Lumene’s
Tiina Isohanni has 35 years of experience in skin care and cosmetics, which includes pioneering research in Nordic raw materials and skin care science, including the use of upcycled materials. In addition to steering Lumene’s formulation work, she has been instrumental in its
environmental sustainability strategy, too. Next month Isohanni will take a seat on Lumene Group’s board. As she gets set to leave the lab, we asked Isohanni to reflect on her career, the changes in beauty science and how she will use her scientific background in a new leadership role for Lumene.
HAPPI: What are some of the most important developments in cosmetic science that you have witnessed over your career?
Isohanni: The huge development of naturally derived ingredients really stands out – this includes quality, safety and efficacy, as well as the potential to replace most of the synthetic and animal-based ingredients commonly used. It has happened step by step and will continue going forward. Another important development is biotechnology, which enables the development of many ingredients and the ability to modify their properties. In the case of
Lumene, I would highlight the increased use of Nordic natural ingredients from wild nature and from side streams of the food and forest industries. These, in particular, have been a passion for me.
HAPPI: Is there product in the Lumene range that holds a special place in your heart and why?
Tiina Isohanni earned her Master of Science (Chemistry) in 1984, a Licenciate of Philosophy (Chemistry) in 1989 and Safety Assessor of Cosmetics Products in 2013.
Isohanni: Definitely - our global best-seller,
Lumene Nordic-C Glow Boost Essence holds a very special place. It contains multiple ingredients from arctic wild cloudberry, two of which are upcycled, developed from food industry side streams. We have two patents and one pending connected to this product. Additionally, clinical and consumer studies have been executed with very positive results.
HAPPI: What has it been like as a female in world of cosmetic chemistry, and how has that changed over time?
Isohanni: In the Nordics, particularly in R&D, women dominate the business of cosmetics. To me it has felt very natural to be surrounded by females. Women have traditionally been more familiar with and interested in beauty formulas. Of course, R&D has more of a scientific approach to skin care products. I am happy that lately we have gained more gender diversity in our R&D team at Lumene. Diversity is essential for innovation.
HAPPI: Is the board of directors a place you would have imagined yourself as a young chemist? And, what training or experience as a scientist do you plan to leverage in this new role?
Isohanni: As a young chemist I hardly understood that such governmental bodies, like the board, even existed! Little by little, during these years, I have become more involved in the business. Just now I am participating in a training organized by the Chamber of Commerce covering the subject of roles and responsibilities of board members, including several case studies. After all these years I have gained great experience on business processes and Lumene’s operations. I also carefully follow the future developments and trends in the cosmetics business. I am particularly happy that one of my areas of expertise, sustainability, has also become a movement in the beauty business.
HAPPI: How do you hope to be remembered by your colleagues in the lab?
Isohanni: I hope that they remember my passion, knowledge and experience. Also, I hope they feel that I took responsibility in difficult situations and that we solved problems together. I truly feel honored to have led a team of such talented individuals and I really appreciate all of their hard work and expertise.