A severe allergic reaction to a lip balm with a long list of components sent Dr. Ann Nguyen-Chung on a search for something better—personal care products made with a few clean, recognizable ingredients she could trust. What began as a personal solution evolved into a mission-driven brand informed by a healthcare mindset and a dedication to creating kinder choices for people, animals, and the planet. Her company, Hippotanicals, a PETA Business Friend, prioritizes integrity, wellness, and leaving a lasting positive impact. PETA Prime chatted with Dr. Nguyen-Chung about her journey to becoming a wellness entrepreneur and why compassion guides her work every day.
Your journey started with a personal allergic reaction that changed everything. Can you share that moment and how it led to the creation of Hippotanicals?
Hippotanicals began with a reaction I never expected. In 2020, I developed an allergic reaction after using a conventional lip balm. As a dentist, I was already in the habit of reading ingredient labels, but with such a long list of ingredients, even I couldn’t determine what had caused the reaction.
Frustrated and looking for a better solution, I started making my own lip balms using simple, plant-based ingredients I could recognize and trust. As I shared them with friends, family, and patients, I began hearing similar stories about sensitivities, allergies, and confusion over ingredient lists.
The more conversations I had, the more I realized there was a need for personal care products that were simple, transparent, and thoughtfully made. What started as a personal solution ultimately became Hippotanicals.
As a dentist, how did your medical background shape your approach to creating plant-based, minimal-ingredient products?
Being a dentist has shaped everything about how I approach product development. In healthcare, we’re trained to look at evidence, identify root causes, and focus on prevention.
I bring that same mindset to Hippotanicals. Whenever I’m reviewing a formula, I ask a simple question: Does this ingredient truly need to be here? If it doesn’t serve a meaningful purpose, I prefer to leave it out.
I believe people deserve products that are both effective and easy to understand. Sometimes simpler really is better.
Why was it important to you to create products that are both vegan and cruelty-free?
Creating vegan and cruelty-free products was a natural reflection of my values. My own health journey led me toward a more plant-based lifestyle, and over time, I became more mindful of how my choices affect animals and the environment.
I don’t believe personal care products should come at the expense of animals when there are so many effective plant-based alternatives available. My hope is that Hippotanicals makes compassionate choices simple, accessible, and enjoyable.
What does being a “compassionate CEO” mean to you personally?
To me, being a compassionate CEO means remembering that business is ultimately about serving others.
That perspective is reinforced by the animals in my own life. Lucy, our 16-year-old dog, joined our family when a neighbor could no longer keep her. During COVID, we adopted Adeline, a rescue cat who brought comfort and joy during an uncertain season. They remind me every day of the value of compassion and the responsibility we have to care for the animals entrusted to us.
My faith has also shaped how I lead. I strive to be a good steward of the opportunities I’ve been given and to build a business that reflects kindness, respect, and care for others.
Hippotanicals products are made with 12 or fewer ingredients and biodegradable packaging. What inspired this commitment to simplicity and sustainability?
After experiencing my allergic reaction, I became increasingly focused on ingredient transparency. I wanted to create products that people could easily understand and feel good about using.
That’s why our products contain 12 or fewer ingredients. By keeping formulas simple and intentional, consumers know exactly what they’re putting on their bodies.
The same philosophy applies to our packaging. If we’re caring for ourselves, we should also be mindful of how our choices affect the environment.
Giving back is clearly a core part of your brand. Can you share more about the causes Hippotanicals supports and why they matter to you?
Giving back has always been part of the vision for Hippotanicals. We support causes that reflect our values, including animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and humanitarian efforts.
We are proud supporters of organizations such as PETA and International Justice Mission. Their work reflects our belief that compassion should extend beyond ourselves and into the lives of both animals and people.
I believe business can be a force for good, and I hope Hippotanicals can play a small part in making a positive difference.
What’s next for you and Hippotanicals—anything exciting on the horizon?
We’re excited to continue growing while staying true to the values that inspired Hippotanicals from the beginning.
As more consumers seek simple, plant-based, cruelty-free products, we’re grateful for opportunities to expand through retail, hospitality, and wholesale partnerships.
What excites me most isn’t growth itself. It’s the opportunity to help more people discover that caring for themselves, caring for animals, and caring for the planet can go hand in hand.
