Clever. This is the one word I would use to describe this skincare brand, a brand I am currently obsessed with. 4.5.6 Skin was created on the premise that darker skin tones react differently to external trauma and ingredients. It also has a much thicker skin barrier than its Caucasian counterpart and needs deeper hydration. Most brands don’t take this into consideration, so 4.5.6 Skin decided to fill the gap by providing customised products for darker skin tones. Unlike many personalised brands, the price point is not prohibitive and the products do not take an aeon to arrive – mostly, they’ll be with you the next day. I love that the brand’s thinking is not based on ethnicity. Instead, it is based on physiology and uses the Fitzpatrick Scale; a system developed by an American dermatologist which groups skin according to its level of melanin and treats it accordingly. There are six skin prototypes in total and 4.5.6, are the darkest, hence the name of the brand. Yes, I know I am cheating somewhat by not choosing one particular product from the range but I have honestly found every one of them excellent. But then, of course, why wouldn’t they be – they are made specifically for me. As I said, Clever.
SHOP OUR BEST SELLERS
Brilliant Marriage of Melanin
Brilliantforward skin research and AI technology
How is Skin Phototype IV, V, VI range different?
Skin in this Phototype range, which we call 4.5.6 Skin, a shortened version of our brand name — is truly unique. Our research shows darker skin is denser, affecting hydration, and sheds dead skin faster, causing dullness. It produces more oil and sebum, which makes it prone to acne. Its PH is more acidic so skin is more imbalanced.
It has larger and hyperactive cells calles melanocytes that produce more melanin, increasing skin’s vulnerability to hyperpigmentation and dark spots, even hyperkeratosis (skin toughening), keloid scars and dyschromia (abnormal pigmentation).
Colder climates have an especially drying effect on darker skin, while insufficient sunlight is detrimental to its metabolic wellbeing.
The differences even extend to hair: Rough hair follicles, a common feature of dark skin, can stimulate inflammation and scarring.
These differences should be factored into skincare products used by people in the phototype IV, V, VI range.
How our scientific process meets your skin differences?
To create products that address the special needs of 4.5.6 Skin, we combine our team’s 20+ years of practical experience treating this skin range with our understanding of the physiological and biochemical pathways of darker skin phototypes.
We then select the best innovative, cleaan biodynamic ingredients, at the right dosage, test them on individuals with darker skin phototypes, and design high performance formulas with a high tolerance.
These dermatologically approved formulas are then customized into freshly mixed products for maximum efficacy.
Putting the person in personalisation — how our customisation process works?
With a simple quiz, we learn about your Skin Phototype, your unique skin characteristics, skin concerns, lifestyle and fragrance preferences.
Based on your responses, and your selfie, our A.I. technology will first determine which of our Core Blends are best to help with your current concerns.
Then it determines which customisation active ingredients are to be added to create a personalised product for you.
Once the order is placed, our lab technicians will mix in only the freshest actives just for you. Yes, your skincare has never been so personal.