INBAR+co Magazine Winter 2025 by inbar-co.care

WE TEST ON HUMANS WE ARE INBAR+CO

INBAR+CO

HUMANS AND THEY LIKE IT

This magazine is published by INBAR+co. E2 Wellness LLC, a U.S.-based company. All content, including but not limited to text, images, designs, graphics, and other materials, is created in-house and is the exclusive property of INBAR+co. unless otherwise stated. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, modification, or use of any content without prior written consent is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.

Founder and Managing Director

Author AMELY AMBROZUS

DANIELLA FARAHANI

Creative RAPHAELA FARAHANI

Publisher Information

INBAR+co info@inbar-co.care E2 Wellness LLC

+1(415)891-3328

26 Tamalpais Drive, Corte Madera, CA 94925 USA inbar-co.care

© 2024 INBAR+co. E2 Wellness LLC. All rights reserved. This magazine and its contents are protected under U.S. and international copyright laws. Any unauthorized use of the materials contained herein may violate copyright, trademark, and other applicable laws.

Trademarks

All company names, logos, product names, and brand names featured in this magazine are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. INBAR+co. trademarks may not be used without the prior written permission of INBAR+co.

Editorial Policy

This publication is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in articles and other content are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of INBAR+co. E2 Wellness LLC.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this magazine is for general informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, INBAR+co. E2 Wellness LLC makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. INBAR+co. E2 Wellness LLC shall not be held liable for any errors or omissions or for any actions taken based on the content of this magazine.

Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from or related to this magazine shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, United States, and resolved in the courts of Corte Madera, California.

For permissions, inquiries, or concerns, please contact us at: info@inbar-co.care

SUSTAINABILITY

FOUNDERS NOTE 7

100% PLASTIC FREE 13

UNMASKING THE MYTH OF COMPOSTABLE “GREEN” PLASTIC 17

BORN IN MARIN COUNTY 23

TOPICAL REMEDIES

COST

PRODUCT

SHOULD COME AT A COST TO OUR PLANET OR OUR BODY.

FOUNDER’S NOTE

WE TEST ON HUMANS AND THEY LIKE IT

BY DANIELLA INBAR

I believe skincare R&D is a journey, not just a destination. In 2018, after moving out of the kitchen and into the lab of our Marin County Spa the undertaking began, and every product is a culmination of a five-year collaborative process guided by our practitioners and green-lighted by our clients in real time.

So began the client-lab feedback loop that is part of our name. The “co” in INBAR+co stands for COMMUNITY. Together we learnt “by doing” and making a lot of mistakes. The final product is essentially custom-made as well as SAFE + EFFECTIVE.

I knew I wanted to create something that was more than just another skincare collection — it had to be a brand rooted in true sustainability and transparency, more than just brand values—they’re personal commitments that have been woven into the very foundation of the company.

There are 5 filters that have stood the test of time.

RESTORING BALANCE

Supporting the skin to help itself, formulating to support the skin’s microbiome

PLANET-POSITIVE

100% plastic-free, petrochemical-free, zero-waste and energy-efficient.

INCLUSIVE

Age Positive and Gender neutral

EU COMPLIANCE

The regulations ban and restrict over 13,000 ingredients, as opposed to the US FDA which only bans 11.

AROMATHERAPY

Every formula has a scent profile that supports the active ingredients and makes taking care of your skin a ritual for your sense of smell.

As a mother, I feel an immense responsibility for my children and so I have attempted to create a space where we embrace the present and future, rather than longing for the past.

I believe that leaving a legacy, means leaving a planet behind that our children can leave to theirs. That is my luxury. Very concretely it costs more to be truly sustainable. Leaving a planet behind for our children with a roadmap of how to age with beauty and dignity. To do that we need more images of real women at all ages in the beauty industry. We need to see ourselves and we need to show the next generation what they have to look forward to.

PLASTIC NEUTRAL IS NOT A THING.

every piece of plastic ever made will exist forever.

PHOTOS RAPHAELA FARAHANI

100% PLASTIC FREE

BY DANIELLA INBAR

What’s on the inside is what counts, but when it comes to beauty products, the packaging is often just as important. The beauty industry is responsible for 120 BILLION units of packaging a year. 95% of which is plastic.

