SkinMedica Names John Garruto Founding Formulation Scientist

CARLSBAD, Calif., April 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SkinMedica, the fastest growing professional skin care company in the United States, today announced the appointment of John Garruto to the position of Founding Formulation Scientist. Mr. Garruto will be responsible for formulation development and product testing at the company.

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Mr. Garruto has been a formulating chemist and technical consultant to the personal care industry for over 30 years. He holds multiple patents spanning the area of personal care and related science. Mr. Garruto is past Chairman of the California Chapter of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists where he serves as a current board member and a frequent lecturer and instructor to the beauty industry.

"We are delighted to formally welcome John to the SkinMedica team following a decade of close collaboration. His brilliant insights and deep expertise have long been a tremendous asset to us and we look forward to transitioning John and the outstanding team at Free Radical Technology into our operations full time," said Mary Fisher, CEO. "I am confident his addition to SkinMedica will substantially enhance our ability to develop and launch innovative new products and product platforms."

Mr. Garruto was founder and President of Free Radical Technology, a firm specializing in the formulation of more than one thousand globally marketed personal care products; including color cosmetics, skin care, hair care, OTC products, as well as spa and treatment formulations. In addition, he has designed, built and managed various cosmetic manufacturing and research facilities nationwide.

Mr. Garruto is a featured lecturer to the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, Health & Beauty America (HBA), Beauty Industry West, International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conferences and numerous other professional and private organizations. He is a frequent consultant to beauty publications as well as news organizations such as FOX Communications and CBS. In addition, he is a published author with articles appearing in many technical publications such as Cosmetic & Toiletries, Cosmetic Surgery Times and Happi.

"I've been involved with SkinMedica since its inception, and have collaborated with its founder, Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick, for over 20 years, which makes taking a more active role in the company especially fulfilling for me," said Mr. Garruto. "I have always believed that the future of personal skin care and aesthetics rests with focused scientific research, well defined endpoints and highly detailed clinical testing. This is precisely the approach taken at SkinMedica and why I am so proud to be part of this fast-growing, dynamic company."

About SkinMedica

SkinMedica, Inc. is focused on developing, acquiring and commercializing products that treat dermatologic conditions and improve the appearance of skin. The Company markets and sells to physicians, with a focus on aesthetics, both prescription and non-prescription skin care products. The Company's full line of aesthetic skin care products includes the revolutionary TNS Essential Serum™ and hallmark TNS Recovery Complex®. The formulations in the Company's clinical skin care collection enhance skin appearance, reduce signs of aging and provide other skin care benefits.

SkinMedica's prescription products include VANIQA® (eflornithine hydrochloride) Cream, 13.9%, the only FDA-approved prescription product for the reduction of unwanted facial hair in women and EpiQuin® Micro Cream (4% hydroquinone) for hyperpigmentation, or "brown spots" that commonly result from aging, inflammation or sun exposure.

SkinMedica is based in Carlsbad, California. For more information, visit: www.skinmedica.com.

TNS Recovery Complex®, VANIQA®, EpiQuin® Micro, and SkinMedica®, are registered trademarks of SkinMedica, Inc and affiliates.

SOURCE SkinMedica, Inc.