Delavie Sciences is reshaping the future of skincare with an approach grounded in rigorous science and extraordinary innovation. Co-founded by longevity pioneer Dr. David Sinclair of Harvard Medical School and extremophile scientist Dr. Kyle Landry, the brand explores the resilience of life in extreme environments to create groundbreaking ingredients for skin health and aging.
At the core of this vision is Bacillus Lysate, a Certified Space Technology™ developed from research on the International Space Station. Clinically proven to amplify the skin’s own hyaluronic acid production by more than 200%, activate longevity enzymes, and reduce hyperpigmentation, it powers Delavie’s cult-favorite Aeonia Age Defying Serum. The results speak for themselves: an 86% increase in moisture instantly, a 75% improvement in radiance within two weeks, and a 53% reduction in fine lines in less than a month.
SKINCARE
Building on this success, Delavie has expanded the Aeonia line and introduced another patented innovation, the Hydrolytic Enzyme Complex (HEC), which increases collagen by up to 250% while enhancing firmness and clarity from the very first use.
In conversation with editor Katarina Doric, Delavie’s President and Co-Founder Dr. Kyle Landry discusses the science behind the brand, the role of space research in skincare, and how extremophiles are inspiring the next generation of beauty breakthroughs.
You co-founded Delavie Sciences with Dr. David Sinclair, a leading voice in longevity research. What was the original idea that brought the two of you together, and how did it evolve into a skincare brand? – David and I met by pure chance, connected through a shared interest in science. While I was completing my PhD in food science, David reached out after reading some of my published work on extremophiles, organisms that thrive in extreme environments. My research focused on an extremophile that produced extracellular nucleases, enzymes capable of degrading DNA. David, intrigued by the potential applications of these enzymes, wondered if they could be leveraged for longevity research. He gave me a call and offered me a position in his lab. At the time, I wasn’t familiar with his background in longevity science, but I was eager to explore the opportunity.
While I was working with David, I met a group that wanted to see if the same extremophile and its proteins could be used to solve some of the toughest problems the U.S. government and its allies were facing in biological defense. That’s how Liberty Biosecurity was born, and I ended up joining as their very first scientist. The foundation of this technology lay in our extremophile collection and a patent filed at Harvard Medical School by David and myself. Beyond defense applications, the same technology was studied for medical uses, including the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and other conditions.
During this period, our work also led us to collaborate with NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory on challenges related to space exploration, such as protecting against space radiation, maintaining cleanliness aboard the International Space Station, and detecting microbial remnants during spacecraft assembly. Through these efforts, we were introduced to the Planetary Protection group, which shared data on an organism that had been exposed to the vacuum of space for 18 months outside the ISS. Remarkably, it had developed the ability to block or absorb large amounts of UVC radiation.
This discovery inspired David and me to investigate whether such protective properties could be extended into the UVA and UVB ranges to enhance sunscreen efficacy. After two years of research and development, our team successfully created Bacillus Lysate, a scientifically and clinically validated ingredient shown to improve the SPF efficacy of both mineral and chemical sunscreens.
In late 2021, we founded Delavie Sciences to continue exploring what else this remarkable organism could do. Drawing from its ability to thrive under stressful conditions, we hypothesized that it might also hold longevity-enhancing properties beneficial to skin health. Testing confirmed that Bacillus Lysate activated key pathways in the skin, which led to the creation of Aeonia, our age-defying skincare line and the first to be recognized as Certified Space Technology.
Our mission is to create out-of-the-box ingredients that deliver meaningful, impactful results for everyone.
Delavie is rooted in extremophile science and even draws from experiments on the International Space Station. How did space research translate into something as everyday as a serum? – The Planetary Protection team originally used the Bacillus Lysate organism as a model to test the effectiveness of different decontamination technologies in spacecraft assembly facilities. To push the limits of the organism, they eventually decided to send it to the International Space Station.
Preliminary studies revealed its remarkable ability to withstand UVC radiation, which laid the groundwork for us to explore how this resilience could be applied to enhancing the efficacy of sunscreens. From there, further research uncovered unique longevity benefits derived from the organism, benefits that opened the door for us to enter the beauty space with the launch of our age-defying Aeonia line of products.
Bacillus Lysate, your hero ingredient, is labeled as Certified Space Technology™. Can you explain what makes it so effective, and how it supports the skin’s aging process at the molecular level? – Bacillus Lysate is recognized as Certified Space Technology because it was originally funded and researched by NASA scientists and astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The organism from which Bacillus Lysate is derived produces a range of small molecules and proteins that activate and support key pathways in the skin that are essential for health, resilience, and overall wellness.
