Meet Australia's Groundbreaking New Skincare Brand Poetry Skincare's CEO and Founder Michelle Driver

Starting with your background; can you chat through how you got started in the beauty industry?

MICHELLE DRIVER: Prior to founding Poetry Skincare I had a career in innovation with large European companies and developed a passion and a relentless curiosity for continuous improvement in science and technology. But it wasn’t until my wife developed sensitive skin, especially during her pregnancy that I brought together my passion for science, and my instinct for care, and developed the most nourishing, deep-down effective skin care to rejuvenate her beloved’s skin from the inside out. 

I founded Poetry Skincare to create products that are evidence-based and natural so people wouldn’t have to compromise," says Michelle Driver. "My partner’s struggle with sensitive skin inspired me to develop formulations that are both effective and gentle. This personal challenge highlighted the need for high-performance skincare that respects the skin's natural balance.

I genuinely believe that the efficacy behind our products can change people’s lives," Driver continues. "This is especially true for skincare concerns such as sensitive and mature skin, which can deeply affect a person’s self-confidence.

Poetry is a family-run business, with the love and passion of skincare formulating handed down from generation to generation. These days, you’ll find me enjoying time either with my partner and family, tinkering with formulas in the lab or collaborating with the best in biodegradable packaging to create a product that represents the deepest care in every way possible.

What was most important to you when starting Poetry Skincare / What was your biggest goal for the brand?

MICHELLE DRIVER: When I started Poetry Skincare, the most important thing to me was to create a line of products that genuinely made a difference, especially for those with sensitive and mature skin. I saw firsthand how difficult it was for my partner to find skincare that was both effective and gentle, and I knew there had to be a better way.

My biggest goal for the brand was to bridge the gap between high-performance skincare and natural ingredients. I wanted to ensure that our products were not only luxurious and effective but also safe for everyone to use, regardless of skin type. This meant rigorous  testing to validate the performance of each product, ensuring that they delivered results without compromising skin health.

Additionally, I aimed to build a brand that was rooted in sustainability. From the very beginning, I committed to reducing waste and using eco-friendly packaging. Our Poetry Skincare Circular Recycling Model initiative, which encourages customers to recycle through curbside, is a key part of this commitment. I wanted to create a brand that not only cared for its customers’ skin but also took responsibility for its impact on the environment.

Ultimately, my goal was to empower people to feel confident in their skin, knowing that they don’t have to choose between efficacy and natural ingredients. Poetry Skincare is about celebrating each individual’s unique skin story and providing the tools to enhance their natural beauty.

You’ve launched with three impressive products in your collection. Can you walk us through each product?

When I developed the Nourishing Cleansing Oil, my goal was to create a product that embodies the essence of Poetry Skincare—natural, luxurious, and transformative. This powerful yet gentle cleansing oil and waterproof makeup remover has been meticulously engineered with our Enhanced BioMolecular Clarifying Complex™. This innovative complex seamlessly integrates natural ingredients to operate across various skin functions, delivering comprehensive skincare benefits that truly transform the skin.

The Nourishing Cleansing Oil is made from the finest natural ingredients, which effortlessly remove waterproof makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and grime. What sets this cleanser apart is its ability to clean the skin deeply while leaving it soft and nourished, without stripping away its natural moisture or leaving an oily residue. It provides the perfect foundation for the rest of your skincare routine, ensuring your skin is dewy, radiant, and healthier.

We’ve also included a complimentary muslin face cloth with every bottle, enhancing the cleansing experience and ensuring you receive the maximum benefits from this exceptional product.

By incorporating this cleansing oil into your daily regimen, you’ll experience the unique power of natural ingredients working in harmony with your skin’s needs. It’s a testament to our commitment to developing intelligent, creative formulations that support and enhance your skin’s natural beauty.

With my Intensely Hydrating Serum, I crafted this formula for everyone who's asked for a powerful, natural-looking alternative to Botox. Mimicking the effects of Botox by filling and plumping the skin, leading to a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It's finally here, giving you the results you desire without compromising on a natural appearance. Let's redefine beauty, one drop at a time!"

