Inner Circle: Justine Kahn, founder of Botnia

Founder, formulator, and esthetician behind Botnia — a holistic skincare line rooted in over 20 years of hands-on experience. What began in her kitchen has grown into a science-backed line crafted in a Sausalito-based lab, with many ingredients harvested from her own micro-farm. Driven by a belief that skincare should be as unique as the skin it treats.
Botnia now partners with over 200 spas nationwide—an evolution that reflects Justine’s deep commitment to plant-based healing and personalized care.

As a special gift, Justine is offering 10% off Botnia products with code BOTNIAXUL—valid through July 31st.

How would you describe your current phase of life?

I’m in the sweet spot: mid-40s. I’m rooted in who I am. I spent my 30s leaning into my personal values, and now, in this phase of life, I have a deeper understanding of the word no and the word yes. How to create personal peace while being a founder, manufacturer, mother, and partner. I’ve been growing with steady intention. It feels like I’ve done the personal work to meet this part of my life with joy. And, of course, I’m never done growing, and that excites me. I’ve built a life I love, and now I get to shape my future from that foundation.

I feel most myself when...

I’m outside in the garden with my family, creating something with my hands or in flow....Whether it’s formulating skincare, dreaming up what’s next for Botnia, or listening to music that speaks to my soul (usually something a little gritty and honest, like punk). I feel most myself when I’m aligned with my values: caring for the earth, showing up as a thoughtful employer, and making something that helps others feel whole in their own skin.

What’s your recipe for taking care of your body, mind, or spirit?

— It’s a constant tuning-in. I believe care comes from presence, checking in with yourself, and really listening. But if I had to distill it, say no to what drains you and yes to what challenges and nourishes you. And never underestimate the power of a long bath and a skincare ritual. That’s church for me.

Describe your favorite Under Luna ritual.

Tulsi Bloom Shampoo and Tulsi Bloom Conditioner are my ride-or-die. I first heard about it from my friend Cortney at Wildcare, and I was instantly intrigued because—let’s be honest—Under Luna, you had me at Hydrosol.... I have thick, frizzy gray hair, and finding a natural shampoo and conditioner that actually works for me is a full-on quest. Tulsi Bloom has been a total game-changer.
As a formulator of organic skincare and a skin-obsessed esthetician, I’m an ingredient junkie, and this duo is everything I’ve ever looked for in a haircare routine. I’m also obsessed with your hair oil as a finishing product when I blow out my hair or want to calm the frizz that comes with letting my natural gray flow freely. My hair feels soft and smells incredible. I’m also genuinely obsessed with the packaging, it’s beautiful and comes in recyclable aluminum. I love that material for packaging...

Tell us about Botnia -- what sparked the idea, and what keeps you going?

— Botnia was born from my desire to heal skin with nature. I started as an esthetician, and in the treatment room, I saw what didn’t work. Most products irritated the skin or masked issues instead of healing them, so I started taking classes in cosmetic chemistry and making my own. What keeps me going is seeing skin transform, not through harsh actives but through plants, science, and care. And the community we’ve built, esthetician to esthetician, hand to hand, it’s everything. I feel like we’re asking a completely different question than most companies. A simple one, but one that’s created so much transformation for real human skin: Is it healthy for the skin?
That’s the heart of how I formulate, and it’s what makes Botnia so special...Beyond all the other things that make us special. I could go on and on, but if you're intrigued, please check out my skincare company. We're up to some pretty cool stuff.
Thanks for reading this post and for thinking about your health in such a thoughtful way. Under Luna is such a cool company, and I was touched to be a small part of their effort to connect you to your hair and what’s real good in this world.

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