A repeat-hand washer working in the healthcare industry pre-pandemic, Ricardo Gray knew keeping his hands clean was just as imperative as replenishing moisture.

As a nurse anesthetist at Columbia University, around-the-clock lathering with bar soaps and alcohol-based hand sanitizers left his hands dry and chapped with the irritation of occasional contact dermatitis.

“I tried countless moisturizers, but most provided only temporary relief or were too greasy for practical use during my shifts,” Gray told Happi. “This experience opened my eyes to the need for products that not only hydrate but also restore and protect the skin barrier, especially for people in demanding professions like healthcare.”

In order to restore the youthfulness to his overworked hands, he took matters into them to not only rebalance the delicate microbiome, but create a new one. To do this, the new entrepreneur wished to incorporate probiotics into the products, though not a widely embraced concept.

“I was laughed off the phone,” he recalled during a phone call to a prospective chemist.

A true entrepreneur, Gray wasn’t going to let one person’s opinion drown out his vision. Eventually, he found his tribe in a group of chemists and contract manufacturers who well understood and embraced his ideas for microbiome-focused skincare.

“Together, we developed a triple bioferment blend, combining pre-, pro-, and post-biotics to hydrate, condition and support the skin’s good bacteria,” said Gray. “This pioneering approach, paired with innovative ingredients like African whitewood, Tasmanian pepperberry and nurturing botanicals such as cloudberry extract and Kakadu plum, laid the foundation for our results-driven, microbiome-friendly formulations.”

The Product Line

His skincare line, Nuebiome — “nue” meaning renewal and innovation and “biome” to imply the skin’s ecosystem — would nourish and support a healthy microbiome to help it maintain its natural harmony.

Nuebiome’s first product was the Amaretto and Biotic Hand Remedy. Mimicking the richness of amaretto, the fast-absorbing, lightweight formula of bioferments and emollients creates a silky, luxurious feel ideal for ashy areas of the skin like elbows and knees. The product laid the foundation for its commitment to creating multi-use skincare solutions. These include the brand’s Biotic Glow Ferment Essence, which works to tighten pores and enhance radiance with a triple bioferment blend.

Nuebiome’s Glyco-Biotic Ultra-Synbiotic Facial uses trendy ingredient glycolic acid to exfoliate with glycolic acid while restoring skin’s microbiome with pre-, pro- and post-biotics, leaving skin smooth, radiant and balanced. Per a recent report from Spate, glycolic acid is a leading skin care ingredient. Analysts say it saw an average of 114.5K monthly searches, marking a +10.4K increase compared to last year.

Empris-Peony Biotic Resurfacing Night Serum is a gentle exfoliating serum that smooths and firms overnight to optimize the skin’s natural repair process.

Lastly, Nuebiome’s Barrier Boost Moisture Rescue Set comprises a complete routine to repair and hydrate the skin barrier.

With inclusivity going beyond skin-deep, Gray says the brand aims to cater to diverse needs with formulations that respect the skin’s unique biology.

While primarily direct-to-consumer, Nuebiome’s select retail partnerships include spas and ecosmetics.com, and a pop-up in New York City’s Grand Central Terminal.

For 2025, Nuebiome has a bevy of new products in the pipeline, which include a Skin Soothing Face Oil infused with botanicals tamanu and cape chamomile, and innovative bundles.