly perceived intrusiveness often associated with the likes of 23andMe and Ancestry.com tests.


EpigenCare's CEO, William Lee, said, “By building a structured ecosystem with blockchain technology, consumers will be able to know that any data of theirs being sold is directly, voluntarily, and exclusively for their own benefit.”


And just to throw in one more buzzword at you, dear reader, EpigenCare expects to finance the operation via an Initial Coin Offering (ICO) in mid-March. Company executives seek to raise $20 million.