5 Local Companies With the Best Natural Beauty Products
The external standard of beauty changes constantly. In my lifetime, I’ve seen the standard swing from extreme to extreme while the human form hasn’t changed. There was a time I thought beauty meant long, bleach blonde hair, a tan and (trigger warning) a thigh gap.
Then, thanks to JLo, Beyonce and the Kardashian clan, we all wanted thigh meat, a booty and a waist-long brown mane. In rebellion against an ever-evolving and never realistic external standard of beauty, some of us abandoned all attempts to keep up, viewing those efforts as acts of self-abandonment. And I’m so glad we did.
The older I get, and the more progress I make in my healing journey, the more I refine my understanding of beauty. Where beauty and its pursuit once felt like a violent battle, it now feels more like gentle acts of self-love. I now view beauty as a manifestation of love, and a sign that my body is functioning so optimally that it has extra energy for things like hair and skin.
When I care for my organs and my brain, I feel beautiful. When I pay attention to what goes into my body and ensure that my body has plenty of good fuel, I feel beautiful. When I grant myself rest and quiet, I feel beautiful.
Beauty products are no longer bandaids or means of correcting flaws. They are tools for self love and all-over health. What we put on our skin and hair and nails affects our internal organs and our microbiomes and our community and our planet. Finding gentle, non-toxic products that work for us and our goals, that also support our local economy, is vital to true beauty and true health.
Luckily, we have a wealth of resources here in Spokane. I’ve compiled a list of my favorites for you to explore. These five brands define beauty in ways that support well-being, and never take from it. I’ve highlighted some products for you to try and enjoy as well as documented some of my interview time with each.
Bee You Organics
When I walked into the Bee You Organics headquarters from the bustling street of Spokane’s Perry District, I gasped. I knew I was in for a treat when I pulled up and saw a garden out front, but I was ill-prepared for the grandeur of the retail space. The high ceilings and open space make it feel so sacred, so I wasn’t surprised to learn that the building is owned by the temple next door.
I floated between the beautiful displays asking questions and soaking up the wisdom of Tiffany, the story manager, who is one of the most knowledgeable and earnest people I’ve ever met. If you’re even a little crunchy or even a little into beauty or skincare, you’ll need substantial time to check out each product and learn of the consideration that goes into the creation and packaging. (I love that they are almost plastic-free!)
Tiffany listened to my needs and goals and helped me pick out a smorgasbord of products catering to my skin type. I was most interested in their makeup. I’ve tried natural makeup products in the past and found them to be lacking in actual impact. I went home with the lip and cheek stain, the BB cream and the mascara, and I was blown away by the quality and effect.
The mascara applied easily without flaking or clumping and I don’t have to worry about my eyes burning when I wear it. The cheek and lip stain gives a beautiful glow, and the BB cream blended into my skin perfectly for the light coverage summer look I was going for. I also snagged some cuticle oil, which smells and feels heavenly, and some eye cream. Tiffany even sent me home with their Zinc Oxide Organic Sunscreen and the Mountain Man Shampoo and Body Bar for Blake, my husband, to try. Every product I sampled was luxurious and effective. I was blown away by the quality, smell, and how everything FELT on my skin.
Here’s a little from my interview with Larissa Warren, founder of Bee You Organics.
Who is your target customer?
“Someone who cares about what they’re putting on and into their body and is environmentally conscious,” Warren told me. “What’s special about our products is that we have something to support everyone, no matter where they are at and no matter what their skin needs are— everything from environmentally conscious customers, to people who are learning and looking to do things differently, to those who have been frustrated, hurt and/or negatively impacted by conventional, over the counter products,” Warren said.
What sets your products apart?
“We’re waterless and never use artificial or synthetic ingredients. This means our products are very concentrated and you’ll see results quicker. We're also plastic free and focus on sustainability and doing good for the environment and people,” Warren shared.
“If you look at your current skincare and makeup, you'll probably notice that water is the first ingredient. When water is used in products, it means about 97% of it will be water and artificial/synthetic ingredients, many of which are known skin irritants. Only about 3% will be the ingredient they sold you on. This is because water and oil don't mix and water breeds life (bacteria).”
Bee You Organics makes all of its products from scratch, in small batches by hand in shop to ensure freshness, and with only USDA Certified Organic food grade (known) ingredients.
What do you wish folks knew about your products?
“A little bit goes a long way,” Warren told me. “Because of this, your product will last longer and you won’t need to purchase as often.”
Warren’s journey started 28 years ago after she was hit by a drunk driver and thrown through the windshield of her car resulting in permanent scarring on her face. Even though she was raised to avoid harmful products, she needed something for her scars and cystic acne, but they only made her skin worse.
