Innovation in Beauty: Spectra's Science-Backed Personal Care Approach

Report: B. Serhat Cengiz

We conducted an interview with Spectra Co-founder and Creative Director Betül Ünver on how the brand is reshaping the sector through its "clean-luxury" philosophy and vegan formulations. During our conversation, Ünver shared the brand's commitment to sustainable production and its ambitious vision of transforming from a local venture into a global "Lovemark".

Please introduce yourself and the Spectra brand to our readers. How did Spectra's origin story develop under the Golf Kimya umbrella?
I am an entrepreneur at the heart of Spectra's creation and development processes, overseeing the brand's creative and content direction. Spectra is actually the fruit of Golf Kimya, our family company, nearly 30 years of production experience and global vision. Golf Kimya has been a major manufacturing force exporting to more than 70 countries since the 1990s. The name Spectra was a value we had nurtured within our company since 2004. However, in 2024, with the technological transformation of our production facilities and my passion for the "clean-luxury" philosophy, we transformed this name into a brand. Spectra is not merely a cosmetics brand; it was born as a personal care venture where laboratory discipline meets aesthetic concern.

What are the fundamental points that set Spectra apart from similar brands?
The most fundamental difference is "knowledge-based innovation" and "courage". I received training in organic chemistry and formulation at Formula Botanica, a UK-based institution; this gives us the power to reference science rather than just trends when selecting ingredients. As Spectra, we do not do what everyone else does. We produce products that break conventions in both form and user experience, such as "flower-topped shaving foam" or "whipped shower foam" with no counterparts in Turkey. On the other hand, we operate under the principle that at least two out of every five new products must be "first" or "most innovative" either globally or in the local market. For us, it is not enough for a product to simply be functional; it must represent a lifestyle through its scent, texture and design.

How was Spectra's approach to vegan formulations and dermatologically tested products shaped? How much impact did consumer demand have on this decision?
This approach is our brand's ethical compass. Today, particularly the conscious consumer group we call Generation Z, looks not only at what a product promises when making a purchase, but also at what that product leaves behind for the world. As a mother and an entrepreneur, I did not want to include any content I did not know about or that harmed nature in our portfolio. Our vegan formulation preference is beyond consumer demand; it is our "responsibility toward the future". We strictly monitor our supply chain to ensure that none of our raw materials are tested on animals and are not of animal origin. Dermatological approval is not an option for us; it is an integral part of our quality standard.

You say "combine the power of nature with science" — how do you practically achieve this balance in the formulation process?
This balance is hidden in the concept of our name, "Spectra" (spectrum). Like a spectrum that contains every color of light, we process the purity of plant extracts with the safest techniques of modern chemistry. Every day in our R&D laboratory, we ask this question: "How can we deliver the efficacy of this plant extract to the skin in the safest and fastest way possible?" For example, when developing cleansing formulas that do not dry the skin but rather nourish it, we use oils derived from nature while ensuring through science that they remain stable and provide maximum hygiene. In this process, we collaborate with universities and blend academic knowledge with the practical power of production.

Can you provide information about GMP-compliant production?
Spectra products are manufactured at Golf Kimya's new facility, which began operations in 2024 and was designed entirely according to European standards. GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) is not merely a certification for us; it is a discipline applied every second of production. From the moment raw materials enter the factory to the packaging of the finished product, every stage goes through sterilization and quality control processes. The fact that we can today supply Europe's largest retail chains is backed by these unwavering GMP standards and our global quality understanding.

Sustainability is transitioning from being a trend to becoming a necessity in the cosmetics sector today. How is Spectra preparing for this transformation?
We do not leave sustainability on paper. Thanks to the solar panels on the roof of our production facility, we source a large portion of the energy we use in production from nature and renewable sources. On the packaging side, we have a very clear target: to minimize our current plastic use and ensure that at least 30% of the plastic packaging we use consists of recycled (PCR) materials. Additionally, because our products fall into the "rinsable" category, we continuously conduct R&D work on environmentally friendly formulas that do not pollute our water resources.

In the coming period, in which areas do you plan to expand Spectra? What innovations await consumers and business partners?
Our goal is to make Spectra accessible in all 81 provinces of Turkey at every point of sale. We are working toward 100% penetration within 3 years. Not only in online channels, but we are also beginning to claim our place on the shelves of Turkey's largest retail chains. Very soon, we will add next-generation skincare series and our brand's signature "innovative formula" new products beyond personal care to our product range. Additionally, making Spectra a global "Lovemark" with Golf Kimya's export power, joining the Turquality program, and cementing our success with international awards are the most important parts of our vision. We will continue to surprise our consumers and make them say "I'm glad Spectra exists".