This space is for you…

… if you grew up tanning with baby oil, scrubbing your face with apricot pits, going to bed with your makeup on, and never really thinking much about your skin until it started changing. Feels drier than it used to, more reactive, more tired.

If you're noticing sun stories on your once tanned shoulders, a little dullness on your neck and chest where there used to be glow, random itches and smells (like cigarettes that aren't there?), or that sense that your skin and your body aren't what you're used to.

And if life itself feels a little different too. Less tolerance for noise and rush. Stiffer shoulders. New sensitivities. A quieter need for care that feels kind, not corrective.

You're in the right place.

Stay here to learn not just about nourishing serums and beautifully made body care, but about how to meet this season of life with curiosity, acceptance, and compassion for where you've been and appreciation for where you are now.

Skin in perimenopause Ingredients we lean on FAQ The app

Skin in perimenopause, menopause, and beyond

How skin changes during perimenopause and menopause

Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause affect more than your mood or cycle. They change your skin, too.

As estrogen declines, your skin:

  • Produces less collagen, leading to thinner, less elastic skin
  • Loses hydration faster, increasing dryness and sensitivity
  • May develop more uneven tone, dark spots, or breakouts due to hormonal fluctuations

You might notice your skin feels dull, tight, or reactive, things that didn't used to be a problem. That's completely normal.

If you'd rather not build a routine piece by piece, we put the essentials together: The 'Pause Kit for perimenopause skin, The Sensitive Skin Kit for skin that's newly reactive, and The Golden Hour Kit for sun-kissed shoulders and chests.

What helps?

Skincare during this time is less about fighting aging and more about supporting your skin's resilience as it changes. Gentle, nourishing ingredients that restore comfort and strength make all the difference.

You're not doing anything wrong. Your skin is asking for something new, and that's okay.

Start damp: the sponge rule

Think of a dry sponge versus a damp one. Both can wipe up a spill, but the damp sponge works instantly. It absorbs more, does more, and needs less effort.

Your skin works the same way.

When skin is dry or tight after cleansing, serums and moisturizers tend to sit on the surface rather than absorb. You end up using more product, getting less result, and wondering why nothing seems to be working.

Starting with a water-based mist changes that. A damp surface absorbs what comes next more readily, meaning your serums, oils, and moisturizers work better and go further.

Renew Dew is formulated for exactly this step. With aloe ferox, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, it preps the skin to receive what follows. One simple step that makes everything else work harder. If your skin runs reactive, BARE Glow Cucumber Mint Barrier Face Mist does the same job with a barrier-first blend, and it pairs with the BARE Glow Foaming Face Wash so cleansing doesn't strip you before you've started.

Skincare beyond the face

The face gets most of the attention, but the neck, chest, forearms, and backs of hands go through the same sun exposure, hormonal changes, and environmental stress. These areas can show discoloration, dryness, and texture changes just as easily as the face, and often earlier.

Un-Sun was formulated with this in mind. A face-quality cream that works where skin is thinner, more delicate, and most often overlooked.

Extending your skincare routine past the jawline is one of the simplest ways to support your skin as a whole. Not about perfection. Just consistent, practical care for all of it. For hands, keep a Hand & Body Cream by the sink and a Nourishing Cuticle & Nail Oil Pen in your bag; nails get brittle in these years too, and a little oil at the cuticle goes further than you'd think.

Why the under-eye area needs its own care

The skin beneath your eyes is thinner, more delicate, and more prone to visible fatigue than the rest of your face. It also lacks the same number of oil glands, making it more susceptible to dryness, fine lines, and puffiness.

This means treating the under-eye area like the rest of your face isn't always effective, and can sometimes make things worse. Harsh actives, heavy creams, or even too much product can lead to irritation, creasing, or milia.

That's why Eye Woke Up Like This is designed with balance in mind. It layers easily, absorbs quickly, and uses a thoughtful blend of hydration, antioxidants, and calming ingredients to gently support your skin over time, without adding bulk or irritation.

