Beauty Bosses: Paola Sola and Sébastien Dewandre, Co-Founders of Bionassay
Paola Sola and Sébastien Dewandre.
Our latest Beauty Bosses are Paola Sola and Sébastien Dewandre, Co-Founders of Bionassay—a performance-driven, eco-friendly skincare line that shields and pampers skin through botanical and synthetic compounds. Each of their formulas has been designed with ingredients that replenish, protect and heal skin such as antioxidant compounds, fatty acids, amino acids and minerals, and more.
Bionassay’s products have undergone multiple studies and tests performed by independent laboratories to ensure that they are safe for skin. Their skincare essentials have been engineered with stable safer ingredients that replace harmful and irritating preservatives, silicones, parabens, gelling and stabilizing agents, among others.
We chatted with Sola and Dewandre, who shared the inspiration behind the brand, secrets for success, wellness tips, and much more.
When was Bionassay founded and what does the name mean?
We started working on Bionassay in January 2018. We borrowed the name from one of the Mont Blanc massif's most subtle yet attractive peaks: Bionnassay.
Choosing this name made a lot of sense, as it reminded us of the words biology and assay, a gentle reminder of our peaceful bond with nature's majestic formations while simultaneously holding meaning and intention.
A slight spelling change and Bionassay was born (\ˈbē-ˈoh-na-ˈse).
Through biology, we explore the extraordinary science of life, and with assay, we uncover some amazing details about its components. Together they provide a fascinating window into our Bionassay universe! Our intention is to blend these two words and bring you transparent skincare over "clean beauty" solutions.
Bionassay is a performance-driven, eco-friendly skincare line that shields and pampers skin.
What inspired the creation of the brand?
We developed this brand out of frustration due to the vast assortment of skincare products and brands focusing on trendy ingredients or very targeted cohorts. With Bionassay, we want to craft formulations that honor the skin and what's essential for it to thrive. And what better way to honor the skin than by the know-how of nature?
Bionassay inspires us. It is the nostalgia of hiking in the vast daring Alpine environment for one and swimming in the waters of the Caribbean for the other. Nature's perseverance has always inspired us and commanded our utmost respect. So we decided to study these two environments in-depth and craft formulations that perfectly harmonize sensorial botanicals and efficient lab-made ingredients to deliver real results.
Our formulas are a safe and simple pleasure. They'll nourish, lift and renew your skin while being gentle.
Does Bionassay have a hero product?
Éclat de Lait has become Bionassay's hero product, and it doesn't come as a surprise. This double serum is our most sophisticated formulation. It the multi-use fast-absorbing serum for your skin woes! Éclat de Lait mixes glycolic acid, hibiscus, baobab, honey and chicory root. Making it the ideal everyday serum to (we pinky swear) nourish, repair, smooth, and even out the skin tone…while being gentle to the skin.
What’s your favorite product from your brand?
Paola: This is a hard one! We worked so hard to get all the formulations "right," but the product I use the most is Perle d'Eau. A silky moisturizer that deeply hydrates and softens the skin. (The skin feels hydrated and supple right after application). It has also helped my skin stay moisturized, hydrated, and balanced while traveling since Padina Pavonica and chicory root improve skin barrier health and protect it against external aggressors.
Sébastien: I love Neige Èternelle! This one is a frosted moisturizer that helps calm and renew the balance of your skin barrier, thanks to wintergreen, blackcurrant, and other ingredients full of amino and fatty acids. I apply Neige Èternelle cold to calm redness and moisturize. My favorite aspect is the matte effect.
Where are your products sold?
Bionassay is currently sold online, both on third-party websites and our website, and through specialty stores such as medical spas.
Future plans for the brand?
Our goal has always been to provide health and protection to every skin through multi-use or universal formulations. We are happy to announce that we plan on doubling our assortment by the end of the year. The innovations coming to the Bionassay universe this year will help our journey to healthy skin for all.
Besides new launches and business growth, we are getting more involved with philanthropy. An aspect that has always been primordial for the brand. The idea is to strengthen our involvement with CREA Mont Blanc (an organization studying the impact of climate change in the natural mountain environments of the Alps) and Rescue A Reef (the University of Miami's coral restoration program designed to build community and coastal resilience through coral reef research, conservation, and citizen science.) We are also securing partnerships with organizations that support young women and help with community development. Stay tuned!
Each of the brand’s formulas has been designed with ingredients that replenish, protect and heal skin such as antioxidant compounds, fatty acids, amino acids and minerals, and more.
Who inspires you?
Paola: The women before me and those who stand with me have always inspired me to stay driven and want to help better my community.
Sébastien: My grandparents. They all have/had their interesting story. For one, it was spiritual; for the others it was travel and adventures. My parents…my father has always thought outside the box, which helped with my creativity—both in the way I chose to live and work. He’s also the one who introduced me to nature in the French Alps. My mother represents kindness. I don’t think she knows the definition of malice.
Secret to success?
Paola: Success looks different to each individual. What has helped me remain determined is empathy, listening to my gut feeling, and developing the correct synergy with my business partner. The harmony I've created with Sébastien has been crucial to my Bionassay journey and the path to striving for community change.
Sébastien: Network! Choose your people carefully, both friendship and work…Loyalty is everything. A lot of hard work and a little bit of luck!
Beauty secrets?
Paola: As overrated as this might sound, less is indeed more. I follow an intuitive approach to health and beauty. We constantly exhort our Bionassay community to stay attuned to their skin needs and respond accordingly to take control of that journey. (Also, remember to protect your skin against sun exposure!)
Sébastien: Movement and eat a balance of everything.
Wellness tips?
Paola: Laughter! There's no better medicine or remedy than happiness and laughter. Surround yourself with people who make you happy. Drinking water and spending time in nature also help me feel energized.
Sébastien: Enjoy nature!
Best advice?
Paola: When I was a little girl, my uncle told me to stop apologizing. He then said that I didn't and shouldn't need to justify myself or my actions to others. As I grow more in tune with myself, the more I live by that advice. It has helped me to stand by my beliefs and have better control of my actions. In today's social climate, I hope more individuals abide by living unapologetically and empathetically.
Sébastien: Be curious, question everything, and learn how to say no.
How do you like to relax?
Paola: My favorite ways to relax and find inner peace are reading (there's something about the smell of book and a good plot!) and being in the water! As a Puerto Rican, I grew up by the sea, so feeling the water flow and touching the sand grounds me.
Sébastien: Watching documentaries. I read enough during the day. I’ve always said if you choose entertainment, you might as well pick something that’ll educate you. Or stand-up comedy…The good ones also educate! When in Miami, a golf game or sunset on a boat. When in France, a walk in the mountains, alone with nature.
For more information, visit Bionassay’s website and follow on Instagram: @bionassayskin
[Images courtesy of Bionassay]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk