We all know the saying "you are what you eat" but have you ever considered that your skin is just as hungry for clean, quality nutrients?

Enter Sknfed, the London-based powerhouse founded by Marzena Mlynarska.

Built on the belief that skincare should be as pure as the organic food in your kitchen, Sknfed has grown from a humble startup into an award-winning leader in the clean beauty space. Their mission is straightforward: proving we can prioritise both skin health and Earth health without compromise.

Today, we’re sitting down with Marzena to discuss her passion for sustainable skincare and the secret behind their cult favourite ‘Bakuchiol Bright Boost Face Moisturiser'. Read on for the full story behind the brand that's feeding your glow.

To start us off, how did the Sknfed journey actually begin? What was that 'lightbulb moment' where you realised you had to start your own brand?

Sknfed began from a very personal place. I was becoming increasingly aware of how many skincare products were filled with unnecessary ingredients, synthetic fillers, and harsh chemicals, while at the same time people were becoming much more conscious about what they put into their bodies through food. That made me ask a simple question: if we care so deeply about feeding our bodies good nutrition, why aren’t we doing the same for our skin?

That was really the lightbulb moment. I wanted to create skincare that treated the skin like a living organ that needs nourishment, not just quick fixes. From there, Sknfed was born with the philosophy of “feeding skin what it’s missing” using nutrient-rich, effective ingredients inspired by nature.

A philosophy that makes total sense! So how did this concept translate into the name; Sknfed? Is there a specific story behind it? Was it an instant 'yes' or were there some other names in the running?

The name came quite naturally because it perfectly captured the philosophy behind the brand. “Sknfed” simply means skin, fed properly. We wanted something minimal, memorable, and different from traditional beauty brands. At the heart of everything we do is the idea of skin nutrition - feeding the skin the nutrients it needs to function better, healthier, and calmer. Once we landed on the name, it immediately felt right because it told our whole story in one word.

Absolutely, it perfectly captures the mission you’re on in the skincare world. On that note, can you tell us a bit more about the impact you hope to make on the beauty industry overall?

I’d love to see the industry move away from fear-based skincare and overcomplicated routines. So many brands convince people they need ten different products to “fix” themselves. At Sknfed, we believe skincare should support the skin rather than fight against it. We focus on nutrient-dense formulations that work with the skin barrier, not against it.

We also want to prove that sustainability, effectiveness, and luxury can exist together. You shouldn’t have to compromise your results to make more conscious choices for yourself or the planet.

Agreed! You’ve often mentioned that the brand envisions a 'harmonious relationship' between skin and nature. Could you expand on what that looks like in practice?

For us, harmony means respecting both the skin and the environment throughout every stage of the process. We carefully choose ingredients that are naturally derived, vegan, cruelty-free, and beneficial for the skin long term. We also think deeply about packaging, waste reduction, and sourcing because sustainability shouldn’t just be a marketing message - it should be built into the business model itself.

Even our signature kraft paper pouches reflect that philosophy. We wanted packaging that feels different, intentional, and more connected to nature rather than excessive plastic-heavy beauty packaging.

This commitment is why we love Sknfed so much here at VBA! You are such an inspiring brand and it’s clear you’re leading the way toward a cleaner industry. However, sometimes people worry that natural means 'less powerful'.

How do you make sure your products stay super effective while keeping the ingredients clean?

That’s one of the biggest misconceptions in skincare. Natural ingredients can be incredibly powerful when they’re carefully formulated and supported by science. We combine botanical actives with clinically respected ingredients to create formulas that are both gentle and results-driven. It’s all about balance and synergy. For example, instead of overwhelming the skin with aggressive ingredients, we focus on formulations that support skin function, hydration, repair, and resilience over time. Healthy skin performs better naturally.

Your results definitely speak for themselves, and that focus on natural, high- performance ingredients is clearly paying off. In fact, your Bakuchiol Face Moisturiser has recently earned itself a Vegan Beauty Award and has been hailed by our CEO as easily one of the best anti-aging products she has ever used…

Why should someone swap their Retinol for your Bakuchiol Bright Boost? What’s the biggest win for their skin?

Firstly, winning this award has been incredibly special for us. Bakuchiol is often described as nature’s alternative to retinol because it delivers many similar anti- ageing benefits - improving the appearance of fine lines, texture, and uneven tone - but without the irritation that many people experience with retinol.

The biggest win is that customers can achieve brighter, smoother, healthier-looking skin while still supporting their skin barrier. Many people struggle with redness, dryness, or sensitivity from stronger actives, whereas bakuchiol is much gentler and suitable for more skin types, including sensitive skin.

