9 Australian Skincare Brands Tell Us What Inspired Their Businesses
Now that they are globally-renowned, these Australian skincare brands give us an insight into what inspired their success from humble beginnings
Determination and passion are words we bandy about when we talk about beauty-preneurs but, for many trailblazers, there are two factors that precede an "Aha!" moment: they first stumble on a problem, then persistently seek a creative solution – just like these Australian skincare brands below.
So it was for Ella Baché's chairman, John Hallas, whose surging mates shared his frustrations with sunscreen because it washed off too easily in the sea. That chat snowballed an idea and, soon enough, a bunch of lifesavers on Sydney's Northern Beaches trialled what would become the brand's cult sunscreen. "There is always a 'latest' product just around the corner, but it's important to take a scientific approach to solving skin conditions and needs, and not just innovate for the sake of trends," says CEO Pippa Hallas, whose great-aunt, Madame Baché, formulated the first products for the brand.
The founder of self-labelled skincare brand Mukti was also driven to solve a complexion conundrum while working as a beauty therapist in the '90s. "After making a promise to a client that I could assist her with her skin concerns by using natural ingredients, I began with a cleanser, toner, and moisturiser," says Mukti.
"I literally began door knocking with my products and built up a skincare brand from a market stall." Fast forward two decades and Mukti is now an internationally-acclaimed, Cosmos-certified skincare range sold in Australia, Europe, Asia, and US.
Vicki Engsall, founder of The Jojoba Company, also got inspiration from family when considering moisturising options during pregnancy – her father had just harvested his first jojoba crop. "Our unique strain of jojoba, wadi-wadi, is only found here in Australia in the nutrient-rich soils of the Riverina region on our farm," says Vicki. "This jojoba provides a rich combination of vitamins, omegas, and antioxidants."
The steep rise in consumer interest for natural beauty options has also seen clever entrepreneurs spy a gap in the market, including Wotnot Naturals (who make sunscreen, self-tan, wipes, and lotions), and Natio (who create both skincare and cosmetics).
"Natio addressed a much-needed niche in the market for premium and effective, natural products at an affordable price point," says Genevieve Lehunt-Alderman, Natio public relations manager. She adds that the business first operated from the founders' home garage in 1993 and now retails in over 2,500 stores around Australia.
Ere Perez has a similar success story, growing her self-named clean cosmetics and skincare brand through passion and persistence. "I went out in my high heels and knocked on my first health-food store door in Bondi 18 years ago with just one natural mascara, the very same formulation we sell today," says Ere. "Today, we are in 35 countries with more than 100 products."
Similarly, MOR began as a small range of handcrafted artisanal soaps in Melbourne in 2001, and now boasts our 270 products sold in 21 countries. Today, you'll also find MOR's signature Triple Milled Soaps on Amazon where a bar of MOR Correspondence Cyclamen Tuberose soap will set you back by $12.60 (plus $7.77 for shipping).
One beauty aficionado who bucks this trend is the founder of Ipsum face and body oils, Janet Hayward, who took her Byron Bay-made, Cosmos-certified products to Europe first.
"I spent three years researching ingredients, textures, and packaging," says Janet. "The philosophy behind Ipsum is to use superior quality oils from plants that are grown in their native habitat, to ensure maximum benefit for best skin results."
Australian botanical extracts are also the inspiration for Alkira, a relatively new and affordable skincare brand co-founded by the former owner of Sukin, Alison Goodger.
"As well as Kakadu plum, we started working with ingredients that hadn't typically been introduced in facial skincare, such as antioxidant-rich Davidson plum, essential fatty acid-rich kangaroo paw, and vitamin C-rich finger lime caviar," says Alison. "I found this really exciting."
What drives these Aussie brands to innovate is one simple factor: the feedback from consumers. "We get the chance to change people's lives," says Mukti. "When you see someone get results they never though possible, and the confidence it brings, that's the ultimate outcome."
Text: Bauer Syndication