Frequently Asked Questions

Codex Labs is the only skincare brand that simultaneously targets the skin–gut–brain–biome axis — the four interconnected systems that drive chronic skin conditions like eczema and acne. While most brands address surface-level symptoms, our inside-out systems (topicals + supplements) are clinically proven to deliver up to 3× better results than skincare alone.

Founded by Dr. Barbara Paldus — a Stanford Ph.D. with 50+ US patents — Codex Labs brings pharmaceutical-grade rigor to clean skincare. We control the complete supply chain, from sustainable wild harvesting through our patented cGMP processes and airless packaging, with full ingredient transparency and published efficacy data. Nothing is hidden. Everything is quantified.

Our founding belief is simple: healthy skin starts from within. Born from a mother's quest to protect her newborn's sensitive skin from common chemical preservatives, Codex Labs was designed from day one to work with your body — not against it. We believe the microbiome is the cornerstone of skin health, and every formula we create is engineered to support, not disrupt, the ecosystem of beneficial bacteria that keeps your skin balanced and resilient.

We apply the same data-driven transparency to skincare that you'd expect from nutrition labels or clinical trials — publishing real performance data in our Efficacy Panel so you can make informed decisions, not leap of faith purchases.

Yes — unequivocally. We partner with globally recognized labs, including the French Eurofins Dermscan laboratory in Lyon, for rigorous clinical trials. Every product claim is backed by published data, not marketing language. Our Efficacy Panel makes the results publicly available so you can read the science yourself.

Our products carry certifications including MyMicrobiome Standard Certification and the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance — two of the most rigorous third-party validations in the industry.

Absolutely. Codex Labs products are formulatedwithdermatologists, not just reviewed by them after the fact. Our scientific advisory board includes Dr. Peter Lio (Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology & Pediatrics, Northwestern University / Harvard Medical School), Pr. Philippe Humbert (eminent professor and former head of the Dermatology Department at CHU), and Dr. Aarti Patel (naturopathic doctor and holistic dermatologist). Their expertise is built directly into our formulations.

Yes — in fact, sensitive skin was our starting point. Codex Labs was born when our founder's newborn son developed a reaction to a common preservative (phenoxyethanol) found in virtually all skincare. This led to the creation of PreservX™, our patented food-grade, microbiome-friendly preservation system — the first of its kind.

All our formulations are free from parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and other harsh irritants. They are specifically designed to respect the skin's natural barrier and microbial ecosystem, making them ideal for reactive, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin.

Yes on both counts. Codex Labs is certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny— the gold standard in cruelty-free verification — and our formulas use plant-based, vegan ingredients. We believe ethical beauty and exceptional performance are not mutually exclusive.

We also prioritise environmental sustainability throughout our supply chain: from responsible wild harvesting of botanical actives to our airless packaging systems, which reduce waste and preserve formula integrity without chemical stabilisers.

Codex Labs is headquartered in Silicon Valley, California. Our products are manufactured under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) — the same pharmaceutical-grade standards used in medical products — ensuring batch-to-batch consistency, purity, and safety. We control the complete supply chain, which means we know the origin and quality of every single ingredient in every single product. No outsourcing of quality control. No compromises.

Codex Labs was founded in 2018 by Dr. Barbara Paldus— a Stanford University Ph.D. who holds over 50 US patents and is a serial deep-tech entrepreneur. Before Codex Labs, she foundedPicarro(greenhouse gas detection for climate science) andFinesse Solutions(biotech equipment for COVID-19 vaccines, cancer therapeutics, and cell therapy).

Codex Labs was conceived in collaboration with dermatologists and ethnobotanists to create affordable, clinically proven skin–gut–brain solutions that support the microbiome and deliver healthy skin without sacrificing sustainability.

50+ US Patents · Stanford PhD · Serial Deep-Tech Founder

Our formulas are built around three proprietary, patented plant-biotech complexes:

• BiaComplex™ — Ultra-hydration technology that restores dry, flaky, and itchy skin by deeply replenishing moisture at the cellular level.
• AntuComplex™ — A brightening and anti-inflammaging complex that fights dull, uneven skin, sun damage, and environmental stress.
• PreservX™ — Our food-grade, microbiome-friendly preservation system that replaces synthetic preservatives like phenoxyethanol without compromising shelf life or safety.

