By Jillian Risberg 

Not so pretty ingredients lurk in our beauty products and the list grows longer everyday. Green beauty gurus, Terri and Marc Hall have a healthier recipe.

“Green really is the new black,” say the Integrity Botanicals co-founders, who in 2011 launched their website; noting green beauty, clean beauty, natural beauty is more than a passing trend, the whole movement is now a staple; like wearing black.

According to Marc, many people assume what’s in products is safe. 

Far from it… of 82,000 ingredients used in personal care products, 14,000 are industrial chemicals, including carcinogens, pesticides and hormone disruptors. 

The FDA has no authority to recall toxic beauty products unless a manufacturer volunteers. 

“(Our) Boutique, artisanal brands take a holistic approach and don’t use filler (and other) ingredients,” Marc says. “They’re formulating with intent and making sure everything going into it is serving a purpose.”

You wouldn’t eat something toxic nor want it on your skin.

“We have relationships with all (our) brand founders (75),” says Terri, there’s a different engagement level with the customer.

Marc agrees: “Ten to 20 people run the business, versus a mega conglomerate. More hands-on; passionate about what they do.”

In a perfect world, green beauty would be the standard; until we get there many want healthier alternatives.

Using higher quality products eliminates mindlessly grabbing a soap bar and washing your face.  

“People who shop with us create a ritual; practicing mindfulness, pampering yourself at home,” he says. 

Embrace calm with Leahlani or One Love Organics.

“Annie from de Mamiel is a beautiful experience,” Terri says. “She’s originally an acupuncturist and has a background in aromatherapy.  Comes through in the products.” 

Austrian brand Max and Me is another sensorial offering. 

Many Integrity Botanical products are organic and jars hand-poured. 

“Great way to look at it: go to a high-end local bakery and buy a loaf of bread versus going to a food store and buying Wonder Bread,” Marc says. 

The couple recalls at the onset of their journey stores like Whole Foods just selling “granola” brands.  

“We bought tons of products and threw out tons of products because they didn’t work,” says Marc. “The industry wasn’t there yet.”

May Lindstrom, La Bella Figura, Josh Rosebrook emerged as formulators in the space creating superior products.  

“People started in their kitchen and it evolved from there,” Terri agreed.  

Vintner’s Daughter gained mainstream attention in 2015.

“The founder reached out to us about carrying the product,” Marc says at $185, they were new to such sticker shock. “We weren’t sure what the response would be.  Now it’s our best selling face oil.”

Fast forward to 2021, there’s a ‘going green’ trend going on. Unsure about products? The Halls got you covered. 

“We’ll try to find something we think would be a good dupe,” Terri says. “Definitely  sunscreens or even body care — not just skincare or makeup.” 

Clean beauty is not always natural beauty; just safer ingredients, according to Marc.

“We position ourselves more green beauty,” he says when it comes to vetting new items, they have a common culprit ingredient checklist.

“We don’t carry artificial pigments, phenoxyethanol and dimethicone,” he says. “It’s a tough business decision, we try to differentiate ourselves by offering the cleanest, most natural products amongst our competitors. Some brands in the clean beauty space don’t quite measure up to our standards.”

A popular synthetic preservative, Phenoxyethanol falls into a gray area. 

“It’s probably better than parabens,” Marc says older studies are questionable. 

“RMS and Kjaer Weis use artificial pigments in some of their shades,” he says they only carry items in the line lacking artificial pigments.

Every product they choose nourishes you and the environment without harmful chemicals, additives and preservatives.  The Halls are all about conscience living.

“Whenever I see CoQ10 (anti-aging, wrinkle fighter) in a product, it’s always a plus for me,” says Marc. “Maya Chia The Super Blend products are formulated to be more lightweight; gives skin a radiant glow.”

Active Enzyme Exfoliator from Josh Rosebrook is an all-time favorite.

Terri loves the line’s Hydrating Accelerator and Fitglow Beauty’s Conceal+.

“I’ve been using it three years consistently, trying different brands or rotating things out (but) always go back to that one,” the green beauty entrepreneur says. 

Other favs include: Leahlani Meli Glow and Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask.

The husband-wife team finds brands through personal research, bloggers, conversations with founders, and checking out their competition.

“Even international brands hard to get in the US,” says Terri. 

They actively shop.

“Our bathroom at home is a store unto itself,” the Halls say. 

Marc was working in financial services and Terri as a freelance fashion designer when her sister gifted her the book, “No More Dirty Looks” (Eco natural beauty bible), rocking their world.

Integrity Botanicals, the best in green beauty — healthy, luxurious and full of integrity was born. 

They have a great sample program, ‘try before you buy’ and a rewards program with five percent back on every purchase.  

The green duo have no plans for a brick and mortar store with their online business already experiencing rapid growth over the past decade. 

“We try to do right by people, take care of our customers,” Marc says of their 10-year journey.

Listening to customer feedback and yearly improvement surveys are also helpful. 

Living the green beauty life, Terri and Marc are happily bringing others along for the ride. 

“We try to keep the product selection neatly curated,” Marc says it gives new customers faith in making the transition.  

It can be daunting, so guiding them in the right direction or educating fans what is working or not working is everything to Terri.

“A big pro for us right now is flexibility to be with our two kids when we want — we’re involved and constantly working, even weekends — hard to find when you don’t have your own business,” the green beauty entrepreneur says. “We’re passionate about it and still like what we do, 10 (plus) years later.” 

For more information, visit www.integritybotanicals.com.