Can Collagen Be Vegan? The Label Lawsuits Raising Questions

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 …

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) …

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. …