When I mentioned on social media that I was using only essential oil free products during my most recent pregnancy, I received a TON of questions as to why.  Why was I avoiding essential oils in the first place? What products was I using? What skincare was safe to use during pregnancy?

While I am definitely not an expert on essential oils, I had done my own research and based on my findings, I felt most comfortable eliminating essential oils from all of my beauty and personal care products.  For me, this was what I felt was the safest option.  There are certainly many women who use essential oils during pregnancy, and there are some oils that are considered safe to use while pregnant, and that is totally fine, especially if used under the direction of a certified aromatherapist.

But, talking about whether or not to use essential oils during pregnancy isn’t the purpose of this post.  It is, however, what brought me to discover a lot of wonderful natural and organic products that are completely essential oil free!

The reasons someone may decide to use products that are essential oil free may vary.  As I mentioned above, for me, it was that I was pregnant, but for others, the issue with essential oils in skincare may be a sensitivity to the ingredients themselves or even to the scents.  It can prove difficult to find unscented products in the green beauty space, but they are out there, and I’ve found some pretty great ones that I’m excited to share!

Read on to find my collection of skincare and personal care products that are all essential oil free. Many of these I have tried and used myself, while others are ones I have researched and not yet tried, but feel have clean ingredients or are from brands I have used and trust.  I hope you find the below product suggestions helpful if you are in search of essential oil free products.  Make sure to leave me a comment with your favorite essential oil free products if you don’t see it listed here!

Essential Oil Free and Fragrance Free Skincare Lines

Before we talk about the different products in each category specifically, I wanted to bring attention to a few skincare lines that are completely essential oil free and what products are carried within each line. Please note that these brands may carry other products that DO contain essential oils, so make sure you are only looking at these products that I mention below, and always check ingredients before trying, as product offerings and formulations can change periodically.

Wabi-Sabi® Botanicals

I was recently looking through the Wabi-Sabi Botanicals website for products for myself, as I have been interested in their brand since receiving one of their products in a subscription box a couple of years ago, and when reading their product descriptions, I started noticing that they were all listing that they contained no added essential oils.  I was so surprised and didn’t know that this brand was formulated without essential oils, and even reached out to the brand to confirm.  What a pleasant surprise!

I have sensitive, acne-prone skin myself and created the line to be really gentle and nourishing for all skin types without sacrificing efficacy.  The oils and ingredients we use are so beautiful on their own without essential oils. – Creator Elysse on why she decided not to include essential oils in her products

They are a luxury clean beauty brand that is doing some pretty incredible things outside of crafting beautiful products.  They have a focus on sustainability and most of their ingredients are sourced from small artisan producers and women-run cooperatives around the world.  They are PETA Certified, cruelty-free and vegan, while also strictly avoiding palm oil, palm oil derivatives or other ingredients that can negatively impact the environment.  I also have to mention that they invest 10% of their profits in micro-loans for female entrepreneurs across the globe – truly incredible! Here is what is included in the line:

Age Gracefully | Intensif Serum No. 3 ($59), Balancing Act | Intensif Serum No. 2($36), Blemish Correct | Intensif Serum No. 5 ($34), Heart Rising | Quintessential Hydrating Facial Mist ($55), Light Reveal | Intensif Serum No. 1 ($36), Moisture Boost | Intensif Serum No. 4 ($36), Still Waters | Soothing Ritual Facial Mist ($48), The Giver | Illuminative Ritual Cleanser and Makeup Dissolver ($60), The Offering | Ageless Ritual Facial Mist ($48), and Valley of Light | Illuminative Mask ($44)

Previse DermApothecary: ZeroFragrance Clinical Skincare Series

The ZeroFragrance Series is 100% vegan and is perfect for anyone with sensitivities to strongly scented products or for anyone with allergies, as the line contains zero artificial fragrance and zero essential oils.  They have chosen instead to use natural marine and botanical ingredients which will have no perceivable smell.  Included in this skincare series:

Purify Hydrating Skin Cleanser ($34), Marine Granules Skin Brightening Botanical Scrub ($45), Nutrify Ozone Defense Serum ($65), HydroFoam Rejuvenating Hyaluronic Moisturizer ($48), MommyBalm Stretch Mark Cream ($75), SOS Skin Rescue Healing Salve ($37), and BodyMist Skin Nourishing Body Oil ($22).

Solavedi: Hypoallergenic Line

I have used a number of products from this line myself while pregnant, and can tell you that these products are absolutely lovely.  I was lucky enough to be gifted a trial set from The Choosy Chick, and I was beyond impressed and went on to purchase some of the products myself.  As someone who has quite reactive skin and deals with a lot of redness and inflammation, using this line exclusively for several weeks resulted in skin that was hydrated, smooth and showed much less noticeable redness.  My skin overall was much calmer and happier.

This line was especially created for pregnant or nursing moms, individuals who are or have recently undergone chemotherapy or for someone who has developed reactions to their skincare products.

There are times in our lives when our system just needs a rest, even from aromatherapy or herbal ingredients, as delightful and good as those can be. – Solavedi website

As mentioned above, The Choosy Chick does not currently carry all of the hypoallergenic products, but they can be purchased direct from the brand’s website.  I will say that the website itself is a tad difficult to navigate, so I will link directly to each product so you won’t have to search for them. Through the website directly, they do offer samples for purchase of most of these products which is great as well!  The hypoallergenic line includes:

Hypoallergenic Face Wash (sample $2.95/full size $24), Hypoallergenic Cleansing Oil (sample $3.75/full size $24), Pure Hyaluronic Serum (sample $10/full size $59) – This serum is awesome!  I enjoyed adding it to their face cream for a great moisture boost! Hypoallergenic Face Cream (sample $4.95/$29 for 1 oz./$49 for 2.3 oz.) – This cream is a standout product for me!  Green Tea Hyaluronic Eye Cream (sample $10/full size $39), Hypoallergenic Organic Body Cream ($39 for 8 oz./$59 for 16 oz.), and Olive + Zinc UV Protecting Hand Cream ($18)

Marie Veronique: Kristina Holey + Marie Veronique Skincare Collection

This beautiful collaboration is one that has been on my wishlist.  It is created with some of the most potent and effective ingredients. It is designed for someone looking to repair their skin and make an investment into their skincare routine.  Here is a little more detail about this unique line from the Marie Veronique website:

All the products are biomimetic, that is, they are specifically designed to help nature achieve optimum health by supplying the building blocks required for proper maintenance at all levels of the skin, from the stratum corneum down to the dermis. Skin microbiome balance, another important factor in the skin health equation, is also very much front and center in the design process.

The latest findings in skin physiology and microbiology drive MV+ KH design; for example the cutting-edge products make use of microceutical co-enzymes that kick-start biosynthetic processes, and take care to follow nature’s lipid management systems as closely as possible while at the same time avoiding ingredients like essential oils and microcidal preservatives that can interfere with healthy skin function. The result is products that have no scent, yet leave the skin feeling soothed, nourished, and ultimately, healthy.

Now, lets talk about what is included in this collection:

Pure + E.O. Free Oil Cleanser ($40), Balancing HypoTonic ($45), Intensive Repair Serum ($90), Soothing B3 Serum ($90), Barrier Restore Serum ($110), Barrier Lipid Complex ($95), Micronutrient + Hydro Mask ($135)

Peet Rivko

Peet Rivko is a natural skincare line that is completely essential oil free and formulated just for those with sensitive skin.  The ingredients are plant based and chosen for their calming and restorative properties.  They take it a step further though, and eliminate all harsh actives and irritants such as nut oils, limonene and floral extracts.  Here are the products offerings you can find from this brand:

Gentle Cleanser ($30), Daily Moisturizer ($48), Balancing Face Oil ($56), Exfoliator ($34) and Body Oil ($48)

Continue reading below for essential oil free products listed by category…

Facial Cleansers

• One of the easiest and typically fairly inexpensive ways to cleanse your face is by oil cleansing.  You can choose any single organic oil (such as sweet almond, jojoba, castor, etc.) that suits your skin type.  A little bit of research will help you to find an oil that will work best for your skin type.
• Aleavia: Purifying Facial Cleanse ($19.99)
• Worker b: Raw Honey Face Wash (I use the one for Normal to Dry skin, but there is one for oily skin as well!)  ($36.00)
• Indie Lee: Brightening Cleanser ($34)
• OSEA: Ocean Cleansing Milk ($54)
• Blissoma: Free – Rejuvenating Herbal Gel Cleanser and Makeup Remover ($39)
• Root: Refreshing Coconut Micellar Water ($24/full size, $6/trial size)