Our formula is designed to nourish as much as it transforms, which reflects the whole Sknfed philosophy.

It really is both nourishing and transformative, and with ingredients like bakuchiol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, it’s clear why this product is so effective!

Can you explain how these specific ingredients work together in this formula and the benefits users can expect to see?

The formula works through a really beautiful balance of renewal, brightness, and hydration. Bakuchiol helps support collagen production and smooth the appearance of fine lines and uneven texture. Vitamin C brings brightness and antioxidant protection, helping the skin appear more radiant and energised. Hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates and helps maintain plumpness and moisture balance. Together, they create a moisturiser that helps skin look fresher, healthier, brighter, and more youthful without feeling heavy or harsh on the skin.

Yes, that healthy, youthful ‘glow’ is exactly what everyone is searching for, but how soon can a customer actually expect to see a visible difference in their skin’s brightness and texture?

Many customers notice an immediate improvement in hydration and radiance quite quickly because the skin looks more nourished and refreshed. For more visible improvements in texture, brightness, and fine lines, most people begin noticing results within a few weeks of consistent use. The key is consistency and supporting the skin gently over time rather than forcing rapid results through aggressive treatments.

The incredible results are definitely worth it! With that in mind, what other Sknfed products would you suggest pairing with this moisturiser to help people maximise their progress and boost anti-ageing results?

I always believe great skin starts with supporting the skin barrier first. Alongside the Bakuchiol Bright Boost Moisturiser, I’d recommend pairing it with our Botanical Elixir for extra nourishment and glow, especially overnight.

Our nutrient-rich cleansing and hydration products also work beautifully to create a balanced routine that keeps the skin calm, hydrated, and resilient. At Sknfed, we focus on routines that are simple but highly effective.

Noted! We absolutely love that simple but effective approach!

Moving on, sustainability is clearly at the heart of what you do. Can you talk us through some of the efforts you’re most proud of when it comes to being kind to the planet?

Sustainability influences every decision we make. One of the things I’m most proud of is that we’ve never approached sustainability as a trend. From our eco-conscious kraft packaging to carefully sourcing ingredients and reducing unnecessary waste, it’s part of our foundation as a brand.

We also continuously look for ways to improve, whether through regenerative ingredients, reducing packaging impact, or educating customers about mindful consumption. We believe small conscious choices made consistently can create meaningful change.

That is incredible, and if more businesses adopted that same mindset, the world would be a much better place! You’ve also built a massive following and a real community. Looking back at the growth, what has been the single most rewarding part of this adventure so far?

Without question, it’s the connection with people. Seeing customers genuinely trust the brand and share how much better they feel in their skin is incredibly emotional and rewarding. Sknfed has always been about more than skincare - it’s about wellbeing, confidence, and helping people slow down and care for themselves more intentionally.

Beautifully put. Is there a specific piece of customer feedback or a skin transformation story that made you step back and think, "This is exactly why I do this"?

We’ve had customers message us saying their skin finally feels calm and comfortable again after years of sensitivity or irritation, and those moments stay with me.

One message that really stood out was from someone who said our products helped them feel confident leaving the house without makeup for the first time in years. That meant so much because skincare can deeply affect confidence and wellbeing.

Wow, that is incredibly special, and it proves just how effective and life- changing your products truly are.

So, before we wrap up, what does the future look like for Sknfed…any new launches or big dreams on the horizon?

The future is really exciting for us. We’re continuing to grow our vision around skincare and wellbeing through more nutrient-focused, sustainable products and retail expansion.

We’re also currently working on something very special - skin nutrition perfumes and colour hybrid cosmetics that combine makeup with skincare benefits. We want every product to not only look or smell beautiful, but also nourish the skin and support wellbeing.

Oh, that is so exciting, thank you for sharing that sneak peek with us - we absolutely cannot wait for the launch! And finally, where can our readers get their hands on your incredible products?

Customers can explore the full range directly through Sknfed’s official website, as well as in our retail stores at Borough Yards and Gatwick Airport. Our products are also available in Planet Organic stores and selected independent boutiques across the UK.

So there you have it! Sknfed reminds us that true radiance comes from feeding our skin exactly what it needs to thrive. From their award-winning Bakuchiol Face Moisturiser to their inspiring commitment to zero-waste, sustainable practices, Sknfed is more than just a skincare brand; it is a movement toward a healthier, more transparent beauty industry.

A huge thank you to the founder for sharing this insightful, behind-the-scenes look into the brand's mission and exciting future.

If you are ready to swap harsh chemical shortcuts for pure, plant-powered nutrition, this is your sign to check out their incredible range and give your skin the food it has been missing.

Love Team VBA