Prescription for Beauty

By Deirdre van Dyk

London-based pharmacist Margo Marrone believes people should be as concerned with what they put on their skin as with what they put in their mouth. Although she has been a longtime consumer of organic food and homeopathic remedies, Marrone, 41, admits that until several years ago she hadn't given much thought to the shampoo and skin-care products she used daily. But after reading about a possible link between cancer and some cosmetic preservatives, Marrone began hunting for organic solutions. Surprised to find that even hair conditioners carried by the local natural-foods store contained the same preservatives she was trying to avoid, Marrone had an epiphany: with her medical training, she could seek out organic, preservative-free skin- and hair-care products and sell them.

That is how Organic Pharmacy came about in 2002. A serene white space on King's Road, the shop dispenses remedies for everything from colds to ringworm to dry skin. In addition to offering the traditional pharmacy service she grew up with, Marrone began mixing special potions for customers, who would then rave about their skin. Her carrot-butter cleanser and double rose rejuvenating cream became so popular that Marrone had to open a factory to keep up with the growing demand.

This year Marrone is adding two lines: skin care for men and organic, mineral-based makeup (blushes, bronzers, eye shadows and lipsticks) in a subtle palette she had been unable to find. "A woman can eat 5 lbs. [2 kg] of lipstick over her life," says Marrone. "Our lipsticks only have nourishing extracts like shea butter and orange." They also have antioxidant ingredients like green tea, making them functional as well as beautiful. New York City's Bergdorf Goodman was so impressed that the store added the line this winter. And Organic Pharmacy will open a shop in Los Angeles, where white-coated pharmacists will be on hand to mix creams and offer advice. Just what the doctor ordered.