In this opinion episode, Formula Botanica CEO and podcast host Lorraine Dallmeier dives deep into a topic that’s been buzzing in the beauty industry for a while – upcycled ingredients. In a world where environmental consciousness is on the rise, and the use of waste materials to create beauty products is gaining traction, you would think that upcycling food industry waste and byproducts as cosmetic ingredients would be unquestioned. However, some might ask if there are potential downsides to what is, in effect, synonymous with putting waste on our faces. Join Lorraine as she explores the intriguing questions surrounding zero waste and upcycling raised by her guest in the last episode – Terence Chung of FRUU Cosmetics – and navigates the intersection of sustainability, marketing, and consumer perceptions. To learn more about this episode, all of the links that were mentioned and anything else, please visit the show notes on the Formula Botanica website. FREE FORMULATION RESOURCES Free formulation course | Green Beauty Conversations Podcast | Blog | YouTube Socials: Formula Botanica on Instagram | Lorraine Dallmeier on Instagram

EP202. Are shoppers put off by putting waste on their face?

Our guest in this episode is Dr Terence Chung, visionary co-founder of FRUU Cosmetics, which is a company dedicated to turning sustainable ingredients, particularly “wonky fruits” or byproducts from the juicing and agricultural industries, into natural cosmetics. In conversation with Formula Botanica CEO and podcast host Lorraine Dallmeier, Terence not only shares the remarkable journey of FRUU, but also provides valuable insights into the company’s total commitment to sustainability. In this episode, we unravel the complexities and triumphs of incorporating unconventional ingredients into cosmetics, and gain a deep understanding of the challenges that accompany this innovative approach. Join us for an insightful conversation that promises to unveil the hidden potential within these often underestimated ingredients, promising a paradigm shift in the way we perceive beauty and sustainability. FREE FORMULATION RESOURCES Free formulation course | Green Beauty Conversations Podcast | Blog | YouTube Socials: Formula Botanica on Instagram | Lorraine Dallmeier on Instagram

EP201. FRUU Cosmetics and the sustainable charm of "wonky fruits"

Welcome to the 200th episode of Green Beauty Conversations in which we celebrate not just this milestone, but also six years of thought-provoking dialogues in the world of clean beauty. Join Formula Botanica CEO and podcast host Lorraine Dallmeier as she marks the occasion with her reflections on the profound changes witnessed in the green beauty landscape since the inception of this podcast.  Listen in for a journey that charts the change through Green Beauty Conversations’ episodes, and delves into the shifts, challenges and triumphs that have defined the evolution of the beauty industry.  To learn more about this episode, all of the links that were mentioned and anything else, please visit the show notes on the Formula Botanica website. FREE FORMULATION RESOURCES Free formulation course | Green Beauty Conversations Podcast | Blog | YouTube Socials: Formula Botanica on Instagram | Lorraine Dallmeier on Instagram

EP200. Celebrating 200 episodes and a 6-year green beauty journey

We explore the dynamic world of sustainable beauty with a true expert, Thomas Kerfoot, who is a co-founder of O&3, The Oil Family. Thomas brings over 17 years of passionate expertise to the conversation. His self-proclaimed “oil nerd” status sets the stage for an enlightening journey into the fascinating realm of natural oil ingredients. O&3 isn’t your typical manufacturer or cosmetic ingredient supplier. It is a pioneering force, not only distributing, but innovating by bringing unique ingredients from remote corners of the world to clients globally. What’s more, the company is committed to upcycling and zero waste, and to understanding the profound impact of natural ingredients on the ever-evolving beauty industry. Join Formula Botanica CEO and podcast host Lorraine Dallmeier in conversation with Thomas for an episode that unravels the secrets of sustainable beauty practices, and offers a deep dive into the importance of conscious sourcing. Get ready for an engaging dialogue that goes beyond the surface, exploring the cross-over of sustainability and natural beauty innovation.  To learn more about this episode, all of the links that were mentioned and anything else, please visit the show notes on the Formula Botanica website. FREE FORMULATION RESOURCES Free formulation course | Green Beauty Conversations Podcast | Blog | YouTube Socials: Formula Botanica on Instagram | Lorraine Dallmeier on Instagram

