Beauty

THE CLEAN BEAUTY AISLE

She’s 15, Founder of an Instant-Hit PMS Company—and Obsessed With Clean Beauty

Written by: Jean Godfrey-June

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Published on: September 17, 2024

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“Never too busy for a trip to MECCA,” laughs Zoe Leffler, a 15-year-old soccer star and high school student and the founder of a burgeoning new PMS-relief brand, Cycl. Her mom, Ronit Leffler, director at Cycl., agrees. Though the family toggles between Melbourne and Marin County, Melbourne is currently their base, and the sleek, chic MECCA store on High Street in Armadale is a deeply alluring distraction.

Balancing work and life can be challenging for both Zoe and Ronit. In just two years, Cycl., an herbal gummy supplement, has made it into 1,900 Target stores in the US; the business is a full-on family affair. “My mom, dad, and uncle are all deeply involved in the daily operations,” says Zoe. “They keep me grounded and supported.”

PMS cramps that were bad enough to interfere with soccer prompted Zoe—who got her period at age 10—to start looking for relief in a form that was easy to take and nonpharmaceutical. Made with chasteberry extract, dong quai, lemon balm, and vitamin B6, the soft Cycl. gummies have a delicious citrus-strawberry flavor. “They drastically ease my PMS symptoms,” says Zoe. As the brand has grown, it has donated 50 percent of its profits to SafiCycle, which delivers period support, education, and underwear to young women in Kenya. “The company is as much about making a positive impact as it is about period relief,” says Ronit.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, both mother and daughter are huge clean beauty fans. At MECCA, they stocked up on their favorites.

RONIT'S SHOPPING LIST

“As I’ve aged, my beauty routine has become more refined,” says Ronit. “I look for gentle, clean products—I’m sensitive to toxins—that work together for the best results.”

  1. goop Beauty
    Dark Spot Exfoliating Sleep Milk
    $98/ $89 with subscription
    “I put this on before bed, and it visibly brightens my skin by morning.”
    SHOP NOW
  2. ILIA
    Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
    goop, $48
    “For the perfect amount of color and maximum sun protection.”
    SHOP NOW
  3. Kosas
    Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer and Daytime Eye Cream
    goop, $30
    This concealer is just excellent.”
    SHOP NOW
  1. Osea
    Ocean Cleansing Milk
    Mecca, $90
    “I love the smell, and it leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated.”
    SHOP NOW
  2. Innersense
    Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave In Conditioner
    Innersense, $28
    This is perfect for my curly hair—it keeps my curls defined and hydrated.”
    SHOP NOW

ZOE'S SHOPPING LIST

Zoe characterizes her routine as “straightforward,” but she loves color, especially on her lips.

  1. goop Beauty
    Clean Nourishing Lip Balm Trio
    goop, $48
    “My lips are naturally plump, and these balms keep them super hydrated without being sticky.”
    SHOP NOW
  2. goop Beauty
    Himalayan Salt Scalp Scrub Shampoo
    goop, $55
    “I can suffer from dermatitis, and I love that this is gentle and effective. It leaves both my hair and scalp feeling very clean.”
    SHOP NOW
  3. Saie
    Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil
    goop, $22
    “Saie is one of my favorite brands, and I love the colors and the hydration.”
    SHOP NOW
  1. Kosas
    DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40
    goop, $40
    This really protects my skin and feels light, and it’s got a lovely glowing finish.”
    SHOP NOW
  2. Grown Alchemist
    Deep Cleansing Facial Masque
    Grown Alchemist, $32
    “I love supporting local Australian brands. This mask leaves my skin feeling clean, soft, and firm.”
    SHOP NOW