We apply GREEN CHEMISTRY to everything we do. One of the 12 tenets of this idea, that was introduced by two American scientists at Oxford University in 1998, is to manage the source of pollution rather than managing the pollution itself. To eliminate waste, not pay to clean it up. We avoid plastic (one of the main uses for fossil fuels after energy) completely, we do not buy plastic credits to claim plastic neutrality.

PLASTIC NEUTRAL IS NOT A THING. Only 6% of US plastic is recycled annually. On top of which plastic can only be recycled two or three times, before it’s useless and ends up as microplastic in our food chain.

350 MILLION TONS OF PLASTIC WASTE ENDS UP IN LANDFILLS, INCINERATORS, ECOSYSTEMS, AND BODIES.

One study estimates that each person ingests up to one credit card worth of plastic each week.

Sustainability has become a buzzword, it is ubiquitous in marketing and is losing its meaning. People recognize the importance of preserving nature, reducing pollution, and lessening climate change. In fact, it’s so pervasive that there’s even a term to describe companies that claim to be more sustainable than they are, namely greenwashing.

WE COMMITTED TO 100% PLASTIC-FREE PACKAGING.

It’s not the easiest path—plastic is cheaper and more convenient. We created the formulas so that they were viscose (thick) enough to be filled into a tube and we choose 100% recyclable aluminium for both the body AND the cap.While other recyclable materials decline in quality after each lifecycle, aluminium retains all of its outstanding properties. Aluminium is not highly recylable - it is INFINITELY recyclable because it does not experience any degradation. 50% of all aluminium in use today is recycled and takes 95% less energy to manufacture. It also has the advantage over other recyclable materials used in the industry of having a low weight, resulting in a CO2 friendly transport.

WASTE NOT WANT NOT

The malleability of the material allows you to squeeze every last drop of the precious formula out. The air displacement of the moldable material preserves valuable, often light-sensitive, ingredients. It also provides a water, vapor and greaseproof metal barrier, which is more resistant to microorganisms than most other forms of packaging, allowing for the minimal use of preservatives. All our product boxes and shipping boxes are made from FSC certified paper. The specifications for this certification are stringent. The primary requirement for certification is being harvested and produced in a responsible manner, no illegal deforestation, and the conservation of biodiversity.

ZERO WASTE ZERO MENTALITY WASTE MENTALITY

UNMASKING THE MYTH OF COMPOSTABLE “GREEN” PLASTIC

BY AMELY AMBROZUS

Let’s face it, the world of cosmetics is drowning in a sea of plastic. But lately, a new trend has emerged, one promising a life raft made of recycled dreams and sunshine: “green plastic” or “bio plastic”

The truth is, most “green plastics” aren’t exactly the champions of the environment they claim to be. Sure, some might be partially plant-based, but that doesn’t mean they magically decompose into flower beds after you toss them. First of all, bio-based plastics are not, by definition, more sustainable than fossil-derived plastics. Although in some cases bioplastics yield a considerable reduction in global warming potential through the use of renewable resources, these benefits are often counterbalanced by side effects of feedstock farming, such as increased water, fertilizer and pesticide use. Secondly, landfills are overflowing with these “eco-warriors,” taking centuries to break down. It’s like putting a kale smoothie in a plastic cup – still plastic, still bad news for the planet. There’s another layer to this greenwashing

onion. Many “green plastics” can’t be recycled with regular plastics, causing a recycling Rubik’s Cube that would leave even the most eco-conscious consumer scratching their head. Contaminated batches end up in landfills or, even worse, our oceans. So much for “saving the planet,” right? And with an annual recycling rate of only 5-6 percent in the US, this is negligible.

Here at INBAR+co., we believe in a more, well rounded approach. We ditch the plastic altogether, opting for tubes made of 100% recyclable aluminum. This might not shout “green” from the rooftops, but they’re the real deal.

The takeaway? Demand genuine sustainability, not just a greener shade of plastic. Let’s beautify not just our faces, but our planet. Because a world choked by plastic isn’t exactly a pretty picture. Help us break the plastic cycle! Share this information and fight greenwashing together!

Our ZERO-WASTE commitment is applied throughout the supply chain in every aspect of our operations.

We partner with supply chain, production, operations and logistics partners who share our values.

By the end of 2025, INBAR+co aspires to be the first truly climate neutral wellness brand. Not just by paying for carbon-offset and waste-removal credits, but by PRO-ACTIVE CARBON REDUCTIONS in all facets of our operations.

As our company grows and more ecologically conscious options in packaging and ingredients become available, we pledge to make choices that continue to reduce our overall environmental impact.

% 100% R ALCYCE LAELB U MINIUM LAE U MINIU

BORN IN MARIN COUNTY

BY DANIELLA INBAR

We consider this region a co-founder. We formulate and manufacture every single product in Marin County, California and we owe so much of our daily inspiration to it and to the people who live here. Just over the Golden Gate Bridge, the county of Marin is unlike any other. Known for its breathtaking natural landscape, surrounded by water, mountains and redwood trees. Synonymous with natural beauty, Marin attracts people who value sustainability, possibility, inclusion, scientific and technological progress and a respect for nature.

The existing infrastructure in Marin County allowed us to make our planet positive commitment a reality.

Our ZERO-WASTE commitment is applied throughout the supply chain in every aspect of our operations. We partner with hyper-localized vendors, production, operations and logistics partners who share our values. We apply the rules of green chemistry to everything we do and aim by the end of 2025 to be the first truly climate neutral wellness brand. Not just by paying for carbon-offset and waste-removal credits, but by PRO-ACTIVE CARBON REDUCTIONS in all facets of our operations.

By operating on the MCE Deep Green 100% renewable energy service we were able to eliminate our electricity-based on-site carbon footprint. This energy source costs us approx. 3% more than the fossil-fuel alternative. This supports the Local Renewable Energy & Program Development Fund, which helps to fund the installation of electric vehicle charging ports and

and the building of renewable projects like MCE Solar One, a 10.5 MW solar array on a remediated brownfield site in Richmond, California. We have the power to change the amount of renewable energy that is on the grid.

Even our e-vehicles are charged with this 50% wind and 50% solar energy sourced LOCALLY.

At our manufacturing facility we use MARIN SANITARY SERVICE, a California certified GREEN business, that collects food waste from residents, local restaurants and business to make organic compost for certified organic farms in Marin. The facility uses solar power and the trucks run on renewable diesel from non-fossil sources as they continue to research zero emission fleet options. These efforts, along with the emissions which are avoided through their recycling programs result in their direct emissions being fully offset 18 TIMES OVER. This means they are well BEYOND NET-ZERO!

TOPICAL REMEDIES

HOW MENTHOL EFFECTS THE MOLECULAR SENSORS

BY DANIELLA INBAR

ACTIVATION Menthol, the compound found in peppermint, is a potent activator of TRPM8, a cold-sensitive TRP channel.

COUNTER-IRRITATION The initial cooling sensation of menthol can distract the brain from the underlying pain, providing temporary relief.

PAIN MODULATION Menthol may have additional analgesic effects by regulating the activity of other TRP channels and by influencing the release of neurotransmitters involved in the pain pathways.

The light weight fresh cooling relief gel is formulated in the vein of a traditional Chinese DIT DA JOW, a herbal preparation lauded by martial artists in China for centuries. Menthol and a combination of arnica and horse chestnut team up to deliver a cooling relief from the discomfort associated with muscle soreness and overexertion.

And the best part? It smells wonderful! Our essential oil blend has a fresh and uplifting scent of ginger, Siberian fir, orange, lavender, cajeput and rosemary with a fine top note of bergamot.

TRP’S

PAIN RELIEF THROUGH TEMPATURE

BY DANIELLA INBAR

Our products have been tested and revised to deliver soothing relief on contact in blends that bridge tradition and innovation.

Collaboration is the key to creating systems that effectively benefit all. Following traditional Chinese medicine, each ingredient is carefully selected to work in harmony with others. Each part of a plant has a different healing role, and the combination of ingredients creates a synergy that boosts their benefits and reduces their risks.

