What is it about skin care that makes it so dynamic? Is it the constant development of novel ingredients? The launch of a next-generation delivery systems? An expansion of form, function or usage? Portability? Packaging?

In October 2014, The Benchmarking Company surveyed more than 1,000 women about their recent skin care purchases. Of those who indicated they tried a new facial skin care product that they were initially hesitant about purchasing, 20% said it was a serum; 15% said it was a cleanser, mask or peel, or combination (BB, CC) product.  Furthermore, BB creams were cited as the No. 1 specific type of product that “changed my life” in 2014, according to respondents.

Creating that life-changing skin care products is an inside job, according to Molly Sloat, trend director at Ulta Beauty, Chicago, an emerging skin care brand starts with the incorporation of innovative components—much like what is seen in the advertising pages of Happi!

“At Ulta Beauty, we have to identify trends early to get ahead of the demand and offer the right product assortment that best serves our guests’ appetites for the latest innovation,” she told Happi in an interview. “The increased uses of natural ingredients like nuts and oil started a trend for more natural products that we have seen continue as consumers become more and more health conscious.”

Here’s a look at some rising contenders in the beauty segment for 2015:

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First Aid Beauty
Newton, MA

Founded: 2009

Names to Know: Lilli Gordon, CEO and founder

Major Products: Ultra Repair Cream, Facial Radiance Pads, Facial Radiance Overnight Mask, Face Cleanser, 5 in 1 Face Cream with SPF 30, Skin Rescue Purifying Mask with Red Clay, and Eye Duty Triple Remedy.

Hero Product: Ultra Repair Cream, a best-selling product, is the ultimate skin healer that can be used by everyone of all ages and all skin types. It can be used to treat dry, itchy scaly skin anywhere on the body, whatever the cause, even eczema. Ultra Repair Cream has a beautiful whipped texture that is instantly absorbed with no greasy after feel, said founder Gordon. The star ingredient in this cream is colloidal oatmeal—the only OTC ingredient for treating the symptoms of eczema. The product also contains nourishing shea butter, soothing allantoin and is petrolatum free. In a clinical study, the results were powerful; hydration increased 169% immediately following application. Ultra Repair Cream delivers instant moisture, immediate relief and long-term hydration for baby soft skin.

Stocked at: Sephora, online at www.sephora.com and www.firstaidbeauty.com

Newest Launch: In January 2015, First Aid Beauty (FAB) has two—Ultra Repair Hydra Firm Sleeping Cream and a Milk Oil Conditioning Cleanser.

Brand Story: According to founder Gordon, “In 2009, I set out to create a brand that was affordable, uncomplicated and effective that would stand the test of time. First Aid Beauty (aka FAB) is on a rescue mission: obsessed with bringing you products that will help your skin look its absolute best. At FAB, we believe that beautiful skin starts with healthy skin. We offer real solutions to real problems, as well as every day essentials that form the cornerstone of your skin care regimen.”

FAB elevates traditional, iconic drugstore products by putting the beauty into first aid. Gordon said, “We’ve taken tried and true drugstore skin remedies to their next level. The line addresses a range of skin care conditions with scientifically advanced formulations that provide immediate relief and long-term results. For anyone who suffers from chronic skin challenges or is looking for everyday essentials at affordable prices that are easy to use, feel good and do what they say, First Aid Beauty is the solution.”

Why We’re Watching: Gordon founded FAB after growing increasingly tired of products that were “ineffective, medicinal-feeling and made with outdated, irritating ingredients.” She works closely with a board-certified dermatologist to ensure that all FAB products achieve maximum results with minimum irritancy. In addition, all FAB products are allergy tested and safe for even the most sensitive skin.

“With one First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream sold every minute, I’d say that FAB is a true cult-favorite,” said Gordon.
Allure magazine crowned FAB’s Skin Rescue Purifying Mask with Red Clay as the “Best Mask, Oily Skin.” And, last but not least, Selena Gomez recently raved about Eye Duty, calling it “the bomb” for her dark circles.

What’s Next: A new year brings an aggressive new product launch schedule to continue to address the needs of multiple and varied skin types. Said Gordon, “Our rescue mission: to provide easy to use, effective, feel good solutions for universal skin challenges, guides all new product development. It is truly an exciting time, because the line has lots of room to grow in order to meet that objective.”