EP199. Upcycling and zero waste with O&3, The Oil Family

In last week’s Green Beauty Conversations, we delved into a pivotal conversation with Noelly Michoux from 4.5.6 Skin, exploring the significance of inclusivity in skincare science and formulation. Building on this crucial theme in this opinion episode, Formula Botanica CEO and podcast host Lorraine Dallmeier reflects also on her episode with guest Dija Ayodele – author, aesthetician and beauty industry advocate for women of colour – which discussed why black skincare matters. However, if the giant cosmetic labs creating next-gen skincare and haircare aren’t thinking about including all skin tones and hair types in their R&D, there will never be true inclusivity and choice.  Here, Lorraine dedicates her opinion short to this critical aspect of the beauty industry – scientific inclusivity. Join us as Lorraine unravels the layers of scientific inclusivity and its impact on personal care science.  To learn more about this episode, all of the links that were mentioned and anything else, please visit the show notes on the Formula Botanica website. FREE FORMULATION RESOURCES Free formulation course | Green Beauty Conversations Podcast | Blog | YouTube Socials: Formula Botanica on Instagram | Lorraine Dallmeier on Instagram

EP198. Inclusive beauty: revolutionising skincare science for all

In this episode, we embark on a transformative journey with founder Noelly Michoux, the visionary force propelling 4.5.6 Skin to the forefront of skincare innovation with the world’s first Skin Tone Research Lab. Shaped by experiences in France, and now reshaping beauty norms, Noelly’s evolution from a corporate background to pioneering a skincare revolution is a narrative that resonates. Discover the complexities involved in establishing the Skin Tone Research Lab and the profound commitment of Noelly and her company to bridging the racial equity gap in the beauty realm. In discussion with podcast host and Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier, Noelly shares her insights on navigating the multiple challenges faced by skin phototypes 4, 5, and 6.  Tune in for an enlightening conversation that transcends conventional beauty narratives.  To learn more about this episode, all of the links that were mentioned and anything else, please visit the show notes on the Formula Botanica website. Noelly Michoux is offering Green Beauty Conversations' listeners a special discount code giving you 25% off all individual products (not valid on duos or kits). Use this code below at checkout on the 4.5.6 Skin:  456FORMULABOTANICA FREE FORMULATION RESOURCES Free formulation course | Green Beauty Conversations Podcast | Blog | YouTube Socials: Formula Botanica on Instagram | Lorraine Dallmeier on Instagram  

EP197. Inclusive beauty - transforming skincare for racial equity

In this episode, we’re addressing a question that has surfaced time and again, and that is whether age is a barrier to becoming a beauty entrepreneur. This stems from the inspiring interactions we had during a recent VIP webinar we held at Formula Botanica, where attendees opened up about their concerns, particularly around one recurring question: “Am I too old to start a beauty brand?” This episode addresses that very question and extends a message to those who may feel limited by age, appearance, or indeed any demographic or societal expectations. Podcast host Lorraine Dallmeier, a chartered environmentalist, biologist, and the CEO of Formula Botanica gives her Green Beauty Opinion on these issues, sharing her takeaways from the previous week’s episode with Birch Babe founder Debbie Alger, who started her beauty empire in her sixties. Join Lorraine in debunking the myths surrounding age and entrepreneurship in the beauty industry.

EP196. Become a beauty entrepreneur at any age

We dive into the amazing and inspiring journey of Formula Botanica graduate Debbie Alger, who is the founder and lead skincare formulator of Canada-based skincare company Birch Babe. Her story is one of the most extraordinary we’ve come across of a hobbyist formulator turned professional beauty entrepreneur. Debbie’s passion for clean beauty and sustainable practices led her to embark on a 6-month solo hike from Patagonia to Chile, ultimately inspiring the creation of Birch Babe. From humble beginnings as a DIY formulator, Debbie, with the help of her daughters, has transformed Birch Babe into a thriving natural skincare company offering over 50 products. Join us as we explore her entrepreneurial journey, which she embarked on in her 60s, and the key lessons she learned along the way. Want to feel inspired? You will be. Settle in for today’s interview with Debbie from Birch Babe.  To learn more about this episode, all of the links that were mentioned and anything else, please visit the show notes on the Formula Botanica website.

