With the holiday season in full swing, you may be searching for unique, local products that are environmentally friendly. Just the Goods, a local handmade skincare line, might be just what you need.

Milena Placentile, the 33-year-old creator of the skincare line, believes that feeling good doesn’t have to involve harmful chemicals.

“Every day indulgences shouldn’t cost the earth or our health - and it should be affordable to look and feel good. Other products give us unnecessary exposure to petrochemicals, artificial preservatives, fragrances and dyes,” she said in a recent interview.

Walking into Placentile’s Logan Avenue lab, smells of lavender and peppermint fill the room and neatly stacked products fill the shelves.

A mixer with toothpaste in it is her latest product, and has been quite popular in the United States. Customers from as far away as Switzerland and Singapore also enjoy the homemade line.

“People love my toothpaste because it doesn’t contain any sugars or colours, nor does it contain fluoride - (it) is much gentler than other toothpastes containing baking soda,” Placentile said.

As an art curator, Placentile is the sole proprietor of Just the Goods and takes a very hands-on approach to ensure all her products are at the highest level of quality.

“I conduct research, source ingredients, develop recipes, produce and package every item by hand, and take care of all sales, distribution and customer service,” she said.

“ I conduct research, source ingredients, develop recipes, produce and package every item by hand, and take care of all sales, distribution and customer service.

Milena Placentile, Just the Goods

Her knowledge about the research and ingredients of her products show her dedication and passion.

“I won’t put out products I don’t feel are the highest quality and that I wouldn’t use myself.”

Placentile is a firm believer in using products that are safe for everyone, and is also concerned with animal testing. Most of her products are vegan because they contain natural ingredients instead of substances like petroleum.

“I believe vegan lifestyle choices offer a smaller ecological footprint and are thus more sustainable,” she said.

As for this holiday season, you can find luxurious products to pamper your friends, family and, of course, yourself. Bestsellers such as shaving solids, body butter and toothpaste are great options to support local products and try something different.

Mojito scent, featuring peppermint and lime essential oils, is a unique scent that is excellent for body butters, and a great idea way to get your mojito fix.

Personally, my favorite was the “Spicy Nights” perfume oil containing cinnamon and sweet orange - it sounds edible and has a warm, fruity scent to it.

Prices range from $3 to $14, making them very affordable. Turning in your body butter jar to be refilled cuts down the waste of unnecessary packaging and saves the customer a few dollars.

Just the Goods are available online and at local craft shows in the city. Visit www.justthegoods.net.