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7 Best Body Washes for Eczema, According to Dermatologists

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7 Best Body Washes for Eczema, According to Dermatologists

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for in a body wash if I have eczema?

If you have atopic dermatitis, keep your skin-care products simple. “If you are going to use a body wash, look for one free of artificial fragrances and dyes,” says Dr. Duffy, since those are common triggers for irritation. Instead, prioritize formulas with barrier-friendly ingredients like “colloidal oatmeal (to soothe itch), ceramides (to replenish the skin barrier), and glycerin (to draw in hydration), along with calming extras like niacinamide and aloe vera,” says Dr. Duffy. The goal isn’t just to cleanse—it’s to avoid stripping your skin and reinforce the barrier so it stays calm, comfortable, and less reactive.

Is a cream, oil, or gel body wash better for eczema-prone skin?

For atopic dermatitis-prone skin, texture really matters. “Creamy and oil-based washes are better than foaming gels as they are less disruptive to the skin barrier,” says Dr. Reed. These richer formulas cleanse without stripping away moisture, which is key when your barrier is already compromised.

Foaming gels, on the other hand, can sometimes leave skin feeling tight or dry—with a few exceptions. One standout on our list is La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash, which delivers a satisfying lather while still prioritizing hydration, thanks to barrier-supporting ingredients like shea butter and the brand’s soothing thermal spring water. So if you love the lather of a foam but still need something eczema-friendly, it shows you don’t always have to choose.

Can a body wash actually treat eczema, or just help manage it?

“Body washes do not treat the eczema and the underlying inflammation; however, they can be a supportive tool to manage eczema and minimize flares,” says Dr. Reed. In other words, the right formula keeps your skin calm and prepped for the products that do treat it, while the wrong one (think: harsh, fragranced, or overly stripping) can trigger or worsen symptoms.

Meet the experts

  • Nana Duffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology based in Rochester, New York
  • Danny Guo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Danny Guo Dermatology based in Calgary, Canada
  • Kellie Reed, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology based in Austin

How we test and review products

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best body washes for eczema, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Shae Primus on Touch, Self-Worth, and Why Women Are the Real Prize

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Shae Primus on Touch, Self-Worth, and Why Women Are the Real Prize

Photo Credit: Shae Primus

Shae Primus challenges everything women have been taught about love, dating, and self worth, offering a bold new perspective on situationships, pleasure, and personal power.

Shae Primus is bold, fierce, and trailblazing a new wave of confidence for independent thinking women. As a celebrity matchmaker, author, and cultural voice, she has built her name on telling women the truth about modern love, even when it stings. Now she is preparing to release her highly anticipated book, Touch, a raw and liberating look at sex, situationships, and what it means to finally put yourself first. Hype Hair sat down with Shae to talk about the work, the book, and the power women keep underestimating in themselves.

Teia Burroughs: Shae Primus, you’ve built your reputation on being real about love and relationships. What do you believe people are getting wrong about relationships today?

Shae Primus: I don’t think it’s necessarily that we’re doing something wrong. I would reframe that. I think one of the biggest issues today is that Black women are high performers. Not that it’s an issue, but our counterparts are just not. We outperform in education, home buying, career advancement — we’re just high performers.

So if your counterpart isn’t doing the same, you’re going to be unequally yoked. That’s just the reality. We end up overcompensating, overgiving, and overperforming in relationships because that’s what we’re used to doing in life. Then we feel depleted because we’re carrying everything. Meanwhile, we’re constantly working on ourselves — therapy, books, growth — and our counterparts aren’t doing half of that. That imbalance is the real issue.

TB: You require your clients to meet with a psychologist before matchmaking. Why is that so important, and what does that say about modern dating?

SP: We all come with trauma, baggage, and past experiences. That’s just reality. The psychologist helps us level set. We know we all have “stuff,” so let’s identify what your stuff is.

Awareness is half the battle. If I know what triggers me, I can communicate that. It doesn’t mean I’m perfect or healed completely, but I’m aware. Nobody is coming into relationships with a clean slate, so we have to acknowledge that upfront.

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Photo Credit: Shae Primus

TB: More women are stepping away from traditional relationship timelines. Do you see that as empowerment or self-protection?

SP: I think it’s empowering. I really believe we should decenter men. We live in a society where the goal is to get a man, like he’s the prize. But are they really the prize?

I think women are the prize. We are powerful, and we don’t even realize it. We shrink ourselves to protect their egos, to make them comfortable. What would happen if we stopped doing that and focused on our full potential? I think we could change the world.

TB: Why do you think situationships have become so common instead of traditional commitment?

SP: I don’t think marriage is necessary for everyone, especially outside of legacy building. Many of my clients are successful women — they don’t need a man financially. What they want is companionship when they want it and space when they don’t.

We’re in a different time. Women are more educated, more financially stable, and more independent than ever. We get to define what relationships look like for us now. It doesn’t have to follow traditional rules.

TB: What patterns do you see women repeating that keep them stuck in unhealthy dating cycles?

SP: We settle. We overgive. We overfunction. And it leaves us depleted because our counterparts aren’t matching that energy.

I don’t like coaching women to settle. When someone doesn’t meet you intellectually, emotionally, or financially, that’s a problem. We have to stop chasing traditions that don’t serve us and start deciding what we actually want.

TB: How does self-worth influence the kind of relationships women attract?

SP: When you have self-worth and boundaries, you’re quicker to walk away. My healed version is meaner, honestly, because I know who I am. If I see nonsense, I’m out.

If someone is staying and tolerating things they shouldn’t, it’s because their self-worth is low. When you know you deserve better, you don’t put up with less. Your standards go up, and your tolerance for foolishness goes way down.

TB: What are clear signs someone isn’t emotionally ready to date?

SP: If you’re not emotionally regulated — going from zero to 100, crashing out — that’s a problem. That’s not cute.

If you can’t be honest or transparent, you’re not ready. If you’re ghosting, lying, or expecting people to read your mind, you’re not ready. Adults communicate. Adults are honest. If you can’t do that, you need coaching or therapy before you start dating.

TB: Your upcoming book explores sex, situationships, and balance. What do you want readers to take away from it?

SP: We’ve been taught that being a “good woman” is about how much we do — taking care of everyone else. But what makes us good is our character, not our labor.

Nobody prioritizes us, so we have to prioritize ourselves. You can’t pour from an empty cup. You need to be full first and give others the overflow.

I also want women to prioritize their pleasure. Eighty-five percent of women are not orgasming in relationships, and that’s a problem. We’ve been taught to suppress our desires to protect men’s egos. I want us to take our power back and be honest about what we need.

TB: What made you decide that now was the time to write this book?

SP: I realized I was coaching women not to overgive while I was still doing the same thing in my own life. Touch is my story, but it’s also my mirror.

I’m sharing my experiences — my relationships, my mistakes, my growth — so women can see themselves in it. I had to learn to take the energy I was pouring into others and pour it back into myself. When I did that, my life became more fulfilling.

This book is about prioritizing yourself, your pleasure, your growth, and your power.

