Local parents create gentle, botanical skincare line after daughter’s reaction

What began as a routine bath time quickly turned into a moment of panic for Center Moriches parents Carly and Mike Pronski.

Their 6-month-old daughter at the time, who had been using the same baby wash since birth, suddenly broke out in severe hives, covering her body from head to toe.

“I was panicking,” Carly said. “I didn’t know what was happening.”

At first, they weren’t sure what caused it. But after repeated reactions, the answer became clear. It was what they were using to wash her.

“It happened three more times with the same soap,” she said. “That was when we knew it was the soap.”

The experience became a turning point, and ultimately, the beginning of Kindred Naturals, a small, family-founded bath and body brand rooted in botanical ingredients and transparency.

Reading the fine print

Like many new parents, the Pronskis had trusted products labeled “gentle,” “hypoallergenic” and “safe for sensitive skin.” But their daughter’s reaction forced them to take a closer look at what they were using.

“We went down the rabbit hole of what ingredients were in it,” Carly said.

What they found was unsettling: even products marketed for babies often contain synthetic fillers and harsh cleansing agents that can irritate delicate skin.

“That was when we really honed in on just doing soaps and finding one that was truly fragrance-free and safe for all skin,” she said.

Building something better

The couple began searching for a better alternative, but quickly realized it didn’t exist in the way they needed. So, they decided to create it themselves.

“The company started with a want for cleaner products for our child,” Carly said.

What followed was a year-long process of research, testing and development (on top of their full-time jobs and parenting their toddler).

With no background in manufacturing, they worked to find a partner that aligned with their standards, eventually sourcing a manufacturer overseas that could meet strict safety and formulation expectations.

“There was none in the U.S. that truly followed compliant, safe practices,” she said.

After receiving samples, they tested the product the most important way they could—on their own child.

“We used it for three full months to make sure we weren’t having any reaction,” Carly added. “Then we felt committed.”

All natural

At the core of Kindred Naturals is a return to simpler, plant-based ingredients.

Each product is made using botanicals and naturally derived components, including soapwort, a plant historically used as a gentle cleanser for both skin and delicate fabrics, that she said is generally harder to find in beauty products in the U.S. Unlike traditional cleansers, it works without stripping the skin.

“It keeps the microbiome intact,” she explained. “It’s truly a cleanser… It doesn’t strip their skin.”

The philosophy behind the brand is simple: combine nature and nurture, without overcomplicating what already works. Their mission? It’s not to reinvent nature; it’s to listen to it.

Though the company has only recently launched, early feedback from parents has been encouraging.

“There’s been a few parents that said it helped significantly with their eczema,” Carly said.

Others have commented on the subtle, natural scent, derived entirely from botanicals, and how long the clean feeling lasts.

“They still smell fresh the next day… It’s just super clean,” she said.

And perhaps most importantly, their daughter, who inspired the entire brand, approves.

“She points to the bottle every time we get in the bath,” she said with a laugh.

A family-driven brand

Kindred Naturals is very much a partnership between the couple. Carly, a behavior specialist who works with young children, brings firsthand experience connecting with parents and families, while her husband, who has a background in sales, handles the business and marketing side.

Together, they’ve built something that reflects both their professional skills and personal journey.

“Parent-owned-and-operated—that’s really it,” she said.

What’s next

For now, the brand is focused on its initial soap offering, available online and through social media. But expansion is already in the works.

Just this week, they announced the second product in their line: “The Nightly Reset” lotion for parents. Carly said this magnesium-based lotion is a simple, clean way for parents to wind down at the end of the day, helping support rest and relaxation without synthetic fragrances or harsh ingredients.

“After struggling to find products we truly trusted for our own family, we wanted something that felt calming, effective and safe to use at night,” she said. “Not just for us, but gentle enough for our kids, too.”

The couple also plans to bring Kindred Naturals into the community through farmers’ markets and local events this spring and summer.

A promise of transparency

At its core, the brand is built on trust, something Carly says is often missing in the industry.

“Transparency… no compromise,” she said. “Everything was truly tested through and through.”

And for parents navigating the overwhelming world of a huge selection of baby products, that promise matters. Because for the Pronskis, this isn’t just a business—it’s personal.