1 week Ago By Kimberly Wilson
They call him the “accidental cosmetic chemist,” but there’s nothing accidental about ‘s success. After 35 years in the beauty industry and groundbreaking innovations that have earned him multiple patents, the founder has proven that sometimes the best entrepreneurs are born from solving problems others deemed impossible. “Back when I started, it wasn’t something that I knew existed or that I was intending to become,” Robinson tells ESSENCE, reflecting on his journey from pre-med dropout to beauty industry pioneer.
“My parents wanted me to become a doctor.” Instead, a fortuitous interview at Clinique in 1990 would set him on a path to revolutionize the skincare industry. That first role at Clinique sparked what Robinson calls “love at first sight” with cosmetic chemistry.
“I loved the fact that there was this whole world of creating and using my science background to create skincare and makeup products,” he shares. This passion would fuel a 25-year career developing products for beauty giants including La Mer, Revlon, Avon, and Lancôme. Robinson’s expertise has made him one of the most sought-after cosmetic chemists in the industry.
His formulation prowess has been tapped by numerous brands, including Rhode by Hailey Bieber, where his innovative approach to skincare development has helped shape some of today’s most talked-about products. But it was his transition from corporate formulator to beauty blogger that would ultimately lead to his biggest breakthrough. In 2009, before “influencer” was even a term, Robinson launched BeautyStat as a blog to help consumers navigate the increasingly crowded beauty space.
“This is before the derms and all the other experts,” he notes. “This is back when people used to read blog content, before video and Instagram.” What started as product reviews and ingredient education soon revealed a persistent consumer pain point: unstable Vitamin C products that would oxidize and, in Robinson’s colorful description, “start to smell like hot dog water.
” This frustration from his readers sparked a mission: create a stable pure Vitamin C serum that wouldn’t degrade. “You’d think that when I was working at Estée Lauder companies and Lancôme that I could have done it there,” Robinson reflects. “But I think, as an entrepreneur, I can do what I want and prioritize what I want and focus.
” After five years of independent research and development – funded by his own 401(k) after investors passed on the concept – Robinson achieved what major corporations with massive R&D budgets couldn’t: a perfectly stable Vitamin C formulation. The result was , which quickly gained cult status for its ability to improve hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and fine lines without oxidizing. “When I was able to launch this product and launch the brand five years ago, it really hit a chord with consumers,” Robinson says.
“We developed this cult following. Consumers love the results.” For Robinson, the success of BeautyStat isn’t just about innovative formulations – it’s about creating solutions for all skin types.
“Our skin, we have more in common than we think. The only difference is our level of melanin,” he explains. This inclusive approach has guided his product development, ensuring that BeautyStat’s offerings work effectively for everyone.
As he approaches his 35th year in the industry, Robinson’s focus remains on innovation and mentorship. “I would love to leave behind this feeling of, ‘Hey, I can do that too,'” he shares about his desired legacy. “I want to be able to say that maybe I helped pave the way for them and made it easier or made them think it was possible to become an entrepreneur and to bring their idea to life.
” With new products on the horizon, including innovations in mineral sunscreen and AI-designed peptides, Robinson continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in skincare. But what truly drives him are the messages from customers about how his products have improved their skin and confidence. “That gets me going every single time,” he says.
“My goal is to delight, and that’s why I get up every morning.” For aspiring beauty entrepreneurs, Robinson offers this crucial advice: test your ideas thoroughly with real consumers. “I get a lot of entrepreneurs, they think they have a great idea and they don’t vet it,” he cautions.
“Push, push, push, get that data, get that support. Build that community where you’re going to get feedback and then build a novel and unique proposition around that.” As BeautyStat continues to grow and innovate, Robinson’s journey from accidental chemist to beauty industry pioneer serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes the best innovations come from simply listening to consumers and having the courage to solve their problems, one formula at a time.
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