Linda Miles, co-founder and chief formulator of Derma E, discusses her brand’s newest launches and the challenge of formulating products with a high percentage of natural actives yet keep the aesthetics on point.
              
HAPPI: What’s the latest in terms of new products that have come out of the R&D efforts at Derma E?

MILES: Nutrient-rich natural and organic essential oils continue to be sought-after for their numerous skin benefits, especially by those with oily complexions. Oils can help reduce irritation and balance skin’s moisture levels. Oil molecules can also boost the effectiveness of active ingredients and allow those ingredients, and products used after to absorb deeper into the skin. We recently launched a Nourishing Rose Cleansing Oil, soon to be followed by a Radiant Glow Oil, Rejuvenating Sage and Lavender Oil and Illuminating Rosehip and Cranberry Oil. These deeplyhydrating, antioxidant-rich plant oil blends help condition,nourish and rejuvenate skin.

The demand for natural hair care products, free of ingredients such as ammonia, sulfates and parabens, is also expected to grow. Therefore, we’re excited to launch a new Hair Care collection composed of six products ranging from shampoos and conditioners to a multi-benefit serum, all of which are safe for color treated hair and perfect for all hair types. These formulas are infused with plant based ingredients, vitamins, botanicals, wholesome proteins along with fatty and amino acids to nourish, restore, strengthen, smooth and add shine for healthy, soft, gorgeous hair.
 
HAPPI: What are some of Derma E’s go-to ingredients and what do you love about them?
MILES: There are many! Let’s start with Vitamin C, included in many DERMA E formulas as it possesses remarkable antioxidant properties. Vitamin C maintains the health of collagen elastin fibers to help keep skin smooth and wrinkle-free. Additionally, Vitamin C helps defend against UV-induced damage, inhibits the formation of melanin, and reduces the look of facial spots.

Next, DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol), a nutrient that is naturally found in the body related to choline. It is a very effective skin-firming ingredient, ideal for loose, inelastic skin on the face, neck or jowls.

Activated Charcoal is also one of my go-to natural ingredients to help clear blackheads. This powerful ingredient has the amazing ability to pull out the bad bacteria while leaving the good bacteria so your skin stays healthy.
 
For maximum skin hydration, look for Hyaluronic Acid. It has the amazing ability to attract and bind water molecules, creating a moisture reservoir that replenishes and restores skin hydration over time. Hyaluronic Acid helps keep skin looking fresh, visibly plumping skin’s surface to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. With continued use, skin texture will become incredibly soft, smooth, supple and healthy.
 
Vitamin A is fundamental for its cellular renewal properties that help speed up exfoliation of dull, aging cells revealing younger, plumper skin.
 
And finally, our namesake Vitamin E can be found throughout the DERMA E line. Vitamin E is one of the first antioxidants discovered to have topical skincare benefits of reducing oxidative damage and helping to moisturize skin.
 
HAPPI: What do you see as your company’s biggest challenge when it comes to crafting efficacious products?

MILES: It can be a challenge to formulate a product with a high percentage of natural actives yet keep the aesthetics on point and the product affordable. But, this is who we are and what we’ve always done. We go the extra mile to ensure we formulate healthy products that really work. 
 
HAPPI: A brand like DERMA E must constantly be looking at ingredients. Have there been any new ingredients or materials that you find intriguing and why?

MILES: We recently came across a very effective form of Vitamin C called STAY-C 50. It doesn’t oxidize or alter before absorbing into your skin so it works better. Oftentimes, consumers shop based on percentage of Vitamin C but if it is a form that oxidizes than percentage isn’t going to make a difference. 

Glow is all the rage with skin care. We were so excited to find mica, a natural mineral pigment that promotes a healthy radiant glow.
 
HAPPI: With companies touting natural skin care and even more talking natural ingredients, it would seem that the consumer could be easily overwhelmed by choices and messaging. How does a company Derma E, with a long history of formulating natural products, keep the company in a leadership spot?

MILES: We are all about combining advanced science with healthy antioxidants, vitamins and botanicals to make a real difference in the look and feel of skin. We make eco-ethical formulas that target the most significant skin concerns – fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, hyperpigmentation and dehydration. What sets DERMA E apart is that all our formulas contain high concentrations of active natural ingredients that are set in a base that is 100% vegan, paraben-free, cruelty-free, gluten-free and GMO-free. We also use recyclable components in every product we sell.
As we’ve grown in this industry, we have always looked at the big picture.  We firmly believe that educating consumers on the healthfulness and effectiveness of natural products supports our industry as a whole including supplement, food or other personal care product companies.  It really is a symbiotic relationship.  If a natural company becomes successful, it sheds positive light on the entire natural industry.