When APR Beauty’s founder, Irene Zheng, describes her company, she starts with the meaning behind its name: Action. Perfection. Revolution. Those three words capture not just the brand’s initials, but its philosophy, one that has transformed a young company into a global beauty solutions provider competing with industry giants decades older.Photo of Irene Zhang, Founder of APR Beauty
Founded in 2019, APR Beauty delivers end-to-end beauty solutions, from packaging design and formulation to filling and distribution. What began as a small team with big ideas has become a trusted partner for major cosmetics and skincare brands worldwide. “We’re competing with companies that have been around for 50 or 100 years,” Zheng says. “But our advantage is that we’re not tied to old systems or old ways of thinking.”
Innovation and Sustainability at the Core
That forward-looking mindset is evident in everything APR Beauty does. The company’s products are vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated with clean, sustainable materials, while its packaging reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility. “We design everything with innovation in mind, not just what’s trending now, but what will make sense years from today,” Zheng explains.
APR’s research and design teams are encouraged to explore freely, a culture Zheng says is key to their success. “We don’t micromanage. Our people are experts in what they do, and we trust them to experiment,” she says. That freedom is turning into tangible results: the company plans to expand its SPF and powder product lines while increasing its R&D budget to support new formulations and sustainable packaging breakthroughs.
A New Home Built for Growth
In 2025, APR Beauty relocated to a 100,000-square-foot refurbished facility in Richmond Hill, marking a significant milestone in its growth. The new site includes a 20,000-square-foot Research and Innovation Laboratory, expanding the company’s production and creative capabilities.
For Zheng, Richmond Hill proved to be the ideal location. “It’s a great spot for attracting talent,” she says. “And the City’s economic development team has been incredibly supportive, helping us navigate programs and building challenges.” The result is a modern facility that reflects both the company’s ambitions and the community’s strength as a hub for innovation.
Culture of Collaboration and Joy
APR’s success isn’t just about what they make, it’s about how they work. Zheng describes a workplace where collaboration, curiosity, and kindness drive performance. “People who join us often say it feels different here,” she says. “They’re excited to come to work. It’s creative, fast-paced, and genuinely happy.”
That energy, combined with Richmond Hill’s skilled workforce and global connectivity, positions APR Beauty for a bright future. With plans to grow its research capacity and deepen its sustainability efforts, the company is proving that innovation and compassion can coexist beautifully.
As Zheng puts it: “Action, Perfection, Revolution aren’t just words. They’re the reason we’re here, and why we chose Richmond Hill to grow.”
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City of Richmond Hill
https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/business/innovation-in-action.aspx