These complexes are developed from sustainably sourced botanical actives and are formulated to work synergistically with your skin's natural biology.

Your skin hosts trillions of beneficial microorganisms — bacteria, fungi, and viruses — that collectively form your skin microbiome. This living ecosystem is your skin's first line of defence: it regulates pH, controls inflammation, and prevents harmful pathogens from taking hold.

Microbiome skincare is formulated to support this ecosystem rather than disrupt it. Traditional skincare — especially antibacterial cleansers and synthetic preservatives — can strip or kill beneficial bacteria, leading to imbalance, sensitivity, and chronic flare-ups. Codex Labs products are certified microbiome-supporting by MyMicrobiome, meaning they have been independently verified not to harm the skin's microbial community.

Our topical skincare is formulated to be microbiome-friendly and microbiome-supporting — meaning they protect and feed the beneficial bacteria already living on your skin. Our Shaant ClearSkin Probiotic 2.0 supplement (U.S. Patent No. 12,194,068) is an oral synbiotic specifically developed for oily and acne-prone skin, combining probiotics with prebiotics to rebalance the gut microbiome and reduce the internal inflammatory drivers of breakouts.

Plant-based actives offer unparalleled biocompatibility with human skin — they contain complex phytochemical structures that synthetic molecules often can't replicate. Our ethnobotanists and scientists co-develop formulas that harness:

• Anti-inflammatory phytocompounds to calm reactive skin
• Polyphenol-rich plant extracts to neutralise oxidative stress
• Natural humectants and emollients to rebuild and seal the skin barrier
• Adaptogenic botanicals to support skin resilience under environmental stress

Every botanical ingredient is sustainably sourced and pharma-grade processed for maximum purity and potency.

No. Codex Labs products are formulated without:

• Parabens
• Sulfates (SLS / SLES)
• Phenoxyethanol (the preservative that inspired Codex Labs to exist)
• Synthetic fragrances and artificial dyes
• Phthalates and formaldehyde-releasing agents

Instead, our PreservX™ food-grade preservation system keeps products fresh, safe, and effective — without disrupting your microbiome or causing irritation. EWG (Environmental Working Group) has reviewed our products on their Skin Deep® database.

A compromised skin barrier is the root cause of most chronic skin conditions, from eczema to chronic dryness and sensitivity. Our BiaComplex™ and AntuComplex™ work at a structural level to:

• Replenish essential lipids and ceramide-like compounds that form the skin's protective "mortar"
• Reduce trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) to lock in hydration
• Calm pro-inflammatory cytokines that trigger flare-ups
• Support the filaggrin protein pathway, which is often impaired in eczema-prone skin

Our microbiome-supporting formulation approach ensures that as the barrier heals, the beneficial bacteria responsible for long-term resilience can thrive alongside it.

Our BIA collection is specifically formulated for eczema-prone skin and is the flagship line for managing eczema, atopic dermatitis, and chronic dryness. The Bia Eczema Relief Lotion holds both the MyMicrobiome Certification and the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance — two of the most prestigious validations in the eczema care space.

For inside-out care, pairing topical BIA products with our BIA supplements(designed to support gut barrier integrity and reduce systemic inflammation) delivers up to 3× better outcomes than topicals alone.

Many users report noticeable relief within 1–2 weeks of consistent use — reduced itching, less redness, and improved hydration. However, for lasting results (especially when addressing the root causes through our supplement systems), we recommend consistent use for 8–12 weeks.

Eczema is a chronic condition influenced by gut health, stress, environment, and microbiome balance — and addressing all of these takes time. Our inside-out system is designed for long-term skin health transformation, not a quick cosmetic fix.

Yes. The BIA collection was originally conceived to care for a newborn's delicate skin, and our formulas reflect that heritage. They are free from all common irritants, synthetic preservatives, and fragrance — making them suitable for all ages, including infants and young children with sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

As always, we recommend doing a 24-hour patch test on a small area before first use, especially for very young children or those with known allergies. If your child is under a doctor's care for eczema, consult with their paediatric dermatologist before introducing any new products.

