Lawrence Hayes II, H.D., Ph.D has a goal to get people back to the basics of skincare. Growing up in the dry climate of Michigan, Lawrence is no stranger to the painful effects of eczema — and to big brand salves that claim to help, but don’t. After earning a degree in nutrition and a Ph.D in Holistic Nutrition, Lawrence set out to improve the beauty industry by offering premium-quality, yet affordable products that are naturally sourced and formulated for effectiveness. “Skincare companies make money convincing people they need expensive products, many of which are made from synthetic ingredients that actually changes the skin’s natural PH balance,” Lawrence says. That’s when he discovered the healing power of Babassu, a natural oil harvested from the seeds of the babassu palm tree in the Amazon rain forest, and an innovative idea to create personal care products with this natural ingredient emerged.

Carrie Ellers, founder of Kind Mother Botanicals, started her business making CBD tinctures, salves and muscle balms in her kitchen. “I have always created my own medicinal salves and ointments, for over 25 years, for different ailments – from diaper rash to burn cream,” Carrie says. “One day, my friend gave me some CBD flower to experiment with and I fell in love with the process and how well CBD works for people.” The rest is history, as they say. Kind Mother Botanicals produces three kinds of full-spectrum CBD tinctures, several CBD creams and salves for the muscles, and even a CBD tincture for pets. CBD (cannabidiol) oil is the essential oil produced from the hemp plant, extracted from the leaves, buds and stem. The extract contains cannabinoids, which are antioxidant and neuroprotective. “Our salves and muscle balms contain organic cottonwood bud oil, shown to reduce inflammation and resulting pain, especially in combination with other anti-inflammatories, like CBD,” Carrie says. Added essential oils also create pleasing aromas in every Kinder Mother Botanicals product.