“I went home that day and read the ingredients on the drawers and drawers full of products I’d been using and threw them all away. I started researching, testing and developing skincare that would help clear up my acne and heal my scars,” Warren shared.
Warren’s family and friends began to notice a difference, so she began developing products to treat specific needs for each of them.
“After about 10 years of creating custom formulas, I started Bee You Organics. I opened an Etsy shop on a dare from my husband that ‘no one cared as much about ingredients as I did.’ My Organic BB Cream quickly became a bestseller and put us on the map. I opened my store in the South Perry District in 2019,” Warren shared.
“We’re not about “conventional” standards of beauty or looks here,” Warren’s told me. “We care about actually helping support our customers in their health and healing and in getting healthy, glowing skin they love with products they can feel good putting on and wearing.”
What do you wish folks knew about beauty products in general?
“It’s predicted skincare and makeup will be completely waterless by 2050, due to the current and upcoming water shortages,” Warren said.
“There is a tremendous amount of disinformation out there and lying by omission in the beauty industry. The beauty industry is completely unregulated and ingredients don't need to be disclosed on ingredient lists under the guise of ‘trade secrets,’ so many ingredients have never even been tested for safety,” she said.
Because companies prey on costumer’s insecurities, so many people have been wearing toxic chemicals since very young, Warren explained.
“[We had] no true understanding of how it's impacting our bodies and health,” Warren said. “Our skin is our largest organ. We need to honor and protect it. What we put on our body is also going in.”
Dermazen Skincare
I credit Dermazen Skincare with transforming my scalp and skin. I am no stranger to sharing the not-so-cute aspects of my health journey, and here I make no exception. I have struggled with flaky skin on my scalp and face for most of my life. I’ve tried everything I could think of, but nothing fully ridded me of dry, flaky scalp and weird breakouts (that sometimes presented as eczema but responded to none of the typical treatments). I thought that healing my gut would sort out the problems, but there seemed to be little relationship between the health of my gut and my inexplicable breakouts. I resigned myself to keeping head and shoulders stocked for the rest of my life and to perpetually having dry patchy skin around my nose and mouth, but then I found Dermazen Skincare.
When I learned that my skin ailments were fungal in nature and that a lot of the natural products I thought were helping me were actually feeding the fungus, I was shook. I haven’t experienced many immediate transformations on this journey, but I swear my skin transformed after less than a week of using Dermazen. My breakouts cleared, the flaking in my scalp is no more, and my skin is moisturized. I’ve had countless friends ask me what procedure I’ve had done, but I believe that my new glow is thanks to finding products that work with my skin and address my individual needs. I was so pleased to learn that one of its founders, Austin Beals, is a Coeur D’Alene native! The company is currently headquartered in Carlsbad, California.
Here’s some of my interview with Sebastian Gomez, Co-Founder of Dermazen Skincare.
Who is your target customer?
“We are passionate about helping people with chronic skin conditions like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and fungal acne – all of which are caused by the same type of fungus called Malassezia,” Gomez shared with me. “But we also have plenty of customers in our community with other skin conditions or even healthy skin who simply love the purity of our ingredients.”
What sets your products apart?
“Our products are unique for two core reasons: they naturally disrupt the biofilm shield that protects the Malassezia fungus from typical antifungal treatments and they are made without oils that feed the fungus,” Gomez shared. “Because we’re the only brand in the world creating products with these two principles in mind, our formulas bring a whole new level of peace to people struggling with fungal conditions. We also practice ingredient minimalism, keeping our ingredient lists as simple as possible while still delivering life-changing results.”
What do you wish folks knew about your products?
“They are a scientific breakthrough for fungal skin conditions, without the prescription price tag,” Gomez shared.
What do you wish folks knew about beauty products in general?
“If you are struggling with dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, fungal acne, or any condition caused by the Malassezia yeast, please do your best to avoid using products with oils in them.” Gomez urged. “The only safe oils to use are MCT and squalane oil. Everything else (include butters and waxes) will feed the yeast and make your conditions worse. You can read more about why and how to avoid the wrong oils at dermazen.co/oils,” Gomez shared.
H IS FOR LOVE
When I think of H IS FOR LOVE, I think LUXURY. When I smell any of the products, I feel spoiled and honored. Frankincense, basil and bergamot are staples and make me feel positively royal. When I use these products, simple routines feel elevated to holy acts of self love. When I apply the lip conditioner or the Nectar Nourishing Face Oil, I remind myself that I am worthy of care. All of this is on top of the objectively high quality of each product in the H IS FOR LOVE line.
