Our 2021 Favorite: Luna Nectar and What it Means To Be a Clean Brand

TVW: Tell me all about Luna Nectar! What called you to create a 100% vegan + clean skincare brand in the first place?

M: Luna Nectar is a brand that focuses on innovating streamlined haircare and skincare formulations that commit to being 100% natural, cruelty-free, and vegan. We are inspired by Ayurvedic and Chinese adaptogenic herbs, and backed by science. Our mission is normalizing sustainability and transparency in the beauty industry in a fun and inclusive manner. We’re all about the holistic, intergalactic connections in life!

I was inspired by my sister's adverse reaction to a chemical lash serum, and after much experimenting, launched with the Moon Boost Lash & Brow Enhancing Serum (named as a finalist for 'Best Hair Treatment' for the 2018 CertClean Awards and one of the Top 10 Lash Serums by Women's Health Magazine). From there, I drew from my experience with adaptogenic herbal formulas, and expanded our line to include haircare, skincare, and wellness products. 

TVW: What is “Moon Boost,” and why is it so special?

M: Moon Boost is our Lash and Brow Enhancing Serum, and came into the market at a time where chemical-based lash serums were the norm. Ours is natural, vegan, and cruelty-free, and we wanted it to solve any and all lash issues. We’ve had customers that have had lash extensions, lifts and tints, and even thyroid issues come to us reporting that Moon Boost has helped their lashes become healthier and fuller-looking.

TVW: Tell me about how it came to be! What was the process of conceptualizing, and producing “Moon Boost” like?

M: A lot of research and experimentation. It took about 1.5 years to get the formula, consistency, and stability right, and we took ample time testing on product testers as well. For the aesthetic of the product, I knew I wanted all the products to be space-themed yet elegant, so we played around with different packaging for the first year until it felt right. We went through 3 different packaging rebrandings of just Moon Boost alone, but you have to put it out there and start somewhere!

TVW: How do you define clean beauty, and how do you incorporate these practices into Luna Nectar?

M: Clean beauty is using ideally, as many unprocessed ingredients from the earth as possible, and causing the least amount of negative impact in transporting ingredients to the manufacturer, destruction to habitats, and the wellbeing of animals. We also have to take a look at the entire lifespan of the product, including from when it is used up and discarded — the packaging should be recyclable and reusable to complete the cycle.

TVW: What is on the horizon for Luna Nectar? 

M: We are currently sold in 100+ retailers worldwide, including Urban Outfitters, Harvey Nichols, and Hudson's Bay, and now of course The Vegan Warehouse! We also have lots of exciting brand and social movement collaborations on the horizon, as well as a plethora of new products launching this year. 

You can shop “Moon Boost” Lash & Brow Enhancing Serum here!