Aramore's Cellular Science Bet Aims to Disrupt the Beauty Industry

BEVERLY, Mass. – February 20, 2026 – In an industry often defined by fleeting trends and marketing buzz, one brand is making waves by starting not in a boardroom, but in a research lab. Aramore, a skincare company built on a foundation of biotechnology, recently garnered national attention with a feature in Forbes, highlighting its pioneering work in bringing cellular longevity science to the forefront of the beauty world. The recognition signals a potential paradigm shift, where consumers are increasingly trading hype for hard evidence and efficacy.

Aramore’s approach stands in stark contrast to the traditional beauty playbook. Instead of developing a marketing narrative and finding ingredients to fit, the company’s genesis was a scientific discovery rooted in research from MIT and Harvard. The brand is staking its identity on a single, powerful coenzyme: Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, or NAD+.

The Cellular Science of Skincare

At the heart of Aramore's innovation is a molecule fundamental to life itself. NAD+ is a vital coenzyme present in every cell of the body, acting as a critical fuel for cellular energy production, DNA repair, and overall resilience. However, scientific research has consistently shown that natural NAD+ levels decline significantly with age, a process that contributes to the visible signs of skin aging, such as wrinkles, loss of firmness, and uneven tone.

The challenge for skincare formulators has been effectively replenishing this crucial resource in the skin. NAD+ itself is a large, unstable molecule that struggles to penetrate the skin's protective outer layer. This is where Aramore’s proprietary technology, born from the work of Harvard scientist Dr. Anna Mandinova, comes into play. The company focuses on delivering smaller, more stable NAD+ precursors—the building blocks the body uses to create NAD+—deep into the epidermis. Once absorbed, these precursors are converted into NAD+ within the skin cells, effectively boosting levels where it matters most.

By elevating NAD+ levels, the skin's natural repair and regeneration mechanisms are re-energized. This supports the function of sirtuins, often called “longevity genes,” which play a role in promoting collagen production and protecting against environmental damage from UV rays and pollution. The result is a strategy that aims not just to mask the signs of aging, but to support the skin's intrinsic health and fortify its defenses from within.

A New Blueprint for the Beauty Business

The decision to build a brand around complex cellular biology is a bold strategic move, and one helmed by a seasoned industry veteran. In late 2025, Melisse Shaban, a visionary executive known for building powerhouse brands like Virtue Labs and StriVectin, was appointed CEO of Aramore. Her leadership signals a serious intent to scale this new category of science-first skincare.

Shaban’s vision is clear: to move the conversation beyond superficial fixes and toward a deeper understanding of skin health. This philosophy is reflected in the company's public statements and its recent Forbes profile, which detailed how Aramore's mission originated from pure scientific inquiry rather than market analysis.

"From the beginning, Aramore was never about launching another beauty product — it was about advancing a new category rooted in cellular longevity science," said Melisse Shaban, CEO of Aramore, in the company's press release. "NAD+ is foundational to how our cells function and repair, and yet it has largely been absent from topical skincare conversations. Being recognized by Forbes affirms that there is a real appetite for science-driven innovation that goes beyond surface-level solutions."

This commitment requires a heavy investment in consumer education. The brand acknowledges the learning curve associated with NAD+ but views it as an opportunity to empower customers, helping them understand the biological 'why' behind the products they use. This strategy bets on a modern consumer who is more informed, more skeptical of marketing claims, and more invested in a holistic, preventative approach to wellness.

Navigating a Crowded Longevity Landscape

Aramore is entering a market that is rapidly embracing the concept of “well-aging.” The broader beauty industry is pivoting towards longevity, with major players and nimble startups alike investing in biotech to address aging at the cellular level. Legacy brands like Estée Lauder are incorporating sirtuin-activating technology, while others focus on ingredients that target cellular senescence (the accumulation of aged, non-functioning cells) or protect telomeres.

The use of NAD+ precursors is not entirely new; niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, has been a staple in dermatology for years due to its well-documented benefits. However, Aramore and a handful of other science-focused competitors are distinguishing themselves by using more direct and potent precursors like NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and developing proprietary delivery systems to maximize their impact.

Amid this increasingly sophisticated landscape, Aramore’s key differentiator remains its direct lineage from academic research at world-class institutions and its singular focus on its patented NAD+ precursor technology. This scientific pedigree, combined with a growing portfolio of intellectual property, provides a defensible moat in a competitive market.

From Clinical Trials to Consumer Carts

For the science-curious consumer, the ultimate proof lies in the data. Aramore backs its claims with rigorous human clinical trials. According to the company, one study of its NAD+ Cell Energizing Treatment showed that 100% of participants demonstrated improvement across 12 different metrics of skin health, including firmness, radiance, and fine lines. Another study reportedly found its formulations strengthened the skin barrier by 53% after eight weeks of use, while independent user trials have noted significant reductions in wrinkle depth and increases in hydration over 90 days.

This commitment to clinical validation is paying dividends. In 2025, Aramore was named "Best Breakthrough Wellness Startup" at the Glossy Awards, an honor that celebrated its impact in redefining beauty science. This industry accolade, coupled with positive reception from beauty editors and consumers, suggests that the brand's message of efficacy is cutting through the noise.

Online reviews and social media sentiment reflect a growing appreciation for the brand's results-oriented approach. Users frequently report tangible improvements in skin texture, plumpness, and glow, often noting that the gradual, sustained results align with the brand’s promise of working at a deeper cellular level. This positive feedback loop—from lab to clinical trial to consumer—is building a loyal following and validating the premise that in today's beauty market, science sells.