I recently had the honor of trying a variety of this Spokane-based company’s products, and I’m officially a fan! The Rapha Harmonizing Oil Cleanser makes my skin feel clean without stripping it. I love using it to remove makeup! The Bara Healing Face Balm delivers intense moisture without feeling heavy, and the Lin Purifying Body Scrub leaves my skin feeling like I just left a spa! When I follow up with the Kinu Glowing Body Balm, my normally dry skin glows. The Propolis Regenerative Face Mask has become part of my weekly routine. In fact, I’m wearing it as I write this piece.
Two products that are now officially daily staples, though, are the Lip Glacé and the Pollen Illuminating Mist. The Lip Glace provides the perfect amount of moisture and color, and the Illuminating Mist leaves my skin feeling refreshed and maybe even a little younger. I read that this mist helps to restore your skin’s ideal pH. I love to mist myself after my morning and evening skincare rituals, after I’ve applied makeup, and just if my skin starts to feel dull throughout the day.
Here’s a little from my interview with Bee H. Rose, founder of H IS FOR LOVE.
Who is your target customer?
“Of course it's important to identify a target audience, and I've been asked this question many times over the years. The answer I always come to is me. Not me, the 43-year-old mother who values intentional living and slow fashion and clean food and natural skincare— of course H is for that woman— but, I mean the me that needs to remember the importance of putting myself first, of taking moments that remind me I'm worthy of time, love, and attention,” Rose shared. “H IS FOR LOVE is for every human who wants to slow down and experience their own healing touch. It's for people who value honoring the earth and their bodies. H is for me and for everyone, but of course I would say that because we are all one.”
What sets your products apart?
“I've been developing relationships with beyond organic farmers for nearly a decade now,” Rose shared. “They are true artisans of their craft and they produce ingredients in small batches to ensure they're truly sustainable. The efficacy of our products begins there, with the brilliance of farmers who tend to the health of their soil before they plant.”
“The life is in the soil, and it's in the skin and the gut,” Rose explained. “That's actually the inspiration for the name H IS FOR LOVE. H represents three lines. The number three is evident throughout all of nature. When you start with the best ingredients in the world you don't need to mask anything or add much. Nature is enough. People can feel this difference just opening a box of H. Once they see their glowing skin they're believers.”
What do you wish folks knew about your products?
“I've had many people email me over the years that they'd been watching from a distance but never purchased for one reason or another. Eventually they place an order and message that they can't believe they waited for so long!” Rose shared. “H is spendy but it's 100% active skincare. This means you get way more uses than skincare that uses fillers. Start with one of our trial kits. The scents and textures alone are addictive-but once you feel what these products do for your skin you'll understand the hype.”
What do you wish folks knew about beauty products in general?
“That the most important beauty ritual is FREE,” Rose shared. “Drink clean water, walk every day, get good sleep, limit inflammatory foods, choose natural, eat clean, and also eat the damn dessert! Look in the mirror and say ‘I LOVE YOU’ at least once a day.”
“The real secret to winning in life is choosing ourselves and loving on ourselves so hard that nobody can dupe us into needing something in order to feel beautiful,” Rose shared. “Then, self-care rituals are for you! H IS FOR LOVE is a tool you can add to that toolbox. It's decadent and delicious and it will make your skin GLOW.”
Inner Joy Shop
I met Jessica Lopez, the founder and genius behind Inner Joy Shop, at a small business pop up in Spokane and immediately felt drawn to her. I knew that I could trust her. She possesses a quiet strength that communicates that she doesn’t need to be heard but that you would be wise to pay attention to her.
Her products reflect this quality as well. I tried her Amor Facial Mask and Exfoliant and was blown away by the immediate results. With regular use, I’ve noticed that my skin feels exfoliated, soft and clean without the redness and irritation that I normally experience with other forms of exfoliation. I also tried out her Serenity Facial Serum, and it officially has a permanent place in my morning and evening skincare routine. The smell is subtle, yet divine, and it leaves my skin feeling soft and never oily. I cannot recommend Inner Joy Shop products enough.
Here’s some of what I learned in my interview with Jessica Lopez.
Who is your target customer?
“Our target customer is the health-conscious individual, who prioritizes high-quality, natural ingredients and ethical sourcing,” Lopez shared with me. “They seek transparency, sustainability and products that align with their values of holistic well-being and eco-friendliness.”
What sets your products apart?
