Yes. We’ve applied rigorous scientific standards to ensure every hypothesis™ formula is both safe and effective. All of our dermatologist-approved, hypoallergenic products carry the most stringent certifications from leading organizations. Our hypothesis™ eczema products are EWG Verified™, accepted by the National Eczema Association (NEA), and certified Microbiome Friendly by MyMicrobiome for infants and adults. Our acne products are clinically tested and proven safe for sensitive skin, non-comedogenic, and non-irritating to eyes (EpiOcular testing).

All our formulations are carefully designed without common irritants: they are fragrance-free, steroid-free, phthalate-free, propylene glycol-free, and free of dyes and essential oils.

To preserve stability and protect sensitive skin, some of our products use methylparaben (0.15%), a short-chain preservative proven to be both safe and effective. Regulatory bodies including the FDA, the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, and the Environmental Working Group have confirmed its safety at low concentrations. Importantly, robust preservation is essential for products supporting compromised skin barriers, helping prevent contamination from harmful bacteria and mold while maintaining the effectiveness of our breakthrough TPZ-01™ enzyme.

By prioritizing science-backed ingredient choices and maintaining the highest safety certifications across our line, we ensure every hypothesis™ product delivers consistent, reliable relief you can trust.

Yes! All hypothesis™ products are 100% cruelty-free and vegan.

We are proud to be Leaping Bunny certified, the gold standard in cruelty-free certification. This means our products — and every ingredient in them — are never tested on animals at any stage of development or production. Our certification is verified through independent audits, so you can trust it's more than just a label.

Our products are also fully vegan, containing no animal-derived ingredients or byproducts whatsoever.

Most hypothesis™ products are free from gluten and nut-derived ingredients, with a few exceptions to be aware of:

Gluten: Our Eczema Precision Hydrogel contains colloidal oatmeal as its active ingredient. While oats do not inherently contain gluten, they can be subject to minor cross-contamination from other grains during processing. If you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider before use. All other hypothesis™ products are free of gluten-containing ingredients.

Tree nuts & coconut: Our Eczema Therapy Cream contains shea butter, a tree nut derivative. Our Acne Cleanser contains coconut-derived ingredients. If you have a tree nut or coconut allergy, please consult your doctor or allergist before using these products. All other hypothesis™ products are free of tree nut and coconut-derived ingredients.

Our products are formulated and manufactured in the United States with globally sourced ingredients.

We're committed to sustainable packaging that protects both our formulas and the environment. All hypothesis™ packaging is made with 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials and our outer boxes are printed on FSC-certified paper, ensuring responsible sourcing and reduced environmental impact.

Our Eczema Precision Hydrogel, Precision Healing Spray, and Acne Precision Serum feature airless packaging components that protect the stability and efficacy of our patented TPZ-01™ and CUT-02™ enzymes. This airless technology prevents contamination and extends product freshness.

Acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics kill bacteria broadly—including the good bacteria your skin needs—and can be harsh on the skin,  causing dryness, redness, and irritation. Our patented CUT-02™ precision enzyme is different: it targets only acne-causing C. acnes bacteria while preserving the rest of your skin’s helpful microbiome. The result is effective acne care that's gentle enough for daily use without the harsh side effects that make conventional treatments hard to stick with, and a healthier, more balanced microbiome.

Hypothesis™ acne care is designed for the most common forms of acne, including blackheads, whiteheads, papules, and pustules, as well as hormonally-triggered breakouts. In an 8-week clinical trial of participants with mild to severe acne 93% saw clinical improvement. The Precision Microdart Blemish Patches are especially effective for emerging and under-the-surface blemishes. For severe or persistent acne that hasn't responded to other treatments, we recommend consulting a dermatologist.

Yes, hypothesis™ acne products are designed to work alongside retinoids like tretinoin and retinol. Retinoids work by normalizing skin cell turnover to reduce pore clogging — they don't directly target C. acnes bacteria. CUT-02™ addresses the bacterial side of acne that retinoids leave unaddressed. Used together, they target two different drivers of acne simultaneously, making them a natural complement to each other. If you're using a prescription retinoid, we recommend consulting your dermatologist about the best way to incorporate hypothesis™ into your routine.

All hypothesis™ products are benzoyl peroxide-free and benzene-free. We avoid known irritants in our formulas and use rigorously screened, cutting-edge ingredients with proven track records of both gentleness and efficacy. Our targeted, clinically tested formulas are dermatologist-approved, microbiome-friendly, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and non-irritating to eyes.

