The Wash

The central theme of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tells us that in order to achieve harmony within ourselves, we need to live harmoniously with the seasons. Fall is the season of transition, when the outward, expansive energy of summer begins to draw inward in preparation for winter's stillness. Here is what you need to know about the fall season, and the steps you can take to stay balanced as the days shorten and the air turns crisp. TCM: The Fall Season In TCM, fall is ruled by the metal element, which governs the lungs and large intestine, the organs responsible for taking in what nourishes us and releasing what no longer serves us. Fall is also associated with grief and letting go, echoed in how the natural world sheds its leaves before winter arrives. Dry air and dropping temperatures can deplete the lungs and skin alike, which is why dryness, both respiratory and dermal, is one of the season's most common imbalances. Breathe Deeply As the metal element governs the lungs, fall is a season to prioritize the breath. Simple practices like a few minutes of deep breathing each morning, or a slow walk outdoors, help draw in fresh air while supporting the lungs' natural rhythm. This is also a season for release. Journaling what you are ready to let go of, much like the trees releasing their leaves, can support the emotional side of the metal element. Nourish From Within As the air dries out, so does the body. Focus on warming, hydrating foods like root vegetables, bone broth, and pears, which are traditionally used in TCM to moisten the lungs. Reduce raw and cold foods, which can be harder to digest as temperatures drop, in favor of cooked, warming meals. Replenish Your Skin's Moisture Barrier Skin often mirrors what is happening internally, and fall's dry air can leave it feeling tight, flaky, or dull just as quickly as it affects the lungs. Combat this with a layered approach that builds hydration rather than product sitting on the surface. Start with our Replenishing Mist as a pre-step that helps your skin absorb everything more effectively. Follow with a few drops of Bioactive Regenerating Oil, which penetrates to the lipid barrier where dry skin starts. Finish with Sensing Repair Cream, a rich, emollient layer of shea butter, calendula, and carrot seed that locks all the goodness in and the keeps skin hydrated through the day. Layering these three, from lightest to richest, gives skin what it actually needs each fall: hydration it can hold onto, not just moisture that sits on top and evaporates by afternoon. Fall is a season of adjustment. Breathing a little deeper, eating warmer foods, and layering in more hydration are small, practical ways to support what the body is already trying to do on its own. TCM has understood this for centuries. The work is simply paying attention.

When skin becomes reactive to everything, the solution isn't more products—it's simplification. Learn how to reset and repair with a minimal routine.

Learn the difference between oily skin and acne, plus how to treat blemishes, excess oil without harsh products that damage your skin barrier.

Learn why repairing your skin barrier is the key to treating acne, dryness, oily skin, and sensitivity. Discover gentle botanical solutions that restore skin health naturally.

Learn why cellular turnover slows with age and how to gently support skin renewal to reduce signs of aging, dullness, and discoloration naturally.  

Discover how to treat acne naturally with botanical skincare. Learn the causes of breakouts, ingredients to avoid, and gentle treatments that work without hormone disruptors.

Discover inflammaging—the chronic inflammation that connects skin sensitivity, redness, premature aging, and discoloration. Learn how to address it naturally.

Learn the crucial difference between hydration and moisture—and why you need both to treat dry skin, sensitivity, and signs of aging effectively.

Discover why dehydrated skin shows premature aging and dullness—and how to interrupt the cycle with botanical hydration and barrier support.

Dark spots and hyperpigmentation begin with inflammation, not just pigment. Learn how to treat discoloration at its source with anti-inflammatory botanical skincare.

Discover why gentle exfoliation with jojoba beads and botanical ingredients clears dullness, calms sensitivity, and treats breakouts better than aggressive acids.  

Discover gentle botanical solutions for dull skin, signs of aging, and discoloration. Natural brightening without harsh exfoliation or irritation.

Discover how plant-based lipids and face oils clear breakouts, balance oily skin, and reduce redness—without clogging pores. Natural acne treatment that works.

