Meg McClenahan 
Hyssop Beauty Apothecary, known for its natural and sustainably conscious beauty products, is changing locations. The new location is just across the street at 196 High Street, in Nutley. Marked by high ceilings and large windows, the new space sets the tone for a new era of Hyssop Beauty. The space also has a new scent bar where patrons can mix their own custom Hyssop scents by appointment. Moving to 196 High Street marks a new chapter for Hyssop Beauty as the business expands. Read on for more about Hyssop Beauty Apothecary’s new location in Nutley and what to expect.
About Hyssop Beauty
Mary Spinelli, the founder of Hyssop Beauty Apothecary, has lived in Nutley for over 20 years. She grew up living naturally, influenced by her parents’, and continued to practice holistic ideologies in adulthood. She had grown up as the girl who always made her own skincare. When Mary looked closer at some of the “natural” products sold in chain stores, she found that many had long lists of synthetic ingredients despite the claim to the natural title.
This dishonesty in marketing and demand for natural goods inspired Mary to create her own products. Mary began selling on Facebook in 2020 with a lip balm and scrub for Christmas, which sold out. As Mary continued to sell and expand her product line, she continued to sell out.
Hyssop Beauty Apothecary focuses on creating products that use natural properties. Hyssop Beauty practices sustainability to create its clean products. Hyssop Beauty shares the products’ ingredient lists, which creates an air of transparency and trust, highlighting their pivotal role within the community and the call for expansion. Hyssop Beauty offers a $0.25 credit when their glass containers are returned, which reinforces their sustainable practices.
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About the Space
Located on 196 High Street, Hyssop Beauty has moved across the street to a much larger space. Community members may remember the space as an organic Dry Cleaners with access only to the front counter. Now, the space is completely transformed. Hyssop Beauty is a mecca of natural light. Tall windows and skylights flood light into the space, which adds to the clean aesthetic of the space.
Patrons are welcomed into the front of the store where they can browse products and even create their own scent at the scent bar in the middle of the room. There is a sink on the back wall with products inviting the patron to try before you buy. The art behind the sink was done by a local artist, and other local contractors and vendors completed the renovation. Finding people within the local community to work on the renovation was paramount for Mary.
Something special about the new location is that patrons can see right into the workspace where all the products are made. Large doors bisect the front and the back of Hyssop Beauty, allowing onlookers a peek in on the behind-the-scenes. This physical manifestation of the ideology of clean and transparent ingredients is exciting to see. Ingredients line the walls, and you can watch the apothecarists create the products being sold.
Patrons can book private events through the website, Private events take place at a large table in the back, where patrons can create a skincare product with the help of an apothecarist. The larger studio space accommodates the demand for Hyssop Beauty products, which are sold at over 100 stores in the United States (and one in Ireland).
What to Expect
Hyssop Beauty’s products are vegan and cruelty-free. The products are also fragrance-free, artificial color-free, and synthetic chemical-free. Hyssop Beauty focuses on sourcing herbs locally and using ingredients in their most “pure and natural form.” Showcased in magazines like Vanity Fair and Harper’s Bazaar, Hyssop Beauty has solidified its name in the clean beauty market.
The best sellers at Hyssop Apothecary include many facial care products such as oils, eye cream, and serums. Shower steamers are very popular among customers and come in soothing scents like Lavender + Mint and Eucalyptus Rosemary + Mint. The Rose + White Willow Bark Toner Spray’s usage of white willow bark as an anti-inflammatory soothes the skin and calms irritation. The willow bark is extracted in-house, which allows for control over the product’s purity.
The main product line is sleek, and the glass packaging is a healthier alternative to plastic and can be returned in a buy-back program for a $0.25 credit. The minimalistic labeling reflects the space’s aesthetic and the overall brand identity. Along with Hyssop Beauty’s line, the work of some local artisans is also featured at the store, such as candles and ceramic dishes.
The addition of the scent bar is something special in Hyssop’s new location. With the help of an apothecarist, patrons can choose base, middle, and top notes like Honeysuckle and Sandalwood. Patrons may also choose a reiki-infused crystal to add to their blends. Hyssop Beauty will also keep your scent formulas logged so customers may return and repurchase their scent. Patrons can book an appointment for the scent bar and leave with their very own blend and custom scent.
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