Giselle De La Torre grew up with a love for beauty products.
“One day in my sophomore year of high school it occurred to me that people actually have to create these products,” De La Torre said. “I started to research ‘cosmetic chemist’ and other related words when I found the cosmetic science and formulation design major at The University of Toledo. I knew then that I would move from San Diego just for this program because it is the perfect blend of beauty and science.
CELEBRATING SUCCESS: UToledo recognizes the Class of 2025 with a series of stories featuring students receiving their degrees at fall commencement.
“I knew that choosing this major would give me the best opportunity to learn about the chemistry behind personal care products and set me up for a future working in this industry as a cosmetic chemist,” she added. “Every day, I know I made the right decision.”
De La Torre is graduating Saturday with a bachelor of science degree in pharmaceutical sciences.
As a member of the UToledo Cosmetic Chemist Society (UTCCS), De La Torre learned that having an internship as a sophomore was a possibility and ultimately landed a six month co-op with Burt’s Bees.
“I started applying to everything I could find and had a couple of interviews, but no offer. I finally came across an opportunity with Burt’s Bees in spring of 2023,” she said. “I really didn’t think I had a chance, but I applied anyway. I was shocked and ecstatic to receive an email to schedule an interview — and even more so to receive an offer letter. That was a very high point of my time at UT. The knowledge I gained there was irreplaceable and set the foundation for all my knowledge and skills today.”
Though the full-time internship with Burt’s Bees meant she would push back her initial graduation date, it opened the door for two more summer internships.
“I traveled to Chicago for the Midwest chapter of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists Teamworks conference in 2024 and met some of the research and development team at Hallstar Beauty,” De La Torre said. “I was given an interview and eventually an offer. That summer I learned a lot about suncare products and got to experience the cosmetics industry from the ingredient supplier side instead of from the brand side. The following summer, I moved to New York for my last internship with Momentive Performance Materials, a different cosmetic ingredient supplier, where I got to formulate prototypes that highlight their newest natural line of ingredients.”
Among the high points of Giselle De La Torre’s time as a Rocket was securing an internship with Burt’s Bees in spring 2023, which later opened doors for two more internships.
On campus, De La Torre has served as vice president of UTCCS as well as president, treasurer, and associate member educator of the Nu chapter of Alpha Psi Lambda, a co-ed Hispanic/Latino-based fraternity. She also is a member of the UToledo Cosmetic Science Outreach Team, Global Latin Student Union and Order of Omega.
“Being vice president of UTCCS was truly rewarding and allowed me to share knowledge to underclassmen as well as foster a fun, supporting community for all those interested in cosmetic science,” she said. “My advice for those wanting to major in cosmetic science would be to get involved in UTCCS. It will allow you to meet others in the major who are truly passionate about cosmetic science, especially upperclassman who can offer mentorship on academics and the industry.”
Following graduation, De La Torre said she plans to move back to her home state of California to work as a formulation chemist within the industry.
“This program is truly like a small family where we all get to support each other and learn more about the science of personal care products,” De La Torre said. “You will gain so much more knowledge and technical skills relevant to this industry than any other undergraduate program can provide you with.”
