A Houston-Born Line of Sanitizers Elevates the 'New Normal'

A Houston-Born Line of Sanitizers Elevates the 'New Normal'

Make room in your handbags for an all-new generation of personal-size hand sanitizers, surface cleaners, mask sprays and travel kits, created by Houston entrepreneurs Molly Voorhees and Christina Milligan.


After trying so many harsh (and unattractive) sanitizers, Voorhees and Milligan decided to make their own elegant product for everyday use that would not only smell great, but also feel and look great. Cobalt was born. "As working moms of school-aged children, we saw a gap in the market for a convenient and elevated product that allows consumers to confidently resume their new normal lifestyles when soap and water are not available," says Milligan. "Our hands are exposed to so many high-traffic surfaces throughout the day, and we wanted to create a product that not only looks great, but smells and feels great, too."

Cobalt's initial launch includes six FDA-approved products: Crisp Peppermint Hand Sanitizer ($15), Cootie-Killing Bubble Gum Hand Sanitizer ($15), Surface Cleaner ($15), Germ Out Keychain ($14), Peppermint Mask Spray ($15), and the Touch & Go Kit ($30), which includes an all-surface cleaner, hand sanitizer and two microfiber cloths. Every little detail has been beautifully thought through: from the chic cobalt-blue glass bottles and refreshing peppermint and bubble-gum scents to the keychain's clip-on design that's perfect for backpacks and purses. The fast-absorbing mask-misting spray, in particular, is an attractive on-the-go product that is sure to become a must-have.

If you need another reason to feel good, Cobalt has partnered with William Price Distilling Company, a local whiskey distillery providing relief and employment to furloughed restaurant and bar employees. "Each purchase not only protects our customers and others from unnecessary germs, but it also directly supports out-of-work hospitality staff who are working with our team to fill and package each product," says Voorhees, who's also the president of Beck's Prime. "We are passionate about finding solutions to help consumers feel comfortable with traveling, returning to work and revisiting their favorite restaurants."

Cobalt hand sanitizers are currently available online at cobaltclean.com, and the rest of the collection launches soon.

Style
As Escape Spa Expands in 2025, Owner Has Advice on Personal Growth: ‘Focus on Intention Setting’

CHANGE IS A good thing, and with the start of a new year, I always like to reflect on how far I've come and start fresh by setting self-care goals for the coming months. Personal growth is a passion for me, and also something I enjoy. Guiding a business through growth and change is also one of my passions, so I am very pleased to announce that Escape Spa is going to be expanding in 2025! We’re honored that we’ve built such a loyal following since opening in Cypress in July of 2022, and we’re thrilled to be in a position to grow our wellness and recovery sanctuary just outside of Houston.

Keep ReadingShow less

Concert of Arias finalists on the Wortham stage, including first place and audience choice winner Geonho Lee of South Korea, third from left. (Photo by Michael Bishop)

LONG ONE OF the HGO’s most exciting evenings on the calendar — Artistic and Music Director Patrick Summers called it the best night of the year — the 37th Annual Concert of Arias and gala dinner afterward dazzled and inspired opera fans.

Keep ReadingShow less
Art + Entertainment

JUST IN TIME for the Lunar New Year on Wednesday, Jinya Ramen is opening its 70th (!) location in Pearland. Known for its thick, rich broth and flavorful noodles — thanks to the specialized water used to prepare its broth and the aging process its noodles undergo — Jinya also touts a wide array of authentic toppings, from tender pork chashu to shrimp wonton.

Keep ReadingShow less