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Amanda Nobbe

Senior Formulation Scientist  

Burt’s Bees (Clorox)

Member since: 2015

Carolina

What made you pursue a career in the cosmetics/personal care industry?

Growing up I knew without a doubt that I wanted to be a product developer. The idea of combining science and math to artfully create something seemed like a perfect fit for me. And as my education and experience grew in this space I realized how much the senses came into play when formulating an optimal product for the consumer and that this in itself is a science I wanted to explore.

So as I continued to be a lead development scientist for natural cosmetic products at Burt’s Bees, I took on an expanded hybrid role leading a cross-functional sensory panel. This panel has been incorporated as part of the project cycle to help guide key business decisions, increase product delight and performance, as well as help development efficiency. Additionally, I work with peers to build consumer-product models and launch instrumental-sensory discovery platforms. Ironically enough almost all my family is in the science field too.

What advice would you give your younger self who is just starting out in the industry? 
A mentor of mine once told me to find what you love to do and do it well. That’s really been my moto and long-term vision. Also, don’t be afraid to stay true to who you are, playing to your strengths. To be a quiet, critical thinker is not a bad thing.

What is the favorite part of your job?

A job where you’re constantly learning and challenging oneself is my favorite part and to me that’s what makes a job a career. I get to learn from my own work as well as from my peers who are experts in their respective fields.  What better challenge than to create INNOVATIVE + NATURAL products?

What has been your most recent professional accomplishment?

As my education and experience grew in the personal care space, I realized how much the senses came into play when formulating an optimal product for the consumer, and this in itself is a science I wanted to explore. In 2020 I completed the UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education’s Applied Sensory and Consumer Science Certificate Program. This program has ingrained in me the key sensory principles for conducting high quality sensory research so that even when creatively reimagining the way we’re working, I’m keeping those principles top of mind.Most recently, I had the honor of presenting at the 2021 Carolina Chapter event on the world of sensory science and the important role that sensory evaluations play in the product life cycle.

How has membership in the SCC been of value to you?

The access to scientific literature and an easy way to view all upcoming events has been invaluable. Even before LinkedIn existed, the SCC provided a way to network with professionals in the industry.

What is a fun fact about yourself, outside of the SCC and your professional life?

My favorite color is purple so of course I have a dog named Donatello….and yes, that’s from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. And he loves pizza.