In the ever-evolving world of beauty, Alanna Tran stands out as a leader in innovation and sustainability. Last semester, we had the privilege of learning about her fusion of biotechnology with the clean beauty movement. Her commitment to ethical and science-driven beauty not only enhances skin health but also champions sustainability. Join us as we explore Alanna's inspiring journey, her insights on embracing change, and the transformative power of being an outlier in the beauty industry.
Alanna Tran’s Career
Alanna Tran's career journey blends scientific innovation and passion for clean beauty, and combines sustainability with innovative product development. Starting her career at Neiman Marcus Group, Alanna led key sustainability initiatives in beauty and fashion, before pivoting fully into cosmetics. At Aurum Cosmetics, she developed clean, organic formulations and spearheaded major industry events, collaborating with iconic brands like L’Oréal and Sephora.
Her expertise in clean beauty only grew as she moved on to Amyris and later L'Oréal, where she played a pivotal role in product growth for NYX Professional Makeup. Today, as the Founder and Chief Scientist of BiotechBeauty, Alanna continues to push boundaries, drawing from her background in green chemistry to bring microbiome-boosting, sustainable makeup formulations to the forefront. Her commitment to ethical, science-driven beauty has made her a leader in the biotech beauty space, merging her technical skills with a deep dedication to sustainability.
BiotechBeauty
BiotechBeauty is a pioneering brand that merges biotechnology with clean beauty to create microbiome-boosting makeup that enhances skin health while delivering vibrant color. Founded by Alanna Tran, a UC Berkeley biochemistry graduate and former cosmetic formulation chemist, BiotechBeauty focuses on using advanced biotech-derived ingredients such as plant-based ceramides, sugarcane fermentation-derived squalane, and lab-made mica. Committed to sustainability, the brand ensures its products are vegan, cruelty-free, and packaged with recycled materials. By blending scientific innovation with environmental responsibility, BiotechBeauty offers a harmonious fusion of skincare and makeup for a healthier, more radiant complexion.
Advice from Alanna
Building on her extensive experience in the beauty industry, Alanna shared advice that encourages our members to embrace change and navigate career transitions. She emphasized the importance of remaining adaptable and resilient, as well as leveraging unique strengths during uncertain times.
Q: Do you have a piece of advice that you strive to live by?
AT: One of the most valuable principles I try to live by is to embrace change. It's a natural part of life, and I've learned that focusing on adapting to new circumstances and finding the good in them can open doors that fear might otherwise close. For me, this approach is about looking at change as a way to grow and discover, both personally and professionally. It’s helped me keep a forward-thinking perspective that’s made navigating new challenges a little easier. When things don’t go as planned, I remind myself to roll with it and see where the journey leads me—usually I end up on a path even more exciting than I could have imagined!
Q: Can you share a valuable lesson you've learned from your career journey that has influenced your personal and professional growth?
AT: I truly believe being an outlier can be your superpower. In a world where it's so easy to compare ourselves to others and feel like we’re falling short, embracing our uniqueness is often what helps us bring new ideas to life. Rather than seeing my nonlinear journey as a lack of focus, I view it as the foundation for a truly distinct perspective that I bring to any team.
When I was a pre-med college student, it felt a bit unconventional to jump into clean beauty formulation. Later on, as a cosmetic chemist, I found myself surrounded by marketing and business students applying for roles at L'Oréal, and I honestly felt a bit out of my element—(this was before I pursued my Master’s in Marketing at USC). But it was that very difference that helped me stand out and land those positions. My passion for biochemistry and healthcare gave me a fresh perspective on skincare formulation, while my knowledge of cosmetic science really set me apart on the product marketing team at NYX Cosmetics. It just goes to show that sometimes, being a little different can be your greatest strength!
These experiences taught me that success isn’t about fitting into a mold; it’s about using our unique points of view to create something new. When we bring our true selves to our work, we unlock our potential to innovate and inspire, making our industries more vibrant and enriched by diverse perspectives.
Q: Can you describe a moment in your career where you had to take a leap of faith? How did you handle it, and would you approach it differently today?
AT: One of the biggest leaps I took in my career was deciding not to apply to medical school during my junior year at Berkeley and instead following my heart into the beauty industry—a choice that felt exciting but uncertain. I was lucky to have support from friends and family who saw how much I enjoyed exploring everything from clean formulas to creative campaigns and the science behind ingredients. At the time, I had no clear map of what roles I could fill, but my love for the industry drove me forward. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Taking that leap taught me that following your heart can lead to unexpected and wonderful opportunities. If you’re ever at a crossroads, remember that the right path doesn’t always come with certainty. Sometimes you just need to trust that things will work out as you grow along the way.
Q: What project or achievement are you most proud of? What lessons did you learn from that experience?
AT: I’m very proud to have created BiotechBeauty, but more than that, I’m grateful for the journey that brought me here. Looking back, it’s inspiring to see how far I’ve come—from feeling uncertain about entering the beauty industry to working at L'Oréal and ultimately founding my own beauty company. BiotechBeauty is the culmination of every passion I've nurtured, from clean makeup and microbiome-friendly skincare to sustainable, science-backed products.
From this journey, I’ve learned that we’re often capable of much more than we realize. Starting a company can feel overwhelming, but I’ve found that embracing my passion and seeking mentorship has made a world of difference. Each challenge became a chance to grow, and I hope that my story shows others that it’s worth chasing your dreams, no matter how intimidating they may seem. With perseverance and a supportive community, anything is possible!
Q: When things don’t go as planned, how do you bounce back? What strategies do you use to stay focused and continue moving forward?
AT: When things go off course, I try to see it as a chance to pause and reflect. Every setback is a reminder that I’m pushing boundaries—exploring new ideas and challenging the status quo. Instead of letting these moments bring me down, I focus on refining, learning, and coming back with something better. If we’re not hitting obstacles, it probably means we’re not really pushing ourselves to grow.
I’m lucky to work with a team that sees things the same way. They help me stay motivated and turn every challenge into an opportunity to learn and improve—whether that’s formula iterations, marketing strategies, or packaging design. With that kind of support, it’s easier to stay focused and committed to the journey. Each step forward, even after a stumble, brings us closer to creating something novel that we can all feel deeply proud of creating.
Q: With trends in the beauty industry constantly changing, how do you stay up to date? What resources do you recommend for aspiring beauty business leaders?
AT: I highly recommend following resources like Business of Beauty, Beauty Independent, Byrdie, WWD, Vogue Business, and WGSN Beauty to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the beauty industry. I also encourage aspiring beauty professionals to take advantage of free industry conferences such as Makeup in LA and Makeup in New York. These events are fantastic opportunities to connect with ingredient distributors, contract manufacturers, and packaging solutions providers, while also discovering emerging trends and innovative brands. These conferences are where some of the biggest players in beauty come together, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for product development.
I also have a deep appreciation for the New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists (NYSCC) and the California Society of Cosmetic Chemists (CASCC) Suppliers’ Day conventions. These gatherings feature global exhibitors showcasing groundbreaking ingredients and solutions—and they’re free to attend. Engaging with these resources helps expand your knowledge and connect with others in the field. Embrace every learning opportunity that comes your way—the beauty industry is a great space to grow and explore!
Thank you, Alanna, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. Your advice on leveraging unique strengths and embracing uncertainty is truly inspiring, and we appreciate your time and expertise!
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