EP195. The Birch Babe beauty journey from midlife to beauty entrepreneur

Happy New Year and welcome to 2024! As we step into this brand new year, full of hope and opportunities, let's dive into the exciting world of green beauty formulation. As CEO of the award-winning online organic cosmetic formulation school Formula Botanica, and your podcast host, I am here to guide you through formulating not just your skincare products, but your entire year. Reflecting on last week's episode in which we discussed the evolving dynamics in green beauty with visionary skincare entrepreneur April Gargiulo, the founder of acclaimed brand Vintner's Daughter, I want to focus here on how you can channel your own aspirations into tangible goals for 2024. Whether you're dreaming of starting a new beauty brand, exploring new botanical ingredients, or wanting to take your existing business to new heights, this episode will help you set the foundations for a fulfilling year ahead in the world of green beauty. Listen in to formulate your best in 2024.  To learn more about this episode, all of the links that were mentioned and anything else, please visit the show notes on the Formula Botanica website.

EP194. Formulate your green beauty vision in 2024

In this episode, we hear about the enlightening journey into the world of skincare and beauty of April Gargiulo, a visionary and entrepreneur who is the founder of the cult beauty brand Vintner’s Daughter. April stands out as a trailblazer, redefining the industry’s standards with her innovative, yet also timeless approach to skincare. Armed with a passion for wellness and a commitment to empowering individuals to embrace their natural beauty, April has carved a unique niche for herself creating a contemporary brand that echoes the success of classic cult beauty products of the past. Join Formula Botanica CEO and podcast host Lorraine Dallmeier as she interviews April Gargiulo about her unique approach to beauty that sees Vintner’s Daughter infuse its formulations with the philosophy of wine making. Get ready for a fascinating conversation that goes beyond skincare into the realms of slow beauty and sustainability.  To learn more about this episode, all of the links that were mentioned and anything else, please visit the show notes on the Formula Botanica website.

EP193. Vintner's Daughter and the power of classic cult beauty

As the holiday season approaches, many of us in the Green Beauty Conversations community are contemplating how to gift beauty sustainably. This topic, which recalls our well-received episode on sustainable beauty alternatives to Black Friday, is more relevant than ever. Brands face financial and emotional challenges as they enter the fourth quarter of the year; a peak period they rely on for the seasonal spend it brings. But, consumers in recent years have their concerns too and are now cautious about spending for various reasons from limited budgets to the realisation that over-consumption is at odds with preserving the planet. Last week, we delved into the surge of beauty advent calendars in the UK; a phenomenon that signals a broader global trend. To continue this conversation, this episode focuses on sustainable beauty gifting. For those who missed the previous episode, do revisit it, and immerse yourself in the inspiring dialogue that podcast host and Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier takes forward in this opinion.  To learn more about this episode, all of the links that were mentioned and anything else, please visit the show notes on the Formula Botanica website.

EP192. Sustainable beauty gifting for the holidays

As the festive season approaches for many of us, one trend that has captured the beauty industry’s attention is the rise of beauty advent calendars. These calendars go way beyond traditional paper or chocolate calendars and have become a significant phenomenon in some branches of the beauty industry, and in certain countries. In this episode, Formula Botanica CEO and host Lorraine Dallmeier, in discussion with colleague School Education Manager Ana Green, delves deeper into the intricacies of this trend. They explore the rationale for these calendars, what their production entails and their impact on consumer behavior, with a special look at the sustainability challenges they present. Join them for an engaging and slightly controversial discussion on whether beauty advent calendars are a delightful treat or a consumption trap that simply adds to the waste mountain the beauty industry produces. To learn more about this episode, all of the links that were mentioned and anything else, please visit the show notes on the Formula Botanica website.