Yes. Our SHAANT collection is specifically designed for oily and acne-prone skin. SHAANT uses a dual approach: topical formulas that regulate sebum production and calm inflammation without stripping the skin, paired with our patented Shaant Clear Skin Probiotic 2.0 supplement to rebalance gut bacteria and reduce the internal hormonal and inflammatory triggers of breakouts.

Unlike harsh acne treatments that damage the microbiome and compromise the skin barrier, SHAANT works with your skin's biology — clearing breakouts while maintaining long-term balance and resilience.

Shaant Probiotic 2.0 — U.S. Patent No. 12,194,068

Yes. All Codex Labs products, particularly the SHAANT line for acne-prone skin, are formulated to be non-comedogenic — meaning they will not clog pores or contribute to blackheads and breakouts. We carefully select every ingredient not just for efficacy but for skin compatibility, including comedogenic rating. Our light textures absorb quickly and support healthy skin cell turnover without occlusion.

In most cases, yes — our gentle, supportive formulas are well tolerated alongside prescription acne treatments. In fact, many dermatologists recommend our products to their patients because they help counteract the barrier disruption and microbiome imbalance that medications like retinoids or antibiotics can cause.

That said, we always recommend consulting your prescribing dermatologist before adding any new products when you are on active prescription therapy, particularly if you are using oral medications or high-concentration topical actives.

Yes. Reducing inflammation is central to our formulation approach. Our botanical complexes contain proven anti-inflammatory phytocompounds that calm redness, reduce reactive skin responses, and modulate the immune signals (like IL-4 and IL-13 cytokines) associated with conditions such as eczema and rosacea. Our supplement line also targets systemic inflammation from within — addressing gut barrier permeability ("leaky gut") which is a leading internal driver of skin inflammation.

The golden rule of skincare layering is thinnest to thickest. A typical Codex Labs routine follows this order:

• 1. Cleanser (gentle, microbiome-compatible)
• 2. Serum or treatment (apply to damp skin for maximum absorption)
• 3. Moisturiser / lotion
• 4. SPF (AM only)

If you are using our supplements, take them consistently at the same time each day — ideally with a meal for optimal gut absorption. The topical + ingestible synergy is where the real transformation happens. Our team can help you build a personalised routine — use our skin quiz on the website to get tailored recommendations.

Most of our products can be used both morning and night — but there are some nuances:

• AM: Prioritise hydration, barrier protection, and SPF. Use lightweight serums and moisturisers that form a protective layer before you face the day.
• PM: This is your skin's peak repair window. Richer formulas and treatment-level actives absorb best overnight when skin cell turnover is most active.

Our product pages specify AM, PM, or AM/PM usage for each formula. When in doubt, our team is always available to advise.

Yes — our formulas are designed to be compatible with a thoughtful routine. However, we recommend caution when layering with products containing high concentrations of alcohol, synthetic fragrance, or aggressive exfoliants, as these can counteract the microbiome-protecting benefits of our formulas. Always introduce one new product at a time and allow 1–2 weeks to observe how your skin responds before adding another.

Always, yes — regardless of which skincare brand you use. Sunscreen is the single most evidence-backed intervention for preventing premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, and UV-induced skin damage. As your skin barrier repairs and improves with Codex Labs products, protecting it with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily ensures your progress isn't undone by daily UV exposure. We recommend a mineral SPF to maintain microbiome compatibility.

Our formulas are specifically engineered to minimize irritation, not provoke it. True "purging" (the temporary increase in breakouts caused by accelerated cell turnover) is associated with active ingredients like retinoids and AHAs — not the microbiome-supporting botanicals in our formulas.

If you experience any unexpected reaction, we recommend:

• Pausing use of the new product for 48–72 hours
• Performing a patch test on your inner arm before re-introduction
• Contacting our skincare advisors or your dermatologist

Reactions are rare, but individual skin is unique — and we take every customer's experience seriously.

Our topical skincare products are free from ingredients typically flagged during pregnancy (retinoids, salicylic acid above 2%, synthetic fragrance, phthalates). However, as a precaution, we always recommend consulting your OB-GYN or midwife before introducing any new skincare or supplement during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — even with clean, botanically-derived formulas.

Regarding our supplement range: please consult your healthcare provider before taking any ingestible supplements during pregnancy or lactation, as individual medical circumstances vary.

