Paola Gugliotta
FORMULATOR · FOUNDER · SCIENTIFIC BEAUTY EDUCATOR
For more than 25 years, I have worked where cosmetic science, product development, fragrance and conscious design meet.
“I formulate what I would choose for my own family.”
SCIENCE . SKIN . SCENT . SUSTAINABILITY . EDUCATION
From architecture to cosmetic science
01 — THE STORY
I was born in Venezuela, in a family with Italian roots and a strong entrepreneurial spirit. I originally trained as an architect—learning to think in structures, systems and relationships.
My path changed when I entered the cosmetics industry and discovered the science hidden behind a finished product: active ingredients, skin physiology, biotechnology and formulation.
“A formula, like a building, must be solid from the inside out.”
02 — MY FORMULATION STANDARD
Legal is the starting point
Not the finish line.
Ingredients are continuously reviewed and sometimes restricted as science evolves. Simply asking whether an ingredient is legal today is not enough for me.
I evaluate necessity, emerging evidence, repeated exposure and environmental profile—especially in fragrance, where complex mixtures demand greater scrutiny.
03- WHAT I BELIEVE
Fewer ingredients.
More intention.
I do not formulate at the outer limit of what regulation permits. I formulate toward what I believe will remain scientifically and ethically defensible tomorrow.
01
Safety beyond compliance
Legality is the starting point. Every ingredient must also justify its necessity, toxicological profile and long-term relevance.
02
Evidence before promises
No miracles, no fear-based marketing—only honest claims, realistic expectations and formulas built to perform.
03
Fewer ingredients, more intention
Natural is not automatically safer. Each material is selected for purpose, purity, efficacy and environmental profile.
04
Refill as the new normal
A beautiful bottle should remain in use. Replacing the product should not require replacing its container.
04 — THE TURNING POINT
The bottle I refused to buy again
I looked at the plastic bottles I kept buying—shampoo, shower gel, hand wash—and realised I was repeatedly purchasing containers designed to be thrown away.
I had had enough. The answer was obvious: keep the bottle and refill it.
Refilling should not be an alternative lifestyle. It should be the normal way we buy.
05 — A CAREER IN CHAPTERS
Building beauty from the inside out.
2000
BIOCOL
2008
SEPAI
Co-founded a high-performance skincare company that challenged marketing-led beauty through advanced, personalised formulation.
2010
APOEM+GENDECODE
Expanded the vision into natural family care, chemotyped aromatherapy and genetics-informed personalisation.
2023
A NEW CHAPTER
Developed fragrance, skincare and haircare products for 8 european laboratories and brands.
TODAY
THE TODAY PROJECT
An olfactive beauty universe uniting science, skin, scent, refill design and environmental responsibility.
From the science of skin
to the language of scent
06 — CLOSING THE CIRCLE
I returned to study perfumery because I wanted to understand fragrance with the same depth with which I understood the skin: raw materials, structure, toxicology, environmental impact and emotion.
At The Today Project, fragrance is never an afterthought. It is the thread that connects personal care, skincare, home and hospitality.
07 — CONTINUOUS LEARNING
Expertise means
never stopping.
Cosmetic science evolves. Regulations change. New evidence emerges. My work is built on continuous study and the willingness to question what the industry takes for granted.
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Venezuela - Simón Bolivar Universitiy.
Specialized in Architectural Restoration in Italy and Spain, with a Master’s Degree in Architectural Restoration and Intervention in Historic Heritage from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona.
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MBA — ESADE Business School, Barcelona.
Master’s Degree in Cultural Heritage Management — Universitat de Barcelona (UB).
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Master’s Degree in Dermocosmetics — University of Barcelona (UB)
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Harvard Medical School (HMX) — Advanced Studies in Genetics & Immunology
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Postgraduate Studies in Perfume Science & Technology — University of Barcelona (UB), First Graduating Class
08 — SCIENCE PEOPLE CAN USE
On Instagram, I translate cosmetic and health-related science into practical information about skin, hair, menopause, ingredients, fragrance and healthy habits.
No fear. No impossible routines. Just honest infomation people can use.
Education is
part of care.
09 — SELECTED PRESS & RECOGNITION
Trusted as a voice
in cosmetic science.
Featured in leading publications for her work and expertise in cosmetic science, formulation and conscious beauty.
“Because caring for tomorrow begins with what we choose today.
PAOLA GUGLIOTTA
OLFACTIVE BEAUTY · SCIENCE · REFILL BY DESIGN