Collagen has long been celebrated as a foundational protein for skin firmness, elasticity, and healthy aging, but it’s inherently animal-derived, sourced from cows, fish, or pigs. That presents a dilemma for cruelty-free, vegetarian, and vegan consumers who are conscious of what goes into their skincare and supplements. Enter: “vegan collagen.” Where Marine Collagen Comes From …
Aloe Vera: The Plant of Immortality
The genus Aloe includes over 500 species of succulents, prized for both their healing properties and striking form. Among them, Aloe vera—also known as Aloe barbadensis—is the most widely recognized, believed to have originated on the Arabian Peninsula (in regions like Yemen and Oman) before spreading globally. Although Aloe vera was noted in ancient Egyptian …
Crystal Clear: Torriden’s Dive-In Collection & the Aesthetic of Modern Hydration
In the world of K-beauty, hydration is more than a step, it’s a ritual. And few brands capture that philosophy quite as elegantly as Torriden. Known for its minimalist, vegan formulas, Torriden’s Dive-In collection has become a cult favorite for those seeking clean, science-driven cleansing and hydration. At the heart of the line is 5D …
From Jungle Legend to Skincare Icon: The Rise of Tiger Grass
What Is Centella Asiatica? Also known as gotu kola, tiger grass, or by its scientific name Centella asiatica, this perennial herb has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. It’s native to Asia and thrives in tropical, moist environments — and yes, legend has it that wounded tigers would roll in the …
Beau Domaine: A Grape-Fueled Skincare Line with Hollywood Roots
What happens when French winemaking meets modern skincare? Enter Beau Domaine—a genderless, vegan-friendly skincare line co-founded by Brad Pitt in 2022. Yes, that Brad Pitt. But this celebrity brand comes with serious science and a formulation philosophy rooted in both luxury and sustainability. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Beau Domaine (@beau.domaine) …
An Ode to K-Beauty’s Clean, Thoughtful Packaging
When we talk about clean beauty, the conversation often focuses on ingredients and what’s in a formula. But there’s another side that deserves equal attention: how the product arrives in your hands. Step into almost any beauty aisle — from discount retailers to department stores, and you’ll see an ongoing challenge: products displayed without seals, …
Glow, Refined: A Clean Beauty Comparison of Two Highlighters
If any product has the ability to transform the face with minimal effort, it’s the highlighter. With a single stroke, it brings light to the skin. Not glitter, not sparkle, but a kind of soft radiance. It’s this understated impact that has made highlighter a mainstay in modern makeup. And while the category has evolved, …
Clean vs. Makeup-Forward: A Tale of Two SPF-Free Tinted Moisturizers
This post is a follow-up to Do You Really Need SPF at Night? A Look at Tinted Moisturizers Without Sunscreen, exploring two popular SPF-free tinted moisturizers—Jones Road and Glossier—and how their formulations reflect different approaches to clean beauty, ingredient transparency, and user experience. Jones Road: The Cleaner Classic Jones Road’s Just Enough Tinted Moisturizer is …
Clean Beauty Meets Tradition: Exploring Beauty of Joseon’s Ginseng Cleansing Oil
In a sea of skincare fads, few ingredients have stood the test of centuries like ginseng. Deeply rooted in Korean herbal medicine (hanbang), ginseng remains one of the most cherished ingredients for revitalizing both body and skin. Beauty of Joseon’s Ginseng Cleansing Oil draws directly from this legacy, honoring tradition while meeting today’s transparent beauty …
The Last Lipstick Generation
The Lipstick Index is a term popularized by the late Leonard Lauder, chairman emeritus of Estée Lauder, who passed away earlier this month, June 2025. Lauder observed that the surge in lipstick sales following 9/11 was not solely driven by affordability. Rather, it reflected a deeper need for comfort and a sense of control during …
The Provençal Playbook: How a Farm-to-Fragrance Brand Went Global
From almond orchards in Provence to pistachio-scented mists and Asia-Pacific success, Groupe L’OCCITANE’s global rise blends ethics, storytelling, and savvy retail alliances. Rooted in Provence: Heritage, Ethics, and Authenticity Few beauty houses walk the line between heritage and innovation as deftly as L’Occitane en Provence. Founded on principles of traceable sourcing, rural preservation, and cultural …
Legacy, Luxury, and the Lipstick Index: On Leonard Lauder and the Economics of Aspiration
Just days after Clean Beauty Co. published a piece exploring the relevance of the “lipstick index” in today’s economy, Leonard Lauder—the man who gave the phenomenon its name—passed away at age 91. Lauder, the eldest son of Estée Lauder, helped transform a family-run cosmetics company into one of the most powerful forces in global beauty. …