Our Story

Jennifer Benjamin, Founder and CEO, Element Essentials with Dish Powder

Meet Jennifer

The story behind Element Essentials is a tale of passion, innovation, and sustainability. Since a young age, I have always had a knack for creating things with my own hands, and I have been fascinated by the science behind ingredients. Over the past 20 years, I have been crafting various cleaning products for myself, my family, and my friends, and it has brought me true joy.

However, it was during the pandemic, when I found myself spending more time at home, that I delved deep into researching commonly used cleaning ingredients and their environmental impact. I also discovered that, on average, 90% of a cleaning product is comprised of water or fillers. Despite the possibility of some single-use plastics being recyclable in certain cases, approximately 79% of plastic waste is still disposed of in landfills annually, with 2.41 million tonnes ending up in the ocean each year. Containers and packaging account for 28.1% of solid waste. Additionally, as an Amazon/E-commerce seller, I witnessed firsthand the toll that packing and shipping can take on our carbon footprint. That’s when inspiration struck – I knew there had to be a better way.

I aspired to create a brand that offers cleaning products with a unique “just-add-water” approach, making them concentrated and effective without the need for unnecessary water, air, or single-use, non-biodegradable plastic. And thus, Element Essentials was born.

Meet ELEMENT

We’re a small business that is proud to provide eco-friendly cleaning products. We’re passionate about our products and our mission to reduce plastic waste, excess air and water in products, and the harmful impact caused by millions of liquid bottles used in households every year.

We understand the “natural” doesn’t always mean safe. While cleaning is essential to protect our health, some products even labeled “green” or “natural” may contain harmful ingredients that cause health problems such as headaches, respiratory issues, or even cancer. We use ingredients backed by science that are not only effective and safe but sustainably and ethically sourced through supply chains that contribute to the health and well-being of the planet.

Jennifer Benjamin and team member, making cleaning products

Simple. Different. Handmade. 

At Element Essentials, we believe effective cleaning should not come at the expense of your health or the planet. Our mission is simple: create high-performance cleaning solutions that reduce waste, simplify your routine, and help households make more sustainable choices every day.

We design waterless, concentrated cleaning products that allow you to add water at home. This approach eliminates unnecessary shipping weight, reduces plastic packaging, and lowers environmental impact. Instead of traditional liquid cleaners that are mostly water, our formulas deliver powerful results in lightweight powders, tablets, and solids.

Every product is crafted in small batches using mineral and plant-derived ingredients selected for both safety and performance. We prioritize ingredient transparency and rely on components recognized for their effectiveness, including those aligned with the EPA Safer Ingredients standards. This means you get cleaning power you can trust without unnecessary fillers or harsh chemicals.

Sustainability is built into everything we do. Our products are low-water, plastic-free, and packaged in recyclable or compostable materials, helping reduce waste from everyday cleaning.

Element Essentials was created for people who want their homes to be truly clean without compromising the health of their families or the environment. We are here to make sustainable cleaning practical, effective, and accessible for every household.

Sustainable Packaging

All of our packaging is recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable. We use pouches made from plant-starch and paper, with a reusable scoop also made from plant starch. The refillable Dish Powder Shaker is also recyclable.