Our story

Realea is the brainchild of a historian turned modern alchemist.
Founder Nick Grossenbacher became enamored with alchemy while studying medieval medicine.
 
Nick Grossenbacher with his wife Cody and their daughter Pepper

Nick's story:

I’ve had an unusual route into the world of skincare. I am a modern alchemist and that’s something that comes out of my background as a historian. Through the academic lens of historical research, I discovered the lens of alchemy and became absolutely fascinated. Not content to pursue it through a dry, scholarly angle, I started replicating some of the procedures and techniques I was learning about. I discovered that these medieval writers are conveying information that is useful and accurate but has been overlooked.

Through a series of events, I then connected with my teacher, renowned chemist and alchemist, Robert Bartlet. And I really dived into that world. For years I deeply studied the traditions of medieval alchemy. My approach is rooted in the western hermetic tradition. But I’ve also given serious attention to Vadic alchemy and Chinese alchemy.

Realea skincare is the first manifestation of my work and my research in the revival of alchemical knowledge of health and healing.

I’ve worked with naturopaths and naturopathic clinics, crafting custom formulas for patients with accute conditions. And it was within this environment that I really identified the unique niche of using therapeutic alchemical substance for topical healing. And I found through this experience that alchemically formed approaches to skincare were helping people drastically in ways that no other approach had yet been effective.

Realea Skincare is a brand that is part of Rare Earth Alchemy, a benefit corporation committed to serious research in the textual tradition of alchemy as well as in the experimental laboratory. We’re working with naturopaths and other healthcare providers and also using the chemical research of my teacher to seriously examine the therapeutic applications of alchemical remedies.
The customized work of what came from my experience creating individualized formulas with the naturopathic clinic, these many formulas became the basis for the Realea flagship five set.
What do we mean when we’re talking about alchemy? See the link to the front page.