Latest / Skin Anarchy / E.396: Age Positivity Pioneer StriVectin Celebrates 20th Anniversary w/Generation Skincare Campaign

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E.396: Age Positivity Pioneer StriVectin Celebrates 20th Anniversary w/Generation Skincare Campaign · Skin Anarchy

• 0:00
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• 1:31
  SPEAKER_01: Hey guys, welcome back.
• 1:32
  SPEAKER_01: So before we start the episode, I just wanted to mention that we have started releasing the top picks for makeup, and I'm super, super excited for this year's top picks for makeup and beauty because all of them, if you guys notice and go through these lists, you will notice there is one underlying um commonality amongst all of them, and that is they're good for your skin.
• 1:56
  SPEAKER_01: They're not products that are gonna strip your skin, they're not products that are gonna overly dried out, or you know, I know that in winter we're looking for that beautiful matte look with our you know complexion products.
• 2:08
  SPEAKER_01: So these are all picks that our team has curated that are going to still give you the kind of look that you want for your winter makeup, for your holiday makeup, but it's not going to damage your skin.
• 2:19
  SPEAKER_01: Um, also, I wanted to say huge shout out to my I'm not joking when I say my favorite, favorite skincare infused brand, Sia.
• 2:30
  SPEAKER_01: It is phenomenal.
• 2:31
  SPEAKER_01: Every time I use this brand, you guys, I it's like I discover something new.
• 2:35
  SPEAKER_01: Like I just absolutely love their products.
• 2:37
  SPEAKER_01: So check out Sia.
• 2:39
  SPEAKER_01: Um, it's a very, very cool brand, 100% Korean skincare-based makeup.
• 2:45
  SPEAKER_01: It is so luxe, like the way it feels on your skin, the way it sits on your skin.
• 2:50
  SPEAKER_01: So, yeah, that's a huge um hallmark in our top picks for makeup.
• 2:54
  SPEAKER_01: Definitely check that one out.
• 2:55
  SPEAKER_01: And you know, there's a lot of really great stuff in there.
• 2:58
  SPEAKER_01: So look at the whole list.
• 3:00
  SPEAKER_01: Um, we're dividing it up into different sections, like you know, primer, concealer, foundation, powders, etc.
• 3:06
  SPEAKER_01: So you're gonna have this wonderful resource to really go to for this last push of holiday shopping.
• 3:13
  SPEAKER_01: So I really encourage you guys to take a look.
• 3:16
  SPEAKER_01: And this episode coming up is something I have been dying to record since I started Skincare Anarchy.
• 3:24
  SPEAKER_01: I am one of the biggest fans of Strivectin.
• 3:27
  SPEAKER_01: It is literally in my books one of the most amazing, universally adaptable lines.
• 3:33
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, everyone can find something in Strivectin's beautiful uh library of products.
• 3:40
  SPEAKER_01: They were the first line I ever used for retinol or any kind of like active.
• 3:44
  SPEAKER_01: So I highly recommend um tuning in.
• 3:48
  SPEAKER_01: Make up your own minds, but I love them.
• 3:50
  SPEAKER_01: So check it out and leave your comments, suggestions, feedbacks, and please don't forget to rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Podcasts, and leave us a written rating on Apple Podcasts and also Spotify if it lets you, but I don't think it does.
• 4:07
  SPEAKER_01: But wherever they let you, please let us know what you think.
• 4:10
  SPEAKER_01: All right, guys, I'll let you get to the show.
• 4:12
  SPEAKER_01: Thank you so much for tuning in, and I hope you love it.
• 4:19
  SPEAKER_01: Hi guys, welcome back to Twin Care Anarchy.
• 4:22
  SPEAKER_01: This is your host, Ekta, and I have three wonderful guests with me today.
• 4:26
  SPEAKER_01: This is by far, I think, one of my favorite, all-time favorite lines.
• 4:30
  SPEAKER_01: Um, I think the first time I ever experienced uh retinol was through this line, and I really, really fell in love with the product.
• 4:38
  SPEAKER_01: I tried, I remember it was Ulta Beauty, and I picked this product up, and it was like, you know, a big decision for me at the time.
• 4:45
  SPEAKER_01: So without further ado, I want to introduce you guys to the general manager for the amazing skincare brand Strivectin, June Riser.
• 4:53
  SPEAKER_01: Welcome to the show, June.
• 4:55
  SPEAKER_04: Thank you for having me.
• 4:57
  SPEAKER_01: I'm so excited to have you on the show and just to be hosting the brand.
• 5:01
  SPEAKER_01: I like I said, I'm a huge fan, but I would love to get to know you more, June.
• 5:04
  SPEAKER_01: I love if you could give us a little background on yourself and your journey and your career and how um everything landed with Strivectin and all the good stuff.
• 5:14
  SPEAKER_04: Sounds great.
• 5:15
  SPEAKER_04: Sounds great.
• 5:16
  SPEAKER_04: Um my journey into the skincare and the beauty industry is certainly not a straight line and actually doesn't even start with me.
• 5:27
  SPEAKER_04: Um, I like to tell my career story starting with my family's journey from South Korea to the US.
• 5:35
  SPEAKER_04: Um, my father was a diplomat, um, and I was originally born in Seoul.
• 5:42
  SPEAKER_04: And uh with his assignment and work, we came to the US and um wound up immigrating and staying in the US.
