Defying Gravity: 8 Beauty Products and Devices That Harness Knowledge from Actual Space

Back in 2011, 111Skin founder and triple-board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Yannis Alexandrides was approached by former leaders of the Soviet Space Program to create the brand’s first ever product. That product was the Dramatic Healing Serum, and it's now called the Repair Serum NAC Y². In formulating this serum, Dr. Alexandrides utilized “sponge” technology from a previous patent as a solution to the accelerated internal and external aging experienced by astronauts in zero gravity. Dr. Alexandrides says that, “Space is a laboratory for aging,” because the lack of protection from atmosphere aggressors and gravity thins the skin super rapidly. The formula, which has now become 111SKIN’s best-seller, augments your body's natural healing and aging mechanisms through this sponge tech.

This moisturizer uses "Active Rush Technology," which is inspired by NASA technology used to create aerogel. Originally developed by NASA to insulate space shuttles, aerogel technology is now being used in some skincare products as a lightweight, breathable moisturizer. Aerogel is known for its ability to trap moisture and prevent water loss, making it ideal for skincare products. This Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer provides a lightweight, breathable barrier that hydrates the skin while also providing a matte finish.

While maybe not harnessing findings from space, this Droplette beauty device is quite literally funded by NASA (and the science created by MIT scientists), meaning its findings could be breakthroughs for the future of space and science. It works by the way of microinfusion, which means it transforms traditional water-based serums into a tiny, rapidly-moving mist that can bypass the skin's barrier 20 times more deeply than serums just applied topically to the skin, with no needles and no pain.

This serum uses a stabilized form of vitamin C that was developed by NASA to help astronauts recover from muscle and bone loss in space—and now, it’ll help you achieve a fresh, vibrant glow. The serum contains a potent form of vitamin C to brighten the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve overall skin health.

This serum uses a patented technology called "Epidermal Growth Factor" (EGF), which was originally developed by NASA to help astronauts heal wounds in space. The serum contains EGF to help repair damaged skin, stimulate collagen production, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Some reviewers liken it to the “Fountain of Youth.” With one pump daily of this lightweight formula, you’ll see why.

Using NASA-developed technology called Hyperspectral Imaging, Revea created the first clinical grade diagnostic imaging platform capable of seeing below the surface and measuring the six layers of skin biology that drive skin health and appearance from a single image. Using this AI-powered tool, they’re able to create skincare just for you—with precise formulations and concentrations of things like Vitamin C and specific extracts that change as your skin changes over time.

Estée Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Skin Serum is groundbreaking – quite literally. The company worked with NASA to send up bottles of their product to space, and is the first beauty brand to do so. The serum itself works to improve fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. The serum contains a patented ChronoluxCB™ technology that is said to support the skin's natural repair and renewal processes, and also includes hyaluronic acid to hydrate, as well as antioxidants to help protect the skin from environmental stressors (right here on earth). The lightweight serum is meant to be applied to clean skin before moisturizer and can be used both morning and night.

NASA's research on light therapy started in the 1980s and focused on the use of red and near-infrared lights, which were found to penetrate the skin deeply and promote cellular repair and regeneration. NASA researchers found that LED lights could help accelerate wound healing, reduce inflammation, and promote the growth of new tissue.This is the technology that’s used in all LED light therapy masks, including this one by Higher Dose, that rejuvenates skin and promotes a natural glow.