Green Beauty Conversations by Formula Botanica

There's a trend that's been growing for several years. Teens, tweens, and children are using anti-ageing skincare, with active ingredients like retinol. Today, colleague, School Education Manager, Ana Green joins Lorraine Dallmeier, CEO of Formula Botanica, as they discuss this new trend. Together, they explore why more children using anti-ageing skincare is such a trend and the implications for young skincare enthusiasts. What does this use mean for their skin's health? Listen now to this latest episode of Green Beauty Conversations podcast to discover the details on children using these ingredients and what it means for their skin. FREE FORMULATION RESOURCES Free formulation course | Green Beauty Conversations Podcast | Blog | YouTube Socials: Formula Botanica on Instagram | Lorraine Dallmeier on Instagram

Have you ever wondered where the ingredients in your product came from? Most of us have no clue. Following the path of an ingredient from formulation back to its origin is called traceability. It is the detailed supply chain of an ingredient. This knowledge is essential to address environmental and social concerns. If a brand doesn't know its ingredient supply chain, it cannot address how the planet is impacted. Every ingredient has the potential to affect our environment by how and where it is grown, harvested, and processed. This knowledge is becoming more important to consumers who want to make planet-friendly purchases. Listen to this insightful podcast with Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier to discover why the beauty industry needs to embrace transparency with traceability. FREE FORMULATION RESOURCES Free formulation course | Green Beauty Conversations Podcast | Blog | YouTube Socials: Formula Botanica on Instagram | Lorraine Dallmeier on Instagram

In this episode, we dive deep, almost literally, into the oceans with a look at how our seas can be a sustainable source of beauty ingredients. Podcast host Lorraine Dallmeier talks to Matthew Perkins, the founder of Macro Oceans to learn how regeneratively-farmed seaweed is turned into eco-friendly cosmetics. Macro Oceans, a technology company based in California, developed a unique zero-waste system that uses 100% of the seaweed. The company recently launched its first cosmetic product – a powerful bioactive providing excellent hydration for skincare and haircare products. Don't miss this insightful conversation exploring the future of sustainable beauty and the transformative power of seaweed in cosmetics. FREE FORMULATION RESOURCES Free formulation course | Green Beauty Conversations Podcast | Blog | YouTube Socials: Formula Botanica on Instagram | Lorraine Dallmeier on Instagram

Imagine a beauty industry that gives back more to the environment than it takes. That's the crux of this week's Green Beauty Opinion in which podcast host and Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier explores the concept of regenerative beauty. This revolutionary approach isn't just about reducing beauty's environmental impact; it's about actively enriching our planet, starting with the soil beneath our feet. With a focus on fostering biodiversity, enhancing ecosystems and challenging the beauty industry to shift to truly regenerative practices, this episode is a call to action. But will regen beauty just be more greenwashing? Listen now to find out. FREE FORMULATION RESOURCES Free formulation course | Green Beauty Conversations Podcast | Blog | YouTube Socials: Formula Botanica on Instagram | Lorraine Dallmeier on Instagram

Ever wondered what regenerative beauty is and if it's even achievable for the beauty industry? In this latest episode, we dive into the transformative world of regenerative beauty with Ruth Andrade, the visionary Earth Care Strategy Lead at LUSH. This eye-opening discussion unveils how regenerative practices are not just the future, but a necessity for a sustainable beauty industry. Are you ready to be part of a movement that doesn't just aim to reduce harm, but actively improves the environment? This episode is your gateway to understanding how beauty can foster a world where we leave the world in a better place than we found it. For more insights into LUSH's ground-breaking work and policies, explore their mission and vision website We Are LUSH. FREE FORMULATION RESOURCES Free formulation course | Green Beauty Conversations Podcast | Blog | YouTube Socials: Formula Botanica on Instagram | Lorraine Dallmeier on Instagram

Circularity and recyclability are often-misunderstood concepts in the beauty industry. Last week, we explored the potential of upcycled beauty ingredients with Harry McIlwraith of the Upcycled Beauty Company. Building on that enlightening discussion in this week's opinion episode, Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier tackles a crucial question: What really defines a circular beauty product, and how does it differ from mere recyclability? Tune in as we unravel the misconceptions and confront greenwashing in the beauty sector. FREE FORMULATION RESOURCES Free formulation course | Green Beauty Conversations Podcast | Blog | YouTube Socials: Formula Botanica on Instagram | Lorraine Dallmeier on Instagram

