Showcasing an unwavering resilience and commitment to quality, Sandra Charbonneau’s professional journey spans two decades. Since 2007, she has owned SanRe Organic Skinfood, a company she co-founded with her mother in Sarasota, Florida. Inspired by their European heritage and a deep-rooted belief in the healing power of plants, Ms. Charbonneau and her mother set out to create skin care products that met their own rigorous standards for safety and efficacy. Drawing on her background in dental hygiene and her mother’s experience as aesthetician, they identified a gap in the market for truly nourishing, chemical-free skin care products. Their early formulations were crafted in small batches for family and friends but quickly gained popularity through word of mouth.
As SanRe’s owner, Ms. Charbonneau remains intimately involved in every facet of the business. She personally researches new ingredients, formulates each product batch and oversees packaging, labeling and shipping with the support of her dedicated staff. Ms. Charbonneau’s approach is defined by a hands-on philosophy that ensures each product reflects her high standards. SanRe Organic Skinfood has been distinguished since 2010 by its U.S. Department of Agriculture-certified organic status — a rare achievement in the industry that requires annual renewal and strict adherence to protocols. The company also maintains membership in the Leaping Bunny Program and the American Anti-Vivisection Society, underscoring its commitment to cruelty-free practices.
Before founding SanRe, Ms. Charbonneau worked as a dental hygienist. She earned her Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene in 2001. Ms. Charbonneau’s academic journey included economics studies in her home country of Lithuania and coursework in skin care at Sarasota Community College. These educational experiences provided a foundation for her scientific approach to product formulation and business management.
Among her career accomplishments, Ms. Charbonneau is particularly proud of the company’s presence in Whole Foods for over 15 years, reflecting both perseverance and adaptability in a competitive landscape. Her dedication to clean beauty is evident in her refusal to compromise on quality or transparency. Ms. Charbonneau has turned down major investment offers to preserve the integrity of her formulas and has prioritized customer trust over rapid expansion. Products like Siesta Sunset moisturizer have become enduring favorites, with more than 85% of customers returning for repeat purchases — a testament to both product efficacy and brand loyalty.
Ms. Charbonneau attributes much of her success to patience, perseverance and a genuine passion for her craft. She credits her loyal customers for fueling her drive to innovate and maintain excellence.
Throughout her career, Ms. Charbonneau has been guided by a mission to educate women about ingredient safety and empower them to make informed choices for themselves and their families. Her advocacy extends beyond product development. Ms. Charbonneau regularly produces educational content focused on label literacy, holistic wellness and embracing natural aging rather than pursuing unattainable ideals of youthfulness. As a breast cancer survivor, she brings personal insight into the importance of minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals in personal care products.
Further demonstrating Ms. Charbonneau’s commitment to community service, she has regularly donated to camps supporting children with Down syndrome and autism since 2012. She also volunteers at animal shelters and supports initiatives providing respite for parents caring for children with special needs.
Noted for her extensive achievements in the field, Ms. Charbonneau’s work has been recognized with a number of noteworthy honors. Most notably, she has received the Queen Beauty Award and multiple Clean Beauty Awards.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Ms. Charbonneau is a devoted wife and a loving mother to two adult children. She is also excited to become a grandmother later this year. Her daughter has played an active role in the SanRe business by contributing marketing ideas and inspiring new product lines, such as lip glosses designed with ingredient safety in mind. Ms. Charbonneau finds fulfillment through outdoor activities such as pickleball, hiking and swimming in the lake near her home in Young Harris, Georgia. She enjoys beekeeping, cooking for her family and growing lavender for use in homemade scrubs.
Looking ahead, Ms. Charbonneau is focused on increasing sales and awareness about clean beauty despite the challenges posed by an oversaturated social media landscape. She remains dedicated to serving both new and returning customers while nurturing the possibility that her daughter may one day continue the family legacy of authenticity, education and integrity at SanRe Organic Skinfood.