One of the most striking findings is that Bacillus Lysate boosts the skin’s own production of hyaluronic acid by more than 238%. Since hyaluronic acid is central to skin hydration, firmness, and elasticity, stimulating the body’s own supply is one of the most effective ways to achieve healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
Beyond hydration, Bacillus Lysate provides powerful antioxidant protection. It uniquely blocks and neutralizes free radicals generated by UVA exposure, which are responsible for wrinkles, fine lines, and other visible signs of aging.In addition, Bacillus Lysate activates Sirtuin 1, a key longevity enzyme central to the fields of aging and cellular health. Sirtuin 1 is linked to DNA repair, reduced epigenetic drift, and improved cellular performance. Combined with Bacillus Lysate’s ability to increase skin cell viability by 65%, these effects reinforce its strong longevity benefits.
Together, the clinical and scientific data behind Bacillus Lysate highlight its role as the hero ingredient in our Aeonia age-defying line, delivering proven, next-generation skincare rooted in space research.
Extremophiles have survived in the harshest environments since the dawn of time, why not harness those extraordinary adaptations for skin health?
You’ve spoken about your love for disrupting static industries. What’s one outdated assumption in the skincare world you think Delavie is helping to challenge? – At Delavie Sciences, we want people to understand that the same old ingredients, Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and the usual suspects, aren’t always the “must-haves” they’re made out to be. Our mission is to create out-of-the-box ingredients that deliver meaningful, impactful results for everyone.
One of my favorite quotes is from Jurassic Park: “Nature finds a way.” Extremophiles—organisms that have survived in the harshest environments since the dawn of time—have evolved protective mechanisms that can also provide incredible benefits for the skin. Why not harness these extraordinary adaptations?
The beauty industry often chases buzzy ingredients built on decades-old technology. At Delavie, we’re changing that. We’re tapping into nature’s most resilient organisms to pioneer the next generation of skincare innovation.
Your Aeonia Age Defying Serum has already gained a cult following. What made you confident that the clinical results would resonate with consumers beyond the lab? – When we set up our clinical studies, we really wanted to go beyond the usual “how does your skin feel” questionnaires. We wanted hard data that reflected real-world concerns, so we used tools like expert grading, computer analysis of before-and-after photos, and instrument-based measurements.
When the results came back, honestly, we were blown away. Across the board, everything lined up, wrinkles and fine lines were reduced, skin looked firmer and smoother, redness went down, hydration improved. It was consistent for everyone in the trial, which is rare to see.
But what really surprised us was something we didn’t even set out to test. A lot of the participants saw big improvements in hyperpigmentation and melasma. At the end of the study, the testing facility actually asked us if we had designed the serum specifically for pigmentation, because the results were so noticeable.
That sent us back into the lab to figure out why. What we discovered was that our serum inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme that drives melanin production, cutting it by about 46%. So not only did we confirm the clinical results, but we uncovered an entirely new benefit of the serum.
Delavie has introduced multiple patented ingredients in just a few years. What does your innovation pipeline look like, and how do you decide which technologies make it into a finished product? – Our pipeline really comes from our extensive collection of extremophiles—these organisms that thrive in the most extreme environments on Earth. From there, we usually take one of two paths.
The first is consumer-focused. We start by asking, “What’s going to make the biggest impact for people? What are consumers actually looking for?” Once we know that, we dive into our culture collection and figure out which organisms might be the best fit. That decision depends on things like where the organism was originally found, its traits, and even its genetic and molecular breakdown. From there, our R&D team takes over, identifying, isolating, and formulating the ingredient. It then goes through layers of scientific, safety, and eventually clinical testing to make sure it’s not only effective but safe and reliable.
The second path is a little more open-ended. We’re constantly screening our collection just to see what surprises might be hiding in there. Sometimes we find ingredients that fill a gap in the market, even if we weren’t actively looking for them. That part of the process is a bit more happenstance, but it’s exciting because it allows us to create things we might never have thought of otherwise.
Whichever path we take, once we land on a winning combination, we move into final product development. And just like with the ingredient stage, the product goes through the same rigorous scientific, safety, and clinical testing. It’s a long process, but it’s what makes sure that what we’re putting out there is both innovative and trustworthy.
