From Lab to Label: The Scientification of Consumer Brands

Episode #52: Longevity Science and the Next Generation of Skincare with Niki Hoang from Fourth Youth

In this episode, Susanne sits down with Niki Hoang, founder and CEO of Fourth Youth, to explore how longevity science is reshaping the skincare industry. Niki shares how her background in enterprise technology led her to launch a skincare brand focused on cellular regeneration, multifunctional formulations, and clinically validated ingredients like NAD+. Along the way, she breaks down why modern skincare routines have become overly complicated, calls out ingredient marketing trends that miss the bigger picture, and explains what actually matters when building products designed to support healthy aging. What’s covered in this episode: * Why Niki believes skincare should focus on cellular aging, not just surface-level results * What NAD+ is and why it’s gaining attention in longevity science * Why 10-step skincare routines may be doing more harm than good * The difference between trendy ingredients and effective formulations * Why formulation synergy matters more than individual hero ingredients * How Fourth Youth uses perception studies to validate product performance Tune in to hear how longevity science is influencing the future of skincare and why simpler, science-backed routines may be the key to healthier skin!  About Fourth Youth  Fourth Youth is a longevity-focused skincare brand with the goal of simplifying modern skincare through science-backed, multifunctional formulas. Built for busy women who want effective results without complicated routines, the brand combines clinically researched ingredients like NAD+, peptides, bakuchiol, and PDRN-alternatives to support skin health at the cellular level. Fourth Youth focuses on time-efficient skincare designed to deliver long-term results through fewer, smarter products. Get in Touch Visit Fourth Youth’s website: https://fourthyouth.com/ [https://fourthyouth.com/] Follow Fourth Youth on social media:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fourthyouthskin [https://www.instagram.com/fourthyouthskin] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fourthyouthskin [https://www.tiktok.com/@fourthyouthskin] Interested in a clinical trial for your health or wellness brand? Shoot us an email at hello@citruslabs.com [hello@citruslabs.com]; we would love to learn more about your company!  To learn more about Citruslabs, visit us at citruslabs.com [http://citruslabs.com] You can also send us your feedback and questions. Email us at hello@citruslabs.com [hello@citruslabs.com]

Episode #51: The Eczema Treatment Big Skincare Isn’t Building with Rafal & Lama from Soteri Skin

In this episode, Susanne sits down with Rafal Pielak, co-founder and CEO of Soteri Skin, and Lama Mansour, co-founder and CMO, to explore what’s really broken in the skincare industry and why so many products fail to deliver real results.  After struggling to treat his wife’s eczema during pregnancy, Rafal began digging into the science and uncovered a key driver that’s often overlooked: skin pH. What started as a personal experiment quickly turned into something much bigger, leading to the creation of Soteri Skin and a new approach focused on long-term skin health, not quick fixes. What’s covered in this episode: * Why the gap between prescription treatments and skincare leaves eczema sufferers stuck in the middle * How skin pH plays a critical role in eczema and overall skin health * What’s actually happening behind the scenes at large beauty companies * Why so much of skincare marketing relies on storytelling over substance * How Soteri Skin validated product-market fit through early testing on Reddit * What it takes to build a science-first brand without relying on buzzwords Tune in to hear how Rafal and Lama are challenging industry norms and building a skincare brand grounded in real science, real results, and a clear mission to solve a problem millions still struggle with!  About Soteri Skin Soteri Skin is a science-driven skincare company founded by Harvard-trained biomedical chemist Dr. Rafal Pielak and incubated at Harvard Innovation Labs. Built to address real-world eczema challenges, the brand develops clinically validated, non-steroidal solutions for sensitive skin. At the core is its patented pH/LOCK® technology, designed to restore the skin’s natural pH and support overall skin health. By helping maintain balance and resilience, Soteri Skin focuses on delivering long-term relief without relying on steroids. Get in Touch Visit Soteri Skin’s website: https://soteriskin.com/ [https://soteriskin.com/] Follow Soteri Skin on social media:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoteriSkincare/ [https://www.facebook.com/SoteriSkincare/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soteriskin/ [https://www.instagram.com/soteriskin/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soteri_skin [https://www.tiktok.com/@soteri_skin] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/soteriskin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/soteriskin/] Interested in a clinical trial for your health or wellness brand? Shoot us an email at hello@citruslabs.com [hello@citruslabs.com]; we would love to learn more about your company!  To learn more about Citruslabs, visit us at citruslabs.com [http://citruslabs.com] You can also send us your feedback and questions. Email us at hello@citruslabs.com [hello@citruslabs.com]

Episode #50: The Missing Piece in Fertility Conversations with Ronit & Lisa from WeNatal