“Our products stand out due to our commitment to purity and sustainability. We use only the finest organic ingredients, ensuring they are free from harmful chemicals and synthetic additives,” Lopez said. “Our formulations are developed with a focus on bioavailability and nutrient dense ingredients straight from nature. We focus on skin health and ensuring your skin is being nourished properly. Our packaging is eco-friendly, minimizing environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of quality and luxury.”
What do you wish folks knew about your products?
“We wish people knew that our products provide nutrient-dense solutions and are bioavailable to our skin, nourishing the epidermis,” Lopez shared. “Our dedication to natural health and beauty goes beyond ingredients, when using our products we want our customers to feel confident in their natural skin. With or without makeup. We believe that true beauty comes from within, and by choosing products that are free from toxins and rich in beneficial nutrients, you support your body's inherent ability to thrive. We are passionate about offering products that are not only effective but also safe and holistically crafted.”
What do you wish folks knew about beauty products in general?
“We want people to understand the importance of reading labels and being aware of what they put on their skin,” Lopez shared. “Our skin is our largest organ, and what we apply to it is absorbed into our body. Many conventional beauty products contain synthetic chemicals that can be harmful in the long term. It's so important to prioritize natural and organic ingredients that work in harmony with our body.”
Lopez added that the company advocates for a holistic approach to beauty. “This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep and stress management,” she shared. “All these factors contribute to a radiant complexion and a healthy body. Our products are designed to complement this lifestyle, offering a complete wellness experience.”
Wild June Botanicals
I am a sucker for a good body scrub, and the Mountain Mocha Coffee Scrub by Wild June Co based in Spokane, is my new favorite. It smells divine and leaves my usually dry skin soft and moisturized. It doesn’t feel too aggressive and doesn’t leave me feeling oily. I follow with the Solstice Body Oil (which also smells DIVINE), focusing on my elbows, knees and knuckles, and feel like an absolute glowing goddess.
If you struggle with dry, cracked feet like I do, no matter how many pedicures you get, you need to try the Wild June Co. Sole Therapy Pumice Foot Scrub. It’s a game changer! After just one use my feet feel soft and callous-free, despite my regular runs and walks.
I was skeptical about the natural deodorant, though. I grew up in the aughts, when natural products first hit the mainstream market. My mom jumped in head first, ridding our home of all things toxic. I remember trying and hating every natural deodorant that left me feeling sticky and smelly. This product has redeemed the entire concept for me. It applies nicely and left me feeling fresh.
Here is some of my interview with Brittnee Miller, owner of Wild June Botanicals.
Who is your target customer?
“Our target customer is definitely the more health-conscious person that’s trying to avoid many of the toxins and irritants that are found in today’s personal care products,” Miller shared with me. “I think what many people are finding is that even the bigger companies that are putting out ‘natural’ products are still sneaking in cheap fillers and synthetics, and ingredients that many of us are trying to avoid. So turning to smaller businesses that are very conscious about each ingredient that they use is a great way to go, and that’s the type of customer base we’re looking for.”
What sets your products apart?
Our products are locally handcrafted in Spokane, WA with natural and organic ingredients,” Miller shared. “Each of the products are inspired by the outdoors. We find that nature provides all that we need to take care of our skin!” Miller said. “And we really focus on quality over quantity and strive to formulate products that not only smell great, but are effective and make your skin look and feel amazing.”
What do you wish folks knew about your products?
“Our products are very PNW themed, which is super fun and unique!” Miller shared. “But as mentioned above, I personally scrutinize every ingredient we put into each product. My philosophy is that if it’s not beneficial to the skin or the effectiveness of the formulation, it has no place in our skincare.”
What do you wish folks knew about beauty products in general?
“Beauty and personal care products do not need to be overly complicated with tons of ingredients in order to be effective, in fact it’s usually the opposite,” Miller shared. “Consumers may be tempted to purchase products with an impressive ingredient list, but what they don’t realize is that the more ingredients a product contains, the smaller amount of each ingredient it will have. This makes the product much less effective than a simple formulation with just a few star ingredients.”
“I also wish more people realized that just because a product costs more or is sold by a certain company or an MLM, it doesn't mean that it’s worth the price they pay for it, nor does it mean it’s an effective product,” Miller said. “I’ve seen such simple formulations being sold for outrageous prices, and I’ve also seen very expensive diluted, toxin-filled products that do more harm than good. When it comes to beauty and personal care products, the consumer really needs to read labels and do their research to find out exactly what they’re paying for.”
Bailey Bowerman
Bailey is a self-proclaimed recovering attorney and late bloomer. She loves words, rest, and hyping entrepreneurs and creatives. She lives in Idaho with her husband and is decidedly and unapologetically NOT outdoorsy.