It’s been 13 years since The Beauty Chef launched GLOW powder, one of the first ingestible beauty products focusing on the microbiome of the gut and its connection to our appearance.
Now, creator Carla Oates has reimagined the supplement into the brand’s first topical product: a nourishing face oil called The Beauty Chef GLOW F.A.C.E.
Staying true to The Beauty Chef’s expertise in fermentation and focus on the health of the microbiome, the oil features a unique fermented prebiotic and postbiotic extract as well as skin loving squalene from fatty acid-rich olives, Bakuchiol (nature’s Vitamin A), Kakadu Plum and Vitamin E among other plant extracts.
The one-and-done multi-tasker aims to bring back the bounce and radiance to skin and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
We spoke with Carla about her new skincare must-have.
How did you decide to pursue a topical product and why now?
It’s no secret that my philosophy has always been that ‘beauty begins in the belly’—and that for truly glowing skin and overall wellbeing, we must initially turn our attention inwards. But this certainly doesn’t mean I neglect my topical skincare routine. In fact, having worked in the beauty industry for so long, I’ve always been passionate about innovation as well as how the gut microbiome and skin microbiome work together—which is why I created GLOW F.A.C.E.
While the finished formula contains an abundance of restorative and nutrient-rich ingredients that have each been selected for their skin-boosting benefits, my goal was for GLOW F.A.C.E to fit seamlessly into my existing skincare routine, which embraces my holistic approach to health, beauty and wellbeing.
GLOW F.A.C.E is designed to be used after cleansing by gently massaging 3 – 4 drops into your face, neck and décolletage.
Why did you decide on a face oil and what’s unique about yours?
Face oils have a heavier molecular structure than most serums, which helps them to seal and lock moisture into the outermost layers of your skin. Their thicker emollient-like consistency means that you may find that a facial oil is the only hydration and moisture you need, depending on your skin type.
In true The Beauty Chef style, GLOW F.A.C.E is unique in that it features a fermented prebiotic and postbiotic extract that nurtures your skin microbiome and supports skin barrier integrity. It’s a super lightweight formula which I love and although it feels like a face oil, it’s more accurately a super nutrient formula that has been formulated to address a broad range of skin concerns.
With skin-loving ingredients including over 20 plant extracts, this super nutrient formula reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firms and tones skin texture, and gives your skin a deep, radiant glow. It’s the ultimate multi-tasker!
Where does it fit in a skincare routine?
We recommend applying GLOW F.A.C.E to freshly-washed skin, after toner but before moisturiser. As the third step in your skincare routine, GLOW F.A.C.E sits where you would traditionally apply your favourite serums and face oils.
Any application tips?
GLOW F.A.C.E has been formulated for morning and evening use and can be applied under make-up, as well as in combination with other serums and moisturisers. To apply, gently shake the bottle to blend the oil, take 3-4 drops between your fingers and press into skin. For best results, massage the product moving from the center of the face outward and then up the neck and across the décolletage.
The Beauty Chef ‘s hugely popular GLOW Inner Beauty Essential supplement powder can be added to water, a smoothie or yoghurt.
Given it’s an ‘all-in-one’ product, is it fair to say your beauty routine is low-key?
I like to keep my beauty routine pretty simple but I do use a handful of products. Once I’m home from my morning walk, the first thing I do is stir GLOW Inner Beauty Essential, COLLAGEN Inner Beauty Boost and OMEGA ELIXIR into water. This combination helps to keep my belly happy and skin glowing from the inside, out.
The cleanser that I’m currently loving is Sodashi’s Calm Clay Cleanser. I have always been such a huge fan of their products and this particular formula is so gentle and helps to balance my skin. After cleansing, I use our Probiotic Skin Refiner to gently exfoliate and infuse my skin with hydration. Even though we’ve created this product for a long time, I still feel like it’s my skin secret!
Next, I massage a few drops of GLOW F.A.C.E into my skin and neck. It’s a super lightweight formula which I love and although it feels like a face oil, it’s more accurately a supernutrient formula that reduces fine lines and wrinkles, firms and tones the skin, whilst simultaneously balancing and strengthening the skin’s microbiome.
Often I find that I don’t need to apply moisturiser after GLOW F.A.C.E, but during the cooler months, I use Emma Lewisham’s Supernatural Creme to help further lock in all the goodness. The final step in my skincare routine is to use Flora Fix Balm on my lips and around the eyes.
How are you keeping Beauty Chef’s ingestibles ahead of an ever-growing pack?
We have our own fermentation manufacturing plant and we work with leading microbiologists, naturopaths and nutritionists, so we can offer truly complex and efficacious products.
We pioneered the ingestible space and our products are tried and tested since 2009. We have a wonderful, loyal customer because our products are unique and they work. I have a passion for helping people understand the connection between nutrition, supplements, gut health and beauty and wellbeing – and this drives what I create – which is always looking at the best and most innovative solutions for our customers. We have a very exciting new product in the pipeline in the next 6-12 months.
What do you think people don’t understand in how inner health relates to outer skin appearance?
I’ve always believed that beauty is an inside-out process and that what we eat can have a profound impact on how we look and feel. I truly believe that ‘beauty begins in the belly’. Our gut health can impact everything from our skin to our physical health to our happiness. And probiotic-rich, lacto fermented foods are one of the best ways to help keep your gut health and cellular health in balance. That said, topical skin care can help give your skin an iridescent glow—and that’s why I created GLOW F.A.C.E.
