When we think of clean, holistic beauty, we typically assume it’s limited to topical and non-invasive treatments. However, in the neverending growth of all manner of self care practices, a surprising niche development gaining mainstream popularity is holistic plastic surgery. To supplement the results of a bit of snip-snip here or there, the doctors who’ve pioneered this field take into account lifestyle and nutrition in addition to aesthetics to bolster the overall wellness and optimal beauty of their patients. In addition to specializing in fat-grafting, facial reconstructions, and gender-affirming surgeries at her Manhattan practice, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Alexes Hazen, MD marries her holistic approach to skin health and age-disruption in a clean beauty line borne out of her own struggles with typical skincare ingredients.
The expertly curated products that comprise Dr. Hazen’s Zen Essentials double as a how-to for creating a clean beauty brand that prioritizes bathing the skin in TLC. Fundamental to all holistic self-care, Dr. Hazen’s formulations are free of ickies – parabens, triclosan, phthalates, sulfates, chemical sunscreen, synthetic fragrance and colors – the toxic compounds that Dr. Hazen refers to as “The Naughty List.”
To remove makeup, sebum, and pollutants the Milky Facial Cleansing Drops blend nourishing Apricot oil, Radish Ferment Filtrate, and Coconut extract to maintain pH balance and a healthy skin microbiome. On days when deeper purification is needed, the Zen Essential Scrub combines Organic Brown Sugar Cane, Jojoba Beads, and Hawaiian Lava Sea Salt for cell turn over and radiance. In a full nod to the centrality of nourishment in a holistic skin care line, the Longevity Drops excel as a multi-pronged oil-free hydrator, especially for sensitive and post-procedural skin. The viscous, crystal clear gel, and Dr. Hazen’s favorite product in the Zen Essentials line, brightens and refreshes with a simple cocktail of glycerin, Vitamin B5, and super-low weight hyaluronic acid brings instant and deep hydration into the dermis.
The recently launched treatment-centric serums – Revitalizing Drops & Zen Glow Elixir – is where the line leans wholeheartedly into age-disrupting solutions. For maximal support of aging skin, the Zen Essentials Revitalizing Drops combine a naturally occuring, non-irritating form of retinoid with Avocado and Grapefruit Seed Oils for a rejuvenating treatment safe for daily use. Formulated for radiance and bounciness, oils of Camellia Seed, Rosehip, Watermelon Seed, Evening Primrose, Sweet Cherry, and Prickly Pear, Zen Glow Elixir baths skin in fruit antioxidants, omega fatty acids and naturally-occuring Vitamins E & C oils that all skin types will drink up.
In the final step of Dr. Hazen’s non-irritating skin care regime, Zen Hydration Bomb mixes moisturizing powerhouses Squalane, Vitamin B5, and Hyaluronic Acid for non-stop hydration, with soothing extracts of cucumber to deliver that elusive feeling of Zen deep into the pores.
During Women’s History Month, I was thrilled to chat with Dr. Alexes Hazen, the female founder of Zen Essentials, about clean beauty, viral skin care hacks, the steep learning curve of entrepreneurship, and gender diversity in the beautysphere.
Q&A
1. There’s no official designation for wellness or clean/holistic beauty – how do you define them personally and as a doctor/ entrepreneur?
Wellness is a state of being and combines the pursuit of activities and choices and lifestyle that contribute to overall health and wellbeing. Clean/Holistic beauty means beauty from the inside out to me. Starting with complete and healthy nutrition, a relaxed mind, good sleep and rest, caring for the body and finally caring for the skin with nutritious and nurturing products that are toxin free and all natural.
2. What are your favorite viral social media skin care hacks? Which viral, social media hacks do you think are the most dangerous?
My favorite hack is exfoliating gently – it’s a brilliant way to get a glow up on the skin – for face and body! My least favorite and most dangerous (there are many) is microblading. It can be treacherous and really harsh for the skin – one has to be very careful. Maybe leave this to the professionals.
3. The beauty and wellness industries are sometimes criticized for fostering women’s insecurities about their appearance and exploiting that insecurity for profit, while others see the beauty/wellness industry as empowering. Where do you fall in this debate?
I think the beauty wellness industry does both – on the one hand there are companies that drive people to consume and to strive for potentially unrealistic goals of beauty. Then there is other messaging that is empowering, educating and informative. And that messaging is very helpful and positive.
4. Was your line born out of frustration with the existing marketplace? Or were you motivated to address a specific need not addressed by most brands?
My skincare line Zen Essentials was born out of great need and lack of beautiful effective luxurious clean products. Clean skin care can also mean high performance and anti – aging. You don’t have to compromise, you can have both.
