For me, living a healthy lifestyle means I consider the foods I eat, the ways I move, and what I put on my skin. During my 20-plus years in the clean beauty industry, I’ve created vegan and organic skincare and hair care products that nourish the body. I’ve sourced ingredients from different parts of the world, including India, Italy, and Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest.
Today, I use that experienceto lead our wellness platform, Crunchy Mama Box, and our CMB Certification (Clean, Mindful, and Balanced). I don’t just read labels; I use my decades of expertise to rigorously vet every brand for efficacy, ensuring they are made with clean, functional ingredients and sustainable packaging.
Our standard of excellence is reserved for brands that are truly clean, committed to giving back to the community and the planet, and dedicated to educating the consumer. Only those that meet these rigorous pillars earn the CMB Certification.
What does “clean” mean in botanical skincare?
When I test a skincare product—especially one that will be on my skin all day—I prioritize functional ingredients that nourish the body from the outside in. Because our skin is our largest organ and absorbs what we apply, clean beauty must be about more than just avoiding "The Dirty List," which includes:
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Parabens and Phthalates
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Synthetic Fragrances
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Microbeads and EDTA
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Petroleum and Mineral Oil
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Talc and other harmful toxins
True clean beauty is about performance. Many people venture into the natural skincare industry without the proper education required to formulate truly effective products. A right botanical formulation isn't just "non-toxic"—it is a sophisticated, nutrient-dense tool designed to work with your skin's biology to deliver real results.
The CMB Certification: Supporting Mission-Driven Brands
Certifications play a crucial role, but they can also be financially burdensome. As a mission-driven platform, we understand the challenges faced by work-at-home parents, small businesses, and startups that may struggle to afford expensive, traditional certifications.
That is why we created the CMB Certification. We offer brands a comprehensive evaluation of their ingredients and assist them in sourcing from reputable suppliers worldwide. This enables us to maintain our uncompromising commitment to quality and sustainability while supporting purposeful business owners on their journey. One thing we never compromise on is animal testing; we do not accept any brand that performs animal testing.
Mindful Packaging & Eco-Friendly Solutions
Finally, I consider packaging. This is a tough one, as so many beauty products are bottled in plastic. At Crunchy Mama Box, we prefer glass, paper, or other recycled and recyclable materials. We also offer assistance in sourcing eco-friendly packaging for the brands we certify. Our mission is to empower conscious brands—whether they are startups or larger companies—striving to create products that respect the planet.
Beautiful Skin is Healthy Skin: The Routine
Over the years, I have learned that an effective skincare routine should be filled with nutrients that keep the skin healthy. I look for products with nutrient-dense fatty acids, vitamins, and plant-based ingredients. My secret to healthy, glowing skin is a simple, intentional routine: Cleanse, Treat, and Moisturize.
To take your skincare to the next level, I always recommend using the right tools. My favorites are the Jade Facial Roller and Gua Sha. I use them to reduce puffiness and fine lines, and in conjunction with a clean face oil to help the skin better absorb nutrients. (Pro tip: store your tools in the fridge so they feel extra refreshing!)
Photo credit: Lauren Nygard
Feed Your Face (and Your Soul)
Remember to start simply with a healthy lifestyle—eliminating processed foods is a great first step—then begin choosing products that are healthy for your skin and for the environment. Managing stress, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep are just as important as what you put on your face.
At Crunchy Mama Box, we do the heavy lifting of investigating and testing so that you can save time and money. We are dedicated to providing the resources you and your family need to live a healthy, sustainable, and balanced lifestyle.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us—we love getting phone calls from our readers! Also, be sure to check out our podcast, Mission-Driven Founders, to learn more about the makers of the brands we have approved and certified.
If you are looking for a safe place to vent and find support, I invite you to join our private Facebook group, Crunchy Mama Strong.
Lots of Crunchy Love,
Wanda
About the Editor
Wanda Malhotra is a wellness-focused entrepreneur, Founder of Crunchy Mama Box and the CMB Certification, and a Wellness Realtor in Tennessee. Her work sits at the intersection of healthy living, intentional design, and lifestyle innovation, with a focus on how environments shape everyday wellbeing.
Learn more about Wanda’s work at wandamalhotra.com.
Comment
Great article! The products Crunchy Mama Box represents and supports are ones that I can count on and feel confident in using. I look Root Journey products and will continue to use them everyday! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and making my life easier and more beautiful!