TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Andrew Bernett

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Some of the greatest innovations are born not in boardrooms, but in the quiet struggles of everyday life. For Andrew Bernett, solving problems under pressure was second nature. As a chemist and CBRN commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, he spent nine years in various positions, tasked with protecting military forces from chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats—or treating them in the aftermath of exposure. His role demanded precision, innovation, and a relentless drive to safeguard lives. When he transitioned to the civilian world in 2020, he carried that same mindset into the corporate sector, working at General Electric, where he honed his expertise in business operations, supply chain management, and customer service.

 

Yet, Andrew’s biggest challenge—and most personal mission—came from within his own home. His wife, a board-certified dermatologist, struggled with severe eczema. Despite her medical expertise and access to the best treatments available, she faced a frustrating reality—there simply wasn’t a product that could keep healing creams in place long enough to work effectively. Nights were spent tossing and turning, hands wrapped in cotton gloves that absorbed every bit of the soothing ointments she applied—leaving her skin just as dry and irritated as before.

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Andrew saw an opportunity to apply his chemistry background and problem-solving skills in a new way. He began experimenting and, in 2023, launched Bee Well Therapeutics, introducing a revolutionary beeswax-treated fabric that forms a breathable yet minimally absorptive barrier. Unlike cotton, this innovation ensures that creams, ointments, and prescriptions stay on the skin, maximizing their effectiveness. Just one year later, Bee Well Therapeutics, based in Ormond Beach, Florida, is making waves in medicine. The FDA-registered, dermatologist-recommended topical delivery systems help thousands manage eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. Designed for both adults and infants, Bee Well’s products provide targeted relief for dry, cracked skin anywhere on the body. Consumer response has been overwhelming. Grateful customers share stories of finally finding relief after years of failed treatments. Healthcare providers—including dermatologists, podiatrists, and other medical professionals—are taking notice, integrating Bee Well’s innovative materials into their patient care plans.

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Undoubtedly, Andrew Bernett turned a personal challenge into a groundbreaking solution with Bee Well Therapeutics, but what inspired the use of beeswax? What sets Bee Well’s products apart? And what’s next for the company? In this Q&A, Andrew shares the story behind his innovation, the science that makes his products unique, and the exciting developments on the horizon.

 

Andrew, what inspired you to use beeswax in your products?

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It all started with my experience working with jet engines. We used wax at the tips of our tools to hold bolts in place so they wouldn’t fall into an open engine. Because of that, I always had wax in my garage. One night, my wife was burning a candle, and as I played with the wax, I noticed how soft it made my skin. That got me thinking—if I applied wax to gloves, could it help keep moisture on the skin? I decided to experiment, and it worked.

 

Over the next eight months, I developed the Bee Well Therapeutics material using cosmetic-grade beeswax, which is purified to remove allergens, pollen, and impurities while retaining all the beneficial fats the skin craves. The result is a breathable, reusable fabric that nourishes the skin while forming a protective barrier to keep creams and ointments in place. That’s what makes it so effective—it’s not just a barrier; it’s part of the healing process.

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You started with gloves, but now Bee Well Therapeutics offers a full range of products. Can you tell us about some of them?

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Absolutely. We’ve expanded our product line to include a variety of sizes for both adults and children, from baby mittens to extra-large men’s gloves. We also offer socks and sleeves, which are perfect for arms and legs, providing targeted moisture and protection. For infants with eczema, which often affects the entire body, we developed fully occlusive onesies to help keep their skin hydrated and protected. Additionally, we have hats designed to moisturize and treat chronic skin conditions or dryness on the scalp. And this is just the beginning—I’m constantly working on new innovations to help more people find relief.

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Your beeswax-based solution is a major innovation, but what else sets your products apart from others on the market?

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The beeswax solution is a key factor, but the real game-changer is the breathability of our materials. Until now, the only options available for keeping moisture on the skin were plastic wraps or wet wraps, where you soak cotton in water, apply it to the skin, and then layer a dry garment over it. The problem with those methods is that they can trap heat, prevent proper air circulation, and lead to potential side effects. What makes our products so unique is that they allow the skin to breathe while still creating an effective barrier. This lets the body naturally exchange gases, reducing the risk of irritation or other side effects that can come from suffocating the skin with plastic or non-breathable wraps. Another major benefit is reusability. Our materials can be used about 90 times before needing to be replaced, which is unheard of in the market. They’re also washable, making them both practical and sustainable. While we recommend wearing them at night to prevent excess soiling, they can be worn throughout the day with no limitations on activities.

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You’ve received incredible feedback from consumers. Can you share some of the most memorable stories?

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The response has been amazing. One woman with multiple autoimmune conditions, including scleroderma, reached out after trying our gloves. She told me, “You helped my cuticles be soft with my scleroderma. Thank you so much!” That was huge. Then there was a mother who messaged me saying, “Oh my God, my baby’s hands are amazing now! Before, she was up all night from dry skin. Thank you!” And then there’s my grandma. She was visiting and mentioned how dry her elbows were. I told her, “I’ve got you, Grandma.” I applied her moisturizer, put my sleeves on her arms, and the next morning, she said, “My crepey skin is almost gone!” I hadn’t even heard the term “crepey skin” before, but that’s when I realized my products go far beyond just eczema or psoriasis—they work for nearly any skin condition by deeply hydrating and enhancing the absorption of treatments. That realization has been one of the coolest parts of this journey. Knowing that I’ve been able to help people who have struggled for years is incredibly rewarding.

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You’re always developing new products for consumers and healthcare providers. What exciting innovations are on the horizon?

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We have several exciting developments in the works. One of the biggest projects is a bra system designed for women undergoing radiation treatment for breast cancer, providing gentle, breathable coverage that helps protect and hydrate the skin. We’re also developing a neck gaiter for individuals receiving radiation treatment for thyroid cancer. Another innovation we’re working on is an adhesive patch designed for areas that can’t easily be wrapped, like the back, allowing targeted treatment without the need for bulky coverings. Beyond new products, we’re continuing to expand our reach in the medical community. We’re in discussions with more dermatologists, podiatrists, and other healthcare professionals to integrate our products into their patient care plans. Our goal is simple—we want to help as many people as possible find relief and healing. That’s what drives us forward.

 

 

Andrew Bernett
Owner and Founder
Bee Well Therapeutics
Website: https://www.beewelltherapeutics.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-bernett-4b970846/

Instagram: @beewelltherapeutics