In this episode, Susanne sits down with Ronit Menashe, co-founder and CEO of WeNatal, and Lisa Dreher, Director of Nutrition, to unpack why the way we think about fertility might be missing a huge piece of the puzzle. After experiencing a miscarriage and being told there was little she could do, Ronit began digging deeper and uncovered insights that challenged the idea that fertility is only a woman’s responsibility. Together, they share how that journey led to building WeNatal and a new approach that brings both partners into the conversation. What’s covered in this episode: * Why fertility is not just “her problem” and how sperm health plays a major role * The concept of “trimester zero” and why the months before conception matter most * What’s driving the rise in infertility, from lifestyle factors to environmental exposure * How nutrition and targeted supplementation can support egg and sperm quality * The differences between standard prenatals and more comprehensive formulations * Why clinical testing matters when building trust in the wellness space Tune in to hear how a more balanced, science-backed approach to fertility is helping couples take control of their journey and rethink what’s actually possible!  About WeNatal WeNatal was born from personal loss, frustration, and a shared desire for answers. After experiencing devastating miscarriages and receiving limited medical guidance, two best friends discovered a critical gap in reproductive health: the overlooked role of male fertility. Determined to shift the narrative, they built WeNatal, a brand rooted in science, transparency, and community. With the support of top fertility experts, WeNatal creates clean, potent, and research-backed supplements for both men and women. Their mission is clear: to empower couples with the knowledge and tools they need to grow healthy families, together. Get in Touch Visit WeNatal’s website: https://wenatal.com/ [https://wenatal.com/] Follow WeNatal on social media:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeNatal/ [https://www.facebook.com/WeNatal/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we_natal/ [https://www.instagram.com/we_natal/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wenatal [https://www.tiktok.com/@wenatal] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wenatal/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/wenatal/] Interested in a clinical trial for your health or wellness brand? Shoot us an email at hello@citruslabs.com [hello@citruslabs.com]; we would love to learn more about your company!  To learn more about Citruslabs, visit us at citruslabs.com [http://citruslabs.com] You can also send us your feedback and questions. Email us at hello@citruslabs.com [hello@citruslabs.com]

Episode #49: The Science Gap in Women’s Sexual Health with Dr. Harin Padma-Nathan from Vella Bioscience

In this episode, Susanne sits down with Dr. Harin Padma-Nathan, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer at Vella Bioscience, to explore why women’s sexual wellness has been overlooked for so long. He shares his journey from pharmaceutical research into the wellness space and how Vella is bringing a more clinical approach to product development. Along the way, he breaks down where the industry falls short, calls out the marketing claims that don’t hold up, and shares what it actually takes to create products that deliver real results. What’s covered in this episode: * Dr. Padma-Nathan’s role in the development of Viagra and his shift into women’s health * Why women’s sexual wellness has been historically underfunded and misunderstood * How Vella approaches clinical research in the wellness space * What a first-of-its-kind national study revealed about how women define arousal * Why “clinically proven” is often a misleading marketing claim * The biggest misconceptions in women’s sexual health and where better education is needed Tune in to hear how decades of pharmaceutical experience are shaping a new approach to women’s sexual wellness and what it takes to create products people can actually trust!  About Vella Bioscience Vella Bioscience is a team of doctors, scientists, and researchers focused on closing the gap in women’s sexual health and pleasure. Founded in 2020, the company is built on a breakthrough discovery that liposomal cannabidiol can support female arousal and orgasm by improving how active ingredients are absorbed in the body. Today, Vella combines clinical expertise with advanced formulation science to develop products grounded in real research. Their work also explores the connection between pleasure, comfort, and pain, treating women’s health as a system rather than separate experiences. Get in Touch Visit Vella’s website: https://vellabio.com/ [https://vellabio.com/] Follow Vella on social media:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vellabioscience [https://www.facebook.com/vellabioscience] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vellabioscience [https://www.instagram.com/vellabioscience] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vellabioscience [https://www.tiktok.com/@vellabioscience] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vellabioscience/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/vellabioscience/] Interested in a clinical trial for your health or wellness brand? Shoot us an email at hello@citruslabs.com [hello@citruslabs.com]; we would love to learn more about your company!  To learn more about Citruslabs, visit us at citruslabs.com [http://citruslabs.com] You can also send us your feedback and questions. Email us at hello@citruslabs.com [hello@citruslabs.com]

Episode #48: The Truth About Supplement Absorption with Dr. Shilpa Raut from Cymbiotika

You've read the label. You've taken the pill. But do you actually know if it's working? In this episode, Susanne sits down with Dr. Shilpa Raut, VP of Research and Development at Cymbiotika. Drawing on years at pharmaceutical giants like Novartis and Ritual, Shilpa pulls back the curtain on supplement science. Shilpa breaks down why absorption and delivery matter just as much as quality, how liposomal formulation is changing the game, and why Cymbiotika is putting its finished products through clinical trials. What’s covered in this episode: * The transition from big pharma into the supplement industry and what was missing along the way * What liposomal delivery means and why it changes how nutrients are absorbed * Why Cymbiotika’s glutathione became a standout product and what recent clinical results revealed * How the team balances consumer demand, emerging science, and brand standards when developing new formulas * What shoppers should actually look for on a supplement label and the red flags to avoid Tune in to hear how Cymbiotika is bringing more scientific rigor to the supplement space and why bioavailability should be part of every wellness conversation!  About Cymbiotika Cymbiotika formulates products using advanced liposomal delivery systems designed to enhance nutrient bioavailability and absorption. Every ingredient is carefully selected and sourced directly from trusted global partners who share the company’s values of sustainability, purity, and excellence. With no hidden ingredients and full label transparency, Cymbiotika empowers individuals to take control of their health with confidence. Get in Touch Visit Cymbiotika’s website: https://cymbiotika.com/ [https://cymbiotika.com/] Follow Cymbiotika on social media:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cymbiotika/ [https://www.facebook.com/Cymbiotika/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cymbiotika/ [https://www.instagram.com/cymbiotika/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cymbiotika [https://www.tiktok.com/@cymbiotika] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Cymbiotika [https://www.youtube.com/c/Cymbiotika] Interested in a clinical trial for your health or wellness brand? Shoot us an email at hello@citruslabs.com [hello@citruslabs.com]; we would love to learn more about your company!  To learn more about Citruslabs, visit us at citruslabs.com [http://citruslabs.com] You can also send us your feedback and questions. Email us at hello@citruslabs.com [hello@citruslabs.com]