Emma Lewisham Skincare

With the launch of her new cleanser, Emma Lewisham is rethinking cleansing: rather than simply removing make-up, sebum, and impurities, the formula relies on “wash-on actives” that nourish the skin while cleansing. An innovative approach that transforms the first step of the routine into perhaps the most important — and leaves you wanting more.

Niche Beauty: If you had to describe your new cleanser in three words...

Emma Lewisham: Transformative, redefining and active.

NB: That sounds like more than just a cleanser. What makes this cleanser so special?

Emma Lewisham: That's exactly the point — it's not "just" cleansing. Traditionally, cleansing has always been seen as a step where we remove something from the skin. We have consciously challenged this approach. For us, effective skincare starts with the first step. Why shouldn't cleansing also actively contribute to improving the skin? Our Crème Cleanser contains so-called "wash-on-actives" that deliver serum-like benefits - while cleansing. That's why we sometimes talk about a "reverse cleanse". It's not just about what is removed, but also about what remains on the skin.

NB: How did you go about developing it?

Emma Lewisham: We didn't look at existing products — we started with the skin itself. We identified three key areas: Moisture, reactivity, and the microbiome. We believed that the skin improves overall when these fundamentals are strengthened simultaneously. To do this, we brought together the world's most advanced technologies and translated them into a formulation that feels like a luxurious experience - a cream that transforms into a silky gel on the skin. The result is a cleanser that not only works immediately, but also boosts the effectiveness of the entire routine that follows.

NB: What is the most common cleansing mistake?

Emma Lewisham: Many people unknowingly work against their skin. Cleansers that are very drying or irritating may give a feeling of 'thoroughness' but can disrupt the skin's natural balance. If the skin barrier is weakened or there is inflammation, the skin cannot function optimally. I often compare this to a competitive athlete who has to perform at their best despite an injury. What was particularly exciting for us was that in our tests, many people saw significant improvements just by changing the cleanser - less redness, less dryness, fewer blemishes. And all this with a formulation that feels very gentle.

NB: Is there a skincare step you would never skip?

Emma Lewisham: SPF, without question. Protection may not be as "exciting" as active skincare, but it's one of the most important steps in the long run. That's why it was important to me to develop a sunscreen that you really enjoy using - not as a duty, but as a pleasure.

NB: What's the best skincare advice you've ever received?

Emma Lewisham: A question that stays with me to this day: "What skincare would your skin choose for itself?" This thought has shaped our whole approach. Instead of following trends, we listen to the skin's needs - what it really needs to function healthily.

NB: Is there a small habit that noticeably improves your wellbeing?

Emma Lewisham: My morning walk. This quiet time before the day really starts gives me clarity. And my skincare routine is also important to me. I see it as a conscious ritual - not as a duty, but as a moment for myself.

NB: Are you more of a minimalist or maximalist in your routine?

Emma Lewisham: I'm more of a minimalist in my routine - but only because our formulations are maximalist. We don't develop products around individual ingredients, but complex systems of active ingredients. This means that one product can replace the effect of several. I believe the complexity should lie with us — not with our customers.

NB: Is there anything in active ingredient research that particularly excites you at the moment?

Emma Lewisham: Absolutely. We are currently working with a Nobel Prize winner and using his discovery to unlock a new level of hydration. Basically, however, we think less in terms of individual ingredients and more in terms of systems - in other words, how active ingredients work together.

NB: What surprises people most about your brand?

Emma Lewisham: That we don't develop our products based on other brands. Every formulation starts with the skin - its physiology and processes. If you focus too much on the market, you quickly lose the skin's perspective. We prefer to work with a "blank sheet" and let the skin itself lead the way.

NB: What are you most looking forward to when you think about the future of your brand?

Emma Lewisham: Our customers. When people tell us they feel more comfortable, more confident or no longer feel like they're fighting their skin, it's incredibly moving. Skin is visible - but its impact goes far beyond that.

NB: Where do you see the biggest opportunities for innovation in skincare?

Emma Lewisham: In our growing understanding of the skin. Today we can work much more specifically with it - instead of against it. In the past, there were often compromises: Effectiveness at the expense of skin health. Today we can combine both - and that's where the future lies.

NB: What can we expect next?

Emma Lewisham: Before we launch a product, I always ask myself one question: does it really reflect the reason why I started this brand? Only if the answer is a resounding yes do we launch it. What I can say: We are working on innovations that challenge some previous "gold standards" - solutions that are more effective without compromising the skin.

Thank you!