HydroPeptide CEO Annette Rubin joins The Dr. Randi Show to talk about rethinking how skincare can deliver serious results without sacrificing experience. With over 65 proprietary peptides and more than 20 years of biotech research behind the brand, she shares how HydroPeptide combines collagen-supporting science with luxurious textures and spa-level presentation.
Dr. Randi and Annette Rubin dive into why experience matters in clinical skincare and how that balance is earning trust from top providers and a loyal patient following.
Episode FAQ
What did The Dr. Randi Show episode on HydroPeptide and peptide skincare cover?
On this episode of The Dr. Randi Show, host Dr. Randi Boyette spoke with Annette Rubin, CEO of the clinical skincare brand HydroPeptide, who began her career at Estée Lauder and has spent more than a decade of her 35-year career in premium beauty. The conversation covered why peptides are more than a buzzword, HydroPeptide’s collagen research partnership with USC, how the brand defines clean beauty, its HydroGlass in-office treatment, its commitment to the professional skincare channel, what today’s skincare consumer is looking for, and what is next for the company. The answers below reflect Annette Rubin’s perspective and are not medical advice.
What makes peptides more than just a skincare buzzword?
On The Dr. Randi Show, Annette Rubin said HydroPeptide was working with peptides “before they were cool.” She explained that peptides are signal specific, meaning each one can signal for a particular action in the skin, and that there is almost endless opportunity to develop new peptides. In her view, peptides perform best when paired with supporting ingredients such as antioxidants and amino acids, so the skin cells have the nutrients they need to respond to the signal. She also mentioned that HydroPeptide is exploring a peptide and vitamin C combination and that peptides can act as a delivery system. This reflects her perspective as the brand’s CEO and is not medical advice.
What is the HydroPeptide and USC collagen research partnership?
On The Dr. Randi Show, Annette Rubin described HydroPeptide’s partnership with the University of Southern California’s regenerative tissue research and with Dr. Marcel Nimni, whom she called the godfather of collagen. She said his research focused on supporting healthy collagen production with amino acids and sulfur donors, and that HydroPeptide combined that science with its own peptides and antioxidants in complete formulations designed to support healthy collagen production. She referred to this as the brand’s Nimni technology. This reflects her perspective as the brand’s CEO and is not medical advice.
How does HydroPeptide define clean beauty and sustainability?
On The Dr. Randi Show, Annette Rubin said clean beauty at HydroPeptide is still grounded in science. She explained that the brand runs its ingredients through a toxicogenomic database to screen for any links to adverse effects on DNA, and follows the ingredient standards of the EU, Japan, Health Canada, and Australia so it can sell globally. She also said HydroPeptide developed packaging and components that are recyclable or made from post-consumer recycled plastics, which she noted is uncommon in professional skincare. This reflects her perspective as the brand’s CEO and is not medical advice.
Why do luxurious textures matter in clinical, science-based skincare?
On The Dr. Randi Show, Annette Rubin said her years in premium beauty showed her how much elegant formulations draw people in, and she saw an opportunity to bring that feeling to science-first professional skincare. Her view is that compliance is everything when it comes to results, so products need to be ones people love and look forward to using morning and night. She described HydroPeptide’s approach as combining regenerative science with a high-touch, luxurious experience, from in-office facials to the home care routine. This reflects her perspective as the brand’s CEO and is not medical advice.
What is the HydroGlass facial, and how does the treatment work?
On The Dr. Randi Show, Annette Rubin described HydroGlass as a new in-office only treatment from HydroPeptide. As she explained it, the treatment starts with a physical exfoliation and a two-step vitamin C peel, is followed by an acid peel, and finishes with a moisture infusion mask that can be paired with LED light. She said the goal is a glass-like appearance to the skin, and that clients who try it often rebook monthly. Individual results vary, and a licensed provider can advise whether it is a good fit. This reflects her perspective as the brand’s CEO and is not medical advice.
Is HydroPeptide sold only through skincare professionals?
On The Dr. Randi Show, Annette Rubin said HydroPeptide is wholly dedicated to the professional skincare channel. She explained that its earliest adopters more than 20 years ago were estheticians, and that the brand is now distributed worldwide through dermatologists, nurse injector offices, medical spas, and five-star resort spas. The brand also speaks directly to consumers, she said, mainly to educate them and help connect them with a recommended provider near them. She named staying firmly dedicated to professionals as one of the most pivotal strategic moves since she became CEO.
How does HydroPeptide support medical spas and aesthetic practices?
On The Dr. Randi Show, Annette Rubin said HydroPeptide aims to be a partner that does the heavy lifting for the practices it works with. She described training and educating staff, from providers to the front desk, and supporting patient education through merchandising and educational materials. She also said the company surveys professionals and consumers every other year to understand their needs, and that she welcomes feedback from anyone who uses the products.
What do skincare consumers want from professional treatments today?
On The Dr. Randi Show, Annette Rubin said today’s consumers want skincare that is scientifically grounded and validated, along with clean formulas, though she noted clean means different things to different people. She observed that people are leaning into professional treatments at younger ages than ever, and that they want those visits to feel good, to feel heard, and to support their emotional wellbeing as well as their skin. She also described a blurring of the lines between spa and medical services, with consumers wanting medical-type results in a more spa-like experience. This reflects her perspective as the brand’s CEO and is not medical advice.
What is next for HydroPeptide, including the Collagen Reactivate line?
On The Dr. Randi Show, Annette Rubin said she hopes the next year brings attention to HydroPeptide’s Collagen Reactivate series, including the recently launched Collagen Reactivate PM featuring the brand’s Nimni technology, plus upcoming medical-exclusive technology. She shared that with more than 60 retail products and no single hero product, she is challenging her team and partner practices to lead with the patented technologies that data shows deliver the most long-term value. She also hopes people recognize the HydroPeptide team, including its all-female C-suite. This reflects her perspective as the brand’s CEO and is not medical advice.