EP191. The rise and impact of beauty advent calendars

The beauty industry's exploration and use of biotechnology is growing fast as we heard in the  previous episode with Josh Britton, CEO and co-founder of Debut Biotech. Large corporate cosmetics companies are turning to biotech - or synthetic biology - to grow their high-performance cosmetic ingredients sustainably in labs. The contrast in approach between the industrial and artisan beauty sectors is intriguing. The indie beauty sector, represented by the Formula Botanica community, shows minimal engagement with biotech. When we searched the Formula Botanica online forum for mention of biotech, we found just a handful of comments and queries about it. In this opinion episode, Formula Botanica CEO and podcast host Lorraine Dallmeier explores these diverging paths and their implications for the future of beauty. Could the advent of biotech prove the key difference between the artisan-scale indie beauty brand and the mainstream? Much depends on the availability of bio-based ingredients for small-scale brands as well as the mission and mindsets of artisan founders and formulators. To learn more about this episode, all of the links that were mentioned and anything else, please visit the show notes on the Formula Botanica website.

EP190. Industrial vs artisan beauty

In this ground-breaking episode of Green Beauty Conversations, we dive into the world of biotech beauty, a realm where the age-old practices of botanical extraction meet cutting-edge science. For millennia, the natural world provided the raw ingredients for cosmetics. The early 1900s brought chemistry to bear on ingredient manufacture, but now, with the massive rise in demand for all-natural beauty products, we are seeing demand for plant-extracted cosmetic ingredients outstripping supply. Factor in the costs to the natural world associated with growing, harvesting and processing plant-based ingredients, and you begin to realise that biotech could be the sustainable solution for the beauty industry. Biotech ingredients that mimic plant extracts like for like can scale, be created sustainably in a lab, reduce costs, claim efficacy and be high-performance cosmetic ingredient sources. Are we at the cusp of a massive shift to biotech in the cosmetics industry? Are we also about to see ingredient wars between the all-natural, plant-extracted camp and the biotech pioneers? Our guest, Josh Britton, CEO of Debut Biotech, guides us through the revolutionary changes biotechnology is bringing to the cosmetic industry. Join podcast host and Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier as she uncovers how Debut Biotech is leading the charge in this new era, transcending traditional methods to create high-performance, sustainable ingredients. To learn more about this episode, all of the links that were mentioned and anything else, please visit the show notes on the Formula Botanica website.

EP189. The biotech ingredient wars

Growing up in the Netherlands, Formula Botanica CEO and podcast host Lorraine Dallmeier learned the value of recycling plastic from an early age. However, the prevailing culture of single-use plastics Lorraine experienced in countries like the United Kingdom and the United States was in stark contrast to the practices she grew up with in the Netherlands. Now, with her career in the cosmetics industry, and background as a Chartered Environmentalist and a biologist, Lorraine is finely tuned to any cosmetics firms’ claims about sustainable packaging, plastic-free alternatives and other green credentials. While many big players are moving towards more responsible packaging systems, a pressing question remains: what really happens to our recycled plastics? Is the labeling of certain plastic cosmetic packaging as recyclable, blindsiding us and akin to greenwashing? In last week’s podcast, Lorraine interviewed Dr Suvi Haimi, Co-Founder and CEO of Sulapac, who brought to light the myth of plastic recyclability, revealing that some plastics can only be recycled once. In today’s Green Beauty Opinions, she explores this crucial issue.  To learn more about this episode, all of the links that were mentioned and anything else, please visit the show notes on the Formula Botanica website. 

EP188. The great plastic recycling myth

In this episode, we’re delving into an issue that lies not only at the heart of the green beauty industry, but one that we raise in our conversations time and again on this podcast – sustainability and tackling plastic waste. When we come across innovative answers and practical solutions to help reduce plastic waste in the beauty industry that are also within reach of small, indie beauty businesses, we are keen to explore them and spread the word about how they deliver on their promise. Podcast host and Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier is joined by Dr Suvi Haimi, CEO and Co-founder of Sulapac, a pioneering company based in Finland that is on a mission to replace conventional plastic with sustainable alternatives. We’re proud to say that some of our graduate beauty founders and brands are already using Sulapac’s packaging and contributing to a plastic-free future in the beauty industry. If you wish to follow their lead, we encourage you to listen in to our interview with Suvi as we explore the innovative ways Sulapac is combating plastic waste and contributing to a greener planet. To learn more about this episode, all of the links that were mentioned and anything else, please visit the show notes on the Formula Botanica website.  

