Annmarie Skin Care Sustainability Report: 2023

Every year, at Annmarie Skin Care, we like to share a little bit about our efforts around sustainability. We showcase this progress in our Sustainability Report not only for transparency so that you, our customers, can feel that much more connected to our mission but also because we are quite excited about the milestones we achieve every year, and we, of course, want to share them with the world. 

In 2022, we highlighted a lot of key initiatives around packaging, sourcing and streamlining our operations, all to reduce our carbon footprint. For 2023, we are going to cover the intricacies around the education we are committed to providing—around sustainability, clean beauty and how to live a non-toxic life. 

With every Sustainability Report, we share stats about what we do here to help paint a picture of what clean, organic, and wildcrafted skin care means to us and how we make our impact in this world. You’ll know how many toxic chemicals you avoided by choosing Annmarie Skin Care, the different sustainable collaborations/partnerships we’ve formed, which new initiatives we supported and acted on in 2023, along with a lot more!

Education at Annmarie Skin Care in 2023

Providing valuable content to help our customers understand their skin, clean skin care and a healthy lifestyle to achieve beautiful, glowing skin was a huge goal of ours in 2023. We decided to tackle this with a few different approaches––through educational content like webinars and a masterclass, in-depth consultations and rapid Q&As with our estheticians, a Summer Sweepstakes focusing on one product and the most education we could bring to the table about it, and of course our tried and true educational platform—our Annmarie Skin Care Blog. 

We launched our first ever Masterclass, Ageless

We collaborated with Natasha St. Michael for a highly informative webinar, “7 Beauty Tips for Glowing Skin,” as well as a comprehensive masterclass called “Ageless.” Our webinar offered an intensive 90 minutes filled with invaluable beauty advice aimed at achieving radiant skin, attracting nearly 2,000 participants and earning high praise from our customers for its effectiveness in enhancing their skincare routines. “Ageless,” on the other hand, is a seven-week program designed around a holistic approach to maintaining youthful looks and vitality… and just as it sounds, how to have and maintain Ageless Beauty.  We covered the importance of hydration and moisturization, activated ingredients—the science behind them and how they impact your skin, beauty tools, staying healthy with a balanced diet and lifestyle, being stress-free and so much more. This program too was met with enthusiasm, drawing close to 200 dedicated participants over its seven-week duration.

Our customers’ feedback revealed that they wanted more! They wanted more insight on their skin, how to best use our products, how to incorporate facial and beauty tools into their daily routine and how to build their perfect skin care regimen using clean products… our products. 

This propelled us to dive deeper into our skin consultations, ensuring we meet our customers’ needs head-on. We started offering in-depth, comprehensive, personalized skin consultations conducted live with our licensed estheticians. Before these sessions, we collect information that allows us to customize these consults and tailor them uniquely to our customer’s needs. You’ll see questions like your skin goals, primary concerns, and products you are currently using and which you may be interested in trying. These sessions are meant to help you beyond just understanding the Annmarie Skin Care line and what products are best for you; they are intended to empower you with a deeper understanding of your skin. Our goal was simple––to have our estheticians share their beauty expertise with you, so that you can confidently navigate the world of skin care, finding what truly works for you, your skin concerns, and getting answers to any of the skin-related questions you may have—regardless of which products you choose to buy. In 2023, we saw 660 total signups for our consultations! After seeing this positive response to the program, we decided to make iterations. In addition to our full-length consultations, we recently started offering a shorter, rapid Q&A session for with specific questions who perhaps didn’t want to spend the full 90 minutes on a consultation. We intend to incorporate more educational sessions on particular topics our customers are curious about, such as the differences between serums and oils, choosing the best mask for your skin type, and the significance of SPF levels. Keep an eye out for more updates!

The Summer of Love Sweepstakes was launched in 2023 to encourage the education of our best-selling and award-winning sunscreen, Sun Love. The grand prize of our sweepstakes was a year’s worth of free Annmarie Skin Care––this is what an overwhelming majority of our customers asked for when we inquired about the perfect prize for our sweepstakes. We wanted to launch an educational campaign on sunscreen specifically due to the rising concern some of these traditional and drugstore sunscreens pose. Common sunscreens contain harsh chemicals (Oxybenzone, Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-8, OD-PABA, 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor, 3-Benzylidene camphor, nano-Titanium dioxide, nano-Zinc oxide, Octinoxate, Octocrylene to name a few) that are wreaking havoc on our oceans. Seen across species in the ocean, defects and deformities are the most common—fish are showing a decrease in fertility and reproduction, and due to these chemicals, scientists are reporting that male fish are starting to show female characteristics.  Dolphins are showing these chemicals accumulate in their tissue and being transferred to their young. While coral, one we hear of most frequently, is showing an accumulation in tissue, bleaching, damaged DNA, deformed young and even death. It’s pretty devastating what is happening, and all that can be avoided simply by using a clean, reef-friendly, non-toxic sunscreen. Our non-nano zinc oxide-based sunscreen, made with totally natural ingredients, is pure and 100% safe for you and the planet. With our sweepstakes and the education around sunscreen and our Sun Love, we saw 4,223 orders of our Sun Love in 2023. That’s just over 4,000 toxic sunscreens that were NOT purchased! Impressive!

You may have come to Annmarie Skin Care through our blog and the educational resources we provide––whether it be on ingredients, chemicals, the skin care industry and legislation, or just on health and wellness in general. Last year was no exception. In 2023, we launched 29 brand new articles covering topics and educational information around skin care actives and how to incorporate them (like vitamin C, plant stem cells, chemical exfoliants, and hyaluronic acid), as well as ways to better understand your skin and enhance skin health naturally. We also took a good chunk of time to respond to the ever-growing concern of seed oils, including information around what they are, their history, the industrialization of them and much more.

Who is Annmarie Skin Care?

Whether you’re a longtime customer or new to our brand, you’ll quickly discover that from the very beginning, we have committed ourselves to offering products of undeniable quality. Our focus is on transparency and effectiveness, all in support of a lifestyle that values organic and natural choices.

We’re dedicated to embodying our values by integrating sustainability into all aspects of our business operations. Through our Sustainability Report, we aim to provide our community with a clear picture of what this commitment looks like in practice.

What practices make Annmarie Skin Care different?

Our 3-step, proprietary Energized Botanical Infusion Process sets us apart.

Organic and wildcrafted ingredients

All our products feature ingredients that are organically grown by farmers who minimize or eliminate the use of pesticides and employ natural fertilizers. This approach to sourcing organics for our skincare range is a vital step in our effort to harmonize with nature, foster a vibrant ecosystem for all living beings, and enhance the beauty of your skin simultaneously.

On occasions when certified organic ingredients are not used, it’s because we’ve identified a source that practices organic farming without formal certification or we’ve opted for wildcrafted ingredients.

Real, pure ingredients

The philosophy is simple: if it’s not safe to eat, it shouldn’t touch your skin. That’s why our products are free from alcohols, toxic chemicals, harsh preservatives, and synthetic fragrances. We believe our skin merits only the purest ingredients, sourced from uncontaminated environments.

We craft our products in small batches, subjecting them to the least processing necessary to maintain the integrity of their live, active components.  We don’t just show you a list of ingredients of herbs from nature—we make sure that these ingredients are in their most true and activated form.

Transparency, truth in labeling

At Annmarie Skin Care, transparency about our product ingredients is a core value. We believe that everyone has the right to know exactly what they are applying to their skin, enabling them to make informed choices about their purchases. This shouldn’t be an anomaly, but as wild as it sounds, the more “clean” products make their debut on the market, the more we see brands laying out “key” or “top” ingredients, often omitting a full disclosure of their ingredient lists. This practice, a subtle form of greenwashing, is something you’ll never encounter with Annmarie Skin Care.

No GMOs

The gradual contamination of our lands and ecosystems by genetically engineered crops is a growing concern both in the United States and globally. We believe it’s critical to join efforts to safeguard our food supply, as well as plant and insect diversity, for present and future generations, by refusing to use GMO crops in our products.

There are instances when suppliers may argue that their final product (ingredient) is free from GMOs, despite originating from genetically modified crops. We find this entirely unacceptable. To us, complicity in such practices would mean endorsing a system that contradicts our values. We are committed to selecting ingredients sourced from unadulterated crops, ensuring the end result is a genuinely pure ingredient and product. If that means spending more and waiting longer to get the ingredient from the EU, where GMO standards are notably stricter than in the US, then so be it. 

2023 Sustainability Report: Products & Packaging

These figures highlight our commitment to sustainability and ethical practices in our product development.

