What do clean beauty and a Disney classic have in common? A magical new collaboration, of course. Canadian skincare brand Birch Babe has teamed up with Disney for a limited-edition Freshen Up Facial Cleansing Gel inspired by the multi-generational fun of Freaky Friday. Available only until August 31, this gentle, all-natural cleanser is perfect for teens, moms, and everyone in between. We caught up with Birch Babe’s CEO Kelsey Irvine to talk about the collab, clean beauty, and why this summer essential deserves a starring role in your skincare lineup. —Noa Nichol
1. This collab is seriously cool. How did the collaboration with Disney’s Freakier Friday come about, and what made it the perfect match for Birch Babe?
We’re a mom-and-daughter-run brand, so when the opportunity came up to collaborate with Disney’s Freakier Friday, the sequel to a nostalgic film all about family, connection, and (literal) role reversals, it just felt freakily aligned. Birch Babe was founded by a mom (our mom!) and is now run by her daughters, so this collaboration hits close to home in the best way.
Plus, the movie’s theme of transformation aligns beautifully with what skincare is all about, refreshing your routine and feeling good in your skin. We can’t wait to see it once it hits theatres on August 8!
2. The Freshen Up Facial Cleansing Gel is designed for everyone, which fits so well with the film’s multi-generational theme. Was that intentional from the start?
Absolutely. From the very beginning, we knew we wanted to launch a product that was gentle enough for all phases of life and for whatever skin you’re in that day, while also being effective enough to deliver real results. A gel cleanser has been our most requested product, and this was the perfect opportunity to launch one that could be shared across generations, gentle enough for those just starting their skincare journey, but effective enough for adults and parents who’ve tried it all.
Freshen Up is safe for sensitive skin, pH-balanced, and packed with ingredients that work across the board. And at $35, it’s totally accessible for everyone. So, was the timing intentional? Not exactly. But the way it came together felt freakily perfect.
3. We love that the cleanser is clean, Canadian, and super gentle. What ingredients are doing the heavy lifting, and why was it important to keep it natural?
We wanted to formulate a cleanser that felt good to use and actually worked. One that could melt away long-wear makeup, sweat, oil, and even mineral sunscreen but still feels gentle, hydrating, and never leaves skin stripped.
Organic aloe vera, cucumber, and green tea are the stars of the show, with a splash of natural lime for the most refreshing reset. Aloe hydrates and cleanses without disrupting the skin’s natural barrier. Cucumber is naturally soothing and hydrating, making it perfect for irritated or post-sun skin. Green tea is packed with antioxidants and helps keep skin balanced and calm.
Like all Birch Babe products, Freshen Up is certified all-natural, vegan, cruelty-free, and made and packaged in Ontario, Canada. It was important to us to create something that supports your skin’s natural oils and pH while being genuinely enjoyable for everyone to use.
4. Birch Babe is known for its beautiful packaging, but this limited-edition for Disney’s Freakier Friday version is next-level. Can you spill the tea on how the design came together?
We had so much fun designing this one! As soon as we saw the poster, we were over the moon. It was bold, fun, and nostalgic, everything that represents our brand and ethos.
We’re all about high-quality skincare for the low-maintenance babe, and the lead character dancing on the packaging captured that vibe perfectly. It was such a natural fit, nothing felt forced, which is when you know it’s the right collab.
We even switched up the box to include a custom die-cut insert (not just an add-on card). We wanted the packaging to feel cohesive and iconic, like the film. Something that could be a collector’s item for those who love Disney’s Freakier Friday.
Our designer, Momme Halbe, did such an amazing job pulling it all together. The final result is playful, vibrant and just colourful enough to be fun, while still true to Birch Babe’s elevated everyday aesthetic.
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