Phlas
Phlas is a German direct-to-consumer skincare brand selling a patented cold plasma home device for acne-prone, rosacea-prone, and sensitive skin, paired with recurring consumable spacer refills, currently operating exclusively in Germany.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersGarching Bei München, Germany
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Phlas does
Phlas is a German direct-to-consumer skincare brand that sells a handheld cold plasma device for home use, targeting consumers with acne-prone, rosacea-prone, sensitive, and reactive skin. The device is built on Surface Micro Discharge (SMD) technology — a proprietary, multi-patented method that generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) at near room temperature, producing plasma on an insulated surface separate from the skin so that no electrical current flows through the user. The SKU portfolio is intentionally narrow: a €466 starter set (device plus a Mini Spacer Set of disposable Paperfoam spacers) and two consumable refill SKUs at €34 per 10-pack (approximately 30 days of use), with a 30-day money-back guarantee. The system is positioned as a bio-mimetic alternative to DBD plasma devices, claiming clinical outcomes of 27.79% pore reduction and 6.49% skin clarity improvement after eight weeks of consistent use, validated under Dermatest study ST-AT-2024-00233.\n\nThe company is a consumer-facing spin-off of the Max Planck Society, with terraplasma GmbH as the underlying technology parent and hyped about science GmbH (Garching bei M\u00fcnchen) as the operating brand entity. The company is led by Managing Director Lisa J\u00fcngst. Distribution is exclusively through the company's own Shopify storefront at phlas.com, with DHL shipping within Germany in 1-3 business days, and no external retail or marketplace channels disclosed. The company holds CE marking, SGS/CB certification under IEC 60335-1, and has earned editorial coverage in InStyle, Brigitte, Gala, ELLE, Harper's Bazaar, and Grazia. No external equity or venture funding is disclosed.\n\nPhlas is currently a single-market operator (Germany-only shipping) and is signaling two expansion vectors: geographic expansion beyond Germany and a product line extension into a complete skincare regimen (Cleanser, Toner, Moisturizer) plus Daily Liquid Supplements designed to complement the device. Recurring revenue is anchored by the consumable spacer refills, which are replaced approximately every three days. The company operates with no disclosed headcount, no disclosed revenue, and no disclosed institutional backers, making it an early-stage consumer hardware brand with an asset-light e-commerce go-to-market and a deep, research-validated technology platform.
Phlas firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Phlas
- Legal name
- hyped about science GmbH
- Website
- https://phlas.com
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Phlas is a German direct-to-consumer skincare brand selling a patented cold plasma home device for acne-prone, rosacea-prone, and sensitive skin, paired with recurring consumable spacer refills, currently operating exclusively in Germany.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Phlas industry classification
Industry- NAICS
- Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing (3391)
- SIC
- Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Skincare Devices (Cleansing Brushes, Microcurrent, LED, Dermaplaning) (CRABAKAI)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Dermocosmetics & Medical-Grade Skincare (CRABAAAF)
Keywords
Where Phlas is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Garching Bei München
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Phlas business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
Revenue model
- Cold Plasma Device Sales: One-time hardware sales of the Phlas Cold Plasma Skintech Device (Starter Set including Device + Mini Spacer Set). The device is the core product platform that enables the ongoing consumable revenue.
- Spacer Refill Consumables: Recurring consumable sales of disposable spacer refills in two sizes (Small and Large). 10 spacers provide approximately 30 days of application. Spacer replacement every 3 days is recommended for hygienic use, making this a recurring revenue stream.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Phlas Starter Set - Cold Plasma Device with Mini Spacer Set |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Spacer Refills Size L - 10 Pack |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Spacer Refills Size S - 10 Pack |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels5 records
Phlas product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Phlas sells a handheld cold plasma skincare device (the Phlas Starter Set) that uses proprietary Surface Micro Discharge (SMD) technology to generate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) at near room temperature for daily home skincare applications. The system is supported by recurring sales of disposable Paperfoam spacer refills (Small and Large) sold as 10-packs that cover approximately 30 days of use each. Products are marketed to consumers with acne-prone, rosacea-prone, enlarged pores, sensitive, and reactive skin, with clinical proof of a 27.79% pore reduction after 8 weeks.
Product overview
Phlas is a bio-mimetic skincare system built around its Cold Plasma Device — a handheld cold plasma skintech product based on the patented Surface Micro Discharge (SMD) technology. The portfolio consists of the core Phlas Cold Plasma Device (offered as a starter set including the device and Mini Spacer Set) and two Spacer Refill SKUs in Small and Large sizes, both sold as 10-packs for approximately 30 days of use each. The device and spacers function as an interdependent system: the device generates controlled cold plasma, while the spacers create a defined micro-volume application chamber that ensures precise, even plasma delivery to the skin surface. Planned future additions to the system include a Cleanser, Toner, and Moisturizer (skincare range), as well as Daily Liquid Supplements — all designed to work in combination with the cold plasma device within the Phlas Skintech System routine.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Quantifiable outcome
- 27.79% reduction in pore size after 8 weeks of consistent use
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Phlas
Customer profileSegments2 records
Phlas technology and API
TechnologyAPI detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration24 records
Feature4 records
Phlas partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- European Space Agency (ESA)coreThe European Space Agency collaborated on cold plasma technology transfer from space research to consumer applications. ESA's commercialization programs adapted plasma and space research technologies for non-space use, including the development and scientific testing of the first Phlas prototype.
