A team of stem-cell scientists may have discovered the molecule to help not only prevent but also reverse inflammation in our cells that leads to aging. Drs. Ben Van Handel PhD and Amir Nobakht MD, MBA met in the stem cell biology labs at USC. Their orthopedic research was focused on reducing “inflammaging” (inflammation + aging) and increasing the functionality of stem cells in our joints, thereby re-growing cartilage. This mission led them to develop HX-1, a molecule that shields stem cells from stressors that fuel the aging process. Once they realized these same technologies could apply to the skin, Heraux was born. We talk to the founders about what HX-1 does to the skin, and why it lives up to the price tag.