From an international perspective, 2015 should be a huge year for FAB. The brand is launching in Taiwan and China, the latter of which took three years to achieve.

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Nip+Man
Founded: 2013

Names to Know: Maria Hatzistefanis, founder/CEO

Major Products: A full range of skin care, from facial scrubs to daily moisturizers. 

Hero Product: Manotox—this advanced technology moisturizer with high performance Liftonin works to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Gransil and sea minerals smooth and revitalize the skin.

Stocked At: Online at Nipandman.com, shipped worldwide. Stores in the UK include Superdrug, Boots, Sainsbury’s & Tesco. USA available in GNC & Australia; also stocked in Target in Australia.

Newest Launch: Turbo Face Wash

Brand Story: Nip+Man is a London-based men’s skin care and body care brand specially formulated for guys. According to founder Hatzistefanis, “From hydrating face washes, to high-performing moisturizers, our aim is to make men’s grooming routine as simple, but as effective as possible.”

Launched in May 2013, Nip+Man has fast become the range of choice for the fitness-conscious male. Created by the founder of Rodial Skincare, which was founded in 1999, and its sister brand Nip + Fab, it comes from a family with more than 14 years in the industry.

“After talking to our customers, we realized that men wanted and needed us,” Hatzistefanis told Happi. “They were letting themselves into their girlfriend or wives beauty cabinets and using the Nip + Fab products on offer. The range of products we created incorporates a number of plastic surgery alternatives and is designed to bring out natural contours and improve skin texture.”

Why We’re Watching: Said Hatzistefanis, “We have a great celebrity following including Scott Disick who is a massive fan of the products! We provide products that target specific areas of the body and help to show instant results to the skin and body.”

What’s Next: “We are looking into some amazing new faces of the brand! So watch this space,” noted Hatzistefanis.

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CosMedix
Founded: 1999

Names To Know: Robert Cohen, CEO

Major Products: Simply Brilliant, Eye Genius, Opti Crystal, Serum 16; Purity Collection including: Purity Clean, Purity Balance, Purity Solution and Purity Detox Scrub

Hero Product: Opti Crystal

Stocked At: Professional spas, dermatologist offices and skin care professionals in US, UK and Australia and online at cosmedix.com.

Newest Launch: Purity Detox Scrub and Purity Solution Nourishing Deep Cleansing Oil.

Brand Story: Fifteen years ago, CosMedix started out with a simple promise—to deliver maximum results with reduced irritation. At the time of inception, skin care professionals and consumers had fewer choices. According to sources at CosMedix, Atlanta, GA, it changed the industry standard.  Based on a revolutionary purification process called chiral correction borrowed from the medical industry, the cosmeceutical pioneer found a way to use nature’s most potent ingredients in concentrations capable of real change—all without the irritation users had come to expect. Chirally correct skin care was a game changer, but the story doesn’t end there.
Today, CosMedix continues to shape the future of professional skin care by zeroing in on four key pillars: smarter exfoliation, better botanical ingredients, skin matrix support and continued chiral correction for superior product performance.

Why We’re Watching: A pioneer of chiral skin care technology, CosMedix is considered a leader in education and professional treatments utilizing plant-based ingredients and encapsulated vitamin A.

What’s Next: For 2015, the company is working on continued US and global expansion including new products and technologies. Its newest product launch, Rescue + (available this month) acts as a barrier to protect the skin, while hydrating and conditioning. It is ideal for reducing inflammation and irritation, plus aiding in cell regeneration and longevity.

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Epionce/Episciences, Inc.
Founded: 2002

Names To Know: Dr. Carl Thornfeldt, practicing clinical dermatologist, founder of Episciences, Inc. and inventor of the Epionce product line.

Major Products: Renewal Facial Cream, Intense Defense Serum, Intensive Nourishing Cream, Lytic Gel Cleanser, MelanoLyte
Skin Brightening System

Hero Product: The Renewal Facial Cream is the foundation of the Epionce product line. This rich treatment moisturizing cream helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of skin aging while improving skin clarity and radiance. It is clinically proven to be superior to the prescription retinoid, tretinoin, when used with Epionce Lytic Tx. Daily use helps strengthen the skin barrier and stop damaging inflammation in the skin.

