Plantify Skincare

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What inspired you to start your business?

I was inspired to turn my hobby of making my own skincare products into a business because of the tremendous feedback l got from friends and family. Years earlier, l made the switch to using natural products with clean ingredients. Then when l transitioned to making salves and lotions myself with herbs and oils that l chose and l was achieving great results, that was very satisfying and something l wanted to share with others. I gave numerous samples and gifts to the people in my life and l started getting more and more requests for customized items, sometimes to address a particular concern such as acne or eczema or just to give them a healthy alternative to another product that they were using.

How do you describe your brand?

I put a great deal of research and consideration into every product that l formulate. I try to stay as natural as possible with my ingredient selections, which is why l offer a lot of waterless or anhydrous options. With my water-containg products that require emulsifiers and preservatives for safety and stability, l ensure that l choose ones that are certified and approved for use in natural products. I enjoy blending unique and exotic ingredients with tried and true favourites. Ultimately, with whatever it is that l’m creating, there is a skincare goal that l try to fulfill. For example, if l’m creating an oil serum for oily and acne-prone skin, l carefully consider the comedogenic rating of each oil (how likely it is to clog pores), the absorption rate, the antibacterial properties of the herbs and oils used and any potential for irritation. I also consider the environmental impact of my packaging, using primarily glass and recyclable materials and avoiding plastics.

What’s your best selling product?

My bestselling product has consistently been my Calendula Cleansing Balm.

Why do you think it’s so popular?

I think this cleansing balm is popular because it strikes just the right balance. It cleanses really well, including removing stubborn makeup, while at the same time it nourishes dry, sensitive skin, leaving it feeling hydrated and refreshed. A lot of people struggle with overly harsh cleansers or cleansing balms that don’t rinse off easily and leave a residue.

I created this item for a customer that was looking for a replacement for their beloved, yet very pricey cleansing balm.

So l set out to craft an effective cleansing balm that would offer a luxurious feeling on the skin. The blend of ingredients make this product amazing. It contains super-moisturizing shea, mango and illipe butters, as well as calming calendula-infused oil, apricot kernel and pumpkin seed oil. The scent is pretty incredible too. The lovely natural aroma of calendula flowers comes through, combined with essential oils of blood orange, pink grapefruit, and frankincense and extracts of lilac and pear for a sweet, uplifting scent. I incorporate skin-friendly natural emulsifiers to make sure that everything rinses off effortlessly. I also lightly whip my cleansing balm to give it a lighter texture.

What’s your personal favourite product?

My current favourite product is my Green Tea and Peony face cream. I love it, first of all because the scent pairing of green tea absolute and peony essential oil is very beautiful in my opinion. Secondly, l think this moisturizer smooths and softens my skin and noticeably brightens my complexion. I love that it’s oil-based but doesn’t feel greasy, thanks to the kokum butter, one of my personal favourite ingredients.

What’s your favourite local Ontario business?

My favourite local business is Apple Hill Apothecary in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake. They have a wide selection of medicinal herbs that l like to use in tea blends and also for infusing to make my own herbal oils.