In a beauty landscape overflowing with buzzwords and fleeting trends, SKIN functional stands apart for its commitment to efficacy, transparency, and evidence-based innovation. Since its inception, the brand has been on a mission to bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and consumer understanding, empowering skincare lovers with what Shannon Dougall calls “honourable SKINtelligence.”
In this exclusive Q&A, Shannon unpacks the science behind SKIN functional’s success, the future of biotech in beauty, and what’s next for skincare in a world where innovation never sleeps.
Glamour SA: SKIN functional has built its reputation around efficacy and transparency. How do innovative actives and biotech developments fit into your brand’s philosophy?
Shannon Dougall: SKIN functional is deeply rooted in the premise of delivering innovation and cutting-edge skincare to consumers at an accessible price point. To achieve this, biotech developments and advanced actives are at the heart of everything we do.
Glamour SA: What excites you most about the current wave of biotech innovation in skincare?
Shannon Dougall: Biotech innovation is about pushing boundaries; striving for excellence through new ingredients and technologies. It’s exciting because it elevates the skincare industry on a global scale, creating opportunities for smarter, more effective formulations.
Glamour SA: Exosomes are being called the next frontier in skincare. How do you see exosome technology influencing topical formulations and skin rejuvenation?
Shannon Dougall: Exosomes are phenomenal ingredients for their ability to enhance overall skin health through advanced regeneration. We’re only at the beginning of this innovation, and I believe we’ll see many more products harnessing exosome technology in the near future.
Glamour SA: Are there any challenges or misconceptions around using exosomes in skincare products?
Shannon Dougall: Exosomes are sometimes referred to as the “fountain of youth” because of their role in cell communication and regeneration but no ingredient can ethically promise eternal youth. Another misconception is that all exosomes deliver the same results. Their efficacy varies by source: human-derived exosomes are highly regenerative but raise ethical concerns, while plant-based ones are more sustainable but less studied.
Glamour SA: The concept of “neurocosmetics”, ingredients that interact with the skin’s neuroreceptors to influence mood or stress is gaining traction. What’s your view on the link between emotional wellbeing and skin health?
Shannon Dougall: The way we perceive our skin absolutely impacts mood, confidence, and self-perception. Based on that connection, I believe neurocosmetic ingredients have real potential to play a pivotal role in how we approach holistic skincare.
Glamour SA: Do you see neurocosmetic actives as a future focus area for SKIN functional?
Shannon Dougall: We already include neurocosmetic actives in our formulations and will continue to explore this space. It’s a fascinating intersection between science, skin, and emotion.
Glamour SA: The skin microbiome remains a rich area of research. How does SKIN functional approach supporting the microbiome in its formulations?
Shannon Dougall: We’ve developed several products that prioritise barrier support and microbiome preservation. A strong, balanced barrier is the foundation for effective skincare.
Glamour SA: How do you educate consumers about the importance of preserving the skin barrier and microbiome?
Shannon Dougall: Education is central to everything we do. We always communicate the importance of building from a strong foundation, the barrier, before layering on actives. Our mission is to empower consumers with honourable SKINtelligence they can trust.
Glamour SA: Consumers are becoming more science-savvy but also overwhelmed by terminology. How does SKIN functional make advanced science accessible and understandable?
Shannon Dougall: Transparency and education drive our communication. We simplify complex science without diluting accuracy, ensuring our customers understand the “why” behind every ingredient and formula.
Glamour SA: With so many biotech claims emerging, how do you ensure ingredient integrity and evidence-based formulation?
Shannon Dougall: We rely on clinical data; the data doesn’t lie. Every product we develop is backed by proven results, and that commitment will always define our brand.
Glamour SA: How does SKIN functional plan to stay ahead in this evolving biotech landscape?
Shannon Dougall: By staying curious and future-focused. We were the first to market with innovations like Oleyl Adaplenate, and we’ll continue to immerse ourselves in global trends and next-generation skincare thinking.
Glamour SA: As biotech advances, how do you ensure ethical sourcing and sustainability remain central to innovation?
Shannon Dougall: It starts with aligning ourselves with raw material suppliers who share our values. Ethical sourcing and sustainability are not optional, they’re integral to long-term credibility and responsible innovation.
Glamour SA: Consumers increasingly expect transparency. How does that influence your ingredient and product development choices?
Shannon Dougall: Transparency is one of our core values. It shapes every decision we make, from ingredient sourcing to how we communicate results.
Glamour SA: As a founder, what’s been the most transformative scientific discovery that’s influenced your approach to formulation?
Shannon Dougall: Nano-encapsulation has been a game-changer. It enhances product stability and absorption, allowing ingredients to work more effectively and efficiently.
Glamour SA: What advice would you give consumers navigating today’s fast-evolving, science-led beauty space?
Shannon Dougall: Don’t get caught up in the hype. Look for products backed by data and clinical trials. Evidence-based skincare will always deliver long-term results over trends.
Glamour SA: Lastly, which emerging ingredients or technologies do you believe will define the next generation of skincare?
Shannon Dougall: Algae and microalgae are exciting; they’re rich in bioactives that hydrate, protect, and support anti-ageing. We’ll also see more innovation around prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics for microbiome balance. And in terms of technology, AI and AR will continue to evolve personalisation through real-time skin analysis and customised recommendations.
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