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For years, Paula’s Choice was considered the gold standard in science-backed skincare, transparency, and ethical formulation. Founded by Paula Begoun, a self-proclaimed beauty industry watchdog, the brand was built on truth, education, and integrity—values that resonated with beauty consumers frustrated by misleading marketing and ineffective products.
But as we’ve seen time and time again in the beauty industry, success often comes at a price. As Paula’s Choice grew in popularity, so did its corporate ambitions, leading to a series of private equity investments, price hikes, and, ultimately, its controversial $2 billion acquisition by Unilever. Today, many longtime fans question whether the brand that once stood for truth and transparency still embodies those principles—or if it has simply become another corporate beauty giant more focused on profit than purpose.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Introduction: The Rise & Fall of Paula’s Choice
02:20 – Who Is Paula Begoun? The Origins of an Industry Watchdog
07:15 – The Birth of Paula’s Choice: A Brand Built on Science & Transparency
13:10 – Private Equity Enters: The First Signs of Change
18:50 – Unilever Buys Paula’s Choice: A $2 Billion Turning Point
25:30 – The Backlash: Lawsuits, Ethical Concerns & Price Hikes
32:15 – The Future of Paula’s Choice: What Happens Next?
Many of the brand’s original formulations remain unchanged, and some of their products are still cult favourites for a reason. But if you’re supporting Paula’s Choice because of its original ethos of transparency, consumer education, and affordability, then it’s important to recognise that the brand today is not the same as it was 10 years ago.
The question remains: Has Paula’s Choice lost its integrity, or is it simply evolving with the times?
#PaulasChoice #BeautyIndustry #BehindTheBeauty #SkincareInvestigation #BeautyScandal #PaulaBegoun #Unilever #EthicalBeauty #SkincareLies