Shae Primus isn’t just changing the conversation around dating — she’s challenging women to rethink everything they’ve been taught about love, relationships, and themselves. Through honesty, self-awareness, and a bold commitment to self-prioritization, she’s making one thing clear: the real power has always been within us.

Beauty for Your Mind and Soul – 100% PURE

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Beauty for Your Mind and Soul – 100% PURE

The world often demands that we hit the ground running. From the moment the alarm chimes, our minds are catapulted into a whirlwind of to-do lists, digital pings, and the expectations of others. But what if we reclaimed the first few moments of our day? What if the time you spend in front of your vanity wasn’t a rushed chore squeezed between coffee and the commute, but a restorative skincare ritual designed to ground your spirit?

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, I want to invite you to transform your relationship with your makeup bag. We aren’t just “putting on a face.” We are engaging in a morning self-care routine that centers the soul. Your vanity can be a sanctuary—a quiet space where you practice the radical act of self-love before the noise of the world rushes in.

Beauty, after all, isn’t just about how you look to others; it’s about how you feel within yourself. When we approach our routine with mindfulness, every silken serum and botanical scent becomes an anchor, pulling us back to the present moment.

I. The Sensory Power of Texture: Lip Gloss & Mascara

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the “now,” and there is no better way to enter the present than through our senses. When we slow down and truly notice the textures and scents of our products, we shift our nervous system from “stress” to “soothe.”

The “Juicy” Presence of Fruit Pigmented® Lip Gloss

Think about the last time you applied lip gloss. Did you do it while walking, or perhaps while checking an email? I invite you to try something different tomorrow morning.

Hold the Fruit Pigmented® Lip Gloss in your hand. Notice the weight of it. As you unscrew the cap, take a deep breath and catch the faint, sweet aroma of real berries and pomegranates. This isn’t a synthetic fragrance; it’s the scent of nature.

As you glide the wand across your lips, focus entirely on the sensation. It’s Vitamin E-richluscious, and cooling. Notice how the “juicy” texture instantly relieves any dryness, a physical reminder to speak kindly to yourself throughout the day. By focusing solely on this one sensation, you’ve given your brain a 30-second meditation.

The Rhythmic Grace of Maracuja Mascara

There is a unique kind of focus required to apply mascara. It is a delicate dance of precision. When using the Passion Fruit Mascarause that precision as a grounding tool.

  • The Feel: Notice the conditioning glide of the maracuja oil as it coats each lash. It feels flexible and nourishing, never stiff.
  • The Rhythm: With each stroke of the brush, imagine you are brushing away the cobwebs of sleep.
  • The Intent: As you define your lashes, set an intention to look for the beauty in others—and yourself—today.

By turning a “step” into a mindful beauty ritualyou transform a mundane task into a moment of intentional connection.

II. Adding Light to Your Spirit: Gemmed Luminizer

In the world of aesthetics, we use luminizer to create dimension. In the world of the soul, we use light as a metaphor for hope, clarity, and positivity.

The ritual of applying the Fruit Pigmented® Gemmed Luminizer is perhaps the most symbolic part of a “radiance ritual.” This isn’t about hiding; it’s about highlighting. As you take a small amount of this creamy, buttery formula onto your ring finger, notice the warmth of the avocado and cocoa butters melting against your skin.

A Metaphor for Internal Positivity

As you tap the luminizer onto the high points of your face—your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, your brow bone—visualize yourself calling in light.

  • The Cheeks: As you add a dewy glow here, think of a reason you feel proud of yourself.
  • The Brow: As you lift the eye area with a touch of shimmer, think of a new perspective you’d like to embrace.
  • The Cupid’s Bow: As you highlight your smile, resolve to use your voice for encouragement.

The multidimensional glow of the real gemstones (labradorite and moonstone) serves as a physical reflection of your internal complexity. You are not one-dimensional; you are a mosaic of experiences and light. The comforting, skin-softening texture of the butters acts as a tactile hug, reminding you that you deserve to be treated with gentleness.

III. A Breathable Outlook: 2nd Skin Foundation

Mental health and well-being are often tied to the feeling of freedom—the ability to breathe deeply and move through the world without being weighed down. This is why the Fruit Pigmented® 2nd Skin Foundation is such a vital part of a restorative routine.

Breaking the “Mask” Mentality

Many of us have spent years using makeup as a shield. We wear heavy, full-coverage foundations because we feel the need to hide behind a “perfect” mask. But a mask can be a heavy thing to carry.

When you choose a breathable serum foundationyou are making a choice to be “seen” rather than “hidden.” The ultra-thin, weightless texture of the 2nd Skin Foundation provides a sense of relief.

  • Weightlessness: Because it is formulated with olive squalane, it mimics the skin’s natural oils. It doesn’t feel like a layer of product; it feels like a refreshing, silken veil.
  • Polish without Pressure: It evens out your complexion and provides a satin finishgiving you the confidence of a polished look without the restrictive, “clogged” feeling of traditional makeup.

When your skin can breathe, your mind often feels a little lighter, too. You aren’t worried about your makeup shifting or “cracking” because the formula is moving with you. This freedom of movement is a powerful physical anchor for a mind that seeks peace.

IV. The Beauty of Being Cared For

At its core, a morning self-care routine is an act of “re-parenting” or nurturing the self. When you choose products that are 100% PURE, you are sending a message to your body that it is worthy of the highest quality ingredients. You are choosing fruit pigments over synthetic dyes and botanical oils over harsh chemicals.

This sense of being “cared for” by your products creates a feedback loop of wellness. When you look in the mirror and see skin that looks vibrant and hydrated, it reinforces a positive self-image. But more importantly, the act of the ritual tells your subconscious: “I am worth this time. I am worth this gentleness.”

V. Conclusion: Take a Breath and Begin

As you finish your ritual—perhaps with a final swipe of gloss or a gentle press of your palms against your cheeks to set your foundation—take one final, deep breath.

Beauty is not a tax you pay to exist in the world. It is a gift you give to yourself. By embracing mindful beauty ritualsyou turn the start of your day into a celebration of your own existence. This May, let your “Real-You” glow be a reflection of the peace you’ve cultivated in those quiet moments at your vanity.

The world is waiting for you, but for now, stay here in the light. You are ready.

FAQ: Mindful Beauty & Restorative Care

How can a 5-minute routine improve my mood?

It’s less about the time spent and more about the quality of your attention. By shifting your focus from “I have to do this” to “I am noticing the scent of this berry pigment” or “I am enjoying the cool touch of this serum,” you activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This small “micro-meditation” lowers cortisol levels and provides a sense of control and calm before you face external stressors.

What makes 100% PURE textures different from traditional makeup?

Traditional makeup often relies on synthetic silicones, talc, and heavy waxes to create texture. These can feel “plastic” or suffocating on the skin. 100% PURE uses nature’s pharmacy—olive squalane, cocoa butter, and maracuja oil. These ingredients are bio-available, meaning your skin recognizes and absorbs them. This creates a “second skin” feeling that is fundamentally more comfortable and restorative than synthetic alternatives.

Are these products suitable for sensitive skin during stressful times?

Stress often manifests in the skin as redness, breakouts, or increased sensitivity. Because our products are colored with antioxidant-rich fruit pigments rather than irritating synthetic dyes or heavy metals, they are incredibly gentle. Ingredients like olive squalane and vitamin E actually work to soothe the skin barrier, making the Real-You Beauty Collection an ideal choice for someone looking to calm both their mind and their complexion during high-stress periods.

Iles Formula Hair Talk with Mel Hancer of BeautyLivery

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Iles Formula Hair Talk with Mel Hancer of BeautyLivery

Mel Hancer, founder of BeautyLivery — Capri, Italy

Mel is the founder of BeautyLivery, an on-demand luxury hair and makeup agency established in Capri in 2016, with a team of 20 skilled artists delivering services across Italy.

We are thrilled to partner with the talented BeautyLivery hairstylists for the 2026 season as their exclusive haircare partner, and share a warm welcome to Mel to our Iles Formula family.

To learn more about Mel and her team, visit the website. You can also follow on Instagram @beautylivery.

1. Can you introduce yourself and the vision behind your brand?

I’m Mel, founder of BeautyLivery, an agency established in Capri, Italy in 2016. Today, we have a team of 20 skilled, vetted artists delivering professional hair and makeup services across Italy. Our mission is to bring beauty services directly to our clients — anytime, anywhere — eliminating the stress of scheduling and travel. Whether for an event, wedding, or everyday confidence, we create personalized looks tailored to each client. We are committed to inclusivity, serving an international clientele where, ultimately, we’re not just offering hair and makeup — we’re creating an experience.

Iles Formula half-up bridal ponytail with soft waves, styled on the Capri coastline by BeautyLivery for a wedding guest.

2. What inspired you to create a luxury beauty service in Italy?

After living on the island of Capri for several years while working in the beauty industry, I recognized a gap in the market across Capri and the Amalfi Coast. This led me to develop a tailored business model, bringing together talented artists and a professional team to offer on-demand beauty services previously limited to salons. My vision was to merge Italian elegance with modern convenience, creating an experience where international clients can enjoy contemporary beauty services delivered by highly skilled Italian artists.

Iles Formula textured French twist updo with soft face-framing tendrils, styled by BeautyLivery for a luxury Italian wedding.

3. What sets your service apart from a traditional salon experience?

On-demand beauty services and traditional salons offer completely different experiences. Salons have fixed locations, set hours, and waiting times, while on-demand services come to you — at home, in a hotel, at a venue, or even on a yacht — removing stress, especially for important events like weddings.

The experience is more personal, with one-on-one attention instead of a busy salon environment, and far more flexible, accommodating last-minute bookings, early mornings, group services, and destination events. Beyond convenience, it adds a sense of luxury — combining professional expertise with comfort, privacy, and exclusivity — turning getting ready into a calm, seamless, and indulgent moment.

Iles Formula bride in off-shoulder gown with sleek low chignon overlooking Capri, styled by BeautyLivery.

4. How do Italian culture and lifestyle influence your approach to beauty?

A very interesting question, as I was born in Turkey, raised in Sweden, and have lived in Italy for the past 16 years — giving me a unique perspective on different cultures and lifestyles.

Italian culture taught me that beauty isn’t about excess, but about confidence and effortless sophistication. Italian women tend to avoid extreme trends like exaggerated fillers or heavy cosmetic procedures, instead embracing naturally sun-kissed skin and natural textured hair.

There’s also a strong appreciation for a stress-free way of living — Italians naturally find simpler, more relaxed solutions to everyday situations. This calm, unhurried, and detail-oriented mindset is at the heart of our service. For international brides, especially those coming from fast-paced cities like New York, we create a moment to slow down — bringing the Italian sweet life atmosphere and turning the preparation into a relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Iles Formula elegant French twist bridal updo styled in Capri by BeautyLivery for a destination wedding in Italy.

5. What is your philosophy when it comes to hair care and client experience?

When it comes to hair care, we believe healthy hair is the foundation of any great look. That means we don’t just style — we assess. The goal is never to force a trend, but to create something that works with your natural hair, not against it. We prioritize techniques and products that protect, nourish, and enhance, so the result looks beautiful not just for the moment, but also has a long-lasting effect. Equally important is how the client feels throughout the process. From the initial consultation to the final touch, the focus is on listening, adapting, and delivering something that feels personal rather than routine.

Iles Formula romantic half-up bridal hairstyle with soft blonde waves, styled by BeautyLivery for a destination bride.

6. What can a client expect the moment they step into the BeautyLivery world?

From the moment a client enters the BeautyLivery world, everything is designed to feel effortless, calm, and centered around them. It begins with a seamless back-office process — simple booking, clear communication, and detailed client information — eliminating stress and uncertainty. From there, our artists deliver the service on-site, fully prepared with all client preferences and details. They take the time to understand not just how the client wants to look, but how they want to feel. With the entire team aligned, the process becomes collaborative — stepping into BeautyLivery means stepping into a seamless experience where you are the center of it all.

Iles Formula sleek ballerina bun bridal hairstyle with natural glowy makeup, styled by BeautyLivery in Italy.

7. What has been the most defining moment in your journey with BeautyLivery so far?

BeautyLivery has felt like a newborn I’ve nurtured with all my time, energy, and dedication over the past ten years. Watching it grow — from just myself and two other artists, born from an idea in Capri, into a trusted name both across Italy and internationally — has been incredibly defining. Building a team of 20 talented artists who share the same vision and standards is something I’m truly proud of.

Bridal hairstyle with Iles Formula glossy Hollywood waves styled by BeautyLivery for a luxury Italian wedding.

8. What are you seeing clients prioritise most in their hair right now?

There’s a clear shift in what clients value: less focus on perfect styling, more on long-term hair health and ease. They want shine, strength, and softness with a natural, glossy, effortless finish. Treatments and nourishing routines are now as important as styling. Personalization is key — clients expect tailored products and techniques for their specific hair and lifestyle. At the same time, they prioritize value over volume, investing in fewer products that deliver real quality and results.

Iles Formula bridal half-up ponytail with lustrous blonde waves, styled by BeautyLivery for a luxury Italian wedding.

9. How should clients adapt their haircare routines for sun, sea, and heat?

Hydration and protection are key. We recommend using nourishing masks regularly, limiting excessive heat styling, and applying protective products before sun exposure. Hair should be treated almost like skin during summer — shielded, nourished, and replenished.

Iles Formula bridal chignon updo overlooking the Amalfi Coast, styled by BeautyLivery for a destination wedding in Italy.

10. Your personal hair ritual you never skip?

The island of Capri is a dream destination, but unfortunately, the tap water can be quite harsh on both hair and skin due to its high limestone content. To keep my hair healthy, I apply a deeply nourishing mask at least once a week. It’s a simple ritual, but it helps maintain strength, shine, and makes styling much easier. And last but not least, I always use a leave-in conditioner — especially when I’m out on a boat ride or relaxing at a beach club.

11. How do you incorporate Iles Formula into your treatments or client rituals?

Working mainly with brides and destination weddings — where we often don’t meet the bride beforehand — it’s essential to share our top recommendations in advance on how to prepare the hair for the big day. Educating each bride is key to achieving the best results. Iles Formula allows us to instantly enhance texture, leaving the hair manageable and naturally radiant without weighing it down — ensuring a long-lasting finish, which is essential for bridal hair.

