Dr. Rosemarie Ingleton is a Jamaican immigrant who defied barriers to become a leading dermatologist. Today, she’s celebrated not only in dermatology with her eponymous practice but also as the founder of the thriving skincare line, Rose Ingleton MD. Her inspiring journey from ambitious physician to influential entrepreneur highlights grit, passion, and self-belief, reflecting a life spent transforming challenges into triumphs.
Ingleton’s path began with a leap of faith, moving to the U.S. as a teenager determined to pursue medicine. Initially unsure about dermatology, her interest was piqued just before graduating from medical school. She had to navigate this highly competitive !eld without mentors but achieved a landmark accomplishment by becoming the first Black dermatologist to complete her residency program.
Her professional life took another turn after working in a suburban dermatology group, where she quickly realized she wanted a different practice model. “I did not enjoy working in that structure,” she remembers. Unfazed, she took a bold step, establishing her own practice in New York’s Soho neighborhood. “I had no prior business experience but decided to step out on the entrepreneurial road,” she explains. Her practice grew rapidly, and she eventually moved to a larger space to meet patient demand.
Her drive to innovate continued with the launch of Rose Ingleton MD. “The line was created because clinical skincare lines didn’t reflect my diverse patient base or meet their needs,” she says. Now, her products are accessible online and at major retailers like Sephora and Thirteen Lune, as it’s her mission to make inclusive skincare accessible.
Balancing her thriving dermatology practice with her skincare line is no small feat, but her small, dedicated team provides crucial support. “It’s a challenging juggle, but I’m doing it,” she says. Her interactions with patients provide inspiration, as she finds joy in seeing their clinical results. She also recharges by spending time at her Hudson Valley cottage or in Jamaica, both of which offer reflection and peace.
Ingleton emphasizes the importance of planning in her journey. “I think things through before acting,” she notes, using a Moleskine notebook to outline her ideas. With the help of trusted advisors, she tackled the legal and logistical steps of launching her line. “These advisors guided me through forming the company, feasibility studies, and identifying labs,” she says.
Her journey has been filled with rewarding moments, from her first Vogue feature to an Allure Best of Beauty Award. She’s embraced social media, reaching a global audience on TikTok. “It’s incredible that I can share my expertise with so many people worldwide,” she reflects. Being recognized by fans on her travels is a humbling experience that brings unexpected joy.
Looking ahead, Dr. Ingleton is focused on expanding her product line. Her latest launch, the FutureBright Dark Spot Vitamin C serum, debuted in October 2024, and an exciting new product is set to debut in spring 2025, though details remain under wraps. “We’re investing in clinical trials to uphold our commitment to inclusivity,” she says.
From her pioneering accomplishments to her dedication to diversity in skincare, Dr. Rose Ingleton embodies resilience, vision, and the power of pursuing one’s dreams. Through Rose Ingleton MD, she’s not just crafting products; she’s redefining what inclusive skincare looks like, one meaningful breakthrough at a time.
