Are you able to identify a “tipping point” in your career when you started to see success? Did you start doing anything different? Are there takeaways or lessons that others can learn from that?

For me, the “tipping point” in my career came when I began to see the impact that my skincare products were having on people’s lives. As an entrepreneur, it can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations of the business, but seeing the real-world results of my work was incredibly rewarding. I began to realize that the key to success in the skincare industry was creating products that were not only effective in the short term but also provided long-term benefits. By focusing on solving real problems for customers, I was able to build a loyal customer base and grow the reputation of my brand. In terms of what I did differently, I believe that it was my dedication to using natural and safe ingredients that really set my products apart. In a world where so many skincare products contain harmful chemicals and additives, I was committed to creating a brand that people could trust and rely on. Overall, the lesson that others can take away from my experience is the importance of staying true to your values and focusing on solving real problems for your customers. By doing this, you can create a successful business that not only provides value for your customers but also makes a positive impact on the world.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person to whom you are grateful who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

There is one person in particular to who I am incredibly grateful for, especially during the challenging times brought on by the pandemic. My friend Hua, who also serves as one of my consultants, was instrumental in helping me navigate the uncertainty and challenges of the last year. Hua’s connections and support were invaluable in helping me keep my business afloat during a time when many other small businesses were struggling. She worked tirelessly to help me find new opportunities and connect with other professionals in the industry. Her guidance and advice were critical to the success of my brand during this difficult time. One specific example that stands out to me was when Hua helped me secure a major partnership with a local distributor. This partnership not only helped increase my brand’s visibility but also provided a much-needed boost to our revenue during a challenging period. Overall, I am incredibly grateful for Hua’s support and guidance, and I know that my business would not have been able to weather the challenges of the pandemic without her help. She is a true friend and ally, and I feel lucky to have her in my life.

Ok super. Let’s now shift to the main part of our discussion. The global beauty industry today has grown to more than a half a trillion dollar business. Can you tell us about the innovations that you are bringing to the industry? How do you think that will help people?

As an innovator in the skincare industry, I am dedicated to creating products that provide real benefits to people while also promoting environmental sustainability and social responsibility. One of the key innovations that we bring to the industry at BAO Laboratory is our use of small molecule formulation. Most skincare products on the market today use conventional formulation methods, like creams or lotions, which are often packed with surfactants and fillers that take up a significant amount of space. On the other hand, our small molecule formulation uses separated water and oil phases, allowing us to utilize 100% functional molecules without needing additional surfactants or fillers. This approach not only makes our products more effective, but it also helps to reduce waste and promote sustainability. By using only the essential, functional molecules, our products are more environmentally friendly and offer real value to our customers. In addition, our small molecule formulation does not block pores like traditional creams or lotions, which can be problematic for people with certain skin types. Our products are designed to be gentle and effective, providing real benefits to people without causing harm or irritation. Overall, I believe that our innovations at BAO Laboratory are helping to promote a more sustainable and responsible approach to skincare while also providing people with products that are safe, effective, and tailored to their needs.

Can you share 3 things that most excite you about the modern beauty industry?

New ingredients — With advances in technology and research, we constantly discover new natural and safe ingredients that can benefit the skin. This provides us with more options for creating effective products and allows us to explore new possibilities and push the boundaries of what is possible in the industry.

AI skin analysis: Artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze skin conditions is a game changer in the beauty industry. At BAO Laboratory, we have also built our own AI skin analysis tool that allows us to provide personalized recommendations to our customers based on their unique skin types and needs. This kind of technology can help people make more informed decisions about the products they use, leading to better outcomes and happier customers.

Social responsibility: I am excited to see that more and more companies prioritize social responsibility and sustainability in their business practices. This is a positive trend that reflects a growing awareness of the beauty industry’s impact on the environment and people’s lives. As a brand that is committed to social responsibility, I am excited to see this becoming a more mainstream priority and look forward to seeing the positive impact that it can have on the industry as a whole.

Can you share 3 things that most concern you about the industry? If you had the ability to implement 3 ways to improve the industry, what would you suggest?

Firstly, we have noticed that many customers do not bother reading the ingredients of the products they purchase. This is a concern because the ingredients used in skincare products can have a significant impact on the health of the skin.

Secondly, we have observed that customers often do not understand the importance of the ingredients used in skincare products. This lack of understanding can lead to customers using products that are not suitable for their skin type or that contain harmful ingredients.

Finally, we have noticed that many so-called “clean beauty” brands are filled with additives, which is concerning because customers are often misled into believing that these products are natural and safe.

If we had the ability to implement three ways to improve the industry, we would suggest the following:

1. Emphasize the importance of small molecules: Small molecules have been shown to be more effective in penetrating the skin barrier and delivering active ingredients to the skin. By emphasizing the importance of small molecules, we can encourage companies to develop products that are more effective and provide better results for customers.
2. Start a program for small molecule personal care: We believe there is a need for a certification program focusing specifically on small molecule personal care products. This program would issue certificates and labels to products that meet specific criteria, such as using natural ingredients and small molecule formulations.
3. Redefine clean beauty: Our ways of defining clean beauty are still based on conventional formulations. We believe it is time to redefine what clean beauty means to include products free from harmful ingredients, use natural and sustainable ingredients, and prioritize small molecule formulations.

Overall, we believe that by emphasizing the importance of small molecules, starting a program for small molecule personal care, and redefining clean beauty, we can improve the skincare industry and provide better products for customers.

You are an expert about beauty. Can you share a few ideas that anyone can use “to feel beautiful”?

Prioritize healthy skin: As you mentioned, healthy-looking skin is a key component of feeling beautiful. By taking good care of your skin through proper hydration, using sunscreen, and avoiding harmful chemicals, you can help your skin look its best.

Focus on self-care: Taking the time to focus on yourself and your own needs can be incredibly empowering and help you feel beautiful from the inside out. Whether it’s taking a relaxing bath, going for a walk in nature, or simply taking a few moments to meditate or practice mindfulness, self-care is an essential part of feeling beautiful and confident.

Dress for success: Wearing clothes that make you feel good can be a simple yet effective way to boost your confidence and feel beautiful. Whether it’s dressing up for a special occasion or simply wearing an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident, taking pride in your appearance can help you feel your best.

Practice gratitude: Focusing on the positive things in your life and expressing gratitude for them can be a powerful way to feel beautiful and confident. By cultivating a positive mindset and appreciating the good things in your life, you can feel more joyful and confident in yourself.

Overall, feeling beautiful is about taking care of yourself, both inside and out. By focusing on healthy skin, practicing self-care, dressing for success, and cultivating gratitude, you can feel your best and radiate beauty and confidence.