Simply Zero brings sustainable beauty and skincare products to Cincinnati
As we transition out of 2020, many are looking to put their “best face forward” with a shift towards cleaner beauty and wellness products made from ingredients that are safe for our bodies and the environment.
“I think natural-looking, healthy makeup is all about keeping it simple both in how much product we’re using as well as the ingredients we’re putting on our bodies,” says Rachel Felous, founder of Simply Zero, a sustainability boutique at 1235 Vine St. in Over-the-Rhine promoting a zero-waste lifestyle.
“Transitioning to a natural, sustainable beauty and skincare routine can have a multitude of benefits. Overall, it’s healthier for our bodies and the environment and by simplifying our routines and the number of products we’re using we have the opportunity to see a lot of cost savings,” adds Felous.
That’s why she opened the first store of its kind in Cincinnati, making it easy for the community to both access sustainable essentials in one place and create a practice of reuse through bulk refillery. This allows people to purchase a wide variety of everyday essentials in refillable bulk containers to help reduce single-use packaging.
All of the skincare and makeup products offered in Simply Zero are 100% natural, meaning each ingredient can be found in nature. Ingredients like olive oil, alkanet root, carrot seed and beeswax are the stars while synthetics, toxins and synthetic coloring won’t be found at all.
Simply Zero’s refillery skincare products include shaving oil, body oil, hair and face oil, and body butter. And you can find a variety of zero-waste beauty products, including matte lipsticks, lip and cheek stains, and cleansing facial bars and masks.
For those just starting out with zero-waste beauty, Felous offers the following tips:
1. Keep an open mind. Let your specific needs and routine be your guide in deciding what to adopt.
2. Learn and watch out for the Dirty Dozen (a group of 12 toxic chemicals found in beauty products) in the items you do purchase.
3. Be patient. Some alternatives require a transitional period for your body to adjust.
4. Have fun. You will encounter alternatives that don’t work for you, but maintain a good sense of humor and don’t get frustrated—there is an alternative for you, you might just need to experiment a little to find the right fit.