Stocked At: Found in physician offices and medical spas as well as epionce.com and select authorized e-retailers

Newest Launch: MelanoLyte Pigment Perfecting Serum

Brand Story: Epionce is a comprehensive and innovative physician-grade skin care line designed to improve the appearance and health of the skin. According to Trish Stack, marketing director, Boise, ID, Epionce helps unleash the natural healing potential of your skin using antioxidant and anti-inflammatory botanical ingredients in proven therapeutic concentrations. From anti-aging to improving visible symptoms associated with problem skin, Epionce provides the foundation to address your unique daily skin care needs. Developed by a practicing dermatologist, Epionce is rooted in hard science and is clinically proven to repair your skin for optimal results.

Why We’re Watching: Epionce delivers the results of a prescription product without the irritation, according to the company, and is at the forefront of clinical research, with more than 15 clinical studies on its formulations.

“Our products include a blend of active ingredients that create a highly effective delivery system with potent botanical antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients in proven therapeutic concentrations. Epionce deeply penetrates the skin surface to reveal smoother, more radiant skin that functions at its optimum, without irritation. And, all Epionce studies are performed by nationally recognized independent research organizations and adhere to the highest standards for clinical studies using the finished, consumer-ready product,” Stack told Happi in an interview.

What’s Next: “There is a lot of ongoing research into the functionality of the skin, and how to optimize it. We are always looking at ways that we might be able to improve how our products impact the skin for maximum therapeutic value,” explained Stack. “Our founder, Dr. Thornfeldt, always says that his patients never come in asking to get 40% clear from their disease or condition; they come in asking for 100% clearance and they want to stay clear. He is always pushing our team to reach for that.”

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Scalisi Skincare
Founded: 2009

Names To Know: Jill Scalisi, founder and CEO

Major Products: Advanced Wrinkle Cream, Eye Cream, Anti-Aging Moisturizer, Cleanser and Exfoliator

Hero Product: The Advanced Wrinkle Cream is recommended by doctors and celebrities alike. Peptides convince the brain a wrinkle is a cut and the body over produces collagen to heal the wrinkle. For the preventative side, other peptides act like topical Botox to prevent future wrinkles. According to founder Scalsi, New York City, “It was featured in Vogue and ‘Gossip Girl’ Kelly Rutherford loves the Advanced Wrinkle Cream.  I have handwritten notes from women who have converted from major brands because they just love this product!”

Stocked At: Birchbox, SkinStore, Amazon, ScalisiSkincare.com and select spas and medical spas nationwide. 

Newest Launch: Eye Cream scientifically proven to reduce the look of fine lines, crow’s feet and under eye puffiness. It contains natural oils to moisturize and white tea extract to brighten and was featured in Allure.

Brand Story: In 2008, Jill Scalisi was diagnosed with skin cancer and could not find scientifically proven, anti-aging products with SPF 30. It was then she realized two customer problems: the anti-aging industry was primarily focused on repairing wrinkles and was missing the other half of the equation, preventing them; and there were three categories in skin care: science, beauty and organic and the customer was forced to choose. 

Why We’re Watching: Scalisi was a finalist for the Cosmetic Executive Women award for the next big thing in beauty. Her vision is to disrupt the skin care market by redefining what anti-aging should mean—globally.

What’s Next: Scalisi will launch an advanced serum in the first half of 2015. According to Scalisi, the serum will work with the existing collection to smooth, deeply hydrate and reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines, wrinkles and other imperfections. The serum has a silk-light feeling and also contains color correctors to neutralize tones and enhance luminosity.

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Le Mieux Cosmetics
Founded: 2004

Names To Know: Janel Luu, founder and CEO

Major Products: TGF-β Booster, Vita-C Serum, Bio Cell Rejuvenating Cream, EGF-DNA, Eye Wrinkle Corrector

Hero Product: TGF-β Booster contains four potent collagen-boosting peptides that include acetyl octapeptide-3 and palmitoyl oligopeptide, moisture-multiplying glycoproteins, powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and algae extract in a silky serum that promotes skin firmness and elasticity, corrects fine lines and wrinkles, and restores a healthy glow. The concentrated formula also boosts results when used with other skin care products. Features superoxide dismutase for extreme antioxidant benefits.  

