The Story of Metsä

Metsä is the Finnish word for forest.

I created Metsä Cosmetics as a way to combine my passion for self-care, wellness, and nature.

I believe a symbiotic relationship with our natural world is the secret to living a fulfilling life and a key part of a healthy and effective skincare routine.

Based in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains National Park, I work with experts and skincare industry veterans to create the most luxurious and efficacious natural skincare formulas in order to share my vision with the world.

Metsä is from nature, for you.

Growing up amidst the serene beauty of the Smoky Mountains, I developed a profound appreciation for nature's tranquility, a connection I cherished deeply. However, my pursuit of a Psychology degree at Manchester Metropolitan University in England led me far from those familiar landscapes, leaving me longing for the solace of the mountains and forests.

Throughout my years abroad, I found myself yearning for a deep sense of connection to the natural world that had once defined my daily life. Upon returning home, I initially pursued a career in Psychology, only to realize that it failed to ignite the passion I sought; I needed more than the typical 9-5.

Reflecting on what truly brought me joy, I discovered that it was the simple pleasures of everyday life: the mindful ritual of my skincare routine, the calming ambiance of a lit candle, and the rejuvenating practice of yoga on my balcony… and, of course, my enduring fascination with skincare products and wellness, a pleasure I indulge in endlessly.

It was during this period of introspection that I revisited a childhood dream: owning my own makeup brand. While the idea may have seemed incongruous at first, given my ambivalence towards traditional makeup routines, the clarity of purpose soon emerged. I get to be myself, practice wellness, and stay on top of my internal health, and I get to create and develop a business with integrity and passion.

As a solo entrepreneur, I seized the opportunity to shape every aspect of my business, from its inception to its realization. The journey has been a whirlwind of decision-making and self-teaching, but the sense of pride and fulfillment I've experienced watching Metsä Cosmetics blossom into reality has been immeasurable.

For a deeper dive into my journey and the creation of Metsä Cosmetics, I invite you to explore the full story here.

Shasta Widdows - Metsä Cosmetics Founder

Waste

Any materials we produce or collect during business operations will always be recycled or reused if possible. The following list shows all materials that are taken to appropriate collection centers for recycling.

  • Soft plastics

  • Paper

  • Aluminum

  • Plastic bottles and jugs

  • Styrofoam

  • Batteries and lightbulbs

  • Applicable tech equipment

Our Products

All of our formulas are housed in glass jars or bottles. Glass is a safer alternative for cosmetics than plastics as research has shown that phthalates (used to adjust durability of plastics) and polypropylene (soft, flexible plastic), are detrimental to human health. These toxic chemicals can be absorbed by cosmetics and then by your body when used (link). Glass is also better for the environment as it can easily be recycled without degrading its quality, unlike plastic, and can be reused for the same purpose (cosmetics packaging, liquid storage) or DIY’ed into something totally different - think wine bottle candles from Pinterest.  

Metsä Cosmetics product packaging is made of 100% compostable/plantable boxes. When planted under a 1/8th in. of soil, watered, and kept in sunlight, they will bloom into beautiful wildflowers. You can learn more about how Botanical Paperworks seed paper works here.

Shipping

We ship our products to you using 100% post-consumer recycled bubble mailers from EcoPackables. This material is an alternative to virgin plastics and is GRS 4.0 Certified Film created from pre-consumer (50-75%) and post-industrial waste (25-50%). These mailers are recyclable at thin-film drop-off centers. Find one near you using this link.

Occasionally, due to the size of an order, we will use cardboard boxes which can be recycled, but be sure to check your local guidelines.

If our packages require extra padding we use Botanical Paperworks Plantable box filler which consists of plantable seed-paper waste. When these bits of paper are planted (just like our cosmetics packaging boxes) under a thin layer of soil, watered, and kept in sunlight, they will produce beautiful blooms!

Our shipping labels are made from 100% post-consumer recycled white paper with a non-toxic adhesive from EcoPackables. They are 100% compostable.

Initiatives

At Metsä Cosmetics, every order you place makes a difference. For every purchase, we pledge to plant one tree, contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.

In addition, we are proud to announce our partnership with PETA and our commitment to being a cruelty-free company. We vow never to test our products on animals, ensuring that our cosmetics are ethically sourced and produced.

Thank you for supporting Metsä Cosmetics, where your order not only enhances your beauty routine but also contributes to the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants.