Ruth Margalef Kriesten has a background ranging from engineering to business administration, chemical processes, quality, HR and the environment. He has collaborated in multiple investigations and written numerous scientific articles, alone and together with his father Miguel Margalef Esteve. But of all, the one that stands out as her great passion is cosmetics and her desire to contribute, through circular economy, to a better world. After an impeccable career and about to celebrate more than two decades with her project, Biogründl, Ruth takes stock of her experience in the sector and what she has learned so far.
Advancing Cosmetic Innovation
We started the interview by asking, “Ruth Margalef Kriesten, what inspired you to establish Biogründl, and what vision has guided the company since 2002?”
Ruth Margalef Kriesten replied, “My professional journey began in the cosmetics sector, where I observed a growing consumer interest in understanding the origin and sustainability of cosmetic ingredients. I recognized an opportunity to create a company focused on high-value active ingredients derived from natural sources. When I founded Biogründl in 2002, my vision was to bridge scientific innovation with environmental responsibility, offering cosmetic manufacturers sustainable and effective solutions based on nature and research. That vision continues to guide us today.”
Reflecting on 25 Years of Leadership
Times CEO: Next year you will celebrate your 25 years in the sector. What is your assessment of career? Has everything been as you expected?
Ruth Margalef Kriesten replied, “Well, nothing is ever as one imagines, especially when talking about projects of Biogründl’s magnitude, in which many variables are considered that can have an impact on the isolated or synergistic. It has certainly been very hard work, with two major crises and a pandemic in between. The introduction of Biogründl on the market has been an arduous task, gaining the trust of our customers and maintaining them over time, even more difficult.
Without a doubt, having a wide range of products to meet the needs of our customers has contributed in a key way. Another determining point has been the form. So original that Biogründl has presented itself on the market, offering products designed to measure by the customer, i.e. Taylor Made Products, where customers can choose from multiple options to form their own active ingredient. In any case, answering more specifically to the question, the balance is totally positive, we are present in the national market and also in international markets such as Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, North Africa and, also, of course, European markets such as Holland, Russia, Eastern Europe, etc.
While it is true that, most importantly, we have managed to do our bit by contributing, modestly but clearly, to the market turning towards more sustainable, green and circular consumption.
Where Science Meets Strategy
Times CEO: What role does research and development play in Biogründl’s success?
Ruth Margalef Kriesten replied, “Research and development are fundamental to our business model. The cosmetics industry evolves rapidly, and innovation is essential for staying competitive. Our team continuously investigates new botanical sources, extraction technologies, and active compounds that can deliver measurable benefits for skin and hair care. By combining scientific rigor with market needs, we create ingredients that support both product efficacy and sustainability goals.
Decoding Cosmetic Labels
Times CEO: How important should consumers be to knowing how to read the label of a cosmetic product? What are the keys to reading it correctly? Any ingredient that should set off alarm bells?
Ruth Margalef Kriesten replied, “Certainly, cosmetic products, in addition to fulfilling their function as such, must be safe, in this sense; the scientific committees of the different organizations are carrying out a great job, although it is a dynamic task over time, ingredients are constantly reviewed and new indications of danger are determined. I remember when I started to work in the sector where there was hardly any legislation in this regard, the truth is that it has evolved a lot, luckily for everyone, companies and consumers. It is also true that the consumer is increasingly educated and knows how to choose, based on the ingredients, a certain cosmetic product that meets their expectations. Nowadays, there is a lot of information about products in general, not only cosmetics, but also from other sectors.
Navigating Market Challenges
Times CEO: What challenges and opportunities do you see in the global cosmetic ingredients market?
Ruth Margalef Kriesten replied, “One of the biggest challenges is balancing consumer demand for natural products with scientific validation and regulatory compliance. Customers expect transparency, effectiveness, and sustainability simultaneously. The opportunity lies in leveraging biotechnology, green chemistry, and circular economy practices to develop next-generation ingredients that meet these expectations. Companies that innovate responsibly will shape the future of the beauty industry.
What Lies Ahead for Biogründl
Lastly, we asked, “Finally, what is the state of the raw materials sector for cosmetics, dermopharmacy and perfumery products in Spain? What can we expect from Biogründl in the future?”
“Everyone knows the pandemic situation that we have had to live through. This has meant a setback, hopefully temporary, in many sectors. Cosmetics closed 2020 with a drop in sales. The perfumery and cosmetics sector fell by l 0% in 2020 according to available data. Despite this drop, Spain is the fifth largest market in Europe for the sector, with an average per capital consumption of 154 euros per year. The evolution of the cosmetics business in Spain has experienced years of continuous growth since 2016, which also grew steadily until reaching the peak in 2019. The fall in 2020 has been uneven in the different product categories. Hygiene products moderated their decline while cosmetics and perfumes experienced falls of around 20%. In 2020, skincare, personal hygiene and hair care products were, in this order, the most consumed by Spaniards. Hydroalcoholic gels, practically non-existent until before the pandemic, almost tripled their sales.
Biogründl will continue to support all its customers in the years to come, offering the best of ourselves, researching and innovating to be able to design more innovative and innovative products. Offering cosmetic formulators new active ingredients that they can incorporate into their finished products.” Ruth Margalef Kriesten concluded
Connect with Ruth Margalef Kriesten on LinkedIn
For more information visit Biogründl
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