Iles Formula brunette half-up bridal hairstyle with lustrous Hollywood waves, styled by BeautyLivery.

12. Which Iles Formula product do you consider indispensable, and why?

The Finishing Serum is absolutely indispensable for us. It’s a true backstage essential — it transforms the hair instantly, adding shine, softness, and control without ever feeling heavy. Whether we’re working in the humidity of the Amalfi Coast or the intensity of a fashion set, it gives that polished, effortless finish that defines the BeautyLivery look.

Iles Formula Haute Performance Finishing Serum 200ml in signature white packaging, a backstage essential for lustrous, silky hair.

Misc-en-scène Is An Unofficial Film Merch Brand That Celebrates The Female Lens

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Misc-en-scène Is An Unofficial Film Merch Brand That Celebrates The Female Lens

Though it’s an industry that appears to be somewhat obsessed with copyright protection (except when it comes to AI), Stacey proudly declares that misc-en-scène has been unscathed by the usage of imagery, quotes and other creative properties. Well, almost. ‘I have only had one cease and desist letter and that was from Rosalie Varda.’ Though costume designer and daughter of iconic French filmmaker Agnès Varda might not appreciate it, misc-en-scène plays an important role in keeping archival work alive and celebrated by people who otherwise might not stumble into that corner of film history. ‘It is all an act of visibility! If any studio or filmmaker has a problem with that, they don’t [do anything] because they understand they’d be cutting off their nose to spite their face. Cinema merch is for the people, often more accessible than even the films are.’ O

ne of misc-en-scène’s collections is dedicated to filmmaker Todd Solonz, a critical indie darling and the brain behind Welcome to the Dollhouse (1995), Happines (1998) and Wiener Dog (2016). ‘It’s one of my most popular collections. Meanwhile, Solonz can’t even get his next film funded. It’s a hard world we live in, and my hope is that if people plaster themselves with images or derivations of them from his films, maybe there’s a way we can get his work made again. That goes for all the cinema freaks who want to make lasting images.’

Early on in the world of misc-en-scène (initially named tees-en-scène and rebranded after the COVID lockdown), it was imperative for Stacy to share all of the profits from the company to marginalised filmmakers, activists and mutual aid groups. ‘Now it funds my life because I’m a broke trans woman,’ she jokingly shares. But the driving force is more than just financial success – it’s her connection with cinema which was instrumental in building her own identity that she’s eager to bring to you, too. ‘My love is cinema: I wouldn’t be Margot without it. It was crucial to my transition as a transsexual woman, and I find my archival prerogative is parallel to me finally understanding who I was in the world. […] If I feel I have good taste and understand the power of discovery, then I want to share that with others. That mission is in the images I choose to share or the clothes I make for people to wear, give as gifts, wipe their faces or cum with. The value of cinema is that it shapes and permeates everything.’

Meet the woman trying to save butterflies with skincare

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Meet the woman trying to save butterflies with skincare

Beauty often talks about change. Changing skin, changing routines, changing confidence. But some people are trying to use beauty to change something far bigger: to protect plants, restore habitats, and fight for species that are disappearing at an alarming rate.

And they’re not doing this because it’s profitable or easy. They’re doing it because someone has to care enough to try.

Take butterflies, for example. They’re beautiful, fragile, and deeply symbolic of the health of our ecosystems. But monarch butterflies, in particular, are in serious trouble. Habitat loss, development, and climate pressures are all taking their toll, pushing these iconic butterflies closer to the brink.

While most of us admire butterflies from a distance, others are out there on the ground – planting habitats, protecting ecosystems, making challenging decisions, and doing everything they can to stop these remarkable insects from vanishing altogether.

In this episode of Green Beauty Conversations, Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier is joined by Chris Amendt, founder of Native Monarchs and Monarch Botanika, who is using beauty as a tool to fund conservation, raise awareness, and keep the spotlight on butterflies that are running out of time.

This is not a glossy success story. It’s a raw, honest look at what it means to put nature first, to stay committed to a mission bigger than yourself, and to use beauty not as an end goal, but as a way to make the world a little better than we found it.

If you’ve ever wondered whether beauty can truly make a difference, this episode will inspire you – and might just persuade you to be part of the change.

Listen here

“I can’t fathom spending anywhere from a $100,000 to $300,000 for a marketing campaign when I can put plants in the ground.” — Chris Amendt

In this episode with Chris Amendt, you will hear:

  • Building habits from the ground up: Chris shares how her conservation journey began during the pandemic, when monarch butterfly populations hit record lows. Faced with disappearing habitats and declining numbers, she took action by creating breeding environments using native plants. What started as a single project quickly evolved into a wider mission to restore ecosystems and protect these fragile species.
  • Turning milkweed into skincare: You’ll hear how Chris discovered the potential of milkweed seed oil – a byproduct of the very plant monarchs depend on for survival. After rigorous testing, she developed skincare products using this unique ingredient, creating a direct link between beauty and biodiversity. This innovative approach allows consumers to support conservation through everyday routines.
  • The reality of running a mission-driven brand: Chris opens up about the challenges of launching a beauty brand (what’s more, a mission-driven conservation one) with no prior industry experience. From manufacturing delays during the pandemic to financial constraints and marketing confusion, the journey has been anything but easy. Her story highlights the tension between staying true to a mission and navigating a highly competitive market.
  • Conservation vs cosmetics – what matters most: A key theme in this episode is the balance between product and purpose. Chris explains that while her skincare performs well, it’s the conservation mission that resonates most deeply with customers. This raises important questions about consumer behaviour and mission-driven causes.
  • Fighting habitat loss in real time: Chris discusses her current work protecting overwintering sites in California, including confronting illegal tree removal on private land. She explains why habitat loss is one of the biggest threats to monarch butterflies and how urgent action is needed. Her work goes beyond awareness – it’s about tangible, on-the-ground impact.

Key takeouts include:

  • Beauty can be a tool for environmental change: This episode demonstrates that beauty products can serve a much larger purpose than aesthetics. By linking skincare to conservation funding, Chris has created a model where consumer choices directly support ecological restoration. However, this approach requires deep commitment and often comes with financial and operational challenges. It’s a reminder that purpose-driven brands must balance impact with sustainability to survive.
  • Mission-led businesses require difficult trade-offs: Chris made the conscious decision to prioritise conservation over aggressive marketing spend. In an industry where brands often invest heavily in promotion, she chose instead to allocate resources to planting habitats and protecting ecosystems. This highlights a fundamental tension in ethical business – growth versus impact – and raises important questions about what success really looks like.
  • Authenticity matters more than ever: Rather than relying on influencers or celebrity endorsements, Chris has chosen to tell her story herself. She believes that authenticity builds trust and ensures the message remains true to the mission. In a world where consumers are increasingly sceptical, this approach may be more powerful than traditional marketing strategies.
  • Biodiversity is a blind spot in the beauty industry: The conversation reveals that while “green beauty” is widely discussed, true biodiversity protection is often overlooked. Brands may start with good intentions but lose focus as they scale or pivot. Chris emphasises the importance of staying aligned with core values and ensuring that sustainability efforts go beyond surface-level claims.
  • Urgency is critical in conservation: Monarch butterflies could face extinction within decades if current trends continue. This urgency underscores the need for immediate action – from individuals, brands, and policymakers alike. It’s not just about awareness; it’s about tangible, measurable change happening now.

