Natural Beauties with Fran Miller of F. Miller Skincare

What made you set out to create an organic, clean, and non-toxic skincare line?

I initially set out to develop the line 8 years ago with the aim of addressing my personal skincare needs. I had been struggling with a range of skin sensitivities and only began to find relief and results upon shifting my routine to a simpler, cleaner, more nourishing one, led by an intuitive approach.

I found that my skincare options at the time felt overwhelming, complicated, ineffective, and/or unattainable. I really just felt that I could fill this noticeable gap for thoughtful non-toxic skincare essentials that also resonated with values of transparency, sustainability and beautiful design.

What are a few ingredients most people don’t know are in conventional skincare products?

Synthetic fragrance is a big irritant that can even sneak by on “natural” ingredient lists and is one I always look out for. There can often be hundreds of unregulated mystery ingredients grouped under a single “fragrance/parfum” listing. PEG’s and SLS/SLES are widely used to thicken or add lather and foam to products like cream, shampoo, and cleansers — these are often contaminated with known carcinogens, and over time can cause irritation, harm to the nervous system, and the environment once rinsed down the drain.

Other common culprits are Siloxanes (anything ending in “-siloxane” or “-methicone”) — silicone-based compounds that work wonders to smooth, soften, and moisturize but have been classified as toxic endocrine disruptors harmful to reproductive and immune systems. It’s important to note that sadly, the majority of these ingredients remain relatively unregulated and unrestricted.

What are a few natural beauty rituals you swear by?

Morning Gua Sha massage with the F. Miller Face Oil (I run it under ice-cold tap water to awake and depuff), body dry brush and loofah exfoliation in-shower to boost circulation and move any internal/external stagnancy, drinking herbal infusions a few times a week — some favourites are nettle, oat straw, dandelion, lemon balm, and rosehip.

What are some of your favourite clean beauty products outside of F. Miller? 

ILIA’s Limitless Lash Mascara

Osea’s Hyaluronic Sea Serum

Haeckels’ Eco Marine Cream

Bodha’s Earth Vibration Perfume Oil

What does “clean” beauty mean to you? 

My definition of clean beauty is the balance of safety, sustainability, and efficacy. It’s the use of transformative healing ingredients that come from the earth and the respect of the land they come from.

Who is your beauty icon? 

My Mother.

What is your favourite form of self-care?

Finding stillness in nature, gentle movement, eating well, feeling water and earth on my skin.

Besides making the switch to F. Miller for your skincare, what is your top tip for a sustainable beauty routine?

Less but better — start with a simple routine that focuses on hydration, nourishment, and supporting healthy skin first and foremost. Do the research, invest in brands that you trust and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

In such a chaotic world, what are your favourite ways to de-stress?

Burning incense daily, warm baths, cooking new recipes, long walks, gardening, cloud gazing.

Finally, what does sustainability mean to you?

Prioritizing transparency, environmental and social consciousness, and integrity. Making decisions for both present and future with care, mindfulness and intention. Always considering our impact and constantly striving to evolve and grow.

Imagery from F. Miller Skincare