Meet Oio Lab's Founder

Oio Lab, the beautiful brand from Poland is founded and created by the self-called 'science nerd' Joanna.

Why and how did you start Oio Lab?
I am in beauty industry for over 10 years and I have been analysing the possibility of creating my own brand for a long time. I shaped and precised my thoughts to make sure I will create a brand that reflects the values that are important to us. The whole process included making many mistakes and drawing a lot of conclusions (laughs). At first, I mixed oils for my friends. With time the idea and possibility of using science as the method of getting the most out of nature clarified. We teamed up with scientists from Medical and Life Science University in Poland as well as with independent Laboratories and specialists. The whole brand DNA spinning around SCIENCE, NATURE, TRANSPARENCY and EFFECTIVENESS clarified. It also became obvious that we will not only be producing oils, but also gels, creams and all different forms of products. The quality of our products has been quickly recognised by Joanna Czech – a skin care expert with clients like Anna Wintour, Cate Blanchet, Kim Kardashian and Uma Thurman. Being approved by world-renowned skin expert and her clients gave us a boost of confidence. In the future I see Oio Lab growing continuously towards sustainability and innovations. Keep your fingers crossed 😊

What distinguishes Oio Lab from what’s already out there?
I think it is the never stopping curiosity and work on effective ingredients, being totally transparent and never compromising on quality. We often go against expert’s market recommendations - we simply do what we think is the best for the brand – even if is not in line with official economic indicators. We look very idealistically at Oio Lab. It is a fluid concept that develops and grows with us. We are offering effective products, powered by clinically proven ingredients and natural extracts obtained with innovative, clean science. To illustrate, we use enzymatic extraction and supercritical fluid extraction with natural carbon dioxide (CO2) to get the purest extracts possible - both methods are environmentally-friendly and enable the production of potent ingredients. We also use highly selected, active ingredients of proven effectiveness like a unique, ultra-stable vitamin C derivative with clinically proven abilities to stimulate collagen synthesis, brightening and unifying properties.

We want Oio Lab to offer measurable results. For example, we have proven that after 7 days of regular use of AQUASPHERE – our hydrating serum - the level of skin hydration increases by 49.5% and the skin hydration level keeps on the increased level even 7 days even after not using the product. We are also very transparent. We do not stop looking for opportunities to challenge and push the brand (and ourselves) a step further when it comes to our core values – effectiveness and taking care of our planet. For example, when launching ALGAEMANIA our new Protective Facial Treatment Oil we paired with Mare foundation and we donate a percentage of the sales to help clean the Baltic sea and promote sustainable exploitation of the coastal and marine resources. Transparency also means that we are honest about the process of brand development. Trying new things means we do not always get everything 100% right, but keeping the goals in mind and being open about the journey with its ups and downs is essential part of Oio Lab.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
I must admit that my nose is constantly stuck in books. Currently, I am very much into the effects of stress hormones on the skin, the impact of blue light on our skin and health, understanding the fungi kingdom, ferments and quantum physics. I am also obsessed with colours and find inspiration in art.

I feel privileged to have a lot of amazing people around me and they all inspire me in some form. I do not, however, have one person that I look up to – I get inspired more with the way a particular person handles a given issue – especially the ones that I find challenging. If I was to point on one feature that is like a magnet to me is authenticity. I love and admire people who never compromise on who they are. Who gracefully do what they think is the best for them, even if this is against the socially or culturally approved standards. They’re not afraid to make a mistake – as they see it as a lecture – a small step backwards necessary to make another few forwards and to see it all in the best light.

You in 3 emojis?
Earth emoji, scientist emoji and nature emoji.