Science, Skin and Australian Innovation:
Terri Jones Shares the Synergie Skin Story at NSS Sydney
Story and Photography by Jarred Stedman for Mocha Beauty Magazine
The halls of the International Convention Centre Sydney were buzzing with conversation, innovation and education as the Non-Surgical Symposium (NSS) returned to Sydney this weekend, bringing together some of the most respected voices in aesthetics, skincare and cosmetic medicine. As Australasia’s leading event for non-surgical aesthetics, NSS continues to provide a platform for evidence-based education, emerging technologies and clinical best practice across the industry.
Among the many experts sharing their knowledge was Terri Jones, the cosmetic chemist, skin scientist and founder behind Australian skincare brand Synergie Skin.
Speaking with Mocha Group General Manager Jarred Stedman during the symposium, Jones reflected on a journey that has seen her transform a scientific background into one of Australia’s most recognised professional skincare brands.
“I’ve been in the industry for about 25 years,” she explained. “
My background is in human physiology, immunology and microbiology, and later I studied cosmetic chemistry.
That combination ultimately led me to formulating products and creating Synergie Skin more than 20 years ago.”
The story behind the brand is one that many entrepreneurs will recognise. Rather than entering the market with the intention of building a global company, Jones simply wanted to create products that she felt were missing for her own family.
“I couldn’t find what I wanted, and I couldn’t find what my children needed,” she said. “Like many founders, I started creating what I couldn’t find.”
That philosophy has since evolved into a business that manufactures in Australia while supplying professional skincare solutions internationally. The achievement is something Jones remains particularly proud of.
“For me, it’s more than just creating products now,” Terri said.
“It’s about creating business in Australia, manufacturing here in Melbourne and building awareness of Australian innovation overseas.
We often underestimate ourselves, but Australian brands really do punch above their weight.”
Stedman complemented that by adding “The heartbeat behind Mocha Beauty is to utilise its published magazine, online stories, social media reach, podcasts, and Australian and New Zealand Beauty Industry Awards (ABIA’s)
to highlight, connect and unite our industry to help it move forward for the future, entice the next generation of dermal therapist, nurses aestheticians to come into the industry and know how incredible it is,
to reinforce the career pathways that this industry can offer – or for a brighter future of where we can go.”
Built on Science
Synergie Skin is focused on the scientific foundation behind its development. According to the company’s philosophy, every formulation is guided by evidence, ingredient efficacy and ethical manufacturing principles. The brand has become known for its commitment to what it describes as “Clean Science” a combination of active ingredients, clinical research and transparent formulation.
When asked what makes the range unique, Jones distilled the answer into three key principles.
“For me, it’s about dosage, delivery and data,” she explained.
“The dosage has to be sufficient to make a difference. The delivery system has to get those ingredients to the target cells, and the data needs to support the claims. When you combine those three things, you create products that can genuinely complement professional treatments and support clients in their home-care routines.”
The emphasis on professional outcomes aligns closely with the growing expectations of today’s skincare consumers. Increasingly, clients are seeking products supported by science, and practitioners are looking for home-care solutions that integrate with in-clinic treatment plans.
This shift was evident throughout NSS, where education focused heavily on measurable outcomes, treatment planning and long-term skin health rather than quick fixes.
Professional Skincare’s Evolving Role
For dermal therapists and skin professionals across Australia and New Zealand, one of the most significant themes emerging from the symposium was the growing importance of practitioner-led skincare recommendations.
As technologies continue to evolve and treatment options become increasingly sophisticated, the relationship between in-clinic procedures and home care is becoming more interconnected.
Terri believes professional skincare should serve as an extension of clinical treatments rather than a standalone category.