TRP’s (Transient Receptor Potential Channels), play a critical role in our perception of pain.

This complex network of nerves and receptors throughout our bodies can be activated by multiple types of stimuli simultaneously, such as temperature and mechanical force.#

In a groundbreaking discovery recognized by the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian identified critical receptors responsible for our sense of temperature and touch. These previously unknown receptors, called TRP’s, play a fundamental role in how we perceive the world around us. TOUCH and TEMPERATURE being among the most important. TRP channels act as molecular sensors, detecting stimuli that cause pain. Understanding how they play a critical role in our perception helps us implement modalities and products in our treatments.

BEAUTY WITHOUT BUNNIES

DEBUNKING THE CRUELTY-FREE MYTH

BY AMELY AMBROZUS

The world of cosmetics is brimming with innovation, promising the fountain of youth in a bottle (or jar, or tube , or whatever). But for many of us, that quest for flawless skin comes with a nagging ethical question - is this product cruelty-free?

The good news? The idea that all cosmetics are tested on animals is a misconception. The bad news? It's not entirely a relic of the past. While significant strides have been made, some loopholes and regional variations persist. Here at INBAR+co., we’re passionate about clean beauty that’s kind to both your skin and the planet. So, let’s clear the air and empower you to make informed choices about the products you use.

Beyond Black and White

The narrative around animal testing in cosmetics can be confusing. There have been major bans in many countries, including the entire European Union. These bans make it illegal to sell cosmetics containing ingredients tested on animals after a certain date. However, things get trickier when considering global markets. Some countries still permit animal testing and even require it (PR China), creating a situation where a company might formulate a product cruelty-free in one region, but then test it on animals to comply with regulations elsewhere.

WE TEST ON HUMANS AND THEY LIKE IT

The beauty industry is constantly evolving, and the movement towards cruelty-free options is gaining momentum every day. By educating ourselves and supporting brands like INBAR+co., you, me and all of us can ensure that the future of skincare is not only radiant, but also kind.

Remember, every choice we make has the power to create positive change. Let's choose beauty that's

good for us, good for the planet, and good for all creatures, great and small.

INBAR+co. is all about transparency. We source our ingredients responsibly and prioritize those that haven’t been subjected to animal testing anywhere in the world. By choosing INBAR+co., you’re supporting a brand that champions ethical practices.

COLD BREW BEAUTY

WHY COLD PROCESSING IS THE F UTURE OF SKINCARE

BY AMELY AMBROZUS

Forget hot beverages – the future of skincare is brewing, and it's COLD! INBAR+co. is at the forefront of this exciting movement with cold-processed cosmetics. This isn't a fad; it's a smarter, more effective way to care for your skin.

Here's why cold processing is the future of your skincare routine, and how INBAR+co. is making it happen:

Unlocking Freshness Potential

You know the bitterness of a coffee that has been made far too hot? That's the essence of cold processing for your skin. Traditional methods often rely on high heat, which can degrade the delicate potency of botanical ingredients. Cold processing keeps things cool, literally, preserving the power of those precious plant extracts. The result? Products brimming with antioxidants, vitamins, and active ingredients ready to supercharge your skin.

Harnessing Nature’s Raw Power

Heat doesn’t just alter the chemistry of ingredients; it can also destroy the delicate enzymes and beneficial bacteria naturally present in some botanicals. Our cold processing keeps these powerhouses intact.

Sustainable Beauty, Naturally

Looking good shouldn’t cost the Earth. Cold processing is a more energy-efficient method compared to traditional techniques.

Embrace the Chill Zone with INBAR

INBAR is committed to harnessing the power of nature to create effective, clean beauty products. We are constantly exploring new ways to push boundaries and elevate your skincare rou-

PHOTOS ALEXANDER BASTA

“I’M STILL GROWING UP, NOT GROWING OLD.”

- DANIELLA INBAR

BEAUTY IS NOT LIMITED TO YOUTH

BY DANIELLA INBAR

In a world where youth is often overemphasized especially in the beauty industry, we felt it was important to create a space where aging is celebrated. By choosing our INBAR+co products, you’re not just treating your skin to the most sustainable ingredients and packaging; you’re also making a statement about the importance of age-positivity in the beauty industry.