Under-eye care isn't about erasing expression. It's about caring for the skin that reflects how you're feeling.

When skin needs a reset, keep it simple

If your skin is irritated, breaking out, or just not happy, it can be tempting to layer on every product you own. But often, the best thing you can do is step back and give it space to reset.

Our Blue Tansy Calming Serum and Balanced Daily Hydrating Face Lotion are intentionally simple, supporting your barrier, and bringing the skin back into balance. Calm, consistent hydration. No heaviness, no distractions.

These are especially helpful when your skin feels over-processed, stripped, or sensitive. Whether you're simplifying your routine, repairing your barrier, or just need something that works quietly in the background, this is that step. And for a patch of skin that's angry (a rash, a scrape, chapped anything), Calendula Balm is the one to reach for.

A better way to begin

Skincare is everywhere right now, especially for younger people. And while it's exciting to see more people interested in taking care of their skin, many beginner routines are filled with strong actives, harsh exfoliants, or complex steps that can do more harm than good.

The Sensitive Skin Kit offers a different kind of start. It's built around hydration and barrier support, two of the most important foundations for healthy skin, without strong actives or a ten-step routine. Cleanse gently with BARE Glow Foaming Face Wash, mist, and moisturize. That's it, and it works.

This is skincare that encourages confidence, consistency, and ease. A soft entry point into glow, and a gentle nudge toward balance.

Ingredients we lean on

Why oils belong in skincare

There's a common misconception that oils clog pores or feel too heavy, but when thoughtfully formulated, facial oils and oil-based serums (like our Tamanu & Bakuchiol Serum) can be deeply beneficial, especially for dry, mature, or barrier-compromised skin.

Oil doesn't just "sit" on the skin. It creates an occlusive layer that helps lock in water, making your hydration steps (like mists and toners) work more effectively. Oils like squalane, jojoba, and tamanu are similar to what your skin naturally produces, which helps the barrier stay strong and supple.

Because this serum is anhydrous (water-free), there's no dilution. Potent, nourishing ingredients in every drop. A little goes a long way.

When used consistently, oil-based serums support long-term skin health by restoring balance, smoothing texture, and encouraging resilience against environmental stress.

Bakuchiol, retinol's gentler cousin

You've likely heard of retinol, praised for fading discoloration and encouraging cell turnover, but it often comes with dryness, sensitivity, or peeling. For many, especially those with sensitive skin or darker skin tones, that irritation isn't worth the risk.

Bakuchiol, derived from the Babchi plant, offers a more skin-friendly option. It provides many of the same long-term benefits as retinol, smoother texture, brighter tone, reduced spots, without the same harsh side effects or sun sensitivity.

That's why we centered our Tamanu & Bakuchiol Face Oil Serum around bakuchiol, and why it anchors The Golden Hour Kit for sun-kissed skin, pairing it with brighteners like licorice root and antioxidant oils that nourish while they work. It's a slower, gentler approach to skin repair, but one that supports the healing process, not disrupts it.

Even better? With consistent use (like one of us did on a single hand over six months), you can see the difference, one spot at a time.

About blue tansy

Blue tansy may be known for its gorgeous deep blue color, but what makes it a skincare favorite runs much deeper. Rich in a compound called chamazulene, blue tansy is incredibly calming and anti-inflammatory, perfect for skin that's easily irritated, inflamed, or in recovery mode.

It's often used in small amounts, not because it's weak, but because it's powerfully soothing even at low concentrations. In this formula, it works alongside ingredients like niacinamide, calendula, and bakuchiol to help calm the skin, reduce redness, and support a balanced barrier, all while adding that signature blue hue.

Think of it as a quiet helper for overworked skin: gentle, grounding, and highly effective.

You'll find blue tansy in our Blue Tansy Calming Face Lotion and, in a lighter form for layering, in the Blue Tansy Calming Serum.

