Even the scents are natural; avoiding chemical compounds means the product does not exacerbate allergies and other ailments.
Kristine Sperling says parents often put a lot of effort into finding the right products for their kids’ skin, while neglecting their own. But Sperling believes families don’t need five different kinds of soap or lotion in their house; everyone could all be using one and the same. She and her husband, Daniel, set out to make affordable, organic options for all members of a family. The result is their Makes 3 body care products.
Although currently residing in Santa Barbara, Calif., the Sperlings have strong ties to Madison. Along with having family in town, it was while raising their daughter, Alice, here that they made the connection between her health issues (including allergies, eczema and asthma) and the skin care products they were using. When they took her to see a local allergist, his suggestion was to detox their household.
“He said something that stuck with me,” says Sperling. “This increase in severity of allergies and asthma was environmentally caused. I rethought everything we were bringing into the house.”
Sperling started by making bar soap in her sink; her initial “hobby business” grew from there. Makes 3 now offers bar soaps; liquid hand soap; and lip balm, body balm and hand balm, all USDA-certified organic. Balms, for instance, are made from shea butter, coconut oil, cocoa butter, aloe vera and beeswax, all organic. No chemical compunds. Scents are all-natural and include lavender, orange blossom, sandalwood black pepper, ylang-ylang vanilla, peppermint and cinnamon clove. Prices range from $5 to $13.
“A lot of our customers say they don’t even need lotion,” says Sperling. “The bar soap is really great for your skin.”
And if you’re worried about slippery bars of soap, Makes 3 sells something called an Ecobag, which helps users grip the soap better — it’s especially useful for kids — and helps create a nice lather.
Madisonians can shop for Makes 3 products at the UW Hospital gift shop, 600 Highland Ave. Online ordering is also available at makes3.com and comes with free shipping. Sperling also uses the website as an opportunity to raise awareness about household toxins.
The company’s tagline sums up the Sperlings’ philosophy: “Nourish your skin, take care of your family and simplify your life.”
