From pet care to feminine health to skincare, Fabiana Gargaro has worked on a number of different products over her quarter of century-long career in science. That varied experience has provided her with a holistic perspective that drives her leadership style today as Kenvue’s global vice president, Skin Health & Beauty.

We talked with Gargaro about her R&D philosophy, what she loves about new products rolling out from Neutrogena and Lubriderm, and why women in R&D, especially, need to embrace all challenges as opportunities.

Happi: What is your background/education?

FG: I began my career as a scientist over 25 years ago, working in pet food research and development for Mars Inc. I continued with Mars in various R&D roles for almost 10 years before joining Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health. Now, at Kenvue, I have had the opportunity to lead two regions: Europe, the Middle East and Africa as well as Latin America.  I have worked in various positions over the past 17 years within our R&D Department ranging from feminine care, over-the-counter medicines and sun care, to now overall health and beauty globally.

I also received my bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Catholic University in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Happi: How has your experience within J&J (now Kenvue) in different areas shaped how you approach research and development?

FG: I truly believe that my experiences have given me a holistic perspective in development overall. Regardless of the product category (think of my start in pet food to where I am now with skin health and beauty) putting the consumer at the center, working closely to understand what the consumer wants and needs, and their insights are the best guidance in product development.

I have a strong and focused strategic vision, which is a direct result of navigating many R&D areas throughout my career. From my various roles, I’m able to see the broader picture and understand how different pieces fit together to contribute to the company’s success. One key I’ve found, is to be certain in the choices you make, especially when/where you need to win and drive category growth.

Throughout my career, I’ve also learned to think and explore outside my internal walls, which has led me to a variety of positive career experiences – locally (I’ve lived in South America and Europe) and globally. Not only is there amazing technology we might not otherwise be exposed to, but there are extremely brilliant people from all kinds of cultural backgrounds we are blessed to work with. Driving cultural inclusivity is huge to me, and our diverse, cross-functional teams never cease to amaze me! Being able to work and lead in countries around the world has given me realizations and opportunities that I couldn’t have imagined, and I'm forever grateful to meet those not-so-local colleagues and learn from their insights.

Ultimately, I’ve learned to “lead for the long-term” and to not compromise the future by investing in only short-term innovations. My goal is to set a vision for our Skin Health & Beauty team, then inspire the organization to deliver on that vision.

Happi: What do you love about your current role at Kenvue and what do you love about your team?

FG: The breadth of my current role is extremely exciting and opens the door to new opportunities every day. This allows me to learn every single day. Working with different regions, cultures, learning about their consumers is fascinating. And, being able to put consumers at the center of everything, partner daily with health care professionals, and then shape and deliver a global R&D pipeline allows me to live into our Kenvue purpose, which is “realize the power of everyday care”.

While I’m over skin health and beauty, being able to see the intersection of all our portfolios and how the science builds off other products – oral health, baby, wound care, medicine, etc. – is always fascinating. And Kenvuers are one-of-a-kind! Being able to work with such a talented and dedicated team of scientists, researchers, and colleagues from all over the world is one of my favorite parts of the job. Experiencing different cultures, insights and opinions, and then using those varying points to better our products and the science behind them is such a unique advantage.

Team diversity is a major strength for our company. We are a team empowered to have an “owner’s mindset,” which also helps us to have a daring spirit, and in turn fuels creativity and innovation. As a leader with a passion for talent development, coaching and mentoring, this fosters my love of helping future leaders and younger colleagues grow into what they aspire to be.

We’ve always believed in the power of new perspectives and insights to drive innovation. That’s why our iconic brands have helped generations take care of themselves and their loved ones for more than 135 years. I love that I AM part of the team and journey responsible for shaping the next 135+ years for our iconic brands and the consumers who use them every day. We are an extremely collaborative group, and that sense of collaboration and support makes the working environment not just productive but also enjoyable.

Happi: Tell us about one of the newest successes in skin health from Kenvue and why you are proud of this?

FG: We’ve recently expanded our beloved Neutrogena Hydro Boost platform to meet the #1 consumer need state in facial care—hydration. By leveraging deep consumer insights and tapping into our renowned science and skin health portfolio, Neutrogena Hydro Boost provides nine times more lightweight hydration for quenched, dewy skin, and can deliver clinically-proven 72-hour hydration. We’ve also elevated the line by incorporating dye-free, fragrance-free options and more sustainable packaging in this consumer favorite.

I know you only asked for one, but I’m also extremely proud of our Aveeno Calm + Restore line and our brand-new Lubriderm + Pro-Ceramide line!

Happi: Do you have a favorite experience within developing skincare products?

FG: When I was leading global R&D sun care, my favorite experience was an “in consumer” experiment where I was able to actually meet and spend time with our real consumers for a few days. I would shop with them, go to the park with their kids, practice sports and even go to the beach together. I literally lived their lives with them and was able to truly understand the challenges and needs they had, in many different cultures. When you put yourself in the consumer’s shoes and have an empathetic heart, you’re able to build a winning pipeline to delight consumers all over the world!

Happi: What advice do you have for women in R&D in general and in the beauty business in particular?

FG: We, as women, used to not have a place in science. Now, when I think about women in R&D, I encourage them to embrace all challenges as opportunities and always be curious. It’s the most simple and best advice I’ve received in my career and it’s worked. I am always curious about consumers, technologies, people, best ways to work, etc… and I ask WHY all the time! As a woman you may not always feel empowered to contribute or speak up when someone has an opposing view – but you NEED to! Listen, we will never be men and there’s no point to try to act like a man in business, because you have gotten here on your own as a woman. We bring a different perspective, empathy and are able to cultivate inclusive environments. BE AUTHENTIC, BE YOURSELF! Build on your strengths…and make sure to find a true mentor early in your career!

Happi: When you aren't in the lab and at work, where might we find you?

FG: With my family and friends! I absolutely love spending time with my husband, two cats & four dogs (no, that’s not too many!) and supporting NGOs (non-governmental organizations or charities) focused on rescuing and finding homes for abandoned pets. My husband and I are huge animal people and would rescue all the animals if we could!

I have also realized I am my best and only advocate for my health, so prioritizing my overall health, especially mental health is of paramount importance to me. I love exercising and make time to do it daily… but don’t get me wrong—I also love to enjoy great food and a good glass of wine with my family and friends.