Phyto-C

What Phyto-C does

Phyto-C is a privately held, family-owned skincare company founded in 1995 by Dr. Mostafa Omar in Hawthorne, New Jersey. The company is credited with inventing the world's first stabilized topical Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) formulation and has built a portfolio of serums, gels, moisturizers, cleansers, and specialty lines including the SuperHeal O-Live and Hyper series, with products priced between $36 and $198. Its core technical differentiator is proprietary stabilization chemistry — including the patented H2A2 platform — that protects L-Ascorbic Acid from oxidation, a long-standing technical barrier in topical Vitamin C skincare. The company holds multiple patents and has received two National Cancer Institute research grants supporting the founder's formulation work.

The business operates a direct-to-consumer e-commerce model with subscription options, supported by editorial credibility in Vogue, Forbes, New York Magazine, and InStyle. Phyto-C has reportedly sold more than 2 million bottles to over 250,000 customers and distributes across 21+ countries, combining owned DTC channels with international reseller partnerships. In 2023, Eddie Omar assumed the CEO role, formalizing second-generation leadership while the founder continues as formulator and scientific lead.

Phyto-C's revenue mechanics are anchored in premium DTC skincare pricing and a tiered assortment that spans entry-level cleansers to high-end serums. Customer acquisition is largely driven by editorial coverage and category authority in stabilized Vitamin C, with international expansion providing the primary growth lever. There is no disclosed evidence of AI/ML capabilities, enterprise B2B contracts, or external funding rounds, indicating an organic, founder-led growth profile.

Name

Phyto-C

Legal name

Phytoceuticals, Inc.

Website

https://phyto-c.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Phyto-C is a family-owned skincare company, founded in 1995 by Dr. Mostafa Omar, that invented the world's first stabilized topical Vitamin C serum and sells a DTC assortment of serums, cleansers, and moisturizers across 21+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Clinical Skincare

NAICS

Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, and Perfume Retailers (456120), Soap and Cleaning Compound Manufacturing (32561)

SIC

Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844), Soap, Detergents, Cleang Preparations, Perfumes, Cosmetics (2840)

akta.pro primary industry

Treatment Skincare (Serums, Actives, Acne & Anti-aging) (CRABAAAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Facial Skincare (Cleansers, Toners, Moisturizers) (CRABAAAA), Dermocosmetics & Medical-Grade Skincare (CRABAAAF), Eye & Lip Skincare (CRABAAAC)

Keywords

• Topical vitamin C serums
• Stabilized L-Ascorbic Acid
• Olive leaf extract skincare
• Anti-aging clinical skincare
• Hyaluronic acid serums

Headquarters

HQ city

Elmwood Park

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Product Sales (Direct E-commerce): One-time purchases of skincare products through owned e-commerce website. Products include serums, gels, moisturizers, cleansers, toners, masks, and eye care priced from $36 to $198.
2. Subscription/Recurring Orders: Subscribe & Save program offering 5% discount on regular deliveries. Subscription options include monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly delivery frequencies with free domestic US shipping and free product samples on every delivery.
3. International Distribution: Products available at select locations worldwide including 21 countries (United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Asia, and Europe).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Phyto-C develops, manufactures, and sells clinically tested topical skincare products centered on its proprietary stabilized L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) technology, patented SuperHeal O-Live Leaf Extract, and H2A2 Hyaluronic Acid. The assortment covers serums, gels, creams, cleansers, toners, masks, eye care, and hair care, sold primarily through the company's own e-commerce site with optional recurring subscriptions. All products are hand-crafted in Hawthorne, New Jersey.

