Danielle Pender
- Sep 13, 2020
- 3 min read

DAGUA: Sustainable and Certified Animal-Free!

One of our favorite parts of VeganMed is meeting inspirational people who are committed to an animal-free world. Our newest friend is Adriana Velásquez, founder of Dagua. Dagua was founded in California in 2017 with the idea of spreading environmental and health consciousness among the community with high-quality, eco-friendly goods.

We have certified two products with Dagua - clove soap and an eco-friendly bamboo toothbrush. We are in love with these products and hope you love them too!

Want to know more about the woman behind the brand? We sat down with Adriana to bring you the full story of DAGUA!

Dagua was inspired by your grandmother, who made handcrafted goods. Do Dagua products originate from her recipes and designs? What is your inspiration for new products?

Yes, my grandmother, Nativa, made all kinds of handcrafts. Dagua is the name of the small town in Colombia were she was born, and I always liked it because it sounds like agua (water). The main products inspired by my grandmother are the tagua necklaces. They are made by a group of women in Bogotá Colombia. She always helped people, so my main goal with Dagua is helping less privileged communities by giving them job opportunities.

She died at 97 still making necklaces and knitting beautiful bags that she gave to friends and family :). I saw that you are a marine biologist. How has this background helped you in Dagua?

Yes, currently I'm doing a PhD about the green turtle of Hawaii. During the necropsies of the turtles I saw that many of them died because or with a lot of plastic in their intestines. That's really sad to see because it's completely preventable. That was the reason for the bamboo toothbrush and the organic soaps. It's my small contribution for a better world. My main goal with my products is that the normal public can buy them at affordable prices. Why is Animal-Free important to you? I have loved and respected animals all my life, and when I was 14 years old I started practicing Shaolin and became a vegetarian. I think the road to a more compassionate world starts with the products we use. We are all animals sharing this planet Earth. Is there anything else you would like us to know?

My husband and I just started a foundation called "Mariposa Ranch Foundation" in Agua Dulce, California that focuses on educating the community about coexisting peacefully with the local wildlife (specially coyotes, rattlesnakes, scorpions and other animals most people fear and think they don't like). I'm still adding to the website, but we would love for everyone to check it out: mariposaranchfoundation.com.

Are you as excited to use these products as we are?!?! Check them out below:

DAGUA Herbal Soap

This herbal soap is not only Certified Animal-Free, but also eco-friendly, zero waste, and cruelty-free. We love the earthy and spicy fragrance from the cloves and rosemary in this soap.

Ingredients: 100% certified organic oils, plant extracts, essential oils, and oatmeal. NO SULFATES, NO DYES, NO PARABENS, NO PRESERVATIVES.

Clove is known for its antimicrobial, antifungal and antiseptic properties and has been used for years to treat skin problems. The soap also has a hint of oatmeal to gently exfoliate and cassia and clove for a rich, spicy scent.

Soap and eco-friendly packing are made 100% in the USA. No plastic, only recycled paper for labels and box.

DAGUA Eco-Friendly Toothbrush

This toothbrush is not only Certified Animal-Free, but also eco-friendly, zero waste, and cruelty-free. We love the added charcoal in the bristles so our teeth stay squeaky clean!

Ingredients: biodegradable bamboo and BPA-free bristles

This toothbrush hasn't been treated with varnish or chemicals, so you need to keep it dry between uses. Bamboo is sustainable because it is biodegradable and fast-growing. Plus, it can be harvested multiple times and doesn't require pesticides or fertilizers (naturally organic).

Eco-friendly packing made in the USA. Only recycled paper; never plastic.

Welcome to the Certified Animal-Free family, Dagua!

Be sure to check out all of our certified animal-free products on our online marketplace.

Disclaimer: The product and/or medical information provided on VeganMed is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product.