ASCP Esty Talk: Ep 337 – Simple, Sophisticated Skin Care with Will Parker

Released on July 30, 2025

Introduction and Guest Background

In Episode 337 of ASCP Esty Talk, hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Stasik welcome Will Parker, the founder and formulator of Parker Williams Skincare—a men's skincare line dedicated to simplicity and performance. Will brings a wealth of experience from his previous venture, ColorUp, where he led product development and garnered over 20 industry awards, establishing himself as an innovative force in skincare formulation.

Will Parker's Journey to Formulation

Will's transition into skincare formulation was somewhat serendipitous. Initially pursuing a degree in electrical engineering, his passion for biology and chemistry, combined with his involvement in the emerging cannabis industry in Colorado, sparked his interest in skincare.

Will Parker [03:42]:
"I really enjoyed biology and my chemistry courses. I really love learning about the building blocks of everything around us and how these things interact."

Faced with challenges in creating an unstable massage lotion for ColorUp, Will self-educated in cosmetic sciences, utilizing school resources to stabilize the product. This hands-on problem-solving ignited his passion for formulation, leading him to develop over 40 products for ColorUp over eight years.

Pivoting to Men's Skincare

After parting ways with ColorUp in 2023, Will relocated to Arizona, where the harsh desert climate highlighted the scarcity of effective and straightforward men's skincare products. Frustrated by the limited options that were either overly complex or lacked targeted efficacy, he identified a niche for Parker Williams Skincare.

Will Parker [08:11]:
"Most men out there do not want to, they want affordable skin care. The market for men—anything that has really good targeted results—are usually at the very high end of the price range."

Determined to create a line that is both affordable and effective, Will focused on incorporating functional Southwest ingredients like copper tripeptides and various cactus extracts. His goal was to design a minimalist product range that fits seamlessly into men's busy routines, fostering better skincare habits without overwhelming them.

Challenges and Insights in Formulating for Men

Will emphasized the importance of clean, effective ingredients without unnecessary additives. His approach involves balancing natural and synthetic ingredients to achieve stability and performance.

Will Parker [15:34]:
"We've always been taught, like, real men on your skincare and, you know, like, why are you taking care of yourself like that? That's just not, like, traditionally how men view taking care of their skin especially."

He highlighted a significant shift in the skincare industry towards indie brands and entrepreneurial ventures, noting that while many new companies offer similar ingredient profiles, there's a growing emphasis on education and transparency.

Will Parker [13:03]:
"Consumers are becoming a little more knowledgeable and understanding, you know, even the difference between natural and synthetic."

Evolution of the Skincare Industry

Will observed that the industry has moved away from being dominated solely by major brands to a more diverse landscape where smaller, niche brands thrive. This shift is partly driven by younger entrepreneurs and a demand for specialized products.

Will Parker [13:03]:
"You see a lot more smaller name brands that fall in very specific niches."

Additionally, he addressed the misconception that natural equals better, advocating for a balanced approach that leverages both natural and synthetic ingredients for optimal results.

Will Parker [15:34]:
"Natural is very good, in a lot of cases, it doesn't always equal best."

Lessons Learned in Formulation

One of the most critical lessons Will shared was the importance of documentation and organization in the formulation process. Initially struggling with keeping records, he recognized that meticulous note-taking is essential for replicating and scaling products.

Will Parker [17:25]:
"Document everything, write stuff down, make notes to yourself. It can be a silly note, it can be a serious note."

This practice not only aids in refining formulations but also ensures consistency and accountability as the business grows.

Future of Parker Williams Skincare

As Parker Williams Skincare prepares to launch, Will is excited about the line's ability to reflect the beauty and resilience of the Southwest. The products feature authentic colors and textures derived directly from their functional ingredients, such as the blue hues from copper tripeptide and the desert-inspired wash.

Will Parker [20:06]:
"The serum has these blue hues, and that's from the actual copper tripeptide. There's nothing synthetic."

Will invites listeners to explore the new skincare line through their website and social media channels, promising products that are both personal and effective.

Conclusion

Episode 337 of ASCP Esty Talk offers an insightful look into Will Parker's entrepreneurial journey in men's skincare. From his early days in the cannabis-infused wellness industry to founding Parker Williams Skincare, Will's story underscores the importance of passion, education, and adaptability in creating products that meet real-world needs. His emphasis on clean, effective ingredients and the balance between natural and synthetic components provides valuable lessons for aspiring formulators and skincare professionals alike.

Connect with Will Parker:

• Website: parkerwilliamsskincare.com
• Instagram & Facebook: @ParkerWilliamsSkincare

For more episodes and insights, visit the ASCP Esty Talk Show Notes and stay tuned for future discussions on skincare science, business, and diversity.