This is one of those classic lemons-to-lemonade founder stories. After being diagnosed with an allergy to sunlight, Sonal Keay turned her challenge into a lifelong fascination with silk. Once known purely for luxury textiles, silk is now making waves as a powerful skincare ingredient - and Keay is one of its leading advocates.
Imelda caught up with Sonal as This Is Silk launches at CONTENT, to talk about the discovery that took her from criminal barrister to pioneering skincare entrepreneur.
When Did You First Realise That Silk Had Real Benefits For Skin?
“When I first experienced silk’s healing effects while managing a rare sunlight sensitivity - I was diagnosed with an allergy to sunlight at 18 - I became curious about the science behind it,” Sonal explains. “After 15 years as a barrister, I naturally take an evidence-based approach to everything, so I began researching silk’s properties at the British Library to understand why it was so effective for the skin.”
She continues: “Silk has a unique affinity with our skin - we share around 90% of the same amino acids - and it can activate fibroblasts and keratinocytes, leading to increased collagen and healthier skin tissue. I discovered silk has been used since Ancient Greece for its healing properties, and today it’s still found in cutting-edge medicine - from heart tissue repair to nerve regeneration.”
From Courtroom To Cleanser - That’s Quite A Career Shift! Did You Face Any Challenges Creating This Is Silk?
“Finding a formulator willing to start from zero with silk was tough,” Sonal admits. “Silk attracts water, needs careful compatibility testing, and many so-called ‘silk’ formulations use token amounts just for the label - that wouldn’t deliver true therapeutic benefits.”
Working alongside a Professor of Cellular Regeneration, Sonal helped develop SF-VII®, a proprietary silk-peptide technology that stimulates collagen synthesis without the irritation often associated with retinol or AHAs. “We wanted something powerful yet gentle,” she says.
If You Had To Explain It Simply, What Makes Silk Such A Special Ingredient?
“There are three key skincare concepts that explain how silk benefits the skin,” Sonal says.
- Barrier Protection: Silk forms a kind of intelligent film on the skin, reducing moisture loss and shielding against irritants and UV stress.
- Cell Activation: Silk peptides help wake up fibroblasts and keratinocytes, which accelerates renewal and boosts collagen-rich tissue formation.
- Hydration and Texture: Silk binds water beautifully - it keeps skin soft, smooth, and resilient while offering antioxidant protection.
“With SF-VII® we’ve taken this further. It’s not just another skincare claim - clinical data shows it outperforms leading peptides for collagen production and skin renewal. I like to think of it as a gentler alternative to retinoids and AHAs, especially for sensitive skin.”
Does Sleeping On Silk Have A Similar Effect?
“Absolutely!” Sonal smiles. “A silk pillowcase can be a game-changer, especially if you have sensitive skin. Under a microscope, cotton and linen fibres are rough and can cause friction - silk is smoother, more hydrating, and far kinder to both skin and hair.
Sleeping on silk works hand-in-hand with topical silk skincare - it’s actually where the concept for the range started. I always encourage people to try it for themselves; once you do, you'll never go back.”
How Do You Recommend People Use This Is Silk Skincare?
“I designed the products to be simple, intuitive, and effective,” says Sonal.
“Start with the Silk Cream Cleanser to gently lift away impurities while supporting collagen renewal. Then add a drop or two of our Power Up Silk Concentrate into your moisturiser or our Silk Face Oil - it’s clinically proven to boost hydration and firmness within two weeks.
For the full experience, pair your skincare with our Silk Pillow Slip to support overnight repair. It’s the perfect synergy”
References:
Holland, C., Numata, K., Rnjak-Kovacina, J. and Seib, F.P., 2018. The biomedical use of silk: Past, present, future. Advanced Healthcare Materials, 8(1), p.1800465. doi:10.1002/adhm.201800465
Zou, S., Yao, X., Shao, H., Reis, R.L., Kundu, S.C. and Zhang, Y., 2022. Nonmulberry silk fibroin-based biomaterials: Impact on cell behavior regulation and tissue regeneration. Acta Biomaterialia, 153, pp.68–84. doi:10.1016/j.actbio.2022.09.021
