10 Questions With Founder of The Balm Co Sofiya Andreeva

Interview with Sofiya Andreeva Founder of The Balm Co.

For Sofiya Andreeva, skincare became more than just a routine—it became a revelation. During her first pregnancy, a personal search for healing, gentle ingredients turned into the quiet beginnings of The Balm Co a consciously crafted brand rooted in nature, simplicity, and self-trust. What started as kitchen-made balms to soothe her own hormonal skin shifts soon evolved into cult-favourite, multi-use products adored by mothers across the UK.

In this exclusive 10 questions interview with Sofiya Andreeva opens up about how motherhood reshaped her approach to beauty, why “everyday luxury” matters more than ever, and the powerful simplicity of organic oils and butters. With a growing community and a new product in the works, The Balm Co. is proving that gentle doesn’t mean basic—and that luxury can be found in the calmest, most caring rituals.

1. Can you tell us more about that moment when you realised your skincare routine needed a change?

It was around the beginning of my second trimester when despite trying a few dozens of creams and serums, nothing was helping the constant breakouts and eczema flare-ups I was having. My midwife told me that it’s normal to have spots, dry skin and flare-ups during pregnancy but that just didn’t sit right with me… I stopped using all the lab formulated skincare and started researching more into why my skin was become like this and what could help soothe it natural.

I learned more about our skin barrier and what ingredients actually promote in the natural healing of it and the answers were all the same – pure, natural and organic oils, butters and waxes.

2. What was the turning point when you knew The Balm Co. could be something bigger?

Around my second trimester I started trying out different butters and oils on my skin but realised that I was getting the best results when I combined them, that’s when I made my first Face Balm. The closer I got to my due date I noticed one question on ever new mothers’ lips and it was “What do I use on my baby’s delicate skin?” At first, I thought some mums were over-reacting, because I’ve seen so many creams and lotions on the market which were formulated for babies but since that question kept on coming up over and over again, I started looking at the ingredient labels and that’s when it fully clicked!

Just how none of the store-bought creams and serums helped my skin, none of these baby lotions will help my little one’s skin barrier either. I researched what actually does and to my surprise, most the ingredients (with a few little tweaks) in my Face Balm were perfect for my little one. I made a few batches of the All Over Balm and shared it as a tip in the mum group chats I’m part of. I never expected such a response but so many mums started asking me if I sell it – and now I do!

3. What ingredients are at the heart of your formulations, and why are they so effective?

So far, I sell 3 products: All Over Balm which is great for newborns but can also be used by the whole family. It is the gentlest formula and with a short ingredients list. It has Castor Oil which deeply hydrates, soothes irritation, and supports skin healing. (Apparently it’s great for eyelash growth!) Jojoba Oil mimics skin’s natural oils for long-lasting hydration. Beeswax creates a protective barrier while sealing in hydration. Finally, Shea Butter deeply moisturises and soothes dry, sensitive skin. 

The Calming Balm is great for 3+ months and has all of the above ingredients plus, Roman Chamomile Essential Oil which soothes irritation and promotes skin healing with its calming properties. It’s perfect for soothing the red marks in between baby fat rolls and is great as part of a calm bedtime routine.

Finally, the Face Balm which is what I use on myself in the morning and before bed. It contains Castor Oil, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter and Roman Chamomile Essential Oil as well as Cocoa Butter which deeply hydrates, nourishes, and protects the skin while enhancing softness and one of my favourite ingredients Argan Oil as it’s rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, it nourishes and enhances skin elasticity. (It’s also fantastic for keeping hair nice and glossy!)

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4. What does that phrase mean to you, especially in the context of motherhood and beauty?

For me, “everyday luxury” means knowing that the products I use, work with my body, not against it! Motherhood takes so much out of women – time, energy and vitality. For example, a breastfeeding mother – like me might have to forgo her usual skincare as certain ingredients like retinol can go into the bloodstream and transfer to the baby via breast milk. Everything that used to be normal starts feeling like a luxury in motherhood and that’s why I believe that the Face Balm is the perfect 1-step routine for nourished and glowing skin.

5. For women looking to simplify their routines, which product from The Balm Co. would you recommend starting with — and how can it be used?

Definitely the Face Balm! It’s a fantastic nourishing moisturiser when your life is constantly on the go. Using it is so simple, just wash your face, dry it and put a pea sized amount on clean skin morning and evening.

6. How did becoming a mother shift your views on beauty, wellness, and what we put on our skin?

I have never focused so much on reading the fine print! We often read the marketing jargon on the front of a product and don’t question the long list of ingredients on the back… Becoming a first-time mum has shifted my perspective dramatically and I’ve started to question everything. Even the beauty products I put on myself – make-up, perfumes, deodorants, etc.

Certain things, like perfumes, I’ve stopped using completely. Others, like deodorants, I opt for natural alternatives, while make-up I only wear on special occasions. You’d be surprised at how easily beauty products that you put on yourself can disrupt your baby’s endocrine system. Now for me, beauty and wellness means more than just looking pretty for a few hours, it means finding a natural and holistic approach, focusing on longevity and having peace of mind that the everyday care products I use don’t affect my little one!

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7. What makes it so special and how has it resonated with other mothers?

The ingredients list – it’s short but mighty! I think more and more mothers are opening their eyes to all the products full of synthetic chemicals on the market and with the rise of independent studies and the availability to information, they’re realising that natural is best! 

8. How do you maintain quality, transparency, and integrity as you grow?

Each batch of products is carefully handcrafted in limited quantities to ensure attention to detail and consistency, using only high-quality, consciously sourced ingredients we trust on our own skin and our baby’s. We believe in full transparency—clearly listing every ingredient, sharing our process openly, and being honest about changes or challenges. Integrity guides every decision, from fair pricing that reflects real costs to using minimal packaging and not cutting corners, we don’t hide behind marketing fluff—just honest, thoughtful skincare made with purpose.

9. What’s your self-care philosophy these days any rituals, routines, or reminders that help you stay grounded?

Even if I’ve had a tough night with the baby waking up constantly, I start my mornings with appreciation and gratitude. Pregnancy and motherhood definitely takes a lot from you but then you also gain so much emotionally in every aspect possible – that’s why I believe that the way you greet the day is how you will spend it and so I try my best to fight through the tiredness that motherhood brings and focus on the positive aspects!

This is also where the Face Balm for me comes into play, I may be tired most days but now I have a way to look after my skin that isn’t time consuming and I know very soon enough I’ll get back everything that seems ‘lost’ but for now I’m trying to enjoy this new chapter in my life!  

10. what’s next for The Balm Co. in 2025? Are you planning any new launches?

We’re focusing more on organic growth through word of mouth and social media as well as being on the lookout for opportunities to work with small boutiques. The response to the All Over Balm and Calming Balm has been great so we’re keeping that as our staples but we do realise that the Face Balm can be a bit rich for some skin.

A lot of mums I talk to also want to use retinol to help even out their skin tone as its quite common to get discolouration during pregnancy but retinol can be a bit unsafe if you’re breastfeeding so I’m doing lots of research and testing at the moment to try and come up with a light-weight, all natural and organic moisturising serum that naturally contains retinol!

To learn more about Sofiya Andreeva, visit The Balm Co Website or follow along on social media @thebalm.co for the latest updates and inspiring content.