Natural Skincare in Fort Collins: A.B. by Cedar & Sage
In a world where beauty products often come at the cost of our health and the environment, A.B. by Cedar & Sage Mercantile in downtown Fort Collins offers a refreshing alternative.
Our innovative new skincare brand uses simple, natural, but powerful natural ingredients to create a skincare routine infused with botanical goodness that nourishes your skin from within.
From lightweight foundations to nourishing serums, each product is meticulously crafted to enhance your beauty ritual while promoting sustainability and natural ingredients.
Ready to unlock the secrets of nature-inspired beauty?
Why Natural Skincare Matters: The Cedar & Sage Approach to Clean Beauty
The conventional beauty industry has prioritized synthetic ingredients, single-use packaging, and profit margins over skin health and environmental impact.
These synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, and other chemical ingredients that can disrupt hormones, irritate sensitive skin, and accumulate in our bodies over time. These same ingredients wash down our drains and into Colorado's waterways, affecting the ecosystems we cherish.
At Cedar & Sage, we believe beauty should enhance wellness, not compromise it—or the planet.
Natural to us means deriving ingredients from botanical sources, avoiding synthetic chemicals, and choosing formulations that work in harmony with your skin's natural processes.
It means transparency about what goes into every product and a commitment to sourcing ingredients that are both effective and gentle.
Our Fort Collins roots run deep in this philosophy. This community has always valued outdoor living, environmental stewardship, and holistic wellness. Choosing natural skincare and makeup isn't just about personal health—it's about aligning your beauty routine with the values that make Northern Colorado special.
When you choose clean beauty products, you're supporting local sustainability initiatives and showing that Fort Collins residents demand better from the beauty industry.
Building Your Natural Skincare Routine
Cleanse: The Foundation of Healthy Skin
Every great skincare routine begins with proper cleansing, and natural cleansers offer a gentle yet effective way to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities without stripping your skin's protective barrier.
Our Pink Clay Face Wash harnesses the purifying power of kaolin clay, a gentle mineral that draws out impurities from pores while maintaining your skin's natural moisture balance. Unlike harsh sulfate-based cleansers found in conventional products, this botanical formula cleanses without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry—perfect for Colorado's challenging climate where moisture retention is essential.
For those seeking a zero-waste option, the Nourishing Face Cleanser Bar with Turmeric & Argan Oil delivers powerful cleansing in a sustainable format. Turmeric provides natural anti-inflammatory benefits, making it ideal for Fort Collins residents dealing with skin irritation from sun exposure or dry air. Argan oil, rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, nourishes while it cleanses.
This bar eliminates plastic packaging entirely, fitting perfectly into an eco-conscious lifestyle.
Complete your cleansing ritual with the Konjac Facial Cleansing Sponge, a biodegradable tool made from the konjac plant root.
This gentle exfoliator works beautifully with either cleanser to slough away dead skin cells, revealing the fresh, radiant skin beneath.
Unlike plastic exfoliating tools or microbeads (which pollute our waterways), this sponge is completely natural and compostable.
Fort Collins residents particularly appreciate these natural cleansers because they address the unique challenges of our climate.
Our dry air, intense sun exposure, and active outdoor lifestyles demand cleansers that thoroughly clean without compromising the skin barrier.
Natural ingredients provide that balance conventional products often miss.
Treat: Targeted Serums and Treatments
After cleansing, serums and targeted treatments deliver concentrated active ingredients deep into your skin. This is where natural skincare truly shines, offering powerful botanical alternatives to synthetic actives.
The Niacinamide & NAG Serum is a powerhouse treatment featuring niacinamide (vitamin B3), one of the most researched and effective skincare ingredients available.
Niacinamide strengthens your skin barrier, reduces the appearance of pores, evens skin tone, and provides antioxidant protection—all crucial benefits for protecting your skin against Fort Collins' high-altitude UV exposure. NAG (N-Acetyl Glucosamine) works synergistically to brighten and improve skin texture. This serum proves that natural skincare can deliver clinical-grade results.
For those focused on anti-aging and skin regeneration, our Regenerative Facial Serum combines botanical oils and plant-based actives that stimulate cell renewal and provide deep nourishment.
