HOMEGROWN BEAUTY
Here are the top Australian skincare brands you need to know about
Our increasing demand for safe, natural beauty products has encouraged the industry to take natural brands seriously, encouraging a much bigger product variety than ever before. Not only do these brands make their products sustainable without harmful ingredients, they can also match leading non-organic brands for quality and effectiveness. Here are some of the brands that are doing us proud…
RETREATMENT BOTANICS
ABOUT Created by the late Olivia Newtonjohn, this skincare brand is a natural progression from the star’s decadent Byron Bay destination, Gaia Retreat & Spa. Combining pure Australian native extracts with high-tech science, this is natural skincare that’s results-driven.
NOTEWORTHY Retreatment Botanics has gone a step further by removing palm oil from their ingredients list and is certified by the Orangutan Alliance.
ETHICAL STANCE Vegan, palm oil and cruelty-free. The packaging is also made from recycled products. OUR FAVES Retreatment Botanics Kakadu Brightening Serum $94
Instant Glow Face
Masque $75
KORA ORGANICS
ABOUT Created by supermodel Miranda Kerr in 2009, Kora Organics uses certified organic and natural ingredients to offer a clean and healthy alternative to conventional brands. “It’s important to me to be really conscious and aware and use the most pure and natural products on my skin that nourish it with nutrients,” says Miranda.
NOTEWORTHY It’s genuinely what Miranda uses to maintain her amazing skin. “I’m obsessed with the Noni Glow Face Oil...
I use it morning and night.”
ETHICAL STANCE The brand is cruelty-free and the majority of the range is vegan. OUR FAVE Kora Organics Invigorating Body Scrub $80
ENDOTA
ABOUT The brainchild of Melanie Gleeson, Endota began in 2000 with a salon on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. There are now more than 100 Endota Spa locations, making it Australia’s largest day spa. But it’s not just a spa, they also produce natural, eco-friendly skincare that now includes a few unique diffusions, like their mums and bubs range Organic Nurture, a wellness line called Live Well, New Age and many others.
NOTEWORTHY The brand is committed to giving back wherever possible. Sales of Endota Spa Colour, for example, help support an Indigenous group of women located in WA.
ETHICAL STANCE Ethical and sustainable ingredients, cruelty-free, certified organic and natural. OUR FAVE Endota Spa Balancing Face Mist $40
EDIBLE BEAUTY
ABOUT Free from all nasties, this botanical-based brand is not only environmentally sound (thanks to recyclable glass packaging), but its natural formulations are literally clean enough to eat!
NOTEWORTHY Founder Anna Mitsos is a naturopath and nutritionist, and she brings her expert knowledge to the development of the products, including a range of teas and supplements to leave you glowing both inside and out.
ETHICAL STANCE Vegan and cruelty-free. OUR FAVE Edible Beauty & Coco Bliss Intensive Repair Night Creme $62
DR ROEBUCK’S
ABOUT This Sydney brand, founded by sisters Zoe and Kim, believes in keeping ingredient lists short (so, no unnecessary fillers) and products clean and effective. Created after their doctor parents found a winning “secret” formula for their eczema, they now produce gentle but effective products from ethically sourced Australian ingredients.
NOTEWORTHY The brand’s site has a list of active ingredients they use in each of their products, breaking down why they are included and how they work on your skin.
ETHICAL STANCE Sulphate-free, paraben-free, vegan and cruelty-free. OUR FAVE Dr Roebuck’s Byron 2-In-1 Mask + Scrub $40
GROWN ALCHEMIST
ABOUT Founded by brothers Keston and Jeremy, this label uses ingredients packed with vitamins and antioxidants to improve skin and combat ageing.
NOTEWORTHY Wellness guru Gwyneth Paltrow is a fan. Her fave? The vitamin-rich Watermelon and Vanilla Lip Balm.
ETHICAL STANCE Organic, free from toxins, vegan and cruelty-free.
OUR FAVE Grown Alchemist Smoothing Body Exfoliant $48 Hydra-repair Day Cream $59