Interview

Rado RAJAOMARIA​

R&D Manager – Responsible R&D - Raw Material Center & Development Support (Pontoise, France)​
My day-to-day mission: to take care of our raw materials and products portfolio. I work to secure them against potential risks and constraints : shortages and changes of our raw materials, any new regulations, and any technical issues related to our formulas on the market. By combining expertise in formulation, in-depth knowledge of raw materials, and the development of new instrumental methods, my team & I implement technical solutions methodically, efficiently, and with complete confidence, even under pressure and emergency

Can you briefly share your professional journey and what led you to your current role?

I felt my way through chemistry before finding my niche : first, industrial chemical processes (too much maths!); then the physical chemistry of formulated products (detergents, laundry detergents, home fragrances… not technical enough). After three years in the workforce, I made one of the best decisions of my life: to go back to to specialize in cosmetics : formulation, raw materials, textures, fragrances… I’ve found my playground. It’s technical, innovation is constant, and it’s fun. Before Clarins, I held a similar role working on consumer products: Veet (yes, I did test them all), acne treatments, and dermocosmetic product. Then I wanted to join a major brand with a premium product line and top-tier R&D… Clarins, 14 years now—and I still have the desire to explore further.

What has been one of the most rewarding achievements in your role so far?

What I’m most proud is my journey since I joined Clarins. Starting almost from scratch, I created the lab, has developed its activities and my team (from 2 to up to 9 people) and introduced new areas of expertise in R&D…a truly remarkable journey. My activity had found its place withing the organization, with ambitious projects across our entire product range. And personally, I now enjoy integrating data solutions and, more recently, AI into my work.​

Do you have a personal motto that inspire you at work?

If a problem has a solution, there’s no point worrying. If you have time to look for a solution, the same applies. And when, despite everything, nothing works, worrying won’t change a thing – you have just to let it go and to keep moving forward