In this episode, Formula Botanica CEO and podcast host Lorraine Dallmeier talks to Harry McIlwraith, the visionary mind behind The Upcycled Beauty Company, a trailblazing venture revolutionising the beauty industry by repurposing overlooked food waste resources into potent skincare ingredients. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Harry's insights shed light on the incredible potential of upcycled beauty and inspire us to rethink traditional manufacturing practices. Join us as we uncover the fascinating story behind The Upcycled Beauty Company and discover how this visionary approach is reshaping the future of skincare. FREE FORMULATION RESOURCES Free formulation course | Green Beauty Conversations Podcast | Blog | YouTube Socials: Formula Botanica on Instagram | Lorraine Dallmeier on Instagram

In the latest episode of Green Beauty Conversations, we delve into the "science washing" that is rife in the beauty industry. This term, akin to its near neighbour "greenwashing", refers to the use of scientific jargon to mask pseudoscientific ideas. Last week, podcast host Lorraine Dallmeier, CEO of Formula Botanica, explored the nuances of so-called "medical-grade skincare" with Ana Green, Education Manager at Formula Botanica. They unpacked its role as a marketing term, and how its hype often misleads consumers about the quality and real efficacy of skincare products. In this opinion episode, Lorraine unravels the broader implications of scientism or "science washing" in the beauty industry. FREE FORMULATION RESOURCES Free formulation course | Green Beauty Conversations Podcast | Blog | YouTube Socials: Formula Botanica on Instagram | Lorraine Dallmeier on Instagram

Today, we are seeing a rise in so-called medical-grade skincare and liberal use of the word "clinical" to describe brands and formulations. In this episode, Formula Botanica CEO and podcast host Lorraine Dallmeier is joined by colleague School Education Manager Ana Green to delve into the controversial world of medical-grade skincare, and explore the intricacies of this term and its implications. Ana sheds light on the marketing strategies behind the medical-grade term and unravels whether there's substance behind the claims of cosmetic formulations penetrating deeper with higher levels of actives. Is medical grade just a marketing term to ensure brands do exclusive sales deals and attach luxury price tags to their products? Listen in for the big reveal on medical-grade cosmetics. FREE FORMULATION RESOURCES Free formulation course | Green Beauty Conversations Podcast | Blog | YouTube Socials: Formula Botanica on Instagram | Lorraine Dallmeier on Instagram

Have you ever felt isolated due to a beauty concern, thinking you're the only one struggling? This episode of the Green Beauty Conversations podcast, hosted by Lorraine Dallmeier, delves into the myths and realities surrounding beauty standards. It highlights the silence and stigma around female hair loss, challenges the negative perceptions of hyperpigmentation and cellulite, and advocates for a broader representation of beauty across the industry. By sharing high-profile stories and calling for more diversity in beauty narratives, the episode encourages a celebration of humanity's diverse appearances, emphasising that our differences are not abnormalities, but facets of our collective beauty. FREE FORMULATION RESOURCES Free formulation course | Green Beauty Conversations Podcast | Blog | YouTube | Formula Botanica on Instagram | Lorraine Dallmeier on Instagram

In this episode, we give voice to the often unspoken world of hair loss, particularly in women. Podcast host and Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier talks to guest Helena Gibson, a seasoned expert in haircare solutions, who shares her insights into the stigma and solutions to hair loss in women. The issue prompted Helena's journey into business with her company Strut Hair Solutions, and the creation of Unveil Restorative Haircare, a line of haircare products targeting weak and thinning hair and hair loss. Helena's personal and professional experiences shed light on the impact of hair loss on self-esteem and identity, and saw her offer hope and solutions through innovative products and empathetic support. Tune in now to take part in a very important conversation that affects millions of people around the world, but has typically excluded women from the discussion and solutions.

Is the beauty industry truly saturated? In a world where being the first is often confused with being the best, Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier uses this episode of Green Beauty Conversations to discuss the opportunities and risks facing beauty brands. Featuring insights from industry pioneers and a special homage to Dame Anita Roddick's legacy of The Body Shop, this episode is a wake-up call to aspiring beauty entrepreneurs. FREE FORMULATION RESOURCES Free formulation course | Green Beauty Conversations Podcast | Blog | YouTube Socials: Formula Botanica on Instagram | Lorraine Dallmeier on Instagram

In this episode, we dive deep into the rise and fall of an iconic beauty brand, The Body Shop. Podcast host and Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier is joined by Wizz Selvey, a seasoned beauty retail expert and analyst, for an insightful exploration of the brand's evolution over the years. Wizz explains the challenges the familiar, and much-loved beauty retailer faced, from its changing ownership to shifts in consumer behaviour, and unravels the recent announcement of The Body Shop entering into administration. This episode covers the fate of a beauty giant that was a feature of our shopping streets for nearly 50 years. If you are curious about The Body Shop news, and keen to glean insights into the ever-changing, and often ruthless landscape of the beauty industry, this episode is a must-listen. Stay tuned for a thought-provoking discussion on the impact of activism, sustainability efforts, and the crucial role of innovation in 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