Meet our guest: Christ Amendt, Founder of Native Monarchs & Monarch Botanika

Podcast 315: Meet the woman trying to save butterflies with skincarePodcast 315: Meet the woman trying to save butterflies with skincareChris Amendt is the founder of Native Monarchs and Monarch Botanika, and a dedicated advocate for the natural world and monarch butterfly conservation. She holds degrees in cytotechnology from CSU Dominguez Hills and UCLA, and is certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.

Trained as a specialist in cytotechnology, she spent over two decades diagnosing cancer cells in a medical laboratory, alongside earning a Platinum Project Management Certification.

Despite her successful medical career, Chris felt a deep pull to create a more meaningful environmental impact. Inspired by her grandmother, “Grammy” Betty, who nurtured her love for wildlife, Chris grew up exploring butterflies, birds and plants through hands-on science projects. That early connection to nature became the foundation of her life’s work.

Today, Chris blends science, conservation and entrepreneurship to protect monarch butterflies. Through Native Monarchs, she restores habitats across California, while Monarch Botanika uses innovative milkweed seed oil skincare as a tool to fund conservation and raise awareness for a species running out of time.

In recognition of her leadership and community impact, Chris was selected as a 2026 Women of Distinction Honoree by Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast.

Special offer for listeners:

Instead of a traditional freebie, this episode gives you a chance to take part in a conservation-first giveaway and donation campaign.

One lucky listener will receive a Monarch Botanika Facial Care Kit as a thank-you for donations to Native Monarchs and as an introduction to the brand. But beyond the giveaway, this is also an opportunity to support monarch butterfly conservation actively.

A $75 donation includes one full Facial Care Kit with free shipping, while a $150 donation includes two kits – one to keep and one to gift, helping you share both the products and the conservation story with someone else.

Every donation goes directly toward habitat creation, education, and pushing for stronger protections at the California state level, while the skincare serves as a meaningful thank-you—not a profit driver.

Find out more about Chris & her butterfly conservation projects:

Related episodes:

Thank you for joining us for this episode of the Formula Botanica Green Beauty Conversations podcast. If you enjoyed listening, please share, subscribe and review this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Youtube so that more people can enjoy the show. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

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How I Did This: Fading Hormonal Hyperpigmentation Without Lasers

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How I Did This: Fading Hormonal Hyperpigmentation Without Lasers

As an Expert Esthetician for nearly four decades, I believe the best way to get results is being part of my clients’ journey, both with hands-on professional treatments and a focused skincare routine for their skin type (what I like to call an “Action Plan”) to continue the results at home.

I’m kicking off a new series called “How I Did This,” where I am spotlighting a client who had tried it all, but was only left confused with no real results. She had a fire that nobody had helped her put out…until she put her skin in my hands.
Hormonal hyperpigmentation is one of the most challenging concerns to treat, so let’s dive into how I achieved these incredible results for her.

Meet Natalie!

Natalie first came to see me in 2013 (we worked out at the same gym), after multiple pregnancies left her with years of hyperpigmentation including blotchy brown patches (also known as “melasma”) all over her face. By the time she sat down in my treatment chair, she was exhausted and honestly, defeated.

Assessing Natalie’s Skin

I start each consultation with what I call “fingertip forensics.” I’ve always thought of myself as a detective. Through touching, feeling, and asking her many questions, I’m determined to get to the bottom of it.

Her pigmentation was deep. Her skin barrier was dry and compromised. And her skin looked dull, feeling like she had lost her glow. She had gotten a few facials and light peels here and there, but still wasn’t seeing any results.

The Action Plan for Natalie: “Put the Fire Out”

What I know about hyperpigmentation is that the more aggressive you are with treating it, sometimes it only keeps pigment cells awake. It’s like the more you do to control it, the worse it can get. These pigment cells are very active and sensitive to heat, aggression, and any kind of trauma. So the approach I always use is to “put the fire out.”

The goal was to get the skin barrier in a really healthy state so we could be a bit “aggressive” with our treatments, since that is what’s needed to remove the stubborn pigment. Once I could feel her barrier rebuilding, we introduced brightening actives very carefully.

At home, as a skin type #6, her job was to follow the Action Plan I created for her with a focus on keeping things calm, staying consistent, and of course wearing vitamin C, sunscreen, and foundation makeup every single day. This puts her skin on “lockdown” to prevent UV rays from disrupting our progress.

What I Did in the Treatment Room (2013)

As I mentioned, Natalie came to me back in 2013. So keep in mind these are the tools and techniques that were available at the time. We’ll get into how I would treat her if she came to see me today, but let’s start with her exact treatment back then.

Every two weeks we used a 20% salicylic acid skin peel, followed by Bio Brasion (a modern form of microdermabrasion for physical exfoliation), ending with a leave-on vitamin A/retinol peeling cream.

This accomplished three things:

  1. The acid peel dissolved and digested surface pigment cells (gentle but powerful enough to avoid inflammation or burning).
  2. The physical exfoliation of the Bio Brasion worked to give a lifting action to help pull off some of those stained cells.
  3. Finishing with a leave-on retinol cream would give her skin shedding/peeling for the next 2-3 days.

Results from the Bio Brasion Treatment will vary for each client because every person’s skin is different. While Natalie has had exceptional results, there is no guarantee that your skin will respond in the same way with the exact same treatments she had.

What I Had Natalie Do at Home

She followed the exact plan for skin type #6.

IN THE MORNING: Cleansing your skin in the morning, along with using additional treatments, is essential to get glowing and healthy-looking skin.

Step 1: Cleanse with Mint Renewal Cleanser
Step 2: Energy Boosting Toner
Step 3: Vitamin C&E Treatment
Step 4: Apply Weightless Protection SPF 30 generously to both the face and neck (as two separate applications)

IN THE EVENING: It’s important to wash your face and apply a lightweight lotion at night to remove a day’s worth of oil, dirt, and makeup. This will prepare your skin for optimal repair while you sleep.

Step 1: Vitamin-Infused Cleansing Emulsion directly to dry skin.
Step 2: Energy Boosting Toner
Step 3: Serum (she alternated between Advanced Resurfacing Serum, Pore + Wrinkle Perfecting Serum, and Firm + Repair Overnight Serum)
Step 4: Hydraboost Rescue Creme
Step 5: Hydrabounce Firming Eye Creme

I also had Natalie follow my signature at-home facial, which she did twice a week.

  1. Triple Berry Smoothing Peel (rinse)
  2. Triple Berry Smoothing Scrub (rinse)
  3. A soothing gel mask (which is no longer in the line, remember: this was back in 2013!)

This treatment mimicked what we were doing in the treatment room.

How I Would Treat Her Today in 2026

While my approach hasn’t changed much, the tools absolutely have. So if Natalie walked into my treatment room today, here’s what I would do.

