Chris Amendt Combines Conservation and Skincare with Monarch Botanika

By Robert White, Editor-In-Chief

In a time when environmental stewardship is more critical than ever, Chris Amendt has crafted a mission that marries beauty and conservation. As the founder of Monarch Botanika, Amendt uses her unique background in science and a lifelong passion for nature to create skincare products that do more than nourish the skin—they help save the monarch butterfly.

A former board-certified cytotechnologist specializing in cancer diagnosis, Amendt spent 30 years in the medical field before deciding to pursue a path closer to her heart. “I loved working in the medical industry, but I realized that my true passion was in creating spaces that benefit the planet, wildlife, and pollinators,” she says. Leaving her corporate career behind, Amendt embarked on a journey to restore habitats and conserve monarch populations in her Southern California community.

Monarch butterflies, vital pollinators whose populations have declined by over 80% in some areas, became a central focus of Amendt’s mission. Her work began with the installation of pollinator habitats on a local golf course. “I noticed there were areas of unused land and asked if I could transform them into habitats,” Amendt explains. “Within three months, monarchs were breeding there. It proved how quickly we can make a difference when we act intentionally.”

From these conservation efforts, Monarch Botanika was born. The brand’s cornerstone is cold-pressed milkweed seed oil, derived from the monarch butterfly’s exclusive host plant. “Milkweed is essential for monarchs, but it’s often overlooked or dismissed as a weed,” Amendt notes. By incorporating this nutrient-rich oil into her products, Amendt not only showcases its skincare benefits but also brings attention to its ecological importance. “The oil is rich in omega fatty acids, creating a long-lasting moisture barrier without being greasy. It’s unlike anything else I’ve worked with,” she says.

Monarch Botanika’s mission extends beyond beauty. Five percent of profits support Native Monarchs, a nonprofit Amendt founded to restore critical habitats. “When you purchase our products, you’re contributing directly to conservation,” Amendt emphasizes. Her commitment to sustainability includes educating others about creating pollinator-friendly spaces, even in urban environments.

Amendt’s journey from corporate professional to conservation advocate underscores the power of passion and purpose. “I wanted to create something that benefits people and the planet,” she says. With Monarch Botanika, Amendt is proving that skincare can be more than self-care—it can be a tool for meaningful change.