At Mash + Mint, we love speaking with founders who have turned personal inspiration into global success stories. Pauline, the visionary behind Dr Paw Paw, created her brand after searching for a natural solution to soothe her baby daughter’s eczema. What started with one multi-purpose balm has grown into an internationally loved beauty brand known for playful collaborations, cult-favourite products, and a true commitment to inclusivity and purpose. We sat down with Pauline to talk about her journey, skincare essentials, exciting collaborations, and what keeps her inspired.
What inspired you to start Dr Paw Paw, and how did you know it would become a cult-favourite skincare brand?
The inspiration came from my baby daughter, Jasmine, who was suffering with severe eczema. Doctors prescribed steroid creams, but I couldn’t bring myself to use them on her delicate skin. I remembered the PAWPAW fruit from Australia - as I'm originally from there - where it’s widely used in cosmetics for its natural soothing and healing properties.
When I couldn’t find anything similar here in the UK, I decided to create my own solution. Our Original Balm, a 100% natural formula gentle enough for eczema-prone skin. I knew there was a real gap in the market, and from the very beginning I believed this product could truly resonate with people and become a much-loved essential.
Your brand is known for playful collaborations like Paddington Bear, Wicked, and Wednesday, what’s your favourite collaboration so far, and why?
I honestly love them all. We put a lot of thought and care into every partnership, making sure each one aligns with our ethos, values, and the spirit of our brand. We’re very selective and take the time to choose collaborations that truly resonate not just with us, but also with our customers. That’s why every single one feels so special.
Dr Paw Paw is all about multi-purpose products, what’s your personal favourite product, and how do you use it day-to-day?
It’s so hard to pick a favourite because I created each product with a different purpose in mind, and I really do use them all depending on where I’m going and the look I want. That said, our Original Balm will always be the hero for me. It’s the very first formula we created, and its nourishing blend of ingredients forms the base for so many of our other products, from tinted balms to colour-changing sticks.
I use it every single day, for dry lips, cuticles, and hands, and even on my kids if they have a sore patch or a little graze. It’s the ultimate multi-tasker: suitable for all ages, all skin types, dermatologist-approved, paediatrician-approved, and even safe for eczema-prone and sensitive skin. It really is the hardest-working product in our collection.
If you could create a Dr Paw Paw product inspired by any movie, TV show, or character, what would it be and why?
All of the collaborations we’ve released so far are ones we’ve truly wanted to do, and each has been really special. We also have some very exciting ones in the pipeline—some inspired by new characters and trends, others that tap into pure nostalgia. I can’t reveal too much just yet, but there’s lots to look forward to.
Many of your fans love using Dr Paw Paw products on-the-go, what are your top tips for taking care of your skin while travelling?
Our fans love travelling with Dr.PAWPAW because our products are truly multi-purpose, so you can pack lighter without compromising your routine. My number one travel essential is the Original Balm. I never get on a plane without it, it’s a lifesaver for lips, cuticles, and any patches of skin that can get dehydrated, especially mid-flight.
When travelling, you naturally lose more moisture, so one of my favourite tricks is to use the Original Balm as an intensive all-over mask if my skin feels particularly dry.
Another must-have is SPF. Our SPF 50 3-in-1 is perfect for travelling because it works as your primer, moisturiser, and sun protection all in one.
What does your own skincare routine look like, and how do you make it fun and sustainable?
I was so excited to create my own skincare line because it meant I could design products that not only worked for me but also delivered exactly what our customers were asking for. My routine is all about keeping things effective yet simple. I start with our 3-in-1 Cleansing Balm, which melts away everything, including waterproof mascara, in one step. Then I always use our 4-in-1 Serum, which combines four powerful benefits in a single formula, saving time without compromising results.
For hydration, I rely on our moisturisers enriched with papaya and hyaluronic acid. They give both instant and long-lasting moisture, many moisturisers don’t always sink in deep enough for that long-lasting result. For me, that’s what makes skincare fun and sustainable: products that multitask, save time, and actually work.
How do you balance creating innovative, playful products while keeping your brand authentic and trustworthy?