Natural ingredients like rosehip oil, rich in vitamins A and C, work over time to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines—all without the irritation often associated with synthetic retinoids.
Dealing with breakouts? Natural doesn't mean less effective when it comes to blemish control.
Our Blemish Treatment options provide targeted care for acne-prone skin using botanical ingredients that fight bacteria and reduce inflammation without the harsh side effects of benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
The Face Blemish Stick with Peppermint & Tea Tree offers on-the-go treatment in a convenient format. Tea tree oil is renowned for its natural antibacterial properties, while peppermint provides a cooling sensation and helps control excess oil.
This stick format means you can treat blemishes throughout the day without carrying bottles—perfect for active Fort Collins lifestyles.
The Face Toner Stick with Green Tea & Willow Bark takes a different approach to acne care.
Green tea provides powerful antioxidants that calm inflammation, while willow bark (nature's salicylic acid) gently exfoliates and clears pores. This natural combination addresses acne at its source without causing the dryness and irritation common with conventional treatments.
For hydration-focused treatment, the Hydrating Face Serum Stick with Tremella Mushroom & Niacinamide is a game-changer.
Tremella mushroom is called "nature's hyaluronic acid" because of its exceptional ability to hold moisture—even more effectively than traditional hyaluronic acid. Combined with niacinamide's barrier-strengthening properties, this serum addresses the chronic dryness that Fort Collins residents battle year-round.
Moisturize: Lock in Hydration Naturally
Moisturizing is non-negotiable in Fort Collins' dry climate, and natural moisturizers offer superior hydration by working with your skin's natural lipid barrier rather than simply sitting on top of it.
The Green Power Face Lotion delivers daily protection with a blend of green botanicals that nourish and defend your skin against environmental stressors.
Lightweight yet deeply hydrating, this lotion absorbs quickly—ideal for layering under makeup or sunscreen. The antioxidant-rich formula helps combat free radical damage from UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental factors we face daily in Northern Colorado.
For sensitive or reactive skin, the Pink Potion Facial Lotion offers gentle hydration with soothing botanical ingredients. The rose-tinted formula (from natural ingredients, not synthetic dyes) calms redness and irritation while delivering essential moisture.
Many Fort Collins residents with skin sensitivities will find this lotion provides relief without the fragrance or harsh preservatives that trigger reactions in conventional products.
The Universal Crème lives up to its name as a multi-purpose moisturizer that works for face, hands, and body. Rich and nourishing without feeling greasy, this crème is perfect for those extra-dry patches we all experience during Colorado winters.
Keep one at your desk, in your car, and in your gym bag—it's that versatile. The natural formulation means you can safely use it anywhere, even on sensitive areas like lips or cuticles.
For those who want buildable luminosity, Illuminating Serums in Bronzer & Highlighter offer a hybrid approach.
These liquid formulas can be mixed with moisturizer for all-over glow, applied to targeted areas for highlighting, or mixed with foundation for luminous coverage.
This versatility makes them perfect for creating a fresh-faced, outdoorsy glow.
The Sustainability Story: More Than Just Natural
Choosing natural skincare is an important step, but true sustainability requires looking at the entire product lifecycle. At A.B. by Cedar & Sage, we're committed to minimizing our environmental impact at every stage.
Our refill system lets you keep your beautiful containers and simply replenish the product inside. This dramatically reduces packaging waste, shipping weight, and the overall environmental footprint of your beauty routine.
Key Ingredients to Know: Nature's Beauty Arsenal
Understanding the ingredients in your skincare empowers you to make informed choices. Here are some of the star natural ingredients you'll find in A.B. by Cedar & Sage products:
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is one of the most versatile and well-researched skincare ingredients. It strengthens your skin barrier, reducing water loss and protecting against environmental damage.
It regulates oil production, making it beneficial for both dry and oily skin. It reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines, evens skin tone, and provides antioxidant protection.
Found in our Niacinamide & NAG Serum and Hydrating Face Serum Stick, this ingredient delivers clinical results naturally.
Pink Clay (Kaolin Clay) is a gentle mineral clay that purifies without stripping. It draws impurities and excess oil from pores, but unlike more aggressive clays, kaolin is mild enough for sensitive skin.