- Max Planck Society (Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik)coreResearch origin for Phlas technology. Plasma research under microgravity conditions at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics provided fundamental scientific insights that led to controlled cold plasma technology development. Phlas emerged as a spin-off from the Max Planck Society.
- Universitätsklinikum Regensburg (UKR)coreDermatology department at University Hospital Regensburg conducted clinical testing of Phlas effectiveness and safe skin application as part of an ESA-funded program, in collaboration with terraplasma. Testing confirmed safety and efficacy on primary eukaryotic skin cells with no negative effects within defined application parameters.
- terraplasma GmbHcoreParent technology company and spin-off from Max Planck Society (founded 2011). Develops and owns the proprietary multi-patented cold plasma technologies underlying the Phlas device. Provides deep expertise in miniaturized power supplies, modern plasma generation, and precision electrical devices. Also parent of hyped about science brand.
- hyped about science GmbHcoreParent company and brand operator of Phlas. Registered in Munich, Germany with headquarters in Garching bei München. Manages the Phlas consumer brand and e-commerce operations.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Phlas competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Foreo: Foreo is a global beauty-tech brand known for its LUNA cleansing brushes and UFO LED treatment devices, sold DTC and through premium retail. It is a direct competitor in the at-home beauty device category with a similar premium, design-led positioning.
- Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare: Dr. Dennis Gross pioneered at-home LED light therapy masks and sells a portfolio of clinical-grade skincare devices direct-to-consumer. Like Phlas, the brand emphasizes dermatologist-backed efficacy and premium positioning, and competes for the same clinical-skincare-device shopper.
- Solawave: Solawave sells 4-in-1 skincare wands combining red light therapy, microcurrent, therapeutic warmth, and facial massage direct-to-consumer. It targets the same premium beauty-device shopper as Phlas with a celebrity-driven, social-first brand and overlapping price point.
- CurrentBody: CurrentBody is a direct-to-consumer retailer and brand of at-home beauty devices, best known for LED light therapy masks and skincare tech. It competes with Phlas in the premium at-home skincare device category targeting similar affluent, science-curious consumers with clinical efficacy claims.
- BeautyBio: BeautyBio sells clinical-grade at-home skincare tools including the GloPRO microneedling device, alongside proprietary skincare products. Like Phlas, the brand emphasizes professional-grade technology for home use with a premium DTC go-to-market model.
- NuFACE: NuFACE is the category leader in at-home microcurrent facial toning devices, sold through DTC and retail channels globally. It shares Phlas's premium price point, clinical credibility positioning, and consumer-facing beauty device business model.
- JOVS: JOVS is a beauty-tech brand selling IPL hair removal, LED skin rejuvenation, and microcurrent devices globally via DTC. It is a direct competitor in the at-home beauty device category with a similar premium positioning and tech-forward brand identity.
- Trophy Skin: Trophy Skin offers a range of at-home microcurrent, LED, and cleansing devices targeted at anti-aging and acne-prone skin concerns. It overlaps with Phlas in addressing similar consumer problems (acne, aging, skin clarity) through handheld beauty technology.
Broad incumbents
- Therabody: Therabody (Theragun) is a large, well-capitalized wellness-tech brand that has expanded into skincare devices and recovery tools, with global DTC and retail distribution. It shares the premium tech-enabled wellness device positioning and represents a broader incumbent expanding into Phlas's adjacent category.
Regional players
- Beurer: Beurer is a long-established German manufacturer of wellness, beauty, and health devices including facial care and cleansing devices. It is a relevant regional peer given the shared German market footprint, retail distribution muscle, and overlapping at-home beauty device categories.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Phlas compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Phlas financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Phlas leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Phlas funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Phlas M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Phlas
What does Phlas do?
Phlas sells a handheld cold plasma skincare device (the Phlas Starter Set) that uses proprietary Surface Micro Discharge (SMD) technology to generate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) at near room temperature for daily home skincare applications. The system is supported by recurring sales of disposable Paperfoam spacer refills (Small and Large) sold as 10-packs that cover approximately 30 days of use each. Products are marketed to consumers with acne-prone, rosacea-prone, enlarged pores, sensitive, and reactive skin, with clinical proof of a 27.79% pore reduction after 8 weeks.
Is Phlas a public or private company?
Phlas is a private company. It is currently operating.
When was Phlas founded?
Phlas was founded in -1.
Where is Phlas based?
Phlas is headquartered in Garching Bei München, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Phlas make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Cold Plasma Device Sales are the primary driver. The others are spacer Refill Consumables.
Who are Phlas's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Foreo, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, Solawave, CurrentBody, BeautyBio, NuFACE, JOVS and Trophy Skin. Therabody is listed as a broad incumbent. Beurer is listed as a regional player.
Does Phlas have an API?
No public API is recorded for Phlas.
What industry is Phlas in?
Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRABAKAI, Skincare Devices (Cleansing Brushes, Microcurrent, LED, Dermaplaning), with a secondary code of CRABAAAF, Dermocosmetics & Medical-Grade Skincare. Its NAICS code is 3391 and its SIC code is 2844.