Crafting From Scratch: Where Art Meets Science in Beauty
In today’s fast-paced beauty industry, the concept of "slow beauty" offers a refreshing alternative, embracing intentionality, craftsmanship, and sustainability. However, as Everyday Chemist’s founder explains, this approach is both a privilege and a challenge.
Flavia Zhamo, the visionary behind EC Studios and Everyday Chemist, is redefining the beauty industry with her deliberate focus on slow beauty, innovation and collaboration. Shaped by her roots as a poet and the daughter of a chemical engineer, she develops skincare products that seamlessly blend artistic expression with scientific expertise.
Slow beauty, at its core, prioritizes small-batch, made-to-order production to minimize waste and overstock, while focusing on the thoughtful use of biotech clean ingredients. Achieving this is not easy—especially in an industry driven by economies of scale. Manufacturing small quantities is inherently inefficient, requiring careful planning and significantly higher costs. Yet, Everyday Chemist brings this philosophy successfully to life by managing its production in-house. Emerging from EC Studios—a globally connected cosmetic lab—the DTC brand is leaving its mark with each sell-out launch.
When Flavia and I sat down to discuss her uncompromising commitment to quality, I had one question: How do these products truly come to life? Are they crafted by design or born from chance?
At EC Studios, storytelling lies at the heart of ingredient sourcing and formula development. Unlike much of the industry, they forgo base formulas entirely, creating each product from scratch. Reflecting her philosophy of merging artistry with innovation, Flavia revealed that her team meticulously filters oils and natural ingredients multiple times to achieve unparalleled clarity and precision—a level of care rarely feasible on a larger scale. This intentional approach highlights the intricate balance between artistry and scientific precision, illustrating how beauty seamlessly connects the worlds of art and science.
Handmade, Imperfect, and Human
Everyday Chemist’s dedication to handcrafted beauty also means embracing variability. No two batches are identical, especially when working with natural ingredients. A product’s color or texture may slightly vary, reflecting the handmade process and the nature of its raw materials. This variability becomes part of the brand’s story, inviting consumers to see beauty in imperfection.
For instance, the brand’s Silky Water—a biphasic oil and water blend—requires exceptional care to achieve its signature clarity and separation. This product embodies the founder’s love of artisanal techniques, rooted in a passion for Italian craftsmanship and handmade excellence. However, as the founder admits, such precision and variability might not translate well to mass production, making it a product uniquely suited to Everyday Chemist’s model.
Science Meets Creativity: The Stories Behind the Products
Each Everyday Chemist product arises from a blend of curiosity, personal need, and scientific innovation. The iconic Lip Grease was born from a deeply personal struggle with dry, sensitive skin exacerbated by Accutane treatments. Its journey highlights a key lesson: stay true to your vision. Initially reformulated to align with fleeting trends, the product lost some of its essence. The founder now champions the importance of staying grounded in core values rather than chasing trends.
Similarly, *Silky Water* evolved from a fascination with biphasic formulas into a product inspired by the shimmering blue seas of Albania. This blend of inspiration and technical skill embodies Everyday Chemist’s mission to blend innovation with effectiveness.
Everyday Chemist’s approach also reflects a deeper philosophical shift. Rather than chasing perfection, the brand celebrates individuality and life’s natural marks. The founder’s personal journey with products like Eye Concentrate—designed to treat dark circles and puffiness without erasing natural lines and expression—illustrates a desire to balance youthful vitality with authenticity. In her words, “There’s something sexy about laugh lines and eye lines. They show a life well-lived.”
The Future of Slow Beauty
For Everyday Chemist and EC Studios, it’s not about launching endless new products but perfecting those that serve real needs.
Everyday Chemist shows that real beauty lies in the thoughtful blend of artistry, science, and purpose, redefining the industry one conscious choice at a time. By prioritizing quality over quantity and craftsmanship over convenience, the brand challenges industry norms and invites consumers to embrace a more thoughtful, authentic approach to beauty.
In an era where transparency and sustainability are becoming non-negotiable, Everyday Chemist’s story reminds us that beauty isn’t just about the products—it’s about the care, intention, and humanity behind them.
