Joining the curation of thirteen lune’s Black and Brown-owned brands made for everyone, is a highly-select edit of ally brands that have traditionally made efforts to be inclusive in their product assortment and who have made it an integral part of their mission to incite meaningful change beyond beauty. They comprise the 10% of our 90/10 Rule which is a commitment to carrying 90% BIPOC owned brands and 10% ally brands.
Macrene Actives is a line of clean, scientifically active and clinically proven beauty products developed by Dr. Macrene Alexiades. The doctor initially spearheaded her One-Step Skincare Solution, her hero cream, formulated with 50 plant-based scientifically active ingredients that are healthy for all skin types, all skin colors and all skin conditions. Each and every product in the line follows this philosophy and has been proven to work on all skin types. Her tinted moisturizer has 45 plant actives to address skin health, along with pigments that adapt to the internal skin pigment so that they can be used by any skin type and skin pigmentation.
Thirteen lune co-founder, Nyakio Grieco discusses allyship and active skincare with Dr. Alexiades
Nyakio Grieco: What does allyship mean to you?
Dr. Macrene Alexiades: As an advocate type personality, my focus in life has always been about justice and righteousness for all. The concept of allyship is one I have applied my entire life: I have always supported and lifted up those who have been marginalized or oppressed. One of the main glimmers of hope in today’s society has been the rise in social justice and the emphasis on elevating those who have been oppressed. For me personally it has meant using what power I have to stand up and improve the standing of those around me and to correct injustice when I see it. In my skincare brand, it is about consciously including people on my team from all backgrounds and creating a warm and safe environment for all customers to feel welcome and that they are a member of our extended family.
NG: Where are you from and where are you based now?
Dr. Alexiades: I am from New York but am Greek-American with roots in Asia Minor during the genocide. I feel like my genetic background does not allow me to be any one thing, as I am considered a little of everything and nothing at all. This taught me that to be part of a culture has not to do with genes, but with the language and traditions. This is partly why I know so passionately that all people are part of one family. Growing up in New York with its incredible diversity allowed me to feel that diversity is natural; no matter where you come from, you have the comfort of a friend in me.
NG: What excites and inspires you about the beauty industry today?
Dr. Alexiades: I am most excited that a decade after pioneering clean beauty, the industry has finally caught on. As the Clean Beauty Authority™, I have defined clean beauty for the industry and will continue to advance clean standards, formulation and manufacturing practices for the good of the earth and its inhabitants.
