This week the episode focuses on my favourite topic - compliance - and it asks the big question: Why should I make compliance a priority, and what can happen if I don’t?

In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of cosmetic regulations and the why it's so important in the beauty industry. I shed light on the basics of regulatory compliance, including the consequences of non-compliance and the myriad of benefits of adhering to the regulations (hint: it's not what you think).

We explore the following:

• The basics of cosmetic regulations: - what it is, why it exists, and why it's important 
• What can happen if you're not compliant (you probably won't go to gaol, but we'll look at the realistic consequences you could actually face!)
• Why being compliant offers numerous benefits, way beyond avoiding negative consequences
• How ethics comes into the picture when compliance is discussed.

I’ve got some fascinating case studies and I think you’ll find this episode very enlightening and empowering.

Join me as we navigate the complex world of cosmetic regulations in this final episode of Season 2.

See you back here in June for Season 3!

Show links

• Cosmetic regulations in Australia blog post (12 cosmetic regulations to consider)
• Ayla Skin - influencer advertising breach
• Anna Heinrich - influencer advertising breach
• Compliance Confidence - the ultimate course to get your brand legally compliant in Australia - ****
• Test your knowledge with the Cosmetics Compliance Quiz
• Work with me as your regulatory consultant
• Learn more about the Clear Beauty Movement

Let's connect on Instagram - @skincarebusinessfoundations

If you’re a skincare or beauty brand owner you may have already heard of APCO, and if you’re just starting out then the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation is someone you should know more about. So for this week's episode, I went straight to the expert - Renata Daudt from AWEN Consulting. 

Renata gave me the low down on what the new sustainable packaging regulations could be, how they will impact beauty brands, and why it’s important to consider sustainability when designing your packaging.

Specifically, we delve into more of the following:

• The critical role of sustainable packaging in reducing environmental impact, highlighting popular examples and innovative developments
• Global regulatory shifts in sustainable packaging, particularly their impact on beauty brands
• What is APCO and why it's relevant for Australian skincare and beauty brands
• How the Australasian Recycling Program (ARL) is simplifying recycling for consumers and its link to APCO
• The importance of the 2025 National Packaging Targets in advancing sustainable packaging efforts and assessing progress
• What's next for sustainable packaging and the hurdles brands often face, including practical tips for brands to start their sustainability journey.

Sustainability is such a hot topic and one I know everyone (including me!) is keen to learn more about, so it was such a pleasure to have Renata on the podcast to share her insights.

SHOW LINKS:

• AWEN Consulting website
• AWEN Consulting Instagram
• Renata Daudt LinkedIn
• APCO guidelines
• ARL program
• ACCC guide to making environmental claims

Let's connect on Instagram - @skincarebusinessfoundations

In this episode of Skincare Social, we explore brand-building and beauty trends with brand founder and passionate creative, Meagan Pate. Meagan is a co-founder of Straand, Australia's first microbiome focused scalp care brand, and Chief Marketing Officer of Three Warriors, a Certified Organic sunless tanning range. 

Meagan shares her wealth of experience in the beauty industry, shedding light on the intricacies of launching successful brands and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of skincare and haircare.

We chat about:

• How Meagan spotted a gap in the scalp care market that paved the way for the success of Straamd
• How Straand got stocked on the shelves of Sephora UK
• The power of saying 'no'
• Why it's so important to think about compliance during NPD (New Product Development)
• The importance of community in brand-building
• How Three Warriors got Sonia Kruger on board as their 'tanbassador'
• Hot tips about upcoming trends in the beauty world.

Join us as we explore entrepreneurship and innovation in the beauty industry with Meagan Pate.

SHOW LINKS

• Straand
• Three Warriors

Let's connect on Instagram - @skincarebusinessfoundations

In this enlightening episode of Skincare Social, we dive into ethics, transparency and ingredients with Lisa Carroll, the driving force behind Native Extracts.

With her profound insight into the phyto-tech world and a staunch advocate for transparency, Lisa shares insights on the complexities of the industry, the importance of traceability and transparency as well as the innovative work being done at Native Extracts.

