Sharad P. Paul is a New Zealand-based skin cancer specialist, family physician, social entrepreneur, author and philanthropist. He has authored works of fiction including novels, poetry, non-fiction books, medical books, and scientific journal articles.
Paul is known for his work in the skincare formulation industry and received the Skincare Anarchy Top Doctor award in 2024. He founded Healthy Skin Lab, a skincare research and manufacturing company, and is known for developing No-Toxî, a topical, anti-wrinkle serum intended as an alternative to botulinum-based or injectable cosmetic treatments. He also founded the Baci FoundationâÂÂa charitable trust that focuses on literacy and health projects in lower socioeconomic schools.
In 2008, Time magazine referred to him as an "open-heart surgeon" and the NZ Herald called him a "Renaissance Man" in recognition of his achievements.
Paul was born in England, and grew up in India. His parents moved to India when he was a child, and he has lived in New Zealand since 1991. He graduated as a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Madras in 1988. He completed a Master of Philosophy in Medical Law and Ethics at the University of Glasgow (2002), followed by a second MPhil research degree at the University of Queensland, where his research centered on skin surgery, biomechanics, and the anatomical principles that underpin skin tension lines.
Paul began his academic career in 1996 as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Auckland, where he developed courses in skin cancer and dermatologic surgery for primary care doctors. In 2005, he joined the School of Medicine at the University of Queensland with a focus on skin cancer surgery in primary care. In 2016, he became an Adjunct Professor at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), where he contributes to interdisciplinary and translational research bridging design, technology, bioengineering, skin biomedical science and personalized healthcare.
He has also contributed to science and education policy as a member of the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO. As of 2025, he serves as the World Dermatology Collaboration Director for Oceania, supporting regional advancement in dermatologic research, dermatologic surgery and practice.
Alongside his academic roles, Paul founded the Skin Surgery Clinic in Auckland in 1996, one of the region's early centers dedicated to the surgical treatment of skin cancer.
He also founded one of the first postgraduate skin cancer training facilities for primary care doctors in Auckland and has been teaching skin cancer surgery workshops since 1996. These skin & cancer Surgery Workshops offer hands-on training in reconstructive techniques, surgical anatomy, flaps and grafts, and wound careâÂÂoften focusing on specific anatomical areas such as the nose or lower limb. These international workshops, designed for primary care doctors as well as experienced clinicians, emphasize practical skills, anatomical review, and collaborative learning.
Paul developed No-Toxî, a topical, non-injectable anti-wrinkle serum intended as an alternative to botulinum-based or injectable treatments. The product, formulated without toxins was evaluated in clinical trials, with results published in the Journal of Clinical & Cosmetic Dermatology. It was a semi-finalist in the 2021 MIT Innovation Awards and is positioned within the facial aesthetics market, which is valued at $13.4 billion and growing at a compound annual rate of 8.8%.
He is also the founder of Healthy Skin Lab, a skincare company that offers a range of dermatologist-tested products. Among them is a tinted moisturizer that was named best in its category by an independent reviewer. The company focuses on cosmetics research and developing evidence-based, non-invasive skincare solutions.
Additionally, Paul previously established the Baci Group, which included a bookstore (Baci Lounge), and the Baci FoundationâÂÂa charitable initiative focused on literacy and health projects.
Paul regularly speaks at international conferences and forums, including the THiNK Festival, Auckland Writers Festival, Chatham House (Royal Institute of International Affairs), Jaipur Literature Festival (London), Dalkey Book Festival, and various TED and TEDx events. His presentations cover topics across medicine, literature, and public health.
In 2017, Paul created a mobile library classroom under his charitable foundation, the Baci Foundation, a free nonprofit initiative, which provides literacy and mentoring programmes to the disadvantaged children. He also funded literacy programmes in schools with his venture Baci Lounge which has served as a model of social entrepreneurship.