AURAE laboratory with researchers formulating products

Our Story

Where Science
Meets Beauty

AURAE was born in a small Parisian atelier in 2014, founded by cosmetic chemist Dr. Élise Moreau and entrepreneur James Chen. Frustrated by the industry's reliance on cheap fillers and empty marketing, they set out to create a brand that honored both nature and science — a place where no ingredient is included without purpose, and no formula is launched without rigorous testing.

What started as a single serum — the Radiance Renewal — crafted in batches of 200 bottles at a time, has grown into a global collection of over 80 products sold in 48 countries. Yet our philosophy remains unchanged: every formulation must earn its place on the shelf. We own our entire supply chain, from sustainable sourcing in the hills of Tuscany to our ISO-certified laboratories in Lyon.

We are cruelty-free, carbon-neutral, and committed to transparency. Every ingredient, every concentration, every clinical result is published for our community to see. Because beauty shouldn't be a mystery — it should be a radiant truth.

— Dr. Élise Moreau, Co-Founder & Chief Formulator

Our Values

What Guides Us

Three principles that define every decision we make, every product we create.

🔬

Science-First Formulation

Every product is developed in partnership with dermatologists and cosmetic chemists. We publish clinical results, ingredient concentrations, and third-party testing data — because efficacy is not negotiable.

🌿

Radical Transparency

We list every ingredient with its exact percentage, source origin, and scientific rationale on our website. No proprietary blends, no hidden fillers — just honest formulations you can trust.

♻️

Planet-First Impact

Carbon-neutral since 2021. All packaging is either recycled, recyclable, or refillable. We fund regenerative agriculture programs that restore soil health and biodiversity at our sourcing farms.

Signature Ingredients

Nature, Amplified

The hero ingredients that power our most-loved formulas.

🍊

Mediterranean Vitamin C

Stabilized L-ascorbic acid sourced from Sicilian oranges. 20% concentration with a patented delivery system for maximum absorption without irritation.

🌹

Damask Rose Ceramides

Cold-pressed from roses grown in the Valley of Roses, Bulgaria. A rare lipid complex that restores the skin barrier and locks in moisture for 72 hours.

🌊

Deep Sea Hyaluronic Acid

Five-weight hyaluronic acid complex fermented from marine microorganisms. Penetrates seven layers of skin for multi-depth hydration that lasts.

The Team

Meet the Makers

The people behind the products — scientists, artists, and dreamers.

Dr. Élise Moreau

Dr. Élise Moreau

Co-Founder & Chief Formulator

PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. 18 years in cosmetic R&D at L'Oréal and Chanel before founding AURAE. Believes the best ingredients don't need preservatives.

James Chen

James Chen

Co-Founder & CEO

Former biotech strategist turned beauty entrepreneur. Built AURAE's supply chain from scratch. Passionate about making clean beauty accessible at scale.

Priya Kapoor

Priya Kapoor

Head of Sustainability

Former UNEP environmental scientist. Led AURAE to carbon neutrality in 2021. Now developing the industry's first fully biodegradable luxury packaging line.