I'm thrilled to introduce our latest innovation—the Hydrator Synergy Complex™. This advanced formulation is designed to deliver profound hydration and target the multifaceted processes of skin aging and hyperpigmentation, improving the appearance and feel of skin texture, pore size, wrinkles, and fine lines, leaving you with youthful, glowing skin.

Our Hydrator Synergy Complex™ features not one, but two types of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, panthenol, and peptides. This powerful combination ensures deep hydration and uniquely targets hyperpigmentation. The dual-action hyaluronic acid works synergistically to provide immediate and long-lasting moisture, while niacinamide and panthenol enhance skin barrier function and soothe irritation.

The inclusion of potent peptides that mimic Laminin-5 is a game-changer. These peptides enhance the adhesion and migration of keratinocytes, the predominant cells in the epidermis, and promote collagen growth, particularly types I and III. These types of collagen are essential for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Backed by years of scientific research, these heptapeptides stimulate cellular activities that reinforce the skin’s structural integrity and facilitate faster skin repair and regeneration. Their Botox-like effect helps to "fill" and "plump" the skin, leading to a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

What truly sets the Hydrator Synergy Complex™ apart is the harmonious blend of ingredients. Each component is carefully selected not only for its individual efficacy but also for its ability to work in concert with the others. This ensures that the hydration delivered is deep, lasting, and multifaceted.

Our commitment to natural beauty is reflected in this fragrance-free formulation, providing effective skincare without unnecessary additives.

When I set out to create the Vitamin A Face Oil, my mission was clear: to develop a product that truly stands out in the world of skincare. This isn't just any face oil. With the powerful ability to stimulate cellular renewal, our Vitamin A Face Oil is a natural alternative to traditional retinols, but without the common side effects.

Our Skin Rejuvenation Complex™ plays a crucial role in repairing and rejuvenating the skin. By enhancing the natural regenerative processes at the cellular level, it aids in the reconstruction of skin tissue, fostering a healthier, more vibrant complexion. This innovative complex is supercharged with antioxidants, fatty acids, vitamins, and natural retinoic acid, which together work to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

This lightweight face oil goes beyond just hydration. It smooths and tones the complexion, delivering firmer, brighter, and more youthful-looking skin. The powerful yet gentle formulation ensures that your skin receives the best care possible, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits of retinol without the irritation.

Creating this product was a labor of love, inspired by the desire to provide a natural, effective solution for everyone, especially those with sensitive and mature skin. I'm proud to offer a product that not only enhances beauty but also respects the skin's natural processes.

Experience the transformative power of our Vitamin A Face Oil and let your skin tell its unique story. One drop at a time, let's redefine beauty together.

 ​​How do you suggest working it into a skincare regime?

Start your routine with our Nourishing Cleansing Oil. This powerful yet gentle cleanser is designed to remove all traces of waterproof makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and grime without stripping your skin's natural moisture. Apply a few pumps of the cleansing oil to dry skin. Gently massage it in circular motions, allowing the oil to break down impurities. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel. Use the complimentary muslin face cloth for an even deeper cleanse and slight exfoliation.

Following your cleanse, apply the Intensely Hydrating Serum. This serum is formulated to deeply hydrate and improve skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. After cleansing, apply a few drops of the serum to your fingertips. Gently press the serum into your skin, focusing on areas that need extra hydration. Allow the serum to absorb fully before moving to the next step.

Finally, complete your routine with our Vitamin A Face Oil. This luxurious oil is packed with antioxidants, fatty acids, vitamins, and natural retinoic acid to promote cellular renewal and enhance skin firmness and brightness. After applying the serum, take a few drops of the face oil and warm it between your palms. Press the oil gently into your skin, ensuring even distribution across your face and neck. Use this oil as part of your evening routine to allow its powerful ingredients to work overnight, rejuvenating your skin.

By following these steps, you’ll create a comprehensive skincare routine that nourishes, hydrates, and revitalizes your skin, providing a radiant and youthful complexion. Each product is designed to complement the others, ensuring your skin receives the maximum benefits from our carefully crafted formulations.