We close the loop on the Biologi court case and its aftermath, then move onto thought-provoking discussions on:

• The importance of clear, honest communication about ingredients
• Navigating the selection of ethical ingredient suppliers
• Uncovering the hidden gems among Australia's native ingredients and their sourcing
• Future directions for Native Extracts and the broader beauty industry

Lisa and I are in total agreement: cutting through the noise with genuine, clear information is essential for guiding consumers toward conscious skincare choices.

Join us as Lisa Carroll unravels the layers of marketing, myths and the path to maintaining true brand values amidst the evolving landscape of the beauty industry.

It's a deep dive into how integrity, combined with a passion for nature's offerings, can redefine skincare and wellness for the better.

SHOW LINKS

• Check out my coverage of the Biologi court case here
• Watch the A Current Affair segment about Biologi
• Native Extracts website
• Follow Native Extracts on Instagram
• Learn more and register for the ASCC Conference
• Take the free Cosmetics Compliance Quiz

Let's connect on Instagram - @skincarebusinessfoundations

In this episode of Skincare Social, we explore the complexities of marketing, myths and mistakes in the beauty industry with guest, Fiona Tuck.

With over 30 years of industry experience, Fiona spills the tea on her incredible journey to date, navigating fearmongering and the importance of staying true to your brand values. 

We delve into the widespread spread of misinformation within the industry. Fiona and I are on the same page here: unravelling these misconceptions is key to empowering consumers to make informed decisions about their skincare routines and overall wellbeing.

We cover insightful and controversial topics including:

• What's involved in getting a product TGA listed
• How marketing has changed over the years
• Why being 'woke' or 'fearmongering' is not the best marketing strategy
• What NOT to say when targeting the 'mature' demographic
• How education gaps in the industry lead to the spread of misinformation and what we can do about it

SHOW LINKS:

• Visit Fiona's website
• Follow Fiona on Instagram
• Listen to Fiona's podcast, "The Irony of Beauty"
• An open and honest conversation about fearmongering and misinformation in the skincare world - with Candice Sangster, Sanctyouary Beauty (+ my advice on what to do instead)
• Take the free Cosmetics Compliance Quiz

Let's connect on Instagram - @skincarebusinessfoundations

In this episode, we dive into the realm of clear beauty - a fresh perspective on skincare transparency that goes beyond just product formulations. 

I unpack the shift from 'clean beauty' to 'clear beauty,' highlighting its emphasis on honesty, trust and ethical practices. 

"Clear beauty" is a much-needed movement centered around transparency and empowering consumers with the knowledge they need to make informed choices (ultimately leading to rebuilding consumer trust in the industry!)

Clear beauty isn't a marketing gimmick - it should set the future standard for integrity of the beauty industry and consumer confidence.

Here's what we're covering:

• What's currently SO wrong with the cosmetics industry
• The biggest perpetrator of lack of transparency
• Why we need to shift the focus from clean to clear beauty
• What clear beauty stands for (and against)
• What you can do to embracing the era of clear beauty

SHOW LINKS: 

• Blog – How to make compliant sustainability claims (& avoid greenwashing)
• Podcast - An open and honest conversation about fearmongering and misinformation in the skincare world – with Candice Sangster, Sanctyouary Beauty

Let's connect on Instagram - @skincarebusinessfoundations

In this episode of Skincare Social, we dive into the essentials of starting your own skincare or beauty brand. 

I break down the recent live round of Beauty Brand Bootcamp, which is the first step to creating must-have products that your customers can’t wait to get their hands on AND building a beauty brand that lasts.

We'll talk about everything from understanding the differences between cosmetic and therapeutic products and other common mistakes new startups make, and celebrate the journeys of the amazing and diverse group of women who joined the 3-day challenge.

Here's what we're covering:

• A peek behind the curtain of Beauty Brand Bootcamp 
• The importance of knowing your "why"
• Biggest lessons from Bootcamp that you can apply to your own brand
• What it's like to be part of the Bootcamp community
• What's coming up next for Beauty Brand Bootcamp

This episode shows the power of knowledge, community and passion in building a successful beauty brand, so whether you're at the beginning of your journey or looking to refine your existing strategy, you'll find invaluable insights and inspiration to fuel your path forward.

