Function of Beauty
This haircare line is a bit different than all of the other cosmetic lines highlighted in this column, and in general. Why? Their products are completely customizable. These products are designed especially for you!
A group of MIT engineers, cosmetic scientists, and developers started Function of Beauty with the intent of making hair care suited to customers specifically. They create vegan and cruelty free products, but that’s not all. Their products come in bottles made of 100% recycled plastic, with aluminium caps that are recyclable as well. Function of Beauty also sends a pump with every bottle you purchase, but you always have the option to opt out of receiving a pump. That way, once you’ve gotten your first shipment of the shampoo and conditioner, you can reuse the pumps!
Since each product for each individual is entirely different, here is a walk through of the customization process so you can understand how it all works.
Step 1
The Function of Beauty’s handy customization quiz starts with identifying your hair type, structure, and scalp moisture.
Step 2
Next, you input your #hairgoals. After clicking each goal, key ingredients show up underneath that will address your particular needs. The ingredients for “shine” are visible here. Unfortunately, Function of Beauty does not have an ingredient breakdown for their products, as every single one has different ingredients. They do, however, have a list of ingredients banned from their products.
Step 3
Next, the Function of Beauty allows you to pick a scent, color, and name for your bottle. There are options to have no coloring or fragrance, too. Pictured here are the automatic choices of a eucalyptus scent with medium strength, and green coloring. You also get to put your very own name on the product; this one just says ‘ION’ for In Our Nature.
Step 4
The fourth step lays out the price breakdown. The biggest bang for your buck - and the smallest plastic to product ratio - is two 16 oz containers of shampoo and conditioners. You can also choose your shipment times. If you want a subscription, your options are every one, three, or six months. Otherwise, you can do a one time purchase, and pay $5 for shipping.
The last step is to checkout, and your customizable formula is on its way!