BY ANGEL FUCHS
Based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Peak Scents is a woman-owned, small-batch skincare brand dedicated to clean, plant-based, and eco-conscious beauty. Founded in 1993 by herbalist DeeAnn Tracy, Peak Scents was born out of her need for high- quality, natural products made from the gifts provided by the earth.
Tracy was born and raised in Arizona. Her mother was an herbalist and instilled in her a deep respect and love for the outdoors. “As a second-generation herbalist, I grew up learning from my mother, who taught me to understand plants not just for their uses, but for their wisdom,” said Tracy. “Her teachings shaped my approach to formulation and inspired the foundation of Peak Scents.”
As an avid outdoor adventurer, Tracy found that the elements were tough on her skin and most of the products available in-store were full of chemicals. She studied herbal medicine at The Southwest School of Botanical Medicine, and spent time working as a rafting guide on the Colorado River and managing her family’s herbal apothecary, Winter Sun Trading Botanical skincare line takes clean beauty to new heights
Based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Peak Scents is a woman-owned, small-batch skincare brand dedicated to clean, plant-based, and eco-conscious beauty. Founded in 1993 by herbalist DeeAnn Tracy, Peak Scents was born out of her need for high- quality, natural products made from the gifts provided by the earth.
Tracy was born and raised in Arizona. Her mother was an herbalist and instilled in her a deep respect and love for the outdoors. “As a second-generation herbalist, I grew up learning from my mother, who taught me to understand plants not just for their uses, but for their wisdom,” said Tracy. “Her teachings shaped my approach to formulation and inspired the foundation of Peak Scents.”
As an avid outdoor adventurer, Tracy found that the elements were tough on her skin and most of the products available in-store were full of chemicals. She studied herbal medicine at The Southwest School of Botanical Medicine, and spent time working as a rafting guide on the Colorado River and managing her family’s herbal apothecary, Winter Sun Trading Co. Drawing on her knowledge of both the outdoors and of botanical medicine, she began formulating natural, non-toxic skincare products.
“At the time, there wasn’t much conversation about toxic ingredients in everyday skincare, but I could see how much the industry lacked transparency,” said Tracy. “I felt called to create products that genuinely worked, without the harmful additives.”
Guided by the purity and intuitive intelligence of nature, Peak Scents grew from Tracy’s desire to offer honest, effective skincare rooted in the natural world. She named her company Peak Scents after the sacred peaks that surround her hometown of Flagstaff, where she resides with her husband, Eric and teenaged son, Bodhi. Peak Scents follows the core belief that if you wouldn’t eat it, you shouldn’t put it on your skin. All products are plant-based (vegan or “beegan”), cruelty-free, handmade in Flagstaff, and free from toxic ingredients, synthetic fragrances, dyes, and harsh preservatives.
Tracy has grown Peak Scents to encompass four signature lines — Rose Phyto3, Power Repair, Wandering The West, and Peak Scents. Each collection was individually designed to suit different needs and address specific issues, such as anti-aging, hydration, and restoration. The brand offers a diverse range of over 50 products, ensuring there is something for every skin type. Tracy notes that there are additional plans for the brand to grow and glow.
“We’re expanding our signature Peak Scents collection to include masks, body treatments, and a range of new skin-loving essentials,” Tracy said. “Alongside these launches, we’re excited to debut a full rebrand in February, bringing a fresh, elevated look to the products.”
Peak Scents doesn’t stop at natural ingredients — sustainability and community are also top priorities. The company partners with Greenspark, an environmental organization to help offset carbon footprints, and 1% of profits are dedicated to various charitable initiatives aimed at environmental conservation and social welfare. Peak Scents products are also available by the ounce at their in-store refill station, which allows customers to bring in their own containers or pick up a reusable one for refills, thus cutting down on single-use plastic and waste.
“I want people to know that Peak Scents is built with intention. Every product is crafted to be safe, effective, and rooted in nature, free of toxins, fragrance, and unnecessary fillers. We’re a small, woman-owned business that cares deeply about quality, integrity, and the people who use our products.”
