Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Babula.
Hi Sarah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my skincare-focused social media platform shortly after moving to Boston to pursue my MS in Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery. It’s part of the pharmacy school at Northeastern University, and the simplest way to describe the program is “organic synthesis for making drug compounds.” I’ve always gravitated toward research papers and projects involving new drugs for dermatological conditions or nanotechnology, which made me realize I could apply that same knowledge to products in the cosmetic space.
My degree helped me stand out from other creators on social media—not only do I understand how ingredients and delivery systems are synthesized, but I also know how they interact with the skin and the body overall. After one of my videos went viral and hit 3 million views, it really kick-started my journey as a skincare content creator, and I’ve since had the opportunity to connect with some amazing people in the industry.
Right now, I’m based in San Diego, working in biotech while continuing to run my social media account. I’m also in the process of launching a brand around a product I’m developing. This is actually the first time I’m mentioning it publicly, but I plan to share more details soon!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve definitely run into some challenges along the way. With social media, there are times when it feels like you’re not growing—but you just have to keep showing up, and then, out of nowhere, a video will take off. I’m really grateful to have had my account to fall back on during tough times. Everyone knows how difficult it is for recent graduates to find a job right now. Job hunting was easily one of the most stressful periods of my life, even with an MS degree and years of experience. There will always be unexpected challenges, and I’m sure I’ll face plenty more as my career continues.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My main job right now is at a biotech company in San Diego called BroadPharm. We specialize in supplying PEG linkers, ADC linkers, lipids for drug delivery, click chemistry tools, labeling reagents, and custom synthesis/conjugation services. I really enjoy meeting with clients, especially at conferences, to help answer any technical questions about our reagents and how they can be used. I just wrapped up at the American Chemical Society (ACS) conference here in San Diego, and now I’m getting ready to attend the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) conference in Chicago.
On social media, my focus is educating followers about skincare formulations and the ingredient complexes found in them. There are a lot of brands out there that overcharge for what they’re formulating, and I try to highlight that by offering more affordable alternatives. Often, the same ingredient complex—like a delivery system—is used across multiple products because it’s patented and distributed by the same manufacturer. I also enjoy recommending products for specific skin concerns, always backed by research-based ingredients.
What I’m most proud of right now is the brand I’m in the process of creating. I’ve known for a while exactly what kind of complexes I want to include, and it’s designed to be highly innovative for a cosmetic product. The goal is to deliver strong results with minimal side effects.
What are your plans for the future?
The thing I’m most excited about right now is, of course, the product I’m developing. I know I want to stay involved in the biotech industry, and I love keeping myself busy with multiple projects. I can’t wait to see how it turns out, and I’m especially looking forward to finally sharing it with everyone soon.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahbabula?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahbabula?_t=ZT-8vCwgyirZAQ&_r=1