Facial Toners

• Using aloe water (such as George’s Aloe) or an organic coconut water are great and inexpensive toners.  Both are gentle and provide wonderful hydration as well!
• Aleavia: Restore Soothing Mist (they have one for acne as well)  ($29.99)
• OSEA: Sea Vitamin Boost ($38)
• Cocokind Skincare: Raspberry Vinegar Toner ($16)
• Blissoma: Serene – Sacred Waters Tonique ($32)

Facial Oils and Serums

• Leven Rose: This is a GREAT place to find single, mostly organic carrier oils that can be used for oil cleansing or moisturizing.  They have a wonderful selection of products and what’s better is that you can get them on Amazon Prime! – ranging in price from around $13 to $22
• Acure: The Essentials Moroccan Argan Oil ($17.99)
• MUN Skincare: ARGAN Pure Argan Oil this product is worth the price in my opinion.  It comes in a huge bottle, it is a super multi-purpose oil, and it feels like a much higher quality argan oil than other brands I have used ($70)
• Worker b: Dawn Serum ($39) and Dusk Serum ($39)
• Badger: Unscented Face Oil ($14.99)
• Live Botanicals: Aer Hyaluronic Acid Serum (I like to add this to my dry powder face masks for an extra boost of hydration!)  ($30)
• OSEA: Hyaluronic Sea Serum ($88), Brightening Serum ($68), and Vitamin Sea Serum ($68)
• Cocokind Skincare: Chia Facial Oil ($16) and Facial Repair Oil ($14)
• Kypris: Antioxidant Dew ($90)
• Earthwise Beauty: Ruby Face Oil ($54)
• Ere Perez: Quandong Green Boost Serum ($34)

Facial Creams and Balms

• Kahina Giving Beauty: Facial Lotion ($68)
• Worker b: Unscented Lotion ($22)
• One Love Organics: Skin Dew Coconut Water Cream ($58)
• Meow Meow Tweet: Skin Cream ($25)
• Earthwise Beauty: Yasuni Face Balm ($110)
• Fitglow Beauty: Cloud Ceramide Cream ($89), Redness Rescue Cream ($69) and Cloud Comfort Cream ($84)
• Blissoma: Pure – Sensitive Care Complex ($50)
• CV Skin Labs: Calming Moisture ($49)

Exfoliate

• Salis Skincare: Unscented Salt Scrub – works great on the face or on the body ($31.99)
• Meow Meow Tweet: Face Exfoliant ($20)
• OSEA: Vitamin C Probiotic Polish ($108)

Facial Masks

• Blissoma: Lavish – Loving Recovery Beta-Glucan Mask ($50)
• Odacite: Synergie[4] Immediate Skin Perfecting Masque ($64)
• OSEA: White Algae Mask ($48)
• Naturallogic: Soul Milk Mask ($54)

Eye Treatments

• Cocokind Skincare: Mymatcha All-over Moisture Stick ($9)
• Earthwise Beauty: Passion Eye Serum ($36)
• Blissoma: Bright-Eye Vitalizing Nutrient Serum ($56)
• Fitglow Beauty: Eye C Firm Cream ($79)
• 100% Pure: Bright Eyes Mask ($7)
• Kahina Giving Beauty: Prickly Pear Seed Oil Rollerball ($40)

Facial SPFs

• White & Elm: Everyday Moisturizer with SPF 15 ($28.95)
• Kari Gran: Three Sixty Five SPF 28 ($48)
• Ursa Major: Force Field Daily Defense Lotion with SPF 18 ($54)
• Raw Elements: Tinted Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 ($17.99)

Body SPFs

• All Good: SPF 50+ Sport Sunscreen Butter Stick – these sticks work great for kids! ($15.99) and SPF 50+ Water Resistant Zinc Sunscreen Butter ($9.99)
• Badger: Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 30 ($16.99), Clear Zinc Unscented Sunscreen Lotion ($18.99), Clear Zinc Oxide Sport Sunscreen SPF 35 ($16.99), Tinted Sunscreen Unscented – SPF 30 ($15.99), Unscented Sunscreen – SPF15 (15.99)
• Raw Elements: Face + Body SPF 30 ($17.99), Face + Body SPF 30 Tin ($17.99), Baby & Kids SPF 30 Tin ($19.99), Baby & Kids SPF 30 Stick ($18.99)
• Earth Mama Organics: Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 ($14.99) and Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 25 ($13.99)
• Babo Botanicals: Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen – SPF 50 ($19.95), Sheer Zinc Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 30 ($22), Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 – Fragrance Free ($19.95),

Body Moisturizers

• Organic coconut oil (if your skin does well with it) is a wonderful moisturizer for the body and is truly a multitasking product.
• MUN Skincare: ARGAN Pure Argan Oil – ($70)
• Acure: Everyday Eczema Lotion ($11.99)
• Bubble & Bee: Unscented Organic Body Butter ($16.95)
• Osmia Organic: Naked Body Oil ($20/1 oz. or $64/4 oz.)
• Booda Organics: Booda Butter Daily Moisturizer ($14)
• Kosmatology: Free & Clear (unscented) Lotion Bar ($10.99)
• Babo Botanicals: Sensitive Skin Fragrance Free Daily Hydra Therapy Lotion ($12.95)
• The Honest Co.: Organic Body Oil ($9.95) and Face + Body Lotion, Purely Simple Fragrance Free ($9.95)

Body Soaps & Washes

• Graham Gardens: Avocado and Oatmeal Soap ($5)
• Osmia Organics: Oh So Soap ($18)
• Babo Botanicals: Sensitive Skin Fragrance Free Hydra Therapy Wash ($19.95)
• Bubble & Bee: Organic Unscented Soap ($6) and Unscented Shower Gel ($11.99/8 oz.)
• Dr. Bronner’s: Pure Castile Bar Soap All-One Hemp Baby Unscented ($4.29)
• Schmidt’s: Bar Soap, fragrance free ($5.49)
• Booda Organics: Suds of Love All-in-One Soap ($6.95)
• Aleavia: Enzymatic Body Cleanse, unscented ($19.99)

Deodorants

• Green Tidings: All Natural Deodorant, unscented ($7.49)
• Schmidt’s: Natural Deodorant, fragrance free ($8.99), Sensitive Skin Formula, fragrance free ($10.99) and Deodorant Jar, fragrance free ($8.99)
• Earth Mama Organics: Simply Non-Scents Deodorant ($9.99)
• Rustic Maka: Natural Deodorant, Naughty Butter, unscented ($9.95)
• Lone: Bold Creme Unscented Deodorant – this is a baking soda AND wax free formula ($11.50) and Unscented Deodorant ($10.50)
• Acure: Fragrance Free Deodorant ($8.99)
• All Good: Deodorant – Unscented ($8.99)
• Booda Organics: Cream Deodorant ($7.95)
• Primal Pit Paste: Baking Soda Unscented Natural Deodorant Stick ($10.95), Zinc Unscented Natural Deodorant Stick ($10.95), Charcoal Unscented Deodorant Stick ($10.95), Magnesium Unscented Natural Deodorant Stick – Sensitive ($10.95), Baking Soda Unscented Natural Deodorant Jar ($8.95), Zinc Unscented Natural Deodorant Jar – Sensitive ($8.95), Magnesium Unscented Natural Deodorant Jar – Sensitive ($8.95), Charcoal Unscented Deodorant Jar ($8.95)

Baby & Kids

Bath Time 

• Earth Mama Organics: Simply Non-Scents Baby Wash ($9.99)
• The Honest Co.: Shampoo + Body Wash, Purely Sensitive ($9.95) and Bubble Bath, Purely Sensitive ($11.95)
• Babo Botanicals: Sensitive Newborn Foam Baby Wash – Fragrance Free ($12.95) and Sensitive Baby Shampoo & Wash – Fragrance Free ($19.95)
• Osmia Organics: Oh So Soap ($18)

Moisturizing Lotions and Balms

• Zoe Organics: Cream ($17.95)
• Earth Mama Organics: Simply Non-Scents Baby Lotion ($17.99)
• Pleni Naturals: Berry + Olive Baby Balm ($15.99) and Cucumber + Grape Baby Oil ($15.99)
• CV Skin Labs: Calming Moisture for Face, Neck and Scalp ($49)
• Babo Botanicals: Sensitive Baby Daily Hydra Baby Lotion – Fragrance Free ($12.95)
• The Honest Co.: Organic All-Purpose Balm ($12.95)
• Buttercup & Jake: Cocoa Calendula Balm ($12.50)

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you found this collection of essential oil free products helpful.  Make sure to leave a comment with your favorite EO free products if you don’t see them listed here!

