The Science of Skin pH and the Vision of Marisa Arredondo

For many, skincare is a routine—a mix of cleansers, serums, and moisturizers applied each morning and evening with the hope of achieving clearer, brighter, or younger-looking skin. But for Marisa Arredondo, skincare became something much deeper. It was a personal struggle, a scientific journey, and ultimately, the spark that led to the creation of PHACE BIOACTIVE®—a skincare brand that broke away from trends and marketing hype to focus on something often overlooked: the skin’s pH.

From Personal Pain to Scientific Purpose

Marisa Arredondo didn’t enter the skincare world through the beauty industry. Her story begins in childhood, when she suffered from painful, chronic cystic acne. Like many who’ve faced persistent skin issues, she tried virtually everything—over-the-counter treatments, prescription medications, facials, dietary changes—but nothing offered lasting relief. The frustration wasn’t just physical; it affected her confidence, her self-image, and eventually, her professional direction.

Rather than simply accept the situation, Arredondo became curious. Why were so many skincare products not working—not just for her, but for millions of others? What was missing in the conventional approach? She began to ask questions rooted not just in her experience, but in science.

Her academic journey took her to Stanford University, where she studied Science, Technology, and Society, a program that explores how scientific and technological innovation intersect with culture, policy, and society. It was there that she developed a framework for thinking analytically about health, the body, and innovation. After Stanford, she worked as a biotech analyst, spending over a decade immersed in scientific research and product development in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. What she discovered during that time changed everything.

The Missing Link: Skin pH

In her research and analysis, one factor kept surfacing as critically important but widely ignored in mainstream skincare: skin pH.

Healthy skin has a naturally acidic pH—generally around 4.5 to 5.5. This slightly acidic environment plays a vital role in maintaining the skin’s barrier function. Known as the “acid mantle,” this thin film protects the skin from environmental stressors, bacteria, and moisture loss. When this balance is disrupted, the skin becomes vulnerable to inflammation, irritation, breakouts, and premature aging.

Unfortunately, many skincare products—including those marketed as gentle or natural—can be too alkaline, stripping away the skin’s protective layer. Even tap water can affect the skin's pH if not followed by a properly formulated product. The irony was that in trying to “fix” their skin, many people were unknowingly causing more damage.

This realization drove Marisa Arredondo to create something new—a skincare line specifically designed to work in harmony with the skin’s pH rather than against it.

PHACE BIOACTIVE®: Skincare Rooted in Science

With a strong foundation in science and business—she later earned her MBA from Harvard Business School—Arredondo launched PHACE BIOACTIVE® with the mission of creating pH-optimized skincare. Every product was developed with one guiding principle: to support the skin’s natural acid mantle.

PHACE BIOACTIVE® quickly differentiated itself from other brands by taking a more clinical, research-driven approach. Formulas were not built around the latest fads or celebrity endorsements but instead focused on molecular-level effectiveness. Arredondo worked closely with scientists and dermatologists to ensure that each product respected and maintained the skin’s natural environment.

The brand's offerings include serums, cleansers, and moisturizers, all designed to maintain the skin’s optimal pH while delivering high-performance results. These products are especially effective for people with sensitive, acne-prone, or aging skin—conditions that are often worsened by harsh or imbalanced formulations.

Education as a Mission

But PHACE BIOACTIVE® is not just about the products—it’s about changing the way people think about skincare. A core part of Arredondo’s mission has been to educate consumers on the science behind skin health.

She often explains that pH isn’t just another skincare buzzword—it’s a fundamental concept that influences everything from hydration to collagen production. When skin is in its optimal pH range, it retains moisture more effectively, fends off environmental damage, and becomes more resilient over time. It’s not about covering up flaws or chasing perfection; it’s about working with your skin, not against it.

This message has resonated with customers, particularly those who have felt disillusioned by the countless products that promise transformation but fail to deliver. For them, PHACE BIOACTIVE® represents something rare in the beauty world: integrity backed by science.

From Innovation to Impact

Since its launch, PHACE BIOACTIVE® has gained attention from major beauty retailers, media outlets, and skincare professionals. But what makes the brand enduring is not just its visibility—it’s the real results people see when they start using the products.

Testimonials often highlight improvements in clarity, hydration, and texture, but perhaps more importantly, they reflect a shift in how people feel about their skin. There’s confidence, calm, and a sense of relief. For many, PHACE BIOACTIVE® is more than a skincare line; it’s a turning point.

The success of the brand also reflects Arredondo’s ability to blend disciplines. With the mind of a scientist, the training of a business strategist, and the heart of someone who has walked the same path as her customers, she brings a rare depth to her work. Her commitment goes beyond commerce—this is personal.

Looking Ahead: Skincare for the Future

As the conversation around skin health continues to evolve, Marisa Arredondo and PHACE BIOACTIVE® remain at the forefront of the movement to bring more intelligence and honesty into skincare. Future plans include expanding the product line and exploring other ways to support the skin’s natural defenses, including through internal wellness and lifestyle integration.

At its core, PHACE BIOACTIVE® is about restoring trust—both in products and in one’s own skin. Arredondo’s story shows that sometimes, the most powerful solutions come from those who’ve experienced the problem firsthand. By using science to unlock the skin’s natural power, she has created more than just a product—she has created a philosophy of care.