Walk into any store or scroll through your social feed, and you’re bound to come across some form of wellness branding, an oat milk labeled “gut-friendly,” a skincare line boasting “natural” ingredients, or a vitamin jar endorsed by a lifestyle influencer. Wellness is everywhere, and it’s no longer just about how you feel. It’s about how you consume. From supplements and essential oils to mental health apps and detox teas, the wellness industry is growing rapidly, and it’s targeting you at every step.
That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In many ways, more access to health-forward products has helped people become more aware of their needs. But it also raises an important question: how much of your wellness journey is influenced by your own choices, and how much is being shaped by the brands behind the products you trust? Understanding this influence starts with something surprisingly simple: looking beyond the pretty packaging and finding out who’s actually running the show.
Behind the Label: Who’s Really Guiding Your Health Choices?
When you buy a wellness product, you’re often trusting more than just the ingredients listed on the label. You’re also trusting the company that made it. Its values, ethics, and business practices. Many people assume that if something looks clean, natural, or says it’s “for wellness,” it must be good. But that’s not always the case. Sometimes, companies promote wellness as a marketing angle, rather than a genuine mission. One way to protect yourself is by researching brand ownership.
For instance, if you buy your home products from a wellness brand like Melaleuca, and you’ve ever paused to wonder who’s really behind the supplements, cleaners, or skincare items you use every day, it might be time to ask, who owns The Wellness Company? In this case, the answer is Frank VanderSloot. Understanding who owns and operates a wellness brand can tell you a lot, whether the company is independently run or part of a larger corporation, how committed they are to quality control, and what their long-term values might be. Transparency is key, especially when it comes to products you’re putting in or on your body.
And that’s more than just curiosity. It’s about being an informed consumer and understanding whether the brand aligns with your personal wellness goals.
The Psychology of Wellness Marketing
The wellness industry understands something powerful: your emotions. Branding isn’t just about a logo or a catchy tagline. It’s about creating a feeling. Think about calming color palettes, eco-conscious packaging, or labels with words like “clean,” “pure,” or “natural.” These visual and verbal cues tap into your desire for balance and health, even if there’s no scientific basis behind the claims.
Influencer endorsements and social media campaigns further amplify these messages. When someone you follow swears by a certain supplement or ritual, it’s easy to adopt it without question. But brands often use this emotional connection to skip over transparency. That’s why it’s important to take a step back and ask yourself whether you’re making a choice based on what you need, or based on what a brand has told you to want.
When Wellness Becomes a Status Symbol
In recent years, wellness has quietly transformed into a lifestyle, one often tied to status. Think pricey organic smoothies, high-end yoga wear, or exclusive retreats promising to “recharge your soul.” While there’s nothing wrong with investing in your health, this type of marketing can make wellness feel like something only the privileged can afford.
This shift doesn’t just create a divide. It can make people feel excluded from health practices they could benefit from. A $15 superfood powder doesn’t automatically equal a better life. True wellness doesn’t need a designer label. That’s why it’s important to ask yourself whether a product improves your well-being or adds to your image. Brands that promote accessibility and inclusivity often have more meaningful wellness goals than those focused on trendiness.
Do You Know What’s Actually in Your Wellness Products?
You might be surprised how many wellness products hide behind vague ingredient lists and buzzwords. Just because a label says “plant-based” or “naturally sourced” doesn’t mean it’s safe, effective, or regulated. The health and wellness industry isn’t strictly monitored, which means companies often get away with using loosely defined terms.
Before buying something, take a minute to flip the package around. Read the full ingredient list. Look up unfamiliar words. Check if there are third-party certifications or testing results available. A brand that values your health will have nothing to hide, and plenty to show.
Trusting the Science, Not Just the Story
It’s easy to get caught up in testimonials or dramatic before-and-after photos. But not all wellness advice is rooted in science. Some products or trends rely heavily on anecdotal evidence or celebrity endorsements, without offering any real proof of effectiveness. It doesn’t mean every product that lacks clinical trials is bad, but it does mean you should ask questions.
Look for peer-reviewed research or support from licensed health professionals. Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor or a trusted practitioner before trying something new, especially if it involves your diet, hormones, or long-term routines. Your health deserves evidence, not just a story.
Making Empowered Wellness Choices
Once you begin to ask the right questions, about ownership, ingredients, price, and science, you’ll start to feel more confident in your choices. True wellness isn’t about buying everything on a trendy list. It’s about listening to your body, honoring your budget, and choosing products that match your values.
There’s power in being an informed consumer. You don’t have to reject the industry altogether, just approach it with a bit more awareness. Support brands that are transparent and ethical. Let your wellness journey be shaped by intention, not just marketing.
The wellness industry isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s only growing, and with that growth comes more voices, more products, and more pressure to keep up. But you don’t have to buy into every message you see. Ask the important questions and explore the answers that matter to you. Behind every bottle, label, and hashtag is a business, and you have the right to know what you’re supporting.
Wellness isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness. By approaching your journey with open eyes and an open mind, you can make choices that are not only good for your body but also grounded in truth. In the end, the most powerful part of your wellness journey is you.
