A Celebration of Plants, Skincare, and Innovation
It’s been 13 years since Herbivore Botanicals started its clean, plant-based skincare journey. I enjoyed celebrating this milestone at an intimate event held at the swanky Gansevoort Hotel in New York City. The vibe was relaxed, the cocktails were flowing, and the guest of honor was Herbivore co-founder Alex Kummerow, who shared insights into the brand’s incredible journey and exciting future.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane. Herbivore was born in 2011 in the cozy confines of Alex and Julia Wills’ Seattle kitchen. Back then, their goal was humble – selling just 13 bars of soap per day to make rent. Fast forward to today, and they’ve grown into a global sensation, pioneering what we now know as clean beauty. What began as small-batch skincare creations for the Etsy community has blossomed into a global beauty phenomenon. Herbivore didn’t just enter the beauty scene; they helped shape an entirely new category!
So, what’s Herbivore’s secret? It’s all about the power of plants. Their philosophy is simple yet revolutionary: create natural, wellness-focused skincare that’s effective, safe, and – let’s be honest – gorgeously packaged. You’re missing out if you haven’t seen their stunning jewel-toned bottles. Their products are a beautiful marriage of nature and science, with every formula meticulously crafted from scratch and packed with clinically proven, plant-based actives. No wonder their products work wonders, especially if you’re dealing with pesky skin issues like eczema, which Alex himself has struggled with.
Speaking of Alex, he gave us a glimpse of the big plans for the brand’s future, and it’s all about getting back to their roots—literally. He’s thrilled to have Britany LeBlanc, the former Supergoop! CMO, on board as the new CEO, and together, they’re ready to take Herbivore to new heights. As I sipped on the event’s signature Blue Wave cocktail (a delightful blend of elderberry vodka, blood orange juice, and a splash of blue curaçao), Alex shared his passion for exploring new, unconventional ingredients, like the Noni fruit from Hawaii. It’s known for its pungent aroma, but Alex is up for the challenge. He’s determined to show the world how powerful and special plant-based skincare can be.
And it’s not just about taking from the planet; it’s about giving back. Alex emphasized Herbivore’s commitment to sustainability and their mission to foster a deeper connection between people and plants. Their goal is to put love back into the world, one natural, efficacious skincare product at a time.
As I left the event with a gift bag full of Herbivore goodies, I couldn’t help but feel inspired. Here’s to 13 years of Herbivore—and many more years of pushing the boundaries of clean beauty. I can’t wait to see what they dream up next!
XOXO,
Your Beauty Bestie