We don’t chase trendy ingredients. We focus on discovering what’s next—ingredients no one has ever used in skincare before.
From formulation to launch, how do you balance hardcore science with the sensorial experience beauty consumers expect? – This part of what we do can be really tricky, because sometimes the science and the sensory expectations don’t always line up. But at the end of the day, the results our customers see are what matter the most, even if it means adjusting some of those expectations.
One big example is scent. We intentionally keep our products fragrance-free, even though in the prestige and luxury space, a lot of brands are known for having a signature scent. For us, it’s about keeping the formulas as clean and effective as possible.
Another area is texture. As we develop new ingredients, we sometimes find that they’re only compatible with certain delivery systems or product formats. That can limit the texture options for the final product, which isn’t always easy when consumers expect a certain feel.
Throughout development, we do our best to balance science with sensorial experience. But sometimes, a product or ingredient just doesn’t make it to launch because of those sensory attributes. It’s part of the process, but when the science is strong, the payoff is worth it.
With layerOne, Delavie enters the daily-use space with a cleanser and toner. What made now the right time for this launch, and what sets this duo apart? – Our Aeonia line is all about tackling the visible signs of aging, but one of the most important steps often gets overlooked, starting with a clean face. For any product to work at its best, the skin needs to be free of debris, makeup, and excess oil.
Our customers actually asked us if we could create a cleanser and toner system to complement the Aeonia line, and the timing couldn’t have been better. We were already developing a breakthrough ingredient, our Hydrolytic Enzyme Complex, specifically designed to take cleansing and toning to the next level.
That’s why HEC became the star ingredient of both the cleanser and the toner, giving customers a powerful foundation for the rest of their skincare routine.
The beauty industry often chases buzzy ingredients built on decades-old technology. At Delavie, we’re changing that.
HEC, your newest patented ingredient, is clinically shown to increase collagen by 63%. How did you discover it, and how does it work differently from traditional collagen-boosting actives? – Hydrolytic Enzyme Complex (HEC) is a naturally produced blend of proteins harvested from a novel fungus discovered in the pristine valleys of New England. When we studied it, we found that the proteins and peptides it produces had incredible benefits for skin health.
One of the most exciting discoveries was its ability to boost Type I collagen production. The proteins and peptides act like collagen precursors, essentially the building blocks for collagen, and help activate the skin’s own collagen pathways. Combined with HEC’s ability to improve overall skin cell viability by more than 26%, this makes for powerful, long-lasting results.
Clinical studies confirmed its impact: HEC alone was proven to improve skin elasticity by up to 38% and reduce skin distension by up to 12%. In other words, it helps skin stay firmer, stronger, and healthier at the cellular level.
The cleanser and toner were designed to be both gentle and powerful. What were some of the key challenges when formulating products that exfoliate without disrupting the skin barrier? – The clinical results of HEC on its own were honestly mind-blowing. Even without any surfactants or traditional “cleansing” ingredients, it was able to cut sebum levels on the face by 77% and remove 46% of surface debris, immediately after application.
What made it even more exciting was how it supported skin health beyond cleansing. A third-party European group, myMicrobiome, ran a full panel of tests to see if HEC might disrupt the skin’s natural microbiome. Not only did it pass, but it was proven to be friendly, and even beneficial, for microbiome balance.
That’s why we knew it was crucial to design the face wash and toner around HEC. We kept the formulations simple and effective, giving HEC the space to do its job while avoiding the dryness you usually get from cleansers and toners.
The result is our layerOne system, a powerful yet gentle duo that not only cleans but also supports the very first step of your skincare routine. Cleansers and toners are often overlooked, but they’re truly the foundation for healthy skin.
We’ve already taken skincare to space, our next breakthroughs may come from 5,000 feet underground or even the Arctic.
You’ve already taken skincare to space, what’s next? – That’s a great question. Our scientists are constantly working with organisms from all over the world, always searching for the next breakthrough. Right now, we have an ingredient in development that comes from a novel organism we discovered 5,000 feet underground in an abandoned gold mine. What’s amazing is its ability to activate the longevity enzymes SIRT1 and SIRT3 while also protecting against UVB-induced DNA damage, it’s really extraordinary.
Looking ahead, one place I’d love to explore is the Arctic region. I think the organisms that thrive there may hold the key to deep hydration and could be game-changing for enhancing oil-based products. It’s a theory I’d love to prove out, and only time will tell.
