On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we highlight the expertise, dedication, and impact of women in scientific fields—including those shaping innovation at CLR. Science is at the core of our work, and our Product Design & Development team brings together three accomplished female scientists who combine research, creativity, and practical application to develop cutting-edge cosmetic solutions. Elvira Ruppel, Dr. Jule Lexa Völzke, and Dr. Iryna Kruse each contribute unique perspectives—from understanding market trends to designing clinical studies—ensuring that our active ingredients meet the highest scientific standards.
Elvira Ruppel – The Trend Tracker
Product Manager at CLR
“Through my experience in the treatment room as a trained beautician, I have gained valuable insights into consumer needs and concerns.”
With over two decades in the cosmetics industry, Elvira Ruppel brings expertise that spans every stage of product development—from formulation science to market strategy. Her career began in a pharmacy, where she advised consumers on dermatological skincare, later training as a beautician to deepen her understanding of skin biology. Her curiosity for the technical side of cosmetics led her to study cosmetic engineering, where she explored the complexities of formulation and production.
Beyond her scientific background, she has worked in both B2C and B2B environments, gaining firsthand insights into consumer expectations, product development, and ingredient positioning. “My experience in direct cosmetic product sales provides me with a deep, consumer-focused understanding of the cosmetics industry.” Having worked closely with both formulators and end users, she understands not only the science behind active ingredients but also how they perform on the skin.
At CLR, she combines trend research with scientific expertise, analyzing global movements—from medicine to fashion—to identify developments that will shape the future of cosmetics. By merging her formulation knowledge with a deep understanding of consumer behavior, she ensures that CLR’s innovations align with both scientific advancements and real-world demands.
Dr. Jule Lexa Völzke – The Science Translator
Manager Product Design & Development at CLR
“Transforming the science behind a product into something intuitively tangible is what makes cosmetic science come alive.”
Jule Lexa Völzke’s expertise lies in translating molecular mechanisms into meaningful skincare innovations. With a background in chemistry, she learned to approach research with precision—analyzing details at the smallest scale. But in her role as Manager Product Design and Development at CLR, she takes a broader perspective, connecting chemistry, biology, applied skin science, and marketing to create effective cosmetic ingredients.
Her approach to product development reflects the complexity of the skin itself. Scientific precision alone is not enough—active ingredients must not only perform on a cellular level but also contribute to a positive skin sensation. “As complex as our marvelous skin is, our way of thinking must be just as multi-layered in the way we develop new, natural, and effective active ingredients for the future.”
At CLR, she ensures that new active ingredients are developed with both scientific rigor and real-world application in mind. By integrating expertise from multiple fields, she helps create innovations that not only improve skin on a biological level but also enhance the way skincare feels and functions in daily life. Her work contributes to making scientific discoveries tangible, bridging the gap between lab research and real-world skincare solution.
Dr. Iryna Kruse – The Data Guardian
Senior Manager Product Design & Development at CLR
“It is important to me that my work is meaningful—making people’s lives easier and more enjoyable while also allowing for creativity.”
Iryna Kruse has always sought a career that is both scientific and practical. She found the perfect balance in cosmetic science, where rigorous data meets real-world application.As a project manager for participant-based studies, she quickly learned how to design studies, define claims, and balance regulatory requirements with scientific and marketing needs. This experience shaped her approach to product validation, ensuring clear, evidence-based claims.
At CLR, she determines which product efficacies should be demonstrated and selects the appropriate study design. Once data is available, she evaluates how well a product performs and how these findings translate into meaningful communication for customers. “I find it rewarding to work for a company where the products truly deliver on their promises. Only then can I fully support and recommend them to our customers.”
She has a deep passion for hair and scalp research, a field she calls “incredibly fascinating.” The growing recognition of scalp health as a key factor in overall well-being is, in her view, one of the most exciting developments in cosmetic science. For Iryna, validating the efficacy of a cosmetic product is not just about data—it’s about helping people feel more confident, comfortable, and connected to themselves.