Beauty Bosses: Lauren & Lisa Goldfaden of GOLDFADEN MD

Lauren and Lisa Goldfaden.

Our latest Beauty Bosses are Lauren and Lisa Goldfaden, the sister-in-law duo behind GOLDFADEN MD—a dermatologist-developed, naturally inspired skincare brand. Originally developed by Lisa’s father, Dr. Gary Goldfaden—a dermatologist of over 40 years who created a line that wouldn’t irritate skin while at the same time imitating the effects of in-office procedures—the company relaunched as a family business with Lisa taking on the role of VP of Marketing and Lauren as VP of Sales for the new and improved product line.

All GOLDFADEN MD products are cruelty-free and vegan, and utilize state-of-the-art technologies with active plant cells and antioxidant-rich botanicals, helping to target a range of skin concerns inspired by Dr. Goldfaden’s dermatology practice. The products are also well-tolerated by those with sensitive skin, and all the packaging has been made with love and care from recyclable materials.

We chatted with Lauren and Lisa, who shared beauty and wellness tips, best advice, success secrets, and more.

When was GOLDFADEN MD founded?

Officially, in 2013, but most of the actual formulas have been given to Dr. G’s patients for over 35 + years! The name means, in German, threads of gold. 

What inspired the creation of the brand?

We realized just how significant preventative at-home skin care could be for Dr. G’s patients and how it could hopefully reduce their need for more extreme corrective measures in-office. There was a void in the skincare marketplace of products that delivered visible anti-aging benefits, but that could be tolerated by sensitive, post-surgical, and allergic skin types. It was clear to us that the world needed a serious yet chemically clean line they could trust, and GOLDFADEN MD would be the answer.

GOLDFADEN MD is the first dermatologist-developed, naturally-inspired skincare brand on the market. It truly bridges what was once a gap between natural luxury and physical strength/dermatologist-formulated skin care. It fills a huge void within the beauty space and one that consumers increasingly demand—they want clean products of the highest quality that deliver on their benefit promise; it’s as simple as that and we went after that void. 

Does GOLDFADEN MD have a hero product?

Lauren: Yes, our Doctor’s Scrub! It was the first product that my father-in-law, Dr. G, ever created as a way to offer his patients an at-home solution to the in-office microdermabrasion treatments being offered. It’s by far the best and most effective at home self-microdermabrasion product that I personally have ever used. 

What are your favorite products from GOLDFADEN MD?

Lauren: GOLDFADEN MD Doctor’s Scrub and GOLDFADEN MD Needle-Less. I just can’t live without them. We just launched a world-wide exclusive sku with Harrods, a jumbo size of our Doctor’s Scrub, so if I had to choose one product that would be constant in my skincare arsenal for the rest of my life, this one would be it!

Where are your products sold?

 In over 350 prestige retail doors (from Space.NK, Credo, QVC to Bloomingdales), in over eight countries globally, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand, to name a few. 

Goldfaden MD is a dermatologist-developed, naturally inspired skincare brand.

Who inspires you?

Lauren: Not one person in particular because I have so many mentors, friends, colleagues and family that inspire me, but I would say that all the people that inspire me have one thing in common—a complete dedication and passion for what they do and perseverance beyond measure, whether that be a stay-at-home mom or a CEO of a company. It’s grit and a drive to make an impact in the world—whatever capacity and field that may live in. That’s what and who inspires me.

Lisa: I am more inspired by the qualities and morals of a person than any one person in particular. Kindness, drive, perseverance, creativity, and vision are all qualities I admire. 

Secret to success?

Lauren: “No” does not mean no forever. It just means “no for now.” That said, never give up. I learned that very early on and it’s been an invaluable lesson that has brought on a tremendous amount of success. 

Lisa: Believe in what you are doing, always be nice, and never burn a bridge. 

Beauty secrets?

Lauren: It’s a total 360-degree approach to wellness and, in my opinion, all of these facets need to be practiced: 7-8 hours of sleep, loads of water, vitamins, wholesome foods, exercise, a solid clean skincare regimen, and facials with Gina Mari. 

Lisa: I try to live a well-rounded healthy lifestyle, which includes exercise, eating a keto diet, and practicing intermittent fasting. I get regular facials with Cecilia Wong in New York where she uses micro current, LED light, and lymphatic facial massage. I use clean skin care and makeup, and try to find happiness in everything as that is the best beauty secret of all. 

Wellness tips?

Lauren: Take time each day for yourself, even if it’s to get up at 5:30 a.m. and meditate for 10 minutes alone before the day gets you beat. It’s so important to check in and stay grounded in your self and mind, because everything from that point forward will go that much smoother. 

Lisa: Invest in Gua Sha for your face and neck to ward off puffiness and toxins, and a dry brush to help with circulation and cellulite. 

Best advice?

Lauren: Don’t try to do everything yourself. Acknowledge your strengths and then build a team that fills in the gaps with what’s needed. We joke about that internally and refer to it as “outsourcing!” Ultimately, it’s about building a solid, well-rounded team. 

Lisa: Surround yourself with people you trust and be open to all opinions. 

Favorite ways to relax?

Lauren: Device-free, hiking in the Santa Monica mountains. 

Lisa: Taking a run outside or sitting by the ocean. 

For more information, visit their website and follow them on Instagram: @goldfadenmd

[Images courtesy of GOLDFADEN MD]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk