Innovative brand Zue Botanicals is a cutting-edge line specializing in clean and natural beauty products for Latin women. Every product produced is free from more than 1000 chemicals commonly used in the beauty industry and Zue Botanicals is certified vegan and cruelty-free by PETA. In this exclusive interview with founder Nathaly Millán we delve deeper into her skincare journey and starting her own business.
Nathaly, you have quite an interesting background. Please share your story with us and why you decided to start your own skincare line.
Since I was a little girl, my mother taught me the power of nature in skincare. We used to make natural extracts with plant infusions in our kitchen; every weekend, we would create different natural extracts, like rice water, known for its antioxidants to keep the skin glowing. We’d put it in a spray bottle and store it in the fridge for daily use. I grew up in a family where natural beauty was valued and passed down from generation to generation, which is why I always felt a deep connection to natural cosmetics.
As I grew older, I noticed a lack of beauty products that truly understood and addressed the specific needs of Latina women, such as our exposure to the sun and our genetic predisposition to hyperpigmentation, which are those dreaded dark spots. I noticed that all commercial brands created generic products for everyone, but they never really specialized in formulating skincare products based on culture and genetics. Caucasian skin is not the same as Latina skin. This motivated me to create something genuine, something that my mother and friends could use with pride, but that was natural and free of toxic ingredients.
Latinas have always sought to achieve a more radiant and spot-free skin, but the problem was that at that time, the only widely promoted option in the market was hydroquinone, an extremely dangerous ingredient for health. So, I thought, I want to create safe and clean products that help with skin radiance without compromising health, providing these women with a natural solution that makes them feel more beautiful and confident in their skin.
That’s how Zue Botanicals was born. In collaboration with cosmetic chemistry experts, we developed a skincare line that was not only effective but also safe and respectful to our roots and the environment. Our products are designed to celebrate and care for the natural beauty of Latina women, free of toxic ingredients and always cruelty-free.
How is Zue Botanicals different from other skincare brands and what is the significance behind the name?
In today’s market, many brands focus on generic products that do not address the specific needs of our skin, as we are genetically more prone to hyperpigmentation, which is a common challenge for us Latinas. Zue Botanicals was born out of the frustration of seeing how the industry focuses on dangerous solutions filled with toxic chemicals like hydroquinone, steroids and phenols found in whitening creams, which compromise health instead of protecting it.
The name “Zue” means “the origin of life” in an ancient indigenous language from the southern part of Colombia, a place that has a special meaning to me because of my Colombian roots, and from which we were deeply inspired to create our first product line. Learning about the ancestral wisdom of this community deeply inspired me. That’s how Zue Botanicals was born, a name that not only honors that connection to nature but also reflects our personal commitment to creating products that care for and nourish the skin. “Zue Botanicals” reflects our mission to nourish the skin with the purity of nature.
How are your products catered to Latina skin?
We collaborate closely with experts in natural cosmetic chemistry to develop gentle and effective formulas that minimize redness, irritation, and protect the skin barrier; since Latin skin is prone to hyperpigmentation, acne, eczema, and contact dermatitis, due to genetic factors and our origins in sunny regions. Reasons why we avoid using harsh ingredients that can cause irritation or long-term damage.
Instead of settling for generic solutions, each of our products is designed to deeply nourish, repair, and protect the skin, keeping it healthy and radiant. We choose natural ingredients, traditionally valued in Latin American cultures, such as aloe vera for its calming properties, quinoa to improve skin tone and texture, and oils from rose, jojoba, grape, cucumber, and calendula, all known for their effectiveness.
This not only ensures that our products are effective but also honors and celebrates our cultural heritage, providing a skincare experience that truly resonates with the Latina woman.
Working in the wellness industry, do you have any top beauty tips you could share with us?
I love making a chamomile and calendula extract every Sunday. I heat it on the stove for about three minutes, then let it sit before pouring the liquid into an ice cube tray. In the mornings, I take one of the cubes and gently rub it all over my face. This is great because it helps reduce inflammation and redness, improves circulation, and minimizes pores. Plus, it leaves my skin feeling more awake and luminous!
Just for fun. Since you work with all kinds of herbs and plants, do you have a favorite meal or drink that you make that makes you feel fantastic or at ease?
There’s a drink I love because it’s very hydrating for the body and skin. I drink it three times a week. This drink isn’t just tasty, it’s also perfect for hydrating and soothing your skin from within, providing a boost of essential vitamins and minerals. The combination of aloe vera and lemon provides a detoxifying and revitalizing effect, ideal for starting the day or after a long day.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of aloe vera gel: Great for hydrating and soothing the skin.
Juice of 2 lemons: Rich in vitamin C, which helps brighten and clarify the skin.
1 cup of coconut water: A natural hydrator, rich in electrolytes.
1/2 cucumber, peeled and chopped: Adds extra hydration and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Honey or agave nectar, to taste: For natural sweetening.
Fresh mint leaves: For a refreshing touch.
Instructions:
Extract the gel from fresh aloe vera leaves, making sure it’s clean and free from aloin, which is the yellow, bitter part that can be irritating.
Place the aloe vera gel in a blender.
Add the lemon juice, coconut water, and cucumber pieces.
Sweeten with honey or agave nectar to your liking.
Blend until the mixture is smooth.
Add fresh mint leaves and mix slightly or use them to garnish when serving.
Serve the drink cold for enhanced refreshment.
Anything else we should know about Zue Botanicals?
At Zue Botanicals, we are dedicated to celebrating the unique beauty of Latina women. Each of our products reflects this mission, and we often hear, “Wow, I love that this is for Latinas!” Our customers feel a deep connection to their roots as we also communicate in Spanish, strengthening the bond with our rich heritage. Our goal is to empower every woman to feel secure and confident, proudly embracing her natural beauty. Many clients have shared that since using our products, they feel so confident that they no longer feel the need to wear makeup. This level of self-confidence is what we strive to instill in all women: a confidence that shines from within.
Achieve glowing skin and shop Zue Botanicals at https://zuebotanicals.com/
