Sir Fraser Stoddart, the founder of luxury skincare brand Noble Panacea and a Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, passed away on December 30 at the age of 82. He was on holiday with his family in Australia at the time. The cause of his death remains unknown.
Born in Scotland in 1942, Stoddart’s career spanned decades of groundbreaking achievements in science and education. A distinguished professor, he led the Chemistry Research Palace at Northwestern University in Chicago before moving to Hong Kong University in 2023 as chair professor of chemistry. His work earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2016, cementing his legacy as a pioneer in molecular machinery and nanotechnology.
Despite his late entry into the beauty industry, Stoddart’s contributions to skincare through Noble Panacea were innovative and transformative. The brand paid tribute to him, stating, “Sir Fraser Stoddart was not only a remarkable chemistry professor but also an inspiring founder whose vision and legacy have touched countless lives. His contributions to science and his dedication to innovation will continue to inspire and guide those at Noble Panacea every day.”
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Stoddart was celebrated for his warmth, hospitality, and inclusivity. He was known to host students and colleagues at his home, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. “He always had a glint in his eye, a brilliant wit, and a warmth and candor that was quite outstanding for such an esteemed mind of his generation,” the statement added.
In 2021, Noble Panacea launched its overseas flagship store on Tmall, officially entering the Chinese market. Currently, the Noble Panacea Tmall flagship store offers 27 SKUs, with the best-selling product being the Noble Panacea Vitamin C Serum, priced at 1,470 RMB, with 50 units sold.
In 2023, Noble Panacea opened its first counters in mainland China at the high-end shopping centers SKP Beijing and SKP Chengdu. Last December, Noble Panacea announced a partnership with Joyce Beauty China to open a new store in Shanghai’s IFC Mall.