• 5:50
  SPEAKER_04: So um I always thought, Ecta, that I would uh follow in his footsteps after studying politics at Princeton and getting a master's in business and government at Harvard, that I would become a diplomat or go into the foreign service.
• 6:06
  SPEAKER_04: But in fact, I took a turn into business and never looked back.
• 6:10
  SPEAKER_04: After several years as a management consultant, I then moved into marketing roles and have done global roles, regional roles, as well as country management roles on power brands in multiple categories, but really fell in love with skincare some time ago and spent some years at a leading independent dermatology company called Galderma.
• 6:38
  SPEAKER_04: Um that's what actually brought me down to Texas.
• 6:42
  SPEAKER_04: And I've been with the Crown Organization and Strivectin, an amazing 20-year-old brand.
• 6:48
  SPEAKER_04: Um, I have been with the business since May, so less than a year, and it's just been an incredible journey leading the Strivectin brand and getting to know the talented team that's there.
• 7:01
  SPEAKER_04: So certainly a long and windy path, um, but really amazing in terms of my um experience in skincare, because what I really, really love, Ecta, about working in skincare is that it's um it's such a category and a product and um a chance and opportunity to make a real difference in um in consumers' lives.
• 7:27
  SPEAKER_04: Um it sounds very lofty, uh, but skin health, I feel is beyond just the physical health and the skin health aspect.
• 7:36
  SPEAKER_04: There's also an emotional aspect.
• 7:38
  SPEAKER_04: So being able to work on a brand like Strivein that can bring some daily joy, even if it's a small amount, because of the impact uh that our products um and our benefits have on um your skin, I think is a really incredible honor.
• 7:54
  SPEAKER_01: Absolutely no.
• 7:55
  SPEAKER_01: I I love your I love your background though, June.
• 7:58
  SPEAKER_01: That's so impressive.
• 7:59
  SPEAKER_01: Um, and I love that you you said you were like, you know, I went into business and I never looked back.
• 8:04
  SPEAKER_01: I love that.
• 8:05
  SPEAKER_01: It's it's you know, I really think that when you know, you know, you know, like where to go with your career.
• 8:10
  SPEAKER_01: So, and I'm so excited to see that you, you know, um are with Strivecton.
• 8:15
  SPEAKER_01: It's a huge like I said, I love the brand and everything you said, you know, it really resonates with me as just a consumer of the brand.
• 8:22
  SPEAKER_01: You know, it's it's like you look at all of the skincare out there now, and it's like it is that emotional mental health aspect, um, like you brought up.
• 8:31
  SPEAKER_01: And I think where that comes in for me as a consumer is like seeing results.
• 8:36
  SPEAKER_01: And I can't think of a better brand, you know.
• 8:38
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, I've definitely seen results like almost immediately with a lot of the products that I've tried by Strive.
• 8:44
  SPEAKER_01: And so I'm just I'm just so thrilled that, you know, this is the brand is doing what it's doing, and it's such a science forward brand.
• 8:51
  SPEAKER_01: And that's really where my question um is going to come in here is this idea of putting science first, you know.
• 8:58
  SPEAKER_01: Um, I would love to get your your take and your thought on where the skincare industry is now and and how you see the science aspect, you know, and how it really plays a role in your day-to-day um, you know, things that you have to manage and look over and and really kind of uh work with as you're you know guiding your team.
• 9:18
  SPEAKER_04: Yes, yes.
• 9:19
  SPEAKER_04: I'm so glad that you are highlighting the importance and criticality of science in skincare because the industry overall has just been exploding.
• 9:30
  SPEAKER_04: There are so many brands, so many products, so many uh voices.
• 9:36
  SPEAKER_04: And over and over again, I like to just go back to my North Star and what motivates the Stridectin team, which is the consumer.
• 9:45
  SPEAKER_04: And um, we like to think of our consumer very much as an intelligent beauty seeker, someone who is knowledgeable.
• 9:53
  SPEAKER_04: Yet, over and over, we do hear that there is confusion, there is need for education and clarity, and a real desire for science-based, efficacious products that work that aren't just the noise, but actually have a true foundation.
• 10:14
  SPEAKER_04: And one of the things that really makes me proud on Srivectin is that 100% of our formulas are clinically tested in independent labs.
• 10:25
  SPEAKER_04: We use expert graders and the before and afters that we are publishing are really something that is powerful in terms of motivating new consumers, but also reassuring current consumers because they they use the product and they're seeing the results like you have.
• 10:45
  SPEAKER_04: And so those real visible results need to have that scientific foundation.
• 10:50
  SPEAKER_04: And what I find in the industry is that there is a flight back to trust, back to science.
• 10:56
  SPEAKER_04: And certainly COVID taught us that that science can do incredible things.
• 11:00
  SPEAKER_04: And if there's a real foundation there with formulas that are developed with expert product development teams and um, you know, a special blend of ingredients, oftentimes I find that uh consumers will take shortcuts, um, especially in this attention-starved um economy and ecosystem of you know, one-second swipes as you're scrolling through your feed.
• 11:27
  SPEAKER_04: It is important to go beyond, for example, just you know, the simple headline and really have a trusted brand that has done the homework for you if you don't have time to do the homework yourself.
