Behind the Brand: Your Clean Beauty Story: IOKA Skin+Science

For Olga Goldberger, skincare was never just about beauty—it was about healing. Years ago, she struggled with rosacea and couldn’t find products that worked without aggravating her skin. Drawing on her scientific background, she began experimenting with her own emulsifier-free formulations and saw results almost immediately. That turning point became the foundation for IOKA Skin+Science, a brand rooted in clean, science-backed solutions for sensitive skin. At the 10th Clean Beauty Awards, IOKA’s Eye Care Complex was nominated for its unique approach to hydration and skin barrier support.

As one of the few emulsifier-free brands in the industry, IOKA stands out by helping people restore their skin without relying on conventional shortcuts.

From a Personal Problem to a Broader Mission

Olga realized she wasn’t alone in reacting to emulsifiers. IOKA Skin+Science was founded to fill that gap—for people with rosacea, sensitive skin, or even those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. The brand replaces emulsifiers with plant-based phospholipids that not only combine oil and water but also help restore the skin’s barrier. According to Olga, that barrier is central to most common skin issues, including wrinkles, dark spots, acne, and dryness.

A Skincare Line Rooted in Science

IOKA’s core values are simple but intentional: clean and sustainable skincare, evidence-based ingredients, and fresh formulations. Each product is made in small batches to preserve potency. The brand avoids sulphates, parabens, mineral oils, PEGs, and fragrances—and uniquely, it also excludes emulsifiers. Instead, it incorporates actives like NAD+ boosters, retinols, and peptides to support visible results.

Every decision—from ingredient sourcing to production—is guided by scientific validation and a commitment to skin health.

Solving the Emulsifier Problem

“The challenge for me as a scientist was to find a way to formulate my products without emulsifiers. Emulsifiers are cheap and unregulated, and everyone is using them. It took me a while to find plant phospholipids—either from soy or sunflower—that could do the same job but were healing for the skin. They form liposomes that carry bioactive ingredients deep into the skin, so people can see the effect quickly: hydration, smoothness, and even tone in just a few days. Once I learned how to work with phospholipids and saw what they could do, I felt so happy. I had found a way to transform the skin in a short amount of time without relying on chemicals.”

– Olga Goldberger, Founder of IOKA Skin+Science

Real Feedback from Real People

IOKA’s approach has made a clear impact on its community. Customers frequently report visible changes in just a few days—reduced redness, smoother skin, and fewer breakouts. Many say the products helped ease rosacea symptoms or dryness. For some oncology patients, IOKA’s gentle formulas became an important part of their skin recovery process during treatment.

Why Clean Beauty Awards Matters

“I am very proud to be part of Clean Beauty Awards, and to have our products certified with CertClean means so much for us and for our clients. It means TRUST, HONESTY, and TRANSPARENCY, and it brings validation to our core values and beliefs.”

– Olga Goldberger, Founder of IOKA Skin+Science

IOKA Skin+Science’s nomination at the 10th Clean Beauty Awards reflects its commitment to evidence-based skincare that supports even the most sensitive skin. To learn more, follow @ioka_skinscience on Instagram.

Want to meet another brand making clean beauty fun and accessible? Read how Blessed Bananas is bringing creativity and purpose to the skincare aisle.

And if you want a deeper look at this year’s top-performing products, check out the 2025 Clean Beauty Awards Ultimate Guide—the go-to resource for the brands and formulas raising the standard in clean beauty.