For our first installment of our new blog series In The Lab we wanted to introduce you to the process of formulating. We'll hear from our founder and formulator, Athena, on her process.
The process of formulation is nuanced, long, frustrating and so much fun. When I created Monastery all those years ago I single-handedly formulated each product with my inherited knowledge of the botanical world coupled with my education and experience with the skin. Fast forward to now, we have a fully functional lab where all of our products are manufactured by our very own team. I still formulate every single product that you see today. A skincare brand manufacturing and formulating their own products is rare in this industry and something we pride ourselves on.
Nature and the treatment room is where I gather most of my inspiration. Sometimes I think of something new that can be added to our facial routines or I notice that I’m missing from my own routine. Rei was created selfishly for myself. I knew the benefits of retinol but my sensitive skin always held me back from using it! The addition of beta-glucan from reishi mushrooms, an ingredient I’d been dying to use for years, allowed me to reap the benefits of a retinol.
Oftentimes I source an ingredient that really excites me and I can see the benefits for the skin. We’re working with an ingredient right now that’s never been used in the skincare industry before and I can hardly wait for you to experience it.
The process is long and usually takes years to perfect. Rose, the first product I ever formulated, took over 100 formulations to get right. I’m working for ultimate efficacy paired with a sensorial experience that is unmatched. Once I’ve settled on a formula I’m happy with – it goes into the treatment room here in our flagship spa where I gather feedback from my trusted clientele. Each formula has spent at least 6 months in the treatment room before ever being launched to the public.
"I’m excited for this blog series to highlight the rare, high quality ingredients we are using, new products in development and the beauty of our lab."
- Athena
