HK Natural Beauty Founders Talk Shop: Why They Started & Their Must-Have Products

Looking out through the hazy, smog-filled mornings in Hong Kong, we can’t help but panic over the questionable air quality being inhaled on a daily. Much of what we expose our bodies to, and consequently, what we put on our skin, gets absorbed into our bloodstream, from the air you breathe to the moisturizer you apply everyday. As we become increasingly aware of the harmful chemicals found in skin care and cosmetics, protecting your skin is more important than ever.
In the past few years, conscious beauty brands have stepped up their efforts to source natural and filler-free ingredients for today’s health savvy and informed consumer (like you!). Natural beauty is set to be a huge trend globally this year and Hong Kong is no exception. Lately there has been an explosion in the number of organic and ethical beauty shops, both online and off. Green Queen spoke to some of the city’s new beautypreneurs who stock the best organic and sustainable skincare about why they started and what products they can’t live without.

Peony Skincare

After trying (and loving) products in the US that weren’t available in Hong Kong, founder Josephine Kong opened her Central shop to provide a range of green beauty products so that her customers could have safer skincare products to choose from.

Founder Favorites

For anyone who is looking to deeply moisturize their skin, reduce fine lines, and increase firmness, Kong urges you to try Maya Chia Pure Supercritical Omega-3 Chia Oil. Made with a concentrated blend of the finest omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential minerals, this face oil is ultra lightweight, soothing and is absorbed quickly without feeling greasy. To clear away pimples overnight without using harsh toxins, Kong loves the Indie Lee Blemish Lotion, a talc-free solution to reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation.

Visit Peony Skincare at 10-16 Cochrane Street, 3/F, Central. Call +852 2177 7881 or check here for appointments.

SPECIAL OFFER: 40% off for Green Queen readers on all Peony facials: Signature Facial – 60 minutes: HKD 880, RF Lift Facial –  75 minutes HKD 1, 180; Total Beauty Facial – 75 minutes: HKD 1, 280. 

Urban Greenosophy

Realizing that conventional products were negatively impacting the environment and ultimately doing a disservice to humankind, founder Amy Leung started Urban Greenosophy to showcase organic skincare and living necessities from around the globe and share them with Hong Kong. Paying homage to mother nature, all Urban Greenosophy products must be socially responsible, safe to use, and vegan friendly.

Founder Favorites

Leung is all about Terre Verdi Acqua Di Rosa Mist. This alcohol-free organic rose water removes residual makeup and dirt after cleansing, and rebalances your skin’s PH, leaving it ready to be moisturized. For shampoo, Leung recommends Living Naturally Coconutty Shampoo Bar. This soap bar contains soapnut extract (the greenest, most natural detergent on earth), which boasts superb cleaning power. Drenched with nourishing coconut milk and moisturizing rice bran oil for conditioning properties, this bite-sized bathe booster is suitable for all hair and skin types.

Cabanee

Passionate about discovering eco-friendly, organic skincare and cosmetics, founder Annie Chan and her team were keen on scouring the globe for natural products to share with the rest of the world. Focused on quality, Cabanee carefully curates the selection of specialty brands that they feature on their online beauty boutique.

Founder Favorites

To revive sallow skin, Chan suggests Bottega Organica Active Face Serum. Blending together French lilac flowers and superpower ingredient prawn sage (don’t worry, it’s 100% botanical), this highly concentrated serum enhances the radiance and vitality of healthy skin cells. To keep your locks looking youthful and healthy, Chan promises that Tabitha James Kraan Scented Hair Oil is the way to go. Rich in anti-oxidants and 100% natural ingredients like safflower, goji berry and argan oil, it is easily absorbed into the hair to deliver a deep shine and protect your color.

MINIMAL

Frustrated by the lack of beauty products in Hong Kong that didn’t align with her eco-conscious, vegan, cruelty-free ethos, founder Elaine Siu put her ex-lawyer skills to work and created MINIMAL, a community-centric platform to scrutinize every ingredient in their products (so you don’t have to!), save the planet (pollutant-free products), and support ethical brands (can we get an amen!).

Founder Favorites

To remove your makeup, Siu is an advocate of White Rabbit Lime & Coconut Cleansing Water. Ideal for all skin types, this refreshing cleanser has a citrusy fragrance, as well as antiseptic, antibacterial, astringent and toning properties. Siu also swears by LHAMI Pomegranate Hydrating Serum, which combines a powerful blend of natural oils and extracts to stimulate the skins natural renewal process. Lightweight and easily absorbed, this gel serum is made with pure organic rose and jasmine oil for an incredibly sensual scent.

May 2018 Update: Minimal has closed down operations. 

Images courtesy of  Peony Skincare (lead photo) Urban Greenosophy, Cabanee and MINIMAL .