At the heart of radiant, resilient skin lies balance — the skin’s ability to repair, renew, and thrive. TOMA’s Bioactive Regenerating Oil was created to restore that balance. More than a facial oil, it is a nutrient-dense, multi-correctional treatment designed to harmonize all skin types — from dry and depleted to oily and congested. Developed through decades of experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine and clinical aromatherapy, Bioactive Regenerating Oil bridges ancient herbal wisdom with modern skin science. Its exquisite blend of 19 bioactive plant oils nourishes, repairs, and protects the skin barrier, making it one of the most versatile and results-driven products in your skincare ritual. A Single Oil for Every Skin Type Most facial oils are created for specific concerns — hydrating, balancing, or anti-aging. Bioactive Regenerating Oil is designed for all of them. Inspired by the principle of harmony, it meets your skin where it is and guides it back to balance. For dry or sensitive skin: it replenishes essential fatty acids, restores lipids, and soothes irritation. For oily or breakout-prone skin: it helps regulate sebum production, clears congestion, and supports detoxification. For mature or depleted skin: it strengthens the barrier, promotes elasticity, and restores a luminous glow. Because it absorbs quickly without residue, Bioactive Regenerating Oil layers seamlessly beneath moisturizers or SPF — or stands alone as a final restorative step. Bioactive Botanicals That Transform Skin Each ingredient in Bioactive Regenerating Oil was chosen for its proven regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Together, they deliver a synergistic effect that nourishes skin from within while protecting it from environmental and oxidative stress. Key ingredients include: Sea Buckthorn (sha ji): a vivid orange berry packed with vitamins A, C, and E; supports repair, brightens dull tone, and fortifies the barrier. Schisandra Berry (wu wei zi): an adaptogenic herb prized in TCM for protecting against stress while enhancing firmness and elasticity. Gotu Kola (ji xue cao): known for stimulating collagen synthesis and accelerating healing, helping skin look smoother and more refined. Myrtle (mian ye): purifying and toning; calms inflammation and supports clarity and evenness. Every drop delivers dense nourishment that activates the skin’s natural renewal process. The Ritual: A Moment of Restoration Bioactive Regenerating Oil is more than skincare — it’s a sensory ritual of renewal. Warm a few drops between your palms, inhale deeply, and press into freshly cleansed skin. The gentle aroma of rose, neroli, and myrtle calms the mind while the oils begin their reparative work. For professional use, Bioactive Regenerating Oil is a favorite treatment oil for facial massage, gua sha, or finishing touch in the treatment room. Its perfect slip allows sculpting and lymphatic drainage without heaviness, while its bioactive blend amplifies post-treatment radiance. At home, use it to seal in hydration after serums or as an overnight treatment. Wake to supple, balanced, beautifully restored skin. The Science of Regeneration Behind its luxurious texture lies a powerful foundation of bioactive compounds — omega-rich fatty acids, phytosterols, and antioxidants that support healthy skin function. By reinforcing the lipid barrier and reducing transepidermal water loss, Bioactive Regenerating Oil promotes optimal hydration and cellular communication. This improves elasticity, tone, and overall resilience — helping skin adapt to seasonal, environmental, and hormonal changes. The result is visibly stronger, more luminous skin that radiates health. A Foundational Oil, A Philosophy of Balance At TOMA, we believe skincare should evolve with your skin — not against it. The Bioactive Regenerating Oil embodies that philosophy: a foundational, intelligent formula that restores balance, activates renewal, and brings the skin back to its natural state of harmony.  

Vitamin C is one of the most studied and recommended ingredients in skincare, but not all formulas are created equal.Many Vitamin C serums use L-Ascorbic Acid because it’s inexpensive and widely available. The issue? It’s highly unstable, oxidizing quickly when exposed to air, light, or heat. It has a low pH that can be irritating to sensitive skin. It struggles to penetrate the skin’s lipid barrier, meaning much of it never reaches the deeper layers where it’s needed most. This means many clients spend money on Vitamin C products that oxidize before they’ve finished half the bottle — or cause irritation without delivering visible results. Advanced Forms of Vitamin C in TOMA’s Cellular C Serum At TOMA, we wanted to solve these problems with a formulation that’s stable, absorbable, and effective. Instead of relying on L-Ascorbic Acid, our Cellular C Serum combines two advanced, synergistic forms of Vitamin C, both of 100% natural origin. Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate A stabilized Vitamin C ester derived from plants. Oil-soluble, which means it penetrates the lipid barrier of the skin with ease. Targets the causes of hyperpigmentation while boosting collagen synthesis. Gentle enough for all skin types, yet powerful in results. Ascorbyl Glucoside A water-soluble derivative produced through a biotechnological fermentation process. Highly stable and resistant to oxidation. Brightens, supports collagen, and delivers antioxidant protection against free radicals. Together, these forms of Vitamin C create a dual-delivery system — oil-soluble and water-soluble — so skin receives comprehensive antioxidant protection across multiple layers. This synergy also extends the stability of the formula, ensuring it remains potent until the last drop. Why Stability and Absorption Matter When Vitamin C oxidizes, not only does it lose potency, but it can also generate free radicals — doing more harm than good. That’s why stability is just as important as concentration. Absorption is the second piece of the puzzle. A serum that sits on the skin’s surface may feel nice, but it won’t make long-term changes. By pairing oil-soluble and water-soluble derivatives, our Cellular C Serum penetrates more effectively, delivering benefits where they’re needed most: inside the skin’s deeper layers. The Visible Benefits of Cellular C Serum Brighter tone and reduced appearance of hyperpigmentation. Improved elasticity and firmness through collagen stimulation. Daily defense against oxidative stress and environmental damage. Gentle, irritation-free results, even for sensitive skin. When Vitamin C is formulated correctly, it becomes one of the most powerful tools for radiant, resilient skin. The Bottom Line Vitamin C can be transformative — but only when it’s stabilized, absorbable, and combined thoughtfully. TOMA’s Cellular C Serum is safe and effective - the results are noticeable!

TOMA (toh • ma) noun 1 A vegan skincare line that goes beyond the surface of your complexion without cluttering your bathroom counter. 2 The result of a collaboration between experienced holistic health practitioners, formulated with botanically-based, toxin-free products and a commitment to promoting healing from within.  3 Your favorite self-care staple. Clean, Simple, Effective 
Your skin is your largest organ, but that’s easy to forget when bombarded with endless content about how to brighten this, tighten that, or smooth…well, everything. At TOMA, we believe that healthy, glowing skin is achievable at every age and stage of life,  and it doesn’t require a cabinet full of products with ingredient lists so long they should count toward your annual reading goals. Instead, we set out to find all-natural ingredients that not only soothe skin concerns like acne and dryness but also continually empower your body to do what it’s biologically programmed to do: heal and repair itself. After working with global experts in essential oils and product formulation, we developed a completely clean line of skincare solutions that is simple to use and reliably effective. No artificial ingredients, added chemicals, or overstuffed medicine cabinets necessary.  The TOMA Team
TOMA began as all the best ideas do — over a glass of wine shared between two girl friends. Nearly two decades ago, founders Tori Paide (TO) and Marla Peoples (MA), met while getting their Masters in acupuncture. As Tori and Marla navigated pregnancy and motherhood together, they realized that skincare products marketed as “all natural” actually contained hormone disruptors and harmful toxins. 

Through transitioning into the wellness industry after becoming licensed professionals and later teaming up to open wellness spas, the women shared a frustration over having to cherry-pick products from various skincare brands for thousands of clients because no existing line offered a full slate of clean options. Together, Tori and Marla consulted with an organic skincare lab in the United States to produce a collection of cleansers, moisturizers, facial oils, and serums that is 100% natural and cruelty free. 

When providing services in their spa, guiding their teenagers through the challenges of adolescent skincare, or taking time to pamper themselves, Tori and Marla rely on the trusted organic ingredients that set TOMA products apart.  All Natural. Always.
We’ve been in this business long enough to see countless skincare trends come and go, but we know one thing for certain: clean never goes out of style. We keep it real with no greenwashing, meaning what you see on all TOMA labels is an exact, authentic representation of what you’ll get. The practice of advertising a product as all natural when it really contains added chemicals or fragrances is all too common, and we passionately reject that approach. Armed with the knowledge that the beauty and skincare industries are not bound by any FDA regulations, we won’t tiptoe around telling what’s actually in our recipes, and we stick to the organic options that work.

Every item listed on our products is harvested from the environment in small batches to bring your skin to its healthiest state. We take comfort and pride in knowing our ingredients aren’t overly complicated, and our packaging is also sourced for sustainability and reuse. While you’re likely to recognize a lot of the plants, seeds, and fruits we use, you won’t find any parabens, synthetic fragrances, or GMOs. 

Either working individually or in harmony as part of a layered routine, TOMA products are safe for all skin types. 

Why TOMA? 
Your skin is your body’s outermost armor, but it also acts as a sponge. The things you put on your skin — and the chemicals those products carry — are absorbed into your body. You may not immediately notice an effect, but years of using cleansers or applying moisturizers that include harmful chemicals can take a toll. That’s why the driving force behind each TOMA product is its clean, adaptogenic ingredients. These plant substances work to balance your skin’s biome, and because they respond differently to various conditions, they are effective for multiple concerns. 

Skincare shouldn’t be a source of stress. TOMA products simplify your routine and give you your best skin, healing it from within. 

Walk us through your morning skincare routine I keep it simple in the mornings. I splash my face with water, spritz on our Replenishing Mist, apply a few drops of our Bioactive Regenerating Oil and finish with a layer of sunscreen.  What is your evening routine like? Dry brushing before bathing is a must for me. It moves lymph and detoxifies and I can’t live without it. For my face, I wash with our Rejuvenating Cleanser in the cooler months and Balancing Cleanser in the warmer months or our Exfoliating Cleanser twice weekly. I spritz with our Replenishing Mist and then I hop into bed.  Once my skin is completely dry, I apply a few drops of our Bioactive Regenerating Oil and focus on our acupressure points while lying down in bed (!)– it’s my wind-down routine and it works! A few times a week, I use our Facial Sculpting System, also in bed, focusing on lymphatic drainage and lifting and toning. Maybe it’s because I’m tired and just want to be horizontal, but the ritual of caring for my skin in bed, right before I turn out the light, works for me! How did you decide to create a clean skincare line? When I opened my first spa in 2007, I offered only acupuncture and massage services. I was hesitant to add the next logical addition–facials–because I didn’t trust that I could maintain my chemical-free commitment with skincare products. Clean beauty wasn’t a trend then and the lack of regulations here in the US made it extremely difficult to find clean yet effective products. I started with a couple brands I trusted and then when Marla and I opened the second spa together in 2011, we decided to create products of our own.  Why do you think you were so aware of clean beauty before it was trendy? I felt physically very good going into my second pregnancy, but I had a really difficult second labor and delivery of my daughter in 2009. Everything turned out ok, but the experience made me even more focused on my delicate endocrine system and how it really controls us–life or death. It made me look more closely at not just what I was putting in my body but also what I was putting ON my body.  This awareness has only become stronger as I’ve gotten older: my father recently passed away from Parkinson’s. Because of him, I’m now more aware of brain health and how the chemicals we put on our bodies daily can accumulate over a lifetime.  What are the other ways that you keep yourself well? I have been practicing yoga for 30 years. Meditation is a must for me as well. I practice daily gratitude and am very conscious of my thinking–lately, I have been studying Byron Katie and the art of being truly present. Like most people, I slip out of these things every now and then when I’m stressed–the worst timing! 

Walk us through your morning skincare routine. My skin is very sensitive and our products are the only ones I can tolerate. Having struggled with acne in my 20s, melasma in my 30s and reactionary skin now, I’ve learned to shift my routine intuitively to help my skin achieve balance.  In the mornings, I wash with our Balancing Cleanser, spritz with our Replenishing Mist, dab on our Peptide Eye Cream and then follow with our Tonifying Protective Lotion. I finish with a tinted sunscreen. During allergy season, I may do some light cupping under my eyes to move fluid buildup after sleeping. What is your evening routine like? In the evenings, I wash with our Balancing Cleanser or Rejuvenating Cleanser if my skin is feeling dry. I always swap either cleanser with our Exfoliating Cleanser 2-3 times a week and leave this on for 15-20 mins before rinsing.  Then, I follow with our enhancements: Cellular C Serum, Peptide Eye Cream, and Healing Enzyme Serum as a spot treatment if I have breakouts. I seal everything in with our Bioactive Regenerating Oil.  On the weekends, I use our Time Defense Mask and read for 20-30 minutes while it’s on. I also do facial gua sha at least  3 times a week, paying particular attention to the tension in my neck.  How did you decide to create a clean skincare line? My passion for clean beauty started with a fertility class I took in acupuncture graduate school in 2005. I was in my mid-30s and had heard that I was “hormonally old” by Western medical standards. At the time, soy was very trendy and I ate tons of soy pasta, soy protein drinks, and soy crackers. The midwife who taught the fertility class helped me see that my overconsumption of soy was disrupting my fertility. Because of her, I completely changed my diet and became pregnant with my first son at 36.  Twenty-five weeks into my pregnancy, I began contracting and was put on full-time bedrest. I had fibroids the size of grapefruits and needed to prevent them from growing by reducing stress and avoiding all hormone disruptors–or else risk losing my son. Cleaning up my beauty routine was at the top of my list, but there weren’t a lot of clean brands at the time. That’s when I learned that the US has extremely lax ingredient regulations and started ordering skincare from the UK where they have more stringent guidelines.  My son was born at 37 weeks and I’m confident that the changes I made mattered. After he was born, I continued the clean lifestyle, the fibroids shrunk, and at age 40 I had my second son. I have since devoted a large part of my acupuncture practice to hormone health. When Tori and I opened our first spa together in 2011, we knew we wanted to educate others on the hidden toxins in beauty–that’s how the idea for TOMA was born.  How did you get introduced to acupuncture in the first place? In my 20s and 30s, I worked long hours and traveled constantly. I was so burned out that I started to get terrible migraines. My roommate suggested I try acupuncture. To be honest, the first experience freaked me out: I had no idea I could feel that relaxed with just needles! I kept going and with every treatment, I was able to tune into my body more and begin to recognize my migraine triggers.  What finally got you to make the switch from the corporate world to holistic health? My acupuncturist was a founder of my acupuncture school so we often spoke about me going to school–but I never thought I would actually do it because I was already in my mid-30s. Then 9/11 happened. I was in my office in Pentagon City and remember it like it was yesterday. Shortly after, I met up with some friends and we talked about what we really wanted to do with our lives. I said I wanted to go to acupuncture school– it was the first time I had said it out loud. What have you learned through your work with clients in your acupuncture practice?I attract clients who were like me years ago. We talk about the effects of stress on their body, mind and spirit and how it can impact pain, fertility, migraines, menopause, insomnia and more. I love working with these clients and believe that they continue to show up in my life as a reminder to pay attention to my own balance. In 5-element acupuncture, we talk about the energy of our words and their impact on our body, mind and spirit. I can’t actively participate in these conversations if I’m not doing the work, too. How do you approach your own wellness now? Today at 52, I’m learning to embrace the aging process. I now appreciate my body and don’t worry about changing it as much as supporting what it needs.  What other daily practices do you rely on to feel your best? My entire family got trained in transcendental meditation several years ago and it continues to be an essential practice for me. When I’m with my husband and kids, we love to go biking, take a hike, or cook a meal together.  It’s a delicate dance but sometimes I need to recharge on my own. No matter how tired I am, I end every night with a book. It’s a must for me to let go of the day and relax my mind just before turning out the light. What transformation do you hope to see in the TOMA community through your work? I hope our community can see that we are passionate about helping them cultivate wellness in all aspects, not just skincare. I’d love to see that, through TOMA, they are not only enjoying radiant skin but also paying closer attention to the other pieces in the puzzle that support their overall wellbeing.  What larger change do you hope your work will help spark? This is a huge question and one I ask myself often. From a health perspective, I’d love to be part of the movement that requires beauty companies to remove toxic ingredients and be more transparent. As a founder, I’d love to help female business owners who are starting out. We’ve experienced firsthand that women are not supported enough in business–I want to be part of changing that. 

