Why was it important for your products to be vegan?
As a formulator, it naturally came to me to use plant extracts because of the flora potential and diversity of Africa. Africa’s abundant plant resources make it more sustainable to source local plant extracts, which require fewer resources and generate less pollution. We are against animal cruelty and do not test on animals. It’s an ethical choice.
As an African, I want to highlight that many people in Africa use animal by-products, such as cow butter, to protect their skin due to their living conditions. In villages with limited access to water or for nomadic populations, it is challenging to harvest and extract oils from plants. These animal by-products are derived from animals that are killed for food, a necessity for survival for many Africans.
However, my situation allows me the choice and resources to create vegan products. By opting for plant-based ingredients and advanced actives synthesized in laboratories, I aim to promote ethical sourcing and skin-caring innovation. I also seek to highlight and harness the potential of African plant resources as very sophisticated actives for modern days stressors.
While I have not so far considered non-vegan extracts, our current product line is entirely vegan, and we remain committed to transparency in our ingredient choices.
How do you decide on your ingredients?
Our products aim to boost skin resilience with ingredients high in protective antioxidants and skin-nourishing nutrients. I personally research each ingredient, considering their benefits in traditional African medicine and scientific studies. They must be gentle and suitable for integration into any skincare routine. We protect skin from modern stressors like pollution and high sun exposure with advanced actives such as ceramides and bio-ferment Beta-Glucan, and our ethnobotanicals enhance our formulations with their richness in beneficial molecules. Our tailored products focus on four pillars of healthy skin; Protection, Hydration, Balance and Even Tone, which dictate our selection of ingredients.
What is the most important thing we can do to keep our skin young and healthy?
Consistency and gentleness are key. Healthy skin is not about perfection; it’s about balance. Avoid over-exfoliating, harsh masks and overusing active ingredients. Sun protection is crucial. Tailor a routine that gently treats, calms and hydrates the skin, allowing it to breathe and rest periodically. You should not try to rush your skin for quick result, but rather setting up a routine that may vary according to many factors, travel, change of seasons, stress, hormonal changes, it’s about listening to your skin.