I’d still build her plan around the same core professional treatments:

  • Chemical peels
  • Bio Brasion
  • Vitamin A/retinol peeling cream

But I’d also add in dermaplaning, alternating with Bio Brasion. This is something I didn’t use back then, and it makes such a difference. Similar to Bio Brasion, this helps physically lift off the pigment cells after dissolving them.

Laser treatments could also be a viable option, but we got such incredible results without them that they weren’t necessary. Not only are they expensive, they’re not suitable for all skin tones. Especially deeper skin tones.

Now For The At-Home Action Plan (2026)

Since seeing Natalie back in 2013, I’ve developed more advanced formulas for targeting hyperpigmentation to work alongside the same core products in the Skin Type #6 Action Plan.

If I were guiding Natalie today, her routine would also include:

  • HyperFix Fading Toner: Helps visibly fade discoloration without damaging the delicate skin barrier.
  • Bright Now Oil Serum: Gives a beautiful instant glow and targets pigmentation at the source to reduce the look of discoloration over time.

I actually put both of these formulas in my new Dark Spot fade Hyperpigmentation Toolkit to accelerate and enhance results. So if you’re someone who has melasma or discoloration, at the very least you should get your hands on this.

What I Want You to Take From This

If you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation, here’s the deal. You don’t need the most aggressive treatments. You don’t need lasers. And you definitely don’t need to feel stuck or alone.

What actually works is following an at-home Action Plan for your skin type along with professional treatments from an esthetician or licensed skincare provider. Natalie’s results prove that this worked even 13 years ago. And today we just have better tools to make the process that much smoother, and faster.

And if you only take one thing away, let it be this: fading hyperpigmentation takes time, but putting your skin in the hands of someone who knows how to support you is the most important step towards seeing results.

Find a Renée Rouleau PRO Partner near you at

https://www.reneerouleau.com/pages/customer-care-where-to-buy

The Shift Towards Effortless Authenticity — Inside Out Style

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The Shift Towards Effortless Authenticity — Inside Out Style

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There has been a quiet but powerful shift happening.

Women are stepping away from rigid beauty rules, harsh dye schedules, and high-maintenance styling routines. In their place, they’re choosing something that feels far more sustainable. Not just for their time, but for their identity.

Embracing natural hair texture and colour is no longer a compromise. It’s becoming a conscious style decision.

And like any meaningful shift in style, it starts in the mind before it shows up in the mirror.

Why This Shift Is Happening Now

For many years, polished hair often meant controlled hair.  And it meant no grey hair.

Smooth. Sleek. Styled into submission.

In the past, when dress codes were more strict and more universal, controlled hair meant a tidy and controlled mind and way of living.  But in more recent decades, as dress codes have become more relaxed and casual, with more room for personality expression, not only has what we wear changed, but so has the way we do our hair.

And over time, the cost of that control becomes clearer. Regular colouring, heat styling, and structured cuts require ongoing effort, time, and energy. And at a certain point, many women begin to question whether that effort still feels worthwhile.

What I see time and time again is this realisation:

It’s not that you’ve stopped wanting to look good. It’s that your definition of “looking good” has evolved as fashions have changed.

You want ease. You want your hair to support your life, not dominate it.

And perhaps most importantly, you want to recognise yourself again.

The Identity Shift Behind the Decision

Choosing to embrace your natural hair texture is rarely just about hair.

It’s about identity.

It’s about moving from trying to meet an external standard to defining your own version of style.

This is particularly true when it comes to grey hair or changes in texture. These shifts can feel confronting at first, not because they are unattractive, but because they are unfamiliar.

There can be underlying beliefs such as:

  • Grey hair makes me look older “Grey is for grannies”
  • Natural texture looks less polished – curly hair is untamed and wild
  • I need to maintain what I used to look like because women aren’t allowed to age

But when you pause and question these thoughts, something interesting happens. You begin to realise they are not facts. They are inherited ideas.

And once you see them for what they are, you can choose differently.

Embracing Natural Hair Textures and Colour: The Shift Towards Effortless AuthenticityWorking With Your Hair, Not Against It

One of the most practical benefits of embracing natural hair texture and colour is how much easier everything becomes.

When your cut supports your natural movement, styling becomes simpler and so much faster. When your colour aligns with what naturally grows from your head, maintenance softens dramatically.

Instead of forcing your hair into a shape it resists and springs out of at the slightest hint of humidity or rain, you begin to enhance what it already wants to do.

This might look like allowing waves or curls to form rather than straightening them away, choosing softer, more blended colour transitions instead of harsh regrowth lines, or opting for cuts that move with your texture rather than requiring daily restyling.

It’s not about doing less for the sake of it. It’s about doing what actually works.

What About Looking Polished?

This is often the unspoken concern.

If I stop “managing” my hair, will I still look put together?

The answer lies in understanding what polish really is.

Polish doesn’t come from forcing yourself into a rigid standard. It comes from intention.

A well-cut style that suits your texture will always look more refined than one that requires constant correction. Healthy hair, even if it’s natural, reads as more polished than damaged hair that has been overworked.

And when your hair aligns with your overall style personality, it becomes part of a cohesive whole rather than something you’re constantly trying to fix.

Aligning Hair With Your Personal Style

Your hair is not separate from your style. It is a key part of it.

If your clothing reflects ease, natural fabrics, and relaxed structure, highly styled hair can feel out of sync. On the other hand, if you love a more structured or classic look, your natural texture can still work beautifully when shaped intentionally.

This is where personal style becomes your anchor.

Rather than asking, “What should I do with my hair?” ask, “How does my hair support the way I want to express myself?”

For some, that might mean embracing soft greys and natural waves. For others, it might mean maintaining some colour but softening the contrast and reducing the upkeep.

There is no single right answer. Only what feels aligned for you.

The Freedom You Gain

What I hear most often from women who make this shift is not regret.

It’s relief.

Relief at no longer scheduling life around hair appointments. Relief at not fighting texture every morning. Relief at feeling more like themselves again.

And perhaps unexpectedly, there is often a confidence that follows.

Because when you stop trying to maintain an outdated version of yourself, you create space to fully step into who you are now.

My Own Radical Change

The Shift Towards Effortless Authenticity — Inside Out StyleIf you’ve spent any time here on Inside Out Style, you’ll find photos of me from 2008 onwards, starting with dark brown hair, becoming blonde in 2014 and then embracing my natural silver in 2021.  It’s been a journey, and it takes some time to adjust to each new version of yourself (well, that’s my experience).

Bruneette to blonde was a massive shift, as I’d never wanted to be blonde or identified as a blonde, so such a big change took me over a year to get used to. I was surprised every time I saw myself in a mirror as I’d forget that I no longer (after over 45 years of being dark, was blonde.

Then, when I decided to move from blonde to grey.  I did a quick poll on Instagram and asked my followers whether I should or shouldn’t do it.  Interestingly, I got quite a split between the Yes and No votes.  The No’s were telling me that I’d look older (as women in the West should somehow be looking 20 forever, it seems), while the Yes’s were all about embracing the me now.