This article was originally published on naturallykeri.com

*Disclosure: Affiliate links are included in the above post.  By using these links, you will not pay more, but I may receive a small percentage of a sale from you purchasing a product through my links or by using my discount codes.  If you do choose to use these links, I truly appreciate your support!  Please view my full disclosure page HERE for more information. 

The post Essential Oil Free Products for Sensitive Skin appeared first on The Greenly Guide.

With your VIB card in hand, and the aisles and aisles of displays, any beauty lover can find something at this makeup haven. But what if you are looking for cleaner beauty options?  Do you have to give up your VIB status?  No way!

Once you have started down the road of transitioning your health and beauty products from conventional to natural, most people immediately write off mainstream stores such as Sephora.  While it is true that the available options are quite limited in comparison to shopping at an all-natural, green beauty shop, the choices are becoming better, and the reach of green beauty brands is growing.

Plan Ahead

Before diving into the brands that we suggest picking up at Sephora, we wanted to mention that when shopping at conventional beauty stores, it is essential to read labels!  Greenwashing is very prominent, and many companies are trying to profit from the growing community of individuals who are looking for natural and organic beauty – do your research prior to heading into the store so you know what you are looking for and which ingredients or brands you would like to avoid.

The Greenly Guide’s Clean List

With the VIB sale upon us, we have created our brand guide below to help you navigate through to the truly natural brands.  We have also chosen a few of our favorite picks to help you build your Sephora green beauty wish list!  [Make sure to always keep your eyes open as new clean beauty brands continue to be added to their brand list!]

Captain Blankenship

“Beauty Wild With Nature” – This luxurious organic line is for those mermaids at heart.  With products ranging from hair care to body care, the soft ocean colors and blue glass bottles will have you swooning and dreaming of sunshine and beaches

GREENLY PICK: Mermaid Sea Salt Hair Spray

If you are looking for the perfect beachy waves in a bottle, this is it.  Made with organic aloe vera gel and organic sea kelp extract to add moisture, light hold and texture to the hair, it will look like you have spent all day at the beach, even if you are far from it.

Deborah Lippmann

“Backstage trend creator.  Celebrity manicurist. Nail care expert” – Created by celebrated manicurist Deborah Lippman, she has created a 5-free formula that is innovative and beautiful.  Free of formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, DBP and camphor, these polishes are also cruelty-free.  Each color is infused with Biotin and green tea to help keep nails healthy.

GREENLY PICK: Iconic Treatment-enriched Nail Polish in “Dark Side of the Moon”

This full coverage, aubergine shade is absolutely perfect for Fall and Winter. You cannot go wrong!  These formulas are long-wearing, dry quickly and apply evenly.  Give your nails the star treatment with this gorgeous polish line.

Herbivore

“Natural beauty for an unparalleled sensorial experience” – Herbivore is a brand that combines pure active plant ingredients, beautiful and simple branding and effective formulas that deliver results.  They are perfect for those seeking a minimalist approach to their skincare.  Between their masks and facial oils, you will have glowing skin in no time!

GREENLY PICK: The NEW Moon Fruit Superfruit Night Treatment

Dullness and uneven skin texture are no match for this multitasking treatment!  Fruit enzymes gently resurface the skin while a blend of butters and hyaluronic acid hydrate and leave the skin exfoliated, smooth and glowing.

ILIA

“Brilliant Color. Organic Beauty” – Known for their rich pigments and organic ingredients, ILIA products are formulated with up to 85% certified organic ingredients which will nourish the skin for a unique beauty experience.

GREENLY PICK: Multi-Stick in “A Fine Romance”

If you are looking for a versatile product for easy on-the-go application, this one is great for both the lips and cheeks.  With a nourishing blend of ingredients, including avocado oil, organic cocoa and shea butter, this smooth formula will give an effortless looking tint to the lips or flush to the cheeks—this berry color is perfect for Fall!

Kari Gran

“Be kind to your skin”  – If you are looking for an eco-luxe skincare brand that contains only the best, non-GMO ingredients, Kari Gran has you covered.  Their lip whips are coveted by many green beauty fanatics to achieve the perfectly tinted and hydrated pout.

GREENLY PICK: Color Lip Whip in “Marsala”

A gorgeously luxurious lipstick hybrid, the Color Lip Whip is made with the same wonderful moisturizing and natural ingredients found in the naked and tinted lip whips, but these offer a deeper burst of color.  Use them alone or over a lipstick for the perfect dose of hydration and color.

Kopari

“Have a coconut love affair.  Your beauty is safe with us” – This tropically influenced, coconut oil based skincare and bodycare line will have you feeling like you are on the beaches of Hawaii.  Drawing on the many benefits of coconut oil, such as skin hydration and anti-aging, it is the star ingredient in all of their products. With their brightly colored packaging, you will be smiling and smelling like a delicious coconut!

GREENLY PICK: Coconut Balm

This pure and simple balm is a super multi-tasker and can be used from head to toe.  Infused with organic coconut oil, aloe vera, and cocoa butter, dryness won’t have a chance.  Apply to the body, hands or as a spot treatment for dry patches anywhere.  Works great right after a shower on damp skin to really lock in moisture

Rahua

“Beauty is power” – If you are looking for a unique and luxurious hair care brand, Rahua cannot be beat.  Their brand is inspired by the Amazon and centuries-old authentic tribal beauty secrets.  Their products give life to lackluster hair by feeding it with only the best organic rainforest grown superfoods.

GREENLY PICK: Jet Setter Kit

We love this four-piece set of hair care essentials so you can get a taste of this luxurious line without breaking the bank.  In this set you will find their classic shampoo and conditioner formula along with their Voluminous shampoo and conditioner all housed in 2oz bottles that are perfect for finding the best products for you and are great for travel as well!

REVERIE

“Luxury organic hair care line handcrafted in California” – Created by experienced hair stylist Garrett Markenson, REVERIE’s hair care is made of the world’s finest organic and sustainable ingredients. Their products feature chic black and white branding where you will find everything from shampoo and conditioner to styling and treatments–this line will help to restore your hair to optimum levels of health.

GREENLY PICK: Ever Recovery Hair Oil

Great for all hair types from straight to curly, this marula oil based hair oil will help to repair split ends, add shine and restore damaged hair.  It can also be used as an intense overnight treatment for super hydrated and silky smooth strands.

rms beauty

“Organic meets luxury” – Created by renowned makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift, rms beauty is a must have in your quest for clean beauty.  Their makeup offers some of the cleanest ingredients in the industry, and the entire line is made with organic, raw, food-grade ingredients.

GREENLY PICK: Living Luminizer

This cult favorite and best-selling cream highlighter is a must have!  Crafted with high quality, nourishing ingredients, this highlight gives your skin the coveted ‘Lit from Within’ glow we are all searching for.  It gives the skin a dewy youthfulness without being greasy or glittery.

Tata Harper

“100% natural and non-toxic luxury skincare handcrafted without a drop of synthetic chemicals” – If you think going green means missing out on indulgent luxury brands, meet Tata Harper.  Made in small batches using the latest technology and the finest quality ingredients, you will feel like you’ve stepped into a spa upon each use.

GREENLY PICK: Regenerating Cleanser

To keep skin smooth and clear, exfoliation is key – especially as we head into the winter months. This exfoliating cleanser is highly effective and will help to improve the look of enlarged pores, boost radiance, purify and deeply hydrate – an incredible multi-tasking skin treatment for all skin types.

We hope this will be useful in navigating Sephora and helping you to find green beauty brands among their offerings.  

