Sustaining Sustainability

In the early 1990s, the Hollywood actor and heartthrob Paul Newman started his own line of cooking sauces called Newman’s own. In this day and age celebrity lines including food, fashion, designs, and beauty are relatively common but what Newman did make with this line was remarkable, all the profits went to charity. He was one of the first celebrities to endorse products yet he gave away his profits. Find out more here in Sustaining Sustainability

In June 1999, Newman gave $250 000 to Catholic Relief Services to help Kosovo’s refugees fleeing the war raging in Kosovo refugees are ethnic Albanians who fled the Kosovo War into Albania in 1999 (at the time, Kosovo was a part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and was at war). This problem was unique at the time because there hadn’t been such a significant population shift in such a short amount of time since World War II. Kosovo had been the least developed Yugoslav province, which caused Kosovo Albanians to migrate there in search of employment and better living conditions in the 1970s to North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia Herzegovina.

The establishment of a scholarship fund at Kenyon College was made possible by a $10 million gift from Newman, according to an announcement made on June 1st, 2007, as part of the college’s $230 million fundraising effort. Newman was a founding member of the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP). Givingback.org awarded Newman the Most Generous Celebrity of 2008. He set a tone that now many follow. His idea was to donate all his profits to charitable institutions.

As we move into our new era of post Brexit when so much has changed the ideas of celebrity products still continue; many sadly do not give back in any shape or form.

But meet Idris and Sabrina Elba, who has started a skincare line that also has a charity arm alongside. It is also a celebration of their African heritage. With a minimum annual commitment of £15,000, S’ABLE Labs is proud to contribute by committing 5% of all product sales profits to Farm Africa, a UK-based charitable organization that helps farmers in eastern Africa grow more food, sell it for more money, and alleviate poverty, promote sustainable agricultural practices, strengthen markets and protect the environment in rural Africa.

Renowned actor Idris Elba and his wife Sabrina Elba bring us Skincare brand S’Able Labs using a range of unisex skincare products formulated for all skin types and tones with potent ingredients proven to minimize the majority of skin problems such as hyperpigmentation, dullness, dryness or weak skin, featuring. It also promotes some of the diversity of ethical ingredients that Africa has to offer with the goal of a considerate effect on the skin and the least negative effect on the planet.

Speaking of the diversity of ingredients that Africa has to offer, for example, an age-old Somalian beauty tradition.

Their facial Qasil Cleanser is made from the locally indigenous gob tree leaf known as Qasil. Native to Somaliland it has been used by local women for centuries by crushing the leaves into a fine powder. It provides deep purifying, cleansing and skin brightening properties and improves the texture of the skin. Contains 2x the antioxidant level of Vitamin C, and anti-inflammatory properties.

The second product happens to be a fragrance-free Black Seed Toner. An ultra-stable version of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid work together to protect the skin from environmental aggressors while also enhancing skin tone and shine. After cleansing or shaving, a botanical combination of Fruit Acids refines the skin’s texture while Chamomile and Vitamin B offer the ideal layer of calming.

Another such example derived from the African plant known as the “tree of life” is the Baobab Seed in the Baobab Moisturizer. It increases the skin barrier function to protect and lock in moisture and restores DNA health following UV exposure. This potent mix is infused with Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Baobab Seed, Shea Butter, and Squalane.

To add to the list of plant-based ingredients, S’Able Lab’s website lists another hydrator ingredient, Bakuchoil; The Latest Natural Retinol Alternative. It is an extract made from the Babchi plant’s seeds and leaves. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics, this herb is frequently used in Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine, as well as Tamil Siddha therapies, to help heal, relax, and soothe the skin.

The B vitamin family includes Niacinamide. Additionally known as vitamin B3, vitamin PP, or Nicotinamide, these nutrients lessen the inflammation caused by acne vulgaris and provide skin with a more even tone to fight hyperpigmentation (age spots). Some of its benefits include preventing UV and blue light damage to radiant, healthy skin, enhancing skin elasticity, and rebalancing uneven skin tone. Squalane is an adaptogen made from plant sugar, prevents moisture loss, offers suppleness, and boosts cellular turnover while enhancing skin elasticity. Shea butter, on the other hand, is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and unsaturated fatty acids are widely used nowadays. The plant lipid made from the nuts of the African Shea tree, is a great emollient and emulsifier that is known to guard against irritation and dryness of the skin.

This is the dawn of the era of sustainability. The goal of creating the best quality products with minimum environmental impact is accomplished by S’Able Labs by investing in partnerships where it is guaranteed to protect biodiversity as well as be socially responsible while providing the best raw materials.

On top of the products they have in the collection, S’Able Labs has the pride of working with small-scale farmers and their local communities as they play an irreplaceable role as the curators of our planet. S’Able Labs strives to create enduring relationships that look to foster positive changes by working together, with everyone from their supply chain partners (who they know personally) to their enquiring community. Made with ingredients that were ethically sourced in partnership with smallholder farmers. In Africa, there are an estimated 33 million smallholder farms, and the farmers who work on them produce up to 70% of the continent’s food. S’Able Labs takes pleasure in partnering with Farm Africa, the global organization that is striving to create resilient rural Africa where the populace and environment flourish. S’Able Labs draws inspiration from Farm Africa’s commitment to advancing sustainable farming methods, bolstering markets, and safeguarding the community and environment in rural eastern Africa as they develop as a group and as a brand. Rural families are increasing their incomes with Farm Africa’s assistance while simultaneously preserving their local ecosystem and adjusting to climate change.

Their first product offering is a core collection of vegan, gender-neutral skincare products.

“We created S’Able Labs because we felt there was a space in the market for a brand that not only provided solutions for under-served skin concerns but could shed light on ingredients celebrated throughout the African continent. Partnering with Positive Luxury has been not just a measure of our ambition and journey but also a unique opportunity to help set a standard. The support, insight and resources they have provided have been invaluable.”

Idris and Sabrina Elba, Co-Founders of S’Able Labs

“We are delighted to certify S’Able Labs with the Butterfly Mark powered by Positive Luxury. They earned their certification as a result of operationalizing and measuring environmental, social and governance practices from inception. With the purpose of redesigning skincare, S’Able Labs have complete sourcing traceability – and have ensured packaging design and efficiencies are at the heart of the brand. I am honoured that Positive Luxury is supporting S’Able Lab’s journey to a positive future and their mission of inclusivity.”

Diana Verde Nieto, Co-Founder of Positive Luxury

S’Able Labs received the Butterfly Mark certification on July 27, 2020, after integrating sustainability into every facet of its operations. The Butterfly Symbol accreditation is an impartial trust mark given to upscale merchants, suppliers, and brands who show demonstrable actions to improve society and the environment. It is rigorous, independent, and in accordance with the most recent international standards and best practices.

To find out more about S’Able Labs Please go Here

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