In our last episode, host Lorraine Dallmeier had a fascinating discussion with Joel Tasche, Founder of CleanHub, on the beauty industry's sustainability challenges, in particular its commitment to reducing its reliance on plastic, which as we know, has a huge carbon footprint. Building on that conversation, today's episode takes a close look into a groundbreaking report in late 2023 by the Carbon Trust, provocatively titled "Greenhouse Gloss – Is the beauty industry's commitment to tackling climate change more than skin deep?" If you missed Lorraine's conversation with Joel Tasche, be sure to catch up, as it sets the stage for her exploration in this Green Beauty Opinion of the beauty industry's damning environmental impact. FREE FORMULATION RESOURCES Free formulation course | Green Beauty Conversations Podcast | Blog | YouTube Socials: Formula Botanica on Instagram | Lorraine Dallmeier on Instagram

In this episode, we have an enlightening conversation with Joel Tasche, the visionary founder and CEO of CleanHub, a company dedicated to liberating the planet from plastic pollution. Growing up with a profound connection to the ocean through sailing and surfing, Joel's passion for marine conservation led him to establish CleanHub with a mission to create, foster and shape waste management solutions where this infrastructure is lacking globally. This is a subject close to the heart of podcast host and Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier, who is a Chartered Environmentalist and biologist. In conversation with Joel, Lorraine unravels the layers of sustainable packaging, waste management intricacies, and the environmental impact and responsibilities of the beauty industry in reducing plastic waste at source. Join us as we explore the initiatives taken by CleanHub to address plastic pollution and create a positive change in the beauty industry. FREE FORMULATION RESOURCES Free formulation course | Green Beauty Conversations Podcast | Blog | YouTube Socials: Formula Botanica on Instagram | Lorraine Dallmeier on Instagram

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Reusing what would normally be considered waste byproducts is not only an innovative way to repurpose a wide variety of materials, but also a smart beauty business move and good for our planet. Upcycled ingredients are set to play a larger and larger role in the future of beauty. In the last guest episode, Lorraine interviewed Geoff Chapin, CEO of Carbonwave; an innovative company from the USA transforming Sargassum seaweed into a number of amazing products including an all-natural plant-based emulsifier for the cosmetic industry. He turned an environmental disaster into upcycling gold. Join Formula Botanica CEO, biologist and chartered environmentalist Lorraine Dallmeier in this episode as she covers just three fascinating upcycling techniques already in use in the beauty industry. These are just a hint at the possibilities for upcycling and circularity in the beauty industry of 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.

Seaweed is an amazing, multipurpose marine plant. It offers a habitat for marine life of all shapes and sizes, grows and regenerates quickly and has a magical way of helping heal the ocean by absorbing harmful ingredients washed into our oceans by large scale manufacturing and farming. In the context of the global climate crisis, this is highly encouraging. However, human activity has a nasty way of interfering with the planet's finely-balanced eco-system and also affects what nature intended for seaweed. Take for example sargassum seaweed, which, as a result of excessive nutrients being flushed into the ocean, creates massive algal blooms every year that bring with them their own destructive ecological and economic problems. In 2020, an innovative team of entrepreneurs and STEM experts started to investigate what consumer products could be made from sargassum. Fast forward a year and they became the world's leading developer of ultra-regenerative, plant-based biomaterials from seaweed. In 2021, they brought to market the world's first all-natural, sustainable, plant-based emulsifier for cosmetic use and it has taken the beauty industry by storm. In this episode, Formula Botanica CEO and podcast host Lorraine Dallmeier talks to Geoff Chapin, CEO and co-founder of Carbonwave on his inspiration behind the business of upcycling seaweed. If you are interested in hearing more about this amazing marine-based functional cosmetic ingredient, you don't want to miss this exciting conversation about a field of cosmetic research that is taking the industry by storm.

