Sustainable, Science-Infused Skincare: Q&A with Colleen Baren, Madeca Derma’s Head of Sales

Meet Colleen Baren, the visionary behind Madeca Derma, a revolutionary skincare line that produces cutting-edge treatments and products that have been strictly backed by clinical technology. A K-Beauty with over twenty years of experience, in this one-on-one interview we delve into Baren’s inspiring journey to learn more about her incredible line.

Hi Colleen. Thanks for joining us. Please tell us about yourself and why you decided to work for this particular skincare line?

The power of beauty that creates individualism, spans generations, influences our emotions and simply makes us feel good, fuels my passion for the industry. From my grandmother who would never leave the house without lipstick, to my mother whose mascara is a must, to myself that believes clean skin and good brow is a go-to, to the youth of my family that loves collectable lip glosses and scents and my husband that has a moisturizing skin care routine that would make others envious of his youthful look; beauty means something different to everyone.

After decades of beauty experience in a variety of different roles, I deepened my knowledge of nature and science as it relates to the industry. The impact of this duo on formulations and results shifted my focus to K-Beauty and the depths of nature and science driven innovation. Korea’s medical heritage, powered by nature and developed by pharmaceutical companies, leads the global beauty curve. This is especially true in skincare. Madeca Derma, developed by Korean pharmaceutical leader Dongkook Pharmaceuticals, is unleashing innovation that is years ahead of the global market.

Combining my experience in beauty with Dongkook’s game-changing innovation allows for the US market and consumers to have access to powerhouse healing technology and products. We are partnering to change the skincare industry.

How is Madeca Derma different from other skincare brands and what are your most popular products?

With more than 50 years of history rooted in medicinal heritage, we are focused on providing innovative healing skincare. Our brand reflects the value of clean, sustainable beauty. The legacy continues today with time-honored natural ingredients that are clinically validated through technology. We use the healing power of plants transformed into advanced skincare science, unleashing their vital life force for natural skin restoration. We are committed to using only ingredients that benefit the health of the skin, minimizing harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients.

Our advanced biotechnology sets the stage for a luxurious at-home experience that rivals clinical medspa treatments, all while prioritizing the health of your skin and the environment. Powered by science, activated by nature from a pharmaceutical vs. a cosmetics company results in clinically proven healing and prevention of our skin, not just reactionary care. Our dedication to purity and efficacy of ingredients found in nature, led us to open a facility in Korea for the sole purpose of natural plant extraction.

Our ground-breaking powerhouse is the Madeca Microbiome Ampoule Collection. It is a first global launch, powered by advanced biotechnology. Just as our gut is protected by helpful bacteria, our skin is protected by tiny micro-organisms that shield and strengthen the skin barrier. This patented microbiome line addresses skin concerns, such as elasticity, hydration, sensitivity and brightening. The ‘living’ microbiome in each ampoule, nestled in hyaluronic acid, resets our skin’s microbiome, healing and strengthening our skin’s barrier. In addition to the patented ingredients, Madeca Microbiome Ampoules contain a patented “splicing” technology within its delivery system. The delivery environment allows for the microbiome actives to “go home” to their original biome ball state after every use, ensuring efficacy and potency with every application. These living microorganisms know they are stronger as a community versus individuals. It’s a must-see!

The rest of our Madeca Derma portfolio isn’t short on patented innovation, clinicals or nature either. We have a Squeeze Collection powered by vitamins from fruits and vegetables to boost our skin’s vibrancy; a gentle, vegan, botanical line to cleanse and soothe. Our Revitalizing Line bolsters moisture powered by our proprietary TECA from the Centella Asiatica plant.

Your latest innovation, the Elastic Firming Microbiome Ampoule Set is the world’s first skin microbiome. Tell us about this product and why we would want to incorporate it into our routine?

Our Elastic Microbiome Ampoule contains the world’s first ‘elasticity-biome’ that is extracted from 71 billion CFU (Colony-forming Unit) of Epidermidibacterium keratini found in our skin. It is also the 2023 CosmoProf CosmoTrend Winner of “High-Sci” – Madeca Microbiome Ampoules. This product brings a whole new meaning to the word anti-aging. It is clinically proven to stimulate five major structural components of our skin which include collagen, fibrillin, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.

We recommend the Microbiome Ampoule be utilized day and night. This ampoule can be inserted into your skin care routine similar to a serum; cleanse, apply toner, pat on Microbiome Ampoule and finish with your favorite moisturizer. Each ampoule set contains five vials, equating to a 30-day treatment, with twice per day use, to reset your microbiome based on skin concern.

Upon application, you will notice the quick absorption into the skin. The microbiome contains ingredients naturally found in our skin, thus creating a moment of familiarity as the ‘younger’, healthier skin cells in the Elastic Microbiome Ampoule join our ‘aging’ skin cells, resetting the skin’s barrier to a youthful position. This innovation is nothing like you’ve seen. “If Apple created a skin care line, this would be it.” says Naturally Danny Seo.

For someone new to your brand what products do you recommend starting with?

It depends on the individual’s skin concern and environmental external aggressors that may be affecting their skin’s microbiome. Based on skin concerns, we do have complimentary collections that create a complete routine to heal your skin.

If you are skin care savvy, I’d recommend the Microbiome Ampoule collection as a game-changer for your skin. If you are a skin care novice, perhaps begin with our Botanical Cleanser line for a natural approach to start a skincare routine.

Working in the beauty industry with so many top developers and icons, do you have any beauty tips you swear by?

While trends and buzz ingredients catch our attention and can influence our approach, skin care is truly an individual experience. I’d recommend researching ingredients and their source; nature vs. lab; pharma vs. cosmetic; science vs. marketing. Lean on nature and ingredients that compliment your individual ecosystem, based in science and rooted in a healing heritage.

Don’t get stuck in a rut of a skincare routine. While we all have our “fav” products or types of products in our routine, remember our skin is continuously evolving depending on external aggressors. What your skin needs at this moment, may be different in the upcoming months. Listen to your skin and adjust your skin care routine accordingly to create the healthiest you.

Anything else we should know?

Keep in mind our skin is our largest organ and requires attention. Skin conditions can influence the overall health of our body inside and out. It’s never too late to heal, protect and love our skin.

Shop the extraordinary line at https://www.madeca.com/

Telina Cuppari Senior Staff Writer at Beauty News NYC
Telina Cuppari

Senior Staff Writer

Telina Cuppari is a world explorer who loves people and pizza. Originally from California, Telina speaks three languages and has worked in seven countries and traveled extensively in more than 30 nations. She now resides in New Jersey where she holds two Guinness World Records for the Largest Collection of Pizza-Related Items. Her husband was kind enough to let her turn their garage into a pizza museum. Telina received her master’s in Edinburgh, Scotland and after spent three more years in the capital writing for one of the country’s largest newspapers about her failed relationships and dating foreign men. She loves anything beauty related, cooking strange food that’s super healthy, and meeting new people. Telina is the founder of Pizza Kindness, an independent, nonprofit dedicated to spreading kindness throughout the tristate area with pizza-related events and campaigns that support college scholarships and other charitable organizations.