Stocked At: Nigel Beauty Emporium; Rituals Aesthetic Skin Care; BellaLora Spa Beverly Hills; Alcone; LeMieuxCosmetics.com; myskincarebox.com

Newest Launch: Collagen Peptide Serum, a potent, creamy blend of four skin-contouring peptides, water-loving hyaluronic acid, nourishing ceramides and marine algae extract that dramatically lifts and tightens sagging facial contours. Double-encapsulated, timed-release technology provides targeted absorption to promote collagen and elastin synthesis, correct expression lines and wrinkles, and restore skin resiliency. Features teprenone, a plant derivative that protects the tips of chromosomes, extending the lifespan of skin cells and facilitating cellular repair. 

Brand Story: Le Mieux, translated as “the best” in French, was created by product innovator Janel Luu and an elite team of scientists, physicians and cosmetic chemists committed to creating pivotal breakthroughs in skin care technology to formulate the best anti-aging solutions in the personal care market.

The Baldwin Park, CA–based company has garnered the reputation of “The Serum Authority” for its diverse selection of serums with scientifically advanced delivery systems, timed-release technology, and concentrated ingredients from premium sources, all custom-engineered to effectively treat myriad skin care concerns. 

According to company CEO Luu, “we should never be satisfied with yesterday’s technology.  A formulator needs to expect more every time a product is born—every drop should make a difference.”  

Why We’re Watching: Unlike traditional water-based skin care products, the base of Le Mieux skin care products features the Master Molecule—hyaluronic acid—in order to most effectively reach targeted areas.  Moreover, Le Mieux is the first company to utilize a unique technology to deliver hyaluronic acid so its intensive moisturizing properties benefit not only the surface of the skin, but also the intercellular matrix for immediate and long-lasting results. 

Le Mieux Trinity serums employ Le Mieux Hydra Bio Technology in a patented complex of ingredients that are double-encapsulated and micro-sized in a liposomal hydrophilic and lipophilic carrier to ensure timely release and optimum delivery to targeted areas for phenomenal anti-aging solutions.

What’s Next: In 2015, Le Mieux expands the launch of PurErb, an herbology-based aromatherapy and skin care brand created by an ingenious team of botanists, aromatherapists and herbal healers. PurErb skin care products feature a harmonious fusion of over 100 therapeutic herbs and exotic plant extracts gathered from around the world. Each PurErb proprietary formula contains carefully selected, 100% pure botanical extracts and aromatic vegetal oils with no gluten, parabens, sulfates, glycols or artificial fragrance.

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Replere
Founded: 2010

Names To Know: Dr. Debbie Palmer, founder

Major Products: Day Lotion, Eye Serum, Face Wash, Face Tonic, Beauty Shooters

Hero Product: Night Crème, a powerful antioxidant night crème that hydrates and repairs skin damage as you sleep. The formula deeply moisturizes and repairs free radical damage while visibly reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Redness is minimized and skin will reveal a more even tone and texture.

Stocked At: www.qvc.com, www.replere.com and also Dr. Palmer’s dermatology office (Dermatology Associates of New York, Harrison, NY)

Newest Launch: Beauty Shooters, a revitalizing drink that brings powerful results to the skin with just one serving a day. Each Beauty Shooter contains the recommended daily dose of antioxidants. The idea is to feed the body and skin from the inside to protect against free radicals.

Brand Story: Dermatologist Debbie Palmer is a leader in the fields of topical and oral antioxidants and their ability to protect and repair damage caused by free radical production. After the request of many patients, Palmer decided to use her expertise in antioxidants to create her own line of products.  She is widely respected for her expertise as one of the country’s leading experts in the field of antioxidants and how they can improve the health and appearance of the skin.

As an advocate of the standardization of antioxidants in skincare through a measurement system called Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC), Palmer is the first to use this method of antioxidant standardization in her line of Replere skin care products. Palmer is also one of only several hundred dermatologists in the country also trained in osteopathic medicine. This holistic philosophy and approach relates each part of the body to the entire system, which she uses in her private practice, Dermatology Associates of New York, as well. 