It's rich in minerals that nourish skin while cleansing, making it perfect for Fort Collins' climate where you need effective cleansing without causing dryness.
Tremella Mushroom is nature's answer to hyaluronic acid—some research suggests it holds even more water than this popular synthetic ingredient.
This fungus creates a moisture-retaining network on your skin, providing all-day hydration. It's particularly valuable in Colorado's dry climate where maintaining skin moisture is a constant challenge.
Tea Tree Oil and Peppermint are powerful allies against blemishes.
Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial properties that target acne-causing bacteria without the harshness of benzoyl peroxide.
Peppermint provides a cooling sensation, helps control excess oil, and has natural antimicrobial properties. Together, they create an effective, natural acne treatment.
Turmeric and Argan Oil combine anti-inflammatory and nourishing properties.
Turmeric, used in traditional medicine for centuries, calms irritation and redness while providing antioxidant benefits.
Argan oil, rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, nourishes and moisturizes deeply.
This pairing is particularly effective for mature or sun-damaged skin—common concerns for Fort Collins residents who spend time outdoors.
Mineral Pigments (iron oxides, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) provide color in natural makeup without synthetic dyes.
These naturally occurring minerals are ground into fine powders that deliver beautiful, true-to-life color.
As a bonus, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide provide natural SPF protection, adding a layer of sun defense to your makeup routine.
Understanding these ingredients helps you appreciate what you're putting on your skin.
These aren't just "natural for natural's sake"—they're effective, well-researched ingredients that deliver real results while being gentler on your skin and the environment.
Making the Switch: Your Guide to Natural Beauty in Fort Collins
Transitioning from conventional to natural skincare can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Here's how to make the switch smoothly and successfully.
Start with what you use most. For most people, that's cleanser and moisturizer. Switching these two products will make the biggest immediate impact on your skin and your overall exposure to synthetic chemicals.
Begin with our Pink Clay Face Wash and either the Green Power Face Lotion or Pink Potion Facial Lotion depending on your skin type.
Give your skin time to adjust. When you switch to natural products, your skin may go through a brief adjustment period as it recalibrates from synthetic ingredients. This is normal and usually resolves within 2-4 weeks.
Learn to read labels. Natural and organic claims aren't strictly regulated, so greenwashing is common in the beauty industry.
Look for brands that list full ingredients and explain their sourcing are typically more trustworthy.
Build your collection gradually. You don't need to replace everything at once. As conventional products run out, replace them with natural alternatives. This approach is easier on your budget and allows you to thoughtfully consider what products you truly need versus what you've been automatically repurchasing.
Find your local resources. Fort Collins has a growing community of natural beauty enthusiasts. Visit A.B. by Cedar & Sage in person to test products, ask questions, and get personalized recommendations. Our staff understands Fort Collins skin concerns—from altitude effects to outdoor activity impacts—and can guide you to products that address your specific needs.
Conclusion: Your Journey to Natural Beauty Starts Here
The decision to embrace natural skincare is a commitment to your health, the environment, and a more thoughtful approach to self-care.
A.B. by Cedar & Sage represents a new generation of clean beauty: products that are effective, sustainable, and transparent.
You don't have to compromise results for natural ingredients, that packaging can be beautiful and sustainable, and that local, values-driven businesses can compete with global beauty corporations.
In Fort Collins, we're fortunate to live in a community that values environmental stewardship, outdoor living, and holistic wellness. Choosing natural skincare and makeup aligns perfectly with these values. Every time you choose a natural product, you're voting for the kind of beauty industry you want to support—one that prioritizes people and planet alongside profit.
Your natural beauty journey can begin today. Whether you start with a single product or dive in with a complete routine, every step toward natural beauty is a step toward healthier skin and a healthier planet.
Visit Cedar & Sage at 402 W Mountain Ave in downtown Fort Collins to explore our complete collection of natural skincare.
Our knowledgeable staff can help you choose products tailored to your skin type, concerns, and lifestyle. Test products in person, ask questions, and join the growing Fort Collins community embracing natural beauty.
Ready to transform your beauty routine? Browse our complete collection online and discover how natural skincare can help you glow inside and out!