In the last guest episode, we heard from Formula Botanica graduate and indie beauty rock star Leslie Reichgelt, founder of Bella Botanicals, who has managed to smash every preconception we have about what a beauty brand should be and how one should operate. She shared some amazing tips on how to build a beauty business on a budget by simply networking and being visible in your own community. Prompted by Leslie's experiences, podcast host and Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier uses this episode to reflect on her early career and how difficult it was to put herself out there. Being the visible face of her business was terrifying at the start, but Lorraine persevered. It is daunting starting a new business and we all have moments of doubts. But, the key to success lies in getting out of your comfort zone and taking a leap of faith towards personal growth and your dreams of becoming a beauty entrepreneur. How do fledgling beauty entrepreneurs shift their mindset to be successful in today's economic climate? Listen in to an exciting and inspirational episode that offers a simple road map to pushing past your biggest fears and creating a successful beauty business on a budget and on your own terms. 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.

In this episode, podcast host and Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier talks to indie beauty founder and graduate Leslie Reichgelt of Bella Botanicals, a natural and organic skincare brand based in the USA. Leslie shares her story on how she has built a successful beauty brand from the ground up, and talks of the highs and lows that she has experienced along the way. Leslie's honest, practical and personal story shows how it is entirely possible to create a sustainable and successful natural beauty business from your own home, and dispels the myth that the market is too crowded for "yet another beauty brand". Listen in for the pep talk you need to follow in Leslie's footsteps. 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.

In a world brimming with beauty products and services, have you ever wondered what happens to them once they've served their purpose? As we immerse ourselves in skincare, haircare and makeup, it's easy to forget that beautifying often comes at a cost to our planet. The beauty industry, with its myriad companies, products, and services, has inadvertently – or perhaps also blatantly – contributed to the mounting waste crisis that plagues our planet. In this opinion episode of Green Beauty Conversations, host and Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier – also a Chartered Environmentalist and biologist – presents a new and pressing concept for all of us in the beauty industry to think about and make centre stage: "end-of-life beauty planning." Listen in to learn why we should buy, manufacture, and formulate cosmetics with their end in mind. 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.

The next time you go for a regular hair cut, take a moment to think about what happens to the waste hair you've just left behind. If you had a hair colour or highlights, then your visit has a larger waste footprint as it will have generated left-over colourant, aluminium foils, and empty plastic bottles. There are over a million hair salons of all sizes in the USA alone creating waste like this, and a similar story happens the world over and across the beauty industry in nail bars, spas, barber shops and esthetician salons. But, one person's waste is another's solution. In this guest episode, we hear from Shane Price, an eco-preneur with a background in molecular biology and biochem, whose visit to a barber's over a decade ago gave him the motivation to come up with solutions to the environmental impacts of the beauty industry. Listen in as Formula Botanica CEO and host Lorraine Dallmeier discovers some astonishing ways Shane's initiative with Green Circle Salons is saving waste, one salon visit at a time. 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.

Just when you thought the beauty industry had exhausted its lexicon, along comes "cleanical". At first glance, cleanical seems innocent enough and quite easy to decipher; it's a mash-up of "clean" and "clinical," and aims to describe formulations that are both clean beauty formulations and clinically proven. What's the harm in using it on labels, social media, or in the beauty media? For a start, cleanical should be seen as controversial as it has no scientific basis. To explain why, Lorraine Dallmeier, the host of Green Beauty Conversations and CEO of Formula Botanica, unpacks the term and presents her view on the use of "cleanical" in the beauty industry. In this episode, she argues why this buzzword should be abolished from our vocabulary and how it is yet another term that perpetuates misconceptions about clean beauty. 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.

Clean beauty has been espoused for almost three decades and in that time there has been no real clarity on what "clean" really means in the beauty landscape. Initially tied to the Southern Californian wellness movement of the early '90s, the broad interpretation of clean has only become wider and more confusing. However, now there is a new beauty movement afoot that is challenging clean. Strictly speaking, "clean beauty" remains a marketing term that would require evidence-based proof to substantiate the claims some beauty brands use it for. In this episode, Formula Botanica CEO and podcast host Lorraine Dallmeier is joined by colleague School Education Manager Ana Green to discuss this hotly-debated term. Listen in to make your mind up about the future of clean beauty. 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.

Inspired by the 9th generation herbalist interviewed in the previous guest episode, podcast host and Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier asks us to think about the plants and herbs native to us that have been revered for centuries for the beauty secrets they hold within. Lorraine dives into three herbs native to her in the UK which were documented in the 16th century by one of the country's most renowned and pioneering herbalists of his day, Dr Nicholas Culpeper, in his "Complete Herbal: a book of natural remedies for ancient ills". How do the age-old and folkloristric benefits of herbs stand up against today's scientific assessment of their powers? Listen in to be surprised by ancient wisdom and inspired to do your own research into the secrets of herbs growing near you.