5. To what do you attribute this current boom in skincare, selfcare, and the wellness industries?
I think the boom in skin care, selfcare, and wellness is happening because folks realise how powerful it is and how much caring for these aspects of wellness translates to health, beauty, and happiness.
6. What was your eureka moment, when you knew deep-down that it was the time in your life, and in the market, to start your own business?
My eureka moment was when five years ago I started formulating my own products in the laboratory of my kitchen out of necessity. I had developed terrible skin sensitivity to skin/hair, cleaning products and ingredients that are ubiquitous in many products. So, to cure my own skin issues I started my own line.
7. What had you wished a more seasoned business owner in any industry had told you when you started?
I wish I had understood the power of “branding” and to spend more time, money and energy on social media and website design from the get-go. I have beautiful packaging and products, and the branding is there – but if you don’t get your products seen then no one can enjoy them.
8. Do you have formal business training, such as an MBA, or a similar degree in chemistry? Or is your professional background mostly in the beautysphere?
I have no formal business training other than running my private practice. But I have professional expertise in all aspects of skin healing, health and care as a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon. I also have done extensive research on burns and healing in the laboratory so I have special knowledge that helps me understand what skin care should look like.
9. Is sustainability compatible with ROI and business growth?
I think sustainability has to be compatible with growth and has to be on the forefront of product development – this is crucial for our well being and the health of our planet. That is why nontoxic plant and mineral based ingredients are so crucial to skin products.
10. How do you make sure that you stay tapped into the market in a way that promotes longevity instead of just riding trends?
I do extensive research on skin healing and anti-aging. And before I would include any “new ingredient” I would vet it and assure that it actually works. You don’t want to be the first person on the bandwagon, you want to be the smartest.
11. When the next generation of women beauty entrepreneurs make themselves known, how will you help or support them?
I will rejoice with the women entrepreneurs of the next generation and share my expertise and knowledge. As an Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at an academic institution I know that sharing knowledge propels a field forward and contributes to science. I believe in an abundance mindset. There is plenty for all – the more we propel each other – the better we all are.
12. What are your top 3 favorite ingredients, sources, and/or methods of extraction for clean ingredients?
I think it goes without saying that plant and mineral based ingredients are paramount. As for my favorites – I love probiotics in products, hyaluronic acid and ?
13. What’s your most essential platform/source/voice for market research? Essential platform for market research?
Not sure that I do that. I research products and cutting edge through scientific research. Pub med and the like.
14. Where do you see or hope to see the beauty and wellness industry in a few years?
Beauty wellness should proceed with safety and results oriented progress at the forefront.
15. In addition to clean formulations and sustainable practices, diversity is one of the hottest trends in beauty and wellness. How does Zen Essentials approach/embrace diversity?
Zen Essentials was founded on diversity and inclusion. Our products are for all genders – trans – cis and non-binary and were designed that way. We are produced to include all races and ages. We have formulated the products to include the most essential ingredients that we all need. We embrace the diversity of all while caring for the community.
16. It’s hard to believe that there are still skeptics out there about the benefits of dedicated skin care, hair care made from clean ingredients, and wellness regimens, especially to treat skin, scalp, and hair problems. How do you address that skepticism?
Try our products. They speak for themselves. Your skin will look and feel better!
Previous Q&As in the Female Entrepreneur in Clean Beauty Series:
Read Part 1 in the “Female Founders Q&A” series with the Glow Bar CEO HERE.
Read Part 2 in the “Female Founders Q&A” series with the Uzima CEO HERE.
Read Part 3 in the “Female Founders Q&A” series with the Kinship CEO HERE.
Read Part 4 in the “Female Founders Q&A” series with the Raw Sugar Living CEO HERE.
Read Part 5 in the “Female Founders Q&A” series with the Alchimie Forever CEO HERE.
Read Part 6 in the “Female Founders Q&A” series with the Kindness Powered Skincaee CEO HERE.
Read Part 7 in the “Female Founders Q&A” series with the Iles Formula CEO HERE.
Read Part 8 in the “Female Founders Q&A” series with the Blessed Bananas CEO HERE.
Read Part 9 in the “Female Founders Q&A” series with the Exoceuticals CEO HERE.
Read Part 10 in the “Female Founders Q&A” series with the Nekko CEOs HERE.
Read Part 11 in the “Female Founders Q&A” series with the Made By Dentists CEO HERE.
Read Part 12 in the “Female Founders Q&A” series with the MrayaBeauty CEO HERE.
Read Part 13 in the “Female Founders Q&A” series with the Sonela Beauty CEO HERE.
Read Part 14 in the “Female Founders Q&A” series with the Brahmi Beauty CEO HERE.
