The first thing you should know about April Gargiulo is that she doesn't come from the cosmetics world. The brand's founder was born and raised in Napa Valley, California, more specifically surrounded by her family's vineyards, community spirit, and passion for the land.

JC: What do Gargiulo Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon and a bottle of Vintner's Daughter have in common?

AG: The spirit and passion behind those exquisite wines. It's the same passion that drives me to want to make the best skincare. If I didn't have experience making wine and spent time with Napa Valley people so dedicated to quality, I wouldn't have been able to create Vintner's Daughter. Just like making fine wines, our formulas start with the world's highest-quality botanicals. We then honor that through our proprietary Phyto Radiance Infusion process.

JC: What does it consist of?

We blend and infuse the whole plants for two weeks at a controlled temperature. This way, we achieve the highest possible concentration of nutrients. This infusion method, applied to our products, creates such a level of cohesion and intimacy with the skin that it brings out its best version. There's nothing like it, and it's undoubtedly the soul of Vintner's Daughter.

JC: Two weeks is a long time.

AG: I took my formula to the most prestigious labs in the world. I was rejected time and again, arguing that no product should take more than six hours to produce, let alone the weeks it takes to make each bottle of Vintner's Daughter. I was encouraged to replace my botanicals with synthetic ingredients, powders, and other extracts. “Trust us. It will be cheaper, faster, and better,” they told me. At the time, I was devastated. Thankfully, I didn't take their advice and trusted my own instincts instead. As a result, our products are able to communicate with the skin on a much deeper level, thus enhancing its rejuvenating, healing, brightening, and firming powers. This would never have been possible with synthetic ingredients, powders, and other extracts. To this day, I'm still happy that I stood my ground.

JC: Much of the beauty industry is based on the idea that more is better, and if you're not doing a 16-step routine, you're not "taking care of yourself." In this context, has it been difficult for you to introduce a two-product line?

AG: I talk a lot about our philosophy of Less is better . Two expensive products that are truly worth every penny due to the results they deliver and the quality they adhere to are better for your skin (and the world) than a drawer full of ineffective, cheaper products riddled with synthetics and cheap toxins. We all need to let go of the idea that more is better. I find it incredibly difficult too, but we must keep in mind that even our small choices can make a big difference.

JC: Your second product took six years to arrive. That's a rarity in today's market dynamics.

AG: For a product to carry the "Vintner's Daughter" label, it must be revolutionary, define a new skincare category, and offer a multitude of benefits and results. We have very high expectations, and achieving them takes years of work. We don't believe in the endless cycle of "what's new," which only serves to create confusion. We believe in products that communicate so deeply with your skin that they become products you won't want to live without. It's a lofty aspiration, driven by skin health, balance, and, ultimately, confidence.

JC: Although they're used interchangeably, "hydrate" and "moisturize" don't mean the same thing, and your brand puts a lot of emphasis on that.

AG: Yes, knowing the difference can unlock insight into what your skin really needs. It's simple: water hydrates and oil moisturizes. Hydrating means increasing the skin's water content, while moisturizing is about sealing in moisture and strengthening the skin's barrier function. Healthy skin requires both.

JC: The yin and yang of skin care.

AG: Exactly! Our two formulas create a perfect synergy. On the one hand, the aqueous formula Active Treatment Essence It penetrates deeply into the skin with highly hydrating agents like micro and mini hyaluronic acid. The water content of our cells will instantly increase, and the skin will acquire a soft, healthy appearance. Plus, thanks to its rich vitamin C and stem cell content, it will immediately revive the skin's natural glow, promote collagen production, and perform a gentle—but highly effective—exfoliation.

JC: And after hydrating, it's time to moisturize.

AG: The formula in oil Active Botanical Serum is the ultimate nourishing step. Based on potent botanical oils, healing phytonutrients, firming ceramides, antioxidants, minerals, and fatty acids, it strengthens and replenishes the skin barrier to completely seal in the hydration previously achieved with our essence. And with its more than 60 ingredients, this serum pauses the skin to identify the most vulnerable areas and deliver the power of its active ingredients there. of the products applied previously and subsequently .

JC: Why can your facial oil be considered a serum?

AG: As a general rule, oil is a product that stays on the skin's surface, so we apply it last. However, even though Active Botanical Serum It has the consistency of an oil, and its penetration and effectiveness on the skin are the same as those of a high-potency serum. Unlike facial oils, it's not at all thick—quite the opposite.

JC: What results can we expect? And when can we start seeing them?

AG: The results begin to be noticed immediately in the tone, brightness, and firmness of the skin. The effects of its anti-inflammatory and balancing action on problems such as redness, acne, and rosacea can also be seen very quickly. Just as when you follow a natural and balanced diet, your body becomes healthier, stronger, and more resilient as the days go by, using our nourishing cosmetics will achieve the same effect.

JC: The market is flooded with brands that claim to be clean, respectful of people and the environment. We know Vintner's is, and actively so.

AG: Our purpose goes beyond transforming skin; we want to have a positive impact on the world. Every decision we make is geared toward achieving the highest quality, achieving the best results, and being as sustainable as possible. Our decisions are not based on metrics like margins, profits, or revenue. We prioritize long-term achievements over immediate benefits. This is how we can ensure that we work exclusively for the benefit of our consumers and in harmony with the environment.

JC: In a few words, what does aging mean to you?

AG: For me, aging is a privilege . Traditionally, the beauty industry has been based on creating fear or issues around skin. I hope to bring to light what beauty truly is: positive confidence and a sense of connection with oneself.

*** The jcApotecari test ***

The best skincare advice you've ever received?

Understand the difference between moisturizing and hydrating and how both are necessary in skin care.

A beauty secret?

Meditate.

A destination?

José Ignacio, Uruguay

A book you recommend?

"Buddhist Economics" by Clair Brown or "The Clamor of the Forests" by Richard Powers.

An Instagram account to follow?

@folia_folia

A person who inspires you?

Anita Roddick, the visionary founder of The Body Shop, one of the first businesses to embrace fair sourcing and cruelty-free practices in its supply chain. Her commitment to our health and that of the planet has been an inspiration to me since I was a child.

You don't leave home without...

My tea.

Do you follow any mantra?

Always be grateful.

What is the key to success in life for you?

Feel satisfied and balanced.