• 11:39
  SPEAKER_04: And so I think education is critical, but also simplicity.
• 11:43
  SPEAKER_04: Sometimes you can overwhelm consumers with almost too much science.
• 11:48
  SPEAKER_04: So there's a real careful balance that I think brands need to need to take.
• 11:53
  SPEAKER_04: And uh, I do feel that Strivein does a very good job of that education, um, both in store with our Ulta uh sales team and our sales and education coordinators that are interacting with clients and customers and Ulta beauty stores as one example, but also importantly online, because we know our consumers, uh, their go-to source of information is in fact social media.
• 12:19
  SPEAKER_04: And so just making sure that you have a strong presence there, but and making sure also that it's not just presence, it's education in an engaging way.
• 12:30
  SPEAKER_04: Um, you know, you've you can definitely tell the brands that can tell a story um in a straightforward way, but it has to be engaging to break through in the social media landscape today.
• 12:44
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, yeah, absolutely.
• 12:45
  SPEAKER_01: And you know, it's so interesting what you said, June, because I fully, fully believe in um a result-oriented brand.
• 12:53
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, end of story kind of thing, you know, because at the end of the day, yes, we love our feel-good products.
• 12:59
  SPEAKER_01: And I'm not saying that, you know, science and feel good have to be separate.
• 13:04
  SPEAKER_01: They can be in the same.
• 13:05
  SPEAKER_01: But I feel like a lot of the brands I see, especially now in the current um environment with everyone questioning things around organic beauty, natural beauty, all this stuff coming up, right?
• 13:16
  SPEAKER_01: Um, what I see stay withholding, you know, and really uh, you know, uh surviving is science.
• 13:25
  SPEAKER_01: And you can't argue with the science.
• 13:27
  SPEAKER_01: And it's like, I feel like strivein for me as a consumer, it's one of those pillar brands.
• 13:33
  SPEAKER_01: You know, it's like a Hallmark brand where you know that this brand is all about the science.
• 13:37
  SPEAKER_01: They're going to make sure that they're putting products out that have real data behind them, you know, and that's so important now, I feel more than ever, because there's just so much, like, I don't want to say clutter, but I mean for lack of a better word, there is, you know, and it's like, yeah, there's a lot of stories out there, there's a lot of founders.
• 13:57
  SPEAKER_01: I'm not discouraging them, but at the end of the day, I'm I'm sorry, there's nothing bigger than a clinical trial, you know?
• 14:04
  SPEAKER_01: Skin is health and skincare, although we love talking about the vanity uh aspect and you know, just beauty and stuff, it's a whole different category than beauty.
• 14:16
  SPEAKER_01: You know, skincare to me is more health and it's should be treated as that.
• 14:21
  SPEAKER_01: And I feel like Strivectin has just done such a great job, you know, over the years of making sure that there's no there's no confusion there, you know, for the consumer in terms of understanding that the brand is focused.
• 14:33
  SPEAKER_01: They are, you know, you guys are doing the right doing right by the consumer and doing right by the customer base, you know what I mean?
• 14:40
  SPEAKER_01: So I love that.
• 14:41
  SPEAKER_01: I love that aspect about your whole brand and um really much.
• 14:46
  SPEAKER_04: Um, you know, the that importance of um standing the test of time.
• 14:51
  SPEAKER_04: Um, in fact, in 2022, uh I joined the the Strive team in a great year.
• 14:57
  SPEAKER_04: It's we celebrated our 20th anniversary and being one of the first brands that really stood on that platform of biomedical research and scientific integrity, there is definitely something behind the fact that the brand has stood the test of time and we have loyal consumers who have some of us, some of us um have been using the brand, because in fact I had used the brand before I joined um with the neck cream, as we do have the number one uh selling neck cream in the US.
• 15:31
  SPEAKER_04: And um, you know, that loyalty speaks to the efficacy.
• 15:36
  SPEAKER_04: Um, and you know, I the the skin is the largest organ in the body.
• 15:42
  SPEAKER_04: And when you say, I very much spark to when you say this is very much about the health aspect, there is a an important need to protect um the skin health because it provides that barrier, skin barrier health.
• 15:58
  SPEAKER_04: And we were one of the first 20 years ago to really start um that message, and we continue to resonate with that message today um with our with our products.
• 16:10
  SPEAKER_04: Um, so it is something where uh the science and um compliance is important as well.
• 16:18
  SPEAKER_04: Um, one area that we do find is that um consumers in our research tend to switch products a lot.
• 16:26
  SPEAKER_04: And um, in fact, they can um give up um before they start to see results.
• 16:34
  SPEAKER_04: Um, and some of our results can be relatively quick.
• 16:40
  SPEAKER_04: But for example, if you have a skin health issue that has um really confounded itself in several weeks, months, years, the expectation that it goes away overnight um is somewhat is somewhat unrealistic.
• 16:57
  SPEAKER_04: And so sticking with it in compliance, and so I do think that there is a need for balance of efficacious products, but um, the products also have to be aesthetically pleasing for consumers to want to use them.
• 17:13
  SPEAKER_04: The consumer, the consumers tell us all the time um that the products that they like to use, they enjoy to use, they will stick with it more.
• 17:22
  SPEAKER_04: And with that compliance, you will see better results.
• 17:26
  SPEAKER_04: Um, so again, it kind of goes back to education, it's hand in hand.
