Brands We Believe In is an editorial franchise that showcases editorial favorites of eco-friendly, sustainable and innovative brands that are designed with the planet in mind.

I am dedicated to being a more educated and thoughtful shopper. Our personal choices may feel unimportant, but in the face of the current massive climate crisis, they do matter. For example, I'm now focusing particularly on beauty. What am I buying? How often am I buying it? I am aware that the beauty industry is one of the world's biggest polluters. Like everyone else, I want to feel good about the purchases I make and the brands I support.

So what's the good news? "More brands than ever are working to improve sustainability, and Biossance is leading the way. The brand believes that the future of beauty lies in sustainable biotechnology and pioneered the concept of "cleanicals" with the help of its parent company, Amiris. Let me explain: about 20 years ago, Amyris scientists initiated a project to develop a patented technology to develop a cure for malaria. Their success inspired them to continue to use innovative biotechnology to make a positive impact on the world, and skin care was where they landed. And in 2017, Biossance was officially born. 'At Biossance, we are witnessing how biotechnology can transform the beauty industry. Our growth shows that we are delivering what people care about most - product performance and sustainability - at a price point that is convenient to purchase and affordable. BioSance President Catherine Gore says, "With BioSance, consumers have access to products that are cleaner, clinically effective, better for their bodies and better for the planet, without compromise."

I think people tend to get scared or overwhelmed at the thought of having to completely rethink their lifestyle in order to live sustainably. But in reality, they don't have to do that; they just have to find better alternatives. BioSans makes it easy to do so. All formulations are developed in facilities certified by My Green Lab, the gold standard for sustainable practices at the institute, including responsible use of energy, waste, and water. The brand uses Forestry Stewardship Council-certified recyclable boxes and paper (no inks or dyes), recyclable tubes and bottles made from glass, PCR, marine plastic, and sugar cane.

However, it was the creation of sugarcane-derived squalane that led BioSans to its first true industry-leading innovation. For generations, beauty products have used squalene, found in the liver of deep-sea sharks. Biosense therefore developed a more ethical, potent, and purer alternative squalane, saving 2 million sharks per year. Today, this squalane is a key ingredient in BioSans and is used in all of the company's skin care products, as well as in more than 70% of the squalane products currently sold worldwide. Biosance is also a brand that never closes its doors. By giving innovation back to the industry, the whole world can benefit. The brand believes that if the industry comes together, if each brand moves forward, shares new discoveries, and works to create better products that are more efficient and less damaging to the environment, together we can tackle the climate change crisis. And that is the brand I have always believed in.