Product overview

Phyto-C is a skincare brand founded by Dr. Mostafa Omar in 1995, known for inventing the world's first stabilized topical Vitamin C formulation. The company operates as a direct-to-consumer e-commerce business selling clinically tested skincare products centered around Vitamin C, Olive Leaf Extract, and complementary botanical ingredients. The product portfolio spans multiple categories including cleansers (Soothing Cleanser), toners (Balancing Toner), serums (SuperHeal O-Live Serum, Selenium in C Serum, E in C Advanced, E in C Lite, Hyper-C, Serum Fifteen, Serum Twenty, Hyper Lift, Hyper White, Phyto Plus Gel, Eye Return Gel), moisturizers and gels (SuperHeal O-Live Gel, B5 Gel, Velvet Gel, Phyto Gel, Hyper Hydrate, Icy Blue, SuperHeal O-Live Cream, Intensive Hydrating Cream, SuperHeal O-Live Lotion), masks and exfoliators (SuperHeal O-Live Mask, Intense Line Defense), eye care (Corrective Eye Cream, Reviving Eye Gel), and hair care (Hair Repair Tonic). The brand emphasizes clinical testing, scientific formulation with patented ingredients like SuperHeal O-Live Leaf Extract and H2A2 Hyaluronic Acid, and maintains a commitment to cruelty-free, vegan formulations. Products are manufactured by hand in Hawthorne, NJ with rigorous quality control.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SuperHeal O-Live Gel High-potency moisturizing gel with patented Olive Leaf Extract and Hyaluronic Acid that soothes dry, irritated skin; clinically tested for improved barrier ability.
• SuperHeal O-Live Serum Antioxidant serum with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, 1% Retinol, 1% Alpha-Tocopherol, and Olive Leaf Extract; 7.5–8x more effective than Vitamin C alone for fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness.
• B5 Gel International best-selling moisturizer with high concentration Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B5; clinically tested to relieve dryness and improve hydration.
• Velvet Gel High-potency gel with Amino Acids, Vitamin B12, and Hyaluronic Acid; clinically tested to improve fine lines, wrinkles, and irritated skin with better gloss and firmness.
• Selenium in C Serum Powerful antioxidant serum combining Vitamin C, Selenium, Retinol, and Vitamin E clinically tested to reduce photo-damage.
• E in C Advanced Most advanced Vitamin C + E serum with 20% L-Ascorbic Acid and 5% Vitamin E that visibly brightens and improves fine lines and dark spots.
• Phyto Gel Brightening botanical formula with Arbutin and Kojic Acid clinically tested to improve discoloration and uneven skin tone, suitable for medium to dark skin tones.
• Hyper-C High-strength Vitamin C serum combining H2A2 technology with 20% L-Ascorbic Acid and Peptides to rejuvenate dull skin and deliver maximum antioxidant benefits.
• Eye Return Gel Preventative eye treatment with 7% L-Ascorbic Acid clinically tested to hydrate, brighten, and reduce crow's feet and dark circles.
• Serum Twenty High-potency 20% Vitamin C formula clinically tested to improve fine lines, wrinkles, and visible photodamage; contains Hyaluronic Acid and Zinc Sulfate.
• Hyper Lift Peptide-rich serum with Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, H2A2 Hyaluronic Acid, and Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 clinically tested to lift, firm, and smooth aging skin.
• Retinol 0.5% Concentrated 0.5% Retinol formula clinically tested to smooth fine lines, refine texture, and improve skin tone.
• Hyper White Multi-Acid brightening serum with H2A2, Salicylic Acid, and Glycolic Acid clinically tested to improve dark spots, refine texture, and even skin tone.
• Active Advanced Potent resurfacing formula with Salicylic Acid, Retinol, and Azelaic Acid clinically tested to refine texture, even tone, and improve discoloration.
• Phyto Plus Gel Concentrated botanical formula with Arbutin and Kojic Acid clinically tested to brighten dark spots, even skin tone, and enhance radiance.
• Soothing Cleanser Gentle AHA-powered cleanser with Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid that exfoliates and refreshes without stripping natural oils; suitable for all skin types.
• Balancing Toner Gentle exfoliating toner with Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Citric Acid that balances skin pH and removes residue.
• Hyper Hydrate Triple-weight Hyaluronic Acid serum with L-Proline and Niacinamide delivering deep, lasting hydration for smoother, plumper skin.
• Icy Blue Cooling gel with Menthol, Amino Acids, and Hyaluronic Acid clinically tested to soothe irritation and calm inflamed, stressed skin.
• SuperHeal O-Live Cream Rich antioxidant cream with Olive Leaf Extract, Retinol, Ceramides, and Hyaluronic Acid clinically tested to hydrate, smooth, and support skin barrier.
• Intensive Hydrating Cream Rich restorative cream with Ceramide III and Proline clinically tested to deeply hydrate and improve dry, aging skin.
• SuperHeal O-Live Lotion Nourishing antioxidant lotion with Olive Leaf Extract and Ceramides clinically tested to hydrate, smooth, and improve aging skin.
• SuperHeal O-Live Mask Detoxifying mask with Olive Leaf Extract, Bentonite Clay, Kaolin Clay, and Alpha-Hydroxy Acids clinically tested to purify pores, refine texture, and brighten congested skin.
• Intense Line Defense Resurfacing treatment with Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Amino Acids clinically tested to smooth fine lines, refine texture, and improve skin radiance.
• Corrective Eye Cream Peptide-rich eye cream with Chrysin and Multi-Peptide Complex clinically tested to improve puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.
• Reviving Eye Gel Eye treatment with Licorice Root Extract, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, and Chrysin clinically tested to brighten dark circles, reduce puffiness, and refresh tired eyes.
• Hair Repair Tonic Restorative scalp treatment with Salicylic Acid, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E clinically tested to support healthy hair growth and strengthen strands.
• E in C Lite Dual-antioxidant serum with 10% Vitamin C and 5% Vitamin E clinically tested to brighten uneven tone and improve photodamage; gentler formula for sensitive skin.
• Serum Fifteen Potent yet gentle 15% Vitamin C antioxidant serum clinically tested to improve fine lines, uneven tone, and visible photodamage; ideal for sensitive skin or first-time Vitamin C users.

