Caroline A. Guetta has made her mark in research and development and now serves as the assistant vice president for makeup at L’Oréal. She began her journey with the company in 2015 as a senior chemist for eye products, sharpening her expertise in product formulation and development.
Over the years, Ms. Guetta advanced through various leadership roles in research and innovation at L’Oréal, including group leader for eye products from 2018 to 2020, manager for the eye lab in 2021, and director for eye makeup from 2021 to 2023, followed by a role as director for face makeup from 2023 to 2024. In her current role, she oversees and manages her team, collaborating closely with marketing and product development departments to ensure their creations align with business needs. Ms. Guetta focuses on developing strategies, identifying customer needs, and working with the innovation team to stay ahead of trends and remain a leader in the market. As a passionate professional coach in her field, she recently started an Instagram with the handle momentumcoaching_cg to expand her reach beyond referrals.
Before joining L’Oréal, Ms. Guetta gained experience in the cosmetics industry through various research and development roles. She served as a research and development chemist at Ariel Laboratories from 2012 to 2015, a cosmetic chemist at Aixallia in 2011, a summer intern at a dermopharmacology and cosmetology laboratory in 2010, and an intern at the National Center for Scientific Research in 2009. Moreover, she is actively involved with civic organizations. Ms. Guetta volunteers with the Society of Cosmetic Chemists and contributes her time to children’s schools, reflecting her dedication to community engagement and support.
Ms. Guetta laid a strong academic foundation with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and a Bachelor of Science in biology from Paris-Sud University, both earned in 2010. She continued her education with a Master of Science in pharmaceutical and cosmetic sciences from Paris-Sud University in 2011 and a Master of Science in chemistry from the University of Le Havre in 2012. Ms. Guetta has pursued continued professional development through certifications, including earning an Adapt Your Leadership Style certificate from Macquarie University in 2022, a certificate in coaching skills for managers from the University of California Davis, and a certificate in influence and persuasion in leadership from the Harvard Division of Continuing Education.
Reflecting on her path, Ms. Guetta recognizes the profound growth she has experienced during her time at L’Oréal. She has built lasting relationships with exceptional colleagues and gained invaluable insights from industry experts, many of whom she now considers close friends. A defining influence in her career has been her first boss and longtime mentor, Nadine, who is now vice president of the consumer products division. The lessons Ms. Guetta learned from her guidance continue to shape her professional journey.
One of Ms. Guetta’s most notable achievements is the launch of Sky High Mascara by Maybelline. At the time, she was a relatively new manager, but her contributions helped make the launch a major success for the brand. Since its release, Sky High Mascara has remained the number-one mascara for several years, marking a significant milestone for Maybelline and cementing Ms. Guetta’s impact in the industry. She attributes her success to curiosity and a strong commitment to learning, values instilled by her mother, who emphasized the importance of education. Her curiosity has driven her to continually develop herself while also supporting the growth of others. This dedication to knowledge has remained a guiding principle throughout her career.
Outside of her career, Ms. Guetta enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, as well as skiing, swimming, and coaching. She is fluent in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, English, Japanese, and Hebrew. Looking ahead, she is dedicated to making a significant impact within the company. Ms. Guetta’s long-term goal is to lead an entire division or take on a similar role that allows her to influence both her teams and the organization on a larger scale.
Ms. Guetta’s favorite part of her profession is seeing products on the market. She believes that strong motivation is essential for anyone starting in the industry. While some find fulfillment in the creative process or the development journey, her drive comes from bringing a product to completion. She remains restless until it reaches the shelf, knowing that all the hard work has led to something tangible and accessible to consumers.