Inside Origins’ Youthtopia with Dr. Justin He and Michael Marcano

At Origins, going back to its roots has always meant returning to the power of nature. The brand takes this philosophy to the next level with its new Youthtopia collection, harnessing the regenerative power of upcycled apples to create a powerful skincare duo that promotes radiant and youthful skin.

At the Singapore launch, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Justin He, Vice President of APAC R&D at Estée Lauder Companies, and Michael Marcano, Vice President and General Manager of Origins International, to learn more about this exciting new addition to Origins’ already impressive slate of skincare staples.

Exploring Origins Youthtopia: Our Interview with Dr. Justin He and Michael Marcano

Good morning, Dr. Justin and Mr. Michael! Congratulations on the launch of the Youthtopia collection. Could you start by introducing yourselves to our readers?

Michael: Good morning, thank you! I’m Michael Marcano. I’ve been leading our international business for Origins over the last two years and have been with Estée Lauder for 12 years. I’m a bit of a beauty junkie — my vanity is stocked with Origins and other amazing brands from Estée Lauder. The beauty of working here is the chance to connect with such a variety of products, and I genuinely enjoy sharing that passion.

Dr. Justin: Hi, I’m Justin, the Vice President of R&D at Origins. I lead our product development team, which focuses on creating skincare products that are both effective and sensorially engaging. For me, skincare is about more than just results; it’s about using all the senses to create an experience. I’m thrilled to introduce Youthtopia to everyone.

Could you tell us a bit more about the Youthtopia collection and what sets it apart from other Origins products?

Michael: Absolutely! Youthtopia includes two main products: the Refining Apple Peel and the Peptide Plumping Apple Cream. This collection is about promoting smooth, youthful, and bouncy skin but from a proactive stance. Our industry often focuses on correcting signs of ageing, but Youthtopia takes a preventative approach — nurturing the skin today to maintain its resilience over time. Our commitment to science-led, environmentally conscious development is at the heart of this, and a big part of what makes Youthtopia unique is the use of upcycled apples as a core ingredient.

Could you explain what upcycled ingredients mean?

Michael: We partnered with Leahy Farm in Canada, a family-owned farm that has been around for over a century. They produce applesauce and are left with tons of peels, cores, and other remnants after processing. Rather than waste these parts, we take them off their hands and upcycle them, transforming what would be discarded into powerful skincare ingredients. We’re committed to sustainability, and this approach lets us turn waste into something valuable for skin health.

Why apples? Why not oranges or grapes?

Michael: At Origins, we are always studying different ingredients, always seeking the extraordinary within the ordinary. Apples have long symbolised health and renewal, and as we researched, we discovered remarkable regenerative properties within this fruit. Justin can probably add more, but it was an ingredient we felt could bring something really special to skincare.

Dr. Justin: Yes, we found that apples have regenerative compounds that, when properly harnessed, can enhance skin health. Our research allowed us to unlock those benefits in a way that feels fresh and effective for our users.

Dr. Justin, as the head of R&D, what challenges did you face during the development of Youthtopia?

Dr. Justin: One of the biggest challenges was balancing ingredient stability with high efficacy. It was essential to keep the leaf and apple palm extracts effective while enhancing their benefits. Then, we had to make sure our formulations would meet both our sustainability standards and performance goals. The high quality of ingredients we select also pushes us to innovate, ensuring that they work powerfully and sustainably.

Do you think sustainability will play a major part in the future of skincare?

Michael: Nowadays, most brands talk about sustainability but for Origins, it’s been a core value since our founding over 30 years ago. Our approach goes beyond talking about it; it’s embedded in everything we do. We believe the future of skincare will continue to see brands upcycle ingredients, using what would otherwise go to waste. At Origins, we have always and will always be committed to responsible sourcing and innovative use of ingredients, and I see this becoming even more prominent in the industry.

Do you have any advice for consumers looking to incorporate Youhtopia into their current skincare routines?

Michael: The best part about our Youthtopia products is that they are very adaptable, they fit into any routine. The Refining Apple Peel can be used daily after cleansing to exfoliate and smooth the skin then follow up with the Peptide Plumping Apple Cream to hydrate and enhance the skin’s natural bounce. Personally, I enjoy using the peel at night as part of my ritual to exfoliate and remove buildup, then apply the cream. While it’s part of my evening routine, the lightweight texture of the cream makes it perfect for use during the day as well, especially in warmer climates.

Can we expect more products in the Youthtopia range in the future?

Dr. Justin: Yes, we’re definitely looking at expanding. We want to stay true to our brand values while pushing the boundaries of innovation. Each product is a step in helping consumers achieve their best skin, so we’re listening to consumer needs and always exploring how to enhance our offerings. Youthtopia is actually a result of that as our Gen Z focus groups are always searching for products that would provide them with a proactive approach to ageing instead of a preventative one. So stay tuned for more!

Are any other innovations on the horizon for Origins?

Dr. Justin: At Origins, we constantly challenge our team to explore new ingredient possibilities. Our scientists are continuously pushing to unlock the full potential of natural ingredients with minimal environmental impact. With Youthtopia, for example, we’ve doubled the antioxidant potential using fermentation, and we’re planning to carry this approach forward with other ingredients in our future lines.

Michael: Youthtopia embodies this philosophy of innovation and sustainability that we hold dear. It’s taken years of dedication to get to this point, and our goal has always been to create products that provide visible results while being safe and enjoyable to use. This collection is a glimpse into the future of Origins, a new era for us as a brand, and there’s so much more in store.

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