STEPHANIE LIU (BY DR. MOM SKINCARE)

Alumni-Owned Business Feature: by Dr. Mom Skincare
An evidence-based approach to natural skincare for families

Deeply dry, itchy, and inflamed skin can affect people’s lives in so many ways, impacting their sleep, confidence, and day-to-day comfort. Skin health is not just about appearance. It’s about quality of life.

This is what makes businesses such as by Dr. Mom Skincare stand out. Working alongside physicians and researchers at the University of Alberta, they developed a simple, effective skincare line using beta-glucan — a natural fibre derived from barley with strong evidence supporting its ability to improve skin hydration and support skin healing. Their products are safe for all ages, including during pregnancy, and are proudly made in Canada. At its core, by Dr. Mom Skincare was created to give families a natural, science-backed skincare option.

We talked to by Dr. Mom Skincare founder, Stephanie Liu, ’13 MD, ’15 PostgradCert(MedEd), to learn more about how her business started.

What inspired you to start your business?

Over and over again, I would hear the same question in my exam room: “Is there a natural option that actually works?”

It was a very reasonable question. Patients weren’t rejecting medicine — they were asking for something that felt gentler, they could use confidently on themselves or their children, and that aligned with their values. But when I looked into what was available, I found that many natural skincare products lacked strong scientific evidence. There was a clear, frustrating gap between “natural” and “effective” for both my patients and myself as a physician.

At the same time, I was building my presence on social media. What started as a way to share evidence-based health information quickly grew into a community of hundreds of thousands of people, primarily parents. The same concerns I was hearing in my clinic were being echoed online, again and again.

What has been most meaningful throughout this journey is seeing how the products have resonated with families. I hear stories from parents whose children are finally more comfortable, from individuals who feel more confident in their skin, and from families who are grateful to have a natural option they can trust.

How did your time at the University of Alberta influence your career path and decision to start this business?

Throughout my training at the University of Alberta, where I completed both my medical degree and my family medicine residency, I was taught to practice evidence-based medicine and to prioritize patient-centred care. That training shaped how I approach every decision as a physician. My goal has always been simple: to help my patients feel better, using treatments that are both safe and effective. My medical training taught me to listen carefully to patients, to stay grounded in evidence, and to seek better solutions.

What is one interesting or unique fact about you business?

I think about treatment in medicine in terms of addressing the root of the problem, not just the surface. With this motto in mind, we developed a single ingredient Beta-Glucan Bath and our Beta-Glucan Cream — a hypoallergenic, minimal-ingredient moisturizer designed for even the most sensitive skin. As a physician, I am very mindful of how overwhelming ingredient lists can be, especially for patients with reactive skin. That’s why we focused on simplicity: every ingredient serves a purpose, and nothing is included unnecessarily.

Safety was also a top priority. As a mom, I understand how important it is to feel confident about what you’re putting on your child’s skin.

Equally important was our commitment to keeping everything Canadian. By manufacturing in Canada, we can maintain high-quality standards while supporting local innovation and production. It’s something I’m incredibly proud of both as a business owner and as a Canadian physician.

At its core, this brand was created to give families a natural, science-backed skincare option—one that is simple, effective, and rooted in both medical expertise and real-life needs. It’s about empowering people with choices that feel good, work well, and align with their values.

Check out this Exclusive Alumni Perk!

GREEN+GOLD Alumni Perks members can get an exclusive 20% discount on by Dr. Mom skincare, designed to support calm, hydrated, and happy skin. Use your unique discount code "UofAgrad" at checkout or mention your perk when placing an order directly with our team. Offer ends July 7, 2026.


This spotlight is sponsored by our affinity program partner TD Insurance. With TD Insurance, you get the protection you need for your small business. From the building itself, to what’s inside, safeguard your assets through commercial property insurance. As a grad of the University of Alberta, you're eligible for a group discount on business insurance.