Natural formulation may seem a new sector of the beauty industry today – barely 20 years old – but it was there long before the dawn of mainstream commercial cosmetics. Its roots lie in thousands of years of home formulation, herbology and traditional and folkloristic medicine with recipes handed down by word of mouth across generations. If you love the thought of being involved in an exciting, modern natural beauty movement that is part of the great continuum of ancient knowledge of the power of plants, then you will want to listen to this guest episode. Formula CEO and podcast host Lorraine Dallmeier talks to Dr Jenelle Kim, a 9th-generation master herbologist, doctor of traditional Oriental medicine, best-selling author, cosmetics formulator and wellness expert, who shares her rich heritage of plants of East Asia. Dr Kim has woven plants into her life and her career, and they are the powerhouses in her performance cosmetics. If you want to hear exactly what it means to infuse your ancestor's knowledge into the formulations you create, join us for a fascinating story. 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.

In this opinion episode, Formula Botanica CEO and podcast host Lorraine Dallmeier delves into the intriguing world of "skintellectuals" and the significant influence Gen Z is wielding in the beauty industry. But who are these self-proclaimed "skintellectuals" and what do they stand for? With scientific jargon bombarding beauty consumers, it's only natural that individuals seek to understand the terminology and concepts behind skincare ingredients. Accessibility to knowledge has given rise to a so-called "skintellectual movement", that can only gain momentum. Lorraine proposes that it should play a pivotal role in challenging beauty brands on issues like sustainability. Only by questioning and demanding transparency, can we contribute to cleaning up the beauty industry and making it more environmentally conscious. 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.

If sustainability is to make headway in the beauty industry, it is future generations who will be shaping it and seeing it through. So, how are generations like Gen Z thinking about sustainabilty in the cosmetics industry, both as beauty shoppers and future formulators? In this episode, Lorraine interviews Riley Cowen who is a graduate student of ISIPCA, a Paris-based institute for post-graduate studies in perfume, cosmetics products and food flavour formulation. Riley has insights into both the marketing and business side of the industry as well as cosmetic science and product development. At 22, she brings a unique perspective as a young industry insider on Genz Z's take on sustainability in 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.

"Beauty" – a short, six-letter word that none of us need define. We know what it means. Or do we? The shocking truth is that even many of us in the beauty industry have never looked up nor questioned its dictionary definitions. Now is the time to do both, says Formula Botanica CEO and podcast host Lorraine Dallmeier. Our guest in the previous episode, Shaun Russell, owner of Scandinavian-based fragrance and lifestyle brand Skandinavist, and chair of B Corp Beauty Coalition, drew our attention to the definition of beauty, asking us to see it as encompassing the beauty of the natural world, not only the world of cosmetics. He pointed out that in buying beauty products, we should think of their impact on the beauty of the planet. Beauty should be defined by the world around us, not by how we appear to others. In this opinion episode, Lorraine takes a cue from Shaun's comments and investigates the world of the word beauty to uncover some shocking and depressing truths about it. Listen in to make your mind up on whether it's high time to redefine beauty. 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.

Some beauty brands are cajoled into taking action on sustainability by their customers or competitors. However, others are not waiting around. They are taking the lead and cooperating in setting themselves the highest environmental and social standards to hold their beauty businesses to account. B Corp Beauty businesses are in this latter group. But, what is B Corp and what role does a sub-set group called the B Corp Beauty Coalition play? If you haven't heard of this forward-thinking, non-profit organisation or the active lead taken by over 60 of its beauty brand members, it is time to put them both on your radar when you wish to shop for sustainable beauty. Lorraine talks to Shaun Russell, founder of B Corp-certified, Scandinavian fragrance and lifestyle company Skandinavisk, who is also co-founder and chair of B Corp Beauty Coalition, an initiative of over 60 B Corps worldwide united in working to improve the sustainability standards 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.

Get ready to see marine ingredients – specifically algae – featuring everywhere in cosmetic products. Seaweed is moving on up from its traditional role in the spa sector and as a functional gelling and colouring agent. While we usually don't take much notice of the latest trending ingredient, which is here today and gone tomorrow from our cosmetics, algae is one category of ingredients that is worth investigating, and, we hope, set to stay. If you listened to our previous episode in which Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier and colleagues discussed the latest cosmetic trends seen at this year's in-cosmetics Global, the world's largest trade fair for the industry, you will have heard how marine ingredients are dominating the agenda. In this opinion episode, Lorraine takes a closer look at why algae, seaweeds and other marine ingredients herald a new era in sustainable cosmetics. Listen in to hear 4 reasons to love algae in your cosmetics. 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.