Zoe Buckwell, the founder of vegan skincare brand Zoe Bee Beauty, tells us all about the challenges of running her ethical, independent company.
Image Credits: Zoe Buckwell.
Adopting an eco-friendly skincare routine can be incredibly challenging when we’re faced with so many plastic-packaged products on our high street. What’s more, it can be hard to know which brands are truly cruelty-free. Opting for independent brands instead can ensure that you know you’re getting a high-quality and truly eco-friendly product. That’s where Zoee Bee Beauty comes in.
Zoe Bee Beauty is committed to making high-quality, vegan, eco-friendly skincare products that produce impressive results. Her Instagram page is filled with an endless stream of rave customer reviews, with many showing off remarkable before and after results. Her raw moisturisers tackle a range of skin issues from psoriasis to acne and scarring.
Though her creams may seem a little pricy, with a full-size jar being around £29.99, the pots last a lot longer than regular drugstore moisturisers, as only a pea-sized amount is needed for each application. I’ve personally found this to work out cheaper than a lot of other high-street creams.
A few years ago, Zoe was featured in The Daily Mail for her rapid business growth, detailing how her homemade beauty products had become a full-time job. Since then, her following has soared. Read on to find out more about Zoe Bee, and for her top tips on adopting an eco-friendly skincare routine.
Tell us about your ZoeBee creams – what makes them so unique?
Most other creams on the market are melted down or heated, to create the consistency we are used to having with moisturisers. But I didn’t want to lose valuable nutrients. So, I whip every ingredient together raw using the highest quality, cold pressed and organic ingredients. Everything is also kept in glass jars; people have noticed their skin has healed so quickly, and feel their skin is much healthier and glows.
What is Zoe Bee Beauty’s mission?
It’s funny because when I first started making creams, I didn’t have a mission so to speak. I wanted to create something for myself that didn’t burn or sting. Something that healed my psoriasis. After I perfected my formula, I started as an advice page on Facebook teaching people how to make the creams themselves. But more often than not, people just asked me to make it for them. As the business grew, I just adored seeing people’s confidence grow. It became all about helping others to feel comfortable in their skin. I also wanted to make sure everything was eco-friendly. So, products that are great for the skin and the planet.
Zoe’s products are eco and skin friendly!
What inspired you to found Zoe Bee Beauty?
As mentioned before, my skin was awful. I was covered head to toe in psoriasis. It started when I was 15 and was so bad, I left school. My confidence was at an all-time low. But I was always making recipes in the kitchen for my skin. If I had a spot, it would be gone the next day! My mum still laughs about that now. But when I was able to heal my skin condition, I wanted to help others. It still shocks me that Zoe Bee Beauty has become so huge as it was initially just a hobby, but I do feel very lucky.
Zoe Bee seems to be growing at an amazing rate. Where do you see the business in five years’ time?
This is such a good question. To be honest I have no idea as my mind changes all the time. A few years back I wanted to be in all the big stores. But now, I think I just want to have more staff as help is definitely needed soon! And hopefully more people will be aware of my brand. It would be so amazing to help many others feel more confident. I take each day as it comes and what is meant to be will be.
Zoe Bee’s coffee and clay scrub. Image credits: Zoe Buckwell.
What has been the biggest challenge of running ZoeBee?
Definitely keeping up with orders and dealing with copycats. Orders kind of exploded quite quickly. But it’s so exciting. I love all the hard work and doing what I love. The copycats have begun. I find it so upsetting, even when people tell me I should be flattered. So, I need to toughen up a bit.
Other than your own, which sustainable brands do you love right now?
I love The Body Shop and Dr Bronner’s! Everyone who knows about my skincare regime knows I love Indian Aztec healing clay too.
What are your top tips for maintaining an eco-friendly skincare routine?
Keep things simple. Oil cleansing is so fantastic for all skin types. Witch Hazel is my favourite toner. Mother Nature has given us so many wonderful ingredients for our skin.
Do you think we’re moving towards an eco-revolution in the skincare industry?
Yes, I love how things have changed over the years. From plastic free packaging to eco-friendly ingredients, everyone is so dedicated in caring for the planet which is so lovely to see.
Look at these juicy products! Image Credits: Zoe Buckwell
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