Beauty Boss: Alanna Tran Bridges the Gap Between Makeup and Skincare with BiotechBeauty

Our latest Beauty Boss is Alanna Tran, Founder and Chief Scientist at BiotechBeauty, a brand with a focus on skincare-infused makeup.

With a background in cosmetic chemistry and a passion for beauty, Tran launched BiotechBeauty in 2023. After two years of formulation and research, the brand launched its first product, BiomeBlush, a multi-tasking stick that can be used for both lips and cheeks. BiotechBeauty’s third launch, BiomeBronze, will debut later this month.

What sets the brand apart is its mission to provide makeup that supports the skin barrier and microbiome. After struggling with acne herself, Tran set out to create sustainable makeup that works with your skincare routine—not against it.

We chatted with Tran to learn about the story behind the brand, her favorite beauty and wellness secrets, and more.

Can you share a little about your journey in the industry and what led you to launch BiotechBeauty?

Growing up with sensitive, acne-prone skin made me deeply aware of how makeup products typically harm, rather than support our skin. I struggled to find products that wouldn’t worsen my skin issues, and that challenge became the spark for BiotechBeauty: creating makeup that not only enhances beauty but actively supports the skin barrier and microbiome.

My journey began with studying Integrative Human Biology at UC Berkeley, where I discovered a true passion for the science behind how our bodies function. That foundation led me to work hands-on as a cosmetic chemist at Biossance, learning how to craft clean, effective formulations. Later, my time at L’Oréal and earning a Master’s in Marketing from USC helped me understand the business side and the power of storytelling in beauty.

Bringing together my love for both science and beauty uniquely positions me as a trailblazer in the biotech beauty space. BiotechBeauty was born to bridge advanced biotech innovation with high-performance color —empowering people with makeup that actually improves their skin.

When was BiotechBeauty founded, and is there anything people should know about the meaning behind the name?

BiotechBeauty was founded in 2023, and after two years of intensive research and formulation, we’re launched our first product in April 2025. The name BiotechBeauty captures everything we stand for: blending biotechnology innovations with artistry to create clean, effective, and sustainable makeup that redefines what beauty products can do for your skin.

BiotechBeauty BiomeBlush in Magnetic Mauve

Tell us about your first launch. What makes it special? What does it mean for products to be microbiome-friendly and skin barrier-repairing?

Our first launch is the BiomeBlush® Multi-Stick for Cheeks + Lips, which combines Prebiotics, Postbiotics, and Polypeptides to enhance your natural beauty while caring deeply for your skin. This formula includes vegan collagen, fermentation-derived squalane, and ceramides at clinically effective levels — making it gentle, sustainable, and highly effective.

Being microbiome-friendly means our products respect and support the delicate ecosystem of microorganisms living on your skin, maintaining its balance and diversity, which is essential for overall skin health. Skin barrier-repairing formulations help your skin retain moisture and protect itself from environmental stressors.

Our clinical trials show that participants experienced a 112% increase in skin barrier strength within just 14 days, demonstrated by a significant reduction in transepidermal water loss — that’s how much moisture their skin retained better. We also ran advanced skin microbiome tests, confirming our formulas are truly microbiome-friendly. These results highlight our commitment to makeup that works in harmony with your skin’s health and beauty.

Do you have a favorite product?

Choosing a favorite is tough, but BiomeBronze®—launching at the end of June 2025—holds a special place in my heart. It’s a bronzing and contouring essential that combines the art of sculpting with cutting-edge skin science. Packed with prebiotics, postbiotics, and bioengineered peptides, it supports your skin’s health while giving you a radiant, sun-kissed glow.

What I love most is its versatility—it blends effortlessly, feels weightless, and offers buildable warmth. Beyond beauty, it’s clinically proven to brighten skin, calm irritation, and reduce the appearance of pores. It’s not just makeup; it’s a skincare-powered tool for self-expression.

Is there anything you want people to know about the ingredients in your products?

Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. From lab-grown vegan collagen and sugarcane-derived squalane to our post-consumer recycled packaging, every ingredient and material is carefully chosen to care for both your skin and the planet. We believe high-performance products should never come at the cost of environmental integrity.

Where are your products sold?

You can currently find our products exclusively at biotechbeautyus.com. Discover our innovative formulations and learn more about our mission there. We’re also preparing to launch in select stores this fall, and we can’t wait to share that milestone with our community!

What’s next for the brand?

We’re just getting started! This year, we’re focused on growing our community, expanding our product range, and continuing to make biotech-driven, skin-improving makeup accessible. We’re also excited to launch educational initiatives to empower consumers with the knowledge they need to make informed choices about their skin and the products they use.

What’s your secret to success?

Authenticity and transparency. Building trust with our community through integrity—whether in our formulations, sustainability efforts, or communication—is key. People value honesty, and that has been a cornerstone of BiotechBeauty that I’m deeply proud of.

Biggest beauty secret?

My beauty routine extends beyond skincare into self-care. Nothing beats the glow from quality sleep — letting your body recharge and work its magic overnight. Daily movement, whether walking, yoga, or workouts, boosts energy and circulation. Feeling good on the inside always shows on the outside.

Wellness tips?

Prioritize quality sleep and embrace small, joyful rituals. For me, that means starting mornings with a matcha ritual, practicing gratitude, journaling, and pausing throughout the day to recharge. Movement keeps me grounded and energized.

Spending time with loved ones and fostering community is just as important. Sharing meals, conversations, or laughter feeds your soul and brings balance to a busy life. Wellness isn’t just about what you do for yourself but also about nurturing relationships and moments that bring joy.

Best advice?

Embrace your unique journey, even when it feels messy or unconventional. Early on, I faced setbacks and detours that felt like failures, but looking back, those moments built my resilience and creativity. They helped me think differently and adapt—strengths that became the foundation for BiotechBeauty’s success.

At the same time, don’t forget to prioritize joy and balance alongside your ambitions. It’s easy to get caught up chasing goals, but real magic happens when you make space for what lights you up—whether it’s time with loved ones, travel, or simply pausing to appreciate where you are. Joy fuels creativity, and balance sustains your passion over the long haul. Life isn’t just about achieving—it’s about enjoying all the moments between milestones.

Favorite ways to relax?

Being near water is my favorite way to recharge—there’s something so calming and grounding about it. I also love low-key evenings with friends and family, cooking or baking together, sharing meals, or watching old rom-coms. Those simple, unplugged moments bring me back to center.

For more information visit biotechbeautyus.com and follow @biotechbeautyus on Instagram.

A University of Michigan graduate, Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning writer/editor. You can also find her work in publications including Healthline, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo!, MindBodyGreen, Men’s Journal, Bezzy, and more. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA, and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @zillizy, @zillizy16

beauty, beauty bossLizzy ShermanJune 18, 2025beauty boss, BiotechBeauty, Alanna TranComment