I’m Baaack! Interview with Dr. Rolanda Johnson about the New Secret Deodorant

After a long hiatus of writing – which included taking Step I of the medical boards, recovering from doing so (!), and moving in with my boyfriend – I am pleased to say that this hopeful FutureDerm is back in the business of blogging.  And I’d love to kick off this summer with an exclusive interview with Dr. Rolanda Johnson, a Ph.D. in organic chemistry (yowza!) and a Procter & Gamble beauty scientist.  Dr. Johnson not only immerses herself in cosmetic science in her work, but it seems to be transcribed in her DNA, with both of her parents working as scientists.  Best of all, Dr. Johnson is a self-described beauty junkie.  An awesome, educated Ph.D. level chemist and a beauty junkie?!  Seems like a perfect first interview for Summer 2010! I’m proud to welcome Dr. Johnson to FutureDerm.com.

1.)  Welcome to the blog, Dr. Johnson!  So tell us, what is different about these new formulations of Secret?

Secret Sheer Mineral is formulated with a mineral to provide sheer effective protection. The formula is designed with just the right level of talc to provide 24 hour protection that lets your skin breathe.

Secret Soothing Effects is designed for sensitive skin and hydrates to soothe underarm skin. The new formula, infused with both soy and acai berry, is clinically tested to significantly reduce visible redness after just four days.

Secret Smooth Effects is designed to condition and lubricate skin so you get a long lasting shave, enabling you to shave less often. After approximately seven (7) days, Secret Smooth Effects is clinically tested to enable women to shave less often giving them the confidence to raise their arms.

2.)  What inspired the products’ development?

All of Secret’s new products are inspired by unmet consumer needs. For Secret Sheer Mineral, consumers expressed the need for a product that goes on sheer and is lightweight, while still providing strong odor and wetness protection. For Secret Soothing Effects, consumers expressed the need for an efficacious product that is designed specifically for sensitive skin and reduces underarm redness. For Secret Smooth Effects, consumers expressed the need for a product that works but also delivers the added benefit of reducing the times needed to shave under their arms.

3.)  Are the products suitable for all seasons and levels of activity for most people?

Yes, all of these products can be worn year-round and through all activities.

4.)  I’ve always wondered this – how do you test the efficacy of the deodorants against perspiration and odor?

We have internal methods to evaluate the efficacy of odor and wetness protection which include evaluating the amount of perspiration of panelists after exposure to high temperatures (we call this our Secret Sweat Box) in addition to having trained odor graders to evaluate the odor.

5.)  How do you select new scents?

Scents are chosen based on women’s preferences.

6.)  How has the product performed in testing?

Secret Sheer Mineral was shown to provide 24 protection amongst the group of women tested. For Secret Soothing Effects it was found to hydrate underarm skin when tested among a panel of women. Additionally, it is clinically tested to reduce visible redness just after 4 days.

We designed Secret Smooth Effects to help lubricate skin for a longer lasting shave. Secret Smooth Effects, when evaluated amongst a representative panel of women, was clinically tested to allow women to shave less often.

7.)  What inspired you to work for Procter & Gamble?  Do you enjoy your work?

I was first exposed to Procter & Gamble when I attended a Research and Technical Careers in Industry Program the summer before I graduated. I was in awe with the depth of scientific research here at P&G. From beauty care to personal health care, the depth of technical mastery is amazing. I was also attracted to how many people seemed to love their job and how many people looked so young despite working here for 25 years- so to a young college student, someone who had been working for 25 years had to have been much older, but they simply did not look like it! I wanted to drink the water too!  🙂

I absolutely enjoy and love what I do. I love talking about science, I enjoy research and I love talking about skin care and the things women can do to help make us feel and look beautiful! Being a young girl that was always into the beauty magazines and who grew up around science, my mom a science teacher and my dad retired from a chemical plant, I feel I was destined to do this type of work!

8.)  What is the best part of your job?

There is never a dull moment! Each day there is something new. I really enjoy the teaching part of my job – being able to explain the science of skin care, formulation and ingredients to others.

Thank you, Dr. Johnson!

-Personal Use and Opinions-

I started using Secret Sheer Mineral ($5.11, Amazon.com) this summer, and I must say, it really does a great job of keeping my skin cool and dry and smelling fresh.  It glides on smoothly and dries clear, which is important, given the fact that I (like many graduate students who find ourselves rolling out of bed last-minute) often need to get dressed in under ten minutes.  Although I mainly spend my days sitting at a desk or a computer, this deodorant was also effective through my daily run.  My only recommendation is to apply the deodorant before you put on your clothing; although it dries clear, it is initially white, and it is easier to avoid the residue rather than wait for it to dry.  Overall, however, I highly recommend this line.  Product Rating: 8.5/9.0 (High concentration of proven effective ingredients: 2.5/3.  Unique formulation or new technology: 3/3.  Value for the money: 3/3.  Sunscreen: N/A).