search
Glossy Logo
Glossy Logo
Subscribe Login
  • Glossy+ Member Subscribe Now
  • Glossy+ homepage
  • My account
  • FAQ
  • Newsletters
  • Log out
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Glossy+
  • Podcasts
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Pop
search
Glossy Logo
Subscribe Login
  • Glossy+ Member Subscribe Now
  • Glossy+ homepage
  • My account
  • FAQ
  • Newsletters
  • Log out
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Pop
  • Glossy+
  • Events
  • Podcasts
  • Newsletters
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • instagram
  • email
  • email
Beauty

Biossance president Catherine Gore on how skin care answered growing health concerns for consumers

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
By Pierre Bienaimé
May 7, 2020

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Google Play | Spotify

Biossance president Catherine Gore has always considered skin care as medically significant, and believes customers will be more inclined to share that thinking as coronavirus lockdowns continue around the world. “Our skin is our largest organ, and it’s also our first line of defense against outside aggressors,” Gore said on the latest Glossy Beauty podcast.

Education is a big part of Biossance’s marketing strategy and value to customers. One of Biossance’s central ingredients for skin care, for instance, is squalane, which it derives biochemically from sugar cane — the larger cosmetics industry sourced a similar squalene (with an e) from a not-so-vegan source: shark liver.

That makes a big difference for the typical customer who has more time to do her research, according to Gore: “What’s actually driving her is a curiosity to do better for her own skin and the planet and to make better choices,” she said.

Here are a few highlights from the conversation, which have been lightly edited for clarity.

The thirst for knowledge
“I think the consumer is extremely wise, particularly the beauty consumer. You can’t fool him or her, nor should anyone try to. The power is really in their hands and their curiosity to want more information and to know more. We talk a lot about the microbiome, and that’s connected to skin health overall. That curiosity from the consumer is going to empower her to make better choices for her skin, and as a result she’ll have healthier skin overall. And that can only set us up better in this environment and any environment in general.”

Digital acceleration in the days of coronavirus
“What’s interesting about this particular moment is that consumers go to stores to have that experience, to get that advice from a consultant or a beauty advisor. That has now shifted to digital. I had a video call with my dermatologist. And it works really well, because you can see each other and have that interaction. As we think about the brick-and-mortar experience, for a long time that experience has been shifting digitally. Because we’ve always put digital first, I think we were well prepared to step up into that role. At the same time, there’s something so beautiful about going into a store and getting to see a full assortment at one glance. I think while some of that will shift, there will always be a need for the true, full experience.”

Skin care’s relationship with health
“Skin care can be a really comforting category. It’s kind of funny, sometimes you think it’s frivolous to be thinking of skin care at a time like this, but at the same time it’s very comforting, and your skin health is hugely important. What’s actually driving her is a curiosity to do better for her own skin and the planet and to make better choices. Think about a category like house cleaners and disinfectants, and wanting to make amore sustainable choice, when given one, towards cleaning your entire house and what your family is running around in. It’s similar to skin care.”

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
Related reads
  • The Glossy Beauty Podcast
    Drybar founder Alli Webb on her new anti-blowout product line, Messy — plus industry news
  • Beauty
    Exclusive: Paula’s Choice taps UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd for year-long partnership
  • Member Exclusive
    Beauty & Wellness Briefing: Sephora is about to have a lot more insight into customer data
Latest Stories
  • Member Exclusive
    Rebag’s Amazon partnership shows the growing power of retail-resale collaborations
  • The Glossy Beauty Podcast
    Drybar founder Alli Webb on her new anti-blowout product line, Messy — plus industry news
  • Member Exclusive
    Luxury Briefing: Coach bets on WNBA and TV to reach the next luxury consumer
logo

Get news and analysis about fashion, beauty and culture delivered to your inbox every morning.

Reach Out
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Instagram
  • Threads
  • Email
About Us
  • About Us
  • Masthead
  • Advertise with us
  • Digiday Media
  • Custom
  • FAQ
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
©2025 Digiday Media. All rights reserved.