The Beauty Loop - Tuesday Editor Edition

Expert Intro

Sponsored by Hydrinity

Keith O’Briant, CEO of Hydrinity,
on regenerative medicine, hyaluronic acid myths, and what “longevity” means

TBL: How does your medical background shape the way you approach skincare today?

KO: Before starting Hydrinity, I was the CEO and lead product developer at a regenerative medicine company where we developed and commercialized FDA-approved products across advanced wound care, spine surgery, and oncology.

Much of my work focused on complex wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, and post-surgical wounds. In those settings, the goal isn’t cosmetic improvement - it’s healing. Our products were designed to create a protective barrier while supporting the biological processes required for repair, including fibroblast and keratinocyte activity, which in turn drive the production of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin.

We were also developing a hyaluronic acid–based product for spine surgery aimed at reducing inflammation to minimize scarring, decrease pain, and speed recovery. That experience reinforced how critical formulation integrity and delivery systems are when you’re working with compromised or healing tissue.

I realized that the same scientific principles we apply in medical settings - precision delivery, ingredient integrity, and clinically driven development - could be meaningfully translated into skincare. That realization ultimately led to Hydrinity.

TBL: Do you think “longevity” is being overused in skincare, and when does the term actually apply?

KO: The term “longevity” is definitely being used more frequently in skincare. True longevity science is centered on long-term skin function, not just correcting visible signs of aging. The key difference is whether a product improves how the skin behaves over time - supporting things like barrier strength, hydration balance, and the skin’s ability to repair itself - rather than simply trying to just make it look younger.

Ultimately separating meaningful longevity science from marketing shorthand comes down to data. A focus on long-term outcomes, rather than immediate before-and-after claims, is essential to separating real science from hype.

TBL: Why is hyaluronic acid such a popular ingredient and yet still misunderstood?

KO: Hyaluronic acid is fundamental to skin health. It’s naturally present in the skin and essential for hydration and barrier function. One common misconception is that higher concentrations automatically mean better hydration. In reality, poorly formulated HA can sit on the surface or even leave skin feeling tighter if the barrier isn’t supported.

Molecular weight also matters. Larger molecules tend to improve surface hydration and comfort, while lower-molecular-weight forms support deeper hydration and elasticity, but neither works well in isolation. What matters most is whether HA is part of a formula that helps skin retain moisture rather than lose it.

Another area of confusion is the term “injectable-grade.” In topical skincare, this doesn’t mean “volumizing”; it refers to the quality and stability of the raw material. Used correctly, hyaluronic acid supports repair, resilience, and long-term skin health - not just short-term plumping. This approach shows up in our HA formulas, which combine high-purity, dual-weight hyaluronic acid with peptide technology to support barrier health and hydration that lasts beyond an immediate effect.

TBL: Beyond hyaluronic acid, how do you approach innovation in retinoids and exosome-based delivery?

KO: Retinoids are among the most studied and effective ingredients in dermatology, but they’re also some of the most misunderstood and poorly tolerated. Much of the innovation in this category has focused on increasing strength, when the bigger challenge is irritation and consistency of use. A retinoid that can’t be used regularly rarely delivers meaningful results.

Advances in delivery science - particularly encapsulation and exosome-inspired systems - are changing how retinoids behave on skin. By improving how retinal is delivered and stabilized, it’s possible to reduce surface irritation while allowing the ingredient to work where it’s most effective. This supports consistency, which is ultimately what drives results.

As interest in exosomes grows, transparency is critical. These systems aren’t about altering skin biology; they’re designed to support ingredient stability, delivery, and skin tolerance. Clear communication around efficacy, sourcing, and safety will be essential as these technologies continue to evolve.

A prime example: Hydrinity RetaXome uses an exosome-inspired delivery system for retinal to improve tolerability and support consistent, long-term use rather than short-term intensity.