We recommend carefully reviewing our full ingredient lists (available on every product page) and cross-referencing with your known allergens. Our products are free from the most common contact allergens — synthetic fragrance, parabens, and common preservatives — making them suitable for most allergy-prone individuals.

If you have a history of contact dermatitis or multiple allergies, please share your allergen list with our team or a dermatologist who can help identify the right products for your specific profile. We're here to help you navigate this safely.

First, stop using the product and allow your skin to calm down. If the reaction is mild (redness, slight tingling), it often resolves within 24–48 hours once the product is discontinued. For persistent, severe, or spreading reactions, consult a dermatologist or your GP promptly.

Please also contact us directly at our customer support email — we take every reaction report seriously and use this information to continuously improve our formulations and safety testing. We will do everything we can to help identify the cause and find a suitable alternative for you.

Our products undergo a rigorous multi-stage testing process:

• In-vitro testing — Lab-based analysis of ingredient safety, stability, and efficacy at a cellular level
• Clinical trials — Human participant studies conducted by accredited partner labs (including Eurofins Dermscan in France)
• Microbiome compatibility testing — Certified by MyMicrobiome, ensuring products support rather than disrupt skin microflora
• Dermatologist panels — Products reviewed and validated by our board of dermatological experts
• cGMP manufacturing controls — Every batch tested for purity, potency, and contamination under pharmaceutical-grade standards

All results published in our Efficacy Panel

Yes — and we publish them. Unlike most skincare brands that use vague "clinically tested" marketing language, we provide an Efficacy Panel on our website where you can read the actual data behind our formulas. Our philosophy is: Nothing hidden. Everything quantified. We believe the skincare industry deserves the same evidence standards as medicine — and we're holding ourselves to that bar. Our patented complexes (BiaComplex™, AntuComplex™, PreservX™) are backed by peer-reviewed research and protected by US patents, a process that itself requires scientific proof of novelty and efficacy.

Continuous improvement is baked into how we operate. Our in-house team of scientists and formulators monitors emerging dermatological research, ingredient science, and microbiome studies. We collect and incorporate real-world customer feedback and clinical outcomes into every iteration of our formulas.

Our complete supply chain control — from ingredient sourcing to final packaging — means we can implement changes quickly and with full traceability. We never sacrifice quality for speed or cost. cGMP compliance is audited regularly to ensure batch-to-batch consistency.

Our product collections are designed around specific skin conditions rather than generic skin types:

• BIA — For dry, eczema-prone, and chronically dehydrated skin. Rich, barrier-restoring formulas anchored by BiaComplex™.
• ANTÜ — For skin experiencing premature ageing, environmental stress, uneven tone, or sun damage. Brightening and anti-inflammaging, powered by AntuComplex™.
• SHAANT — For oily, acne-prone, and hormonally reactive skin. Regulating and clarifying, with our probiotic synbiotic for inside-out balance.

Not sure which collection fits you? Take our skin quiz on the website for a personalised recommendation, or email our skincare advisors.

Each format serves a different purpose in your routine:

• Serums — High-concentration actives in a lightweight, fast-absorbing base. Used first, they deliver the most potent dose of targeted ingredients (e.g., hydration, brightening, clarifying) directly to skin cells.
• Creams & Lotions — Balance active delivery with barrier sealing. Applied after serum, they lock in moisture and active ingredients while providing protective occlusion.
• Oils — The richest, most occlusive format. Best used as the final step in a PM routine to seal everything in and provide intensive overnight nourishment for very dry or compromised skin.

Our ingestible supplements are designed to target the internal drivers of skin conditions that topical products simply cannot reach. They work by:

• Restoring gut barrier integrity — Reducing the "leaky gut" permeability that allows inflammatory molecules to enter the bloodstream and trigger skin flare-ups
• Rebalancing the gut microbiome — With synbiotic (probiotic + prebiotic) formulations that crowd out harmful bacteria and feed beneficial strains
• Modulating systemic inflammation — Reducing the body-wide inflammatory load that manifests in the skin as redness, breakouts, and eczema
• Supporting hormone balance — Relevant for acne driven by hormonal fluctuations (androgens, cortisol)

When combined with topical care, our systems deliver up to 3× better results— as validated in our clinical trials.

