Luma Skin
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Luma Skin is the new skincare range based around the unique botanicals of the Amazonian area. Started by founder, Beatriz Barter, from her kitchen table, the idea came about when she couldn’t find any skincare ranges that didn’t aggravate her inflamed, breakout prone skin. I caught up with her to hear more on the challenges of balancing a start up brand with motherhood and building an inherently sustainable beauty business from the ground up.
‘I was despairing as I used one product after another and a few weeks later, I would break out -nothing was working on my stressed skin. I began to wonder if other women were suffering in the same way,’ muses Beatriz. ‘So, I took a course on formulating your own natural skincare and from their decided to launch my own range.’
Having spent time in Brazil in the past, speaking the language and with a curiosity about the ‘unique eco-system’ of the country, Beatriz started researching the culture of the area and the benefits of the ingredients of the Amazonian rainforests. Fascinated by the rare botanicals she found such as Jambu, Acai, Bacuri, Bacaba – unused in the West – she started to play around with formulations using ‘friends as guinea pigs’ between bringing up her young child and working.
‘I spent over a year from the first deep research to finished formula – a year of testing texture, stability, feel and results. That first product was the Sea Moss Face Cream infused with 7 Amazonian oils.’ The Sea Moss Face Cream infused with 7 Amazonian Oils contains sumptuous ingredients such as Jambu extract, Dried Jambu Leaves, Bacuri seed butter, Acai berry, mineral rich Sea Moss Extract and plenty more: benefits include nourishing and hydrating skin, whilst supporting the natural skin microbiomes to encourage a healthy skin barrier.
Luma Skin’s hero product is the newly formulated Luma Skin Amazonian Glow Facial Oil; ‘a carefully formulated range of cold press Amazonian oils (like Acai, Bacaba, Pataua) soften and replenish with essential fatty acids, while butters such as Bacuri and Ucuuba add comfort for dry, reactive skin. Together, they create a lightweight layer that reduces moisture loss, calms the look of irritation, and supports the skin barrier – which is one of the most important ways to keep the microbiome balanced and resilient.’ These carefully sourced Amazonian oils, known for their exceptional fatty acid and antioxidant profiles, work diligently to reduce fine lines, dull skin and restore texture and skin barrier.
Beatriz’s fascination with the Amazonian culture continues to deepen with each new skin product: ‘I discovered these plants are woven into everyday life – not as trends but traditions – used over generations for protection and vitality,’ she continues ‘for instance, Jambu is also used in food and drink, and in Brazil is known as ‘natural botox.’ Bacai is about deep comfort and softness, Acai brings antioxidant richness to the system.’
Beatriz is quick to add, ‘Luma Skin is all about honouring these special ingredients and translating them with care into modern formulations.’
What is next for Luma Skin?
Beatriz is currently excited for a new Serum and Moisturiser she is adding to the product range: ‘the Serum is a powerhouse of Amazonian botanicals to target ageing, skin texture and firmness. There are 4 main botanical ingredients; Jambu, Mulateiro, Cumaru, and Quinoa glycerine.’
Luma Skin has been focused on a transparent supply chain from the get-go: ‘Luma Skin sees the Amazonian as a partnership not a pantry. So, we source with traceability and ethical harvesting. Our packaging is low plastic and recyclable.’
Whilst the next step for Luma Skin is to create a full skin routine system that feels effortless but has efficacy, Beatriz is quick to point out that building a brand is challenging but worthy, ‘It takes time to build trust with suppliers, I have formulated products myself day and night and also done the labeling. Ultimately, I want to support other women along their journey.’