Our acne products contain no added fragrances. You may notice that the tea tree oil in our Daily Acne Cleanser formula has a mild herbal aroma. This functional ingredient has antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties to purify and help calm inflamed skin. For our precision formulas that contain the CUT-02™ enzyme, you may notice a faint natural aroma from our active and therapeutic ingredients. We choose not to add unnecessary ingredients to mask our formulas’ natural aromas.

Our acne formulas can be applied anywhere on your face or body where you’re experiencing breakouts. As with all our products, our acne formulas are safe for use around the eyes, dermatologist approved, and rigorously clinically tested for safety and efficacy. We recommend applying liberally to irritated, acne-prone skin, or anywhere you typically have acne blemishes.

Start with one application daily: in the evening, cleanse skin with the Daily Acne Cleanser, then apply the Acne Precision Serum. Once the Acne Precision Serum has fully absorbed into the skin, apply a moisturizer as needed and leave on overnight. Increase to twice daily application (morning and evening) if well-tolerated. Apply Precision Microdart Blemish Patches as needed to early, under-the-surface pimples.

Our acne products are designed to work synergistically with one another, and the Daily Acne Cleanser is specifically formulated to be compatible with our precision acne products with the CUT-02™ enzyme. If you use other serums or treatments in your regimen, we recommend applying them after the Daily Acne Cleanser and before the Acne Precision Serum. 

Note: As products with salicylic acid can increase your skin’s sun sensitivity, use an SPF during the day.

Yes, hypothesis™ acne products are formulated to be gentle and safe for teens. Our CUT-02™ enzyme works by targeting C. acnes bacteria specifically—it has no effect on skin cells or the skin barrier, which makes it well-suited for younger skin that may be more sensitive. All hypothesis™ acne products are dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, and free of harsh chemicals. As with any new skincare product, we recommend doing a patch test before first use.

Yes, hypothesis™ acne products are specifically formulated with sensitive skin in mind. Our CUT-02™ enzyme works by targeting C. acnes bacteria only, and has no effect on skin cells or the skin barrier. That means it doesn't cause the dryness, peeling, or irritation associated with conventional acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide. All hypothesis™ acne products have been tested on sensitive skin panels using the gold-standard HRIPT (Human Repeat Insult Patch Test) protocol and found to be non-irritating and safe for sensitive skin. Our products have also undergone EpiOcular testing, confirming they are safe for use around the delicate eye area. In our clinical trial, 95% of participants said the Acne Precision Serum was non-irritating after 8 weeks of daily use.

Our Daily Acne Cleanser and Acne Precision Serum are designed to fit seamlessly into your daily routine. The serum has a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that sits comfortably under makeup without pilling or interfering with application. We recommend allowing the serum to fully absorb before applying makeup. The Precision Microdart Blemish Patches are designed to be worn for 6–8 hours, so they work best for overnight, or at times when you're not wearing makeup over the treated area.

Yes, in most cases. hypothesis™ acne products are designed to complement rather than compete with other active skincare. A few things worth knowing:

Retinoids (tretinoin, retinol): CUT-02™ and retinoids work through entirely different mechanisms — CUT-02 targets bacteria while retinoids normalize skin cell turnover. They address different drivers of acne and can work together.

Benzoyl peroxide and topical antibiotics: CUT-02™, benzoyl peroxide and topical antibiotics all target C. acnes, so using them together is likely redundant. If you're currently using these treatments, hypothesis™ products may be a gentler alternative worth considering rather than an addition.

AHAs and BHAs: Our Daily Acne Cleanser already contains both salicylic acid (BHA) and glycolic acid (AHA), so if you're using additional exfoliating acids, be mindful of cumulative exfoliation and adjust accordingly.

Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and other non-active ingredients: These ingredients are all compatible with hypothesis™ products.

Prescription treatments: If you're under a dermatologist's care for acne or another skin condition, we recommend checking with your dermatologist before adding new products to your routine.

Hypothesis™acne products are designed to fit into your existing skincare routine. The Daily Acne Cleanser is used as your first cleansing step and rinses off completely, so it won't interfere with anything you apply afterward. The Acne Precision Serum is lightweight and absorbs quickly — let it fully absorb before layering on a moisturizer as needed. In the evening, apply any other skincare serums or treatments after cleansing and before applying the Acne Precision Serum and a moisturizer as needed.