Aloe and aloe ferox

You've probably heard of aloe vera, but aloe ferox is its wilder, more powerful cousin.

Native to South Africa, aloe ferox grows wild without irrigation or farming, making it one of the most sustainable and resilient plant ingredients out there. It contains nearly twice the amino acids of aloe vera, along with naturally occurring antioxidants, enzymes, and skin-soothing compounds.

In skincare, aloe ferox offers deep hydration without heaviness, supports your skin's barrier, and helps calm irritation or dryness, all while feeling light, fresh, and barely-there on the skin.

It's a quiet powerhouse ingredient, perfect for anyone craving gentle, plant-based care with a little extra magic.

You'll find aloe ferox in our Renew Dew face and body mist.

The power of botanical waters

Hydrosols, aloe juice, and floral waters may look like plain water, but they're not. These are gentle, nutrient-rich extracts that deliver hydration, soothing properties, and subtle aromatherapeutic benefits in a form your skin recognizes and welcomes.

Unlike synthetic fragrances or overly strong actives in many skincare products, our mists feature gentle but impactful ingredients. Hydrosols (like rose and rosemary) contain trace plant compounds, antioxidants, and calming agents that refresh and support your skin without overwhelming it. Orange blossom water (neroli) adds brightening and toning benefits while creating a subtle sensory lift.

Aloe vera juice and aloe ferox bring cooling, calming hydration and help the skin retain moisture, especially when layered under a moisturizer or facial oil.

Together, these ingredients help replenish skin in a gentle, intuitive way, perfect for anyone seeking hydration without heaviness, and support without stress. You'll find them in Renew Dew (rosemary or cucumber) and BARE Glow Barrier Face Mist.

Why body moisturizers are more than just soft skin

Facial care tends to get all the attention, but your body skin has a barrier too. And it needs just as much support.

Daily showers, seasonal changes, sun exposure, and handwashing can all damage the skin barrier, leading to dryness, flakiness, and sensitivity.

That's where body butters, creams, and balms come in. They're not just for softness. They:

  • Replenish lost moisture
  • Seal in hydration
  • Support the skin barrier with oils and butters your skin recognizes

Lightweight lotions evaporate quickly. But rich, whipped body butter formulations with mango butter, squalane, or jojoba stick around, doing the slow, nourishing work your skin actually needs.

Think of it not as a treat, but as daily barrier care for the rest of you. And when the rest of you is also achy, Love You More: Magnesium Comfort Cream does the moisturizing and brings magnesium along for the ride.

Beyond skin: the hormone support shelf

Some of what we make isn't skincare at all. It's for the rest of perimenopause. The Hormone Support Aromatherapy Rollers are four blends for four familiar moods: Chillax, Fog Fade, Bye Blue Days, and Keep Calm. Roll on wrists or temples and breathe. Pause: Magnesium Mineral Mist goes on legs and feet before bed, and Love You More: Magnesium Comfort Cream is the same idea in a cream for anywhere that's tight. You'll find the whole shelf under Hormone Support.

Hair in perimenopause

More hair in the brush and less at the crown is one of the most common changes we hear about, and one of the least talked about. Estrogen supports the growing phase of hair, so as it fluctuates, shedding can pick up and strands can come in finer.

Consistency is the whole game. The Hair Growth Support Serum is a scalp oil you massage in a few nights a week, and the Hair Growth Mist is the lighter daytime version. One of us used the serum on a single side for sixteen weeks and photographed the difference; the photos are on the product page.

The itch nobody warned us about

Itchy shins, ankles, and ears with nothing to see is one of the most searched perimenopause symptoms. Thinner, drier skin with fewer oil glands is the usual reason. Moisturize on damp skin (yes, the sponge rule again), take cooler showers, and keep something calming within reach. Itch, Please is a calamine stick made for exactly this, and Calendula Balm is the gentle one for skin that's been scratched raw.

