NESCC Chapter Meeting with Featured Speaker Michelle Yip

Michelle Yip, Business Development Manager for Hallstar Actives, presents Microbiome-Conscious Formulation: Sustainable Lipid Technologies for Barrier Integrity and Skin Resilience

Who: Michelle Yip, Business Development Manager, Hallstar Actives
What: Skin Microbiome & Barrier Support: Botanical Lipids and Olive-Derived Chemistry
When: Thursday, January 8, 2026 – 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
Where: Virtual via Microsoft Teams

REGISTER HERE!

Abstract:

The skin microbiome continues to shape next-generation formulation strategies, driving interest in technologies that preserve barrier integrity and support a diverse, resilient cutaneous ecosystem. Plant-based eco-extraction methods offer a sustainable route to obtain lipid-rich botanical fractions that maintain the full spectrum of native bioactive compounds. These extracts, produced through solvent-free, low-energy processes, illustrate how green chemistry can yield multifunctional ingredients with natural affinity for the skin’s lipid matrix.

In parallel, advancements in olive-derived chemistry have enabled emulsifiers and structuring agents that reinforce the stratum corneum, promote lamellar organization, and create environments favorable to microbial balance. When integrated, these two technological approaches—botanical lipid extraction and olive-based molecular design—provide complementary pathways to support barrier function, hydration, and microbiome stability.

This presentation will explore the scientific principles behind both technologies and highlight their relevance within the broader movement toward microbiome-conscious formulation.

Bio:

Michelle Yip is the Business Development Manager for Hallstar’s Active Naturals portfolio and is based in Rahway, NJ. She holds a BSc in Chemistry with ACS accreditation and a minor in Social Sciences, as well as an MSc in Chemistry with a concentration in Biomedicinal Chemistry from Stevens Institute of Technology. She has a cross-functional background spanning marketing, synthesis, sales, and business development in the beauty industry, with a focus on active ingredients.