Peterson’s Lab is a Chinese skincare brand established in 2016 that positions itself around dermatological research, laboratory development, and problem-focused skincare. [1] The company states its objective is to apply a scientific approach to product development, basing formulations on specific skin concerns and dermatological theory rather than market trends alone. [1]

Note: A separate entity historically known as Peterson’s Lab, Inc. exists as a biotechnology firm specializing in recombinant proteins. This article refers exclusively to the Peterson’s Lab skincare brand, which is associated with Shanghai Corday Biotech Co., Ltd. [2][3]

Peterson’s Lab was established in 2016 with a stated philosophy of developing skincare at a scientific level, using consumer skin needs and dermatological theory as primary development drivers. [1] According to the brand, it originated as a small laboratory before expanding into an R&D centre comprising five specialized facilities: Basic Research Lab, Actives Development Lab, Formulation Lab, Physical & Chemical Testing Lab, and Clinical Testing Lab. [1] This structure supports its identity as a research-driven skincare company rather than a conventional beauty brand. [1]

Corporate records link the skincare brand to Shanghai Corday Biotech Co., Ltd. In 2022, trademark registration information published by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) identified Shanghai Corday Biotech as the holder of the international registration for PETERSON’S LAB. [3] Additionally, a 2017 strategic cooperation agreement was announced between Peterson’s Lab Inc. and Shanghai Corday Biotech to promote skin-health products across Chinese, Japanese, and South Korean aesthetic-medical markets. [2]

The brand operates under the concept that “the formula is our story,” prioritizing scientific formulation and specific skin pathologies over lifestyle or luxury marketing. [1] Product development follows a six-step framework involving specific skin concerns, dermatological theory, active-ingredient research, formulation technology, physical and chemical testing, and clinical testing. [1] This methodology places Peterson’s Lab between conventional cosmetics and dermatology-oriented cosmeceuticals.

Research Capabilities

Peterson’s Lab highlights specific laboratory equipment and technical capabilities in its corporate materials, including: [1]

• Chromatographs for separating and analyzing mixture components.
• UV skin analyzers to identify pigmentation and acne not visible to the naked eye.
• Skin sensitivity testers for evaluating barrier function, irritation, and redness.
• Infrared skin analyzers to assess temperature variation, microcirculation, and inflammatory responses.

The scientific team includes researchers with backgrounds in microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, and biomolecular sciences. Notable experts cited by the brand include Prof. Ho and Dr. Fred Zülli. [1] Dr. Zülli holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from ETH Zurich, is recognized as a pioneer of PhytoCellTec plant stem-cell technology, and previously held a senior scientific position at Mibelle Biochemistry. [1]

Peterson’s Lab organizes its catalogue by skin condition or desired effect rather than traditional cosmetic categories. Current lines target sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, pigmentation, anti-aging, and barrier repair. [1] The brand employs specialized terminology such as Sensitology, Acneology, Pigmentology, Surfactology, and Labial Dermatology to reinforce its scientific positioning. [1]

Barrier Repair

Barrier care is a primary focus area. The Barrier Adaptogen line targets sensitive, dehydrated, or barrier-impaired skin and includes: [1]

• Barrier Adaptogen Cream
• Barrier Adaptogen Lotion
• Barrier Adaptogen Toner
• Barrier Adaptogen Reviving Oil
• Barrier Adaptogen Intensive Repairing Mask
• B5 Barrier Adaptogen Intensive Repairing Mask

These products incorporate proprietary technologies such as PL-Ceramide™ and PL-PhytoSLC®. Retailer YesStyle identifies the Barrier Adaptogen Lotion as a notable product featuring these formulation technologies. [4]

Acne Care

Products for acne-prone skin frequently feature salicylic acid. [1] The range includes:

• Super Acne Sniper
• BHA Cleansing Foam
• BHA & Sutilains Polishing Mask
• Acid Trio Masks with Clay
• B5 Barrier Adaptogen Intensive Repairing Mask

Pigmentation and Brightening

Formulations in this category address dark spots, post-acne marks, dullness, uneven tone, and excess oil. Key products include the Arbutin VC Brightening Essence and body brightening treatments. [1] The VC20 Booster is described by YesStyle as containing 20% vitamin C for pigmentation concerns. [4]

Cleansing and Exfoliation

The cleansing portfolio covers both daily maintenance and targeted exfoliation: [1]

• Amino Acid Foaming Facial Cleanser
• Amino Acid Gentle Cleanser with Amazonian Clay
• Finger Lime Exfoliator
• BHA Cleansing Foam
• Acid Trio Masks with Clay

Anti-Aging and Lip Care

The brand extends beyond facial treatment into specialized lip care and eye treatments: [1]

• Anti-Wrinkle Lip Balm
• Anti-Wrinkle Color-Changing Lip Balm
• Anti-Wrinkle Repairing Lip Cream
• Caffeine Anti-Wrinkle Lip Cream
• Day & Night Eye Treatments

Peterson’s Lab emphasizes proprietary ingredients and formulation technologies over individual “hero ingredients.” Key components associated with the brand include: [1]

• PL-Ceramide™: Positioned for skin-barrier support.
• PL-PhytoSLC®: Utilized in the Barrier Adaptogen concept.
• Tranexamic acid: Used in pigmentation and barrier formulations.
• Panthenol (Vitamin B5): Featured in barrier-repair products.
• Salicylic acid: Central to acne-oriented products.
• Vitamin C: Used in brightening and pigmentation treatments.
• Plant-derived/cell-related technologies: Incorporated in research-oriented formulations.

Peterson’s Lab distinguishes itself within the Chinese skincare market by emphasizing laboratory research, dermatology, and targeted efficacy over luxury, natural/organic, or mass-market positioning. [1] Its competitive proposition follows a trajectory from laboratory research to active ingredients, dermatological formulation, and targeted results. [1]

The brand has expanded internationally through e-commerce channels. YesStyle lists Peterson’s Lab as a Chinese brand founded in 2016 and identifies itself as an authorized retailer. [4] The official website also offers localized storefronts in English and Malay, indicating a strategy targeting international consumers. [1] Historically, the brand announced plans in 2017 to enter aesthetic-medical markets in China, Japan, and South Korea through a partnership with Shanghai Corday Biotech. [2]

Readers should distinguish the skincare brand from Peterson’s Lab, Inc., a separate biotechnology company focused on recombinant proteins. A 2017 press release describes Peterson’s Lab, Inc. as having expertise in protein design, synthesis, purification, characterization, cell culture, and microbiology. [2] While the two entities entered a strategic cooperation agreement in 2017, the skincare brand discussed in this article is linked to Shanghai Corday Biotech Co., Ltd., which holds the relevant international trademark registration recorded by IPOPHL. [2][3]

1. About Us
2. Peterson’s Lab Inc. Entered Strategic Cooperation With Shanghai Corday Biotech Ltd.
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4. PETERSON’S LAB | YesStyle