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Mother Essentials: Jessica & Adrienne Bragdon of Koala Eco

Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano

As identical twin sisters and co-workers on the plant-based cleaning and personal care brand Koala Eco (which uses Australian essential oils)—Jessica Bragdon (Koala Eco’s co-founder, alongside her husband Paul) and Adrienne Bragdon (Koala Eco’s USA Director) share numerous things in common. Not only do they both work diligently on the Koala Eco brand, they are also each raising two boys apiece—a teen and tween son—the youngest pair born only 8 days apart! Although there are differences for sure (Adrienne lives in Sonoma and also works as a clinical therapist at a hospice, and Jessica is currently relocating from Nicaragua to California, after living in Sydney)—we found it sweet that their Mother Essentials lists also feature some overlap. Read their favorite earth-friendly home and beauty picks, favorite reads, and more—below!

Adrienne Bragdon, Mother to Weston, 15, and Charlie, 12

True Botanicals Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm. “This stuff just melts the day (and my makeup) right off. My skin never feels stripped, just ready.” Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm, $41.60, True Botanicals.

Wonder Valley Face Oil. “I pretty much love everything they make, but their Face Oil is especially fantastic—lightweight but deeply nourishing, leaving my face feeling amazing.” Face Oil, $85, Wonder Valley.

Dr. Bronner’s Fair Trade Plain Coconut Oil. “Seriously underrated. My secret weapon for eye makeup removal and a quick hit of moisture.” Dr. Bronner’s Virgin Coconut Oil, $14.99, Grove Collaborative.

Gucci Westman Baby Cheeks Powder Blush Duo. “Perfect for faking a full eight hours of sleep and getting that natural, healthy flush.” Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Powder Blush Duo, $75, Sephora.

Westbourne Avocado Oil. “My essential for so many kitchen creations. Also, when I am cooking, I usually have on my Hedley & Bennett essential apron in midnight blue.” Westbourne Organic 100% Pure Avocado Oil, $24.99, Grove Collaborative. Essential Apron, $86, Hedley & Bennett.

Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum. “It’s a powerhouse for giving my skin that extra boost.” Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum, $215, Revolve.

Moon Juice Magnesi-Om. “My nightly ritual. I swear by it for actually shutting down and getting some decent sleep.” Moon Juice Magnesi-Om, $44, Sephora.

Koala Eco Dish Soap. “Smells so incredible. Mandarin is a happy oil. Tough on grease, kind on my hands. No nasty chemicals, just clean.” Lemon Myrtle & Mandarin Essential Oil Dish Soap, $11.90, Koala Eco.

Koala Eco Multi-Purpose Kitchen Cleaner. “It tackles kitchen messes like no other, leaves things smelling fresh and clean.” Lemon Myrtle & Mandarin Essential Oil Multi-Purpose Kitchen Cleaner, $11.90, Koala Eco.

Sonoma Watmaugh Strawberries. “When they’re in season, nothing beats these. Pure sweetness, pure joy.” Watmaugh Strawberries via Facebook.

My Current Book. “I always have a book to unwind before bed. It’s essential for unplugging. Right now, it’s Martyr by Kaveh Akbar.” Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar, $16.74, Bookshop.

Jessica Bragdon, Mother to Emerson, 14, and Arthur, 12 

Cornstarch Powder by Ere Perez. “A minimalist staple. Light, breathable, and no questionable ingredients.” Ere Perez Corn Setting Powder, $40, Credo.

Scribe Winery. “Their wines feel like California in a bottle. There’s a sense of reverence for the land and process that I admire.” ScribeWinery.com.

Mother SPF. “A top-tier mineral SPF that feels like skincare, not sunscreen. Clean, effective, and no white cast.” MotherSPF.com.

Moon Juice Electrolyte + Mineral Supplement. “A simple ritual: I stir this into water, it tastes good, hydrates, and feels like a small act of self-care.” Mini Dew, $44, Moon Juice.

Koala Eco Rosalina & Peppermint Hand Wash. “I love peppermint, and this blend with rosalina is fresh, gentle, and grounding. It’s made with Australian essential oils and keeps hands clean without drying them out. A little luxury for something we all do a dozen times a day.” Rosalina, Peppermint Essential Oil Hand Wash, $18, Koala Eco.

True Botanicals Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm. “This is my go-to cleanser. I’m obsessed with how it melts away makeup and sunscreen without stripping moisture. I love all their products, and I really admire the founder, Hillary Peterson.” Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm, $41.60, True Botanicals.

Cisco & the Sun. “Handcrafted ceramics designed in Western Australia. The textures are beautiful, the forms understated. Their pieces make daily rituals feel more intentional.” CiscoAndTheSunHome.com.

Koala Eco Glass Cleaner. “I remember cleaning the mirror while holding my breath, watching Windex mist across the kids’ toothbrushes—and thinking, this can’t be the best option. This one is plant-based, uses real peppermint essential oil, and actually works. A small switch that made a big difference.” Peppermint Essential Oil Glass Cleaner, $11.90, Koala Eco.

Favorite Reads. “I’m reading Ocean Vuong’s latest novel, The Emperor of Gladness. His debut, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, stayed with me. I always have a business or child psychology book somewhere on-the-go, and Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard is a favourite for its clarity and purpose.” The Emperor of Gladness, $27.90, Bookshop. On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, $16.74, Bookshop. Let My People Go Surfing, $20.46, Bookshop.

Fu Wax. “The boys are loving this Brazilian-made surf wax for its next-level traction—especially in the warmer waters of Nicaragua. They talk about it a lot.” FuWaxUSA.com.

For more MOTHER ESSENTIALS, peep our recent features on actress & activist Hilary Swank, the co-founders of Hearth Display, author and organizer Aida Mariam Davis, design consultant Joyce Lee, self-care advocate Rachel Garahan, DJ Va$htie Kola, designer Rebecca Minkoff, VEERT founder Julia Lang, cookbook author Jenné ClaiborneNeha Ruch of Mother Untitled, model, writer, and activist Cameron Russell, author Nasozi Kakembo, kid-lit talent Bo Lu, artist Suzy Ultman, Super Smalls founder Maria Duenas Jacob, Lanee Slaughter of MAMA & OG, and the mamas behind MAJO IDEAS.

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