We believe in celebrating aging as a beautiful, natural process, rather than something to be “fixed” or hidden. Offering a platform that inspires everyone to love themselves and their evolving beauty. We are passionate about rejecting the pressure society often places on us to look younger and instead, we create products that empower you to feel confident and radiant as you age.

Change happens, aging happens, because if all goes well you are going to age. While many skincare brands focus heavily on marketing products for mature skin on girls in their 20’s.

INBAR+CO has chosen to showcase real people of all ages and genders, which speaks to our idea of leaving a legacy.

Skincare can be self-care, your skincare routine is more than what you put on your skin. It’s what you watch, what you listen to, what you read, the people you hang around…be mindful of the things you put in or on your body emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

It’s physically impossible to anti-age. Just because your body changes as you get older this does not mean those changes need to be reversed. Our philosophy on skincare for mature skin is that the focus shifts from simply maintaining skin health to supporting its resilience, maybe repairing some damage and enhancing radiance. The products in the tool kit dont change, just how you combine them.

You may also be slower walking up 4 flights of stairs than you were in your 20s. This doesn’t mean you need different stairs or are not allowed past the ground floor, what you need is a little more patience.

On a cellular level skin has no gender and the aging process simply means that the skin needs longer to regenerate.

The skin cells have a renewal cycle that slows down as we age.

For Teenagers it is around 28 days

In middle age it takes between 28-42 days And 50+ it can take from 60- 84 days.

Be deliberate, be consistent and you will see results.

It’s about taking care of yourself, not changing the way you look.

THE SKIN’S MICROBIOME OIL

BASED CLEANSERS

BY DANIELLA INBAR

Healthy skin is skin that functions optimally – meaning it maintains its natural balance, its resilience, and can effectively protect itself from external stressors. It’s not about achieving flawless perfection, but about supporting the skin so it can thrive and glow naturally.

The single most important thing a skincare routine can do is keep your skin’s microbiome intact. The OG skincare is the protective layer of microorganisms on our skin that produce ceramides, fatty acids and antioxidants. All the technology to protect our skin is built in. Our Formulas first and foremost are developed to support your body to heal and regenerate itself.

Healthy skin ages. 85% of what we’ve been taught are signs of aging - like fine lines, wrinkles and age spots - are signs of exposure to our environment. An environment that has been polluted by the fossil fuel industry, from mining, fracking, combustion engines, and the immense petrochemical industry, that among many other things produces plastic packaging.

Pollution damages the skin barrier and disrupts the microbiome, weakening the skin’s ability to act as the first line of defense for the immune system, to protect from UV and pollution exposure and to heal from injury. The more pollution, the more exposure, the more we need the products that are causing the exposure.

One of the easiest ways to keep skin soft, supple and healthy is to avoid stripping it of its vital lipid barrier and beneficial microbes in the first place. Hippocrates may not have been a skincare expert, but he certainly understood that preserving the body’s natural balance is critical to its overall health.

The DESERT ISLAND product is our gentle cleanser, if you are interested in a minimal routine or only want to splurge on a single product, this is the one. On a base of safflower and sunflower oil this formula features soapwort and soapbark, natural ingredients that gently wash your skin and a joyous essential oil blend of rich citrus with elegant jasmine sambac and a fresh top note of Bergamot and Fir.

This gentle-yet-thorough spa cleanser delicately but effectively binds to dirt on the skin, removing it and dissolving even water-proof formulas without disrupting the skin barrier. Ensuring the skin doesn’t feel raw or stripped but impossibly dewy and soft. This cleanser is well tolerated by even the most sensitive skin.

“THERE IS NOTHING ANTI ABOUT AGING.”

- DANIELLA INBAR

INBAR+CO X ANDBLOOM

A MOVEMENT FOR REAL, UNAPOLOGETIC BEAUTY

BY AMELY AMBROZUS

INBAR+co. and AndBloom have built their foundations on values that reject outdated industry norms and promote authenticity, inclusivity, and sustainability instead. While we each come from different corners of the beauty and lifestyle world, our shared mission is clear: to empower people to embrace their natural beauty—at any age—and to do so without compromise.