SHOW LINKS:

- Learn more about sunscreen regulations: https://www.skincarebusinessfoundations.com.au/sunscreen-regulations-australia/

- Cosmetic versus therapeutic claims: what’s the difference? - https://www.skincarebusinessfoundations.com.au/cosmetic-vs-therapeutic-claims-skincare/

- Download your free copy of the Skincare Business Starter Guide - https://www.skincarebusinessfoundations.com.au/how-to-start-a-skincare-business/

- Start your dream skincare brand with my signature program Label Launchpad: https://www.skincarebusinessfoundations.com.au/launchpad/

Let's connect on Instagram - @skincarebusinessfoundations

In this week's episode, Dr. Jacqueline Beltz, founder of Okkiyo, shares her journey from ophthalmologist to beauty entrepreneur. 

Whether you're a beauty enthusiast or budding entrepreneur, you won't want to miss this insightful discussion of how this amazing mascara brand came to be

Here's a snapshot of what we cover:

• Okkiyo’s origin story
• The highs and lows of product development and testing
• How visual accessibility is incorporated into the brand (+ why it's so important)
• How Label Launchpad helped Jacqui to create her must-have brand
• How Okkiyo became a #1 rated mascara in Instyle magazine
• Post-launch reflections and what’s next for Okkiyo
• Advice for aspiring beauty entrepreneurs

Tune in and get ready to be inspired! 💄✨

SHOW LINKS:

- Visit the Okkiyo website: https://www.okkiyo.com/
- Follow Okkiyo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okkiyoeyes/
- Start your dream skincare brand with my signature program Label Launchpad: https://www.skincarebusinessfoundations.com.au/launchpad/

Let's connect on Instagram - @skincarebusinessfoundations

Kicking off season two of Skincare Social, I'm diving into the hot questions every budding skincare entrepreneur has - around qualifications, timeframes and cost. 

If starting a skincare or beauty brand is on your dreamboard for 2024, this episode is for you! (And even if you've already got one, you'll still learn a thing or two!)

Specifically, we'll look at:

• Do you need any qualifications to start a skincare business?
• How long will it take to launch your skincare brand?
• How much will it cost to starting your brand?
• The impacts of DIY vs outsourcing
• Why compliance should be part of your budget!

And I’ll let you in on a few secrets that I think every brand owner should know before they launch - including how you can save time and avoid making costly mistakes. 

I hope you love the season opener for Skincare Social. Stay tuned for more weekly insights coming your way!

Jen x

SHOW LINKS:

- RSVP to Beauty Brand Bootcamp - starting Monday 5 Feb - https://skincarebusinessfoundations.thrivecart.com/beauty-brand-bootcamp-earlybird/

- Start your own skincare brand with Label Launchpad - live round starting in Feb - https://www.skincarebusinessfoundations.com.au/launchpad/

- Learn how to comply with Australian cosmetics regulations with Compliance Confidence - https://www.skincarebusinessfoundations.com.au/cosmetics-compliance-course-australia/

- Listen to the podcast ep about product development timeframes - https://www.skincarebusinessfoundations.com.au/working-with-cosmetic-chemist-manufacturers-skinterest/

Let's connect on Instagram - @skincarebusinessfoundations

In the final episode of season 1, I chat with the amazing Jayde from sunless tanning brand Sontse.

I knew from the moment Jayde slid into my DMS to ask me to review her labels and packaging that this wasn't just another sunless tanning product. 

Since Sontse launched earlier this year, it's been featured in leading publications such as Herald Sun, Broadsheet, Who magazine, Harpers Bazaar and Marie Claire - to name a few! 

Here's what we spoke about:

• The challenges Jayde faced when developing her products
• The Sontse difference - why it's not your average sunless tanning brand and the bigger purpose behind the brand
• The role ethics, compliance and sustainability play in running the brand
• What it's like to work with one of the beauty industry's best PR agencies
• Other marketing strategies that have played a role in Sontse's epic growth. 

Plus, while we're on the topic of preventing skin cancer, I give you real talk about what I think of non-compliant sunscreens on the market! 

I hope you've enjoyed season 1 of Skincare Social. We'll be back in early 2024! 

Have a wonderful festive season with your loved ones, and I'll speak to you then!

Jen x

SHOW NOTES:
- Learn more about sunscreen regulations: https://www.skincarebusinessfoundations.com.au/sunscreen-regulations-australia/
- Visit the Sontse website: https://sontse.com.au/
- Follow Sontse on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sontse_aus 

Let's connect on Instagram - @skincarebusinessfoundations