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. Putting his education in health and wellness to good use, Lawrence began creating balms and moisturizers with Babassu oil and other natural ingredients for healing skin.
“People in Brazil use Babassu oil for everything from skincare, to hair, and cooking,” Lawrence says.
Lawrence works with women owned co-ops in Brazil who gather Babassu pods as they shed from the palms. This way, he can ensure that the products are ethically and sustainably sourced from workers who are paid a livable wage.
“Our mission is to improve lives and the world around us,” he says.
Protecting the environment is also of the utmost importance to Babassu Co. who insists on buying sustainably sourced ingredients, and using recyclable glass containers for packaging.
