Born from a deeply personal search for relief, AMPERNA® emerged as a brand defined by empathy, intention, and science-led care. 

After navigating a severe health crisis that left her skin hypersensitive and reactive, founder Kiri Yanchenko set out to create the products she couldn’t find- formulations that support, rather than strip, the skin. Guided by a microbiome-first philosophy and a commitment to transparency, AMPERNA® has since grown into an internationally recognised name synonymous with gentle efficacy. Now, with the launch of AMPERNA® HAIRCARE, Kiri extends her skin-first approach to the scalp, continuing her mission to nurture barrier health at every level.

In conversation with The Journal, Kiri reflects on the journey that led to AMPERNA®, the innovation behind her formulations, and why kindness remains at the heart of everything she creates.

TJM: Can you chat us through your personal journey that led to AMPERNA®?

KY: AMPERNA® began because my own skin needed a kinder way. Years ago, I went through a severe health crisis that left me with severe pustular acne and extremely sensitive skin. I tried everything- harsh treatments, stripping products, endless appointments- and nothing worked. That experience showed me how misunderstood sensitive skin can be and how essential it is to support the skin barrier rather than attack it. 

Instead of DIY formulations, I partnered closely with a compounding chemist, a holistic dermatologist, and an endocrinologist to develop gentle, effective, science-led products that work with the skin. Although I didn’t know if yet, that collaboration became AMPERNA®-a brand built on empathy, transparency, and a microbiome-first approach. We launched in 2018 after 5 years of R&D using our house deposit as collateral. Today, I’m proud that we help people around the world feel comfortable in their skin again.

TJM:What inspired your venture into haircare from skincare?

KY: For me, it was a natural evolution. I’ve always believed that your scalp is an extension of your skin-  it has the same barrier, the same microbiome, and the same need for balance. After seeing how much our skincare & bodycare helped people with sensitivity, inflammation, and barrier disruption, moving into haircare just made sense.

People were reaching out about scalp flaking, irritation, and sensitivity that were being made worse by traditional shampoos and conditioners. I wanted to bring our calm, science-led approach to that part of the body too- creating products that support the scalp’s ecosystem, not strip it.

So, after years of research and testing, we launched AMPERNA® HAIRCARE- a pH-balanced, pre- and postbiotic system that’s as gentle as our skincare but specifically designed to support the scalp and strengthen hair from the root.

TJM: What is the technology or innovation behind AMPERNA®?

KY: Our innovation lies in our microbiome-focused formulations. Every AMPERNA® product is designed around the idea that true skin health starts with balance- not just of oil and hydration, but of the skin’s living ecosystem.

We use a proprietary blend of prebiotics and postbiotics that help support the skin’s natural microbiome, along with low-irritant, dermatologist-approved actives like niacinamide, zinc, and hyaluronic acid. The result is effective, science-backed skincare that even the most sensitive skin can tolerate.

We’re incredibly proud to still formulate and manufacture in Australia, with every batch tested for stability, safety, and efficacy. It’s slow beauty done with intention- every ingredient is there for a reason, and we never use anything that could compromise the skin barrier.

TJM:  How have you applied skincare-first thinking to haircare?

KI: I approached our Haircare range the same way I would formulate a serum- start with skin biology, then design around the barrier. Instead of focusing only on hair shine or styling results, we built our formulas to respect the scalp’s microbiome and protect its delicate pH balance.

We used skincare-grade ingredients- like zinc gluconate, panthenol, and our signature pre- and postbiotic complex- to calm the scalp, strengthen the barrier, and support long-term scalp health. Even our conditioner was designed to be safe on the scalp itself, not just the lengths of the hair. It’s the skinification of haircare.

Personally, I even like to “reverse shampoo”- using the conditioner first, then the shampoo- because both are light enough to nourish the scalp without weighing it down. It’s skincare thinking, applied to the root of it all.

AMPERNA® recently held their exclusive launch celebration at Sydney’s Wakefield salon. Step inside the event that was, here.