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Expert Session
Sorette Founder Lanning Ardente on Motherhood and Making Clean, Considered Choices
May 01, 2025
Photos by: Maaike Bernstorm
What inspired you to start Sorette?
When I was pregnant with my first baby, I was overwhelmed trying to figure out which products I could actually use. There was so much information—and even more misinformation—out there. I’d find myself cross-referencing ingredient lists, digging into research studies, googling late at night, texting my OBGYN, and still feeling unsure. It was exhausting. I realized there was no trusted standard for products made for this life stage, and no single place to turn for clear, supportive guidance. That’s when the idea for Sorette was born: a science-backed Seal of Approval to simplify product decisions during motherhood, a curated destination to shop them all in one-place, and a community focused on education—not fear-mongering.
What does the word Sorette mean?
Sorette is inspired by the French word sœur, meaning sister. I’ve always imagined Sorette as an older, wiser sister who’s been through it—someone who can help you figure out which products are actually okay to use, tell you the honest truth about birth and postpartum, and support you in a way that’s calm, loving, and real. It’s exactly what I wish I had. I was the first of my friends to have kids, and I felt like I was piecing it all together on my own. Sorette is here to change that. Whether you’re trying to conceive, pregnant, postpartum, or deep in the chaos of motherhood, we’re here to help you feel a little more held, a little more informed, and a lot less alone.
Can you describe your process for selecting and vetting products?
Every product that earns the Sorette Seal of Approval goes through a rigorous, science-backed vetting process. With guidance from our Scientific Advisory Board—made up of doctors, scientists, and maternal health experts—we’ve developed a proprietary No-Go List™ of ingredients known or suspected to be hazardous to human health, particularly in relation to reproductive, developmental, and hormonal endpoints. We require full transparency from our brand partners, including disclosure of all fragrance, parfum, and natural flavors above and below 100ppm, along with sourcing and concentration details for any restricted ingredients. Each formula is then screened against our No-Go List™, which is grounded in global regulations and constantly updated with the latest research. We go deeper than the label—because that’s what this life stage deserves.
What are some of the most common—and potentially harmful—ingredients you recommend avoiding during pregnancy?
We screen for ingredients like phthalates, parabens, retinoids, chemical sunscreens, hydroquinone, and undisclosed fragrance blends—many of which can act as endocrine disruptors or have links to developmental and reproductive concerns. But the issue is bigger than any single ingredient. It’s about cumulative exposure and the lack of transparency in so many products. That’s exactly why our Seal exists: to eliminate the guesswork and help women make more informed choices during this critical life stage.
How do Sorette's clean standards differ from others in the industry?
What really sets us apart is how deep we go. Most consumers are limited to knowing what’s on the label—but we require full transparency from our brand partners, including fragrance, ingredient concentrations, sourcing details, packaging materials, and even third-party test claims. It’s the kind of information that isn’t easily accessible, but matters. And we never use the term “pregnancy safe”—because the truth is, you can’t definitively make that claim. There are too many unknowns, and we’ll never have clinical trials on this vulnerable demographic. What we can offer is a credible, thoughtful standard made for this life stage—one that cuts through the noise, educates without fear, and helps moms feel just a little more confident in the choices they’re making.
What's the best piece of parenting advice you've ever received?
As a recovering perfectionist, I really struggled with the uncharted territory of motherhood after my first was born. I felt out of control—like my world had flipped overnight. Nothing went according to plan, and that was hard for me. I had to let go of the idea that I needed to do everything perfectly. The best advice I got wasn’t about doing more—it was about letting go. My kids don’t need perfect. They need me—happy, present, and showing up as I am. And the more I give myself permission to be just that, the better we all are.
How do you juggle business and motherhood? What self-care rituals help you stay grounded?
It’s definitely a juggle—and for me, it’s less about balance and more about boundaries. Some days I’m traveling and it’s 24/7 work mode, and other days a kid is sick and emails just have to wait. I really try to be fully present when I’m working and fully present when I’m in mom mode, even if it’s not always perfect.
What’s on the horizon for Sorette in the coming years?
We’re just getting started. In the near term, we’re focused on expanding the reach of our Seal of Approval—bringing on new brand partners and bringing Sorette Approved products into retail, so the Seal can be recognized across channels as the go-to standard for the motherhood journey. We’re also expanding into new categories our community has been asking for—think household products like cleaning, baby and kids essentials, supplements, and even pantry staples. Longer term, the vision is bigger than commerce. We’re building a platform that supports women through every chapter of motherhood—with education, community, and tools that make it easier to choose confidently. We want Sorette to be the first place women turn when they find out they’re pregnant—or even before that—when they’re looking for trusted, vetted products. Our goal is to take the guesswork out of navigating this life stage, and to give women the clarity and confidence they deserve when making decisions for themselves and their families.
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