Butter & Lye: Science, Care, and Transparency in Every Bar

Monique Kofsky, biochemist, mom, and founder of Butter & Lye, started her skincare brand with a clear mission: to create safe, effective products for people who were tired of misleading labels and harmful ingredients. After reading numerous articles about personal care products marketed to Black women, Monique realized that many of these products contained harmful or undisclosed ingredients. Frustrated by the lack of trustworthy options, she asked herself a simple question: why was she still putting these products on her body? Unable to find solutions she could fully trust, she decided to create her own.

Drawing on her scientific background, Monique began formulating soap in her kitchen. She experimented with natural, well-researched ingredients and shared her creations with friends and family. The response was overwhelmingly positive—people loved the results and kept asking for more. What began as a personal solution soon evolved into a full-fledged brand with a mission: to help others take better care of their skin while making skincare simple, transparent, and effective.

Butter & Lye addresses a common frustration for many consumers: navigating the confusing world of personal care products. Too often, “clean” options rely on vague claims, trendy ingredients, or marketing buzzwords rather than real science and transparency. Butter & Lye focuses on creating simple, gentle, and effective formulas that people can trust, especially those with sensitive skin or anyone looking to reduce toxins in their daily routine. Each product is thoughtfully crafted to nourish, protect, and restore the skin, offering both efficacy and peace of mind.

Giving back is at the heart of Butter & Lye’s mission. From the start, the brand has committed to making safe skincare accessible to everyone. For every bar sold, one is donated to someone in need. To date, Butter & Lye has given out over 7,000 bars, helping people experience the benefits of safe, nourishing skincare regardless of their circumstances.

Butter & Lye is more than just a skincare brand—it is a commitment to science, care, and community. Every product is crafted with intention, designed to protect and nourish the skin while offering clear, trustworthy solutions for healthier self-care. Through transparency, thoughtful formulation, and a dedication to giving, Butter & Lye is redefining what it means to care for your skin—and your community.