This Sustainable Beauty Brand’s Skincare Doubles As Chic Interior Design – GLAMOUR UK

If sustainable beauty and interior design are your bag, look no further than Oquist Cosmetics who have handily combined the two. 

The brand was founded by Olga and Pavel Babneev, a father-and-daughter duo who were intent on bringing something new, yet eco-friendly, to the beauty industry. It’s a contentious issue for many, as brands are increasingly competing with one another for sustainability credentials, and are often accused of ‘greenwashing’ along the way. 

But it was a personal issue for Olga, who started her career in the corporate beauty sphere but decided to strike out on her own after witnessing the industry’s unsustainable methods first-hand. It was a natural decision to partner up with her dad, who already had 20 years of experience developing natural cosmetics and wellness products. 

In an Instagram post, Olga explained, “[Her dad’s] dream was to prove the efficiency and power of natural ingredients, while mine was to find a sustainable way to produce and consume beauty.”

The result? Ocquist Cosmetics: a multifunctional skincare line contained within gorgeous terracotta pots. They’re not just aesthetically pleasing either: the actual products are “waterless, natural [and], gender neutral skincare solutions.” 

Every aspect of the product has been carefully chosen according to its environmental impact. Case in point? Olga and Pavel chose terracotta packaging after measuring several different materials against sustainability criteria, including, “release of toxins, recycling opportunities, decomposition in nature, CO2 emissions in production, CO2 emissions during transportation and upcycling potential.”

They found that terracotta had the lowest score against all the criteria, and noted that even if people do decide to dispose of the sculptures, they will simply break down into smaller pieces of stone, which won’t negatively impact the planet. 

Their ‘6-in-1 serum’ is already fast-approaching cult status, which is described as a “100% natural serum formulated with the finest oils that work to impart radiance, reduce fine lines and create a quintessential Scandinavian Glow.” A Scandi-glow? Yes please. 

Source: https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/oquist-sustainable-beauty-brand