About us

Plant based cosmetics are hand made from sustainable harvested ingredients in small batches by Primal Essence

ALIGNING YOUR PATH WITH YOUR CORE VALUES:

THE KICK START

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After more than a decade working in the corporate world, Marisa needed to pursue another path more aligned with their values. Giving wings to their creativity, they had been making natural soap for their friends and family for years, and as the demand for their products continued to increase, they decided to take the next step and transform their passion hobby into their profession: Primal Essence was born in June 2017. They now make and sell various gender-neutral cosmetics. Marisa loves to help people of all ages feel better, more confident and empowered and, at the same time, contribute to a better planet.

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SKIN DISORDER CAUSED BY HARSH SYNTHETIC COSMETICS

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Since a young age, acne prone skin problems took Marisa into a merry-go-round of dermatologists and pharmacies, like a synthetic overdose of all the products they were prescribed. At some point, someone introduced them to natural cosmetics. They quickly noticed that their skin was becoming much clearer, as natural cosmetics seemed to be working where others failed. This goodness needed to be shared with others and the experimenting with natural ingredients began. Marisa started by being self-taught; their formulations inspired by the knowledge gathered from herbalists, cosmetologists, dermatologists, books and social media channels. In their continuous obsession for the pursuit of perfect formulations, they attend refreshment courses and workshops, graduated from an herbology course accredited by CMA and received their diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation, by Formula Botanica.

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QUALITY COSMETICS FREE FROM SYNTHETIC DUBIOUS INGREDIENTS

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Harmful synthetic ingredients like PEGs, SLS, SLES, parabens, triclosans and phthalates (to name a few) have been linked to irritations of the skin and the mucous membranes, several types of cancer, reproductive toxicity, hormonal and endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity, infertility, altered reproductive development, neurodevelopmental issues, asthma and eczema.


Ingredients sourced in nature have a higher affinity with the skin, thus, better penetration and absorption capacity. This is particularly important for dry and sensitive skin, where essential fatty acids are usually depleted. Natural vegetable oils have the capacity to replenish and emulsify the skin, improving its condition at a deeper level. Plus, they incorporate hugely beneficial adaptogens and antioxidants that will help to enhance skin-hydration.

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PLANT-POWERED ECO-WARRIOR

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Marisa believes that natural production methods, emergent restorative and regenerative technologies, and green creative thinking can restore the world’s ecosystems. Animals and plants in land and open ocean affect climate and regulate our conditions for life on earth. We need to protect them so that we can perpetuate our symbiotic relationship. Marisa is a nature’s shepherd and decided to become vegan for compassionate, sustainable, and healthy reasons and their cosmetics are, therefore, 100% vegan and cruelty-free. For this they have received the animal Cruelty-Free and Vegan PETA Certification.

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THE LEAP OF FAITH: SWITCHING TO NATURAL COSMETICS

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You may be quite attached to your usual moisturizer, soap, or shampoo and swapping to a different product might take some adjustment. For Marisa, switching to natural cosmetics has had several benefits, not only because of the visible improvement on their skin but also a contribution to helping regenerate our planet. When you choose beauty products without plastic packaging, you create a lot less waste and impact than with cosmetics of large established companies. For example, if instead of spending 11 bottles of shampoo per year and contributing to the world’s waste, you start using our shampoo bars, you will only need 4 bars of shampoo per year and are, already, advocating for yourself and for the earth.

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THE EFFECT OF NATURAL COSMETICS

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Some people believe that natural vegan cosmetics are less effective than synthetic ones. It is true that formulating a quality vegan product with natural ingredients that doesn’t contain palm oil, mineral oils, pesticides, sulfates, PEGs, GMOs, silicones, artificial fragrances or colours, represents a bigger challenge. That’s why it feels so satisfying to Marisa every time they succeed launching a new quality product!

All their cosmetics are gender-neutral because Primal Essence’s cosmetics are for everyone.

Marisa won’t stop developing all-natural, plant-based, free of harsh synthetics and packaging waste products until all your bathroom product needs are fulfilled.

Their products are not only good for the earth, people and animals, but also completely safe. Dermatologic testes are always performed and they are proud to say that all their products score 0.0 on the allergy test. They are therefore suitable for all skin types, even the most delicate and sensitive.

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SUSTAINABLE DOWN TO THE LAST DETAIL

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Marisa believes that it’s their social responsibility to be vigilant of the impact of their activities on earth’s lungs. ⁠

All labels and boxes are CO20 neutral, printed using recycled paper; cream jars are made out of glass and wood, 100% recyclable and reusable. It is a short-term goal to make them also refillable and returnable. ⁠

They try to work with local suppliers as much as possible and produce, package and ship in the cleanest way possible.

They handle water responsibly, don’t use paper towels and use reusable gloves during production.

Suppliers must be able to demonstrate where they got their ingredients from: without child labour, slavery or animal abuse.

Shipping boxes are reused and made from recycled paper, paper tape is used and no plastic filling is used to protect your orders.

Marisa still makes all the products themself, carefully by-hand in Amsterdam.