Quantifiable outcome

• 7.5-8x more effective antioxidant protection when combining Vitamin C with Vitamin A, E, and Olive Leaf Extract
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature4 records

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• SkinCeuticals: SkinCeuticals is the most direct competitor — founded around CE Ferulic and other stabilized L-Ascorbic Acid formulations, positioned as dermatologist-dispensed clinical skincare. Both brands compete in the Vitamin C serum category with similar clinical-testing-led messaging, though SkinCeuticals now has L'Oréal's distribution and retail scale behind it.
• The Ordinary (DECIEM): The Ordinary pioneered affordable, ingredient-forward single-actives serums, including multiple Vitamin C formats, and overlaps with Phyto-C on L-Ascorbic Acid serums and derivative actives. Both brands target skincare consumers who shop by ingredient rather than brand mythology, though The Ordinary operates at mass-market price points ($5-$15) versus Phyto-C's premium positioning.
• Drunk Elephant: Drunk Elephant is a clean-clinical skincare brand with a strong Vitamin C franchise (C-Firma, C-Tango) and overlapping anti-aging, brightening, and barrier-support product categories. Both brands emphasize clinical testing and biocompatible formulations, though Drunk Elephant has Sephora distribution and Shiseido ownership providing vastly greater marketing reach.
• Paula's Choice: Paula's Choice is a clinically-led skincare brand with a strong Vitamin C and antioxidant portfolio, comparable ingredient-philosophy positioning, and a similar DTC-plus-retail omnichannel model. The brands compete directly for evidence-driven consumers across anti-aging, brightening, and exfoliation categories.
• Timeless Skin Care: Timeless Skin Care is a focused Vitamin C serum brand (CE Ferulic, 20% Vitamin C + E + Ferulic) with comparable stabilized L-Ascorbic Acid formulations at lower price points. It is a closer head-to-head competitor in the pure Vitamin C category, though at a more accessible price tier and without Phyto-C's broader portfolio.

Emerging players

• Mad Hippie Skin Care: Mad Hippie is a smaller clean-clinical skincare brand with a comparable Vitamin C serum (Vita C) and similar multi-active antioxidant positioning. It is a smaller-scale emerging player competing for the same ingredient-conscious consumer but without Phyto-C's 35-year patent portfolio and NCI-validated research.
• iS Clinical: iS Clinical is a clinical skincare brand with a strong Vitamin C (CE Ferulic, Pro-Heal) and poly-ingredient antioxidant portfolio, sold through dermatologists, med-spas, and online channels. It overlaps with Phyto-C on the science-forward, physician-channel positioning but with greater penetration in professional skincare settings.

Broad incumbents

• Obagi Medical: Obagi is a physician-dispensed clinical skincare brand with a Vitamin C and anti-aging portfolio (Obagi-C) directly comparable to Phyto-C's positioning. It shares the dermatologist-channel, clinical-efficacy messaging but operates at broader category scope and via Valeant/Bausch Health's distribution.
• La Roche-Posay: La Roche-Posay is a dermocosmetics broad incumbent owned by L'Oréal, with dermatologist-recommended positioning, clinical testing, and a Vitamin C / antioxidant portfolio. It competes with Phyto-C on the dermatology-trusted, clinically tested axis but at vastly broader scale across cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens.
• Vichy Laboratoires: Vichy is a dermocosmetics incumbent (L'Oréal) with a Liftactiv Vitamin C / antioxidant range, overlapping clinical-led anti-aging positioning and similar premium-to-mass pricing architecture. It competes for the same dermatologist-recommended consumer but at much larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/PhytoCSkinCare
• Instagraminstagram.com/phytoc_skincare
• TikToktiktok.com/@phytoc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/phyto-c

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Phyto-C