About Us
Founder Story – Meet Dr. Ann
“A simple allergic reaction changed everything.”
In 2020, a severe allergic reaction to a commercial lip balm made me realize that over 70% of Americans struggle with skin sensitivities and that safe, minimal-ingredient body care is surprisingly hard to find. As a dentist with a history of personal health challenges, I understand the deep connection between skin, oral, and overall wellness.
Frustrated but determined, I began creating plant-based, science-informed personal care products in my kitchen, testing and refining each formula myself. Education is at the heart of what I do. I want people to understand how their choices affect their health and the planet. Giving back is equally important, and I strive to make a positive impact through every product and partnership. My mission: to deliver care that’s safe for people, animals, and the planet, without compromise.
Brand Story – About Hippotanicals
“Small ingredients. Big impact.”
Hippotanicals was born from a simple but powerful realization: personal care should be safe, effective, and sustainable. After experiencing a painful allergic reaction, I was frustrated by the long list of ingredients in conventional lip balms. There were so many ingredients that it was difficult to pinpoint the cause. This sparked the idea for a brand built on transparency, simplicity, and science-informed care.
Every product we create, including lip balms, lotion bars, shampoo bars, and toothpaste tablets, contains 12 or fewer safe ingredients and comes in biodegradable packaging. We prioritize minimalism without compromising quality or effectiveness, so you can feel confident in the products you use every day.
Hippotanicals is a lifestyle. We believe in mindful care: for your body, the planet, and the community. Through partnerships with organizations like International Justice Mission and One Tree Planted, we actively support people and nature. Our goal is to inspire a holistic, sustainable approach to wellness, empowering you to care for yourself while making a positive impact on the world around you.
Meet Our Mascot: The Hippo!
Hippos have always fascinated me. They are among the most powerful animals in nature, mighty in size and presence, yet often calm and peaceful in their daily lives. As plant-eaters, they embody a rare balance of strength and harmony, showing us that true power can also be rooted in gentleness. That balance makes the hippo the perfect symbol for Hippotanicals.
Like our hippo mascot, Hippotanicals products are rooted in nature: vegan, plant-based, and thoughtfully crafted to be simple, clean, sustainable, and eco-friendly. Every ingredient and piece of packaging is chosen with care, reflecting our commitment to people, animals, and the planet.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote wellness for people, animals, and the planet. We partner with environmentally-focused manufacturers and suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability and cruelty-free practices. Our products are crafted with high-quality, plant-based, and safe ingredients, and we extend this care to our packaging, which is biodegradable. At Hippotanicals, every choice we make supports a cleaner, healthier world for all.
12 or Fewer Safe Ingredients
We promise fewer ingredients, greater care - for you and the planet.
Dental Care Ingredients
Here are some of the main all natural ingredients we use in our Hippotanicals dental care products.
Xylitol
Naturally occurring sugar alcohol that reduces cavities and helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Benefit: Kills cavity-causing bacteria
Quillaja Saponaria Extract
Produced by aqueous extraction of the milled inner bark or wood stems and branches of the soapbark tree.
Benefit: Natural foaming agent
Calcium Phosphate
Compound that contains calcium and phosphorus and aids in remineralizing enamel to strengthen teeth.
Benefit: Helps treat calcium deficiencies
Calcium Stearate
Calcium salt derived from calcium and stearic acid to ensure the consistency of our toothpaste tablet.
Benefit: Ensures product consistency
Baking Soda
Natural chemical leavening agent that neutralizes pH levels in mouth to help prevent tooth damage from acids.
Benefit: Helps prevent tooth damage
Stevia
Natural sweetener and sugar substitute derived from the leaves of the plant species Stevia rebaudiana.
Benefit: Reduces bacteria in mouth
Body Care Ingredients
Here are some of the main all natural ingredients we use in our Hippotanicals body care products.
Organic Unrefined Shea Butter
A natural vegetable fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree that softens and hydrates skin.
Benefit: Softens and hydrates skin
Organic Coconut Oil
An edible oil derived from the wick, meat, and milk of the coconut palm fruit with a coconut aroma.
Benefit: Anti-bacterial and moisturizes
Organic Olive Oil
A liquid fat produced by pressing whole olives and extracting the oil, containing monounsaturated fatty acids.
Benefit: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants
Jojoba Oil
An oil extracted from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis plant, a leathery leaved evergreen shrub.
Benefit: Natural moisturizer
Cocoa Butter
A pale-yellow, edible fat extracted obtained from the cocoa bean that has a cocoa flavor and aroma.
Benefit: Forms protective barrier on skin
Epsom Salt
A naturally occurring mineral salt, a compound that contains magnesium, sulfate, and oxygen.
Benefit: Relaxes muscles and relieves pain
