This week we look at the role of biotech in the beauty industry. It promises the ability to program and design molecules that can be less toxic, more sustainable, and customizable in everything from moisturizer to perfume. Our guest this episode is Dr. Sunil Chandran, chief science officer and head of R&D at Amyris, a company using the tools of synthetic biology to build molecules for beauty products. Amyris began years ago as a startup focused on using sugar cane as a feedstock for biodiesel. Since then, it’s made the pivot to the beauty industry. 

We ask Sunil about that pivot, dig in on business models for biotech in the beauty industry, and wonder what the future holds for fashion and beauty when ingredients and materials can be “designed” in a lab.

Have a question for Christina, Rachel and Shilla? Give us a call at (508) 622-5361.‬ We might feature your voicemail in an upcoming episode.

Resources:



WWD interview with Amyris CEO Jon Melo


Oprah Daily on Clean Beauty

Info on Bonsucro



CNN covers Doja Cat on Schiaparelli's latest runway show


New York Times on the Schiaparelli’s controversial show


Hot Buttons is a production of Post Script Media. The show is hosted by Christina Binkley, Rachel Kibbe, and Shilla Kim-Parker. Follow the show on Twitter.
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