Durham Skin Lab scoops the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award 2025 at Durham University’s Blueprint Challenge

Chosen from over 90 startup entries, this victory highlights Durham Skin Lab’s impressive growth, scientific innovation, and strong social impact in skincare. Known for its patented, natural formulas that provide long-term relief for chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and vitiligo, the company is already changing lives across the UK and beyond.

This success is thanks to the exceptional leadership of Durham University PhD researchers Ms. Iman Muktar and Dr. Islam Hayajneh. As General Manager and Pharmacist Production Manager, they have played key roles in taking Durham Skin Lab to new heights. Their focus and dedication helped secure one of the UK’s most competitive and respected awards for student entrepreneurship.

Founded by Dr. Mohammad Alansary and supported by Durham University’s Venture Lab, Durham Skin Lab is a trailblazer in evidence-based, nature-powered skincare. The company is also proud to support fellow entrepreneurs by offering a full range of services, from formulation to finished product. They help academics, students, and anyone with ideas in cosmetics or basic pharmaceuticals build their startup brands. Durham Skin Lab also provides a distribution hub with connections to global markets, with products registered in the UK, EU, and Saudi FDA.

The Blueprint Challenge is a year-long programme that helps students turn ideas into successful businesses through expert mentoring, business support, and access to investors. It brings together entrepreneurial talent from five North East universities and connects them with visionary business leaders across the UK.

Dr. Alansary said: “I am incredibly proud that we have won the Entrepreneurial Spirit Blueprint Startup Award, but the real credit goes to two amazing women, Iman Muktar and Dr. Islam Hayajneh. Their expertise, passion, and dedication inside the factory have powered this success. This award is a recognition of their hard work, and they deserve every bit of it.

With a blend of patented science, global reach, and community-driven impact, Durham Skin Lab isn’t just a business. It’s a movement redefining what’s possible in skincare and student entrepreneurship.

Learn more: www.durhamskinlab.co.uk