Over the past year, we’ve made incremental efforts to minimize our waste output while continuously striving to decrease our plastic usage wherever possible.

Starting with plastic reduction, in 2023 we transitioned all of our corrugated shipping boxes to being sealed with kraft tape instead of the usual plastic tape. This switch resulted in 92,000 shipping boxes being sent out in 2023 without plastic tape.

In 2023, our dedication to sustainability guided us to take meaningful actions to reduce waste in all areas of our operations. A key initiative was launching the “We Made Too Much Collection” on our website. This special collection became a hub for significantly discounted, overstocked products. Through this initiative, we were able to ensure that this excess inventory found a place in our customer’s homes, aligning with our commitment to the environment to avoid discarding unsold products, even if sometimes it meant sacrificing profit.

Additionally, we made a move towards launching products in larger sizes, a decision driven by the desire to cut down on packaging and shipping. This step is not only practical but reflects our broader commitment to sustainability. We’re considering phasing out smaller sizes of products that aren’t as popular, though we’re still working out what this may look like so stay tuned on that. Our journey towards a more sustainable future is ongoing, and we’re excited for what’s next, with less fluff and more action.

These statistics represent our efforts towards sustainability and ethical business practices when it comes to our products.

Collaborations and Partnerships in 2023: Our Favorite Brands Marketplace & We Heart Collection

The mission of Annmarie Skin Care extends beyond offering organic and wildcrafted skin care products. It encompasses advocating for the use of clean, sustainable, and eco-minded products in all aspects of our lives. We’re proud to showcase our top finds in the Favorite Brands Marketplace and through our monthly We Heart Column, highlighting our commitment to promoting a more sustainable and mindful lifestyle.

You can feel confident that these products are not only thoroughly enjoyed but also rigorously vetted, created by brands that align with our core values––from fair-trade sourcing and mindful packaging to inclusivity and a broad range of belief systems aligned around a common theme—doing good by the planet. By showcasing other brands that adhere to our stringent ethical criteria, we aim to spread the availability of sustainable products and phase out harmful ones from the market. Moreover, this approach allows us to shine a light on a diverse community of individuals—ranging from homemakers and artisans to people of all genders and ethnic backgrounds—united in their mission to foster a more sustainable and healthier world.

In 2023, we proudly welcomed five new products to the Favorite Brands Marketplace and We Heart Collection: 

• Wellnesse 
• Emi’s Garden – Live Granola
• Wellzy Perks Online Platform
• Natural Sloth 
• Raum Grounding Shoes
• Orbits Eye Stones

Each brand is committed to enhancing wellness and sustainability through their innovative products. Wellnesse captivated our community with their personal care range, prioritizing wellness and natural ingredients to foster healthier daily routines without sacrificing quality. Emi’s Garden introduced a delightful twist on breakfast and snacking with their organic, nutrient-packed live granola, championing sustainability in every crunchy bite. The Wellzy Perks Online Platform emerged as a vital resource, connecting individuals with a wealth of wellness resources, discounts, and information, all aimed at supporting a holistic lifestyle. Natural Sloth offered a breath of fresh air with their eco-friendly home and body goods, including candles and sprays made from non-toxic ingredients, enhancing living spaces while upholding sustainable practices. Raum Grounding Shoes grounded us with footwear designed to connect wearers with the Earth’s natural energy, blending comfort with the profound wellness benefits of grounding technology. Lastly, Orbits Eye Stones provided a sanctuary for the senses, specializing in self-care products that offer relaxation and relief for the eyes, crafted from natural materials to soothe and rejuvenate. Each of these brands has contributed significantly to our mission of promoting a sustainable, healthy lifestyle.

9,319,603: that’s about how many ML of toxin free goodness our customers purchased last year

Last year, we reached an impressive total of over 9.3 million milliliters of skin care products sold. This signifies that our customers applied 9,319,603 ml of our pure, botanical, and energy-infused skin care to their faces and bodies, opting for our natural solutions over products containing harmful chemicals and toxic ingredients.

168: that’s how many different chemicals a day you’ve kept off your body using our products

With the World Health Organization projecting a staggering 77% increase in global cancer cases by 2050, based on an analysis across 185 countries, the call for a proactive approach to health and wellness has never been louder. 

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has already shed light on the alarming number of chemicals present in the average American’s daily personal care regimen—12 products containing 168 different chemicals. 

