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Super Smooth Scrubs

M. B. Carey finds its niche in the ultra hot scrub segment.

By Joanna Cosgrove
Online Editor

The scrubs produced by Port Washington, NY-based M. B. Carey & Co., Inc. might not fit the traditional definition of a big business, but the products that were humbly conceived of the kitchen table of Founder and President, Melissa Carey’s have generated quite a buzz in New York Metro are high-end retail outlets. The company’s Ingredients brand line of ultra-moisturizing scrubs, which were borne out of Ms. Carey’s knowledge of natural ingredients and the ancient art of aromatherapy, exfoliate and intensively seal healthy moisturize in the skin, negating the need for other cleansers, exfoliators and moisturizers. The line features three variations that combine basic, safe ingredients that promise effective results.

 
Ms. Carey said she created the scrubs for herself out of necessity. Following the birth of her two daughters, now six and eight years old, Ms. Carey turned to diet and exercise to lose weight. After shedding 100 pounds she felt great but was left with skin that was dry, crêpey, loose and uncomfortable.


“Knowing a good amount about cosmetic ingredients, efficacy and safety, I knew I need not look any further than my kitchen to mix up a solution for my troubled skin,” she said.


Each of her three resulting scrubs contain a proprietary base of coarse salt, mineral oil and white petrolatum and deliver the same skin cleansing, exfoliation and high level of hydration. The formulas also contain unique constituents promoted to imbue healthful and sensual benefits. 

 
Citrus and Spice is made with crushed cloves, ground cinnamon and essential oil of sweet orange.  


“The combination of the coarse spices and base salts make for superior exfoliation,” explained Ms. Carey. “Essential oil of sweet orange complements and tempers the naturally strong essence of the spices.  After a few passes with varied ratios, I found one that I felt was perfect.”


Lavender/Mint contains dried lavender, which was originally harvested from Ms. Carey’s garden, and essential oils of lavender and peppermint.


“The dried lavender maximizes exfoliation while the essential oil enhances its rather mild fragrance,” she said. “The mint not only complements the lavender aroma therapeutically, but it provides a cooling aspect that is especially comforting to tired feet, aching joints.”


Patchouli/Pine is formulated with dried spearmint, also originated from Ms. Carey’s garden. The dried spearmint is said to support the exfoliating properties of the salts and brings a hint of color to the mixture.


“It also contains essential oils of patchouli and pine which taken alone are quite strong and can border on offensive but combined properly provide a kind of spicy, invigorating and awakening effect,” noted Ms. Carey.

Drawing from Experience

Ms. Carey’s experience in the cosmetics and personal care sector spans 25 years. Prior to formulating her scrubs, Ms. Carey worked as a freelance make-up artist and was assigned to different stores and product lines like Estée Lauder and Lancôme.  Later she worked in advertising and marketing for multiple lines within Del Laboratories, representing lines such as Naturistics and Natural Glow lines of color cosmetics targeting teens, Lip Quencher and related quencher products, and Sally Hansen depilatory, skin and nail products.


Her chemistry know-how came while working on product development, implementation and marketing for Cabot Laboratories, a company known for its vitamin E and vitamin E-based cosmetics and skin care.  Later, she even created her own line of color cosmetics.


“Knowing how to create a private label of my own turned out to be more cost effective and convenient than using several products from varied manufacturers,” she said. “I no longer had to refer interested models and private clients to a multitude of venues and product lines so they could purchase and mimic what I was applying because now they could just use my product.”


Ingredients Ultra-Moisturizing Scrubs debuted at Henri Bendel in New York City. From there they rolled out into a variety of niche, prestige venues like C.O. Bigelow and Co., spas like the Mélange at the Peninsula Hotel, plus a host of national, individually owned spas and boutiques, as well as a variety of homeopathic venues like yoga studios, chiropractic and medical practices. The line is additionally available internationally via the company’s website: www.careyingredients.com.  


The large, “full-size” tub is 19 oz. with an MSRP of $40. The mini, “travel-size” tub is 2.5 oz. and retails for $6.00.


As for what lies ahead for Ms. Carey and her Ingredients brand, she said “there aren’t enough hours in the day” to accommodate the additional products already in the “kitchen stage” of development. Although her scrubs have a dedicated following, she firmly keeps her family first. “'To keep family as my number one priority’ was a promise I made to myself and to my daughters when I commenced to undertake mass production and the related responsibilities that it brings.”