Masks, lips, and dry brushing

A once-a-week Botanical Clay Mask does the gentle exfoliating that harsh scrubs used to; choose by mood, from Gentle Glow to Deep Detox. Plush Pout Botanical Lip Polish handles lips that get drier than they used to. And a soft facial dry brush before cleansing wakes up circulation and lifts dull surface skin without a single active ingredient.

Frequently asked questions

Honest answers about skincare, ingredients, and how we do things at AliBee.

My skin started changing and nothing works the way it used to. Where do I start?

This is the most common thing we hear, and it makes complete sense. Dropping estrogen affects your skin's ability to hold moisture, produce collagen, and maintain its barrier. Products that worked fine for years can suddenly feel like they're doing nothing.

If you're not sure where to begin, our skincare quiz is the fastest way to get a recommendation based on what your skin is doing right now. It takes a few minutes and covers both skincare and home products.

Take the Quiz: Find Your Ritual

If you prefer to browse, a good starting point for most of us in perimenopause or menopause is a hydrating serum paired with a barrier-supporting essence. The Barrier Repair Essence (copper peptides and rice ceramides) and the Panthenol and Gotu Kola Serum are where many of our customers begin.

How do I choose what's right for me?

Skincare is personal. What works for someone else might not be what your skin needs. There's no perfect routine. There's what works for you.

Some people want everything to be fully natural. Others prefer formulas that include a few science-backed ingredients to help with things like texture or hydration. At AliBee, we believe you can have both. You can keep things simple and effective, and you can choose based on your skin's changing needs.

We also believe that some self-care is better than none. Even one product that feels good can make a difference.

If you're not sure where to start or want to talk through your options, we're here. No pressure. Honest guidance and gentle skincare that's made with heart.

Who formulates AliBee products?

Every AliBee product is researched, developed, and made by hand by Tracy, a certified menopause coach and the founder of AliBee. Formulation isn't outsourced. Nothing comes from a white-label supplier. Every ingredient choice starts with a question: what does skin in perimenopause and menopause need, and what's the best way to deliver it?

That means pairing proven actives like copper peptides, rice ceramides, and bakuchiol with plant-based ingredients like gotu kola, panthenol, tamanu, and rosehip. It also means understanding that natural and effective aren't opposites. Some of the best ingredients for your skin are naturally derived and need a little science to stay stable and safe. We're transparent about all of it.

What makes AliBee different from other natural skincare brands?

Most natural skincare brands are built around a hero ingredient or a lifestyle aesthetic. AliBee is built around a life stage.

Every formula is designed for what happens to skin during perimenopause and menopause: barrier thinning, moisture loss, increased sensitivity, slower cell turnover, and shifts in elasticity. The ingredients aren't chosen because they're trending. They're chosen because they do something about those changes.

We also go beyond skincare. AliBee includes hormone support rollers, magnesium cream and mist, clean-fragrance candles, and handcrafted home goods. Everything you'd want close by in this chapter, from one maker.

What is the Am I in Perimenopause? app, and is it free?

It started as our Is This Perimenopause? checklist, which quietly became the most visited page on this site. So many of you asked for an easier way to use it that we built one.

The app lets you explore the surprising range of symptoms that have been reported during perimenopause, including the ones nobody warns us about, track what you're experiencing in about thirty seconds a day, notice what keeps showing up, and turn all of it into a plain-language summary you can bring to your healthcare provider.

It's free, and it will stay free. No subscription, no ads, no account, no email. It's a beta right now, which means it's real, it works, and it gets better with your feedback.

Try the beta

Can the app tell me whether I'm in perimenopause?

No, and we don't pretend it can. Perimenopause doesn't come with a flashing sign, and a list of symptoms isn't a diagnosis. What the app can do is help you notice what's happening, track it over time, and put it into words so a clinician can help. That's the whole point.

Where does my information go when I use the app?

