Florida Southern Student Launches Skincare Startup Using DNA Technology

Brooke Sommers, a junior at Florida Southern College, founded a personalized skin care startup called Dermageneous. This innovative company leverages genetic testing to provide tailored skin care recommendations. Recently, Dermageneous joined the business incubation program at Catapult Lakeland and received a $2,500 Catapult Launch Micro-Grant to aid further development of the prototype and assist in obtaining a patent.

Sommers, inspired by her own frustrations with ineffective beauty products, aims to create a transparent and accessible solution using DNA sequencing. This approach analyzes genetic markers affecting skin traits like oil production and sensitivity, allowing users to find products that better suit their unique needs.

The process involves customers ordering a kit online, providing a saliva sample, and receiving tailored product recommendations based on their genetic data. Security is a priority, with all genetic information being encrypted and only used for providing personalized skin care advice.

Dermageneous benefits from the support of Catapult Lakeland, which provides financial backing and strategic guidance to help entrepreneurs like Sommers advance their business plans.