Brand Spotlight: Simple & Straightforward Skincare from PLANT Apothecary

By: Margaret Andersen

You’re in no shortage of skincare options when you head to the store. But when it comes to organic and natural products that are suitable for sensitive skin, the options seem almost nonexistent. So Holly McWhorter and Bjarke Ballisager decided to make one.

PLANT Apothecary offers an outstanding lineup of organic and 100% natural products. And it’s not just your skin that will thank you for shopping their soaps, scrubs, body oils, and other items—the brand also turns to BKLYN UNLTD during production. This nonprofit helps them employ mentally and physically disabled adults to help make PLANT a reality.

Bjarke Ballisager and Holly McWhorter, owners of PLANT Apothecary, took a minimalist approach to designing the packaging for their organic skincare company. Just like their ingredients, which are chemical and filler-free, their packaging system is free of excess materials and design elements. Rather, they let the products speak for themselves, with labels sporting names like Get Happy or Wake Up in bold, uncluttered typography that gives a nod to Scandinavian modern design, an aesthetic they both love.

This week we’re learning more about how PLANT Apothecary went from an idea to a full-fledged business based in Brooklyn and now sold in stores like Target. Stay tuned for posts through Thursday to see how entrepreneurs Bjarke and Holly got their skincare company started.

Margaret AndersenMargaret is a freelance graphic designer and writer based in Los Angeles. She received her MFA in Graphic Design from the California Institute of the Arts. She writes for AIGA’s blog Eye on Design, and is currently designing futuristic things for USC’s World Building Media Lab.