Andrea Taimana is the founder and chief science officer of New Zealand cosmetic actives manufacturer Organic Bioactives
Please briefly introduce yourself.
I am an award-winning cosmetic chemist and the founder/chief of NPD and R&D at Organic Bioactives, New Zealand's leading innovator of sustainably sourced cosmetic bioactives. With nearly 40 years of professional experience, my career began in medicine and later transitioned into cosmetic science.
My passion for cosmetic innovation with a deep connection to nature, has placed me at the forefront of research into innovative skincare bioactives derived from New Zealand's native marine and land botanicals. This unique blend of expertise and dedication drives my work to create high-efficacy, nature-inspired skincare solutions.
What do you consider to be your greatest professional achievement to date?
Alongside receiving the prestigious L'Oréal Innovation Runway Award, my greatest achievement is being a co-creator of the New Zealand cosmetic ingredients industry. This has allowed me to introduce the world to New Zealand’s stunning and powerful biodiversity, showcasing our native marine and land botanicals for innovative and effective skincare solutions.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey is our invaluable collaboration with indigenous Māori communities, who sustainably harvest botanicals for us. By following and preserving Tikanga—traditional customs on regenerative harvesting—we ensure that our practices honour both the environment and cultural heritage. This synergy between nature, science, and tradition is at the heart of everything we do at Organic Bioactives.
What inspires your work, and how do you stay motivated to continue driving innovation in the industry?
My work is deeply inspired by the incredible powerhouse of New Zealand’s biodiverse botanicals, which have evolved unique bioactive properties due to the country’s exposure to elevated UV-B radiation. These botanicals offer exceptional benefits for skincare, and I am constantly driven by the opportunity to unlock their potential for the global cosmetics industry.
In addition, ever-demanding consumers continue to challenge us to develop better-performing yet more sustainable cosmetic ingredients and products. This push for innovation, coupled with my passion for sustainability and deep connection to nature, fuels my desire to keep advancing the boundaries of what’s possible in skincare science.
What trends do you foresee in the APAC personal care and beauty industry?
In the APAC region, a growing trend is emerging towards natural, sustainable alternatives to traditional cosmetic ingredients. Consumers are increasingly seeking fast-acting, efficacious products that don’t disrupt the skin’s microbiome, pushing the industry to innovate with multifunctional ingredients that offer both performance and sustainability. Locally sourced actives inspired by traditional knowledge and medicine are also in high demand, as consumers look for authentic, culturally rooted solutions that align with their values.
APAC consumers are particularly value-driven and highly connected through social networks, making them savvy in finding products that deliver real results. They are increasingly looking for efficacious and wellness-inspired ingredients that support overall wellbeing. This desire for multifunctional, effective products that promote both beauty and wellness will continue to drive innovation in the region.
What advice would you give to young professionals looking to make an impact in the APAC beauty industry?
My advice to young professionals is to always be innovative, authentic and well-researched. Authenticity is key in this industry—consumers are becoming more discerning and want to connect with brands and professionals who are genuine in their approach, values, and solutions. Stay true to what drives you and build your career around that passion.
It's also essential to stay informed. Make time each day to follow industry news from around the world. This not only broadens your horizons but also helps you understand what your competition is doing, identify emerging trends, and see how the industry is evolving. Having a global perspective will keep you ahead of the curve and position you to make a meaningful impact in the dynamic APAC beauty market.
What do you hope to achieve in the future?
While I continue to have a deep passion for driving innovation, what I’d truly love to see in the future is the creation of more groundbreaking cosmetic ingredients. We will keep expanding the library of unique, science-backed bioactives derived from New Zealand’s rich biodiversity without harming our precious environment.
My aspiration is to build a lasting legacy of innovative ingredients with a strong reputation that will not only be noticed but also add significant value in the global cosmetic ingredients market. By doing this, I hope to contribute to the future of beauty in a meaningful and sustainable way.