Why We’re Watching: Replere is touted as the skin care line that everyone can use: people with normal skin, people with dry skin, people with combination skin, people with acne-prone skin, people with aging skin, people with sensitive skin—young and old, all ethnic types. The Greenwich, CT-based company was created because Palmer’s patients were asking for an effective physician-strength skin care alternative to treat their signs of aging in a natural way, at home.

According to Palmer, Replere is the first antioxidant skin care line that targets the five free radicals that damage and age the skin: peroxyl, hydroxyl, peroxynitrite, superoxide anion and singlet oxygen. It is the first complete antioxidant solution. The products also tap into the power of coffee—namely Coffea arabica fruit (the berry of the coffee plant)—to help nourish skin and make it more youthful and more radiant.

Said Palmer, “Coffea arabica (and coffee in general) is one of the most potent antioxidants. In fact, most people don’t know that coffee is the single most commonly consumed antioxidant and the number one source of antioxidants in the United States! To this day, the coffee fruit is hand picked on coffee farms (as it has been done for over 1,000 years) and it is known by the farmers that the fruit is rejuvenating—and those who pick it have younger looking hands.”

Besides containing coffea arabica, Replere formulations also feature pine bark, goji and açai berries, grapeseed, pomegranate, green tea and vitamins A, C and E. In fact, the formulas contain over 70% antioxidants, said Dr. Palmer.

Replere products are packaged in airless containers to prevent bacterial and fungal contamination and loss of potency too.
What’s Next: Dr. Palmer is looking to expand the line and is currently working on developing a facial serum product.

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Bodyography Skin
Founded: 2013

Names To Know: Lori Leib, creative director and R&D; David Leib, president 

Major Products: Daily Cleanser. This product lightly foams with water and is infused with peppermint extract for a fresh, calm and cooling sensation, while vitamins A, C and E, and seaweed extract help to lock in moisture and protect against environmental stress and pollutants. Willowbark and alchemilla vulgaris help to control excess oil and have antimicrobial properties to soothe and cleanse the skin. Sugar cane offers a dose of glycolic acid using alpha hydroxy acids to battle the signs of aging while gently exfoliating your skin.

Hero Product: Hydrating Mask. Formulated with age-defying antioxidant fruit and plant extracts, this active mask drenches and hydrates skin, while improving the texture, and in turn reducing dryness and fine lines. Antioxidants like watermelon, green tea and apple fruit extract give skin a healthy boost and beautiful natural glow.

Stocked At: Sold at select salons, spas and beauty supply stores and available at www.bodyography.com 

Newest Launch: Overnight Serum, an intense anti-aging treatment serum that delivers a concentrated form of collagen amplifiers that work overnight to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. This serum contains a high percentage of bamboo and pea extract as well as glucosamine HCI that fight off free radicals, preventing new wrinkles from forming and promote skin renewal. When used nightly, Overnight Serum will diminish the visual signs of aging and give your skin the necessary elements to look revitalized when you wake, said the company.

Brand Story: BodyographySkin is an extension of complete professional makeup line Bodyography Professional Cosmetics—founded in the early 1990s in San Diego, CA. It is owned and operated by Robanda International, a manufacturer of 11 professional beauty industry brands from nail files to hair color and everything in between. Lori Leib, creative director of BodyographySkin and Bodyography Professional Cosmetics, is the daughter of Robanda’s president David Leib and is third generation in the beauty industry. 

Bodyography Skin is designed for all skin types and promises to deliver anti-aging results and top of the line formulations that will visibly improve elasticity and the overall look of skin. Utilizing the power of plant derived ingredients in conjunction with scientifically proven anti-aging and antioxidant ingredients, BodyographySkin will reveal resurfaced and rejuvenated skin, according to Leib.

Why We’re Watching: BodyographySkin was formulated for all skin types, men and women. Said Leib, “We created a simple approach to skin care, offering nine easy to use and easy to understand products that tackle the main issues that trouble aging skin. BodyographySkin uses clean ingredients derived from both natural sources and scientifically proven actives to rehydrate, firm and brighten dull aging skin.”

Products are cruelty free, vegan, gluten free and paraben free; also, the brand is ideal for sensitive skin.

“Being linked to a makeup line is the ‘foundation’ of our products. We want our customers to feel good with and without makeup on, and in order to get the most out of your makeup products you need to start at the base—your skin,” said Leib. 

