Skincare Shaped By Experience: Insights From The Ordinary's Women Scientists.

Women in Skincare Science

Skincare formulation is rooted in rigorous science, but perspective plays an important role in how we interpret, test, and address skin challenges. The Ordinary’s women formulators bring a unique perspective to the formulation process, combining their scientific training with lived experience to develop real-world solutions for women’s skin concerns.

This conversation with The Ordinary’s women scientists explores the importance of representation and how personal insights into women’s skin health influence our formulations.

March 3, 2026

Targeted Formulations for Your Skin Concerns.

While the skincare industry was historically male-dominated, women now hold an increasing number of leadership roles, guiding research and development, founding skincare brands, and emphasizing transparency and efficacy. As a result, the skincare industry is moving away from traditional marketing-based products toward targeted, science-based formulations.

The shift is strongly influenced by the personal experiences of women skincare scientists. With an intimate understanding of women’s skin challenges, women scientists are driving deeper knowledge of skin health and the impact of internal factors, environmental stressors, and individual lifestyle choices.


Influencing the Scientific Environment.

The influence of women changes the scientific environment in a number of ways. Women help foster collaborative and communicative environments that encourage a range of perspectives, and invite questioning. When curiosity is a welcome part of the formulation process, ideas undergo constant refinement and eventually lead to stronger solutions.

“Working on a women-led team is incredibly energizing. There’s a strong sense that we always have one another’s backs, and I feel lucky to work alongside women teammates and leaders who consistently lift each other up. There’s trust, openness, and shared motivation, and that kind of environment makes it easier to be curious, ask questions, and do meaningful work together.”

Silvia Stanica, Senior Manager, Scientific Communications

Women-led teams also value practical experience as much as they do scientific training. They actively draw on years of interactions with skincare to challenge existing assumptions and develop new, more effective formulations that address real-world skin concerns.

“It feels incredibly empowering and motivating to work in a women-led environment. The beauty industry has long been seen as male-driven, with the outdated belief that women—or anyone besides men—don't understand the science behind skincare. Being part of a women-led team challenges that narrative every day and reinforces that women are not only users of beauty products but also the scientists behind them.”

Gurnish Hothi Joshan, Senior R&D Chemist

How Lived Experience Shapes Skincare Innovation.

Women formulators are redefining the way skincare research is conducted. Their lived experience extends general knowledge, helping teams raise new questions, identify new research priorities, and apply fresh thinking to long-term product strategies.

Women’s perspectives help expand research priorities to include the nuanced factors that influence skin— like stress, age, and individual needs. By asking broader questions and making problem framing more inclusive, women in skincare science are highlighting disparities in product formulation and finding solutions for more diverse skin tones and concerns.

”Working on a women-led team has taught me not to be intimidated by what I don’t know. In fact, uncertainty can be your greatest strength because it pushes you to explore differently, think creatively, and discover new solutions. That sense of empowerment is reflected in how I develop my processes—with intention, confidence, and care.”

Shuchi Bhatt, Technology Transfer Specialist

Experience with unrealistic beauty standards or managing complex skin issues through trial and error, drives many women scientists to develop precise, evidence-based products that actually work. Women are leveraging their direct knowledge to challenge outdated assumptions about beauty and build a skincare industry based on the science of skin health.

“It’s incredibly important to lead with transparency and science in all the scientific communications and research we share. The women on my team especially help ground that approach; challenging ideas thoughtfully, refining how we communicate, and making sure what we put out is both scientifically rigorous and accessible.”

Silvia Stanica, Senior Manager, Scientific Communications

Many women-led scientific teams are taking a more empathetic approach to formulation, often informed by their own challenges with sensitivity. We’ve recently seen an increase in products that include skin barrier support along with strong active ingredients, ensuring formulations are effective but accessible to a wider range of skin types.

As scientists and skincare users, women also have distinct thoughts about the way products feel and function in daily life. They’re more likely to consider the whole experience of using a skincare product, not just the results.

“Knowing that the science we work on directly impacts people’s daily routines is incredibly rewarding—especially when you see your formulations come to life in the real world. One of my proudest moments was walking into a The Ordinary pop-up while visiting China and knowing I had helped bring the brand to that market; my heart skipped a beat—multiple times! Helping create products that people trust, love, and rely on—while also challenging industry norms—makes the work deeply meaningful.”

Gurnish Hothi Joshan, Senior R&D Chemist


Representation, Leadership, and Building Trust Through Science

While women are the primary consumers of skincare, they were formerly underrepresented in scientific research and development, leadership, and even testing. Skincare formulation was conducted through a narrow lens, resulting in one-size-fits-all solutions with a general focus on beauty. Diverse skin types and concerns were generally overlooked.


“Stereotypes are still very real. Even now, when I email a new supplier, I’m often addressed as “Mr. Gurnish.” Aside from being incorrect, it raises a bigger question—why is gender attached to a name or assumed at all? Moments like these are a reminder that there’s still work to be done changing perceptions within the industry.”

Gurnish Hothi Joshan, Senior R&D Chemist

Greater visibility and representation in skincare science are transforming the industry into one that’s truly inclusive, safe, and effective for all consumers. Many women-led teams are founded on the principles of honesty and transparency, with the goal of demystifying complex formulas and empowering consumers to make informed decisions.

By shedding light on the science behind skincare, women formulators are also pushing the industry away from fear-based messaging that perpetuates insecurities about natural or aging skin. Instead they’re focused on education, long-term skin health, and building trust with consumers.

“One of the challenges I have faced is to take up space without apology: voicing ideas, trusting my instincts, and owning my expertise even when the room feels intimidating. But those moments have also been the most formative. They have pushed me to grow, sharpen my voice, and redefine what leadership can look like, one that is inclusive, intentional, and grounded in substance.”

Shuchi Bhatt, Technology Transfer Specialist

Expertise, Transparency and Empowerment

Skincare innovation cannot thrive on scientific expertise and evidence alone. The addition of diverse perspectives is crucial for developing thoughtful, effective, and inclusive formulations. Women’s lived experience adds important nuance to product development, guiding everything from ingredient choices to the way a formulation is marketed.

Today’s women in skincare science are expanding research priorities, leading with education and transparency, and empowering people of all skin types and colours with informed choice.

Explore The Ordinary’s full range of science-led formulas