Inside Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Anti-Inflammatory Haus in Soho

When Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum debuted in 2015, there was nothing else quite like it. “I wanted hydration from the inside out, so I was injecting it into the skin,” she tells Vogue. “After the treatments, I wanted a topical serum patients could use at home—that’s why I made it.” The first iteration came in ampoule form, which helped preserve the ingredient’s purity, but after endless requests for a bottled version, Sturm brought it to market.

Ten years later, the once-novel serum has become a cornerstone of Sturm’s skincare line—and a milestone like that calls for a celebration. Enter the Anti-Inflammatory Haus, an immersive takeover of the iconic five-story townhouse at 214 Lafayette in Soho. The “Hydration Edition” activation honors the bestselling serum, which Sturm affectionately calls “the white T-shirt of the skin”—a daily essential for herself and longtime fan Katie Holmes, who co-hosted the event.

“It helps the cause,” Holmes said with a laugh. “I’ve been using it for years. It feels really good on the skin, and I’ve noticed a big difference in the wrinkle department.” That’s thanks to the formula’s potent blend of hyaluronic acid molecules and biofermented purslane, which delivers hydration while supporting skin regeneration and anti-aging benefits.

The activation also reflects Sturm’s unique career path. A German doctor who began in orthopedics, she translated her anti-inflammatory expertise into aesthetics, creating topicals and treatments beloved by Hollywood’s most radiant faces. “Everything comes down to inflammation,” she says. “It’s the root cause of aging, skin disease, autoimmune disorders—even cancer.” Her prescription? Smart lifestyle choices, clean skincare, and education.

“I’m still a doctor—I’m still in service to my patients,” Sturm says. “I want people to have the knowledge to make informed choices. I’m not here to push product. Everyone should decide for themselves, but they need access to information.”