A focus on tracking, traceability, carbon mitigation, waste reduction & minimalist multi-use formulations sets Nation Botanics apart

Nation Botanics’ commitment to sustainability extends far beyond the surface, using leading traceability maps, carbon measurement and mitigation to produce local environmentally conscious skincare. The USA-based skincare business has been recognized for their exceptional all-round sustainability with an Organisation Sustainability Award. Here’s how they excel in their environmental responsibility:

Ingredient Sourcing and Carbon Footprint

Nation Botanics is based in Pinedale, Wyoming, USA and proudly sources 92% of their ingredients from farmers across North America, resulting in one of the lowest ingredient carbon footprints in the beauty industry. This localized sourcing not only supports regional farmers but also minimizes the environmental impact of transportation.

Transparent Packaging and Carbon Emissions

Nation Botanics opts for blue glass bottles because they are infinitely recyclable or reusable.

The bottles used by Nation Botanics are sourced from China because there are no North American manufacturers that produce low-quantity glass bottles under 5 ounces. Remarkably, the emissions from sea freight shipping from China are comparable to air freight shipping from closer locations like Mexico.

Glass also serves a functional purpose. It provides a safer, more stable vessel for products like facial oils. This thoughtful decision underscores Nation Botanics’ balanced approach to sustainability, weighing the environmental and practical aspects of their packaging.

Ocean+Positive and Carbon Mitigation

Nation Botanics offsets more carbon than it emits by planting mangrove trees and other ocean plants, which are highly efficient at sequestering carbon. Partnering with Sustainable Surf, they’ve achieved verification as an Ocean+Positive brand. With Bluebird Climate, they meticulously measure their annual carbon footprint—down to the milligram weight of every component and its journey to customers.

Traceability and Ethical Sourcing

Nation Botanics embraces traceable skincare, providing transparency about every ingredient’s origin. Despite the risks, such as supplier poaching and reverse engineering, they believe customers deserve to know more than what’s in the bottle. Their suppliers include 17 ingredient providers and nine other local businesses, predominantly small enterprises across North America. Customers can view each ingredient’s source supplier and location on a dynamic map.

Minimalist Multi-use Products

Surf+Slope is a minimalist all-in-one skincare set designed to replace eight single-use facial products. This dynamic duo—a revitalizing serum and nourishing moisturizer—is tailored to adapt to seasonal and lifestyle needs. By using concentrated multi-purpose formulas and consolidating multiple products into one set, they significantly reduce waste.

Environmental and Social Impact

Nation Botanics focuses on amplifying social returns by supporting farmers and restoring ecosystems, and helping connect children to the environment. With each purchase, customers can choose to restore 20 square feet of coastal dunes or teach a child to snowboard. 100% of these contributions stay local, ensuring measurable and meaningful impact.

Commitment to Redefining Local

Nation Botanics utilizes 22 proven botanicals native to North America, with 92% of ingredients from farmers nearby to keep their ingredient carbon footprint low. 77% of ingredients are organic, wildcrafted, or zero waste. These plants, naturally adapted to their environment, require fewer resources to grow, and don’t pollute local ecosystems with chemicals, making them a sustainable choice for skincare formulations.

Meet the Founder & Formulator: Mercedes Pepper

Mercedes Pepper isn’t your typical beauty industry founder. With over a decade of experience in the philanthropic and public sectors working to alleviate global poverty, Mercedes combined her passion for social impact with her love for surfing, skiing, and boarding to create Nation Botanics. Frustrated by complicated, wasteful skincare routines that didn’t adapt to changing skin needs, she envisioned an easy, compact solution. After quitting her job, living in a trailer, and researching over 250 botanicals, she developed Surf+Slope—a dynamic duo designed to simplify skincare while making a tangible difference for the planet. Mercedes believes skincare should be as empowering and adaptable as the adventurous lifestyles it supports.

“We’re thrilled to recognize Nation Botanics for their exceptional commitment to ingredient traceability and transparency. Their dedication to ensuring every ingredient is ethically sourced and fully traceable empowers consumers to make informed, responsible choices. This level of transparency is what the future of sustainability looks like, and Nation Botanics is leading the way.”
– Anna Chatburn, Sustainability Award Founder

Designed for Good

Nation Botanics prioritizes:

• Transparent ingredient sourcing.
• Concentrated multi-purpose formulas to reduce packaging.
• Localized supply chains to minimize carbon footprints.
• Packaging designed for recyclability or reuse.
• Supporting small businesses and nonprofit initiatives.

By choosing Nation Botanics, customers are not just investing in their skin—they’re supporting a network of sustainable practices, local farmers, and meaningful causes. Surf+Slope is part of a movement toward a greener and more conscious future.

Discover Nation Botanics Sustainable Skincare.

Nation Botanics Story Video