Modern life, with a high volume of work and constant stress, leaves little time for skincare routines. However, proper daily care of the face and body skin is a recipe for their beauty and health. Queens-based company Flo+Theo develops vegan skincare products. They use only fresh ingredients suitable even for the most delicate skin. Read more at queenska.com.
The result of the collaboration between two sisters
Flo+Theo was created by sisters Mayowa and Ebony. Although the women were born in Nigeria and raised in England and Ireland, they chose New York as their home. They named the brand after the most important people in their lives, mother Florence and uncle Theo. Their family always supported the women, even before their names began appearing in Teen Vogue, Buzzfeed and Refinery29.
The technical aspects of the business are handled by Mayowa, as she has experience in software development and e-commerce. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring vintage shops and vegan restaurant cuisine as well as working out. Ebony, inspired by all beauty-related things, left her legal career for the brand. In addition to her entrepreneurial activities, she is passionate about photography and likes tasty yet strange dishes.
Demand breeds supply
Ebony was looking for suitable products for her sensitive skin, which inspired her to develop skincare cosmetics. The woman struggled with her dermal disease for a long time, and it seemed to have no cure. She tried numerous remedies, but they did not alleviate the symptoms. Therefore, Ebony decided to create her own products, for which she developed unique formulas using natural ingredients.
After years of research, learning, and experiments, Ebony and Mayowa introduced simple and effective skincare products to the market. One woman bought the activated charcoal soap from Flo+Theo and cured inflammation in her body thanks to it. She liked it so much that she wrote an article for Teen Vogue, thus advertising the brand.
Mayowa and Ebony not only produce and package the products themselves but also handle marketing. Running a business is extremely difficult, but you always have to follow your heart’s calling, said the entrepreneurs of NiLu Gift Shop. It is also crucial to have a business plan to be confident in your venture. Individuals who criticize a business idea or express concerns may not always have dark intentions. Mayowa and Ebony think that they might just care about you and want to ensure that the company stays afloat.
Unique products
Flo+Theo offers many products that can hardly be found on the market. One of them is activated charcoal soap. Pure activated charcoal is known for its excellent adsorption properties and ability to remove oil and dirt from clogged pores. This soap includes coconut, olive and palm oils that moisturize and nourish the skin. The soap is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive ones. It cleanses the skin without leaving a feeling of tightness and dryness. By the way, dry feeling is caused by the fact that regular cleansers remove part of the lipids from the skin that help retain moisture.
The soap is perfect for those who prefer aroma-free products. Customers noted that their skin feels softer after using it. The soap lathers well and is versatile, suitable for both the face and body.
Another unique product is lavender body oil, which nourishes even the most sensitive skin. Thanks to the mixture of sweet almond oil, coconut oil, essential oils and vitamin E, the product is easily absorbed into the skin, hydrating and nourishing it. The lavender scent makes you feel carefree and relaxed. It is pleasant and has a calming effect. The scent of lavender has the ability to fill the surroundings, and once you experience it, you will never forget it.
The brand also offers lavender-scented soap. The soap pieces have a thick, creamy foam and are made from the best oils, herbs, glycerin (a natural moisturizer), natural mineral pigments and pure essential oils.
Body oils with wild mint and citrus aromas are also popular among customers. The blend of cocoa, shea and coconut oils enriches the skin with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Easily absorbed into the skin, the product leaves it incredibly soft and hydrated. By the way, there is also soap available in these scents. The minty and herbal notes of wild mint will help you wake up in the morning and keep you feeling vigorous throughout the day. The citrus scent creates a sensation as if you are strolling through groves of oranges, lemons and mandarins on a beautiful sunny Sunday morning.
Cold process of soap making
Mayowa and Ebony create products right in their home in Queens. They use an ancient method of cold process soap making. It involves mixing fat or oil with sodium hydroxide lye and adding essential oils and dyes if necessary. Thus, a chemical reaction known as saponification takes place, which can last up to 48 hours. The mixture is then left to cure for 4-6 weeks.
Making soap through the cold process method takes a lot of time, but the absence of heat ensures that the essential oils do not lose their properties. Sodium hydroxide lye gives the soap a soft, smooth texture, but it is quite toxic. It is neutralized during saponification. This lye can burn the skin and damage the eyes, lungs and throat. Therefore, during the cold process soap making, it is essential to use protective clothing, gloves, masks and goggles. Lye heats up quickly and gives off fumes when mixed with liquid, so you should always work in a well-ventilated place. If lye gets on the skin, it should be rinsed off immediately with cool water. In case of burns or if lye gets into the eyes, it is necessary to consult a doctor after rinsing.
Using this method, a variety of aromatic and antibacterial herbs, such as rosemary, sage and thyme can be added to soap. Rose and lavender provide a soft scent, while citrus peel adds freshness and lightness. With this method, all the properties of plants and oils are preserved.
Vegan brand
All Flo+Theo products are vegan, meaning they do not contain any animal ingredients and are not tested on animals. Vegan cosmetics are made solely from natural plant-based components and minerals.
Some advantages of such cosmetics include a natural composition, absence of toxic substances and animal-derived ingredients, environmental friendliness and safety. However, vegan products are often more expensive than regular ones. Obtaining some ingredients can be more difficult than traditional components.
Vegan cosmetic products are non-toxic and free from chemicals, petroleum products, alcohol, synthetic dyes and conservatives. Vegan cosmetics are suitable for anyone who cares about their skin’s health and the environment. It can be used by people of any skin type, although it may cause an allergic reaction in rare cases. If you are allergic to certain natural ingredients, be sure to check the composition of the beauty product before purchasing it.