SHIFTING THE NARRATIVE ON AGING

Aging has long been demonized in the beauty industry. We’re bombarded with anti-aging products, advertisements that promise eternal youth, and the constant message that getting older is something to fear. But what if that narrative was flipped? What if aging was something to celebrate instead of conceal? That’s exactly what Denise Boomkens set out to do when she founded AndBloom. Her platform was created to challenge ageism head-on, showcasing the beauty of women over 40 and empowering them to embrace every stage of life with pride.

Denise doesn’t just talk about aging gracefully—she captures it. Through powerful photography and honest storytelling, AndBloom is leading the charge in the age-positive movement, proving that beauty doesn’t disappear with age, it evolves. With a global community of like-minded individuals, AndBloom has become a space where self-acceptance isn’t just encouraged; it’s celebrated

At INBAR+co., we believe in the same philosophy. Our cold-processed skincare is built to help you feel your best, no matter your age. Whether you’re in your twenties, forties, or sixties, we create products that support your skin’s natural ability to repair itself. Our “DO NO HARM” approach extends beyond just the ingredients we use; it’s a way of thinking that celebrates the aging process while promoting sustainability and respect for the planet. It’s about helping people of all ages take care of their skin without trying to turn back time—because the beauty is in the journey, not the destination.

A PERFECT MARRIAGE

Age Positivity and Sustainable Beauty

So, what happens when two brands with such complementary values come together? It’s the perfect marriage of age positivity and sustainable beauty. Together, INBAR+co. and AndBloom are creating a new vision of what it means to embrace aging: a vision where every line, every age, every stage is something to be proud of. It’s not about fighting the process—it’s about accepting it, honoring it, and celebrating how far you’ve come.

This collaboration is just at the beginning. Expect more conversations around age, beauty, and wellness that challenge industry norms and encourage you to feel your best unapologetically. With exclusive content, behind-the-scenes looks at how we’re blending our missions, and maybe even some exciting new products on the horizon, INBAR+co. and AndBloom is here to change the conversation around aging and beauty, one campaign at a time.

Together, we’re setting out to create a world where beauty isn’t about staying young—it’s about staying real. Aging isn’t something to hide from; it’s something to flaunt. And with INBAR X AndBloom, you’ll have the tools, the community, and the confidence to do just that.

PHOTOS RAPHAELA FARAHANI

SEIFEN-HAAG X INBAR+CO

A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

BY AMELY AMBROZUS

We at INBAR+co. are happy to announce a collaborative masterpiece unlike any we have created before: We have partnered with Seifenhaag, one of the oldest German soap makers.

A LEGACY ETCHED IN LATHER

Seifenhaag isn’t just a brand; it’s a family’s traditions passed down through generations of meticulous artisans since 1756. Their story is one of unwavering dedication to the art of soap making, with a commitment to the highest quality of ingredients. Each bar they craft is a testament to this heritage, a meticulous blend of time-tested techniques and modern innovation. The soap itself is handmade in their small factory in Stuttgart, Germany; even their packaging is made locally in the ‘Schwarzwald’

Here at INBAR+co, we’re all about pushing the boundaries of self-care and formulating products that elevate your everyday rituals into moments of pure indulgence. But true innovation thrives on collaboration. That’s why we knew Seifenhaag was the perfect partner to create something truly special, with its unwavering commitment to quality and tradition.

MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY BAR

This isn’t just another collaboration. We’ve poured our hearts into this creation. Imagine the luxurious, skin-loving formulations you know and love from INBAR+co., perfectly nestled within the heritage and craftsmanship that defines Seifenhaag. It’s a sensory experience waiting to be unwrapped.

The Unveiling

We’re still euphoric from our unforgettable visit to the Seifenhaag factory! From witnessing the meticulous craftsmanship firsthand to rolling up our sleeves and participating in the production process, it was a truly immersive experience.

We’re honored to have collaborated with such a legendary brand and can’t wait to share the fruits of our partnership with you.