Beauty Boss: Tricia Marlowe, Founder of French Farmacie
Our latest Beauty Boss is Tricia Marlowe, Founder of French Farmacie—a consciously crafted skincare line that pays homage to the French and combines results-driven ingredients with a genuine dedication to having a softer impact on the environment. After struggling with infertility and skin issues, Marlowe began to research ingredients and minimizing her skincare routine, later partnering with a chemist from Harvard University to create science-driven formulations for skin.
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French Farmacie’s hero products are the foundation of a restorative, simplified and healthy skincare routine, featuring potent formulas that are rich in detoxifying and free radical-fighting antioxidants, regeneration and brightening vitamins, and nourishing and smoothing omega fatty acids.
The entire line is vegan, cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny Certified, and the company is also a proud member of 1% for the planet, a global movement that inspires business and individuals to support environmental solutions. They have committed to donating 1% of their gross annual revenue to support nonprofit partners fighting for social and environmental justice and marginalized communities that have been disproportionately impacted by climate change.
We chatted with Marlowe, who shared the inspiration behind the brand, secrets for success, wellness tips, and much more.
When was French Farmacie founded and what does the name mean?
French Farmacie launched in 2022 and pays homage to the French and their pared-down, minimalist routines. Our namesake is a nod to France’s highly curated pharmacies and their commitment to high-quality products and a community-driven approach.
What inspired the creation of the brand?
Years of struggling with infertility and an up-and-down relationship with my skin made me question everything I was putting in and on my body. This led to researching ingredients and eliminating things that didn’t serve me, including a complicated skincare routine. As my interest grew, I leaned into my background in healthcare and partnered with a Harvard-trained chemist to develop science-driven formulations.
Along my journey, a life-changing trip to Indonesia opened my eyes to the ocean plastic pollution crisis and its effect on front-line communities. This became the catalyst for a deeper appreciation that skin health and the health of the world around us are profoundly interconnected. I knew that if I was going to bring a brand into this world, we needed to commit to making a positive social and environmental impact. Inspired by a healthier vision for people and the planet, French Farmacie was born—consciously crafted skincare combining results-driven ingredients with a genuine dedication to having a softer impact on the environment.
Does French Farmacie have a hero product?
Élixir Exfoliant and Sérum Radiant developed cult followings amongst customers, celebrity makeup artists, and in-the-know celebrities. People love the instant brightening and smoothing results from our gentle exfoliating treatment, Élixir Exfoliant, and our “face oil meets serum,” Sérum Radiant, is so nourishing and firming and gives you a gorgeous sun-kissed glow. It’s an everyday essential!
Where are your products sold?
On our website, as well as through our retailers Moda Operandi, Knockout Beauty, ONDA Beauty, SCOUT from Jenn Streicher, Ställe Studios, a bespoke facial studio in NYC, Olivine in Mexico, and Etiket in Canada. We’re so excited to expand our partnerships to bring French Farmacie to more retailers and spas in 2023.
Future plans for the brand?
It has been the greatest joy of my life to introduce French Farmacie to the world, and I’m so grateful for the positive response we’ve received. We’re working on new product development to expand our offering that will continue to respect our philosophy of a pared-down, minimalist routine. Stay tuned!
Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by people who are passionately pursuing their dreams while serving others and giving back in the process.
Secret to success?
Believe in yourself, take calculated risks, and stay curious.
Beauty secrets?
Sleep! All the skin care in the world won’t work if we’re not sleeping enough. Lack of quality sleep affects the skin’s pH levels, which lowers the moisture level and depletes our natural glow. Eating nutrient-rich food and drinking lots of water helps us glow from the inside out—and, of course, a consistent skincare routine that includes hydration, nourishment and gentle exfoliation is key to healthy and radiant skin. Sunscreen is a must and regular facials will surely help keep skin fresh and revitalized.
Wellness tips?
Moving my body daily through Pilates and yoga keeps me centered and grounded.
Best advice?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Learn from your mistakes, and give yourself grace, especially when things don’t go according to plan.
How do you like to relax?
I love taking time to lean into rituals that help me come back to myself, including taking a walk in nature. I also love relaxing and multitasking with a beauty mask on so I’ll put on Élixir Exfoliant, do dry brushing, hop in a warm bath, and listen to a podcast.
For more information, visit French Farmacie’s website and follow on Instagram: @frenchfarmacie
[Images courtesy of French Farmacie]
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