Untamed Humans is the result of a serendipitous meeting between two like-minded women. Olga Frunze is Russian born and educated where the skincare and food industries are studied in tandem. With multiple degrees, she pursued her love of chemistry, and subsequently worked with multiple product manufacturers in skincare. Frustrated with the options available in skin care for her own use, she not only developed her own formulations, but worked with engineers to pioneer patented technology to make her vision scalable.

With much of the foundation created, Frunze approached Mimi Lettunich to help develop the brand position, marketing strategy, sales and distribution arms, as well as the business infrastructure. Lettunich is an avid entrepreneur as well as the Founder, President, and Chief Creative Officer of TwentyFour7, a renowned creative agency. Over the past 25 years, Lettunich has led visionary programs for ambitious start-ups to Fortune 100’s for partners such as Nordstrom, Sephora, Nike, Apple, and many others.

Together, Frunze and Lettunich set out to launch Untamed Humans—a line of bespoke skincare products that are designed for and by each individual. Made from high-quality ingredients, the products are formulated for your own DNA, lifestyles, and routines—and designed to change with you through seasons, life phases, travel, and beyond.

We chatted with Frunze and Lettunich, who shared the inspiration and philosophy behind their innovative skincare line, what’s next for the brand, and more.

When was Untamed Humans founded and what’s the meaning behind the name?

Untamed Humans officially launched in early December 2020. While that timeline had been set for months, we did decide to produce and release one product prior to our official brand debut. As a real-time response to the pandemic and skin concerns resulting from heavy mask use, we introduced our Mask Relief Mist in September 2020. The unique and natural purifying face spray combats “maskne,” a condition experienced by many frontline and essential workers.

First, it was important that the name did not discriminate. We invite everyone to come as they are, championing beauty as fiercely individual and celebrating all that makes us unique. Secondly, Untamed provides freedom from societal pressures and comfort in our own skin. Skin that protects our other organs, is an emotional storyteller and personal canvas.

The Untamed Humans brand attracts those who believe our bodies need different things and that whole health requires the same options for what we put on our body as what we put in our body. They know they deserve what’s best—not for the masses or for most—but for them.

Brand Mantra:

Nature made you. Singular. A true original. Your DNA, your fingerprint, your identity is yours alone.

And yet, from the moment we arrive in this world, we begin to conform. Society defines us based on our sameness: age, weight, height, beauty, education, income, ethnicity, beliefs; because it’s easier, less threatening, and more affordable to serve a group.

But what about the individual? Your passions, personalities, perspectives—they are your truths. They too define you. Like a birthmark or a scar.

We see all of you. Original and individual. Unmasked, unencumbered, and unafraid. Empowered to be your best self—in all its forms. We are Untamed Humans.

Tell us more about your products and what makes them special.

In a saturated industry, we are focused on the white space where choices and routines can be simplified, where essential products can be as unique as the individual, and where the highest quality can be standard in every product, regardless of regulations.

Fundamentals:

• We search for the best micro-elements to nourish and address different needs. Global research allows us to identify rare, bioactive ingredients with more microelements (vitamins, minerals, and proteins) to deliver to the body’s microbiomes, both internally (stomach) and on the surface of the skin.

• We locally source the highest-quality plants and herbs with those properties. Research is done globally and ingredients are grown locally. The Pacific Northwest is uniquely biodiverse, giving us access to ingredients that grow in coastal regions, the high desert, rain forests, and the green rolling hills of the Willamette Valley. We work with farms throughout the region to ensure the quality, freshness, and efficacy of every ingredient we use.

• We invent vehicles and methods needed for quality extraction. Standard extraction processes can sacrifice the quality and effectiveness of micro-elements within ingredients. This part of the process is as critical as the individual plants selected or its freshness. In some cases, we use classic techniques, and in others, we invent our own vehicles.

• We formulate and package everything on-site by hand in our lab.

Our product innovation is represented through two distinct lines:

1. Bespoke Essentials are hyper-personalized, affordable (starting at $26) must-haves including facial wash and facial moisturizer. These made-to-order products take the guesswork and excess out of skincare routines. Answer nine questions and we will develop your formula—because out of 400,000+ combinations, there is only that is one right for you.

2. Untamed Originals are unique, off-the-shelf products for specific hydration and self-care needs. These multi-use solutions fill gaps in consumer needs, pure and simple.

• Mask Relief Mist addresses real-time needs during the pandemic. This refreshing mist includes witch hazel, willow bark, aloe, tea tree extract, and silver dihydrogen citrate. We keep one in our purse, one in our car, and one in our pocket.

• Moisturizing Body Stick is extreme, all-over hydration in an easy grab-and-go tube. The base of this uber-hydrating balm-in-stick-form is a butter that we make in-house. In addition to locking in moisture, it has antiviral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. You can add 1000mg of CBD for extra relief!

• We don’t want to give too much away just yet but we do have something exciting coming out, adding to the Untamed Originals line. We are very proud of this product—we can tease that it can be used topically or ingested—there’s nothing like it on the market. We can’t wait to share more details with you!  

Do you have a hero product? What’s your favorite?

Bespoke Essentials (cleanser and moisturizer!) It covers our must-have skincare needs and the formula is as unique as we are. It guarantees us the freshest, natural ingredients our bodies deserve and simplifies the process, giving us precious time for more of the things we love. It’s everything we need—and nothing we don’t.

Where are your products sold?

You can find our entire collection of products on our website. In addition, select Untamed Originals products are available on Amazon.

What's next for the brand?

More innovation, education, and touch points! Look for additional products to address whole health beauty from the outside in and the inside out. Watch for education about questions that we as consumers need to be asking to dispel industry myths. And lastly, you can expect us to thoughtfully expand our distribution with like-minded partners.

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

[Images courtesy of Untamed Humans]

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