When KGA Body faced an unexpected shortage of PLA, an ingredient essential to their best-selling product, founder Kelly George didn’t back down. Instead of seeing it as a setback, she used the challenge to improve and innovate. In this interview, we explore how the crisis reshaped her approach to ingredient sourcing, revealed hidden vulnerabilities in the beauty industry, and led to a better-than-ever product lineup. Here’s why this turning point is crucial for KGA Body—and what it means for the future of sustainable beauty.

• How did KGA Body first react when you discovered the PLA shortage was threatening your product line?

Initially I was shocked because id chosen this particular ingredient based on its bio-friendly status – I mean this ingredient is used in surgical implants so to hear it was both used in the vaping industry and that it was now considered a microplastic was surprising to me.  

• Were there moments when you thought this could be the end of certain KGA Body products?

No, this affected our number 1 selling product – The Glycolic Body Polish, so I was determined from the start to use this as an opportunity to make the product even better.

• How has this crisis changed your perspective on ingredient sourcing and the fragility of the beauty industry?

I have a much better understanding of all of the individual ingredients in my formulations now – I know if those ingredients are used in other types of products or industries. Prior to this I relied on the chemists who I use to formulate, but I’ve learned they’re not looking forward for my brand, they are just the scientists. I need to be prepared for what’s coming ahead and I feel I’m not better equipped to do that.

• Do you see this shortage as a wake-up call for the entire beauty industry, and could it happen again?

I think it’s an indication that as an industry we need to be focused on green alternatives and ways in which we can be environmentally mindful and sustainable, but I also think when it comes to science-based products there will always be an overlap of ingredients and uses and we just need to better understand where and how our active ingredients are being used.

• With the NSW Government’s ban on PLA, do you think other states or countries might follow suit, shaking up beauty formulations globally?

Yes I think it’s highly likely other governments will follow. This already impacts international brands as they have had to pull any products with this ingredient from shelves.

• What’s the biggest risk you’ve faced with the urgent reformulation, and did you fear losing loyal customers over it?

We were incredibly lucky with the timing of this. We needed to restock the product just as the shortage occurred so we were at the forefront of reformulating. Then add to it that PLA was banned as an ingredient for environmental safety a few months into our reformulation process meant we had already sourced alternative ingredients and were in the final stages of reformulation when other brands would have been just starting to look at alternate ingredients.

• How has the PLA shortage exposed vulnerabilities in the beauty industry that most brands don’t want to talk about?

I can only speak for my own brand, and as mentioned I selected PLA based on its bio-friendly status at the time. I think the lesson is to always be ready to pivot and to have a team of chemists that can advise on alternative ingredients.

• Was there a moment you thought, ‘We might not bounce back from this’?

Honestly, no. While frustrating, I was genuinely excited to use it as an opportunity to make our products better. When I first formulated the range we were working with a very small budget. However, 5 years on we had a little more to explore a more luxurious feel to the formula and I am SO happy with the new products!

• What’s next for KGA Body – could this crisis be the catalyst that makes your brand even stronger?

Yes! The process of reformulating was so great, we are now doing the same with our Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum so we can improve elements of that product too!