As winter gives way to the sunny days of spring, new life is all around us. The markets are abundant with tender greens and plump red berries as we enjoy longer days. But as we make this seasonal transition, we’re also exposed to a host of pesticides and hormone disruptors that can make it difficult for our bodies to do what comes naturally. Here are a few simple ways to avoid toxins and support your body’s natural detoxification processes as we welcome spring.  Buy Organic Berries & Greens  Fragrant, ruby-red strawberries are one of the best things about spring. But strawberries are also the most heavily sprayed crop. Spinach, kale, and mustard greens– reaching peak season in spring–are also heavily treated with pesticides. To ensure that your body is receiving beneficial nutrients without toxic chemicals, shop organic versions of these nourishing spring ingredients. They will cost a little more than the conventional varieties, but you can make up for the extra investment by buying conventional versions of spring veg like asparagus and shelling peas–these crops are not heavily sprayed and are ready-to-eat with just a simple wash. For more information on how to avoid toxins in produce, check out the EWG’s Dirty Dozen list to discover which ingredients you should always buy organic.  Support Your Liver with Herbal Bitters In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is ruled by the wood element, which is associated with the liver. When the liver is not functioning at its best, TCM tells us that we might notice neck tension, digestive upset, hormonal mood swings, irritability and sleep disturbances. In addition to eating plenty of fresh leafy greens, you can also support your liver’s natural detoxification processes with herbal bitters. The bitter flavor awakens the liver–just a few dashes of herbal bitters in a small amount of water is all it takes. You can find herbal bitters, often made with ingredients like dandelion, artichoke leaf or citrus peel, at your local health food store.  Show Your Lymph Some Love  Our lymphatic system is essential to hormone regulation and the processing of both internal and external toxins. When our lymphatic system is not functioning at its best, we might feel tired, bloated, or notice puffiness in our hands and feet. Regular exercise and healthy eating are essential to keeping your lymph system healthy, but surface-level treatments like dry brushing and gua sha can also help get your lymph moving. We like dry brushing before bathing, on dry skin using gentle sweeping motions towards the heart. Apply body oil after bathing to soothe and hydrate the skin. To de-puff your face, check out our Facial Sculpting System, which comes with a soothing oil and step-by-step instructions.  Detoxing doesn’t require an austere juice cleanse or other extreme measures: our bodies naturally detoxify themselves with wisdom perfected over millennia of evolution. But today, we’re also exposed to many chemicals and pollutants that are unique to modern living. By simply supporting the body’s natural detoxification–and doing our best to limit our exposure to toxins we know don’t serve us–we can keep ourselves feeling well all year long.