Alanna Tran is a UC Berkeley graduate from the class of 2020. She is also the founder and Chief Scientist of BiotechBeauty, a pioneering brand dedicated to science-powered sustainability within skin-improving makeup products.
At UC Berkeley, Tran majored in Integrative Human Biology, delving deeply into molecular biology and biochemistry. As a pre-med student, she was surprised to find that these subjects ignited her passion for creating beauty products that prioritize skin health on the micro-level. “Although I didn’t create my company until after I graduated, I attribute my inspiration for entrepreneurship to my time at Berkeley,” Tran shared. “I always wanted to challenge my own potential because I was part of a community of innovators and visionaries, and Berkeley excites and prepares all of us to push the boundaries of our fields.”
Unlike many of her peers who engaged with the startup culture through organizations like SkyDeck and Y Combinator, Tran’s entrepreneurial spirit was cultivated through hands-on scientific research. As a freshman, she joined biology professor Alan Shabel’s lab, where she was introduced to methodical experimentation and problem-solving—skills that have significantly shaped the development of BiotechBeauty’s clinically validated makeup products. Tran fondly recalls, “In the Shabel lab, I learned that if we don’t have the answers, we should seek them out ourselves rather than wait for solutions.”
In addition to her academic pursuits, Tran was involved in extracurriculars such as BEACN (Bay Area Environmentally Aware Consulting Network) and Aurum Cosmetics. BEACN, a sustainability-focused consulting club, broadened her understanding of socially responsible business, while Aurum Cosmetics connected her with a vibrant community of beauty product development and marketing enthusiasts. As a member of the research committee at Aurum, she had her first taste of hands-on formulation on the lab bench, which she later continued as a Clean Beauty Cosmetic Chemist at a Bay Area-based biotechnology company. These experiences and her exposure to peers’ dedication to social justice and equity solidified Tran’s commitment to making high-performance, clinically backed beauty products accessible to all.
Since founding BiotechBeauty in March 2023, Tran has focused on refining and independently testing her formulas while exploring opportunities with investors. Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? Break complex goals into manageable pieces. “Starting a company can seem overwhelming. Focus on one task at a time—define your target demographic today, trademark your name tomorrow, and so on,” She advises. “Progress comes from consistent, daily efforts and continuing to tackle challenges as they arise.”