Barbara Mitchell, the Director of Research and Development at E.T. Browne, is at the heart of the company’s product innovation, crafting the formulations that make Palmer’s a household name. With her extensive background in cosmetic chemistry and her passion for inclusivity in the beauty industry, Barbara is leading the charge in developing products that are not only effective but deeply connected to the meaningful moments in people’s lives.
OTC: What’s your title and role at the company?
Barbara: As the Director of Research and Development, I have the privilege of leading a talented and dedicated team of chemists who are passionate about innovation and excellence. Together, we tackle the intricate challenges of developing haircare, skincare, and body care formulations. This process involves everything from selecting the finest ingredients to thoroughly evaluating each formula, ensuring that our products not only meet but exceed the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance, while aligning closely with our marketing team’s goals.
In my role, I also maintain regular communication with the marketing team to provide updates on project status, overall health, and timelines. As a team leader, I take great pride in fostering an inclusive environment where team members feel empowered to share their experiences and learn from one another. My focus is on building a high-performing team through mentoring, encouraging collaboration, and promoting effective communication, all in pursuit of delivering superior products that truly make a difference and become a part of our core shoppers head to toe regimens.
OTC: What is the company’s mission, and how does it drive what you do?
Barbara: In line with our company mission, I approach the creation of our formulations with immense care, intention, and heartfelt dedication. I understand that the end result is not merely a product on a shelf; it represents cherished moments and connections. I formulate with deep thoughtfulness because I envision the little girl getting her hair washed in the kitchen sink with our Coconut Shampoo, sharing a bonding experience with her mother. I imagine a father helping his son get ready for school, applying Palmer’s iconic Cocoa Butter solid to his face with love. And I can picture a bride walking down the aisle, radiantly glowing on her special day, thanks to our STO Oil. These moments are all expressions of love. It’s not just about the products, it’s about the individuals behind the products; it’s about crafting experiences and fostering connections that matter most.
OTC: What inspired you to pursue a career in the beauty and hair care industry?
Barbara: As a child, I loved experimenting with my mother’s makeup and mixing lotions and potions in the bathroom. During my teenage and young adult years, I often turned to DIY solutions because I couldn’t find any products on the market to manage my curls. I soon realized that this challenge wasn’t just my own; there has long been a gap in the beauty market for African American men and women. This lack of representation inspired me to pursue a career in cosmetic chemistry, with the goal of diversifying the beauty industry. I wanted to ensure that everyone had access to quality, effective, and affordable products that truly meet their needs. It is truly rewarding to be able to combine my passion for beauty with my love for science to create products that make a positive difference in people’s lives.
OTC: Can you walk us through a typical day at work? What’s the first thing you do when you get to the office?
Barbara: No two days are ever the same, and that’s what makes my job so exciting! Each day presents unique and unexpected challenges. As soon as I arrive at work, I check my email for any urgent matters that require my immediate attention—like a formula scheduled for launch that has unfortunately failed a critical test, prompting me to devise an action plan as quickly as possible.
If there aren’t any pressing issues to address, I typically spend my day supporting our chemists in troubleshooting various formulation concerns, whether it’s adjusting the viscosity of a formula or figuring out how to solubilize a water-soluble ingredient in an anhydrous base. I also collaborate with the team to optimize product cost, aesthetics and performance, whether that means addressing concerns around product application, fragrance or desired benefits, to name a few.
Additionally, I organize lab experiments and trials, research the latest ingredients and industry trends, and meet with raw material suppliers to stay updated on the newest material technologies. Once a formula is approved, I work closely with marketing to determine the necessary testing to substantiate our product claims and coordinate this testing with external vendors.
In the final stages of development, I meticulously review product artwork to ensure that all label information, including ingredient lists, claims, use instructions, and warnings, is accurate. I also double-check the final formula sheets and specifications before submitting them to the plant for production.
While the days can be hectic, especially when juggling multiple projects at once, seeing the products we’ve worked so hard on finally make it to the store shelves make it all worth it!
OTC: How do you prioritize your tasks and responsibilities during the day?
Barbara: I can’t imagine getting through my day without a to-do list! My job is fast-paced, with priorities constantly changing. Just yesterday, marketing asked for a body oil formula with a coconut fragrance, and today, they’ve decided they want it as a lotion with a cocoa butter scent instead. This dynamic environment certainly keeps me on my toes, which is why I always keep my to-do list close by. It helps me stay organized by allowing me to add and remove tasks as needed, and I refer to it often to stay on track.
I prioritize tasks based on launch timing, using the launch date as a benchmark to backtrack and determine when we need to secure final formula approvals and complete all necessary testing. From there, I plan our projects accordingly.
There are often urgent matters that require immediate attention. For example, if a key ingredient is unexpectedly discontinued by our supplier, we must quickly find and evaluate a suitable replacement to prevent stock shortages on affected products. Likewise, if we encounter quality issues, such as leaking packaging or a formula that discolors, it’s imperative to address these problems promptly to avoid potential removal of our products from retailer shelves. Additionally, if regulatory requirements necessitate the removal of an ingredient, like parabens, it’s critical to resolve that before the compliance deadline.
