About The Founder

MEET MATTHEW CELESTIAL

FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF MATTE EQUATION

Skincare has always been personal for me. But at one point, it became something more, like a return to myself during one of the hardest chapters of my life.

I was originally on track to become a dermatologist. I studied chemistry. That was the plan—until I failed a calculus exam and everything changed. The detour led me into storytelling: first in film and television publicity, then into the world of high-stakes communications, where I eventually launched and ran my own PR firm. 

But after years of helping other people build their brands—leading launches, navigating crises, showing up in every possible way—I burned out. Fully. I was looking for balance emotionally, physically, mentally. And somewhere in the middle of that, skincare shifted for me. I no longer used it just for routine but as a ritual for self-care. An anchor. A mirror. And eventually, the blueprint for how I found my way back. 

A NEW KIND OF SKINCARE PHILOSOPHY

Matte Equation was born from that quiet moment of collapse and the slow, intentional search for balance that followed. 

With my diverse background in communications, psychology, neuroscience, wellness, technology, animation, virtual reality and lived experience, I began to reimagine skincare as something more: a functional, sensory and emotionally intentional system that supports recovery—from workouts, from stress, from burnout, from life. 

Every product I create is designed to work in synergy with immersive tools—guided audio, digital rituals, sensory experiences—because I don't believe skincare should just hydrate. I believe it should help you feel held, restored and returned to yourself. 

IN MY WORDS

"I didn't want to build a brand that only looked good on a shelf. I wanted to build something that helps people feel more like themselves again—even if just for a few quiet minutes a day." — Matthew Celestial 

FROM BURNOUT TO BALANCE

Today, I lead Matte Equation with the same question that shaped it: 

What does it really mean to feel okay again?

I'm still exploring how science, technology, skincare and storytelling can help us regulate, reset and rediscover the version of ourselves that feels whole. When I'm not building product systems or dreaming up campaign worlds, you'll usually find me curating playlists, writing or sipping on a smoothie somewhere—always in search of stillness and a full life.

CURRENT OBSESSION: INFINITE DIMENSIONS MOISTURIZER

Right now, I'm completely obsessed with Infinite Dimensions Moisturizer. I carry it with me everywhere! 

CONNECT WITH MATTHEW

I love meeting people in person: at pop-ups, local markets, at a local gym/studio or while hosting my coffee shop chats throughout the city. 

If you ever run into me, please say hi.

I almost always have a few samples tucked in my bag, including sneak peeks of upcoming products we're working on. You might just get to try something before anyone else does.

Not in Toronto? That's okay. I still love connecting with people online! 

THE RITUAL THAT STARTED IT ALL

What began as a personal search for balance turned into Matte Equation.

But if there was one product that started it all, the one that felt like coming home, it was the Quantum Mud Mask.

Created during a time of burnout, late nights and heavy mornings, the Quantum Mud Mask was my moment of silence. It was the first thing I ever made that made me feel better.

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF