SCIENCE AND NATURE IN SYNERGY
Cosmetic chemist Terri Vinson has always had a passion for the science behind beauty. She explains the philosophy behind her brand, Synergie Skin.
How did it all begin?
After gaining qualifications in biological science, senior science education and cosmetic chemistry, I began my career as a senior science teacher. Then, as a young mum of two, I took a role as an educator and formulator for a cosmeceutical company. It wasn’t until my forties that I took a risk and opened a start-up skincare clinic in Melbourne. My Synergie Skin formulations organically grew, allowing me to ultimately marry my passions for beauty, education and science.
What is unique about Synergie Skin?
Synergie Skin is unique by virtue of it being a fully vertically integrated and Australian-made manufacturing company. All products are innovated and formulated by me, tested and developed in our onsite laboratory, manufactured, packaged, labelled and dispatched all from our headquarters in Melbourne. Secondly, our ‘clean science’ philosophy will always be the heart of Synergie Skin. Combining the very best of laboratory-synthesised ingredients with the highest quality, naturally derived ingredients creates effective and ethical skincare.
How is Synergie Skin tailored to the Australian environment?
Here in Australia, we are constantly exposed to harsh environmental conditions and it was with this in mind that I produced the very first Synergie Skin products. ÜberZinc is a daily environmental protective moisturiser, formulated with 21 per cent pure zinc oxide that offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB solar protection. Our mineral make-up range is formulated with high-grade zinc oxide, titanium dioxide minerals, offering superior-quality, broadspectrum UVA/B, HEV blue light and infrared sun protection for all skin exposed to the environment.
How has the skincare industry changed since your launch 15 years ago, and how have you evolved?
As the cosmeceutical industry grew, we began to see a demand from consumers wishing to purchase products online. This has become even more evident since the COVID-19 pandemic. E-commerce has changed the way people buy skincare. It was a huge move taking Synergie Skin online, but the demand was high and the need was obvious.
What has been a challenging aspect of the business?
In 2011, I took a risk and left my boutique skin clinic to take on a lab and manufacturing warehouse facility. I had outgrown the small clinic and we were literally bursting at the seams. I had to act – and fast! When I took over my Melbourne warehouse, I basically inherited a huge empty box – just four simple walls! Within that box I created offices, a training and education area, a production warehouse and, most importantly, my own laboratory. Letting go of many areas of the business that I once controlled has also been a challenge and steep learning curve for me. As a leader, I now know that, because my sphere of expertise is finite, I need to have a collaborative business model where my team members complement one another for optimal outcomes and growth. Now, I can step back, delegate and allow my team to shine in their roles.
What’s the process of developing a new product like?
Often, my ‘aha!’ moments for a new product come to me in the shower. From conception and often a quirky product name, I delve deep into research and development with my lab manager. If I tell you any more, I’ll have to kill you!
What’s your best-selling product?
ÜberZinc is my number one seller! It has a cult following as it’s a luxurious, non-greasy sunscreen that also deeply hydrates the skin. This product is closely followed by my cult Vitamin B serum. This is a true multitasking serum and many of my customers think this is a miracle product.
What’s one product you would like everyone to try?
I would say Vitamin B serum; the great multitasking cosmeceutical.
What’s your skincare routine?
My morning routine includes: UltraCleanse, Dermiotic pre-serum balancing elixir, Pure-C Crystals, SuperSerum+ anti-ageing serum, ImprovEyes Night eye cream, ReClaim moisturiser, MineralWhip – as my sunscreen and make-up in one – and I then set with Enviroshield.
My evening routine includes: UltraCleanse, Dermiotic, Aceller-A serum, Vitamin B serum, ImprovEyes Night eye cream, ReClaim moisturiser and Elastense for my neck and décolletage. Once a week I do a ‘mini peel’ using MediScrub and Pure-C, and other nights I apply MasquErase for a luxurious overnight mask with a hydration boost.
Here’s another little secret; I have an at-home LED machine that I use weekly. It’s a gentle and relaxing way to improve vitality and tone to the skin and fantastic for reducing jet lag!
What are the key things you do to stay inspired and motivated?
I love what I do and rarely lose motivation. I find connection with my team and my customers are the greatest inspiration and motivation to me. As much as I am a science geek, I’m also a people person and some of my greatest formulation achievements have come out of conversations. synergieskin.com