Phace Bioactive by Marisa Arredondo

  A Personal Journey That Sparked a Skincare Revolution Marisa Vara Arredondo’s story is one of reinvention—both personal and professional. From battling cystic acne as a teenager to becoming the founder and CEO of a science-forward skincare brand, her journey illustrates how personal pain can lead to powerful purpose. What started as a private struggle evolved into Phace Bioactive , a pioneering skincare line grounded in scientific integrity and designed to restore skin through balance—specifically, optimal pH. The Early Years: From Skin Struggles to Self-Discovery Growing up with severe cystic acne, Marisa Arredondo endured more than physical discomfort—she faced emotional challenges that many with chronic skin issues will recognize: self-consciousness, frustration, and the exhausting cycle of trial-and-error treatments. Rather than let those experiences define her, she transformed them into motivation. After graduating from Stanford University in 1997 , she set out to u...

  If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right in your skincare routine—cleansing, moisturizing, exfoliating—and still struggling with breakouts or sensitivity, you’re not alone. Sometimes the issue isn’t about what you're using, but whether it's working with your skin instead of against it. That’s where the often-overlooked concept of pH balance comes in. And one woman, Marisa Arredondo , has made it her mission to bring this science to our daily skincare routines The Personal Side of Skin Struggles Marisa’s journey into skincare didn’t start in a lab or boardroom—it started in the mirror. Like so many of us, she battled stubborn, cystic acne throughout her teenage years and into adulthood. No cream, cleanser, or prescription seemed to work long-term. Instead of settling, she got curious. That curiosity turned into a full-on quest. She dove deep into the science of skin health and discovered something eye-opening: the surface of our skin has its own natural pro...

     For many people, skincare is about looking good. For Marisa Arredondo , it was always deeper than that—it was about solving a problem that had affected her confidence for years. Her struggles with cystic acne throughout her teens and adulthood became the driving force behind PHACE Bioactive , a pH-focused skincare brand built not just from frustration—but from science, research, and lived experience. From Personal Frustration to Professional Breakthrough Marisa’s path wasn’t ordinary. She began her career on Wall Street, analyzing biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Her scientific curiosity, combined with years of personal skin battles, led her to dig deeper into how skin really works—and how most products completely miss the mark. And while she holds a degree from Harvard Business School , it was her hands-on understanding of biotech—and her personal motivation—that helped her spot what so many brands ignore: the skin’s natural pH balance is the key to lasting...

 When it comes to blending science, elegance, and entrepreneurial spirit, few do it quite like Marisa Arredondo . As the founder and CEO of Phace Bioactive , a cutting-edge skincare brand rooted in dermatological science and pH optimization, Marisa Vara Arredondo has built her business around one guiding principle: balance—both on the skin and in life. And nowhere is that philosophy more beautifully expressed than in the Greenwich townhouse she calls home. Purchased in 2013, this 4,000-square-foot residence in downtown Greenwich isn’t just a serene retreat—it’s also where the seeds of Phace Bioactive were first planted. “This is a very special home for me,” says Marisa Vara Arredondo. “Being in these rooms played an instrumental role in making my dream a reality. It’s a part of my history.” A Perfectly Poised Home for a Visionary Mind Drawn initially to the home’s traditional Shingle-style exterior, designed by architect Anthony J. Tartaglia, Marisa Vara Arredondo saw beyond th...

Marisa Arredondo’s story is one of resilience, passion, and innovation. From battling severe acne in her teenage years to becoming the founder and CEO of Phace Bioactive , she has turned personal challenges into an inspiring career dedicated to skincare science. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of scientific research in the beauty industry. Overcoming Early Struggles with Skin Issues Marisa’s journey began with a personal struggle—severe cystic acne. Like many teenagers, she tried countless skincare treatments, but none seemed to provide a long-term solution. The frustration of dealing with persistent skin problems ignited her passion for understanding the science behind skincare. Determined to find real answers, Marisa pursued her studies at Stanford University , where she majored in Science, Technology, and Society. This interdisciplinary program equipped her with the ability to analyze scientific advancements and their practical applications, an...