Hylunia

The Birth of Hylunia · 1988

Skincare that does no harm, built from first principles

Dr. Jegasothy led a team of dermatologists, chemists, holistic therapists and Ayurvedic vaidyas with some 200 years of combined experience. Their goal was skincare that avoided harm and actively healed, treating skin as a living organ.

The first formulation was mixed in a kitchen blender. Friends and family loved its light, non-greasy feel, so a KitchenAid mixer arrived for bigger batches, and the laundry room became a laboratory. The first cream was made in the suburbs of Philadelphia, and in that city's spirit of independence Hylunia gave customers freedom of choice by listing every ingredient and its effect.

The name blends hyaluronic acid with a Sanskrit-rooted suffix suggesting sanctuary. Hylunia states it was the first company to formulate all of its skincare with plant-derived hyaluronic acid.

1988Hylunia founded
200+Years of combined experience on the founding team
1 + 1 = 3The Ayurvedic principle behind its synergistic blends

What was left out

At a time when collagen and placental extracts were popular, Hylunia excluded:

  • Preservatives
  • Parabens
  • Carcinogens
  • Hormone disruptors
  • Fragrance
  • Dyes
  • Lanolin
  • Pesticide-contaminated extracts
  • Animal-derived ingredients

How it was formulated

Dr. Lingam paired an engineer's rigour with Dr. Jegasothy's dermatology, testing how ingredients interacted, how pH affected actives and any risk of contact dermatitis. Plant stem cells, peptides, adaptogens and Ayurvedic extracts were infused into hyaluronic acid as synergistic blends rather than added one by one.

Eastern Wisdom; Western ScienceAncient Ayurveda + Modern Science
Dr. Lingam of Hylunia Skin Care
Dr. Lingam, co-founder and formulator. Photograph courtesy of Hylunia

Hylunia's core purpose: "To benefit humanity"

Prevent toxicity & inflammationNo toxic, inflammatory, endocrine-disrupting or carcinogenic ingredients.
Effective productsResults must be real. A promise not kept is a karmic debt.
Do good karmaOnly ingredients proven to be anti-inflammatory. The skin is sacred.
Truthful and honestTransparent labels and evidence-based claims.
Simple, smart, compassionateNurture the skin rather than assault it.
Support fair tradeNo labour exploitation anywhere in the supply chain.
No cruelty to animalsNever tested on animals.
Freedom of choiceEducate customers with full ingredient transparency.
Holistic innovationCustomer well-being first, technology second.
Environmental responsibilitySustainable packaging and ethical sourcing.
Explore Hylunia Skin Care
History · Costa Mesa, California · Closed 2020

Hylunia Wellness MD Spa

A sanctuary where the body remembered how to heal

Dr. Lingam gave his philosophy a physical home in Costa Mesa, California. He wanted a sanctuary rather than a spa: a place where light, scent, touch and sound told the nervous system it was safe.

Hand-carved Balinese furniture, fibre-optic starry ceilings, dosha-matched aromatherapy, infrared detox and chakra stone therapy filled the space. In the sanctuary suite, guests rested to Dr. Lingam's guided meditations while a virtual journey to Bali played across the walls.

Every treatment was personalised, reflecting his belief that no single therapy fits everyone. In 2020, COVID-19 restrictions closed the spa. "Buildings can close," he said, "but healing doesn't need a roof." His teaching moved online.

Hylunia Wellness MD Spa
Inside the Hylunia Wellness MD Spa
Guests at the Hylunia Wellness MD Spa

Treatments offered

  • Chakra meditation & realignment
  • Mantra meditation
  • Yoga
  • Stress index analysis
  • Dosha (body type) analysis
  • Mind and body detox therapy
  • Aromatherapy
  • Vitamin C facials

Photographs courtesy of Hylunia. The spa is no longer operating; this section is a record of its history.