The gut–skin axis is a bidirectional communication network linking the gut microbiome, the immune system, and the skin. Research increasingly shows that what happens in your gut doesn't stay in your gut — gut dysbiosis (imbalance in gut bacteria) is directly linked to inflammatory skin conditions including eczema, acne, rosacea, and psoriasis.

The mechanism: when the gut lining becomes permeable ("leaky gut"), bacterial endotoxins and inflammatory molecules pass into the bloodstream, activating immune responses that surface in the skin as inflammation, redness, and flare-ups. Healing the gut microbiome and gut lining therefore has measurable positive effects on skin health — which is exactly what our supplement line is designed to do.

Yes — this is one of the most exciting and well-supported areas of integrative dermatology research. Studies have demonstrated that:

• Patients with eczema have measurably different gut microbiome profiles than those without
• Probiotic supplementation can significantly reduce eczema severity scores (SCORAD)
• Restoring gut barrier function reduces serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines that drive skin flares
• Acne severity correlates with gut microbiome diversity

Our clinical data shows that our inside-out approach — combining targeted gut supplements with microbiome-friendly topicals — achieves up to 3× the skin improvement vs. topical products used alone.

Clinically validated gut–skin axis approach

Beyond gut health, we also recognise the role of the brain and stress hormones in skin conditions. The skin–gut–brain axis includes:

• Skin: The visible frontier — where inflammation, barrier damage, and microbial imbalance manifest
• Gut: The systemic regulator — where 70% of immune cells reside and where bacterial balance dictates body-wide inflammation
• Brain: The stress driver — cortisol and other stress hormones directly trigger sebum overproduction (acne), mast cell activation (eczema), and immune dysregulation
• Biome: The microbial ecosystem of both gut and skin — the target of all our formulations

By addressing all four axes, Codex Labs goes beyond surface-level skincare to offer genuinely holistic, science-backed skin health solutions.

Our inside-out systems are designed as paired topical + supplement bundles:

• BIA System — Topical BIA products + BIA supplements for eczema, dry skin, and chronic inflammation
• SHAANT System — SHAANT topicals + Shaant Clear Skin Probiotic 2.0 for acne-prone and oily skin

Each system addresses both the external (skin barrier, microbiome, inflammation) and internal (gut integrity, microbiome balance, hormonal regulators) dimensions of the condition simultaneously. Explore our Inside & Out Systems on the website for full product pairings and clinical data.

We ship throughout the United States and offer international shipping to many countries. Shipping options and availability are confirmed at checkout. For international orders, please be aware that customs duties and taxes may apply depending on your country — these are the responsibility of the recipient and vary by location.

If your country is not available at checkout, please contact our customer support team — we're always working to expand our shipping coverage.

Typical delivery timelines:

• Standard US shipping: 5–7 business days
• Expedited US shipping: 2–3 business days
• International shipping: 7–21 business days, depending on destination and customs processing

You will receive an order confirmation and shipping tracking notification via email as soon as your order is dispatched. If you have not received your order within the expected window, please contact our support team with your order number.

We stand behind the quality and efficacy of every product we make. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, please contact our customer support team within 30 days of delivery to discuss your options. We handle each case with care and flexibility — your satisfaction and skin health are our priority.

Refunds or exchanges may be offered for damaged, defective, or unopened products. For opened products where you've experienced an adverse reaction, our team will work with you individually to find the best resolution. We don't believe in leaving customers without support after a purchase.

Order modifications and cancellations must be requested as soon as possible after placing the order, ideally within 1–2 hours before it enters fulfilment. Once an order is dispatched, it cannot be cancelled — but our returns policy applies upon delivery.

To request a cancellation or modification, contact our customer support team immediately via the email provided in your order confirmation, including your order number and the change you need. We'll do our best to accommodate your request.

We understand that achieving lasting skin health requires consistent, long-term use — especially with our inside-out supplement systems. We offer subscribe & save options on eligible products, allowing you to ensure you never run out while benefiting from a reduced per-order cost.

Subscriptions can be managed, paused, or cancelled at any time from your account dashboard. You're never locked in — we want your continued use to be a choice you make because of the results, not contractual obligation.