Emma, our sunscreen expert

After a decade in the sunscreen industry, what keeps your passion alive?

My passion comes from a love for technological innovation and solving challenges. In the field of sunscreen, achieving high SPF with a good sensory feel is always a significant challenge for customers. Last year, I provided a more detailed interpretation of the reasons behind the enhancement of the sun protection ability of the product TEGO® SP in sunscreen formulations and developed solutions that truly enhance the consumer's skin feel.

This has increased customer trust in our products and fostered closeness to our technical team. This continuous pursuit of progress and self-breakthrough is the core motivation that keeps me engaged and enthusiastic.

What makes the job as a technical manager at Evonik so rewarding?

What makes me happiest is that Evonik has a local R&D team in China! By understanding the pain points and needs of local customers, we can design and develop targeted products for them, thereby providing practical and effective solutions to break through technological barriers in the industry and ultimately benefit consumers. In August of this year, the first locally developed emulsifier, Symbiomuls Aquasoft MB, which I participated in developing, was launched in China.

The feeling of seeing the materials I designed and optimized gain market recognition and create value is truly unparalleled. Throughout the product development process, I have engaged in in-depth thinking and problem breakdown, ultimately validated by rigorous experimental design and teamwork. This experience has also led to growth in my soft skills, such as logical thinking, leadership, and execution, which contribute to my sense of achievement.

What makes Evonik a special place to work?

Before joining Evonik, all my work experience was in finished product companies. Compared to downstream companies, Evonik's uniqueness lies in its provision of a cross-industry technological perspective. Here, I am not limited to the depth of a single skincare area. I also get to explore cutting-edge technologies and application concepts from different industries.

For example, when we promote film-forming agents, we seek advice from experts in coatings and high-performance materials. This cross-disciplinary exchange and integration have greatly broadened my professional boundaries and inspired more diversified innovative ideas, which is a valuable experience that is hard to obtain in downstream companies.

Has your life changed in any way by working in this industry?

After so many years in the beauty industry, my life has indeed changed a lot. First of all, my pursuit of beauty has become more scientific and rational; I no longer blindly follow trends but understand how to choose the most suitable products based on my skin type and needs. Just as I emphasized in the Evonik China "Product Show" -- the best sun protection method is a soft (sunscreen) plus hard (shield) -- it's about using a more scientific approach to rational skincare.

Secondly, my work has allowed me to meet a group of like-minded partners with whom I explore the secrets of skincare together. This sense of belonging and achievement in our team is priceless. Lastly, this job has given me the opportunity to be exposed to the latest skincare technologies, making me a 'skincare expert' among my friends and family; that feeling of being trusted is truly fantastic. Overall, this industry has made my life more colorful and has made me more confident and beautiful.

Learn  more about sun protection and all other personal care products at Evonik