Our latest Beauty Boss is Amelia Rynkowska, Founder of Cult of Treehouse—a luxurious line of natural skincare products that was founded in a treehouse and inspired by trees. Rynkowska is a self-taught botanical cosmetic alchemist who decided to create her own line after years of dealing with hormonal, inflamed and irritated skin. Spending her days wildcrafting and foraging, she began experimenting in her treehouse in Laurel Canyon, California, until she created a line of products that had positive results on her skin.

Cult of Treehouse products are gender-neutral and feature supercharged traditional recipes that harness the qualities and intelligence of whole plants, roots, trees and stones for their physical and metaphysical properties. By incorporating the products into a daily ritual, one will experience more luminous and nourished skin, as well as a deeper bond with Mother Earth.

We chatted with Rynkowska, who shares what inspires her, wellness and beauty tips, best advice, and more. 

When was Cult of Treehouse founded and what does the name mean?

Cult of Treehouse was founded in a treehouse in Laurel Canyon in 2015. I was frustrated with not being able to garner the results I needed to improve my skin whilst grounding my mind, so I decided to go down rabbit-holes so to speak, to seek more than average pore-deep refinement. What began as kitchen-concocted elixirs to self-treat my anxiety and skin-related issues resulting from it ended up being a clan of ‘ hero products.’  

I returned to the U.K. with newfound knowledge, passion and experience that allowed me to develop, research and formulate properly. As serendipity would have it, my partner's work brought us back out to California, where we settled in Topanga Canyon and where Cult of Treehouse was reborn in 2019. 

Cult of Treehouse is symbolic—it’s symbolic of a community of like-minded people based on scarcity, responsibility and respect, and a symbiotic relationship with Earth. Just like a treehouse is entwined with a tree, we are with nature. Cult of Treehouse also utilizes both the physical and metaphysical properties of trees!

The ladder logo, which makes up the “H” in TreeHouse, is a ladder of ascension climbing upwards towards a 'higher power,' so to speak.

What inspired the creation of the brand?

My anxiety, which resulted in numerous topical skin conditions from mild acne to contact dermatitis. I wanted to create something that was multifaceted to work for my skin and quiet my mind too. To do this, I had to source high-vibrational ingredients: non-toxic, unrefined, non-GMO, organic and wildcrafted. We also make our own solar extracts, and gemstone and tree essences—a slow, gentle process drawing out all the goodness and using the moon as a timer. The skin really notices! 

Does Cult of Treehouse have a hero product?

They have all been formulated to work as hero products. Being tree-based, they are all gender-neutral (so they can be shared) and are multifaceted. One product does a lot of things. This reduces the need to use multiple products in one go. For example, the Campfire Glow is a day + night serum, and works as a potent under eye serum/eye orbital serum, too. 

What are your favorite products from the brand?

I use them all! They’re all very different, offering their own unique supernatural powers. I always layer them, beginning with the Campfire Glow followed by a few spritz of the Cult Complexion Mist on top. This sets the skin for the day,  giving a dewy finish and acting as a skin shield. I finish with the Tree Healer on my pulse points to ground me for the day ahead!

Where are your products sold?

On our website, cultoftreehouse.com. As Cult of Treehouse has recently rebranded and moved over from the U.K., stockists in the U.S. will be updated on site ASAP! 

Who inspires you?

Anyone who is an advocate for a cleaner, greener world. From simple conscious daily routines—recycling, avoiding single-use plastics, using green beauty and household products—to bigger Earth-kind gestures. People who are kind, open and non-judgmental.

Secret to success?

Happiness and passion. 

Beauty secrets?

A good night’s sleep! Lots of water and a simple skincare routine. 

Wellness tips?

• Hydration. It’s so important to drink clean filtered water. Being dehydrated alters everything from your mood and mindset to your skin and energy.

• Meditation. Try and take at least 20 minutes out of your day to quiet the mind. Keep active, whether it be a walk, jog, hike, cycling, the gym, being in the water, or playing with your kids. Keep moving! Try to to be present and stay off your phone as much as possible.

Best advice?

Relax—nothing is ever under control. 

How do you like to relax?

 Surfing, hiking, cooking (specifically fermenting), and an icy glass of natural wine.  

For more information, visit cultoftreehouse.com and follow them on Instagram: @cultoftreehouse

[Images courtesy of Cult of Treehouse]

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