Key Takeaways:

• Sweet Chemistry's latest funding round marks a significant milestone for both the brand and the rapidly evolving biotech beauty space.
• Imaginary Ventures, whose portfolio includes category-defining brands such as SKIMS, Glossier, and Goop, led the round.
• Sandbridge Capital participated in the round, building on a pre-revenue seed round investment in Sweet Chemistry.

This latest round of funding signals strong confidence in Sweet Chemistry's science-driven approach to skincare innovation.

WHO: Sweet Chemistry is a science-driven bioactive skincare company that was founded in collaboration with Xylyx Bio, a biomedical technology company focused on tissue engineering and organ rehabilitation. Together with Xylyx as its R&D liaison and parent company, Sweet Chemistry developed a line of scientifically advanced skincare products that promote skin regeneration without the need for harsh exfoliation or injury. At the core of the brand is Matrikynes bone peptides, a patent-pending concentrate of over 315 bioactive matrikine peptides extracted from the extracellular matrix of zero-waste, upcycled bovine bone, which improves barrier function, skin density, hydration, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines and wrinkles. Beyond its commitment to scientific innovation, Sweet Chemistry dedicates 1% of sales to organizations such as YoungArts and iResearch to inspire future generations to uncover the beauty that exists beneath the surface.

WHY: The new funding will support increased production capabilities, help alleviate current out-of-stock challenges, and expand the brand’s reach, ensuring greater accessibility for consumers as demand continues to grow.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS: “Imaginary was the first firm I met with at the very start of this journey. We were far too early for them, but they stayed with us from the sidelines offering encouragement as we worked our way to market.  And now, for them to be welcomed by Sandbridge, who I will always be incredibly grateful to because they saw the potential and invested in us even when I was in the middle of a lawsuit, is beyond what I could have ever hoped for," said Alec Batis, co-founder and Co-CEO of Sweet Chemistry. 

He continued, "With Sandbridge, Imaginary, and now Carol Hamilton, we'll be able to invest in production, address the out-of-stocks we've been dealing with, and get our products to more people who will, hopefully, appreciate our formulas as much as I do.” 

Beauty industry veteran Carol Hamilton shared, “I believe in Joel and Alec as exemplary founders with deep and complimentary expertise. Sweet Chemistry is a modern, high-performing skincare brand with fantastic formulas and runway.”

Joel Maza, co-founder and Co-CEO of Sweet Chemistry, said, “Alec and Xylyx have created a brand with groundbreaking IP and genuine soul—and the organic traction we’ve seen has captured the attention of the investment community for good reason. Given my history with Imaginary and Carol’s mentorship throughout my career, having them in our corner means everything.”

DETAILS:

• Sweet Chemistry secured a $1.5 million funding round led by Imaginary Ventures, with participation from Sandbridge Capital, which is building on its prior investment, and beauty industry veteran Carol Hamilton. 
• Sweet Chemistry was a BeautyMatter 2025 NEXT50 brand, with full-year revenue projected by industry experts to be under $2 million.
• The business is trending toward 8x growth in 2026 compared to 2025 and is currently distributed DTC, at Violet Grey, and through select specialty spas.
• Joel Maza joined Sweet Chemistry earlier this year after holding senior leadership roles at Olaplex, L’Oréal, and Glow Recipe.
• Sandbridge led the company’s pre-revenue seed round in 2024 through its Clean Beauty Holdings arm. Additional funding came through a friends-and-family raise.