Founder's Profile

Upon graduation from California Polytechnic State University with a Bachelor of Science in Food Technology, Cary Monroe started her career as a quality control technician and microbiologist for Jafra Cosmetics and later, Vidal Sassoon. Cary never imagined that these early experiences would prepare her to become one of the most highly respected cosmetic research and development chemists in the U.S.

But over the nearly 30 years since, Cary's creative genius for blending the finest traditions of herbalism with cutting-edge biotechnology has profited many contract manufacturers, including Randall International, Innovative Body Science, Acqua, EcoLogix, McKenna Labs, and Free Radical Technology..

Cary's highest formulation achievement—Golfer's Defense®—is the only sports sunscreen ever to receive U.S. patent protection. This proprietary UVA / UVB inhibitor is renowned in the cosmetics industry for its ability to dry to a smooth, powdery finish within seconds of application, leaving hands free of the slippery residue characteristic of all conventional sunscreens.

Innumerable five-star resort and spas also have benefited from Cary's developments, which include aromatherapy lines, certified organic lines, hair care lines, SPF products, spa treatment products, and dermatological skin care products.

In 2005, Cary began retailing her exceptionally high quality products under her own ApotheCaryLab label. All ApotheCaryLab products incorporate naturally derived raw materials combined with the latest technologically advanced ingredients.