By: Amanda Reseburg
For Barbara Paldus, founder of Codex Labs, her skincare research and motherhood have been intertwined. A scientist, Ph.D., and holder of over 50 US patents, Dr. Paldus has always been driven to make an impact through research and a passion for math, science, and engineering. However, it was the experience of her young son that prompted her to jump into the world of solving skin conditions — with revolutionary results.
A Foundation in Research and Results
Dr. Paldus had a nomadic childhood, growing up in Canada and Europe, soaking up the lessons a worldly upbringing can impart. Her father was a professor, and school experiences in France, Holland, and Berlin led her to consider a number of career paths, such as archaeology and even brain surgery.
“When I was young, I wanted to be a revolutionary like Eva Peron,” she says. However, discovering a deep love for math, chemistry, and physics in high school led Dr. Paldus down the path of research and engineering — and she never looked back.
After being offered the opportunity to study electrical engineering at the age of 17, Dr. Paldus found she had a deep affinity for innovation and how it applies to the human condition. It was a realization that would color her career path in more ways than one.
Hitting Close to Home
Dr. Paldus spent over 20 years building analytical equipment and biotech production equipment. However, she came to realize that she had put “her time” into that area of scientific innovation and wasn’t impacting as many people as she had once dreamed of. It was her role as a mother that brought about the final push to jump ship and enter a new industry.
Dr. Paldus’s son had suffered from allergies to mainstream skincare products since birth. Seeking a way to improve skin care options for her son’s eczema led her to jump into the skin care industry with both feet, determined to offer better, more innovative solutions.
Through research, Dr. Paldus and her team uncovered the significant link between skin health, gut health, and mental health. This skin-gut-brain connection has guided their product development, leading to several lines of clinically proven topicals and supplements that support the skin and microbiomes while sustainably delivering on their promise of healthier skin.
Efficacy, Transparency, and Innovation
Codex Labs has moved forward in the skincare space with remarkable efficacy and transparency, something Dr. Paldus believed was lacking in other skincare companies. By addressing the gut microbiome, barrier integrity, inflammation, and hormonal balance, the various supplements offered for different conditions through Codex Labs have been shown to alleviate symptoms and lead to overall better skin health. Integrating biotechnology, ethnobotany, genetics, and plant biology has allowed Dr. Paldus and her team at Codex Labs to offer a range of supplements and OTC topical treatments that bring relief to those who suffer from conditions such as eczema and acne, with visibility to rosacea and psoriasis in the near future.
It was essential to Dr. Paldus that the testing and development of products be data-driven. She wanted product performance to be quantifiable so customers could make informed decisions — an option she wished had been more available when seeking workable solutions for her son.
Like any mother, Dr. Paldus wanted relief that was tested, clinically sound, and affordable for her son — considerations she has baked into the range of products offered through Codex Labs. “We are driven by our Codex Code,” she says. “It’s a set of core principles that have driven our company since the beginning.” These values include quality, accessibility, affordability, and efficacy.
Personal Rewards
Now that her son is a teen and his skin conditions are under better control — thanks to his mother’s innovative research — Dr. Paldus and her team at Codex Labs can throw themselves into building their unique, science-based brand in the competitive skin care marketplace.
For her part, Dr. Paldus is confident that what they have created is extraordinary. “In the beginning, we felt we needed to ‘dumb down’ our brand in an attempt to conform with the industry,” Dr. Paldus says, “but we lost our voice in all of the noise. I fundamentally believe that moms, especially those like me who are seeking solutions, should be empowered with knowledge so that they can make the best decisions for their children. It’s the responsibility of the educator to communicate information in an understandable way, and that is one of our missions at Codex.”
To continue setting themselves apart, the Codex Labs team leans into not only their clinically proven model but also a strong focus on sustainability through carbon-negative packaging and a recycling program. They are also developing products to address highly specific needs, such as wound healing or scarring.
Though her career in science and engineering has been very successful, but it is her role as a mother that has led Dr. Paldus to her most important work and allowed her to fulfill her childhood dream of making a difference for all people. Through Codex Labs, Dr. Paldus and her team are changing the future for those who grapple with various skin conditions and helping bring about a skin-gut-brain health revolution.
Disclaimer: The statements made in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The products and information discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new skincare or health regimen. Results may vary depending on individual circumstances.