Nowhere. Your body, your data. Everything you log stays on your phone. There's no account, no server, and no company database with your name on it. We don't see it, store it, sell it, or use it to show you products. You can save a backup or delete everything with one tap, and the only time your summary leaves your phone is when you choose to send it.

What does "natural" mean in skincare?

"Natural" is a word you'll see everywhere in the skincare world, but the truth is, it's not regulated. That means it can mean different things to different brands. Usually, it refers to ingredients that come from nature, like plants or minerals, with little processing. But in practice, making safe and effective skincare often takes a little more than what grows in the garden.

At AliBee, we say our products are natural'ish. They're rooted in plant-based, non-toxic ingredients and made without things like parabens or phthalates. We also include a few gentle, well-researched ingredients that help with safety and shelf life, like emulsifiers or preservatives. Our goal is to create skin-loving formulas that feel good and work well.

We prioritize sustainability too, with small batch production and thoughtful packaging. For example, we often use Leucidal Liquid, a mild preservative made from fermented radish root, which helps keep products fresh without compromising our values.

Our promise is simple. We believe in skincare that balances nature and science. Because your skin, and the planet, deserve both.

Are all your products natural?

We strive to source ingredients that are natural or naturally derived. We're proud of that, and we're also transparent about what that really means.

Sometimes, to make a product that's safe, stable, or feels amazing on your skin, we welcome a little help from science. We only use ingredients that are safe, non-toxic, and thoughtfully chosen.

  • Preservation and safety: For any product with water, we include a preservative to prevent mold or bacteria. We use things like Leucidal Liquid (fermented radish root) or Optiphen, both considered safe for sensitive skin.
  • Hydration and performance: Our glycerin is plant-based. Our hyaluronic acid is vegan and fermented from plant sugars to deeply hydrate.
  • Fragrance: If we use fragrance, it's always phthalate-free and chosen with sensitive skin, noses, and pets in mind.

We also avoid parabens, sulfates, and artificial additives. Our packaging leans toward recyclable and reusable options whenever possible.

That's why we say natural'ish. It's clean, plant-forward, and transparent. And if you're ever curious about an ingredient, ask. We love talking about what goes into each formula.

What's in your fragrance?

Many of our products are scented with essential oils. When we use a fragrance oil instead, it's always free of phthalates and parabens, and it's chosen with sensitive skin, noses, and pets in mind. We don't use anything we avoid across the rest of the line, and each product page tells you which scent is which.

If you're sensitive to fragrance, look for our unscented options, or reach out and we'll point you to the gentlest choices.

Are your products safe for sensitive skin?

Sensitivity is one of the most common skin changes in perimenopause and menopause, so yes, we formulate with that in mind. Our products are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. When we use fragrance, it's phthalate-free and chosen with sensitive skin, noses, and pets in mind.

That said, everyone's skin is different. We always recommend a patch test before using any new product, and every product page lists the full ingredient list so you can check for anything your skin doesn't agree with. If you're unsure, reach out. We're happy to walk through ingredients with you.

I thought preservatives were bad. Why do you use them?

This is such a common question, and it's a good one.

Any product that contains water (serums, toners, lotions, mists) needs a preservative to stay safe. Without one, mold, yeast, and bacteria can grow. That's non-negotiable.

We use Leucidal Liquid (derived from fermented radish root) and Optiphen (paraben-free and formaldehyde-free), both well-researched and gentle on sensitive skin. For anhydrous products like balms, butters, and oil-based formulas, no preservative is needed and none is added.

We'd rather be upfront about using a safe, gentle preservative than skip one and put your skin at risk.

Some of your ingredients sound kind of... not natural. What's up with that?

It's true that some ingredient names sound a little sciencey. But many of them are plant-derived and play an important role in how your skincare feels and functions.

  • Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol from coconut or palm. It's not drying like rubbing alcohol. It helps give products that soft, silky texture and helps them stay stable.
  • Emulsifying Wax is made from plant fats too. It helps oil and water mix together and stay that way, so your lotion doesn't separate.