A few simple guidelines to keep in mind:

Moisturizer: Always a good idea, especially if you're also using exfoliating ingredients.

Exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHAs, retinoids): Our cleanser already contains salicylic acid and glycolic acid, so be mindful of layering additional exfoliants to avoid over-exfoliation.

Prescription skincare: If you're using prescription acne treatments, check with your dermatologist before adding new products.

You should typically start to see improvements within one to two weeks, with the most substantial results building over the full 8 weeks — particularly during weeks 4–8. In our 8-week clinical trial, 71% of participants noticed improvement after one week and 93% saw a reduction in acne within two weeks. Over the full 8 weeks, participants reported reduced oiliness, redness, and comedones, as well as more even skin tone.

As with many acne treatments, consistent daily use is key — it takes time for the microbiome to rebalance and inflammation to calm.

For the Precision Microdart Blemish Patches, results are visible after a single 6–8 hour application. In clinical testing, 94% of participants said the patch reduced the progression of a pimple after one application.

Some people experience an initial adjustment period (sometimes called purging) during the first few weeks of starting a new acne routine. This is more likely with products that contain exfoliating acids, like the salicylic acid and glycolic acid in our Daily Acne Cleanser, which can bring existing congestion to the surface faster than usual before things improve.

Purging typically looks like breakouts in areas where you already tend to get acne, and it resolves on its own within 4–6 weeks as your skin adjusts. A reaction is different — it tends to involve redness, irritation, or breakouts in unusual areas, and doesn't improve with continued use.

If you experience purging, we recommend sticking with the routine — it's a sign the exfoliants are working. If you experience persistent irritation, redness, or breakouts in areas where you don't normally get acne, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.

Most pimple patches — including hydrocolloid patches — work passively. They sit on the surface of the skin and absorb fluid from a pimple that has already come to a head. They do nothing to address what's happening beneath the skin.

The Precision Microdart Blemish Patch works differently. It uses dissolvable microneedles to actively deliver CUT-02™ — our precision enzyme that specifically targets C. acnes — through the skin surface and into the pore, where acne actually develops. This makes it particularly effective for developing and under-the-surface pimples that haven't yet come to a head, stopping them before they fully develop. In clinical testing of participants with under-the-surface pimples, 84% said it worked faster than their usual spot treatment.

CUT-02™ is our patented precision enzyme (U.S. Pat. No. 12,312,617), developed over two years in our laboratory. It belongs to a class of naturally occurring enzymes called lysins — found in bacteria and bacteriophages — that work by binding to and breaking down the cell walls of specific target bacteria.

What makes CUT-02™ different is its specificity. Unlike other acne treatments that kill all bacteria, good and bad, CUT-02™ is engineered to target only Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) — the bacterial species at the center of acne — while leaving the rest of your skin's beneficial microbiome intact. In laboratory testing, CUT-02™ eliminated 99.9% of C. acnes within one hour with no measurable effect on beneficial bacteria.

What makes CUT-02™ different is its precision. It is engineered to target only C. acnes — the bacterial species at the center of acne — while leaving the rest of your skin's beneficial microbiome intact. In lab testing, CUT-02™ eliminated 99.9% of C. acnes within one hour, with no measurable effect on beneficial bacteria on skin.

Because CUT-02™ only interacts with its target bacteria and not with skin cells or the skin barrier, it delivers effective C. acnes control without the dryness, irritation, or microbiome disruption associated with conventional acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide or antibiotics.

We're confident in CUT-02™ and the clinical data behind it, but we also know that everyone's skin is different and that no single approach works for everyone. A few things worth considering if you're not seeing the results you hoped for:

Give it time. Acne takes time to respond to any treatment. Most participants in our clinical trial saw the most substantial improvements during weeks 4–8, so if you're in the early weeks, stick with it.

Consistency matters. CUT-02™ works best with daily use — skipping applications reduces its ability to keep C. acnes in check consistently enough for the microbiome to rebalance.

Consider the full routine. The Daily Acne Cleanser prepares the skin for CUT-02™ by clearing pore congestion, and is specifically designed for use with our precision enzyme. Using the cleanser and serum together produces better results than either alone.

Some acne has other drivers. If your acne is primarily driven by hormonal factors, diet, or other underlying causes, addressing those alongside CUT-02™ may produce better outcomes. A dermatologist can help identify what's driving your specific acne.

