An interview with TWELVE Beauty's founder, Dr. Pedro Catalá

TWELVE Beauty’s founder, Dr. Pedro Catalá, has been creating beautiful skincare formulas since 2007 with a singular focus: “Soothing and supporting sensitive skin remains the mantra behind every formula I create.”

Since TWELVE has been such a boon to the sensitive-skinned, you might have wondered why the lineup didn’t include a product made specifically to reduce redness. We’d say it’s because all of the brand’s products contribute towards that effort — but now there is a redness-reducing specialist on the team, and it’s everything TWELVE fans, and those who struggle with redness, could have hoped for.

Pedro tells us, “B12 Calm Serum is my tribute to those reactive skin types that can’t tolerate anything. Nothing in its composition is accidental; every ingredient has been carefully chosen with one clear purpose – to support and strengthen the delicate structure of compromised skin.”

Read on to find out why Pedro made this specific serum, what’s special about Vitamin B12, and how to bring B12 Calm Serum into your skincare routine for the best results.

*** 

Dara: What types of skin or skin situations did you have in mind when you developed B12 Calm?

PEDRO: With my pharmaceutical background, I always formulate with sensitive skin in mind. When I started in this business (back in the late '90s—yes, I know how old that sounds!), sensitive skin was considered a niche concern. Unfortunately, it's become much more common today, mainly due to our hectic lifestyles, and especially air and water pollution, among other factors. This product was designed for people who say, "I can't use anything on my face—I react to every product I've ever tried." Sensitive and reactive skin deserves to feel and look better.

Dara: Would it be helpful for rosacea, perioral dermatitis, and/or eczema? If so, can you describe how it can help with these conditions?

PEDRO: Every ingredient in the B12 Calm Serum has a purpose—nothing is accidental. While skincare is never one-size-fits-all, I'm thrilled to share that in a user trial conducted before launch, over 96% of participants reported soothed and calmer skin from the very first application. This makes it a great option for those dealing with rosacea, perioral dermatitis, or eczema-prone skin, where calming inflammation and reinforcing the skin barrier are key.

Dara: What is it about B12 specifically that you love (vs. B3, for example)?

PEDRO: The vitamin B group is such an exciting family of ingredients—from the well-known B3 (Niacinamide) and B5 (Panthenol), to the lesser-known B6, a great ally for acne-prone skin. But the queen of them all is Vitamin B12. Not only is it the most expensive (we’re talking five figures per kilo!), but it’s also incredibly effective even in small doses. There’s robust clinical and scientific evidence supporting its benefits. For me, it was essential to spotlight B12—a powerful ingredient that helps skin recover from stress and imbalance, something we all experience.

Dara: How did you go about creating its texture, and how would you say it compares to that of your other serums?

PEDRO: It’s a water-based serum, but incredibly silky. It glides onto the skin beautifully. In our user trial, everyone commented on how pleasant the application felt. It’s definitely a vibe! I wanted the texture to feel like a ritual—something you genuinely look forward to. A moment to reward your skin with out-of-this-world ingredients.

Dara: Can it be used with other serums? If so, in what order would you apply them?

PEDRO: Totally! We now have five serums in the range to support different skin moments. If you want to layer more than one serum at once, I would apply the B12 Calm Serum first, followed by whatever else you plan to use. I love pairing it with the Ideal Moisture Level Serum for a hydration boost.

If you want to keep multiple serums in your routine but use them one at a time, I would use the B12 Calm Serum at night to help my skin unwind and reset. Then, during the day, I would use the Ideal Brightening Corrective Serum or the Plant Perfection Gel Serum (our effective natural alternative to retinol), which I sometimes use for its firming effect—perfect before Zoom calls!

Dara: Anything else you think we should know about your exciting new product?

PEDRO: Based on the feedback so far, we might have a “never go back” kind of product on our hands. This is a thoughtful remedy for those of us who tend to worry, feel anxious about uncertainty, and see that stress reflected in our skin. B12 Calm is more than just a serum—it’s a moment of care we can give ourselves each day.

**

Doesn't it sound great? Check it out here.