15.07.2026

Emma Lewisham recognised by Nobel Prize Laureate in Chemistry, Dr. Peter Agre.

“From the beginning, my vision was not to build just another beauty brand, but to help advance the beauty industry itself. I am thrilled to share that the vision we set from the very beginning, to rethink beauty through genuine science and curiosity, has been recognised by Nobel Laureate Dr. Peter Agre.   With Dr. Jane Goodall’s endorsement of our sustainability approach, and now Dr. Peter Agre’s recognition of our scientific thinking, I hope this helps communicate the utmost depth of care, rigour, and intention that underpins everything we do, from product formulation to the way they're brought to market.”

— Emma Lewisham   

Dr. Peter Agre’s office, John Hopkins University

Dr. Peter Agre’s office, John Hopkins University

A world first in beauty, recognised by a world first in science

In a milestone for Emma Lewisham, we have earned the recognition of Nobel Laureate Dr. Peter Agre, a globally acclaimed American physician and molecular biologist awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2003.

He may seem like an unlikely voice in the world of skincare, but his credentials bring an authority that transcends the beauty world. In an industry so often shaped by trends, Dr. Agre offers something of real weight and gravitas—an endorsement rooted purely in merit.

Across decades of distinguished scientific contribution, Dr. Agre has never lent his name to a beauty brand.

Emma Lewisham is the first. To be recognised by someone of that calibre speaks to the uniqueness of our approach and the way we think. It validates what we have built is extremely rare in beauty.

“I recognise Emma Lewisham’s genuine commitment to scientific thinking and dedication to sustainable practices,” says Dr. Agre. “For me, what’s most appealing about Emma Lewisham is their way of thinking, curiosity, and genuine authenticity in their work. I’ve enjoyed meeting and spending time with Emma, witnessing first-hand her commitment to solving problems while running a business that operates with real ethics and responsibility. Their work is anchored in science, using it as a force for good.” 

“Emma Lewisham’s approach aligns with the growing body of molecular and cellular research from laboratories around the world that have advanced our understanding of how to protect the body’s largest organ—our skin.”

— Dr. Peter Agre

The science behind the recognition

The Nobel Prize represents the highest recognition of scientific achievement in the world, awarded only to discoveries that fundamentally transform humanity’s understanding of life itself. To receive one is to have unveiled something so profound that it redefines an entire field of science.

Dr. Agre's discovery of aquaporin proteins did exactly that. These unique proteins are how the body moves water across membranes, forming an intricate system that allows the body to control where and how much water is distributed throughout our tissues. This has led many to call them the ‘plumbing system of cells’, for their ability to finely tune hydration and as such, ensure our bodies operate effectively. Aquaporins have become central to breakthroughs across multiple fields, including neuroscience, kidney and eye health, plant biology, and even sustainable agriculture—deepening our understanding of hydration, resilience, and cellular mechanisms across all living systems.

Building on this discovery, Dr. Agre extended his scientific focus into global health, dedicating much of his career to malaria research. He served as director of the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute.

Dr. Agre’s work revealed a critical principle: the human body operates through intelligent, interconnected systems—not isolated mechanisms.

It is this same systems-based thinking that underpins our formulation philosophy. That living systems are not governed by a single pathway, a single trigger, or a single solution, but by complex, interconnected networks of processes operating simultaneously.

Dr. Peter Agre’s Nobel Prize Certificate

Emma & Peter meet in Baltimore, 2025

Note from Emma

“What Dr. Agre said he saw in us was that we’re doing things properly, and that there’s a real genuineness to me and my vision. Curiosity has always been a driving force in my life—it’s what led me to question the status quo and pursue solutions where others saw limitations.

At Emma Lewisham, that same spirit fuels everything we do. To be recognised by Dr. Peter Agre, a scientist whose ground-breaking work reshaped how we understand the natural world, is a powerful validation of our work. He embodies the kind of purpose-driven innovation we aspire to, and his acknowledgement reinforces our mission to lead with both scientific excellence and ethical responsibility. Personally, I am proud of the vision we set from the beginning.

We chose to think differently, always in pursuit of truth, excellence, and something meaningfully better. I believe people deserve genuine confidence in what they put on their skin. And that luxury, at its truest, lives in the unseen, in how something came to be, not only what it is.

To now have that approach recognised by someone I have come to deeply respect and admire, Nobel Prize Laureate Dr. Peter Agre, is incredibly meaningful.”

— Emma Lewisham

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