• 17:30
  SPEAKER_04: Um, I don't think that just an aesthetically pleasing product that is just about that is going to um really resonate because consumers are looking for those results.
• 17:42
  SPEAKER_04: Um, and especially if uh Strivectin is a premium brand.
• 17:47
  SPEAKER_04: And with people switching products, I always like to say to people, go out and buy shoes.
• 17:52
  SPEAKER_04: Don't keep switching skincare brands, spend that money on something more interesting.
• 17:56
  SPEAKER_01: That's great advice.
• 17:58
  SPEAKER_01: I love that.
• 17:58
  SPEAKER_01: No, I completely agree with you.
• 18:00
  SPEAKER_01: I think that, you know, um, I actually recently made a post because you know, my social media team is always like, you know, Ekto, why don't you give us like little tidbits, you know, that we can post up about skincare, um, you know, like routines and stuff, right?
• 18:13
  SPEAKER_01: And I was like, honestly, guys, put something together that says stick to a routine for 30 days and choose one line.
• 18:20
  SPEAKER_01: And they did that.
• 18:21
  SPEAKER_01: And I was like, that's the best from every brand I've interviewed, from all the skincare lines I've tried, you are so right with what you said, June, because it's all about sticking to it.
• 18:32
  SPEAKER_01: It's all about the the amount of heart you have and the amount of enthusiasm you have to really correct the the things that you want to work on, right?
• 18:41
  SPEAKER_01: With your skin health.
• 18:42
  SPEAKER_01: And like anything in medicine, it's it's a process, you know.
• 18:45
  SPEAKER_01: We we love talking about science, but then um, you know, it's one thing to say science, but another thing to really understand the science.
• 18:52
  SPEAKER_01: And I think the best way for me to explain it, um, you know, just to our listeners, is that everything that happens on a molecular cellular level is gonna take at least 30 days to show you results, you know, because all that signaling has to happen, all the, you know, real molecular changes occur and, you know, things like, for example, hyperpigmentation, you know, it's gonna take time to break apart the pigment.
• 19:14
  SPEAKER_01: And it's gonna take time for your body to take it and dispose of it as waste, you know, or or put it where it needs to go.
• 19:21
  SPEAKER_01: And um, this little bit, you know, this bridge of understanding, I feel like is what differentiates um in my mind at least, the really skin, you know, skin health forward consumer versus the trend-oriented consumers.
• 19:36
  SPEAKER_01: So that's where I think my next question really comes in is this idea of trends.
• 19:40
  SPEAKER_01: Um, how have you like, you know, really kind of tackled that idea?
• 19:44
  SPEAKER_01: Because I know that um TikTok and all these social media platforms, people are all about the trends, you know, they're like, oh, uh glass skin this or glass skin that.
• 19:53
  SPEAKER_01: And it's like, well, we're still not focusing on the health.
• 19:55
  SPEAKER_01: So how does Starve Acton approach like social media trends, keeping up with all the hype and stuff and just staying true to you know who you are as a brand?
• 20:04
  SPEAKER_04: Yes.
• 20:05
  SPEAKER_04: And it starts with that, really knowing what you stand for as a brand versus chasing the trends.
• 20:11
  SPEAKER_04: And certainly our teams are looking deeply at what is out there, what is resonating with consumers.
• 20:18
  SPEAKER_04: But I feel like if you follow those trends, you're too late.
• 20:21
  SPEAKER_04: Even if by the time you launch um something, it could be six to 12 months later and that trend has gone.
• 20:27
  SPEAKER_04: So if you are chasing trends, um, in in some ways you're a follower, not a leader.
• 20:32
  SPEAKER_04: And at Strivectin, we believe we are pioneers because we like to lead with science and world-beating products that really do stand the test of time.
• 20:43
  SPEAKER_04: Like I said, like our TL net cream as one example.
• 20:47
  SPEAKER_04: Um, it goes back to your earlier point in terms of how we address trends around the regimen.
• 20:53
  SPEAKER_04: Um, and thinking simply, what do you truly need?
• 20:58
  SPEAKER_04: Um, a lot of our consumers that use strivein tell us that they're busy people, they don't necessarily want 10 to 15 steps in the morning or at night.
• 21:08
  SPEAKER_04: And so the basic routine still reigns supreme of cleanse, treat, moisturize, and protect.
• 21:14
  SPEAKER_04: And within that framework, how can we bring um some of the trends that are out there?
• 21:21
  SPEAKER_04: So I'll give you an example.
• 21:22
  SPEAKER_04: Right now, Dewy Glowy Skin is in.
• 21:26
  SPEAKER_04: Um, and we are really excited that we'll soon be launching, it'll be available in January, a new glow factor product uh that has an instant illuminating lotion benefit.
• 21:38
  SPEAKER_04: Um, it has an SPF benefit as well with an SPF 30.
• 21:42
  SPEAKER_04: And so you're definitely getting that protection with the SPF, but it's on the moment and hitting the trend of dewy, glowy skin.
• 21:52
  SPEAKER_04: But it fits with our science, number one, and it fits with the overall regimen and the Needs for skin health.
• 22:02
  SPEAKER_04: So instead of just chasing a trend, we're really staying true to our DNA, but then bringing to life the benefits that are of the moment in our marketing.
• 22:12
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, I love that.