Even more concerning is that one in every five adults is potentially exposed every day to all of the top seven carcinogenic impurities common to personal care product ingredients—hydroquinone, ethylene dioxide, 1,4-dioxane, formaldehyde, nitrosamines, PAHs, and acrylamide. The topmost common impurity ranked by number of people exposed is hydroquinone, which is a potential contaminant in products used daily by 94 percent of all women and 69 percent of all men. (EWG)

By choosing our products, alongside clean oral and hair care products, you’re effectively shielding yourself from the daily barrage of 168 chemicals––many of which have been linked to not only cancer but also hormone disruption, skin irritation, and a plethora of other health issues. Our committmemt to clean, natural products isn’t just a commitment to beauty; it is a crucial effort to minimize chemical exposure in an era where the hazards associated with these substances are increasingly evident. Embracing clean, natural skincare is a powerful step toward protecting your health and well-being.

17: that’s how many third-party standards we’re upholding

We are currently MADE SAFE® and Leaping Bunny certified. Each of these certifications has a strict set of standards that companies must uphold to maintain their certification, and we uphold these with pride.

MADE SAFE® screens ingredients against their Ingredient Database of known harmful chemicals, which is made up of thousands of chemicals found on scientifically authoritative lists from organizations and agencies around the world. They additionally examine ingredients for bioaccumulation, persistence, and general and aquatic toxicity.

The MADE SAFE® seal literally means that a product is made with safe ingredients. There are 11 different categories of ingredients that Made Safe products are screened for. Check out those 11 ingredients here and read more about Made Safe here.

Leaping Bunny is the highest standard for cruelty-free products and ingredients. The Leaping Bunny logo is the only internationally recognized symbol guaranteeing consumers that no new animal tests were used in the development of any product displaying it.

The Leaping Bunny Standard consists of 6 criteria, known as The Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals. Read more about their standards here.

Some of the recognizable ingredients (substances) that you won’t recognize in our products are:

• Aluminum
• Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
• Ethylene Glycol
• Fragrance
• Hydroquinone
• Mineral Oil (Paraffin Oil, Paraffin Wax, Petrolatum, Liquid Paraffinum)
• Nanoparticles
• Oxybenzone
• Parabens (Butylparaben, Benzylparaben, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben)
• Polyethylene Glycol Compounds
• Phenoxyethanol
• Phthalates
• Siloxanes and Silanes (Silicon-Based Ingredients)
• Styrene
• Surfactants such as Alkyl benzene sulfonates (ABS), Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES), Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS), Cocoyl Sarcosine, Lauryl Sarcosine, Linear alkyl benzene sulfonates, Linear alkyl sodium sulfonates, Potassium Coco Hydrolyzed Collagen, Sodium Coco Sulfate (SCS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), TEA (Triethanolamine) Laureth Sulfate, TEA (Triethanolamine) Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
• Triclosan and Triclocarban

0: that’s how many pounds of pesticides we’ve used this year

That means our customers have avoided putting countless pounds of pesticides on their body by using our organic or wildcrafted skin care.

In 2012, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) disclosed that agriculture in the United States utilized 1,182 million pounds of pesticides. This was the last time they put out a report of this nature. Because of a lack of information made available to consumers, it’s hard to tell exactly how many pounds of pesticides we’ve saved by only using organic and wildcrafted ingredients, but we can tell you it’s quite a bit.

2023 Sustainability Report: Packaging

Taking a closer look at our efforts towards sustainability when it comes to our packaging and supply chain. 

92,000 plastic-free shipping boxes were shipped in 2023

248,820 sustainably produced inserts were printed last year

All product boxes were produced by wind power

What’s next?

At Annmarie Skin Care, excitement is always in the air as we continue to innovate with our unwavering dedication to the planet. In 2024, we’re excited to share our vision for expanding our mission through educational outreach. We’re on a quest to illuminate the murky waters of the skin care industry’s dependence on chemicals, all while lifting up the true essence of clean beauty and natural products. Our commitment isn’t just about creating sustainable products; we’re cultivating a community that’s informed, conscious, and proactive about the environment. We’re meticulously refining our sustainability practices to ensure our footprint on this planet is as gentle as possible. Keep your eyes peeled for next year’s updates, where we’ll dive into the strides we’ve made in addressing both broad scale challenges and those within closer reach. As always, thank you for being a part of what we do!