Meet Barb Diamond | Cosmetic Chemist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Barb Diamond and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Barb, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I love creating, and I wanted to use my abilities to enrich other people’s lives. I knew I wasn’t the only one who had to read the ingredient labels on everything in order to prevent an adverse skin reaction. I was already making scrubs and salves for my own use, so I decided to expand and make my products available to the public. It was also exciting to think about coming up with new formulas for products because I could combine my creativity with my nerdiness!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I center my work around environmental sustainability and clean, simple ingredients that benefit the skin. I’m currently enrolled in a Masters program for Cosmetic Science and I’m constantly researching ways to not only delight the senses, but provide lasting benefits to skin. As a senior at Meredith College, one of the projects I did centered around ingredients in cosmetics. Each student in the class researched a common ingredient in cosmetics and presented their findings to the class. I took a lot from that project, even before I knew I was going to be making my own skincare line.

What sets me apart is that I scrutinize what I put in my products. Ingredients never include palm oil, parabens, propylene glycol, or other petrochemical derivatives. My products are only scented with therapeutic grade essential oils or natural botanicals, and I don’t use any artificial colorants or fragrances. To be kind to the Earth, I use minimal packaging and only recyclable containers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I think my favorite place in the city is the Dallas Arboretum. Any time of year is a great place to visit, and you can spend so much time there taking in the beauty. I would definitely take them to Torchy’s Tacos. My best friend lives in Raleigh and they recently opened a location there, and he’s been going at least once a week. Another place to eat would be Liberty Burger, their burgers and shakes are delicious! If it was a Saturday night, I’d take them to Maac’s Grill in Las Colinas for music bingo. It’s always a fun time there and if you win, you get free drinks!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are many factors and people who helped me get to where I am today. My former professors and mentors at Meredith College helped me see my strengths and potential as a chemist through opportunities in research and their support in the lab and classroom. I have my mom to thank as well, she and her boyfriend use my products regularly and she gives me a lot of feedback on how they help. I especially have my husband to thank. He’s the first person to hear about new ideas I have and always encourages me to get out of my comfort zone.

Website: www.allotropewellness.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/allotropewellness

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/barbdiamond