Our Story

Founded on the belief that nature provides everything our skin needs, without compromise.

Sunlit greenhouse filled with herbs and botanical plants

From Garden to Bottle

Botanica was born in 2018 from a simple question: why are so many skincare products filled with ingredients we cannot pronounce? Our founder, Elena Vasquez, a third-generation herbalist, set out to create something different.

Starting in her family's greenhouse in Northern California, Elena began formulating small-batch products using whole-plant extracts and cold-pressed oils. What started as sharing jars with friends quickly grew into a movement.

"The earth has been perfecting skincare for millions of years. We just listen."

Today, Botanica serves thousands of customers worldwide, but every product is still handcrafted in our Sonoma County workshop using the same principles Elena learned from her grandmother.

Sourcing & Sustainability

Every ingredient is traced from seed to shelf. We hold ourselves to the highest environmental standards.

Fair Trade Partnerships

We work directly with small farms and cooperatives in 12 countries, ensuring fair wages and sustainable harvesting practices.

Clean Formulations

Zero parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances. Every ingredient serves a purpose for your skin's health.

Sustainable Packaging

Glass containers, biodegradable labels, soy-based inks, and carbon-neutral shipping. Our packaging is as clean as our formulas.

1% for the Planet

We donate 1% of annual revenue to environmental nonprofits focused on soil health and regenerative agriculture.

Carbon Neutral

Our operations, from production to delivery, are fully carbon offset. We measure, reduce, and compensate every ton.

Cruelty Free

We never test on animals. Our products are certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny and carry the vegan stamp.

Botanical ingredients artfully arranged on a marble surface

Ingredient Philosophy

We believe in the power of whole-plant chemistry. Rather than isolating single compounds, we use full-spectrum botanical extracts that work synergistically with your skin's natural biology.

Every ingredient is vetted through our five-point screening process:

  • Efficacy backed by peer-reviewed research
  • Sustainably and ethically sourced
  • Minimal processing to preserve bioactives
  • Dermatologist tested for all skin types
  • Free from our 200+ banned substance list

Meet Our Team

A small, passionate team united by the belief that beauty should be both effective and ethical.

Elena Vasquez, Founder and Head Formulator

Elena Vasquez

Founder & Head Formulator

Third-generation herbalist with a biochemistry degree from UC Berkeley. Elena develops every formula in our Sonoma workshop.

Marcus Chen, Head of Sourcing

Marcus Chen

Head of Sourcing

Former sustainable agriculture consultant. Marcus travels to our partner farms quarterly to ensure quality and ethical standards.

Amara Okafor, Lead Cosmetic Chemist

Amara Okafor

Lead Cosmetic Chemist

PhD in cosmetic chemistry from Rutgers. Amara bridges the gap between traditional herbalism and modern science in every product.

Our Certifications

Leaping Bunny

Certified cruelty-free

EWG Verified

Clean ingredient standards

B Corp

Social & environmental performance

Vegan Society

100% plant-based formulas

1% for the Planet

Environmental giving pledge