Paula Begoun
Founder
For over three decades, Paula Begoun has done what few in the beauty industry have—told the truth. Long before formulating her own products, she was a consumer struggling with acne and eczema, desperately trying to find products that wouldn’t make her skin worse. That’s when her lifelong career of research and formulating effective products began. She is the author of 20+ best-selling books that have sold more than 2.8 million copies worldwide. Her work as a nationally recognized consumer expert for the cosmetics industry has led to repeat appearances on CNN, as well as programs such as Oprah, The Today Show, 20/20, Dateline NBC, and The View.
Bryan Barron
Board-Certified Dermatologist | DrJaliman.com
Dr. Debra Jaliman is a board-certified dermatologist with a renowned private practice on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. For over 25 years, she's been an Assistant Clinical Professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, and an established author with publications in numerous scientific journals and textbooks as well as her own book, “Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist.” Dr. Jaliman is a pioneer in dermatology, known for being one of the first five physicians in North America to use Botox in her practice starting in 1991.
Deborah Kilgore
Global Director of Skin Care Knowledge
Deborah’s career with Paula’s Choice began over 20 years ago. Her personal passion for the industry started with her own struggles with acne and hyperpigmentation, concerns she never knew she could control until meeting Paula. Over the years, her work with the brand has touched everything from Client Experience to Paula’s Choice University—a digital learning platform that trains and educates people on Paula’s Choice history, products and ingredients. More recently, Deborah has appeared as a prominent figure in the social media space as the face of the beloved Instagram series, Dear Deb as well as being a respected source for popular international publications.
Desiree Stordahl
Director of Applied Research & Education
Desiree is one of the long-time brains behind the Paula’s Choice brand, with over 12 years of experience. Her mission is to cut through the hype and help consumers understand what their skin needs to thrive based on research and facts—not gimmicks. She is considered an industry thought leader, appearing in international publications like Vogue, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Allure, Harper’s Bazaar and HuffPost. Additionally, she’s co-authored many of Paula’s best-selling books and has written many of the brand’s skin care advice articles that cover the beauty industry’s most complex issues.
Julio Lamberty
Cosmetic Chemist | BS Chemistry
As the Director of Innovation and Formula Development at Paula’s Choice, Julio Lamberty drives the design, development and execution of groundbreaking products through speed-to-market and innovation initiatives. He brings with him over 30 years of research, innovation and product development expertise in the beauty industry, including over 600 commercially developed products for multi-national companies, prestige brands and contract manufacturers. He is an established skin care expert with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Saint Peter’s University and has secured two patents for a polysilicone base used in both medical and cosmetic applications.
Mercedes Santaella-Lam
Content Specialist
Mercedes brings over 22 years of professional research and journalism experience to the Paula’s Choice Team. She is responsible for writing robust articles, objective, research-based ingredient reviews and developing interesting new content that makes skin care accessible for all. During her nine years with Paula’s Choice, Mercedes has authored countless articles and helped produce several of Paula’s best-selling books with the goal of helping consumers feel empowered, informed and prepared to make the right choices for their skin.
Shannon Steck
Global Senior Content Editor
With seven years of experience as an editor and writer in the beauty space, Shannon brings her insider knowledge of educational skin care content to the Paula’s Choice Team. She always makes sure our educational content delivers truth in our brand’s unique voice. Shannon also authors research-driven articles and science-backed ingredient dictionary entries, while continuously expanding the breadth of topics that we cover.