Beauty Boss: Justine Kahn, Founder and CEO of Botnia Skincare
Justine Kahn.
Our latest Beauty Boss is Justine Kahn, Founder and CEO of Botnia Skincare—a line of small batch, handmade organic skincare products formulated with potent and raw ingredients. An avid gardener and esthetician for more than 20 years, Kahn discovered there was a need for individualized skincare solutions, which led to the creation of the sustainable brand starting in her own kitchen where she hand mixed botanicals grown on her farm in Sausalito, CA.
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Botnia Skincare has grown from a small operation into a full-fledged lab that partners with more than 200 spas nationwide. To find a Botnia Skincare spa partner, click here. All of their products nurture the beauty and and power of skin while embodying Kahn’s cherished values including sustainable farming practices, the promotion of self-love, and a nurturing work environment.
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Many of the raw ingredients featured in Kahn’s products are still grown, harvested, dried, and processed in the brand’s lab, while certain ingredients like arnica are sourced from local farmers that use similar organic practices. Some of the key botanicals in Botnia Skincare include calendula, helichrysum, juniper, and lavender—while the beautiful packaging is made from recyclable aluminum caps, jars, and bottles, in addition to paper boxes and insert cards.
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We chatted with Kahn who shared her favorite beauty and wellness tips, secrets for success, best advice, and much more.
When was Botnia Skincare founded and what’s the meaning behind the name?
Botnia Skincare was founded in 2017. I named the company by combining two roots that come from our imagination and give personal meaning to what we do: Bot = botanicals and botanist; and Nia = the magical land (like a whole country) where plants work synergistically with our bodies.
Botnia Skincare is a line of small batch, handmade organic skincare products formulated with potent and raw ingredients.
What inspired the creation of the brand?
The inspiration behind Botnia Skincare came from my experiences in the treatment room with clients. I noticed that the results from the skincare products I was using were not meeting my expectations, and this prompted the development of my line and Botnia was born!
Does Botnia Skincare have a hero product?
While all our products serve specific skincare needs, some of our best sellers include the gentle cleanser, daily face cream, and rose water toner.
What are your favorite products from your brand?
It's difficult to pick favorites among our offerings. However, one special aspect of our brand is our creation of seasonal hydrosols. Currently, we have juniper and pinion hydrosols from New Mexico, which are particularly unique and beneficial for acne and oily skin types.
Where are your products sold?
Our products are available throughout the U.S. and we have established partnerships with over 200 spa partners.
Botnia Skincare Daily Face Cream Light ($62) restores moisture and promotes a healthy lymphatic system with plant-derived hyaluronic acid, squalane, rose geranium, juniper, and calendula hydrosols.
Future plans for the brand?
Botnia Skincare has ambitious plans for the future. We aspire to become a household name in the spa industry, driven by our mission to disrupt the skincare industry by reshaping how consumers and estheticians approach facials.
Who inspires you?
My inspiration largely comes from our small business owner partners. Their continuous drive and passion motivated me to create skincare products that add genuine value to their practices.
Secret to success?
Success in this industry involves not dwelling on minor setbacks and constantly pushing forward with a vision for what you creating with a deep philosophy. Personally, I rely heavily on goal setting and effective calendar management to accomplish my objectives.
Kahn has been an esthetician for more than 20 years and discovered the need for individualized skincare solutions, which ignited her passion for understanding skin and nature.
Beauty secrets?
For a healthy complexion, I recommend using a pH-balanced cleanser and following up with a toner, hydrosol, and serum in your daily skincare routine. I believe simplicity can often yield the best results.
Wellness tips?
Transform your daily skincare routine into a self-care ritual. Dedicate extra time to cleansing, massaging, and nurturing your skin—it's a form of self-love.
Best advice?
Consistency is key. Stick to a skincare regimen that suits your skin's unique needs and resist jumping on skincare trends!
Favorite way to relax?
I find relaxation in listening to music, spending quality time with my family, exploring nature through hiking, and tending to my garden. These activities help me recharge and find balance in my life.
For more information about Botnia Skincare, visit their website and follow on Instagram: @botniaskincare.
[Images courtesy of Botnia Skincare]
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