Behind the Brand: Solterra Tribe's Clean Beauty Story

Solterra Tribe is one of the 150+ standout brands in the 10th Clean Beauty Awards, and their story is one of purpose, innovation, and integrity. Founded by a biochemist and former industry whistleblower, the brand is redefining lip care with edible, nutrient-rich formulas and dissolvable, eco-friendly packaging. This behind-the-scenes look reveals how Solterra Tribe is challenging conventional beauty standards and why their clean beauty story is a powerful example of what the future of skincare can—and should—look like.

A Radical Reimagining of Lip Care

Solterra Tribe was created to challenge the beauty industry's reliance on synthetic, overcomplicated formulas and wasteful packaging. Founder Preema Sarkar identified a gap in truly clean, nutrient-rich lip care—most so-called "natural" lip balms still contained hidden additives, and sustainable options often fell short on performance. With Lip Bloom, she merged her biotech background and Ayurvedic heritage to develop a four-ingredient, edible lip balm that deeply nourishes without toxins or fillers. Solterra Tribe’s mission is clear: to offer a luxurious yet sustainable alternative to conventional beauty products—radically pure, effective, and planet-friendly.

Values That Shape Every Formula

Solterra Tribe is guided by five unwavering values: transparency, longevity, sustainability, true science, and effectiveness. Preema believes that what goes on our skin should be as nourishing and safe as what we eat. That’s why every formula is crafted with real, edible, fair-trade ingredients—free from toxins, fillers, and synthetics. Ghee, a vitamin-rich superfood, is at the core of every product, delivering deep, lasting nourishment. From dissolvable outer packaging to refillable aluminum and bamboo components, the brand is fiercely committed to minimizing environmental impact. Every product is a blend of biotech innovation and Ayurvedic wisdom, formulated with integrity and intention. Solterra Tribe isn’t just a brand—it’s a movement to redefine beauty.

A Founder’s Fight for Truth and Transparency

"Authority is a challenge. I am often hushed by large corporations that prioritize profits over people’s well-being. I know this firsthand, I once blew the whistle on a major conglomerate that was harming millions, and the only way to expose it was through an alias and the media. This experience cemented my belief that these companies, with their endless resources, will continue to mislead consumers while feeding their bottom line. Yet, people are demanding better, and I refuse to let truly safe and effective products be overlooked. Lip balm, one of the most-used personal care items, is often dismissed just like small businesses that don’t have massive budgets. I have been overlooked too, despite my expertise in food and drug safety, simply because I am not tied to a big corporation. But with Solterra Tribe, I am proving that a small brand with integrity and science-backed innovation can disrupt the industry, one conscious consumer at a time."
— Preema Sarkar, Founder of Solterra Tribe

What Makes Solterra Tribe Different

Solterra Tribe is transforming lip care through the power of ghee—a nutrient-dense superfood rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K. Led by biochemist and risk assessment expert Preema Sarkar, the brand is grounded in science, trust, and radical purity. Solterra Tribe goes beyond non-toxic, embracing sustainable beauty with dissolvable, plastic-free packaging made from bamboo and aluminum. They are redefining an overlooked staple—lip balm—by turning it into a high-performance, deeply nourishing product that customers love. With rave reviews praising its non-greasy feel and efficacy, it’s no wonder the product has a growing base of loyal fans. And with every purchase wrapped in sustainable, dissolvable packaging, customers are joining a movement that’s kind to both skin and planet.

The Moment That Sparked a Movement

Solterra Tribe was born from a moment of clarity. After another draining day working on billion-dollar pharmaceuticals, Preema Sarkar found herself questioning why personal care products—used every single day—weren’t held to the same safety standards. Armed with her background in biotech and a deep-rooted connection to Indian wellness, she envisioned something different. Lip Bloom was created not just as a product, but as a statement: skincare should be as pure and nourishing as the food we eat. Today, Solterra Tribe is living proof that science, simplicity, and sustainability can thrive together.

"Being part of the Clean Beauty Awards is more than just a milestone—it’s proof that the future of beauty belongs to brands that refuse to cut corners. I built Solterra Tribe because I was tired of ‘clean’ products that were only halfway honest. As a biochemist who literally does risk assessments in food and drug safety for a living, I know what’s safe, what’s not, and what consumers truly deserve. This recognition validates our mission to create skincare that’s not just non-toxic, but nutrient-dense, edible, and wrapped in radically sustainable packaging. It’s a win for transparency, a win for the planet, and a win for every customer who believes clean beauty should be better. Solterra Tribe is here to change the game, and this award proves we’re doing just that."
— Preema Sarkar, Founder of Solterra Tribe

Solterra Tribe is one of the 150+ brands honored to participate in the 10th Clean Beauty Awards, and it’s clear why. With a bold mission to challenge industry norms, founder Preema Sarkar has fused biotech expertise and Ayurvedic wisdom to create a lip balm that’s radically clean, nourishing, and sustainable. From edible ingredients to plastic-free packaging, Solterra Tribe represents the next generation of clean beauty—where science, safety, and environmental responsibility are non-negotiable. Follow their inspiring journey and get a glimpse behind the scenes on Instagram @solterra.tribe.

Want to explore the best of clean beauty this year? Check out the 2025 Clean Beauty Awards Ultimate Guide for the standout products and brands that are leading the movement.