Ultimately, it’s all about staying organized and adaptable, ready to pivot directions at a moment’s notice in order to keep our projects on track.
OTC: What’s your favorite part of the day at work, and why?
Barbara: I’m an early bird, typically arriving at the office around 7:30 in the morning. My favorite part of the day is those first few hours when I can plan my day and dive into deep work without distractions. It’s a quiet, productive time that helps me set a positive tone for the rest of the day.
OTC: Can you share an exciting project or initiative you’re currently working on?
Barbara: I’m excited to share that Palmers is making great strides toward sustainability! We’re proud to announce our initiative to transition our products to recycled packaging while also improving our manufacturing processes to boost energy efficiency. This commitment reflects our dedication to environmental responsibility and our passion for building a more sustainable future.
OTC: What’s your favorite product, and how do you incorporate it into your daily routine?
Barbara: My absolute favorite product is the “Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Deep Conditioning Protein Pack”. This is my go-to when I’m on the go! I travel frequently so it is perfect for my carry-on and I always have one handy, in my gym bag, too. The Protein Pack keeps my hair shiny and moisturized and my curls poppin’!
OTC: How do you stay inspired and keep the creative energy flowing throughout your workday?
Barbara: I rely on a few strategies to keep me inspired and energized throughout the day. First, I make sure to start my day with a routine that includes some time for reflection or planning. This helps me feel grounded and ready to tackle challenges with a clear mind.
I also find that switching up my environment or taking breaks during the day can spark new ideas—whether it’s just getting up from my desk and taking a quick walk, having an afternoon cup of tea, or chatting with a colleague. Inspiration often comes when you least expect it, so I try to stay open to new experiences or different perspectives.
Collaboration is another key to maintaining creativity. I love bouncing ideas off my team, as their input helps me think outside the box and approach problems from different angles. Finally, I make time for personal projects and hobbies outside of work, which can provide a fresh perspective and fuel my creativity in unexpected ways.
OTC: How would you describe the company culture, and how does it influence your approach to your work?
Barbara: I deeply value the close-knit, family-like environment at work, where everyone supports each other and creates a strong sense of community. There are no “silly” questions, and all ideas are embraced. The freedom to express myself and explore new concepts is incredibly energizing, sparking innovation and enabling me to push boundaries in my work. This dynamic atmosphere not only fuels my creativity but also makes each day feel both exciting and rewarding, as I have the chance to contribute in meaningful ways. Knowing that my contributions are appreciated keeps me motivated and engaged.
OTC: How does collaboration and teamwork factor into your daily routine?
Barbara: Teamwork and collaboration are vital components of my role. Whether I’m troubleshooting a formulation issue with the chemists, working through a supply issue with purchasing or working with marketing to translate technical info into consumer friendly language, two heads are always better than one! By sharing ideas and building on each other’s contributions, while leveraging each person’s individual skills and strengths, we’re able to generate innovative and improved concepts. While each person is assigned their own projects, we always approach our work as a team. For critical projects, we’re all hands on deck. In fact, there was a time when I even rolled up my sleeves and jumped into the lab to help make a batch! It’s experiences like these that strengthen our team and lead to the best results.
OTC: Do you have any personal rituals or habits that help you stay balanced, motivated, and productive?
Barbara: Working out regularly is a non-negotiable for me. It plays a vital role in maintaining both my physical health and my mental well-being. Engaging in some form of daily exercise, whether it’s lifting weights, practicing gymnastics, or even just going for a walk, boosts my energy and sharpens my focus, helping me tackle both personal and professional challenges more effectively. It’s a routine that is essential to keeping me balanced and motivated!
OTC: Looking ahead, what are you most excited about for the future in the coming year?
Barbara: I am super excited to see how technological advances will continue to transform the beauty industry, especially in skincare and haircare innovation. As consumers demand more effective and cleaner products, researchers like myself and product developers are pushed to find creative solutions, such as lab-engineered ingredients. A great example of this is lab-grown collagen, which is a cruelty-free alternative to animal collagen and an eco-friendly alternative to plant derived collagen, closely mimicking human collagen at its molecular level. This bioengineered collagen has truly revolutionized skincare and mature skin targeted products. I’m eager to see even innovations like this and look forward to what the future has in store.
OTC: After a busy day, how do you unwind and recharge?
Barbara: After a busy day, I love to unwind by taking a long walk with my dogs. It’s my favorite way to clear my mind and relax. Listening to my favorite music, an engaging book, or chatting with Mom makes my walks even more enjoyable. It’s the perfect combination of exercise, fresh air, and a little bit of entertainment that helps me recharge for the next day!
OTC: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Barbara: I absolutely love creating products that help women look and feel their best! There’s a special kind of joy that comes from that moment when your hair is on point and your skin is flawless. Being able to evoke that feeling in others is incredibly rewarding. When you look good, you feel good, and it empowers you to take on the world with confidence—whether you’re heading to a job interview or a first date. It’s inspiring to know that my work can play a role in enhancing someone’s self-esteem and helping them shine in those important moments.
