We’re proud of our deep roots in Hungary and even prouder that our family-run business continues the tradition of formulating skin care products in our native country. In old-world Hungary, people cherish the purity of natural, organic and Biodynamic® products - that’s the reason why the same folks have worked on our products there for years. People like biochemistry expert Viola, who are passionate about the importance of fresh, pure ingredients.
 
A long-time member of the Eminence Organics family, Viola has designed many of our formulations in Hungary. We recently caught up with her to chat about her personal dedication to our company values and the importance of natural, organic and Biodynamic® skin care.
 
HI VIOLA - FIRST OFF, WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR PROFESSION AS A SKIN CARE BIOCHEMIST? 
Ever since I was a child, my parents inspired me to love and respect the healing and beautifying power of nature. During my childhood, anytime I was sick, my parents would prefer to treat me with herbal teas and natural supplements rather than chemical medications. When I went to university, I started using regular skin care products that contained perfumes and chemicals. I instantly developed a very severe allergic reaction and struggled with breakouts for a long time after that. As a biology student, I decided to experiment with herbs and natural ingredients and formulated my own ointment to heal my skin. Shortly afterwards, my skin cleared up and ever since then, I’ve dedicated my life to helping others through natural cosmetics and skin care.

  
WHY ARE NATURAL, ORGANIC OR BIODYNAMIC® INGREDIENTS BETTER TO USE THAN OTHER INGREDIENTS?  
These days, our bodies suffer a huge bombardment of chemicals. Endless amounts of chemicals are being added to our food and even a simple ingredient like a fruit could be severely genetically modified. Our bodies fight to detoxify through the kidney and liver, removing these unusual and toxic chemicals that are unfamiliar to the human body. Compared to the kidneys, our skin has even more limited means to detoxify itself from chemicals. Because of this limitation, it’s even more important to use the purest possible ingredients for the skin and ensure that it is cared for and in the best condition.
 
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I have a huge passion for keeping up to date with the latest and greatest in the industry. I love the challenge of staying on the cutting edge and providing the best possible combinations of ingredients.
       
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND IN THIS FIELD?
I graduated in biology from the University of Szeged - the distinguished Hungarian university where Nobel Laureate Albert Szent-Györgyi taught. After that, I completed my PhD in toxicology and earned a place at the prestigious Hungarian Science Academy. As a research biologist specializing in microbiology, biochemistry and genetics, I analyzed topics like membrane permeability, membrane lipid behaviours of cells and the best absorption of natural ingredients. I also researched the healing potency and effects of natural ingredients for the skin and body. I have worked in the industry now for over 30 years!
       
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR JOB?
I am most proud of being able to say that I developed the only Demeter-certified products from Hungary. I am privileged to belong to this “club” of only a few people in the world who achieved such an honor. I can truly say that the purity and quality of our products are at the pinnacle of the industry.
 
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PRODUCT? 
I love our Demeter-certified Cornflower Recovery Serum for its amazing calming effect and – of course – how it reduces the look of wrinkles.
 
WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT TO MAKE BIODYNAMIC® AND ORGANIC PRODUCTS?
Our aim is to create the purest, most effective products for our customers. While other brands try to increase the preservative level as high as possible for long shelf life and easy manufacturing, we lower it. That means our entire product process - from the raw ingredients through to packaging - must be as pure as possible, which is a very labor-intensive process. We are regularly visited by organic certifying bodies that rigorously vet our manufacturing process and examine hundreds of sources of raw materials as well as all of our documentation. Even the sanitation of the building must use approved cleaning materials to prevent chemical contamination. After this whole process, I can assure you, the certified natural and organic products we produce have the highest purity - suitable for even the most sensitive of skin.
 
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES? 
My work is my hobby! I love what I do and it does not feel like work for me. I also love classical music, long hikes and visiting Biodynamic® farms. I always want to learn more about the agricultural practices that heal the earth.
   
WHAT ARE YOU THE MOST PROUD OF IN LIFE? 
I am very proud that - together with my husband and my son (now also a PhD) - we were able to plant our very own certified Biodynamic® garden. We hope to educate future generations about the importance of natural beauty and farming practices.
 
Find out more about Viola’s passion, Biodynamic® products and farming, in this article about the Biodynamic® movement.