Epicutis CEO Maxwell Stock on Microbial Imbalance and Skin Care Innovation

Maxwell Stock, founder and CEO of Signum Biosciences and Epicutis Skincare, discussed the growing role of microbiome-focused biotechnology in dermatology and skin care, emphasizing how advances in microbial science are reshaping approaches to skin health. With a background in science and biotechnology, Stock explained that Signum develops both dermatologic therapeutics and proprietary skin care technologies through in-house laboratory research focused on inflammatory skin disease and microbiome balance.

According to Stock, increasing interest in microbiome-centered skin care reflects broader scientific understanding that skin functions as a dynamic ecosystem rather than simply a surface barrier. He noted that both clinicians and consumers are becoming more aware of the importance of maintaining microbial homeostasis, a concept that gained traction as public awareness of the gut microbiome expanded. Stock suggested that traditional “strip and suppress” approaches to skin care are gradually being replaced by strategies aimed at preserving balance and supporting long-term skin health.

He emphasized that microbial imbalance is linked to many inflammatory skin conditions and argued that modern lifestyle trends may be contributing to rising rates of dysbiosis-related skin disorders. Stock noted that many cutaneous concerns involve overgrowth or dominance of specific microbes, making restoration of equilibrium an important therapeutic goal.

Central to the discussion was Signum’s proprietary technology, TCP, which belongs to a class of compounds known as isoprenyl cysteine analogs (IPCs). Stock explained that these molecules are designed to address both inflammation and microbial imbalance simultaneously. He described how IPCs modulate inflammatory signaling pathways, including toll-like receptor 2 activity, while reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-8 and IL-1 alpha. In addition to their anti-inflammatory properties, the molecules are intended to interact with microbial populations in a way that promotes healthier skin balance rather than indiscriminately eliminating bacteria.

Stock contrasted this approach with more traditional acne therapies such as benzoyl peroxide, which he characterized as an aggressive “kill everything” strategy that may disrupt the microbiome when overused. He highlighted published research evaluating TCP from mechanistic laboratory studies through human clinical testing in acne-prone skin, demonstrating improvements in skin clarity and balance while maintaining a gentler formulation profile.