Thistle Scientific is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with the UK company LabSkin, to enhance support for the global skin research community, reinforcing its role as a trusted enabler of scientific progress.
As a partner to researchers worldwide, Thistle Scientific is committed to empowering discovery by ensuring access to reliable, high-quality products. By deeply understanding the evolving challenges faced by scientists, the company continues to develop and deliver solutions that allow researchers to focus on what matters most advancing knowledge and creating meaningful impact.
Richard Darby, Sales Director at Thistle Scientific states:
“Thistle Scientific exists to equip scientists to be relentless in changing the world for good. Our role is not just to supply products, but to act as a trusted partner building long-term relationships that enable confidence, reproducibility, and success across the research lifecycle.”
LabSkin is the premier 3D model for microbiological experiments. The large surface area enables easy measuring of physical quantities and protein analysis, making it an ideal model for skin research, skin care, cosmetics, health care, drug delivery and wound care applications. LabSkin maintains optimum real-world environments and can be used to demonstrate positive or negative impacts of experiments on the skin and it’s natural microflora. Generated from human keratinocyte and fibroblast cells, the cells naturally produce their own extracellular matrix. Thick and dry stratum corneum allows LabSkin to be populated with bespoke consortia of microorganisms representing complex human microbiomes found in various bodily environments. LabSkin also produces a vast array of proteins such as fibrinogen, collagen, anti-microbial peptides and many more, permitting omics applications too. LabSkin is the leading skin model for skin science research.
Driving Impact Beyond Individual Organisations
This new partnership represents more than a collaboration between our two companies. By combining complementary expertise, both organisations aim to raise industry standards, accelerate innovation, and remove barriers that researchers commonly face. The partnership will enhance access to critical technologies and streamline how scientific resources are delivered and supported globally.
-Richard Darby, Sales Director at Thistle Scientific-
“Collaborations like this ensure researchers and institutions benefit from more efficient, sustainable, and cohesive ways of working. Ultimately, it’s about enabling this generation of scientists to leave the world better prepared for the next.”
A Commitment to Responsibility and Trust
As a global platform supporting the research ecosystem, Thistle Scientific recognises its responsibility to act as a steward for the scientific community. This includes maintaining the highest standards of trust, reliability, and fairness, while listening closely to researchers to strengthen the resilience of scientific infrastructures.
-Richard Darby, Sales Director at Thistle Scientific-
“At every level, our focus is on supporting science ethically, transparently, and with a long-term view. We are proud to be the life science partner that stays with researchers until conclusion.”
Delivering Quality, Reliability and Confidence
Every product introduced into the Thistle Scientific portfolio undergoes rigorous evaluation to ensure it meets exacting standards for quality, reliability, and real-world performance. This commitment provides researchers with confidence that the tools they rely on are dependable, consistently supplied, and supported by expert technical and commercial teams.
-Richard Darby, Sales Director at Thistle Scientific-
“Our portfolio signals trust. Researchers know that what we stand behind has been tested not just for performance, but for reproducibility, scalability, and consistent supply. This reduces risk, saves time, and allows scientists to focus on their work—not the supply chain.”
Manufacturing Insight Strengthens Decision-Making
Thistle Scientific’s dual role as both distributor and manufacturer provides a distinct advantage. With first-hand experience in quality control, regulatory compliance, and supply chain resilience, the company takes a highly considered approach to product selection and long-term portfolio development.
-Richard Darby, Sales Director at Thistle Scientific-
“Manufacturing grounds our decisions in scientific and operational accountability. It ensures that every choice we make reflects the real-world impact on researchers’ timelines, results, and trust.”
Enabling Global Access and Long-Term Value
Through its extensive international reach, Thistle Scientific connects innovation with impact across regions, institutions, and disciplines. This allows the company to ensure equitable access to high-quality tools while maintaining consistent standards of supply and support worldwide.
-Richard Darby, Sales Director at Thistle Scientific-
“Our reach allows us to turn good science into accessible, dependable science on a global scale; The legacy we seek to leave, is the head start we give the next generation of researchers.”
A Signal of Confidence for Researchers
For the research community, Thistle Scientific’s endorsement of any product or partnership serves as a mark of confidence. Each decision reflects careful evaluation, ensuring that solutions are not only technically sound but also practical, scalable, and fully supported in real-world environments.
-Richard Darby, Sales Director at Thistle Scientific-
“When we choose to back something, it means it’s something researchers can rely on. Science is never done and neither are we.”
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on the partnership, Thistle Scientific reaffirmed its commitment to advancing science through meaningful collaboration.
“This partnership was driven by its potential to positively impact skin science. By aligning with organisations that share our core principles, we can ensure researchers worldwide benefit from greater confidence, consistency, and long-term assurance.”
Thistle Scientific, a global life science partner supporting researchers with trusted products, expert support, and scalable solutions. Thistle Scientific is committed to equipping scientists with modern, innovative products that change the world for good.