• 22:13
  SPEAKER_01: And I love the I I'm so excited.
• 22:15
  SPEAKER_01: You guys have a new launch coming up.
• 22:16
  SPEAKER_01: That's so cool.
• 22:18
  SPEAKER_01: Um, you know, I I really love what you said, and I and I definitely see it, you know, across all the products.
• 22:23
  SPEAKER_01: And I think one of the this might be like a little um detail, but I've really noticed this is that everything that Strivectin makes for everyone listening, and if it has a SPF in it, you're gonna notice it's gonna be SPF 30.
• 22:36
  SPEAKER_01: Like it just it makes my heart so happy to see that this the brand is just, you know, they're really pushing the science all the way through, you know, and all the products, like for example, one of my favorite products is um one of your moisturizers, the vitamin C moisturizer, the brightening um effects are there, but then you have this SPF 30 in there, and it's such a great product for someone who's really busy, but you know, you want that nice um kind of multi-effect feel in your skincare because in the morning, because it's very hard to do this in the morning, the multiple steps and you know, making sure you put your vitamin C on and whatnot.
• 23:13
  SPEAKER_01: So this is a great example of a product where I feel like the functionality of this product is just it's it's amazing, you know.
• 23:20
  SPEAKER_01: Um, you can everyone can use it, you know, it's something that really does benefit your skin in so many different ways and protects at the same time.
• 23:28
  SPEAKER_01: So this multi, you know, like uh multi-benefit aspect, I feel like has also always been there with strive and as compared to many brands I've seen.
• 23:36
  SPEAKER_01: It's like, you know, we went through eras, I like to say, you know, with skincare, where there were a lot of brands that were launching with like one ingredient, right?
• 23:44
  SPEAKER_01: Like they were like highlighting, like, oh, this is urea.
• 23:47
  SPEAKER_01: And it's like, okay, you know, but it's like urea is one component in a good moisturizer.
• 23:53
  SPEAKER_01: You don't need to sell that independently, you know.
• 23:56
  SPEAKER_01: So we went through these eras, right, June.
• 23:58
  SPEAKER_01: And so we um have gone through this trial and error as a you know community of skin enthusiasts.
• 24:04
  SPEAKER_01: But again, what do we end up coming back to?
• 24:08
  SPEAKER_01: Results.
• 24:08
  SPEAKER_01: And so that's where I'm like, you know, it's like Striveta is like one of the few brands where I'm like, this brand is going to work, period.
• 24:16
  SPEAKER_01: Why?
• 24:17
  SPEAKER_01: Because they've already tried it, it's worked before, it's proven, you know.
• 24:20
  SPEAKER_01: So I want to actually talk to you about the retinals uh products because I'm a huge fan, like I said, of your retinol products and um really trying to understand, yeah, like I really want to understand like the technology behind or really the process behind formulating one of these products.
• 24:37
  SPEAKER_01: Because right now, for example, I'm looking at my advanced retinol nightly multi-correct serum.
• 24:41
  SPEAKER_01: For everyone listening, this is one of my favorite, favorite products in skincare.
• 24:46
  SPEAKER_01: Um, it was in our top picks as well.
• 24:48
  SPEAKER_01: And I love it because it's got the retinol, obviously.
• 24:51
  SPEAKER_01: It's got the proprietary, uh, the patented technology in it.
• 24:55
  SPEAKER_01: And then also you guys put that polyglutamic acid in, which is so interesting and awesome to me because that hydration thing, no one talks about with retinol.
• 25:04
  SPEAKER_01: They don't talk about pairing the you know, the hydration with the the benefits of retinol.
• 25:08
  SPEAKER_01: So, can you walk us through like what's the the science side of things like, you know, at Strivectin?
• 25:13
  SPEAKER_01: Does you know, how is the whole process?
• 25:17
  SPEAKER_04: Yes, um, I'm so glad that you like that product.
• 25:20
  SPEAKER_04: Advanced Retinol Nightly Multi-Correct Serum is fantastic.
• 25:23
  SPEAKER_04: It's doing very well in the marketplace, and it is one of our most potent retinol serums, yet that hydration aspect is key.
• 25:31
  SPEAKER_04: And it really starts with um thinking through at the formulation stage where can we be different?
• 25:38
  SPEAKER_04: Um, why would another brand launch yet another retinol product?
• 25:43
  SPEAKER_04: And for us, it was that unique blend of retinol plus our patented NIA114 plus that polyglutamic acid that allowed the clinical results to show.
• 25:56
  SPEAKER_04: And we before we launched this, we said we really only want to launch this if the clinicals are in fact going to deliver something that is truly transformative in terms of results.
• 26:08
  SPEAKER_04: Um, and this product is showing an incredible benefit on that visible result of improvement in the fine lines.
• 26:18
  SPEAKER_04: And so once we got those clinicals back, we were so excited about how that blend in the formula worked so well on consumers.
• 26:27
  SPEAKER_04: Um, and just to reinforce, again, these are all independent studies with expert graders and outside labs.
• 26:34
  SPEAKER_04: These are not crown or strivein employees running this.
• 26:39
  SPEAKER_04: So we feel like we have a really high level of integrity before we launch our products.
• 26:44
  SPEAKER_04: And this is part of the reason why, uh even though it's a relatively new launch, we're seeing fantastic consumer reviews because of the results that people are able to see.
