The Eco Well podcast

In this episode, I interviewed Dr. Barbara Olioso, the founder at the green chemist. She works with clients to achieve more sustainable products, as well as does quite a bit of travelling to help train the industry on green cosmetics and chemistry. In this conversation, we explored what green chemistry is, the layers of sustainability within the cosmetic industry, shades of green for products and just how complex green beauty is.

In this episode, I interviewed Dr. Katerina Steventon again, as part of our 3 part series about skin biology, touch therapy and cosmetics. In this episode, we took a deep dive into cosmetic products. We spoke about what a cosmetic product is, effective active ingredients for different skin types, cultural differences in how we treat our skin, building our own skincare routine and more.

In this episode, I interviewed Perry Romanowski, an internationally recognized cosmetic chemist. In this interview, we talked about how he got started in cosmetics, how his career evolved to where he is today, how new formulators, brands & manufacturers can get their start in the industry, and how much cosmetic chemistry rocks :). Learn more about him at www.chemistscorner.com

In this episode, I interviewed Ashley Ross, PhD candidate at the University of Guelph and graduate from the University of Waterloo, where she studied skin microflora. In this conversation, we covered what the skin flora entails to, how it affects skin health, how we can work to potentially have a healthier skin flora, interactions between different cosmetic products and flora colonies, emerging cosmetic product innovations with respect to the skin microflora and lot’s more.

In this episode, I interviewed Dr. Katerina Steventon, a skincare expert based out of the UK. In this episode, we covered skin biology, including the structure of your skin as it relates to cosmetics, skin conditions like acne, the aging process of your skin, and lots more. Enjoy!

In this episode, I interviewed Jessica Burman, founder at Cocoon Apothecary. Aside from having really nice formulations in all of her products, I think her brand story is really inspirational. In this conversation, we talked about how she got started with her businesses, the trials she’s had along the way, her experiences getting into her own factory, insights for new beauty brands and where she’d like to take her business in the next years to come.

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Carol Treasure, one of the co-founders of a UK based business called XCellR8.Throughout the interview, we spoke about how Carol got started with her business, the work they do, the history of animal testing within the cosmetic industry, cruelty-free certifications on brands and more.

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Mark Smith, director general at NATRUE, a european organisation dedicated to protecting the integrity and promoting natural and organic cosmetics. They actively do research on green and bio based ingredient technology and also have their own NATRUE certification program. In this interview, we talked about the work NATRUE does, natural ingredient innovations, natural and organic cosmetics, and issues within that sector.

In this episode, I interviewed Andrew Wallis, the ceo of Unseen - a UK based organization that works to tackle the issue of modern slavery. In this conversation, we talked about estimates of slavery today, the work Unseen does, how slavery impacts the cosmetic industry specifically, how both consumers and formulators can purchase or produce more ethical products, and what you at home can do to help address the problem of modern slavery.

In this podcast episode, I spent some time with Emily Mills, founder of an Ontario based apiaries business called Emily Rose Apiaries. Aside from honey production, she now focuses some of her time on public education through writing and public speaking. We covered honey and wax production, bees in nature, challenges for beekeepers today, issues with labeling, sustainability and more.

In this episode, I interviewed Chris Sayner, vise president of customer alliances and corporate sustainability at Croda. Croda is a UK based ingredient producer with international reach. While they’re not known on the consumer side of things, their ingredients can be found in the majority of cosmetic products sold throughout the world. In this podcast, we talked about the work Croda does, renewable ingredients for the industry, palm oil, environmental outlooks, and more.

In this episode, I Interviewed Amarjit Sahota, founder of a UK based firm called Ecovia Intelligence. They do cosmetic summits and workshops around the world, bringing together key players in the industry to highlight green innovation and key topics with respect to sustainability. In this conversation, we talked about the evolution of Ecovia to where it is today as an industry leader, social and environmental issues within cosmetics today, natural cosmetics, certifications and more.

In this episode, I spent some time with Kenna Whitnell, the founder of a new Cambridge based cosmetic business called Altilis Beauty.In this podcast, we talked about her road to starting Altilis Beauty, the research she's done and ingredients she’s been able to produce, why innovation is important in the cosmetic industry and sustainability in cosmetics. Learn more about the work Kenna’s doing at www.altilisbeauty.com, on facebook @Soleluna Cosmetics, and on Twitter and Instagram @AltilisBeauty

In this episode, I spoke with Anne Himeno, Senior Business Developer at Chainpoint, a European tech business focused on monitoring supply chains through software solutions. We spent some time talking about some of these issues within the supply chain, how technology can help us foster ingredient transparency, and the work that Chain Point is currently doing to help make a difference. /

In this episode, I spoke with Carsten, International Marketing Director of AAK. AAK is a European company that sources high-value fats for a variety of sectors, including cosmetics. Something they're known for doing really well is sourcing Shea Butter in a sustainable and ethical way. For this interview, we spoke about Shea Butter, sourcing and producing as well as key things important for both manufacturers and consumers to know.