Amidst all the excitement of a complete rebrand, we thought it’d be a great time to chat with one of the chemists at Nala. We wanted to give you the inside scoop on what it takes to create natural skincare and body care products, the challenges encountered, and the rewards of making products that are not just effective but also good for you.
In this conversation with Nala chemist Samaia, we cover a lot of ground, including some exciting hints about what the brand has in store in the next few months!
What aspects of formulating natural deodorants interest or excite you the most?
I think being involved in the journey from conceptualization to formulation is incredibly rewarding. It’s given me a deep understanding of the ingredients and the benefits they offer for each product. My experience at Nala has reinforced the idea that simplicity often reigns supreme; even the cleanest, simplest formulations can be remarkably powerful and effective. While the learning process is thrilling, at its core, I’m just enjoying myself; there’s something really fun and gratifying about creating products and testing them out firsthand!
Talk me through the process of coming up with new products or scents.
Coordinating everyone's schedules can be a challenge, but when we do come together, it's incredibly valuable to exchange ideas. For instance, during the development of our body nectar for the Nala Labs launch, we went through multiple rounds of formulation and discussion before we finalized the product. It’s a huge advantage that each member of the Nala team brings unique backgrounds to the table, this diverse mix fosters innovation. When challenges arise, we tackle them collaboratively!
One key aspect that has significantly helped me in this process is keeping the customer at the center of our focus. And designing in-house and testing everything out means that we are essentially our own first consumers. In this environment, everyone is super vocal about their opinions, and we don’t hesitate to seek input from one another. This open exchange of ideas ensures we’re always inspired and never scrambling for innovation.
On the logistical side of product development, once we pinpoint a product idea, we rigorously vet it to ensure it aligns with our ethos of promoting self knowledge, self care, and self advocacy.
For external inspiration, we find a wealth of ideas from other brands and products in our category. While some may hesitate to acknowledge it, there’s so much to learn from our peers. Resources like Beauty Independence are also particularly invaluable, as they keep beauty trends at the forefront of our conversations.
Personally, where do you find inspiration?
I’m not a cult follower of any particular person or brand, but I do have a strong appreciation for many Korean brands due to their focus on clean ingredients. With the surge of interest in Korean beauty over the past few years, it’s hard not to think about it, especially since it’s all over my social media feeds—either way, it’s great!
What specific considerations must you keep in mind when working on products applied directly to the skin?
We are acutely aware of every ingredient in our products. Working with essential oils requires us to be especially meticulous about their chemical components. Since these oils can potentially be irritants, we consistently have to ensure that we stay within the appropriate thresholds.
What is the most challenging aspect of making something new?
Conducting research can often feel tedious at times. One standout experience that comes to mind is our journey in developing a sun stick for Nala Labs. This product (which is akin to sunscreen) presented a variety of unexpected challenges! There was a rigorous testing process, which required us to be acutely aware of the formulation ingredients and the regulations we needed to comply with.
What is the most rewarding part about formulating and creating Nala products?
I can't deny it—when everyone raves about a product, it feels pretty good! Hearing people express their eagerness to repurchase or share their thoughts on what they love about a particular item means so much to me. It's incredibly rewarding to know I’m making an impact; we can often be our harshest critics, so hearing firsthand accounts from people who appreciate the products I've contributed to is really uplifting. I also want to emphasize that this work serves as a wonderful creative outlet; I just feel so lucky to experiment and innovate every single day.
Explain the scientific reasons that make Nala an excellent choice for natural skin and body care, especially for those who might not know anything about it.
Nala is not just body care; it offers a sensorial experience that makes you feel good with every application. In a market often dominated by clinical and scientific narratives, the therapeutic and experiential aspects can sometimes be overlooked. But Nala beautifully balances the medicinal with the indulgent, proving that you don't have to choose between the two. I can honestly say that every element of Nala is designed with you in mind, and this creates a great blend of science and the luxury of self-care.
What do you think is the single defining feature of Nala products that makes them stand out?
If I had to highlight just one aspect, it would be the exceptional quality! And I mean this not only in regard to the materials used, but also the presentation and packaging. The products are not only functional but also visually appealing.
Even the subtle elements like the luster and smoothness of the deodorant! Everything is crafted with great care. By creating in-house, we can focus on those finer details. Although this process can sometimes be labor intensive, we understand its value and take pride in the love and care that goes into every single tube and product bearing the Nala label.
What is the most exciting innovation coming down the line?
I’m really excited about the body care that we’re currently formulating in-house! If you’ve been a long-time fan of Nala, you may have caught a glimpse of it during previous Nala Labs launches. The entire Nala team adores it, and I’m confident you will too!
Final Question: What is your favorite Nala product?
I love the Grapefruit and Neroli Deodorant! We launched it in 2024 as a Nala Labs innovation, and it sold out incredibly fast the first time. It's making a comeback in March, so be sure to keep an eye out for it!
If you’re interested in learning more about Nala, the ingredients or the science behind our products, we’re more than happy to chat. Send an email to sayhello@nalacare.com ! We look forward to talking to you! Stay curious and stay informed about all things Nala.