If you've used our products consistently for 8 weeks and haven't seen improvement, we'd love to hear from you. Please reach out to our team — we're happy to help troubleshoot.

Studies show that people with eczema have much higher levels of a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus on their skin, particularly during flare-ups.  Once on the skin, Staphylococcus aureus—also known as Staph, Staph aureus, or S. aureus—can secrete toxins that damage the skin barrier, increase itching, and activate the immune system. The more Staph aureus on skin, the more severe the eczema symptoms—yet standard eczema treatments like moisturizers and steroid creams do not address this underlying imbalance in the eczema skin microbiome.

At Hypothesis, we’re using biotechnology to develop clinically validated skincare that tackles the eczema microbiome head on. Our patented TPZ-01™ precision enzyme targets and kills eczema-associated Staph aureus bacteria while preserving the rest of your skin’s helpful microbiome, helping to reestablish a healthy, balanced microbiome that breaks the cycle of itching, skin barrier damage, and flare-ups.

All hypothesis™ eczema products can be applied anywhere externally on your face or body where you’re experiencing eczema symptoms, including eyelids. All of our formulas are safe for use around the eyes, dermatologist tested, and have received the National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance. We recommend applying liberally to itchy, irritated, or dry skin, or anywhere you typically have eczema flare-ups. 

As with all new skincare products, we recommend doing a patch test before first use, especially if you have very sensitive skin or known allergies. Apply a small amount to an area like the inside of your wrist or behind your ear, wait 24 hours, and check for any reaction before applying to larger areas or your face.

At hypothesis™, we believe effective eczema care addresses both the bacterial trigger and the skin barrier. Our two-part solution gives you the flexibility to treat flares at the source and support healing—on your terms.

TREAT: Target Staph aureus to break the flare cycle
Both the Eczema Precision Hydrogel and Precision Healing Spray contain our patented TPZ-01™ enzyme, clinically proven to eliminate Staph aureus bacteria. Choose the format that works for your needs—or use both. The lightweight, cooling Eczema Precision Hydrogel absorbs quickly for targeted application, while the Precision Healing Spray's convenient spray format delivers no-touch relief to hard-to-reach areas or for on-the-go use.

REPAIR: Hydrate and rebuild the skin barrier to help skin heal
As bacteria levels normalize, your skin can begin to heal. To support this process, our Eczema Therapy Cream—formulated with 1% colloidal oatmeal and ceramides—hydrates and repairs the skin barrier. Its pH-balanced formula is designed to be compatible with our TPZ-01™ products to create an optimal environment for the microbiome as it rebalances.

Use TPZ-01™ products (Eczema Precision Hydrogel and/or Precision Healing Spray) on clean skin at least twice a day to address Staph aureus bacteria overgrowth. Follow with Eczema Therapy Cream once absorbed to lock in hydration and support repair. Reapply as needed. For best results, use consistently, and adapt your routine to your skin's needs.

Yes, our hypoallergenic, dermatologist-approved formulas are extensively tested by independent certifying organizations to meet the highest standards for safety and gentleness on sensitive skin. Our formulas are steroid-free and fragrance-free, have received the National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance, and are EWG Verified™ for meeting stringent standards for safety and sustainability. Our products are also certified Microbiome Friendly by MyMicrobiome for both infants and adults.

Yes,  all of our products are dermatologist tested and meet the highest standards for safety. In addition, our products are EWG Verified™ for Eczema, certified Microbiome Friendly by MyMicrobiome for infants and adults, and NEA Accepted.

Our eczema products are formulated without ingredients that are contraindicated during pregnancy, such as retinoids, hydroquinone, high-level salicylic acid, essential oils, or certain organic/chemical sunscreen filters. As with all new skincare products, we recommend consulting with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.

Yes, you can use our products even if you don’t have eczema. All of our ingredients are carefully selected to strengthen the skin’s protective moisture barrier, calm irritation, and support the skin’s beneficial microbiome.

All hypothesis™ eczema care products are both steroid-free and fragrance-free. We avoid known irritants in our formulas and use rigorously screened, cutting-edge ingredients with proven track records of both gentleness and efficacy. Our clinically tested formulas are dermatologist approved, accepted by the National Eczema Association (NEA), EWG Verified™, certified Microbiome Friendly by MyMicrobiome for both infants and adults with eczema, safe for use in the delicate eye area, and hypoallergenic.