EP187. A plastic-free future for beauty

As the world’s number one online formulation school with award-winning courses, it is particularly validating to see how far and wide Formula Botanica teaching is spreading. Before the advent of online learning, cosmetic chemistry was taught only in a small number of universities, mainly in the UK and US, which meant formulation training was not as widely accessible as it should be. Formula Botanica has changed that in a big way. Its teaching now reaches over 19,000 students in over 190 countries. In this opinion episode, Formula Botanica CEO and podcast host Lorraine Dallmeier sets out a vision for a better global cosmetics industry; one that sees it entirely normal for local, indie beauty entrepreneurs to create premium skincare brands to rival any of the global big brands out there today.  In fact, Formula Botanica graduate founders are doing just that, as we heard in the  previous episode with self-made beauty entrepreneur Dewi Kauw.   In doing so, they will be challenging the dominant, Eurocentric perception of beauty which should no longer be valid, and certainly needs to be changed.  To learn more about this episode, all of the links that were mentioned and anything else, please visit the show notes on the Formula Botanica website.    

EP186. Taking indie beauty entrepreneurship global

Imagine going from cafe owner to mother to cosmetic formulator, teacher and contract manufacturer in less than 10 years having created a beauty empire built on turning problems into solutions and roadblocks into opportunities.  In this episode, podcast host and Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine talks to Dewi Kauw, a school graduate and founder of Skin Dewi, an award-winning, Indonesian-based, organic skincare and bodycare brand. What began as a mother’s quest to alleviate her baby’s skin issues has grown into a formulation and manufacturing empire with a mission to educate on lifestyle and wellness while helping its audience and customers care for a myriad of skin issues. Dewi explains the trials and tribulations of not only launching a plant-based organic skincare line in Indonesia, but also the challenges she faced on a manufacturing front. She dared to dream of building her own manufacturing facility and with determination and creativity she made it happen. Tune in for an enlightening interview full of juicy entrepreneurial tidbits and wise advice on how passion and perseverance can move beauty mountains.  To learn more about this episode, all of the links that were mentioned and anything else, please visit the show notes on the Formula Botanica website. 

EP185. Secrets of a self-made beauty entrepreneur

AI is being leveraged by the beauty sector to help increase productivity, reduce costs, automate task and improve decision-making. In last week’s guest episode, Lorraine heard how AI was impacting the beauty industry and what can be expected of this powerful technology in the future. Taking a cue from her interviewee, Lorraine decided to take up the challenge of seeing how capable one commonly-used AI tool – tech darling ChatGPT – is of formulation. Could it help, for example, formulate a solid facial serum bar with vitamin C? In this opinion episode Lorraine walks us through her experiment with ChatGPT, which went through a number of stages before ending with a stunning conclusion. Listen in to find out if AI is able to formulate skincare successfully despite lacking that essential ingredient - “human-ness” - the Formula Botanica and indie beauty community bring to the equation.  To learn more about this episode, all of the links that were mentioned and anything else, please visit the show notes on the Formula Botanica website.

EP184. I asked ChatGPT to formulate for me

Suddenly, AI has gone mainstream and people are discovering how efficient and effective it can be to complete all sorts of tasks. There are so many benefits to using AI and its potential is boundless. However, the beauty industry continues to grapple with AI and what it could mean for the industry. Could AI in the future design our cosmetics, formulate for us, or make the beauty industry more sustainable? AI is in its nascent stages so who knows what the future holds. In this episode, Lorraine talks to Yann Chilvers, the Co-Founder of Covalo, the world’s largest beauty ingredients’ platform. Yann explains in detail how Covalo leverages AI and data analysis to give its customers a competitive advantage. He also outlines AI’s shortcomings and how human participation in any technology system will always be required on some level. Settle in for a fascinating conversation on how AI is currently impacting the beauty industry and what it may have in store for us in the future. To learn more about this episode, all of the links that were mentioned and anything else, please visit the show notes on the Formula Botanica website.

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