When I made that transition, I decided that I needed a brand new cut, unlike one I’d ever had, to go with the new colour.  What’s interesting is that I get asked frequently who dyes my hair (people find it hard to believe it’s what grows out of my scalp), and I get stopped on the street all the time and complimented on my hair, something I never got as a brunette or as a blonde.

Style-wise, I have straightish hair (a little kink here and there), and so some version of a bob is the easiest haircut for me to style and takes the least time.  I have fine, but heavy hair that really doesn’t hold volume either, so whenever I’ve tried for hairstyles that require volume, they just don’t work (they stay as a style for approximately 2..5 minutes, then fall flat).  This is where finding a great hairdresser who understands how your hair grows, what it will do and also how much time you’re prepared to spend styling it, is so key to getting the hairstyle that works for you.  I’ve had so many versions of bob hairstyles over the years I got the nickname “Sensible Bob”.

The other thing to remember is that hair grows; you can always dye it again, and you can change the style if you don’t like it.  Sure, it may take a while, but you’re not stuck with your decision forever if you decide you made the wrong one for you.

A Different Way Forward

If you’re standing at that point of questioning, you don’t have to make a dramatic change overnight.

You can begin gradually.

You might soften your colour rather than remove it entirely. You might experiment with wearing your natural texture more often. You might talk to your hairdresser about cuts that work with your hair rather than against it.

Small shifts can lead to significant change over time.

What matters most is that your choices feel intentional, not automatic.

Because style, at its best, is not about control. It’s about alignment.

And when your hair aligns with who you are today, everything else becomes easier.

Future Reading

Calm in Your Closet: How to Dress When You Need Emotional Stability

How Your Colouring Changes as Your Hair Goes Grey

How You Can Use Your Hair Texture to Determine the Fabrics You Choose

Selecting the Right Hair Colour and Cut for You

Embracing Natural Hair Textures and Colour: The Shift Towards Effortless Authenticity

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How to watch the 2026 Met Gala livestream

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How to watch the 2026 Met Gala livestream

It’s May and you know what that means — yup, the 2026 Met Gala is almost here. In just a few sleeps, we’ll finally get to see how famous people interpret a Fashion Is Art dress code to varying degrees of success. More than any other red-carpet event, this is a night that encourages creative risk-taking and stepping outside a fashion comfort zone. Those who play it safe rarely end up on the best-dressed lists, but those who step too far out of the box can end up slated, too — which is exactly what makes the evening so fun for us spectators watching at home.

So, what is this year’s 2026 Met Gala theme? And how can you watch? Who is going to be there? Keep reading below for all the juicy ins-and-outs.

When is the 2026 Met Gala?

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Known as the Oscars of fashion, the Met Gala is the annual fundraising event for The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. Every year, the evening takes place on the first Monday in May, which means this year’s Met Gala will happen on Monday, May 4.

The gala is a fundraiser dedicated to New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute – formally named The Anna Wintour Costume Center, in homage to the American Vogue’s former editor-in-chief, who has been a chair member of the museum’s gala since 1995.

What is the Met Gala 2026 theme?

This year’s Met Gala 2026 theme is “Costume Art,” which is inspired by “the centrality of the dressed body.” Quite an abstract idea, which has led to lots of curiosity about how entertainment’s biggest stars will interpret the theme.

“What connects every curatorial department and what connects every single gallery in the museum is fashion, or the dressed body,” curator Andrew Bolton told Vogue. “It’s the common thread throughout the whole museum, which is really what the initial idea for the exhibition was, this epiphany: I know that we’ve often been seen as the stepchild, but, in fact, the dressed body is front and centre in every gallery you come across. Even the nude is never naked. It’s always inscribed with cultural values and ideas.”

Image may contain Zendaya Face Head Person Photography Portrait Clothing Costume Dress and Formal Wear

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Naked Chocolate Whey Protein Powder and Collagen Review 2026

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Naked Chocolate Whey Protein Powder and Collagen Review 2026

Naked Chocolate Whey Protein Powder and Naked Collagen Peptides Review: The Cleanest Grass Fed Protein I've Tried in 2026 by Cordelia Frost

Hello beautiful friends! Today I’m sharing my Naked Chocolate Whey Protein Powder and Naked Collagen Peptides Review: The Cleanest Grass Fed Protein I’ve Tried in 2026. Thanks to Naked Nutrition for sponsoring this post; the love is very real. You can see me using Naked Creatine Monohydrate Powder in a smoothie video I uploaded in May 2025 and I’ve been using their products since 2019. This Naked Nutrition review covers both products in depth.

Where to Buy
Naked Nutrition

Naked Chocolate Whey Protein Powder and Naked Collagen Peptides Review

Naked Chocolate Whey Protein Powder and Naked Collagen Peptides Review: The Cleanest Grass Fed Protein I've Tried in 2026 by Cordelia FrostNaked Chocolate Whey Protein Powder and Naked Collagen Peptides Review: The Cleanest Grass Fed Protein I've Tried in 2026 by Cordelia Frost

Dave and I found Naked Nutrition when we were looking for a clean protein powder and supplements without heavy metals. Most companies don’t do independent third party testing on their protein powders, which makes me want to avoid putting them in my body. And so many use artificial sweeteners. It can be challenging to find supplements that are high quality, low sugar, and safe, but we lucked out when we found Naked. We’ve purchased and used their Creatine Monohydrate Powder and Chocolate Naked Whey in the past.

About Naked Nutrition

Naked Nutrition was founded in 2014 by Stephen Zieminski after he noticed that many supplements have a ton of ingredients with little nutritional value. It gave him the idea to create healthy, clean protein powder and supplements with high quality ingredients and no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. They now offer over 100 products, many with three ingredients or less. I love their vision of helping people on their fitness journey by using pure ingredients, as few as possible.

Naked Chocolate Naked Whey Review

Naked Chocolate Whey Protein Powder Review by Cordelia FrostNaked Chocolate Whey Protein Powder Review by Cordelia Frost

I love the Chocolate Naked Whey grass fed whey protein for smoothies! First, I love that it is made from only three ingredients: grass-fed whey protein, organic coconut sugar, and organic cacao. These are simple ingredients that don’t upset my stomach.

Second, the flavor profile is neutral enough that it lets the fruit that I put into the smoothie really shine. It’s a subtle chocolate flavor that blends well with whatever I mix into it. I put a mix of fresh and frozen fruit: apples, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and avocados into my daily smoothie, along with the other supplements for my health, such as the Collagen Peptides, and Creatine Monohydrate Powder.

Third, it’s not too sweet for me! Over the past decade I’ve become sensitive to artificial sweeteners; I can’t have more than a sip of a Coke because it’s overwhelming, so I’m grateful for the organic coconut sugar sweetener.

Fourth, it’s high quality grass fed whey protein. The cows are grass-fed and free roaming, never fed hormones for growth, and each serving is 25 grams of protein with 5.9 grams of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids).

Fifth, it’s gluten free and soy free, in addition to being free of GMO, artificials, synthetics, and preservatives.

Sixth, it’s very nutritionally dense! 1 serving is 25 grams of protein and only 160 calories, 5 g sugar and 8 g carbs.

Is Naked Whey Worth It?

