Beauty Boss: Francisco Costa, Founder of Costa Brazil
Francisco Costa.
Our latest Beauty Boss is Francisco Costa, Founder of Costa Brazil—an eco-forward skincare and fragrance line with products made from natural ingredients found in the Amazon rainforest. His sustainably sourced, environmentally responsible, and cruelty-free products were created with a team of scientists and local agriculturists to combine advanced modern technologies with the natural world’s nourishing powers.
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The former creative director of Calvin Klein’s womenswear for 13 years, Costa left the fashion label in 2016 and returned to his native Brazil, where he discovered local healing rituals and curative native ingredients in the Amazon rainforest. An avid environmentalist, he saw there was an urgent need for conservation and ultimately launched Costa Brazil, which also partners with local cooperatives and scientists to ensure protection of the body and Earth.
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Costa is involved in numerous social causes in Brazil and around the world, which include designing the logo for BrazilFoundation's #TeamRio campaign during the Olympic Games—an initiative raising awareness and funds for social projects in Rio de Janeiro. We chatted with Costa who shared the inspiration behind the brand, secrets for success, best advice, beauty and wellness tips, and much more.
When was Costa Brazil founded and what does the name mean?
Costa Brazil is a clean luxury concept launched in 2018 to capture the rich, natural essence of my homeland of Brazil. Our products are made from pure, potent, enriching ingredients, sustainably sourced from the Amazon and activated using the latest laboratory technologies. Dedicated to helping preserve the beauty of the natural world, we partner with Conservation International, as well as other nonprofits, to follow the best practices for sourcing activities while also working to restore the rainforest.
The efficacy of our skincare is based on the potency and purity of the ingredients, which is also a composition of the best possible materials you can find. I have always been attracted to creating things with purpose, function, and beauty.
Costa Brazil’s award-winning Kaya Jungle Firming Oil features an exclusive cold-pressed Jungle Complex of rare Amazonian ingredients to promote firmer, softer, healthy-looking skin.
What inspired the creation of the brand?
Prior to Costa Brazil, I was the creative director for Calvin Klein women’s collection for 13 years. The initial concept for the brand came during my last year at Calvin Klein; I had a packaging concept which was based off of the works of Piero Manzoni, which was conceptually about highs and lows, having something incredibly precious inside a brutalist can.
During my first trip to the Amazon, we discovered Breu and Kaya—and I could not look back; the brand was born. We are the only skincare brand today using Breu and Kaya (which is the name we invented for this seed). Today, Costa Brazil is a mission as much as it is a brand that sells beautiful products.
Costa Brazil’s Bath Salts include detoxifying Brazilian white clay, camu camu, breu banco resin, and CBA—a natural proprietary compound of copaiba and passion fruit seed oils rich in cannabinoids.
Does Costa Brazil have a hero product?
Our hero is our exclusive Jungle Complex—that you can find at the core of most of our products—boasting the enriching properties of mineral-rich Kaya, vitamin-packed Cacay, and calming Breu. After working with a team of scientists and local agriculturists at the edge of the Amazon rainforest, we combined advanced modern technologies with the nourishing powers of nature.
Kaya is exclusively harvested for Costa Brazil. It is a super essential fatty acid featuring linoleic, palmitic, and oleic acids, which provide intense hydration and improve the skin barrier. It’s also rich in skin-nourishing magnesium, protein, and selenium. Cacay is a natural retinol that reduces the appearance of fine lines. It is revered as the “Amazonian Liquid Gold”—rich in vitamins F and E.
Finally Breu Branco is a fragrant, natural oleo-resin. It provides a complex woodsy aroma of rich earth and crushed leaves. Breu is a powerful antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anxiety reliever.
An avid environmentalist, Costa returned to his home country of Brazil where he discovered local healing rituals and curative native ingredients in the Amazon rainforest.
What are your favorite products from your brand?
Our best-selling Kaya Jungle Firming Body Oil, as well as our Kaya Anti Aging Face Oil and our unisex AROMA Eau de Parfum. I also carry the Resina de Breu everywhere with me! Breu was the first ingredient I found in the Amazon. To me, I’m instantly transported back to the Amazon when I light them. Burning Breu is also an amazing mosquito repellant!
Where are your products sold?
We are sold on Costa Brazil, at Bluemercury, Nordstrom, and select boutiques nationwide. Internationally, our products can be found in select spas, specialty retailers, and fine hotels around the world such as Palm Heights, Fasano Hotel, and Cristalino Lodge.
Future plans for the brand?
We have a very robust pipeline including fragrances, body care, and skin care. Conscious sustainability is our foundation and we will continue to devote our efforts on creating clean, sustainable products that encourage and assist people to become more proactive in the fight against climate change. Restoration and preservation will remain our priorities.
Costa Brazil AROMA Eau de Parfum is a unisex scent that is reminiscent of the natural resin that grows in the Brazilian jungles.
Who inspires you?
Any curious human being! I also find infinite inspiration from nature; I love the imperfections and the beautiful balance and harmony. And of course, beauty. Inner beauty always shines brightest for me.
Secret to success?
Perseverance.
Beauty secrets?
Water, water, water. Iced water on the face, happiness, and our Kaya Firming Body Oil!
Best advice?
Don’t give up on your dream; it is worth all the effort. Always stay calm and bring everything to perspective.
Favorite way to relax?
By doing something I love and being curious.
For more information about Costa Brazil, visit their website and follow on Instagram: @costabrazil
[Images courtesy of Costa Brazil]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk