Our latest Beauty Boss is Claudia Christie, Founder of Claudiana Beautanica—a line of clean skincare products that offer a full-body experience which is effective and easy to use, and made with scientifically-proven natural and organic ingredients. The smart, high-quality products feature innovative, locally-crafted formulas and low-waste packaging, and are designed to make people feel beautiful while helping them make healthy decisions for themselves, their community, and the environment.

Christie spent years experimenting with natural formulations in her kitchen, eventually setting up her private lab in 2014 and enrolling in Formula Botanica, the leading online organic cosmetic science school. After gaining accreditation as an Advanced Organic Skincare Formulator and making the student hall of fame for her work, Christie started to craft her unique formulas to address people in urban areas. Inspired by the cultural backdrop of New York City, Claudiana Beautanica products revitalize and empower the skin and senses, while helping to ease rushed minds.

We chatted with Christie, who shared the story behind the brand, her favorite products, beauty and wellness tips, and more. 

When was Claudiana Beautanica founded? What does the name mean?

Claudiana Beautanica was founded in 2016 and launched in 2019. The name comes from my name, Claudia, extended to 'ana' for phonetics. Beautanica was forged from beauty and botanical, and represents the beauty in plant-based formulas. It also references the traditional botanica shop. Together, Claudiana Beautanica is a house in which we research, develop, and formulate our plant-based skin care and cultivate wellness for our clientele. 

What inspired the creation of the brand?

My love of formulating and genuine caring nature, which seeks to be of service to the world.  

Does Claudiana Beautanica have a hero product?

Our 001 Whipped Body Mousse is a fan favorite! 

What are your favorite products from the brand?

I love all three of our flagship products! Our 001 Whipped Body Mousse is the body moisturizer I could never find—deeply moisturizing and non-greasy, boosted with vitamin C, ceramides, and a sensual but subtle aroma. Our 002 Skin Soothe Ointment not only soothes minor irritations of the skin, but aromatically lifts the mood, making it a must-have in NYC.

Our 003 Handy Barrier Balm Cream is perhaps most dear to me. I fixated on formulating all of our products to get them just right, but our hand balm went through the most iterations to arrive at the effectiveness, unique texture, and skin feel I was seeking. All of our products are plant-based and they all work in harmony together to take care of the skin of the body, which is oftentimes an afterthought. 

Where are your products sold?

Currently via our online boutique.

Future plans for the brand?

To expand into select retail and spas, and to continue to personally formulate and develop body care products in our studio lab. Our long-term goal is to be in a position to give back and contribute to the sustainability of healthy lifestyles and a healthy environment. 

What inspires you?

Most people.

Secret to success?

Consistency.

Beauty secrets?

Find what lights you up and let it radiate. 

Wellness tips?

Keep it simple and practice good nutrition, sleep, and exercise. 

Best advice?

Work hard and be kind to people. 

Favorite ways to relax?

Laughing with like-minded souls. 

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

[Images courtesy of Claudiana Beautanica]

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