Bay Area Woman Brews Skin Care Success

Think of it as a staycation for your skin.

Chemist Maya Williams is gaining popularity with her signature line of skin care products, Morganna’s Alchemy, crafted locally of organic active ingredients from Europe, Africa and Asia. After happening upon this up and coming beauty brand and sampling the collection, we asked Williams to share the inspiration and the secrets behind her skin care success.

Williams, a chemist by trade, worked in product research and development for 15 years before launching her own collection in 2006 because she felt there was a need to create products that delivered on their skin saving promises. 

But she didn’t have to go far to discover the inspiration for two of her most popular products. Created to conquer her own son’s struggle with acne, Morganna’s Enchantment ($39.99 at morgannasalchemy.com), combines plant extracts to control sebum, repair damaged skin and prevent acne scarring. Argan oil, imported from Morocco, saw palmetto, and bearberry extract, treat skin without drying it out, while banishing blemishes. 

Morganna’s Elixir ($59.99), an anti-aging product Williams’ created to quell her Aunt’s worry lines, is the collection’s top seller. And while Williams says she’d have a hard time choosing any one product as her favorite, even she was surprised at how popular Morganna’s Elixir had become with friends and family until she tried it herself. “I had my entire family and host of friends using it before I tried it myself, and I could not believe what it did for my own face the first time I put it on.”

For those looking for more affordable skin care options -- read: practically free -- Williams shared some of her skin saving secrets with me. For dark circles, which even Williams falls victim to after too many late nights at work, she recommends mixing up this home remedy: Combine one teaspoon of pressed tomato juice, 1/2 teaspoon of lime juice and a teaspoon of flour. Mix into a paste and apply under eyes three times per week. Allow paste to set for 10 minutes before gently removing with lukewarm water.

Proper exfoliation is the skin care secret that most women over 25 miss, says Williams, “it is a scientific fact that the skin does not renew itself as often after that age.” Morganna’s Brew ($39.99), comes to the rescue with a proprietary formula featuring papaya enzymes, which promises to remove dead skin cells and brighten dull skin. 

And that’s a promise that Williams means to keep, which explains why, even in the crowded beauty industry, this exotic skin care line may just be here to stay.