From Beauty Exec to Clean Beauty Pioneer: Caroline Hadfield’s Mission with Biossance

Some entrepreneurs set out to create change from the start, while others, like Caroline Hadfield, recognize an opportunity and turn it into a movement. As a seasoned beauty executive, Caroline had already helped shape the global beauty industry, playing a key role in launching Sephora in the U.S., Japan, and Canada. But in 2014, she saw a new opportunity—one that would redefine clean beauty and sustainability.

It all started with an unexpected meeting. John Melo, CEO of Amyris, a biotechnology company focused on renewable, sustainable ingredients, introduced Caroline to a groundbreaking innovation: a bioengineered, plant-based alternative to squalene—an oil traditionally derived from sharks. For years, beauty companies had relied on shark liver oil for its hydrating properties, an open secret in the industry that had devastating effects on marine life.

Hadfield immediately recognized the potential for transformation. She had previously worked with olive-derived squalene at The Body Shop but saw an even bigger opportunity with Amyris’ sugarcane-derived squalane—a vegan, sustainable, and ethically produced version of the prized skincare ingredient.

With this revolutionary formula in hand, Biossance was born in 2016. Hadfield and her team set out to create high-performance skincare products that were not only effective but also clean, sustainable, and science-backed.

Biossance quickly gained recognition for its commitment to transparency and environmental responsibility, blacklisting over 2,000 potentially harmful ingredients and prioritizing eco-friendly packaging and ethical sourcing. Today, the brand is a leader in the clean beauty movement, proving that science and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Hadfield’s success with Biossance is a testament to the power of innovation, purpose, and entrepreneurial vision. By leveraging cutting-edge biotechnology and challenging industry norms, she has not only built a thriving brand but also paved the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future in beauty.

For women looking to launch their own mission-driven ventures, Caroline Hadfield’s journey serves as an inspiration.