• 26:56
  SPEAKER_04: And while it does take time and our clinicals are showing seven days, the consumers really are um voting with their wallets um for this product because the science is so sound.
• 27:09
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, it's a it's a really great product, June.
• 27:12
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, it's really, really great.
• 27:13
  SPEAKER_01: I I very rarely do I say this about retinols, also, because like I said, I'm not a I I don't know, I just don't like harsh um products, you know what I mean, like actives.
• 27:23
  SPEAKER_01: And so I'm very, very cautious in this realm of skincare.
• 27:28
  SPEAKER_01: But with retinol, I'm very picky, is my point.
• 27:31
  SPEAKER_01: And I really have not found a better brand for retinol than strivectin.
• 27:35
  SPEAKER_04: So this is a great as you should.
• 27:38
  SPEAKER_04: And you know, I I I also think it's important um to know the consumer routine that while this is highly layerable, we designed the formula to also be super hydrating.
• 27:50
  SPEAKER_04: And therefore, if you didn't want to uh layer it, um, it really does provide that hydrating benefit um as well.
• 27:59
  SPEAKER_04: So uh you know, it goes back also to the overall trend that we are seeing uh around simplicity and a return to not necessarily the basics, but thoughtful skincare, at least for the consumers that are our consumer target, those intelligent beauty and health seekers who really want products with purpose, products that work, um, and leaning into that trend and just not working against um how they think about skin, but trying to fit into their daily lives.
• 28:37
  SPEAKER_04: I think, you know, changing people's behavior is one of the toughest things to do, especially when it comes to the world of skin care.
• 28:47
  SPEAKER_04: And um, one other framework that I'll offer up around skin health that we think about at Strivectin is there are multiple dimensions of health.
• 28:57
  SPEAKER_04: There is, of course, the physical health when it comes to skin health, there's the the emotional health when it comes to skin health.
• 29:04
  SPEAKER_04: You get more joy, optimism, and confidence when you feel like your skin looks great, or you're tackling a problem that you've suffered with on your skin.
• 29:15
  SPEAKER_04: Um, but also importantly, a third dimension for health that we like to think about is relationship health.
• 29:23
  SPEAKER_04: Um, a lot of times we hear from our stridectin consumers that um when their skin doesn't look great, they don't want to be out in the world and go out with their friends or go out on dates or just be part of the world.
• 29:37
  SPEAKER_04: And I think that skin health is so fundamental to not just the physical and emotional, but also relationship health.
• 29:45
  SPEAKER_04: Um, and that's why bringing science and products that work um is highly motivating and it's it's meaningful to work on a brand like stridectin.
• 29:55
  SPEAKER_01: Absolutely.
• 29:55
  SPEAKER_01: No, I think that's a really, really great point.
• 29:57
  SPEAKER_01: And I very interesting that you brought that up because I completely can relate to that.
• 30:02
  SPEAKER_01: You know, I think most of us can, where it's like if your skin's acting up, if you're not getting the results you want, your acne's flaring up, you know, whatever it is for you, yeah, it definitely takes a hit on that feeling of just wanting to interact with others and you know, just be out there and vulnerable.
• 30:19
  SPEAKER_01: And I think that you're absolutely right.
• 30:21
  SPEAKER_01: You know, it again, it's all about health, right?
• 30:24
  SPEAKER_01: With skin.
• 30:24
  SPEAKER_01: Like I really believe that the beauty industry has for many years um kind of focused so hard on makeup and we forgot along, you know, somewhere along the lines of you know, do getting caught up in all that hype that under the makeup is the idea that we're battling some sort of a skin issue, you know, and we're trying to cover that up most of the time.
• 30:48
  SPEAKER_01: Like, for example, you're concealing a blemish, you're concealing wrinkles, you're trying to fill the wrinkles or whatever it is that's there.
• 30:55
  SPEAKER_01: Um, your makeup is trying to fix that, but you can't cover it up.
• 30:58
  SPEAKER_01: You have to really address it.
• 31:00
  SPEAKER_01: So I think that, you know, it's now it's more important than ever, especially with the holiday season, also with people, you know, recovering from COVID and just coming back into the real world and interacting more.
• 31:12
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, we have to really focus on these kind of aspects as well.
• 31:15
  SPEAKER_01: You know, like you mentioned, the mental health.
• 31:17
  SPEAKER_01: So I'm, you know, I'm a huge fan of the work you guys are doing.
• 31:20
  SPEAKER_01: I think it's definitely meaningful.
• 31:22
  SPEAKER_01: And, you know, there's nothing more powerful than results, literally, nothing more powerful.
• 31:26
  SPEAKER_01: So, you know, you can't argue with that.
• 31:29
  SPEAKER_04: That's right.
• 31:30
  SPEAKER_04: That's right.
• 31:30
  SPEAKER_04: And we are living in uh a moment in time where people are um craving going out into the world.
• 31:40
  SPEAKER_04: And um, you know, the skin is the foundation for you to be able to do that.
• 31:46
  SPEAKER_04: Um, and uh, we respect all beauty routines and the diversity that people bring into how they treat their skin, but also how they then layer on makeup and go out into the world.
• 32:00
  SPEAKER_04: And it is a moment in time where skincare is fundamental.
