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L: Let’s start from the beginning. Who is the person behind Quinta? And how did you end up in Berlin?

C: I’m Cami, and I’m originally from Chile. I’ve been living in Berlin for eight years now, which is still surreal to say out loud. I moved here in 2016 with my twin brother, Pepe, because we felt the need to explore life beyond Santiago, which felt a bit constricting I guess?

Berlin felt like a place where we could grow, evolve and have more opportunities.

L: What gave you the idea of not only creating a moisturizer, but creating an ethical skincare brand from scratch as well? Looking back on it, how was the process of both? And what’s next for Quinta? 

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C: I’ve always believed that change begins with intentional choices, even in the smallest aspects of our routines. The idea for quinta came from my personal frustration with finding effective skincare that aligned with my values—products that were palm oil-free, petroleum-free, and didn’t contribute to the overwhelming amount of plastic waste in the personal care industry.

It became clear to me that mainstream skincare often sacrifices sustainability for convenience, and even products labeled as "natural" frequently rely on unsustainable practices. For example, you might find a moisturizer made with 100% natural ingredients, but if it relies on palm oil, there’s a disconnect. To me, spending money on a product means supporting the practices behind it, and I just couldn’t do that anymore.

I decided to study Organic Skincare Formulation to create my own products. I spent countless hours researching not just the benefits of plant-based ingredients but also their environmental, social, and cultural impacts. That’s when I realized this was something I could see myself doing for a long time. I wanted to create a space for people like me, who are looking for effective skincare without compromising their sustainable values.

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The process has been challenging but also rewarding. Being based in Berlin has allowed me to collaborate with suppliers who share my vision, which has been key in making this a reality. The decision to launch with a barrier-repair moisturizer was also deeply personal. I suffered from severe dermatitis after using a product with too many active ingredients that irritated my skin.

I needed something soothing, effective, and aligned with my beliefs—so I created Green Guardian. It was truly born out of necessity.

What’s next for Quinta? Right now, our focus is on spreading the word. As a completely independent brand, our goal is to raise awareness about our product and values while finding partners who align with our mission. Creating a consumer product is incredibly time-intensive—we do everything ourselves, with so much intention behind each step. For now, we’re dedicating ourselves fully to Green Guardian and working on new products only when it feels right.

We’re not here just to sell; we’re here because we believe in what we do.

L: Let’s get practical with this one. Where in Berlin do you always feel good, no matter the day? Is there a specific spot in town where you like to either seek inspiration, or have the ultimate unwinding moment? Is it a park, a cafe, a library or a pool? Or something super secret (feel free to gatekeep 😉)?

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C: It might sound boring, but in the day to day the gym is my happy place. It’s where I can mentally unwind and feel completely present. When you work for yourself, it’s hard to switch off and stop thinking about work, so the gym has become my sanctuary.

I also love coffee shop moments. Berlin has so many amazing independent coffee spots, and they always bring me a sense of calm. For inspiration, I enjoy visiting pop-ups. They’re great spaces to meet other creatives, support local businesses, and spark new ideas. And when the weather is nice I like exploring the lakes around Berlin. For me lakes are the highlight of the city in summer. I have a few spots that are my favorite that are not too crowded and they truly make me feel at peace and recharged at the same time.

L: When do you feel best in your skin?

C: Definitely in the summer, by the lake, surrounded by friends, laughing, soaking in nature and loading on vitamin D. Those moments make me feel truly comfortable in my skin, both physically and emotionally.

L: Your ingredient list has been described as a ‘poem to nature,’ which is quite touching and strikes a chord, especially with people who’ve researched skincare and know all the BS that goes on behind the scenes in the skincare industry. 

What made you decide to commit to 100% sustainability in every aspect of your product, from production to ingredients, packaging, and beyond? And why does this matter to you personally?

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C: Growing up in Chile, I became very aware of the greenwashing that big corporations engage in, often at the expense of natural resources in the Global South.

Take electric cars, for example—people think they’re environmentally friendly, but few realize the damage extractive industries cause in countries like Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile to mine lithium.

In skincare, the issues are equally significant. Petroleum and palm oil are two major problems. Certifications like RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) may sound reassuring, but they often fail to protect rainforests or guarantee that palm oil isn’t coming from uncertified sources. The “mass balance” system allows mixing certified and non-certified raw materials, which I found incredibly frustrating.

Petroleum, in particular, is so prevalent—especially in moisturizers marketed for barrier repair. If you’re into skincare, you’ve probably heard of petrolatum being recommended for its occlusive properties. But for me, it doesn’t sit right to use an ingredient tied so closely to an industry that harms the environment. Plus, it’s not even a long-term solution. Petrolatum creates a superficial barrier but doesn’t nourish or repair the skin with the active nutrients—like ceramides, fatty acids, or antioxidants—that are essential for true skin health.

With Quinta, we are focused on creating effective, skin-loving formulations that care for both the skin and the planet. Our petroleum-free approach relies on plant-based oils and actives like jojoba oil and shea butter, which mimic the skin’s natural lipids while delivering deep nourishment. These alternatives are biodegradable, renewable, and support sustainable farming practices, aligning with our philosophy of intentional skincare.

When developing Green Guardian, we considered every step of the product’s life cycle. The design and selection of raw materials have the greatest impact on sustainability, so we studied not only the structural properties and benefits of each ingredient but also the social, cultural, and environmental impacts of their sourcing. Oils and waxes in our formula are derived from seeds traditionally used for their medicinal properties, and we ensure they’re extracted through cold-press methods. This preserves their natural benefits, minimizes energy use, and avoids chemical extraction, aligning with our vision for a truly sustainable product.

ALL IMAGE CREDIT: QUINTA