The post Shopping at Sephora: A Green Beauty Guide appeared first on The Greenly Guide.

Gabriel De Santino is the founder and CEO of Gabriel Cosmetics, Inc., a global natural beauty empire whose brands include Gabriel, Zuzu Luxe, and Clean Kids Naturally.

Born from Latin descent and raised off the coast of Mexico, Gabriel at an early age was naturally drawn to the coastal life and heavily influenced by his grandmother’s holistic practices. Playing freely in the water and strolling the beaches, he developed a strong connection to the ocean and saw a greater purpose for its natural healing properties- something young boys don’t often take notice of. Even then he was a thought leader and as a wide-eyed adolescent, sought after the opportunity and experience he’d need to become a successful entrepreneur.

At the age of 18, Gabriel moved to the Seattle, Washington area where he kept the water close and the sky the limit. He knew the Pacific Northwest had a rising fashion and beauty scene and joined the movement at a local beauty counter. It was there that Gabriel fell in love with makeup, but was also inspired to look past the made-up face. He soon secured a position at a salon & spa to learn more about the industry and how he may change it. After attending aesthetician school, he quickly discovered he wanted to first correct the skin before covering it up, a mantra he still practices today. As an aesthetician, he struggled with the fact that women were using toxic products on their skin, and given his background as a naturopath and familiarity with sea botanicals, his calling was loud and clear.

In 1992, he solicited the moral and financial support of his friends and family and started Gabriel Organics, a complete line of all natural, vegan, gluten-free and cruelty free skincare products made with seaweed as its hero ingredient. However, he realized that although women were now able to naturally clean and heal their skin, they were continuing to cover it up with toxic makeup.

In 1994, Gabriel created his first makeup line, Gabriel Color which was designed to be mistake proof. Each shade of eyeshadow, lip gloss, lipstick, lip liner, etc. was carefully curated so that even a beauty novice couldn’t blunder. Each goes with the other in a wardrobe of soft muted tones to bring out the natural beauty. Gabriel has always said, “It’s about correcting, not covering up,” and his products spoke to that in the 90’s and still do, even decades later. It’s his Secret to Mistake Proof Beauty.

Gabriel’s makeup and skincare brands solved a problem within the marketplace by providing women affordable and results driven skincare and makeup. However, with the birth of his first niece, he wanted to provide moms with a healthy personal care solution for their kids. His empire was growing and there was no stopping it. Clean Kids Naturally joined the brand portfolio in 1996 to better round out Gabriel’s portfolio of better-for- you products.

Gabriel had more secrets to tell and healthy products to share. He wanted to engage with a younger demographic and compete with brands that while offering bright, bold colors, weren’t natural. So, in 2001 he created Zuzu Luxe, a complete line of makeup that was also vegan, gluten-free, cruelty free and natural. This was his ammunition to bring the fight for green beauty to the masses. His Eco Chic Warriors became beautiful, courageous, loyal advocates for vegan beauty and Zuzu Luxe became their definition.

At this time, what was once a small health food store out of Austin, TX was growing into a notable chain across the country and Gabriel wanted to be a part of it. In 1994, Gabriel Organics and Gabriel Color were picked up by Whole Foods Markets in the Southern California region and were quickly catching the attention of like-minded retailers. Two years later Clean Kids Naturally was on the shelves followed by Zuzu Luxe shortly after its launch in 2001. Today, Gabriel’s brands are sold at 400 Whole Foods Markets and at over 4,000 retailers including e- commerce partners such as Target.com, Costco.com, Amazon.com, to name a few, and international distributors in Canada and South Korea.

Gabriel Cosmetic’s Inc.’s prestige and diverse brand portfolio was created out of one man’s vision of clearly defining natural beauty and being able to provide affordable and accessible vegan beauty products to consumers worldwide. In 2017, Gabriel Cosmetics evolved into the “Gabriel” brand with Gabriel Organics to fall under its umbrella in 2018 as “Gabriel Skincare.” Gabriel Cosmetics, Inc. is headquartered in its original area of Redmond, Washington with over 25 employees and its fearless leader, Gabriel De Santino leading the charge every step of the way.

10 Ways Gabriel Cosmetics, Inc. has gone green

1.  Recycle Program for used makeup components. More info here
2.  Product Boxes are recyclable and printed with vegetable based inks
3.  Eco friendly packaging for shipping: PELASPAN BIO packaging peanuts are made from 100% biodegradable material. Vegetable starch. PELASPAN BIO is totally biodegradable without any risk of ground water contamination.
4.  Eliminated printing orders and now file them electronically
5.  Use only natural, nontoxic ingredients – no Phthalates, Parabens, or Sulfates – Nontoxic products reduce its environmental impact by   avoiding pesticides and toxins, which can leak into water supplies and become ecologically harmful.
6.  Gabriel makeup brushes are fair trade, eco-friendly, and sustainable
7.  Both Gabriel and Zuzu Luxe Dual Powder Foundations are refillable, causing less waste
8.  Partnered manufacturers use Infrared heating ovens that can self-regulate as well as wind power for their facility
9.  Green partners: Gabriel partners with Oceanic Preservation Society by donating a % of their proceeds annually, all GCI products are certified Gluten- Free and certified cruelty free by the Leaping Bunny Program
10.  Makeup is 100% Vegan which can have positive effects on the environment – see here

A Look at the Spring/Summer 2017 Collections

Gabriel Radiant Beauty Collection

It’s time to hit the wellness reset button. Stay young by aging well and discover the secret to #mistakeproofbeauty. After 25 years, Gabriel Cosmetics is finding simplicity in radiance with their Spring/Summer 2017 makeup collection. Launched in February, the collection includes the Aura Palette and Illusion lipstick, with calming shades and a smooth, subtle freshness along with the Tropical Cool nail collection.

*Brighten up your look with this season’s Aura Palette complete with four dreamy eyeshadows, blush and translucent powder.

*The Illusion Lipstick is a perfect medium toned nude

*Liquid Radiance in Halo is a Delicious Living Award winning highlighter and a beauty bag must have

Tropical Cool Nail Collection

We have major island envy and need a fix, fast! Grab the Mai Tais, flamingo floaties, and give yourself a perfectly pink mani/pedi with Gabriel’s summer Tropical Cool Nail collection.

This “Five-free” collection includes five punchy hues that will have you thinking pink – Pink Lady (cotton candy pink with an iridescent sparkle), Flamingo (bubble gum pink), Paradise Plum (medium to dark purple), Dragon Fruit (vibrant fuchsia), and Passion (glossy fuchsia).

Zuzu Luxe Techno Warrior Collection

Zuzu Luxe is going to battle for green and will pack a punch with the season’s Techno Warrior collection. This collection embraces the daring and fearless with a focus on the eyes for a minimalistic graphic look, sheer complexion and a slightly warm terra cotta cheek and lip.
Zuzu Luxe is taking the Eco Chic Warrior strength far beyond a flawless look and partnering with Green Acres Farm Sanctuary in support of animal rights and cruelty free practices. Zuzu Luxe will donate 10% of profits of this collection to Green Acres, so strap on your boots, and enlist in the battle of the season.

*Photos in this post are courtesy of and belong to Gabriel & Zuzu Luxe.

Connect with Gabriel on their website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest

Connect with Zuzu Luxe on their website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

The post Meet the green beauty pioneer who is celebrating 25 years in the industry appeared first on The Greenly Guide.

While tending her backyard hives, Debra began to see the amazing skincare benefits of honey. She began experimenting with other simple ingredients that are meant to sooth and calm the skin, and the results that she and her family saw from her recipes were outstanding.  With plentiful honey at her disposal, Debra began formulating the skincare that is now a part of Marin Bee Company.

Utilizing the immense benefits of California wildflower honey, she has created a unique line of products unlike most others on the market today.  While you can be sure that Marin Bee Company products contain a number of skin loving ingredients, you can be just as sure that they are free from harmful ingredients such as PEGs, parabens, synthetic dyes, phthalates, mineral oil, talc and synthetic fragrances, to name a few.

In the post below, we are so excited to bring you a wealth of knowledge straight from the experts over at Marin Bee.  They have answered our questions below on topics such as beekeeping, the role of bees, and the best sellers in their product line.  Marin Bee Company has also generously provided a discount code to SHOP their products with a 20% discount using the code BEEGREENLY, valid through July 7, 2017!  