• 32:04
  SPEAKER_04: It's the skin barrier health and um having that strong foundation allows you to then go out and enjoy your community.
• 32:13
  SPEAKER_04: And you know, diversity is also another pillar for us in terms of um who we're testing on, having robust sample sizes within the clinical study test results uh that we work on.
• 32:27
  SPEAKER_04: Um and the other aspect is when it comes to results, it really needs to be connected to the problem that you're trying to solve, whether it's um deep wrinkles, whether it's, like you said, hyperpigmentation and um acne marks or scars.
• 32:46
  SPEAKER_04: So really thinking deeply about the problem that you're trying to solve and then bringing a unique solution with technology to back it up.
• 32:56
  SPEAKER_04: Another exciting example I can share with you is a launch that's coming up in January around our peptide plump line filling serum.
• 33:07
  SPEAKER_04: Um, that's coming up um really soon.
• 33:10
  SPEAKER_04: It's an exciting new launch.
• 33:11
  SPEAKER_04: Um, and uh while you know peptides are of the moment and another really great um you know aspect of our portfolio that we're really excited to offer to consumers uh very soon, um ultimately it is you know thinking through what's the benefit.
• 33:31
  SPEAKER_04: And the research that we did was that those deep lines in the forehead are a problem area and can we bring something new to help solve that?
• 33:41
  SPEAKER_04: And so that's just another example of thinking through a current ingredient that's of the moment on trend, but how can we do it differently?
• 33:50
  SPEAKER_04: Um, and hopefully you'll be able to try that product when it comes out in January as well.
• 33:56
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, no, I mean I I love that.
• 33:58
  SPEAKER_01: I love that you guys are doing that though, because that's the whole spirit of science is like this idea that, okay, we've tried this.
• 34:05
  SPEAKER_01: What's next?
• 34:06
  SPEAKER_01: You know, what's next?
• 34:08
  SPEAKER_01: What's the next step to refine it?
• 34:10
  SPEAKER_01: And I feel like there's not a lot of companies that really focus on that aspect.
• 34:13
  SPEAKER_01: And so I mean, I'm I'm I'm a huge fan, as I've always been, you know.
• 34:18
  SPEAKER_01: So I I'm excited to see all the new launches, but even the amazing collection as it exists today, you know, Starbecton across the board, I think all of the products, there's something here for everybody.
• 34:30
  SPEAKER_01: And, you know, for everyone tuning in, you know, brands these days have, you know, they either are really good at one thing or they're really good at the other thing.
• 34:38
  SPEAKER_01: But this very rarely do you find brands that are just every product is like, you know, there's a meaning behind it, there's science behind it, there's a real white space that is trying to fill.
• 34:48
  SPEAKER_01: And so I think Strivectin is for me, it just stands out, you know, it like hands down stands out because of that.
• 34:54
  SPEAKER_01: Um, I absolutely love all the work your team does, June.
• 34:57
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, it just it really reflects, right, in the brand.
• 35:00
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, I think a brand is as good as the team behind it.
• 35:03
  SPEAKER_01: So you guys are doing a phenomenal job.
• 35:05
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, as a consumer, truly that's awesome.
• 35:07
  SPEAKER_01: Thank you.
• 35:07
  SPEAKER_04: Thank you for that.
• 35:08
  SPEAKER_04: I'm glad you acknowledge the team because um people make the difference.
• 35:12
  SPEAKER_04: You can have a great brand, you can have a great pipeline, you can have great marketing, but ultimately it's the people behind the brand and the products that will make the difference.
• 35:23
  SPEAKER_04: And um, in a work environment and being a working mother myself, I have three boys and just uh, you know, my in my family, we have a two-career couple, we've moved around quite a bit.
• 35:36
  SPEAKER_04: Um, you know, you spend a lot of time with your colleagues and um surrounding yourself with a talented team that you trust and you enjoy working with.
• 35:47
  SPEAKER_04: I think that is so critical, whether it's your own business, whether you work in a large organization.
• 35:53
  SPEAKER_04: I think it's fundamental um to driving the success of great brands like Strivectin is the people behind it.
• 36:00
  SPEAKER_04: And so that collaboration also, we're talking a lot about science.
• 36:05
  SPEAKER_04: And um sometimes in organizations, people will point to, let's say, a medical scientific liaison or the PhDs on our staff or the chemists.
• 36:17
  SPEAKER_04: Um, I think it's a collaboration to come up with great innovation and working closely, of course, with our product development team, our RD team, our scientists, but also marketing, sales, our supply and operations.
• 36:31
  SPEAKER_04: There are so many people that it takes to um launch new products.
• 36:38
  SPEAKER_04: And um, you know, in some sometimes they can be there can be unsung heroes as well within the beauty and skincare industry.
• 36:46
  SPEAKER_04: And as a leader, I like to just acknowledge that um science-based brands, it takes a lot of expertise across different functions to bring those to life.
• 36:56
  SPEAKER_04: And it's something that I'm grateful for on the Strivectin team that we have such talent across the different functions.
• 37:02
  SPEAKER_01: Absolutely.
• 37:03
  SPEAKER_01: No, I mean, it's that's such a great point too, June, is that this idea of like it doesn't just you don't just need like a bunch of PhDs and MDs and you know, just science people, you need this broader perspective.
• 37:14
  SPEAKER_01: And actually, you know, that is a question I have for you because it must be tough, right?
• 37:18
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, kind of getting the team to like like what do you do when the it's a very narrowed focus?
• 37:23
  SPEAKER_01: Like, you know, I know as as a scientist, most scientists are like this.
• 37:26
  SPEAKER_01: We get very hyper-focused on one thing.
• 37:28
  SPEAKER_01: So um, when you're trying to like balance the team's outlook, like what are like maybe you have like a war story or something, you know, you can share with us as an example, but how is that as a as a leader, you know, really managing that kind of a team where you've got all these different players in it?
• 37:43
  SPEAKER_04: Yeah, yeah.
• 37:44
  SPEAKER_04: No, definitely a framework that I like to think through is um, you know, act now.
• 37:50
  SPEAKER_04: And and by that, it's ask questions, um, communicate and think deeply.
• 37:58
  SPEAKER_04: Um, you know, that framework around act um is important to me.
• 38:02
  SPEAKER_04: And I can give an example around that.
• 38:05
  SPEAKER_04: So as we were thinking about launching and our marketing plans, let's understand the science first.
• 38:12
  SPEAKER_04: So ask questions.
• 38:14
  SPEAKER_04: Um, and especially don't be intimidated to ask questions around the product.
• 38:19
  SPEAKER_04: Let's say you're in a different functional area and you're not um, you don't have that scientific background.
• 38:25
  SPEAKER_04: Ask questions about the science of our retinol, ask science uh questions about our ingredients.
• 38:32
  SPEAKER_04: And from there, that sense of humility when saying, okay, this is an area that I may be an expert in, but I'm willing to learn, that is so critical.
• 38:42
  SPEAKER_04: And I think that helps people because they want to educate others within the team.
• 38:48
  SPEAKER_04: Um, communication is so critical, especially now we are working in a hybrid, oftentimes remote environment, doing things over team and Zooms.
• 38:57
  SPEAKER_04: And so just communication and collaboration across all different technology platforms, as well as in person, is really important, especially when you're developing products, because when you're innovating, you want to be able to touch and feel, you want to be able to collaborate as a team and really bring the power of the team together.
• 39:18
  SPEAKER_04: Um, and then the T within my ACT framework is really about thinking deeply.
• 39:23
  SPEAKER_04: Sometimes we get so caught up in the moment of the to-do lists and what it takes to actually launch a product on time and with excellence and meet all of the retailer needs.
• 39:35
  SPEAKER_04: And we have a lot of um great partner relationships with our customers, like an Ulta Beauty.
• 39:42
  SPEAKER_04: So there is always a long to-do list when you're thinking about launching a new product, but also thinking deeply and setting time aside to um think about that long-term future, not the short-term launch, but how can this new launch sustain into the marketplace?
• 40:02
  SPEAKER_04: How are we going to make sure that it has a life one, two, three, four, five years from now, 10 years from now?
• 40:08
  SPEAKER_04: Because we don't want to just launch and leave.
• 40:11
  SPEAKER_04: We want our products to really um have success long term.
• 40:15
  SPEAKER_04: And so collaborating across the team and just being humble is important to ask questions, um, especially when it comes to some of the more scientific aspects of our uh products.
• 40:29
  SPEAKER_01: Absolutely.
• 40:30
  SPEAKER_01: No, that makes a lot of sense.
• 40:31
  SPEAKER_01: And I, you know, I really applaud you for, you know, just leading such a dynamic team and really doing such justice to everybody that is a huge fan of the brand and all the consumers.
• 40:42
  SPEAKER_01: We really, really do love the brand.
• 40:43
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, those of you out there that have tried Strivectin, you know, you know what I'm talking about.
• 40:48
  SPEAKER_01: There's, you know, definitely if you've tried the brand, you have a product that is like irreplaceable.
• 40:53
  SPEAKER_01: I'm pretty sure of it because I know I have a lot of those.
• 40:56
  SPEAKER_01: So, you know, you guys are doing a great job.
• 40:58
  SPEAKER_01: And I I just applaud the whole team and your efforts because they're in this, like we said, you know, and and not to be redundant, but in this landscape and the way things are going now, um, it's very hard, you know, as a consumer to find what works and what doesn't.
• 41:12
  SPEAKER_01: And so the more science and you know, just not even science, but the more fact-based brands and the fact-based uh marketing that we have around those brands, it's just makes life easier.
• 41:23
  SPEAKER_01: So um, you know, huge hats off.
• 41:25
  SPEAKER_01: And June, this has been such an honor to host you.
• 41:27
  SPEAKER_01: I'm a huge fan, like I said, of the brand, but also I'm I'm so excited that you're really uh spiriting this new year, you know, 2023 for Strivectin.
• 41:37
  SPEAKER_01: Can't wait to see all the new launches and all the cool stuff coming up.
• 41:40
  SPEAKER_01: So thank you so much for this this opportunity.
• 41:44
  SPEAKER_04: It was great speaking with you.
• 41:46
  SPEAKER_04: I enjoyed it so much.
• 41:48
  SPEAKER_04: We are on the Strivectin team indeed.
• 41:50
  SPEAKER_04: Looking forward to a great 2023.
• 41:54
  SPEAKER_04: Thank you again.
• 41:55
  SPEAKER_04: Thank you so much.
• 41:59
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• 42:02
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