"Time is an important ingredient"

April Gargiulo, founder of Vintner's Daughter, is considered one of the most consistent voices for high-quality, plant-based skincare. Growing up in Napa Valley and influenced by the craft of fine winemaking, she has a clear mission: to develop fewer, but better products that do not change the skin superficially, but strengthen it sustainably. With her uncompromising attitude towards quality, time and responsibility, she has created a brand that challenges the industry - and enjoys cult status worldwide.

Niche Beauty: You come from the world of fine winemaking. How has this tradition influenced your work on Vintner's Daughter?

April Gargiulo: Very strongly. In Napa Valley, I learned that true quality requires patience, respect and care. There are no shortcuts in viticulture - and that's exactly how we formulate our products. Every plant, every infusion, every step is characterized by this uncompromising approach. This enables us to really reach the skin at a deep level and strengthen it in the long term.

Niche Beauty: You talk about "Nutritional Skincare™". What does this term mean to you?

April Gargiulo: It means providing the skin with real, complex nutrients from whole plants - vitamins, minerals, omegas, phytonutrients. These are building blocks that the skin recognizes immediately. Very few people want to nourish their bodies with highly processed foods. Why should we do this for our skin, our largest organ?

Niche Beauty: Your formulations are based on the three-week Phyto Radiance Infusion™. Why is this time-consuming process worth it?

April Gargiulo: Because it preserves the full power of the plants. We infuse whole plants slowly for 21 days to preserve their full nutrient spectrum. In a world that favors fast production, we consciously invest in depth, integrity and time. This is exactly what the skin feels.

Niche Beauty: Your philosophy is "less, but better". What is behind it?

April Gargiulo: If a product really offers many benefits, you don't need a whole range of different creams and serums. Good formulations make skincare simpler, clearer and more lasting. Less layers, less confusion, less waste - but healthier, balanced skin in the long term.

Niche Beauty: You also apply strict criteria when it comes to sourcing. How do you select your producers?

April Gargiulo: We pay attention to genuine, sustainable agriculture: native soils, minimal intervention, fair working conditions and absolute transparency. "Plant-based" alone is not enough - it has to be good for the earth, for the people and for the plant. Our B Corp certification confirms this attitude.

Niche Beauty: Speaking of which, you are Leaping Bunny certified. Why was that non-negotiable for you?

April Gargiulo: Because for me it's a question of integrity. If we take respectful care of the skin, this respect must also apply to development and production. The industry can do completely without animal testing - and I hope that this will prevail in the future.

Niche Beauty: You donate 2% of every order to organizations for women and children. What influenced your decision?

April Gargiulo: I grew up with the awareness that you give back. This principle was part of my family long before it was part of my brand. That's why giving back is firmly anchored in our business model - not as marketing, but as a responsibility.

Niche Beauty: What results can customers realistically expect?

April Gargiulo: Immediately a radiant, vibrant glow - our community often talks about a natural "blurring" effect. Over time, the skin becomes more balanced, calm, plump and radiant. Lines, pigmentation and texture visibly improve. Because our products are based on real nourishment, the results deepen week after week.

Niche Beauty: Your collection deliberately consists of only three products. Will that change soon?

April Gargiulo: Only if we can create something that really sets new standards. Expansion for the sake of expansion contradicts our philosophy. Our trio stands for uncompromising quality in its most concentrated form.

Niche Beauty: What do you wish for the future of the beauty industry?

April Gargiulo: Less "more, faster, newer" - more "better, more conscious, more responsible". Formulations that really respect the skin, cultivation that protects ecosystems, business models that have an impact. The industry has the potential to go far beyond aesthetic changes.

Niche Beauty: And finally: What is the most important winemaking lesson in each of your formulations?

April Gargiulo: Time. Time is an important ingredient. Neither wine nor skincare can be rushed. When we give nature the space it needs, something truly extraordinary emerges.

Thank you!