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Newcastle startup Hexislab lands £120k investment to break into cosmetics market

Newcastle based Hexislab, a startup focussing on skincare R&D, is hoping to extend its reach to major cosmetic companies following a £120k investment from Northstar Ventures.

The business uses data mining and machine learning technology to identify natural and organic compounds that can be used by the skincare industry to address issues such as anti-ageing, skin repair and protection, focusing toward Global skin types – an area which has largely been ignored by the industry to-date.

Such R&D processes are the result of a consultation relationship between Hexislab and advisers, including Professor Mark Birch-Machin from Dermatological Sciences at Newcastle University.

The funding, from the Finance for Business North East Proof of Concept Fund, will be used to help the company grow. The firm will focus on producing skincare solutions from natural products and the development of new skincare products for different skin types and ethnicities.

Dr Olusola Idowu, Founder of Hexislab, said: “Our product pipeline has been the result of years of R&D in collaboration with Newcastle University. Our compounds have been carefully selected through in-silico (computer generated) lead identification processes, which are then validated in relevant experiments conducted on living skin cells.

“We’re now looking to develop products for a range of clients in the high-end consumer market, including skincare clinics, spas, dermatology clinics and cosmetic companies.”

Rebecca Roberts, Investment Manager at Northstar Ventures, added: “Hexislab is a unique business and one we are excited to be working with. The extensive amount of R&D has led to innovative evaluations, giving Hexislab’s clients a significant competitive advantage.”

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