Journal of Cosmetic SciencePublished research
Co-authored research on ultramarine blue and iron oxide pigments in sunscreen formulation, published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science / SCC library.
Read the publication →Cosmetic Chemist · Science Communicator · Brand Strategist
Alayna Bouie
As a cosmetic chemist for 6 years, I have intimate knowledge of beauty products used by everyday people. My passion has led me to a simple goal: helping consumers and brands translate science in a way that makes sense and actually sells through marketing. If that aligns with your goals, keep reading to learn more about me!
Chicago, IL
6 yrsMaking beauty products, starting in the Cosmetic Science program in 2019
2Peer-reviewed publications in the Journal of Cosmetic Science / SCC library
829TikTok followers at @alaynasbeautylab, 7,868 likes across posted content
Press & Media
Coverage
Rising Stars: Meet Alayna Bouie of Toledo
Read the interview →Local chemist starts beauty business
Watch the segment →Acne, hyperpigmentation raise concern
A report from Spate, an AI-powered trend forecasting platform that uses search and social data to show beauty, personal care, wellness and food brands what consumers want next. The report covers what Black consumers are searching for on TikTok and was shared with CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women). As a product development associate at Sula Labs, I was quoted on dark skin makeup.
Read the article →Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine
A University of Toledo research team looked at using ultramarine blue in color cosmetics so foundations look more realistic on deeper skin tones, and at reformulating opacifiers to avoid a white cast. Cosmetics & Toiletries interviewed me about leading the project.
Read the article →
Research & Awards
Research and recognition
Journal of Cosmetic Science
2024 conferenceRutgers Center for Dermal Research
Poster award recipient, 2024 conference, for original formulation research.
My Perspective
How culture moves the beauty market
Pop culture shapes trends, and those trends shape how brands market and sell their products.
I remember in 2015, when Kylie Jenner launched her Lip Kit and it sold out in under a minute. Bold makeup took over: overlined lips, dramatic eyes, lots of color. Then the mood flipped. Hailey Bieber's glossy, minimal look became the clean girl look, and she turned it into Rhode, which e.l.f. Beauty agreed to buy for up to $1 billion in 2025.
Opposite looks, same industry. People weren't buying lip color or skincare. They were buying a lifestyle, a vibe and a sense of belonging, plus the luxury and ease Kylie and Hailey seem to live. Brands often miss that. The product still has to deliver on the feeling, and that's where the science comes in.
For the brands that come to us to make something new, that means a sense of ease. They focus on the feeling, and we handle the rest.
In the Trend Reports
Quoted on the trends shaping beauty
Brands watch these hashtags to decide what to make next. My perspective was included in trend reporting built on Spate and Sula Labs data.
+9.9Mmonth-over-month increase in TikTok views#protectivestyles
597.2MTikTok views#protectivestyles
+2.7Mmonth-over-month increase in searches#darkskinmakeup
The continued traction for #darkskinmakeup on TikTok is a reminder that the beauty industry has more to do regarding color cosmetics for melanin-rich skin. Over the years, consumers with deep brown skin have developed and popularized makeup techniques, often considered ‘hacks,’ to make makeup work for them, as many brands still struggle to understand color theory and practices for darker skin tones.
Protective styles are those which allow you to directly cleanse the scalp regularly to mitigate the continuous production of scalp build up under weaves, wigs, or braids. Styles such as loose braids or twists are considered friendly #protectivestyles if they are not too tight, don't require a ton of gel, and are larger in form… Brands and creators can use this hashtag on TikTok as an opportunity to educate consumers.
Content Creation
Skincare science for people outside the lab
I run @alaynasbeautylab myself. I write, film and edit every video to explain formulation science, ingredient claims and sunscreen chemistry to people outside the industry. I like taking something technical and making it make sense.
The account has 829 followers and 7,868 likes, all from organic, science-first content with no paid promotion.
Highlight videos
- Breaking down how sunscreen actually works154K views
- Rating sunscreen types (chemical vs. mineral vs. hybrid)16.3K views
Entrepreneurship
Shereen Cosmetics
Founder · Jan 2020 – 2024
I founded Shereen Cosmetics in January 2020 and ran it for four years. I handled product development, formulation, marketing and customer acquisition myself, including social media, SEO, Google Analytics and A/B testing on campaigns. The brand is inactive now, but the site and catalog are still live.
Running it taught me what it takes to get a formulation from an idea to a product someone picks off a shelf.
Being a good leader and entrepreneur means knowing when to slow down and pivot. I closed my business because it was not ideal for the lifestyle I wanted at the time, but I still carry the lessons and passion with me into current and future positions.
What I owned, start to finish
- Formulation & product development
- Brand & packaging direction
- Site, SEO & content marketing
- Paid & organic social, A/B tested
- Customer acquisition & retention
On Stage
Talks I've given
June 6–8, 2025 · Atlanta, GABlack Beauty STEMinist Summit at Spelman College
I was a panelist at the second annual summit. I talked about tinted sunscreens and daily sun protection, with a focus on making sun products that work well on darker skin tones.
Read Spelman's recap →
New York Society of Cosmetic ChemistsNY SCC Symposium: Melanated Skin
I spoke at the New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists symposium on formulating for melanated skin.
St. Ursula Academy · Toledo, OHBlack History Month school-wide program
I designed a school-wide Black History Month program at my high school and spoke to about 200 students.
See the school's post →