What’s Next:  According to Leib, “We have two new products launching in the range: a coconut milk radiance lifting serum and a spray facial sunscreen in SPF 30.” 

YoDerm Makes Waves In ‘Telemedicine’ • After the stress of the holidays, YoDerm’s personalized approach to problem-solving skin care makes it easy to start the New Year on the right foot with a fresh-skin start, contends the company. Introducing the latest breakthrough in “telemedicine” to kick off 2015, YoDerm patients can receive a personalized treatment plan and prescription for acne treatment from a board-certified dermatologist in three steps. First, patients select their physician from a list of dermatologists who are licensed in their state. Next, patients detail their medical history, including past acne treatments and medication preferences, and use any digital camera, webcam or smartphone to upload photos of their face from several angles. Finally, within 24 hours, patients receive a personalized treatment plan and any prescriptions will be sent directly to their preferred pharmacy. A YoDerm consultation costs $59 with no co-pays or hidden fees and does not require insurance. The service is currently available in California, New Jersey, New York, Texas and Pennsylvania but will be rolling out nationwide soon, according to the company. More info: www.yoderm.com

Natural Brands on the Rise • Growing consumer concerns about synthetic chemicals in cosmetics and toiletries is driving growth in the natural and organic personal care products market, according to a recent Consumer Insights report by Organic Monitor. All consumers surveyed said they are willing to pay extra for certified products—the majority, 72%, stated they would pay up to 20% more for certified products. Just 12% of buyers would be willing to pay a premium above 30%, according to the data. Here’s a look at some independent brands in the green space capturing the attention of both shoppers and retailers like Whole Foods, Ricky’s and Urban Outfitters, to name a few: Mad Hippie Madhippie.com • “We don’t stop at high quality natural ingredients, we also take our responsibility to the planet seriously and that’s why we are always working to further reduce our carbon footprint and impact on the environment.  From recently switching to some of the only BPA-free, fully recyclable airless pumps on the market, to printing solely with soy inks and running our entire facility off alternative energy, Mad Hippie is dedicated to the preservation of the environment.”—Founders Dana and Sam Stewart, Portland, OR. Drunk Elephant DrunkElephant.com • “Drunk Elephant is in a skin care category of its own. Formulated with non-toxic, low-hazard ingredients, both synthetic and natural, Drunk Elephant is the answer for clear, glowing skin. Packed with everything you need and nothing you don’t, these products will leave you looking radiant and healthy… Drunk Elephant products focus on the relationship between skin health and internal health, ensuring safe, efficacious and synergistic skin care for everyone.”—Founding Partner Tiffany Masterson, Houston, TX. Gnarly Whale Thegnarlywhale.com • “With handmade products that are made in small batches with minimal ingredients, The Gnarly Whale is the perfect place for fresh products that are good for you and the earth. One-hundred percent vegan and cruelty free, the brand brings low-impact, minimal ingredient body, bath and hair luxuries to men and women worldwide. The Gnarly Whale donates 10% of profits to charity each month helping causes like the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the non-profit law organization Earth Justice.”—Ashley and Nathan Griffith, owners, Lakewood WI. Sibu Sibubeauty.com • “Sibu has another motivation in addition to spreading the benefits of sea buckthorn to the modern world—helping the indigenous people of the Himalayan world, without whom our company would not exist. We pay the harvesters a living wage and have created hundreds of jobs in the region. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama recognized Sibu at a local community event for our business practices and respectful treatment of our local harvesters. Sibu also owns and controls the supply chain of the main ingredients in all Sibu products from the source at 13,000 feet above sea level in the Himalayan region of India all the way to the finished product on the shelf at your local Whole Foods Market. The quality and purity of our products is unrivaled.”—President Peter McMullin, Midvale, UT.   Earth’s Enrichments     Earthsenrichments.com • “Earth’s Enrichments is a body and skin care company that prides itself on being health conscious and environmentally friendly. We offer premium organic products that are made with the finest ingredients.  All of our collections are ‘Enriched by Earth…Deserved by Everyone!’  Our motto is ‘Our Ingredients Make All the Difference! What You Put on Your Body Is Just As Important As What You Put in Your Body!’”—Co-Founder Tehma Smith, Baltimore, MD.