We may have an exciting giveaway with Marin Bee Company happening over on our Instagram account as well, so be sure to head over to check out our feed to enter!

Why bees, and what is their role in our ecosystem?

If it weren’t for bees, many fruits and vegetables would never make it to market. 1/3 of all the bites you take wouldn’t be possible without honey bees. Beekeeping, honey production, and honeybee pollination contributes over $14 billion annually to the US economy.

Honey bees are a keystone species and play a vital part of our ecosystem, acting as highly efficient pollinators of our food crops, as well as for wild flora which other species depend upon. We need bees to keep our crops and earth healthy, but in recent years their numbers have been decreasing by the billions. As their numbers dwindle, the ecosystem and all parts of the food chain are impacted.

Crops such as almonds, avocados, and apples would not exist without pollination. Pollination is the process by which honey bees help plants to produce fruit (technically anything with seeds on the inside, so that includes things we normally think of as vegetables, like cucumbers and tomatoes) by transporting pollen from one flower to another. As the bees gather nectar and pollen, their tiny hairs are coated in pollen, which falls into the next flower they stop and visit.

Considering that the average honey bee can visit more than 2,000 flowers in one day, honey bees greatly increase the chances of a plant producing a fruit or vegetable. While they pollinate, honey bees are also collecting pollen for themselves which they transport back to the hive, where it serves as the main source of protein in their diet and sometimes makes its way into their honey.

Beekeeping 101 and the benefits of pure raw honey

Backyard beekeeping is a very rewarding hobby. Not only are you helping the planet by supporting important pollinators but the honey is itself a very sweet reward! Marin Bee Company founder and backyard beekeeper, Debra Tomaszewski, discovered the profound effect honey had on her skin while tending her hives; her delicious honey improved her skin and complexion. As her children grew into adolescence, skin became a particular issue at her home. Concerned for her teenagers’ skin, Debra brought them to doctors, but all the standard prescriptions were too harsh and irritating for their delicate skin. Debra looked to her trusted bees and crafted effective and powerful homemade remedies to help her children.

She combined her freshly harvested honey with soothing, time-tested ingredients like oatmeal, aloe, olive oil and added nature’s own “cure-alls” such as salt, clay and essential oils created from powerful botanicals. Her children and even their friends experienced stunning results. Using her homemade formulas, Debra’s own skin began to show less signs of stress, appearing healthier with a natural glow. Her honey was providing a second sweet reward. Honey is such a powerful natural ingredient in skincare long known for its restorative, healthful properties and as a powerful rejuvenator for the skin and body. The highly concentrated and unique combination of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and prebiotics in honey helps regenerate skin. Honey straight from the hive, unprocessed, with no additives, chemicals or preservatives contains a distinctive blend of beeswax, propolis, royal jelly, and powerful enzymes, deeply nourishing and protecting skin from environmental damage. Its antimicrobial properties break down dead skin so that it can easily be sloughed away and exfoliated. Because it naturally contains water, pure honey is a humectant, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air and hydrates skin, leaving it silky smooth. At Marin Bee is important to be as sustainable as possible so it is important to us to use locally sourced honey. Wildflowers have fed honey bees for millions of years and California’s lush “nectar corridors” are alive with the vibrant colors and sweet fragrances that attract and feed honeybees. “I first developed Marin Bee formulas with my own honey. It only made sense to support local growers and the nature surrounding me,” explains Debra. “I’m a big believer in, ‘Change starts in your own backyard.’ It is the founding principle for our work with Planet Bee Foundation, our bee and pollination education nonprofit, and I am extremely proud that California Wildflower Honey is at the heart of all our products.” All our Wildflower Honey is cultivated on the hillsides of Northern California and supports local habitats, native species and assists in repopulating honey bee populations.

Interested in learning the basics about beekeeping? We’ve broken down for you how to get started and what to expect and prepare for all year long as a beekeeper! We have a great page on the Planet Bee website, but we’ve shared the info below as well.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
The beekeeper has a few vital items in his or her arsenal – here’s the basic list.

• Hive tool – A metal object, shaped similarly to a crowbar, used to pry apart propolis-sealed boxes and box lids.
• Smoker – Normally used to subdue the bees when opening a hive — this kind of smoking is bee-friendly and does not hurt bees in any way.
• Bee Suit and Gloves – The beginning beekeeper should wear a full suit, to be safe. Suits are made of heavy-duty material to prevent stings.
• Veil – Protect your face! The veil is vital, and its specially designed mesh allows you to see what you’re doing. This helps protect you and your new winged companions.
• A Hive – Your honey bees will need a home, and there are many types to chose from. We recommend a Langstroth Hive. Made of wood, this timeless design is a favorite in North America.
• Honey Bees – Pre-order them around January for spring delivery. We recommend Carniolan Honey Bees. They’re known for their great gathering zeal. Carniolan Bees overwinter well so they take advantage of early nectar flow, producing honey early in the season. Carniolans are exceptionally gentle and easier to work with than other, more aggressive breeds. This is important because you may wish to raise your honey bees in close vicinity to neighbors.

WHAT TO EXPECT YEAR-LONG
The beekeeper’s year is very seasonal. We’ve listed some of the basic duties required of the beekeeper by season.

SPRING
• Populate your hive now! You can catch a swarm, purchase a 3 lb. package of honey bees, or split an existing hive.
• Inspect your honey bees for health — Is the queen present and laying eggs? Are there parasites or disease present?
• Keep an eye on your honey bees over the season to ensure they have an adequate pollen collection and are thriving.
• We recommend using natural treatments to control mites and diseases. You can use products like Hopguard II — a natural mite repellent derived from hop oil — if you are noticing any signs of mites.
• Split your hive if it gets overpopulated! It will swarm if you don’t catch it in time. (Splitting a hive means taking half of the bees and putting them in a new hive. They will also need a new queen).

SUMMER
• Depending on the productivity of your hive, you may need to add extra honey frames (supers) to the top of your hive.
• You may be able to harvest honey, dependent on your hive’s productivity*.
• If the temperature of your hive grows too warm, you will need to add an extra brood box to prevent overheating.
• Remember to split your hive if it gets too crowded!

FALL
• Check your queen to ensure that she is healthy and laying eggs.
• Check your honey bees to ensure there are no diseases or parasites within the hive.
• Check your hive’s honey stores: if they have a surplus, you can harvest!* If not, or if the
honey stores look low, you will need to supplement their food supply with sugar water and pollen patties.

WINTER
• If you are in an area that experiences harsh winters, consider covering your hive with something to keep the chill off – honey bees do not leave the hive if the temperature outside is less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so you don’t need to worry about trapping them inside the cover. Just ensure it’s breathable, and that they have an adequate food supply all winter long.
• Wait it out! Honey bees will only forage when the weather is nice, so winter is the beekeeper’s vacation time.
*Be patient, a new hive might not produce enough honey to harvest the first year.

Ingredients harvested from nature

Our luxurious and effective face and body products reinvent time-tested ingredients to create innovative green beauty that nourishes and detoxifies skin from head to toe. Here are four of our favorite Marin Bee ingredients:

You’ll find Oatmeal in almost all Marin Bee products because it is known for its extraordinary ability to soothe and pamper skin. All our Avena Sativa (Oats) is guaranteed gluten-free. Oatmeal has been used throughout times as a natural, effective treatment to cure skin problems. It is a key ingredient in our Detox Masque because it not only calms irritated skin but also works as an effective barrier to help protect skin from environmental factors.

We love Pumpkin Fruit Enzymes! They are a natural exfoliant rich in magnesium, phosphorus, iron and folate, as well as Vitamin A and phytonutrients. Pumpkin has been used on the skin for centuries for its healing properties. Pumpkin Fruit Enzymes are powerful, yet gentle enough for sensitive skin. We feature Pumpkin Fruit Enzymes in our Detox Masque to naturally and gently exfoliate dead skin cells to help renew and brighten skin.

We can’t say enough about Calendula. Calendula is very calming and is well known for its ability to reduce inflammation and soothe damaged skin. Featured in our Lip Repair, Calendula is a stand out ingredient because of its high concentration of flavonoids and plant-based antioxidants that help shield skin from free radical cell damage.

