ABOUT YCODE
YCODE is a men’s skincare system built on one idea: men deserve formulas engineered for their biology, not borrowed from women’s skincare. After five years of research into men’s skin, we found a strong connection between male skin physiology and the behaviour of microalgae. That discovery became the foundation of our From Sea to Cell™ technology.
Men’s skin is thicker and more collagen dense. It carries twice as much oil, has lower baseline hydration, and follows a different collagen structure and collagen timeline. These differences demand a different approach. Working with marine biotech labs in Iceland and Barcelona, we developed formulas powered by microalgae with adaptive intelligence. These organisms are among the oldest forms of life on the planet and have evolved to protect themselves in extreme conditions. Even after extraction they retain the ability to read the skin, understand what it needs and respond in real time.
The result is a simple three step system that works with each man’s skin and adapts to its changing needs. Hydration when the skin is dry. Balance when it is oily. Calm when it is inflamed. Every man receives a response tailored to him.
All products are fragrance free, responsibly produced, and packaged in recyclable aluminum, recyclable plastic and amber glass.
SKINCARE BUILT FOR MEN
YCODE is a modern skincare brand built around the biology and behaviour of men. We start with male skin as the foundation: thicker, oilier, lower pH, and earlier collagen loss. Our system is designed to work with those differences, driving greater efficacy by catering to the unique biological characteristics of male skin.
WHY WE EXIST
For years, the men’s skincare category has failed its customers with wrong formulas, cluttered routines, and outdated brand signals. YCODE was created to change that. We design products that are simple, effective, and credible. Products men can adopt easily and rely on every day.
OUR FOUNDER
Freddie Sheridan began building YCODE in 2018 with a clear intention, and five years of focused research and development to understand the unique biology of men’s skin and create formulas that genuinely serve them.
Before launching the brand, Freddie spent more than a decade shaping retail environments for global beauty brands at SheridanCX. That experience revealed a persistent industry habit: repurposed women’s formulas being sold to men. The products were not designed for men’s biology and often failed to deliver meaningful results.
Skincare had always been Freddie’s way of feeling prepared to step out into the world. A small daily ritual that built confidence when he needed it most. YCODE is designed to give men that same feeling.
STEP INSIDE THE SCIENCE
From microalgae cultivation in Iceland to formulation in Barcelona, every stage of YCODE’s development has been built with purpose. Our Mattifying Moisturiser and Hydrating Face Serum use a species of Chlorella vulgaris selected for its rare cell wall structure and its ability to sense and respond to environmental stressors. These microalgae contain antioxidants, amino acids, complex carbohydrates and omega rich fatty acids that strengthen the barrier, smooth texture and support long term skin resilience.
Our Eye Serum also draws on marine bioactives including Fucus vesiculosus and Lithothamnion calcareum. These mineral rich algae are highly effective at calming inflammation, supporting collagen strength and improving firmness around the eyes.
Together, these marine bioactives form the core of YCODE’s adaptive intelligence. They are the equivalent of the protein on the plate: the foundational actives that deliver strength, nourishment and daily resilience. Around them sits a wider system of peptides, vitamins, prebiotics and hydrating complexes, each selected for their ability to work with men’s skin and help it perform at its best.
These microalgae derived actives read the skin and synthesise the correct blend of antimicrobial peptides for the individual, ensuring each person receives exactly what their skin requires.
OUR FIRST STEP
When YCODE launched, we looked at the data first. The top skincare concern among men is the under-eye area, with dark circles and puffiness ranked highest above dryness, acne, or oil control.*
That insight shaped our debut: the Well Kept // Advanced Eye Serum. It goes on quickly, delivers visible results from the first use, and softens signs of fatigue throughout the day. A single tube lasts for months, making it an easy step that fits seamlessly into daily life.
The serum has already been awarded Best Men’s Eye Product by Esquire and Best in Grooming by Tatler, selected from hundreds of global entries. With more awards to come, this early recognition confirms our belief that the most effective results in men’s skincare come from formulating for the unique biological characteristics of male skin.
*Source: Cosmetics Business, May 2023.
THE SYSTEM
YCODE is expanding into a complete, modular skincare system. Each product works on its own and as part of a simple daily routine. Clean steps that cover the essentials: cleanse, treat, restore, protect. Together, they form a skincare system men can adopt easily and trust long term.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
For Men, By Men – designed and tested with men at the centre.
No Shortcuts – every formula built from scratch, never repurposed.
Science First – efficacy driven by the unique biology of male skin.
Responsible Design – aluminium tubes, recyclable cartons, and sustainable sourcing.
LOOKING AHEAD
We are building more than men’s skincare. YCODE represents a shift in how men approach self-care: with clarity, purpose, and composure. By anchoring every product in male biology, we aim to set a new standard for efficacy in men’s skincare worldwide.
