Rafal Pielak

Yo, you gotta hear about Rafal Pielak. The dude’s the real deal in skincare and biotech, no cap. He’s the founder and CEO of Soteri Skin, a YC W22 company that’s totally flipping the script on eczema and sensitive skin. Basically, he’s on a mission to make skincare that actually works, not bullshit creams that just mask the problem.

So, here’s the scoop. Rafal’s got a PhD in Biomedical Chemistry from Harvard Med, yeah, Harvard Med, and he’s done research at places like Mount Sinai, Hunter College, and Berkeley. He’s legit a scientist with a serious background. But he didn’t just stay in the lab. He jumped into business too, working at Agios Pharmaceuticals and even with L’Oréal’s Tech Incubator. The guy’s got both the science chops and startup hustle.

What’s super inspiring is how he got into this skincare game. It all started when his wife was pregnant and struggling with severe eczema. That hit him hard. Instead of just throwing some creams at it, he dug deep, got into the science, and ended up inventing this patented pH/LOCK™ complex that targets the root cause of eczema. Crazy, right? That’s how Soteri Skin was born, from real pain and a desire to fix it.

He incubated the company at Harvard Innovation Labs, and now it’s based in San Francisco. The whole thing’s backed by YC, so you know he’s crushing it. But more than that, Rafal’s story is about how someone with a crazy science background can jump into entrepreneurship and actually change lives. He’s not just playing around; he’s out here reinventing skincare for chronic conditions, making stuff that’s science-driven, safe, and works well.

Honestly, what this says about him is that he’s driven by real problems, not just money or fame. Rafal saw a really personal problem, and he went all in. That’s what starting something is all about. Taking your expertise, your experience, and your passion, and turning it into something that actually helps people. The dude’s a perfect example of how being a scientist and an entrepreneur can come together to make real impact.

TL;DR, Rafal Pielak is a scientist turned startup founder who’s out here changing skincare for eczema and sensitive skin, inspired by his wife’s struggles. He’s got the creds, the hustle, and a clear mission to fix a problem that millions face. That’s why he’s so important.