I work in drug development—the kind that often deals with serious terminal diseases. My days are spent with molecules, data, mechanisms, and formulations, and with figuring out how to make therapies that actually save lives.
After moving from a temperate climate to cold Boston, I hit a simple, frustrating problem. By mid-October my hands were dry; by mid-November they were sore. I don’t work outdoors, but still, the cold weather and heated rooms took their toll.
I tried every lotion and cream. They helped—until I needed to keep working. Residue on the keyboard, smudges on the trackpad, and that greasy film that never quite goes away. Great for skin, terrible for a desk.
Meanwhile, I found myself kneading my kids’ putty during Zoom calls—an absent-minded, tactile rhythm that actually helped me focus. That’s when the two threads connected.
TACTIL started as a small formulation project: a pharma-grade, desk-friendly conditioning putty you can press and knead while you think. It delivers moisture gradually (we call that “slow release” in the industry), with an emollient–occlusive balance tuned for a low-residue finish—so your hands feel better without leaving your keyboard slick. The goal wasn’t another cream; it was a clean tactile ritual that supports focus and comfort at the desk.
TACTIL.
Skincare you knead
