Iräye skincare a dermatological and Sensory innovation - interview with Dr Detmar

The science behind IRÄYE ​skincare is impressive. Two decades of research underpin the skincare brand, which involved screening over 2,200 plant extracts to present truly revolutionary Swiss made product, developed thanks to tireless work of plastic surgeon and renowned lymphologists Prof. Michael Detmar and co-founder Dr. Epameinondas Gousopoulos based in Zurich.

Images above and below - IRÄYE new 2025 collection THE RICH CREAM, a dermatological and sensory innovation. All rights reserved IRÄYE.

IRÄYE skincare is a dermatological and sensory innovation containing the revolutionary formula that supports the activity and condition of the skin's lymphatic vessels from the outside. It has been proven to strengthen the skin's natural detoxification system and gives it a healthy and radiant appearance. We asked Prof. Michael Detmar to share his experience and expert insight  on the research and biological process that underpin IRÄYE ​skincare made in Switzerland.

How did the research process develop and did you experience any setbacks in your research?

The journey began over 20 years ago with a simple yet profound scientific question, aiming to address conditions associated with lymphatic vascular deterioration/damage: can we protect and reactivate the skin’s lymphatic vessels, and in doing so, restore skin health from within?
At that time, the lymphatic system was largely overlooked in dermatology, plastic surgery, and medicine as a whole — its vessels are transparent, incredibly delicate, and really demanding to study with conventional imaging. So, the first challenge was purely technical: developing the experimental tools that enable us to perform high-throughput compound analysis and identify possible modifiers of lymphatic function.

Once we had those tools, we began systematically screening more than 2,200 plant extracts, searching for natural compounds that could prove increased lymphatic activity, using a 3D human-endothelial-cell culture model, mimicking the early/embryonic stages of lymphatic formation, we screened these 2200 plant extracts one-by-one - this process was meticulous and often humbling, as every positive result had to be manually assessed and verified again. But science is built on persistence, commitment, and vision. Gradually, we identified five specific plant extracts that showed unique lymphatic activation. Further work included testing the different combinations and deciding on the final composition in our LYMPHACTIVE TM Complex. Even then, our work never stopped but evolved in unraveling the mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of the LYMPHACTIVE TM Complex in improving lymphatic function, restoring vascular integrity and rejuvenating the building blocks of our lymphatic capillaries.
That discovery became the foundation of our patented LYMPHACTIVE TM Complex. What began as biomedical research intended for therapeutic use evolved into a completely new category of skincare—one that finally bridges profound scientific depth with visible beauty benefits.
Of course, there were moments of frustration—years when experiments didn’t yield the clarity or success we hoped for—but those setbacks were essential. They shaped the precision and fundamental credibility of IRÄYE. Today, seeing this work translate into real results for people’s skin is the most rewarding validation of all.

What makes Iräye skincare unique?  
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IRÄYE is the world’s first skincare line designed to activate topically the skin’s lymphatic system—the body’s natural purification network. And it represents one of the very few cases, where pharmacological research conducted within a university found its way to become a direct skincare product. Undoubtedly, the research behind IRÄYE presents a true innovation and revolution in skincare: while most skincare targets symptoms on the surface, IRÄYE works sustainably on the underlying causes, restoring the skin’s ability to drain excess fluid, clear waste, and reduce inflammation from within. Therefore, it is not an exaggeration to say that IRÄYE presents the first authentic “longevity” hack.

This is made possible through our patented LYMPHACTIVE TM Complex, a proprietary blend of five scientifically validated plant extracts, in defined concentrations, developed after more than twenty years of research at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich and Harvard University.

In essence, IRÄYE doesn’t just make the skin look better — it helps it function better. The result is visibly depuffed, radiant, and firmer skin that reflects true, internal health.

Which ingredients are the main components in Iräye products and where do you source ingredients from?

At the heart of all IRÄYE formulas lies our LYMPHACTIVE TM Complex, a carefully optimized blend of five plant extracts—each selected for its ability to support lymphatic vessel survival, maintenance, and pumping activity. These extracts are naturally derived, small-molecule compounds and are responsibly sourced from certified Swiss suppliers.

Each product also contains complementary high-quality active ingredients for targeted skin benefits, depending on the product type and the key concern to be addressed. Some worth mention include the
following:
 Bio-retinol from the plant Bidens pilosa, offers retinol-like rejuvenation without irritation.
 Triple hyaluronic acid - a mix of high, medium, and low molecular weights, which ensures
optimal hydration at every skin layer.
 Kakadu Plum extract, one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C, boosts collagen
synthesis and brightens the complexion.
 Niacinamide brightens the complexion and supports skin resilience
Together, these ingredients not only renew and protect the skin but perform even more effectively
thanks to improved lymphatic activation — creating a perfectly balanced environment for sustained
long-term skin health.

Which is an international Iräye bestseller and which products are essential for skincare? 

Our international IRÄYE best-seller is the Eye Revive Cream, a product that has immediately gained the trust of all consumers using it. The Eye Revive Cream was designed to offer unparalleled results, which are visible already within a week of application. When the product application is supported by its tools (Eye and Face Gua-sha and Reusable Eye-patches), this synergy (mechanical stimulation with the gua-sha or occlusive bandage//sealed product application enhances absorption) maximizes the effectiveness of the eye cream product (see image below).
In my view, the Eye Revive Cream presents “our powerhouse” that combines some of the most important characteristics in a skincare product:
 Addresses one of the most common concerns – the periorbital area.
 Targets a concrete need – namely puffiness - that is common between women and men
 Offers an assortment of highly active and synergistic active ingredients, which altogether
reduce swelling/puffiness, improve skin tone, reduce dark circles, and reduce fine lines and
wrinkles.
 Offers quickly visible results and at a fair price; a combination which has resulted in
exceptionally high repurchase rates.

Products essential for skincare:

In my view, both men and women do not necessitate an extended skincare portfolio, but a targeted, product baseline, which addresses their profound skin needs and/or concerns. For me, the skincare essentials are the following: Cleanser, Serum, Cream/Rich Cream/Eye Cream/Body Cream.
The Cleanser (part of our portfolio as well), preconditioning the skin for what follows.
A highly active Serum, our Radiance Firming Serum has become an international bestseller—a lightweight yet powerful formula that visibly sculpts, depuffs, and restores radiance. It’s often paired with The Cream, our award-winning moisturizer, for deep nourishment and barrier repair.
This duo works synergistically: the serum penetrates deeply to activate lymphatic flow and hydration in the lower layers, while the cream locks in moisture, reinforces the skin barrier, and provides a lasting firming effect. If more intense moisturization (dry skin or demanding weather conditions) or more transformation (mature skin) is needed, our newly presented The Rich Cream presents the seasonal option for advanced moisturization and the highest level of activity.
Moving from the popular facial skincare, at least a body product needs to be included in our skincare routine. The Shaping Body Cream is not simply a moisturization product but a product that leverages distinct active ingredients to decrease swelling, improve the skin tone, reduce cellulite, and form/curve the human body.
This can be of particular importance for women, to address visible areas such as the arms, legs, and the cleavage.
With this product, the basic portfolio of IRÄYE has been completed, with multiple promising innovations coming soon.

My point:
If you had to select a product to test a brand, which would you choose? For me, the answer is the eye cream. It is a key product in a brand`s portfolio, and if a brand is able to nail this, then the product line is definitely worth assessing.

Besides research, what are your favourite pastime activities?

Outside of the lab or the hospital, I’m happiest when I can recharge outdoors, being in contact with nature. I love swimming, hiking, or simply jogging in Zurich along the Limmat River. Of course, nothing compares to spending time with those you love: cooking together, traveling, or simply enjoying long discussions - those moments bring balance and perspective. I also have a deep appreciation for art and design, particularly sculpture, which often inspires how I think about beauty and form, both at IRÄYE and in my job as a plastic surgeon.