Consumer interest in ingredient transparency continues to reshape the skincare industry as more people seek products with simpler formulations and recognizable sources. That shift has helped create opportunities for brands that emphasize traditional ingredients, ethical sourcing, and small-scale production. Among them is 11/22 Ancient Terra, co-founded by Brett Hammel, whose personal experience with tallow-based skincare inspired a business centered on natural wellness and responsible sourcing.
Hammel’s path into skincare did not begin in the beauty industry. According to the company’s story, he began exploring alternatives to conventional lotions while reevaluating everyday products he used on his skin. After trying tallow cream and experiencing what he describes as noticeable improvements in his skin, including relief from a persistent sunburn, he became interested in creating a product that combined traditional ingredients with premium craftsmanship. His fiancée, Mikelle, also embraced the products, and together they launched 11/22 Ancient Terra with a focus on high-quality tallow-based skincare.
“We wanted to create something that was not only powerfully effective but also something people genuinely enjoyed using every day,” Hammel says. “We refuse to compromise on ingredients because we believe people deserve products made with care, integrity, and respect for nature.”
Founded in 2024, 11/22 Ancient Terra specializes in premium tallow-based skincare products crafted from grass-fed tallow alongside ingredients such as honey, olive oil, and carefully selected essential oils. Rather than positioning itself as a mass-market manufacturer, the company emphasizes sourcing from local and family-owned farms while maintaining close attention to formulation quality and product consistency.
The company’s philosophy reflects broader consumer trends. According to market research from Grand View Research, demand for natural and organic personal care products continues to grow as consumers increasingly prioritize ingredient transparency and sustainability when selecting skincare products.
That philosophy extends beyond ingredient selection. Ancient Terra states that its products are designed around ethical sourcing practices and partnerships with small farms that share similar standards for animal welfare and natural production. The company says every purchase helps support independent agricultural businesses while encouraging greater awareness of where skincare ingredients originate.
Product development has also become an area where Hammel seeks to differentiate the business. Instead of relying solely on traditional tallow formulations, Ancient Terra developed whipped textures intended to improve application while incorporating therapeutic-grade essential oils to create distinctive scent profiles. The company plans to expand into additional tallow-based wellness products while maintaining its emphasis on natural ingredients and careful sourcing.
As co-founder, Hammel also sees education as an important part of the company’s mission. Through its website and growing community, Ancient Terra encourages consumers to learn more about ancestral skincare traditions while understanding how ingredient quality can influence everyday wellness choices.
“Our goal has always been bigger than selling skincare,” Hammel says. “We want to reconnect people with ingredients that have been valued for generations while supporting the families and farms that make those ingredients possible. If we can help people feel more confident about what they put on their skin, we’ve accomplished something meaningful.”
As consumer preferences continue evolving toward cleaner labels and greater transparency, Hammel’s approach illustrates how personal experience can become the foundation for a purpose-driven business. By combining traditional skincare practices with modern product development and ethical sourcing, 11/22 Ancient Terra is positioning itself within a growing movement that values quality, authenticity, and long-term relationships with both customers and producers.