TPZ-01™is a patented new precision enzyme (US patent no. 12,263,208) that specifically targets and kills eczema-associated Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria while preserving the skin’s beneficial microbiome. Existing eczema treatments like steroid creams and colloidal oatmeal moisturizers try to calm symptoms, but they don’t do anything to address the Staph aureus bacteria helping to drive those symptoms in the first place.  Reducing S. aureus bacteria is both the biggest gap and biggest opportunity for better eczema treatments. Our high-precision TPZ-01™ enzyme is designed to selectively target S. aureus while preserving the good bacteria on your skin, helping to restore a healthy microbiome and break the cycle that drives flare-ups. It's a key addition to your existing eczema regimen, not only reducing symptoms but killing the bacteria that cause those symptoms in the first place.

The TPZ-01™enzyme  is the product of 3+ years of research and development. It’s a new patented enzyme ingredient that specifically targets the harmful bacteria Staph aureus while protecting the good bacteria your skin needs to stay healthy. Treatments like steroid creams or moisturizers try to calm symptoms, but don’t do anything about the Staph aureus driving those symptoms in the first place, so flares can continue.

In an independent clinical study of formulations with the TPZ-01™ enzyme, Staph aureus on the skin was reduced by 85%. Our Eczema Precision Hydrogel was 2.5x more effective at reducing eczema symptoms than a standard colloidal oatmeal product.

Yes, our formulas made with TPZ-01™ enzyme are designed to work alongside existing eczema treatments and skincare regimens, including moisturizers, steroid creams, and prescription products. All three formulations (Eczema Precision Hydrogel, Precision Healing Spray, and Eczema Therapy Cream) can be integrated into your current routine. 

When using the Eczema Precision Hydrogel, we suggest waiting 5 minutes before layering on any additional products to allow the formula to fully absorb into skin. Let our Precision Healing Spray absorb before layering on additional products. Because no other products are focused on specifically reducing Staph aureus, adding TPZ-01™ to your regimen lets you address a root cause of eczema flares that is otherwise untreated. 

While our TPZ-01™ products focus on Staph aureus,our Eczema Therapy Cream focuses on the other side of the equation—repairing and restoring the skin barrier. Our Eczema Therapy Cream is optimized to be compatible with the TPZ-01™enzyme.

In clinical studies of our Eczema Precision Hydrogel, most people noticed reduced itching, inflammation, and eczema symptoms within the first week, with even more significant improvement by week two. On average, users saw a 61% reduction in symptom intensity compared to 25% with a standard colloidal oatmeal treatment. Unlike some treatments that may initially cause irritation, our formulations typically provide immediate comfort and steady improvement. By reducing Staph aureus on the skin, you can break the cycle of inflammation and skin barrier damage and finally allow the skin to recover.

Our steroid-free, NEA Accepted formulas are safe for children and certified Microbiome Friendly by MyMicrobiome for both adults and infants. All of our formulas have been extensively tested for safety and used in clinical trials with no side effects, including with long-term use.

We recognize that everyone's skin is different and there are cases where Staph aureus may not play as central a role in causing symptoms. In our clinical trials, about 80% of people see very significant improvement when using our products with TPZ-01™, while the remaining 20% see more modest effects. The contribution of Staph aureus to symptoms is also stronger during active flare-ups, so it’s worth trying our products with TPZ-01™ at different points in your eczema cycle.

If you don't see the results you're hoping for, it may mean your eczema has different primary triggers that need different approaches.  We are always seeking feedback and data on people’s experiences with our products so we can better understand how our products can be the most effective.

All Hypothesis products are available for purchase on Hypothesis.bio. If you need assistance with your order, please contact customer service at hello@hypothesis.bio.

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Orders typically take 2–3 business days to process before shipping. You'll receive a confirmation email when your order ships, along with tracking information so you can follow its progress.

Please note that processing times may be slightly longer during peak periods or holidays. If you have any questions about your specific order, feel free to contact our customer service at hello@hypothesis.bio.

You will receive an email with your tracking number as soon as your order ships. You can also check My Orders in your account anytime. Please note, during busy periods, delivery may take a little longer, but we’ll keep you updated along the way.

We start preparing orders right away, so cancellations aren’t always possible. If you’d like to cancel, email us as soon as you can at hello@hypothesis.bio. If your order is already on its way, no problem—you’ll still be able to return it once it arrives.

Yes! Our eczema care products are typically eligible for HSA and FSA spending. Since plans can vary, we suggest confirming eligibility with your provider.