We really are all about the bees at Marin Bee and both our Lip Repair and Honey Butter contain beeswax because it locks in hydration and provides skin and lips with a long-lasting protective barrier from environmental factors. Beeswax is rich the in Vitamin A, which is necessary for normal cell development and has been used for centuries in the treatment of wounds and other skin conditions.

Which Marin Bee products should you start with? Here is an overview of their bestsellers

Currently our face products are selling beyond expectation! We believe this is because they are unlike any products currently on the market. Our Detox Masque is 1/3 California Wildflower Honey and crafted with soothing ingredients to calm irritated skin and reduce redness. Simultaneously, the Detox Mask also purifies, minimizes the appearance of pores, and evens out skin tone. Our founder developed the product to seek an effective and nontoxic alternative for her teenagers’ problem skin to the harsh chemicals being prescribed to them. The Detox Masque can be used as a full face mask as well as a spot treatment.

Our Lip Repair is a favorite among makeup professionals as it is a nourishing and moisturizing base for any lipstick color, yet its glossy sheen and slight pink hue stands on its own to compliment a clean, natural look. We highly recommend it as an overnight treatment to soothe lips of any dryness or chapping and wake up with them smooth and prepped for the day.

*Photos in this post are courtesy of and belong to Marin Bee Company (unless noted otherwise).

Connect with Marin Bee Company on their website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr and Pinterest.

The post The buzz on bees with Marin Bee Company appeared first on The Greenly Guide.

Marci’s products use only a small selection of natural and organic ingredients, and she offers different formulas to suit different skin types – no ‘one-size-fits-all’ soaps here!  The Florida Scrub line features a wide variety of products including everything from organic pet care, hand soaps, dish soaps, face washes and organic hair care!  There is truly something for everyone within this newly launched shop!  I am so excited to have had the opportunity to chat with Marci about her products and her ingredients in the interview below.  She has also very kindly offered a generous 25% discount code for a very limited time, so be sure to head over to her Etsy shop ASAP to look around!  Discount code is listed below after the interview.

Thank you to Marci for sharing her business with The Greenly Guide blog today – we hope you enjoy!  Read on below for the full interview.

The Greenly Guide: What prompted your initial interest in using natural and organic products vs. conventional products for yourself and your family?

Marci: I recall as long ago as high school looking at the ingredients on a bottle of shampoo and marveling at all the crazy ingredients that were in it. At the time I didn’t realize that all of those ingredients were soaking in to my skin, but my final year in college I really started getting serious about eating more natural foods and using more natural products. I started dabbling in making bar soaps with mixed success. My first bar shampoo I made I thought was such a failure! No one told me about, and there weren’t all the resources we have now to learn about, how real soap reacts with hard water. Of course now I know I just needed a simple apple cider vinegar rinse! But that was just a fun hobby for me. Back then there were not a lot of people that made their own bar soap, and I’m really glad that it’s become a more mainstream thing; it makes it a LOT easier to find supplies for one thing! So I just dabbled with my own bars and had fun with that. But, a few years ago when I became a stay at home mom I was just naturally washing my hands more often and I noticed them become more and more red and it seemed like no matter how much cocoa butter I slathered on them they just wouldn’t heal. I started looking at the ingredients in the liquid hand soap I was using from a well known “natural” product manufacturer and thought it may be the synthetic detergent they used that was blistering my hands. I also noticed that my little guy’s hands were red after washing, though not as bad as mine were. So I started using my bar soaps at the sinks and after about a week the redness was gone. I was washing my hands the same number of times as I was before, so it made sense to me that the “natural” liquid soap I was buying was not for me. Bar soaps are lovely, but they’re kind of messy at the sink, so I started researching how to make liquid soap and I kind of fell in love with that process.

The Greenly Guide: From a civil engineer to a stay at home mom, can you tell us what inspired you to start Florida Scrub?

Marci: I knew I could not be the only person in the world that wanted a truly natural liquid soap. Besides not wanting those synthetic detergents on my skin, what I learned in my research about how some of them are made; the toxic by-products and ingredients that go in to making some of them, I didn’t want to contribute to their production in any way. I am a big believer in making a difference with the dollar I spend. Not everyone has the time to make their own soap, or just doesn’t want to take on that task. I’m lucky to be able to stay at home to raise my son, and with some careful planning I found that I had the time to take care of him and all the other chores that come along with being home and make the liquid soaps. So, I set a goal for myself that I would removal all synthetic detergents from my household, and I know others are working on that also and I hope I can help them on that journey.

The Greenly Guide: Can you share a little about your path to learning how to formulate products and any formal training you have?

Marci: I don’t have any formal training in soap formulation; honestly I’m not sure if such a thing exists. If it does I would be interested! I’ve done a lot of reading and my own informal research in my kitchen and trying the different formulas. The basic chemistry of soap is combining an oil with a base to form a salt; the salt is the soap. Once I learned that specific oils have specific fatty acid components and that those components were good for specific uses then the formulas just kind of made sense to make them that way. For example, coconut oil is high in lauric acid. Soap that is high in lauric acid is excellent at removing dirt and oil. So excellent at removing dirt and oil that I would recommend never using a 100% coconut oil soap on your skin, unless you’re a mechanic cleaning up at the end of the day. But my pots and pans? Yeah, I want every bit of dirt and oil removed from them. My dish soap formula is mostly coconut oil soap, but the straight coconut oil soap was too harsh for my hands, so I experimented adding a little olive oil soap and castor oil soap until I got the formula were I wanted it.

The Greenly Guide: Can you talk about the ingredients that are included in your products and how you source them?

Marci: Most of my soap ingredients including the dried herbs, oils and essential oils are sourced from Mountain Rose Herbs. They’ve been around for a while and it seems like any time I try an oil from a different source I am never as satisfied with the final product as I am with MRH ingredients. The honey I use is sourced locally from a small apiary in the town just north of me. He runs a neat and clean little shop. I wish I could source all of my ingredients locally like that! Most of my ingredients are certified organic, though in some cases I have opted for conventional products that I think are superior to the organic options that are available or perhaps an organic option is not available.

The Greenly Guide: With products ranging from hair care to body care to organic pet care, do you have a personal favorite product? What are your best sellers?

Marci: I really love the foaming face wash for oily skin. Every face wash I’ve ever tried that was supposed to be for oily skin was too harsh. It stripped every spec of oil off my face and made the skin feel tight and over cleaned. Just because I have oily skin doesn’t mean I need no oil on my face! I think most people know that heavy or thicker oils like olive oil or avocado oil are great for dry skin. Those oils are high in oleic acid. Well, oily skin does best with linoleic acid. So I started looking at the readily available carrier oils and found that safflower oil is made up of mostly linoleic acid. This is how I started my formulas for oily skin.

The foaming hand soaps are my best sellers so far.

The Greenly Guide: What has been the most difficult issue you have faced when formulating products? Is there one product that was especially tough to get right?

Marci: I think the biggest difficulty I’ve had hasn’t been so much with the formulas but with the thickness of the finished product. We, myself included, have become used to the super thick consistency that synthetic detergents have. We think that a thin product means that it’s been watered down. With real liquid soap that isn’t necessarily the case. The basic process of making liquid soap is to combine the oil and base, in the case of liquid soap the base is potassium hydroxide though none of this remains in the final product. You cook the mixture, which in the process of cooking thickens to a paste. The paste then is diluted with a liquid, typically distilled water. The nature of liquid soap paste is to remain as a paste until just enough water is added to make it a liquid. If there is not enough liquid a thin film forms on the top; this is basically soap paste that hasn’t been diluted enough. You can take that thin film off, but another one forms. So, it’s really not possible to have a thick, real liquid soap. There are some things you can add, like salt, to a finished product, to make it thicker, but that only works for some formulas, mainly those high in olive oil soap, and too much salt will reduce the amount of suds. I’ve gotten around that by using both foaming dispensers and squeeze bottles with pointed tips, so it’s easy to control how much soap is dispensed.

The Greenly Guide: How are your products different from others that are similar in the Etsy marketplace? What sets your brand apart?

