CULTURE

ALICIA SILVERSTONE TALKS VEGANISM, HER MYKIND LINE, AND THE SECRET BEAUTY TRICK THAT KEEPS HER GLOWING

INTERVIEW

by JEENA SHARMA

PHOTOGRAPHY

COURTESY

of MYKIND ORGANICS

In the last two decades, Alicia Silverstone has gone from teen idol to activist to launching her line of organic herbal supplements. The actress first shot to fame as the Clueless' spirited protagonist Cher. She has since dabbled in a string of different roles, most recently as the lead on Paramount Network's American Woman and is also set to star in director Amy Miller Gross's upcoming feature The Pleasure of Your Presence.

Her most passionate project to date, however, has been advocating for an organic and plant based diet. As the author of the New York Times best-selling cookbook The Kind Diet, the actress as taken it upon herself to fervently rally towards conscious, chemical-free eating. After failing to find a vitamin supplement that came from the same organic, nutritious foods she eats daily, Silverstone decided to collaborate with Garden of Life to create a line of organic, non-G.M.O. vitamins. mykind Organics Herbals was crafted around providing "health conscious customers peace of mind with supplements that are created without harsh toxic pesticides, herbicides or fungicides and thanks to their breakthrough extraction method, a high-quality process that ensures desired potency in each unique formula."

In an exclusive chat, Silverstone reflects on everything that inspired her activism within health and wellness, her favorite beauty products, and the secret to perfect skin.

AS IF: How and why did you decide to create your own line of organic herbals?

Alicia Silverstone: My journey with supplements started when I was pregnant with my son, Bear. In order to grow the healthiest little human possible, I was already feeding my body all the clean, nutrition-packed foods that had transformed my health years ago. But because these babies can be little nutrition vampires—and because some days were not all sunshine and kale—I wanted to have the peace of mind that I was getting every health-supporting vitamin and mineral that my body needed during this special time. I embarked on a quest to find the cleanest prenatal vitamin possible, ideally one that was aligned with the way I eat: organic, non-GMO, completely plant-based, and free of funky processed junk. I didn’t want a bottle of chemical isolates dressed up with organic fluff. The vitamin I wanted to take didn’t exist. So, I went looking for a partner—the stars aligned with Garden of Life—and I co-founded mykind Organics. Together, we created an entirely new kind of vitamin line that is Certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and free of synthetic binders and fillers. Last month, we introduced mykind Organics Herbals, the first dual certified USDA Organic Non-GMO Project Verified line of Herbal Supplements

What have been some of the major challenges?

Developing my herbal line had a much longer timeline than I ever anticipated, which was frustrating. In fact, we had to push back our launch several times. It was a long process in which we had to plant, wait to harvest, and then test the extractions until we were able to create the most incredible, effective formulas, which are traceable from seed to shelf. We also innovated a groundbreaking extraction method without the use of conventional GMO corn alcohol or other harsh chemicals, which took time and was no small feat.

What is the philosophy/mission behind your mykind Organics brand?

We knew that we wanted to make the cleanest possible herbal line out there. Right now on shelves there are ‘natural’ marketed herbals but their extraction process isn’t truly natural or healthy. Even if a product has organically sourced herbs, the extraction method is carried out with ethanol (corn), hexane (gasoline), or vegetable glycerin (corn is primary source). The primary methods of extraction are not organic compliant due to the genetically modified corn used. Therefore, we knew we wanted to provide a product that was one hundred percent healthy. Our extraction process is different, using water first. If we must use alcohol, we use only Organic, Non-GMO ethanol. In addition to working on the actual ingredients and creation of the product, I worked really hard on the packaging aesthetic and branding - to make sure each would be beautiful, stand out, and clearly express how our product is unique.

What inspired your activism within health and wellness?

I adopted this diet for the animals but the biggest surprise was how amazing I felt! I ditched by asthma inhaler, stopped my weekly allergy shots, lost weight, and had a new glow from my skin and hair. I felt incredible from having more energy, and balanced out moods. This way of eating transformed me. Since then I have not needed caffeine, aspirin, or antibiotics. My body healed itself by being plant- based. The health benefits are truly immense physically, mentally, and spiritually - softening your heart and spirit. My book The Kind Diet is a delicious resource to learn more about this way and build beauty from within.

What are some of your favorite products from your mykind line?

I love the Elderberry Immune Syrup, and Elderberry Immune Gummy, the Golden Milk for sure (it’s so delicious and comforting!), the Adrenal Daily Balance, and the Sleep Well R&R Spray.

Which organic herbal supplements do you incorporate into your daily diet?

