A few mornings ago, I found myself stumbling through an airport before sunrise, half-asleep but excited for the day ahead. I had an early flight bound for California, where I would be joining the team at Biossance headquarters. My trip didn’t exactly start off gracefully—I was in sneakers, standing at five feet tall, and struggling (unsuccessfully) to hoist my carry-on into the overhead bin. After two failed attempts, I swapped into heels (yes, heels on a plane!) and, with a little pep talk to myself, finally managed to get it up there. Sometimes all you need isn’t extra strength, but just a few extra inches! Needless to say, I was beyond relieved to land and be greeted by familiar, smiling faces at Biossance.
What followed was a day that blended science, beauty, and purpose in the most inspiring way.
A Peek Inside the Lab
Our visit began with a lab tour, and for a skincare enthusiast like me, it was fascinating. We watched part of the process of squalane extraction—Biossance’s hero ingredient that is 100% plant-based and sustainably derived from sugarcane. Seeing firsthand how much thought and care goes into their formulations gave me a deeper appreciation for the products I already love.
The team also gave us an exciting preview of what’s in development, and while I can’t spill too many details yet, let’s just say there are some truly game-changing formulas coming soon. The day wrapped with an open conversation about SPF innovation, the order of skincare application for maximum absorption, and the growing importance of clean, green makeup. It was equal parts educational and inspiring.
Rethinking Skincare Application
One of the biggest takeaways for me was learning the right order to apply skincare. For years, I assumed the rule was simple: go from thinnest to thickest in texture—essence, oil, moisturizer, sunscreen, eye cream. Apparently, that’s not the most effective way.
Here’s what I learned: your skin actually absorbs best when you apply products from the highest to the lowest water content. That means the correct order should be:
- Essence or toner
- Eye cream (the Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel is a best-seller for a reason!)
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen lotion
- Face oil (which has no water and acts as a seal)
It may sound like a small shift, but the difference is huge. Since changing my routine, I’ve noticed my foundation glides on more smoothly, my skin feels better hydrated, and everything just seems to “lock in” beautifully. Sometimes it’s the tiniest tweaks that make the biggest impact.
Clean Beauty, Elevated
Another highlight of the trip was spending time with makeup artist Katey Denno, who is known for her expertise in natural beauty. She shared so many thoughtful tips and introduced us to brands like Kjaer Weis and Ilia, both of which focus on clean formulations without compromising performance.
After the session, I immediately picked up the Kjaer Weis cream foundation—and I haven’t looked back. It’s creamy, blends effortlessly, and leaves such a natural finish. To prep my skin before makeup, I’ve been layering on either the Biossance 100% Squalane Oil or the Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil. Not only does it create the perfect base, but it gives me that subtle, dewy glow that I love.
This trip really nudged me to make the transition to greener makeup. And honestly, it feels so good to know I’m using products that are kinder to both my skin and the planet.
A Mission with Heart
The most memorable part of my visit happened on the final night, when I had the chance to sit down with the CEO of Amyris, Biossance’s parent company. His passion for the work they’re doing was so inspiring.
Amyris originally developed an anti-malarial treatment that has saved millions of lives. Building on that legacy, they turned their biotechnology expertise toward skincare—specifically, rethinking the way squalane is sourced. Traditionally, this deeply moisturizing ingredient was harvested from shark livers, a devastating practice that endangered species. Instead, Biossance pioneered a way to create squalane from sugarcane through fermentation, making it not only 100% plant-based but also sustainable.
This commitment to science, innovation, and sustainability is why I first fell in love with the brand. And hearing their story again in person reminded me why I continue to trust and support their mission. On top of it all, Biossance still gives back—donating to efforts that support malaria eradication, staying true to the roots of their founding.
Bringing It All Home
I left San Francisco with more than just skincare tips and makeup inspiration. I came home with a renewed appreciation for how science and sustainability can come together to create something truly beautiful—inside and out. From learning the real science behind product layering to discovering new ways to embrace green beauty, this trip was the perfect reminder that self-care doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet.
So here’s to glowing skin, clean beauty, and brands that are making a difference. Thank you, Biossance, for such a thoughtful and inspiring experience. And thank you, as always, for reading and sharing this journey with me.
