Where does LABRAINS get ingredients for their products?
Where do skincare ingredients really come from? In this video, LABRAINS founder Dr. Līga Brūniņa explains how LABRAINS selects ingredients for its formulations – from sustainable sourcing and biotechnology to sensitive-skin compatibility and long-term safety.
A conversation about ingredient quality, sourcing philosophy, and why LABRAINS prioritizes thoughtful, skin-respecting formulation over fast product launches.
Prefer to read? Here is a summary of the topic we've discussed in the video.
Where Does LABRAINS Source Ingredients for Its Products?
Modern skincare is not only about what ingredients are used, but also about how they are sourced, processed, and integrated into the final formulation. For LABRAINS, ingredient selection is closely connected to long-term skin compatibility, sustainability, and formulation quality.
LABRAINS sources ingredients exclusively from certified cosmetic ingredient suppliers. However, the selection process goes beyond standard certification requirements. The brand evaluates whether ingredients are:
- sustainably produced;
- compatible with sensitive skin;
- biomimetic and skin-friendly;
- suitable for long-term skin health.
A strong focus is placed on biotechnologically derived ingredients, as they can often reduce environmental impact compared to some traditional extraction methods.
Why biotechnology matters in skincare
Traditional plant extraction methods may require large amounts of solvents, including alcohol, during production. In some cases, these processes may generate unnecessary environmental burden or leave behind formulation compromises that are not ideal for sensitive skin.
LABRAINS therefore prioritizes ingredient technologies that help minimize unnecessary processing and improve formulation purity whenever possible. This approach aligns with the brand’s broader philosophy of creating skincare that is both skin-conscious and environmentally mindful.
Supporting regional suppliers whenever possible
Distance and sourcing geography also matter in the LABRAINS philosophy. Whenever possible, the brand prioritizes suppliers closer to its manufacturing base, including partners from Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, and Sweden. Reducing transportation distances helps support a more sustainable supply chain while maintaining close communication with ingredient manufacturers. At the same time, some highly specialized actives may still come from countries known for advanced cosmetic ingredient innovation, including Japan, Korea, and the United States.
Why LABRAINS may develop products more slowly
Unlike large-scale cosmetic companies that often work under strict launch deadlines, LABRAINS prioritizes formulation safety, compatibility, and long-term skin tolerance over speed.
The brand frequently requests ingredients either:
- in cleaner powder forms;
- or adapted to LABRAINS’ own preservation system,
to avoid unnecessary additives or potentially irritating residues in the final product.
This process can significantly extend development timelines, sometimes by up to six months, due to additional testing, communication, and formulation adjustments.
A long-term approach to formulation quality
LABRAINS emphasizes that many cosmetic brands worldwide often source ingredients from the same global manufacturers – including luxury brands. The difference lies not only in the ingredients themselves, but in how formulas are designed, balanced, and optimized for sensitive skin and long-term compatibility.
As a smaller and more specialized skincare company, LABRAINS focuses strongly on:
- sensitive and problematic skin needs;
- ingredient compatibility;
- formulation purity;
- long-term skin comfort and resilience.
LABRAINS focuses on creating formulations designed to remain gentle, stable, and supportive for the skin over time.
