Laura Lam-Phaure

R&D Innovation Manager | Technical Writer

Located in West Hollywood, CA

ABOUT ME

Hello, I’m Laura Lam-Phaure!

As a published scientist and creative problem-solver with analytical laboratory and manufacturing experience, my current role as SOS Beauty’s R&D Innovation Manager allows me to exercise my expertise in formulation design, product innovation, and lab management.

These aspects of my career have enabled me to build strong client relationships by acting as a technical consultant to meet client needs and creating a dynamic lab experience to enhance overall performance and efficiency.

Additionally, my role as Technical Writer at Cosmetic and Toiletries, allows me to showcase my creative and literary pursuits, where I curate content for the “Formulating on Trend” column to help educate readers and scientists about new innovative products and ingredients.

Work Experience

R&D Innovation Manager

SOS Beauty Group | April 2021 – Present
  • Work directly with clients to conceptualize product ideas and ingredient stories
  • Serves as the principal developer of a variety of skincare, haircare, and color cosmetic products
  • Manage reformulation of cosmetic products in response to direction from the brand
  • Contributed in coordinating scale-up according to the agreed-upon project plans
  • Manage day-to-day laboratory needs
  • Regularly attended tradeshows and webinars to stay on top of innovation and regulatory trends
  • Acts as a technical consultant to all operating units of the company on the formulation
  • Evaluate and make recommendations concerning the application of new ingredient/processing technologies

Cosmetic & Toiletries

Columnist | Formulating on Trend | January 2021 – Present

Plascom, Inc

Development Chemist | October 2020 – April 2021
  • Formulated and developed customized skin care, hair care, and color cosmetic products to meet client specifications and satisfaction
  • Evaluated and performed QC on all necessary formulations, raw materials, and packaging to ensure all production specifications were met and performed adjustments/troubleshooting as and where needed
  • Conducted stability and compatibility testing while coordinating with third-party labs to test for PET testing to ensure product safety and functionality
  • Identified and prioritized laboratory workflow for long-term business efficiency, growth, and success
  • Train and supervise Operations department managers and staff to ensure all SOPs and GMPs are being implemented

The University of Toledo

Research Assistant | January 2018 – December 2019
  • Performed research and development on how to efficiently formulate sunscreens to ensure maximum sun protection factor while maintaining a low percentage of the active ingredient using UV-2000s and TA.XT Plus Texture Analyzer
  • This work was presented nationwide and have been published in the Journal of Society of Cosmetic Chemists in June 2020.

ACT Solutions Corp

Formulation Scientist | October 2018 – December 2019
  • Developed a broad range of formulations ranging including color cosmetics, haircare, and skincare for raw material suppliers to showcase their ingredients
  • Provided specifications such as melting point, stability, pH, and suggested use level for client technical data sheets
  • Updated and maintained test records and other related technical documentation for accurate results for increased efficiency and productivity.

iS CLINICAL

R&D Assistant | May 2019 – July 2019
  • Assisted in the adjusting of existing formulation to meet new product specifications while meeting deadlines.
  • Ensured to follow all GMP, SOP, and QC procedures for increased efficacy
  • Conducted research and pitched new product ideas/concepts to assist in product innovation.

Pixi Inc.

Product Development & Production Associate | Sept 2015 – Sept 2016
  • Assisted in the adjusting of existing formulation to meet new product specifications while meeting deadlines
  • Managed the product development cycle of existing and new product concept from beginning to end to bring product to market
  • Negotiated with vendors, sales teams, price calculations to manage product development cost
  • Managed the product development cycle for skin care and color cosmetics product lines

Education

The University of Toledo | Dec 2019

Bachelor of Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cosmetic Science & Formulation Design, Cum Laude
Minor: Chemistry

FIDM | Sept 2015

Associate of Arts (AA), Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing, Summa Cum Laude

Organizations

Society of Cosmetic Chemist

Member | Jan 2019 – Present

American Chemical Society

Member | Mar 2019 – Sep 2020

Association for Women in Science

Member | Sep 2019 – Sep 2020