Why Neora Takes Years to Perfect Each Skin Care Product

Published
01/29/2025

Looking for skin care that does more than just surface-level work? Neora was built on the belief that effective skin care shouldn't compromise skin health and that taking time with product development leads to real results.

"We knew that really good, well-performing natural products can yield the same results," says Amber Olson Rourke, Neora’s co-founder and president. "It just takes time." This insight came from watching clients chase quick fixes that often led to irritation and sensitivity.

The company's mindful, science-based to skincare formulations stands out in an industry known for rushing products to market. "We take our time with products, we take our time with the development, and that's why we don't have 50 products in our 12 years," Olson Rourke explains. Each product undergoes extensive testing before reaching customers.

Take its signature ingredient SIG-1273, named for the 1,273 iterations required to perfect its formula. This level of dedication to getting it right rather than getting it out quickly characterizes Neora's entire product development process.

Neora’s collagen sourcing choice also reflects this commitment to quality. While many companies opt for bovine collagen due to its lower costs, Neora chose marine collagen. "Marine collagen is way more expensive, harder to get. It's got a lot more guidelines because you also have to consider the welfare of marine life," says Olson Rourke.

For those new to Neora, the brand suggests starting with core products and building from there. Its products focus on multibenefit formulations that address multiple skin concerns simultaneously.

Neora’s night cream exemplifies its innovative approach. "It protects against the folds in your bed," Olson Rourke explains, describing its unique texture designed for overnight skin repair and protection. This attention to how products perform in real life conditions sets Neora apart.

Education plays a crucial role in the brand’s approach. Rather than relying on marketing hype, Neora provides detailed information about ingredients and their benefits. "We are very transparent in our business practices and how we formulate our products," Olson Rourke states.

The development process starts with understanding specific customer needs. Unlike larger beauty conglomerates tied to single labs, Neora sources specialized labs based on each product's requirements. This flexibility allows the brand to create formulas that best serve its customers.

The company pays special attention to ingredient sourcing, particularly for its plant-based components. "It all has to do with how they're grown. The terrain and conditions, the environment — everything matters with the ingredients because we are more naturally based," Olson Rourke shares.

 

Neora Founder: ‘Give Us 90 Days’ To Transform Your Skin

Results from Neora products build over time, reflecting the brand’s philosophy that good skin care supports natural processes rather than forcing quick changes. "Give us at least 90 days," Olson Rourke advises. "You'll start to feel the moisturization and hydration right away, but as far as the transformation of your skin, that's 90 days—wirth results that continue to build."

This patient approach extends to the brand’s preservative choices. Instead of relying on artificial preservatives, it invests in innovative packaging solutions. Its vitamin C products come in special dual-chamber packaging that prevents oxidation, ensuring effectiveness without compromising on clean ingredients.

The future of skin care lies in this balance of nature and science, where products work with skin's natural functions rather than against them. Through careful ingredient selection and thorough testing, Neora shows that achieving fresh, healthy skin doesn't require harsh treatments or endless product collections.

"Making the best products, supporting them, and being able to look at each other and say, ‘We believe in this,’" Olson Rourke says. This commitment to quality over quantity continues guiding Neora as it helps customers achieve their best skin through clean, effective products that deliver real results.

Seasonal changes particularly highlight the effectiveness of Neora's approach. "Your skin is good at its job," Olson Rourke notes, "so it's our job to not damage it." This philosophy guides its product testing across different environmental conditions and skin concerns.

The testing process goes beyond standard industry practices. While many companies rely solely on lab results, Neora conducts extensive real-world testing. The brand's commitment to thorough testing extends to its international markets, where different climates and regulations require additional considerations.

For those wondering why Neora's product line remains selective compared to other brands, the answer lies in its development philosophy. "We don't put fillers in our products," Olson Rourke states. “If it's concentrated, a really high efficacy, the amount needed is less than what we may be used to. And that’s a good thing."