[Visionary Voices] Noble Panacea, challenges you to Rethink Time
*NOBLE PANACEA
*NOBLE PANACEA
Skincare has always been about transformation—of skin, of routine, of the way we care for ourselves. But Noble Panacea dares to take that a step further. What if we could rethink not just ingredients and formulations, but time itself?
In this op-ed, Céline Talabaza, CEO and co-creator of Noble Panacea, reflects on the brand’s journey—one that began with a groundbreaking scientific discovery and a bold vision from Sir Fraser Stoddart, the Nobel Prize-winning chemist who pioneered the Organic Super Molecular Vessels™ (OSMV™) technology. His passing in December 2024 marked the end of an era, but not of his influence. His legacy lives on in a company that challenges the limits of skincare, making high science not just theoretical, but tangible—something you can see, touch, and experience on your skin.
This is a story of innovation, of pushing boundaries, and of honoring a scientist’s lifelong work through skincare that does more than sit on the surface. It’s about skincare designed to work with time, not against it.
Op editorial by Céline Talabaza – Co-creator and CEO of Noble Panacea
Noble Panacea is a pioneering STEM-driven venture that fuses cross-generational innovations, challenges conventional norms, and applies cutting-edge deep-tech to skincare. Far from being a traditional cosmetic company, Noble Panacea is a deep-tech organization. What you see is just the visible tip of the iceberg; our technology has far greater potential.
When I first took on this mission, Sir Fraser Stoddart shared with me his belief that, one day, he would be gone and his groundbreaking discovery might not be fully appreciated by the world, nor would the reasons for his 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry be fully understood. It was this vision that inspired him to establish Noble Panacea—a skincare revolution designed to touch lives daily and make his pioneering work tangible for many to experience.
Sir Fraser passed away on December 30, 2024.
I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have worked closely with such a remarkable and inspiring man. We will continue to honor his values, uphold his vision, and cherish the responsibility he placed in us to carry forward his legacy.
Sir Fraser Stoddart dedicated much of his career to the study of green supramolecular chemistry. Among his many accolades, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II and awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2016 for his work on supramolecular machines. He mentored over 500 PhD students from more than 50 countries, fostering a culture of intercultural exchange and the purest form of mentorship.
In 2018, I was invited to collaborate with Sir Fraser to create a brand that would introduce his groundbreaking, time-released technology to the world for the first time. This technology features Organic Super Molecular Vessels™—meticulously loaded with ingredients, programmed to release in a precise, sequenced pattern as they travel through the skin layers at the supramolecular level. The result: optimal skin health with 10x more efficacy.
Together with Audrey Bois Nicolai, Head of Brand, and Ben Limketkai, Professor Stoddart’s mentee and Noble Panacea’s Chief Technology Officer, our goal was to push the boundaries of what the skincare market could offer. We sought to rethink what was possible, reassess our assumptions, and challenge how we approach skincare. Imagine a world where the use of time is intentional, unfolding skincare efficacy in ways never seen before—this is the essence of “Rethink Time.”
Noble Panacea was officially launched at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City in October 2019, in a memorable evening that marked the culmination of our hard work and dedication. Before I took the stage that night, Sir Fraser looked at me and said, “Celine, you are going to do this brilliantly.”
Noble Panacea Labs, located in Irvine, California, is led by a team of scientists who are the only ones in the world capable of growing, programming, and loading the Organic Super Molecular Vessels™ (OSMV™). Under the guidance of Dr. Ben Limketkai, our visionary polymath CTO, we have established a clear OSMV™ roadmap, ensuring the continued development of this groundbreaking technology. The potential of OSMV™ is limitless, as it is a triggerable technology. For example, in 2024, we launched The Energist collection, introducing the first photoaging protector and corrector activated by UV light — mind-blowing.
Each product is meticulously crafted in small batches, taking 10 to 12 weeks to produce. To preserve the integrity of the coded formula, all formulas are stored in daily doses. Additionally, our monthly skin program is packaged in a refillable, starch-based box, emphasizing sustainability.
A prime example of the OSMV™ technology's power is our Exceptional Chronobiology Sleep Mask. During sleep, the skin undergoes various phases based on your skin's biorhythm. Every second counts, and the ingredients your skin receives during its detox, regenerative, or deep hydration phases must be tailored accordingly to maximize effectiveness.
The skin’s natural chronobiology increases protection during the day, where skin must defend against environmental aggressors, with cell proliferation at its lowest. Overnight, skin renews and regenerates – skin penetration is at its highest level while DNA repair and cellular proliferation are increased dramatically. Through Noble Panacea’s unique timed-release technology, we can ensure that active compounds reach their peak efficacy precisely when the skin needs them most.
Infused with a blend of 5 natural oils for a sumptuous experience, this exceptionally intelligent Chronobiology Sleep Mask harnesses the power of OSMV™ technology for a precisely pre-programmed release of high concentrated powerful active ingredients, delivered to the skin at the optimal time throughout the sleep cycle. Carefully calibrated to work in perfect synergy with your skin’s natural overnight biorhythms, this high-performance treatment mask enhances the skin’s regeneration and self-repair processes, transforming your complexion while you sleep. You then awaken to firm, plump, replenished, and restored skin that radiates from long-lasting moisturisation and illumination. This high precision and expert level mask is a sophisticated piece of science designed to make the most of precious time.
We have successfully built a community of self-optimizers united by shared values, supported by voices we deeply admire, including Jodie Comer, Christy Turlington, Helena Christensen, Kelly Rutherford, Kelly Wearstler, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. We were also honored to open very recently an experiential facial capsule at Plaza 66 in Shanghai, China, further expanding our global presence. In France, you can find us in Le Bon Marche which is my favorite store in the world. We continue to surround ourselves with innovators and STEM enthusiasts who inspire and challenge us.
Education has always been at the heart of our mission. Noble Panacea was born from the academic world, with Sir Fraser being a renowned professor and one of the top chemists globally. I come from a family of teachers where we consider that education is the foundation for the overall well-being of society. It was clear from day 1 that the philanthropic mission of Noble Panacea would focus on supporting STEM education for girls, through partnerships with organizations like GirlUp and Inspiring Girls.
Dr. Limketkai, in collaboration with Sir Fraser Stoddart and his laboratory partners at the University, has been instrumental in advancing new breakthroughs, ensuring that Noble Panacea remains at the forefront of technological innovation in skincare. Under his leadership, the legacy of Sir Fraser’s work is in capable hands, guaranteeing continuity and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
The era of viewing skincare merely as a cream with additives is coming to an end. Today, skincare is a dynamic blend of chemistry and technology, precisely programmed and synchronized with your skin’s biorhythm and environmental exposure.
Every second matters, rethink time.