Before we made our own truly clean mykind Organics supplements I didn’t want to take anything on a regular basis. Now that I have a supplement line that I can trust, I try to take mykind Organics B Complex, mykind Organics B-12 spray, and mykind Organics Vitamin C Cherry Tangerine spray (especially when travelling!). I also take our 40+ multivitamin gummy as a sweet treat that’s also good for me! Some herbal supplements I use as needed include mykind Organics Sleep Well R&R, Ashwagandha, Adrenal Balance, and our delicious Elderberry gummies. When I’m feeling under the weather I enjoy a sip of our Golden Milk.

Your instant pick-me-up during an especially tiring day?

I love a spritz of the delicious mykind Organics B12 and Vitamin C sprays for an energy boost and extra immunity support. I also love a few of the mykind Organics Elderberry Immune Gummies or the mykind Organics Turmeric Inflammatory Response Gummies in the afternoon as a healthy sweet treat that contain no added sugars (unlike a lot of the vitamin gummies on the market)! My gummies are made with 100% all real foods.

Can you tell us about two of your favorite recipes from your book The Kind Diet that are both simple to make, and delicious?

My books The Kind Mama and The Kind Diet have some more of my absolute favorite recipes! A couple highlights for me from The Kind Mama include Protein Packed Waffles, Veggie Sausage and Sweet Potato Hash, and Chocolate-Dunked Coconut Delights. From The Kind Diet some go-to dishes include: Quick Date-Apple-Cinnamon Oatmeal, Artichoke, Mushroom, and Leek Crostini with Pesto, Bok Choy Drizzled in Ume Vinaigrette, and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.

What are some of your favorite vegan/cruelty free make up and skincare products?

I don’t need makeup to feel fresh thanks to the best beauty trick of all: eating plants! But on top of my Mykind diet foundation, there are some products I do enjoy using. Right now, I’m using Sibu’s Sea Therapy Face and Body Bar to wash my face. It smells so good! At night I sometimes cleanse with Goddess Garden Organics Erase the Day Clay Cleanser or Modicum’s Essential Cleanser. For toner I use rose mist or Tammy Fender’s Chamomile Roman Tonic. I love a good face serum, particularly Garden Apothecary’s Higher Ground Serum, Modicum’s #3 Essential Serum, and Carasoin’s Cold Fusion Intense Moisturizer. A facemask I love is Josh Rosebrook’s Cacao Antioxidant Mask.

For make up, I like Maison Jacynthe, Gabriel, One Over One, 100% Pure, Inika, Tata Harper and W3ll People. Right now for mascara I’m enjoying Dr. Hauschka, Zao, and Pacifica. For concealers, I like Ecco Bella and Zuz

Can you describe a couple of your favorite at-home beauty treatments?

I really enjoy doing the hot body scrub from my book The Kind Diet! You can also find it on my website TheKindLife.com. It’s an easy technique that’s cheap and refreshes your whole body because it increases circulation, helps the fat trapped under your skin loosen up and dissolve, opens pores to release toxins, and helps circulate lymph fluid. Try it yourself! Do it for a month straight and see the amazing results!

What are some natural anti-aging treatments and products you recommend? –

The best anti-aging treatment is a plant-based diet! In addition to diet, mykind Organics Plant-Based Collagen Builder is really awesome for keeping your skin looking young and supple.

"I adopted this diet for the animals but the biggest surprise was how amazing I felt! I ditched by asthma inhaler, stopped my weekly allergy shots, lost weight, and had a new glow from my skin and hair."

What is your top beauty trick for an instant glow?

Eating whole, plant-based foods is a sure-fire way to get radiant skin, bright eyes and glossy hair. Prioritize eating your greens! Greens such as kale, bok choy, collards, watercress, and seaweed — not technically a green but it’s so important for the skin — are packed with a host of great things like vitamin B9, vitamin K, folate, calcium and iron. Nurture your body with all kinds of veggies made in a healthy variety of cooking styles. Fill up on whole grains, like brown rice, quinoa, along with beans like adzuki and black beans, as well as bean products, including tofu and tempeh. With these ingredients, you can come up with some seriously delicious, healing, and glow-y recipes. I love watercress with creamy tahini dressing and toasted sesame seeds, which I included in my books.

Lastly, what is your daily beauty regime?

My beauty routine is not where I really focus my energy. It’s my Kind Diet that saves me. I can wear no makeup, and be really tired, but if I’ve been eating clean then my skin is glowing, my eyes are white, and I feel great

“My beauty routine is not where I really focus my energy. It’s my Kind Diet that saves me. I can wear no makeup, and be really tired, but if I’ve been eating clean then my skin is glowing, my eyes are white, and I feel great.”

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