We use ingredients like these because they're safe, effective, and help us make the kinds of products people love to use. They also allow us to avoid more aggressive synthetic chemicals you might find elsewhere.

What does "toxic" mean, and do you use anything toxic?

"Toxic" usually refers to ingredients that could cause harm to your body or the environment, especially with long-term use. In skincare, this often means things that might be linked to irritation, hormone disruption, or allergic reactions.

A few examples we are proud to avoid:

  • Parabens: linked to hormone issues
  • Phthalates: often hidden in synthetic fragrances
  • Sulfates: harsh cleansers that can strip your skin

No, we don't use anything considered toxic in our products. Everything is chosen carefully with safety and skin health in mind. We test on ourselves and on kind volunteers who represent different skin types. We never test on animals.

What is greenwashing?

Greenwashing is when a company makes something sound more natural, eco-friendly, or ethical than it really is. They might use vague words like "clean" or "natural" without backing it up, or they might highlight one good thing while ignoring bigger concerns.

At AliBee, we believe in being real about our practices. We don't claim to be perfect, but we're committed to small-batch production, transparent ingredients, and sustainable packaging. We use recyclable or reusable containers and avoid single-use plastics whenever we can. We also work with trusted suppliers who prioritize ethics and quality.

We'll never try to sell you something by stretching the truth.

Are your products vegan and cruelty-free?

AliBee never tests on animals. Most of our products are fully vegan.

A few formulas include animal-derived ingredients, and we're always upfront about it:

  • Lanolin: Found in our lip butters, it comes from sheep's wool and is deeply hydrating. No animals are harmed, and it's chosen for how well it protects dry skin.
  • Beeswax: Found in some of our solid lotions, candles, and lip balms. It helps lock in moisture and gives structure to certain products. We source it from responsible suppliers.

Every product page lists the full ingredient list, so you can always check before purchasing. If you need help finding fully vegan options, ask.

Are your ingredients ethically sourced?

Yes, we prioritize ethical sourcing in both our ingredients and packaging.

That means:

  • Choosing suppliers who align with our values
  • Prioritizing cruelty-free and sustainable practices
  • Supporting fair labor and safe working conditions

As a small business, we do rely on some larger ingredient suppliers. But we research carefully, ask questions, and choose partners who care about people and the planet. As we grow, we're excited to work with more local and small producers too.

Are your products FDA-approved?

This is a great question, and it's one that often surprises people.

The FDA does regulate cosmetics in the United States, but unlike drugs, skincare products don't need to be approved before they go to market. Brands are responsible for making sure products are safe and labeled correctly.

That's why trust matters so much. At AliBee, we take that responsibility seriously. We use clean, tested ingredients and avoid anything harmful. Our products aren't FDA-approved because they don't need to be, but they are made with care, transparency, and your safety in mind.

Where can I find you in person? Do you do events, classes, or custom gift sets?

Yes to all of it.

You can find AliBee (Tracy, Kylie, and Erin) at pop-ups, artisan fairs, and seasonal markets around the Sacramento area. Check the Events page to see where we'll be next. We are also a proud vendor at Superbum Vintage in Sacramento. Stop by and see our products any time!

We also host learning events, from DIY skincare workshops to ingredient deep dives and custom product-making sessions. These work well for groups, team-building, or a fun night with friends. Reach out with your idea and we'll build something together.

For gift sets, we curate custom baskets for birthdays, holidays, showers, corporate gifts, and thank-you packages. Let us know the occasion, budget, and any preferences, and we'll put something together with eco-friendly packaging. Browse the Home and Gifts collection for inspiration, or contact us to start a custom order.

Where are your products made?

Everything is made by hand, in small batches, in our studio in Fair Oaks, California. Nothing is outsourced and nothing is mass-produced. We source from trusted suppliers including Lotioncrafter, Brambleberry, and New Directions Aromatics for specialty ingredients, and we're always researching new sources that align with our standards.