From the very beginning, we set out to build a beauty brand with purpose - one that gives back to both people and the planet. That mission has stayed at the heart of everything we do. Sustainability is always a priority, and each year we support a range of charities and volunteer as a team to make a positive impact. On the product side, innovation for us means celebrating our natural hero ingredients while pushing to achieve the highest possible levels of naturality across every formula. This way, we can continue to create fun, exciting products without ever compromising on authenticity or integrity.
Can you share a behind-the-scenes story from a collaboration that your fans might find surprising?
When we were creating marketing content for our Paddington launch, we actually went into the Paddington Experience. To capture everything properly, we had to retrace the steps backwards, which was surprisingly confusing at times! But it was such a fun process, and honestly, a real pinch-me moment. Standing there, surrounded by the sets and then seeing Paddington himself, it genuinely felt like stepping into the film..
For someone new to Dr Paw Paw, which three products would you recommend trying first and why?
I’d start with our Original Balm, it’s our hero product and the ultimate multi-tasker, perfect for lips, cuticles, dry patches, and so much more. Then I’d recommend one of our Tinted Balms. They’re brilliant for adding an instant flush of colour to both lips and cheeks, giving that effortless, healthy glow. And finally, It Does It All, our 7-in-1 hair treatment styler. It smells absolutely delicious, is packed with benefits, and is perfect to use anytime, anywhere. In fact, it’s so loved that we sell one every five minutes!
How do you approach creating products that are suitable for all skin types, and what makes Dr Paw Paw unique in this space?
Inclusivity has been at the heart of Dr.PAWPAW since day one. We’ve always set out to create products that truly everyone can use, regardless of age, skin type, or concern. Our formulas are 100% vegan, natural, and free from animal derivatives - and years ago, we made the decision to remove petroleum jelly from our products too. More recently, clinical trials have confirmed what we always believed: our core range is dermatologist-approved, safe for sensitive and eczema-prone skin, and even paediatrician-approved. What makes us unique is that this commitment to inclusivity isn’t an afterthought, it’s the foundation of everything we do.
Self-care isn’t just about skincare, how do you unwind and take care of yourself at home after a busy day?
My favourite way to unwind is with a long, indulgent bath. Think bath salts, big bubbles, and a face mask while I soak. It’s the perfect way to relax and reset after a busy day. In terms of my daily routine, starting the morning with some exercise really sets the tone for the day and puts me in the right mindset.
Your brand has grown internationally, what’s been the most exciting moment in Dr Paw Paw’s journey so far?
Launching in Australia has definitely been one of the proudest and most exciting milestones for us. As a native Australian, it was always a dream of mine to bring Dr.PAWPAW back home. The market there already has a long history with PAWPAW-based skincare, so to see our range not only stand out but truly thrive over the past two years has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a real full-circle moment.
If you had to pick one Dr Paw Paw product to bring on a desert island, which would it be and why?
I’d have to go with our Lip Balm SPF. It not only protects your lips from the sun, but it’s also packed with those skin-loving ingredients of our Original Balm.
How do you stay inspired and creative when coming up with new product ideas, especially with fun pop culture twists?
Whenever a collaboration comes up, I like to really dive into that world, watch the full series, get to know the characters, and immerse myself in the story. I’m also constantly on social media, seeing what people are talking about and spotting trends as they happen. It’s that mix of really getting into the world we’re collaborating with and staying tuned to what’s current that keeps the ideas fresh and fun.
Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start a skincare or beauty brand with personality and purpose?
My advice would be to look for a real gap in the market, a need that isn’t being met, and have the courage to fill it. Really know who you’re making the product for and do your research. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other founders for advice and support; the beauty industry is incredibly welcoming, and most of us are happy to share insights and cheer each other on. Surround yourself with that community, and always stay true to your brand’s purpose!
Pauline’s story is proof that beauty brands can be fun, purposeful, and transformative all at once. From family-inspired beginnings to becoming a worldwide favourite, Dr Paw Paw continues to deliver products that simplify routines, spark joy, and care for every skin type. With more collaborations and innovations on the horizon, it’s clear Pauline’s journey is just getting started - and we can’t wait to see what Dr Paw Paw does next.