Marci: I think what sets Florida Scrub soaps apart from other liquid soaps, not just on Etsy, but in local specialty markets as well, is the different formulas I have for different uses in addition to having formulas for dry, balanced and oily skin. I know one of the more popular mainstream brands claims that the soap in one bottle has many different uses, but honestly, I don’t want to wash my face with the same soap as I wash my dishes with, and vice versa, for the reasons I explained above. Different oils have different fatty acid components and those fatty acid components are good at different things. I would rather buy two separate products and be really happy with the jobs they do separately, than one product that does a so-so job at everything.

The Greenly Guide: What goals do you have for your business in the coming months and years?

Marci: Right now my major focus is providing excellent customer service. I love that Etsy allows me to do that, even though I am not able to interact face to face with most people. I am really invested in people loving the products they’re purchasing. I also love that I am able to do custom orders and blends. For example, I recently had someone contact me and tell me that their favorite face wash was discontinued and she had such sensitive skin and wondered about the silk that I use in most of my formulas and did I think it would be a problem for her. Of course, we can never know if an ingredient is going to be a problem for us until we try it, but I wouldn’t want to spend money on a product only to find out that I can’t use it. But it’s easy for me to do a semi-custom blend within the line of oils that I use to make her a silk-free wash. And I love that being a very small scale producer allows me to do that.

Special 25% discount for 5 days only!

Make sure to head over to the Florida Scrub Etsy shop HERE to check out Marci’s amazing line of natural and organic soaps.  Starting today through Sunday, April 9, 2017, she is offering a very generous 25% discount on your entire order with the code ‘GREENLY25’, so make sure to pick up some of her soaps to try!

*All photos in this post are courtesy of and belong to Florida Scrub.

Connect with Marci and Florida Scrub through their Etsy shop, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

The post Exploring Etsy: Florida Scrub appeared first on The Greenly Guide.

After trying many conventional products to soothe and heal her dry, sensitive skin, and finding that nothing worked, she discovered the reason for this was that she had developed an extreme chemical sensitivity.  All of the ingredients used in mainstream personal care products were making her feel miserable and causing her watery eyes and headaches.  Upon making the switch to all natural products, these symptoms disappeared.

After this discovery, she began her journey into the world of herbal remedies, plant-based treatments and ancient practices.  Formulating products in her kitchen and sharing them with family and friends led to the business she has created today.  Lydia not only focuses on sourcing wonderful ingredients, she is also passionate about giving back to her community and is striving for a zero-waste manufacturing process.

Lydia is so kindly sharing her story on The Greenly Guide today.  In addition to sharing more about herself and her brand, she has also very generously provided a discount code that can be used on their website!  Now through April 5, 2017, enter the code ‘thegreenlyguide15‘ to receive 15% off your order!  Please read on below for the full interview with Lydia, founder of WEBA Naturals.

The Greenly Guide: After experiencing chemical sensitivities to the products you were using, you eventually turned to creating your own products. As a therapist by training, coming from a very different profession, can you share a little about your background with natural products, how you began formulating and any training you have?

Lydia: After realizing that I could no longer use certain products, I began researching this phenomenon. I learned that I was not alone. I found terms like “Extreme chemical sensitivity” and “Toxicant-induced loss of tolerance (TILT), which has been misunderstood among many professionals. I also realized that I did not experience the same reactions to naturally-produced, plant-based ingredients. I began spending years researching formularies, consulting with cosmetic chemists, attending webinars, and reading anything that I could get my hands on. Everything from aromatherapy and herbal medicine to ayurveda and wild edibles were fair game. I am always learning, and continue to do so to this day. The rest is history.

The Greenly Guide: WEBA stands for ‘whole earth body actives’ which you have stated guides your decision to provide the highest quality ingredients that are good for us and our planet. Can you talk a little about your ingredients and how you source them?

Lydia: The first rule of thumb is to make certain that wild-harvested essential oils are not endangered or “rare.” I try to ask the right questions when expanding our supply chain so that I can feel good about adding that ingredient to our products. I try hard to source products that are made locally or in the U.S.A., but it isn’t always possible. Most of the oils and butters that we use are sourced in Europe, Africa, and Asia, for example. These products provide real wages to many poor communities in these countries and are a major source of income. Many of our botanicals, however, are grown in the U.S. organically and sustainably, so we buy from them.

The Greenly Guide: On the topic of ingredients, do you have a favorite ingredient that you work with and include in your products? What about any difficult to work with ingredients you have used?

Lydia: It can be difficult to choose one favorite; I have so many. My favorite essential oil is lavender for its healing properties and its relaxing scent. A favorite emollient is shea butter. The only ingredients that I find challenging is the sodium hydroxide that I use to create the bar soaps. Care must be taken with it, as it is a very strong base.

The Greenly Guide: You have mentioned the importance of simplicity and minimalism within your line, and using multi-purpose products to reduce the number of items a person needs in their collection. Can you share some of the different ways your products can be utilized?

Lydia: All of the bar soaps are “3-in-1” soaps – that is, they are suitable for cleansing, shaving, and shampooing. The secret is in the rich, creamy lather they produce. In fact, ounce for ounce, bar soaps cost less than shower gels. My husband, Marvin, uses nothing else. We like to use the tea tree/oatmeal soap on our dog, Millie. Our balms have as many as ten uses –beard balm, cuticle oil, lip balm, anti-itch salve and everything in between. The lavender balm is also effective against mosquitoes. The Dry Oil is not only effective against frizzy hair and flyaways, but it’s a great massage oil and after-shower oil.

The Greenly Guide: I loved reading about your avoidance of the controversial ingredient palm oil. For those who may not be aware, can you briefly explain why you omit this ingredient and why that was important to you?

Lydia: I first read about the problems with palm oil on the Rainforest Action Network website. “Conflict” palm oil is grown primarily in Indonesia and Malasia, where rainforests are being clear-cut to accommodate this product. It is found in everything from food to feed to cosmetics and skincare. As a result, many native species like the Orangutan, which is now near extinction, are displaced. This is also responsible for many human rights abuses, including child labor practices. I decided early on that my business would not be a contributor to this problem. The butters that I use to substitute it are more expensive, but I feel that it is worth it.  While many big players in the palm oil industry have committed to buying certified sustainable palm oil, we have a long way to go before a total commitment to rainforest-free palm oil can be achieved. I hope that it happens.

The Greenly Guide: For someone who may be viewing your brand for the first time, what are your more popular items that you would suggest someone try to get a taste of what WEBA Naturals has to offer?

Lydia: The first bar soap that I made – “Relax” – is still my most popular item. If you pair that with the Lavender/Tea Tree Body Balm, you have a complete skincare system. Pairing the sugar scrub with the dry oil is also a good combination for normal to dry skin.

The Greenly Guide: In your manufacturing, you strive for a zero-waste process to reduce your impact on the environment. Can you explain a little about the practices you use to achieve this in your production?

Lydia: “Zero-waste” embodies two principles; using what you have and using less than you need to. I engage in both. For example, instead of buying packaging for my shipments I utilize re-used and recycled cardboard boxes and used/recycled paper. I never use bubble wrap or peanuts that don’t degrade. I re-batch our soap ends and mold them into bars that we donate to a local food bank. I re-use and recycle all glass and plastic bottles. My paper towels are recycled unbleached paper or I use cotton towels. Every ingredient is biodegradable. As a result, there is very little that ends up in the trash. While I can’t always control what suppliers send me, I can certainly control what goes out.

The Greenly Guide: In addition to your efforts to reduce your footprint on our planet, you are also passionate about giving back. Can you talk about how you are using WEBA Naturals to support your community?

Lydia: Since I began the business 3 years ago, I’ve given back by donating soap to a local food pantry. I also donate 3-4 gift baskets/year to local charities for their fundraisers. I try to stick to local small businesses when I need professional business services like graphic design and photography. I hire local crafters to make our accessories (sachets and washcloths). I also buy from local businesses. I feel that it’s important for small businesses to support each other given the current retail climate.

The Greenly Guide: What are your goals for WEBA Naturals in 2017, and what new things can we expect from you in the future?

Lydia: I’m always looking for opportunities to partner with businesses that are doing good. I’m hoping to collaborate with a local animal shelter to create a balm that can be used to soothe paw and skin problems. I’m hoping to roll out an ayurvedic deodorant, an oil cleanser, and a few serums. It’s an ambitious undertaking, but I like to aim high.  I will also be doing tabling events later this year, including one at a NYC college for Earth Day. I’d also like to hold a few workshops. I’m excited to see what the future brings for WEBA in 2017 and beyond.

