Swara Harne
Product Formulation Scientist | Cosmetic Engineer
About
Chemical and Cosmetic Engineer with a passion for developing sustainable, innovative personal care products. Currently a Scientist in Product Formulation R&D at Mary Kay, with prior experience at L'Oréal Research and Innovation.
I specialize in color cosmetics, skincare, and haircare formulation with expertise in emulsion technology, polymer science, and advanced characterization techniques. Creative, analytical, and deeply conversant with global beauty trends.
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/469,164 (May 2023)
Experience
Scientist, Product Formulation R&D
Mary Kay Inc.
Dallas, Texas
- Created new Lengthening Mascara with enhanced length, volume, and curl by engineering interactions between film formers, waxes, fillers, and rheology modifiers
- Developed hand creams optimizing emulsion stability with high essential oil loads while maintaining sensorial performance
- Formulated lip butter balancing occlusivity, glide, and pigment dispersion using multi-phase anhydrous systems
- Engineered blush sticks using stick base technology, tuning payoff and melting point via wax-oil ratios
- Developed hydrating toner with stable pH profile using humectant-polymer matrix and botanical actives
- Created body lotion with improved spreadability using high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) systems
- Ongoing development of waterproof mascara with water-resistant film-formers
- Reformulated mascara portfolio for global regulatory compliance
Research and Development Executive, Hair Métier
L'Oréal Research and Innovation
Mumbai, India
- Led shade development and evaluation for MATRIX brand expansion in ASEAN markets
- Optimized Shampoo Color product cosmeticity through synergistic polyquat, silicone, and surfactant combinations
- Developed binary charts for color delivery technology, streamlining shade development process
Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant
Manhattan College
Riverdale, NY
- Research: Optimization of the Surface Activity of Biosurfactant-Surfactant Mixtures (Dr. Samiul Amin)
- Graduate assistant for Chemical Engineering Department
Expertise
Formulation
- Color Cosmetics (mascara, lip, blush)
- Skincare (emulsions, toners, lotions)
- Haircare (shampoos, color)
- Emulsion Technology
- Anhydrous Systems
Characterization
- Rheology & Rheometer
- DWS (Diffusing Wave Spectroscopy)
- DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering)
- Tensiometer
- SEM, EDX, DSC
- ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy
Specializations
- Polymer-Surfactant Interactions
- Color Theory & Pigment Selection
- Biosurfactant Systems
- Regulatory Compliance
- Scale-up & Pilot Transfer
Research & Projects
Biosurfactant-Surfactant Mixtures
Optimization of surface activity and rheological response of singular and binary biosurfactant systems. Manhattan College, Dr. Samiul Amin.
Smart Polymers for Hair Repair
Engineering polymer-surfactant interactions for targeted hair repair applications.
Mascara Formulation Optimization
Optimizing polymer characteristics for enhanced volume and curl performance.
Biosurfactant Cleansing Shampoo
Utilizing natural biosurfactant mixtures as sustainable alternatives to conventional surfactants.
Education
Master of Science, Chemical Engineering
Manhattan College, NY
Specialization in Cosmetic Engineering
GPA: 3.53/4.0 (Major GPA: 4.0/4.0)
Coursework: Emulsion Technology, Polymer Science, Advanced Processing Techniques
Bachelor of Engineering, Chemical Engineering
University of Mumbai
GPA: 3.0/4.0
Contact
Interested in connecting or discussing formulation science? Reach out via email: [click to reveal email]