Chocolate Naked Whey protein powder is absolutely worth buying and implementing into my daily smoothie because I’m specifically looking for low sugar, gluten free, soy free protein to help me build and maintain lean muscle mass. I’m doing keto again to help my body feel better and get it to the shape I want it to be. My legs will get bigger and stronger!

Does Naked Whey Contain Caffeine?

While caffeine is naturally occurring in cacao powder, Naked products subtly flavor their products, so the amount of caffeine in a serving of Chocolate Naked Whey is very minimal. As someone sensitive to caffeine, it doesn’t impact me negatively at all.

Why I Trust This Third Party Tested Protein Powder

This is one of the biggest reasons that Dave and I love Naked Nutrition, because they use independent third party testing to verify that all of their products, including the Chocolate Naked Whey, are as pure as possible and are well within the safety standards set by the FDA. Choosing a third party tested protein powder matters more than most people realize, since heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic are a documented concern across the broader protein powder industry. Additionally, the products that I’m using are approved by the EU, which has stricter standards than the FDA.

Naked Collagen Peptides Review

Naked Collagen Peptides Review by Cordelia FrostNaked Collagen Peptides Review by Cordelia Frost

Collagen is abundant throughout our bodies and it is vital for so many things such as our skin, hair, muscles, connective tissue and more. The older we get, the less collagen our bodies naturally create, so that is why I choose to use a Naked Collagen Peptides supplement. Imbibing collagen is the best way to supplement our bodies with it.

After learning that I have hypermobility, and understanding that it is a connective tissue issue, it seems more vital than ever for me to take Naked Collagen Peptides for my health. My collagen needs extra support, and I suspect that if I had not been taking collagen peptides for the past several years, I’d have been in worse shape. Many collagen supplements smell like death to me. I’m so grateful that Naked Collagen Peptides is taste neutral and odorless.

Naked Collagen Peptides has no offensive taste or smell, unlike many other collagen products that I’ve tried over the years, and it is highly soluble. Some collagen products are very clumpy when you try to dissolve them in water or smoothies, this one does not have that issue! It mixes in like it was never there. It’s made from a single ingredient: bovine hide collagen peptides sourced from pasture raised European cows.

I love taking collagen supplements and have done so for years. From taking them, my skin and hair have improved drastically. I doubt my hair would be past my hip bones without collagen, nor would my skin look as radiant. I take it daily.

Top 10 Questions People Ask About These Products

1. Is Naked Chocolate Whey Protein Powder actually grass fed?

Yes it is! Naked Nutrition sources their grass fed whey protein from small non GMO dairy farms for Chocolate Naked Whey. Their cows are pasture raised and free roaming, raised without growth hormones like rBGH or rBST. Naked Nutrition is transparent about where it sources its ingredients from and its small farm partners, which is rare in the protein powder industry.

2. How many ingredients are in Naked Chocolate Whey?

Chocolate Naked Whey only has three ingredients. Organic cacao (chocolate, yum!), organic coconut sugar, and grass fed whey protein concentrate. No artificial sweeteners, fillers, gums, or synthetic ingredients.

3. Does Naked Whey test for heavy metals?

Yes they do! That’s actually how Dave and I found the brand, because they are one of the few companies that does independent third party testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and contaminants. They are also NSF certified, which verifies the content accuracy and confirms safe levels of contaminants. This is why I consider Chocolate Naked Whey one of the safest options for a third party tested protein powder. I drink smoothies daily and want to minimize the amount of contaminants that I’m exposed to.

4. What does Naked Chocolate Whey taste like?

Chocolate Naked Whey is a subtle chocolate flavor that I love. It’s not very sweet at all, I get all the sweetness from my fruit. The flavor comes from real organic cacao rather than artificial chocolate flavoring, so it tastes more like real cocoa than a candy bar shake.

5. How much protein is in one serving of Naked Chocolate Whey?

Chocolate Naked Whey has 25 grams of protein per two scoop serving, along with 5.9 grams of BCAAs, 160 calories, 8 grams of carbs, and 5 grams of sugar from organic coconut sugar.

6. What is the difference between Naked Whey and Naked Collagen Peptides?

Chocolate Naked Whey is a grass fed whey protein powder, which gives you 25 grams of high quality protein in a serving, while Naked Collagen Peptides is a collagen powder, which gives you 9 grams of high quality protein but primarily is used to support collagen. Collagen isn’t a complete protein, so it does not replace whey for muscle building, but it helps skin elasticity, joint health, hair, nails, and connective tissue. I take them both because they complement each other for my health and nutrition needs.

7. Does Naked Collagen Peptides actually work for skin, hair, and nails?

Yes. There have been many peer reviewed studies on collagen peptides and their benefits to skin hydration, elasticity, joint comfort, and hair and nail strength. Naked Collagen Peptides delivers 9.5 grams of hydrolyzed collagen per scoop, including the key amino acids glycine and proline that your body uses to build new collagen. Most people notice improvements in nail strength and hair growth within four to eight weeks of consistent daily use.

8. Can you mix Naked Collagen Peptides into hot drinks?

Yes you can dissolve it in coffee if you like. It was made to dissolve quickly in both hot and cold liquids without clumping. Because Naked Collagen Peptides is unflavored and odorless, it works in coffee, tea, smoothies, oatmeal, soups, and even baked goods.

9. Is Naked Whey worth the price?

Yes. Chocolate Naked Whey tastes so much better than many of the other premium grass fed whey protein brands I’ve tried, such as Transparent Labs. I understand that part of the pricing is because they do the NSF certification and verified heavy metal testing, which so many brands skip. I love the taste and the fact that I’m not putting heavy metals into my body. For a clean protein powder this well sourced, the price is fair.

10. Where can I buy Naked Whey and Naked Collagen Peptides in Europe?

You can buy these products directly from NakedNutrition.com. Free shipping kicks in at €79, and orders typically arrive in one to three days. Subscribing through Autoship saves 20% on your first order and 10% on subsequent shipments, which is a meaningful discount if you take these daily.

Final Thoughts

Naked Chocolate Whey Protein Powder and Collagen Review 2026Naked Chocolate Whey Protein Powder and Collagen Review 2026

You know that I’ve been taking supplements for a long time to improve my health. Chocolate Naked Whey and Naked Collagen Peptides both help me improve my health, in my opinion. I need more lean protein in my daily meals, and I need all the extra collagen I can imbibe to help with my hypermobility.

If you are looking for an NSF certified, third party tested protein powder that tastes great with minimal ingredients, I highly recommend checking out Chocolate Naked Whey. I love the taste and how well this clean protein powder works in my daily smoothies.

If you are looking to improve your skin elasticity and hair, or if you’re hypermobile like me, and you want a collagen powder that is tasteless and odorless and works well, I highly recommend checking out Naked Collagen Peptides. It’s literally the only collagen peptide powder I’ve found that doesn’t smell like death to me.

Have you heard of Naked Nutrition? Do you use whey protein or collagen peptides? Tell me more!

Friendly reminder: I’m not a doctor, and this post reflects my personal experience with these supplements. What works for my body may not work for yours. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting new supplements, especially if you have any health conditions or take medications.

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