Connect with WEBA Naturals on their website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest

The post Brand Profile and Interview with Lydia Diaz of WEBA Naturals appeared first on The Greenly Guide.

As a mother myself, this is where my journey began.  I became concerned with every single thing I put into my body and onto it as well, knowing that for the first time, my actions were impacting a life other than my own.  My concern for product and ingredient safety became a part of my lifestyle, and it has led me to find incredible brands with these same motivations and goals in mind.

Today, I am so thrilled to introduce you to one such brand, Pleni Naturals.  I had the great pleasure of speaking with founder, and fellow Mom, Allyson Owens, and am excited to share with you the full interview below.  If you are not yet familiar with her products, they are filled with fruit and vegetable ingredients, pure organic essential oils and skin loving ingredients that will help to nourish and soothe your children’s sensitive skin. On top of amazing ingredient quality, Pleni Naturals has taken their commitment one step further to become certified by MADE SAFE. (Read more HERE).  Read on below for our interview with Allyson.

Allyson has very generously offered a wonderful giveaway for readers of The Greenly Guide, so make sure you don’t miss the information on how to enter at the bottom of this post.

The Greenly Guide: Can you talk a little about how you first become interested in natural and non-toxic products and how this lead to the start of Pleni Naturals?

Allyson: Like a lot of women, my journey into the natural and nontoxic world began while I was pregnant with my first child in 2009. It was a journey for me; I didn’t completely go “nontoxic” while pregnant because I was still somewhat unaware of toxic chemicals in the home, but my first detox was definitely my skincare routine! It was also important to me that my babies used safe, nontoxic skincare as well. Before I started Pleni Naturals I was an aesthetician and then I became a consultant and helped skin care brands develop their skin care products. I knew that eventually I would create my own skin care line and I wanted to do something different than what was currently being offered in the natural baby category. Don’t get me wrong; I love flowers but every baby skin care product at the time had flowers in it! I chose to focus on fruit and vegetable ingredients because they are wholesome, just like our babies. Plus, fruit and vegetable oils offer amazing nutritional benefits for the skin. For example; red raspberry seed oil and cranberry seed oil contain omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids, which our bodies don’t produce and it is necessary to obtain through diet or topically on the skin. These two ingredients help to keep sensitive skin happy and is great for babies and kids suffering from eczema. You can find these two ingredients in our Cucumber + Grape Baby Oil and Berry + Olive Baby Balm. Two other stand out ingredients from the Pleni Naturals skincare line are broccoli seed oil and cucumber seed oil. Broccoli seed oil has a silky finish and works like a natural silicone alternative that leaves the skin smooth and the hair soft and shiny and cucumber seed oil is fantastic for soothing and replenishing the skin’s moisture balance. Both broccoli seed oil and cucumber seed oil can be found in our Apple + Broccoli Hair and Body Wash and the cucumber seed oil can be found in our Cucumber + Grape Baby Oil.

The Greenly Guide: You mention that you created your line of wholesome and organic skincare products for babies and kids to help them develop a lifelong love for veggies, and you also partner with the organization, Life Lab, to help change the way kids think about fruits and veggies. Can you share a little about your partnership and why it is important to your company’s mission?

Allyson: In addition to the answer in question #1 the idea for Pleni Naturals to focus on fruits and veggies was because of my own struggles as a parent inspiring my own kids to love their fruits and veggies! It can be a lot of work! I know other parents struggle with this as well. The fruit and veggie characters on the packaging are fun and silly and it is our mission to deepen that connection with kids and the healthy foods they eat. Plus, the skin is our largest organ and at Pleni Naturals, it makes sense to us to “feed” the skin with the same nutritious fruits and vegetables we put in our bodies. We decided to partner with Life Lab because their values are in alignment with ours — to deepen the connection with kids and the healthy foods they eat. Life Lab is a nonprofit that provides garden education curriculum for schools and I 100% believe that every school should have access to a school garden so they can experience an “edible education”.

The Greenly Guide: How do you keep your own children interested in healthy foods?

Allyson: In many ways! By being an example and making healthy foods choices every day for myself; always stocking plenty of fruits and veggies they have easy access to as a snack; I juice with my son and make smoothies for my daughter regularly (which is how they prefer to get those extra nutrients in, respectively); we go to farmer’s markets; we visit Life Lab on the weekends and enjoy running around the farm (it’s in Santa Cruz, CA which is fairly close to us); we provide a lot of color on the plate especially at dinner time so the food is visually appealing; I tell the kids why the healthy foods they are eating are good for them (i.e. good for your eyesight, makes your bones strong). I also get a lot of healthy recipe inspiration from food bloggers.

The Greenly Guide: As a mother and business owner, how do you find balance between your work and home life?

Allyson: It’s a juggle! But I am so grateful I am able to do this kind of work. I work very efficiently between school drop-off and pickup and I don’t look at my computer again until after the kids are in bed (unless it’s urgent–sometimes things come up!). I often stay up late to get any unfinished work completed and I’m a little more tired than I like, but I honestly wouldn’t change a thing about my current work/home life situation. I love it!

The Greenly Guide: Pleni Naturals has been certified as a brand with MADE SAFE – can you share why it was important to you to pursue this certification and what it means for your brand?

Allyson: I knew while developing the Pleni Naturals line I wanted it to be nontoxic and I spent a lot of time in R&D making sure every product was clean. People may not realize how much work this is; especially when your ingredient “NO” list is as long as ours! Plus, there is a lot of greenwashing in the skincare industry and no regulatory body that prevents companies from calling their products “nontoxic”. How is the consumer supposed to trust skincare brands with all of this greenwashing going on? What products are truly safe to purchase/use? I like MADE SAFE because they screen products for us – the consumer – and only certify products that do not contain harmful toxins that affect our bodies and our environment. And when I learned about MADE SAFE and their mission to eliminate toxins from all products we use in our home, I knew this was the certification I had to have for our brand. Currently, all three Pleni Naturals products are MADE SAFE certified and I plan on all future products we develop to be MADE SAFE certified as well.

The Greenly Guide: What has been your greatest challenge in developing your line of products?

Allyson: By far, the biggest challenge in developing the Pleni Naturals products is preservation! If a product has water in it, it needs to be preserved. Period. The challenge is that it is truly difficult to find preservatives that work and are also natural. There needs to be more options in this area and I am sure every single green skin care company feels the same way! We were lucky to find a 100% natural lactobacillus preservative that works great for our Apple + Broccoli Hair and Body Wash but it doesn’t work for our yet to be released lotion, which we won’t launch until we find a safe preservative blend that works and is in alignment with our values. Also, the problem with the few natural preservatives that are available is that some contain salicylates (think salicylic acid) and these are not appropriate for babies and kids or pregnant women, who also use our products.

The Greenly Guide: Can you share what brings you the most joy about Pleni Naturals?

Allyson: The product development process is a huge joy for me. I absolutely love it! It’s exciting every time. Also, the biggest thrill is when I hear from customers on how the baby oil treated their baby’s cradle cap or how the hair and body wash left their kiddo’s skin so soft and hydrated. This is what it is all about!

The Greenly Guide: What can we expect from your brand in 2017? Any exciting plans you can share?

Allyson: YES! I’m so excited! We are in development with some new products that will launch later this year. Hint: it will be a treat for moms and all ladies alike that care about effective, clean beauty!

Win a Pleni Naturals product bundle!

I am very excited to give you an opportunity to try some of these wonderful organic and non-toxic kids products! The Greenly Guide has partnered with Allyson and Pleni Naturals to offer one of you the opportunity to win all three of their current products: the Cucumber + Grape Baby Oil, the Apple + Broccoli Hair and Body Wash and the Berry + Olive Baby Balm!  Not only are these great for your kiddos, but for the adults in your family too!

Make sure to head over to our Instagram page HERE for all of the giveaway details!

[Giveaway is only open to residents of the United States who are 18 years or older]

*All photos in this post are courtesy of and belong to Pleni Naturals.

Connect with Pleni Naturals on their website, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

The post Brand Profile and Interview with Allyson Owens of Pleni Naturals appeared first on The Greenly Guide.