BeautyBlog

Introduction by: Peter Marshall

I want to introduce you to a brand that I expect will gain considerable traction within Travel Retail over time. In today’s blog, New Zealand-based Ãe Botanicals’ Founder, Grace Falwasser, takes us through the conception of the product range and why it corresponds exactly with what consumers are looking for today. Essentially it is a sustainable, multi-use, vegan skincare and body care brand. Its roots may be in New Zealand, but the ambition is to expand globally. It’s early days, of course, but Grace sees New Zealand’s indigenous plant actives as the next frontier in premium skincare – much like how mãnuka honey became a global sensation. Better watch this space!


Peter Marshall (PM):  What inspired you to launch Âe Botanicals?

Grace Falwasser (GF):  Ãe Botanicals was born from a deep love for nature, science, and the power of indigenous New Zealand plants. I’ve always believed that skincare should be both high-performing and sustainable. Partnering with globally renowned natural formulator Suzanne Hall, we set out to create a range that embodies the richness of New Zealand’s unique flora while embracing innovation.

Grace Falwasser, Founder and Co-creator, and Suzanne Hall, Formulator, Ãe Botanicals

We focus on multi-use, refillable skincare that minimizes waste while maximizing results. Our ingredients are wild-harvested where possible, ensuring they are gathered sustainably without harming ecosystems. Additionally, we’ve built our packaging around sustainability – premium glass bottles replace single-use plastics, while our bioplastic refills significantly lower CO₂ emissions compared to traditional plastic packaging.

Beyond the products, we’re committed to supporting our local community through regenerative farming initiatives. We’ve begun working with local growers to help establish micro-businesses, allowing them to cultivate native plants that we can incorporate into our formulations. Every purchase of Âebotanicals contributes to this initiative, helping to create sustainable economic opportunities while protecting our natural environment.

PM: Please walk us through the range.

SF: Ãebotanicals is a multi-use, vegan skincare and body care brand designed for people who want simplicity without compromising on efficacy. Our range includes:

Cleansing & Exfoliation: Our exfoliating cleanser with jojoba beads gently removes impurities while nourishing the skin.

Serums:

Dawn Glow Day Face Serum (vitamin C, hyaluronic acid) brightens and hydrates.

Golden Glimmer Night Serum (CoQ10, reishi, rosehip) supports overnight repair and rejuvenation.

Moisturization: Our Universal Moisturizer deeply hydrates without heaviness.

 

 

Masks & Treatments: Nurture Me Blend, a mix of four clays and seaweed, allows for customizable skincare treatments.

 

Hair & Body:

Revive Me Whakaora Hair & Beard Serum nourishes both hair and scalp, restoring vitality and strength.

Multi-Use Oils:

Sensual Glow Body, Bath & Massage Oil hydrates, soothes, and enhances skin radiance.

Love and Nurture Multi-Use Oil is designed for deep nourishment, offering hydration and restoration for body care, massage, and bath rituals.

Each product is formulated with high-quality, plant-based ingredients, many of which are wild-harvested and native to New Zealand, ensuring a luxurious and conscious skincare experience.

PM: What are the benefits for consumers?

SF: We focus on multifunctional, results-driven skincare that simplifies routines while delivering visible improvements. Our formulations target hydration, fine lines, acne-prone skin, and overall skin resilience.

Beyond efficacy, we also provide a sustainable, low-waste skincare experience. Our glass packaging reduces single-use plastics, while our bioplastic refills lower CO₂ emissions, making Ãebotanicals a responsible choice for eco-conscious consumers. Additionally, our wild-harvested and regenerative farming approach ensures ingredient integrity and supports local communities.

PM: So how does Ãe Botanicals differ from others in an already overcrowded skincare marketplace?

SF: Ãebotanicals is unique because we focus on:

  • Multi-use formulations – Our products replace multiple skincare steps, reducing overconsumption and waste.
  • Sustainable, refillable packaging – Our glass packaging is meant to last, and our bioplastic refills cut down CO₂ emissions compared to conventional plastics.
  • Wild-harvested and native New Zealand ingredients – We harness the power of plants like kawakawa, mamaku, and kumerahou, which have been used for centuries for their skin-healing properties.
  • Community-driven regenerative farming – We’re actively helping local growers develop micro-businesses, ensuring long-term sustainability and economic benefits.

Consumers are becoming more conscious of ingredient sourcing, sustainability, and the true impact of their skincare choices. Âe Botanicals offers a science-backed yet nature-driven approach that prioritizes both performance and responsibility.

PM: Given the variability of botanical ingredients, how can you ensure consistent quality?

SF: We work closely with trusted suppliers and local growers to ensure high-quality, sustainable ingredient sourcing. Because we wild-harvest where possible, we carefully monitor seasonal variations and extraction methods to maintain potency. Partnering with an experienced natural formulator like Suzanne Hall allows us to refine each batch for consistency without compromising the integrity of our plant-based ingredients.

PM:  What, then, are your plans to take Ãe Botanicals to the world?

SF: Our vision is global, but we are starting with an intentional and sustainable approach. We see New Zealand’s indigenous plant actives as the next frontier in premium skincare, much like how mānuka honey became a global sensation.

Our initial focus is online retail, select wholesale partnerships and collaborations with key retailers. We’re particularly interested in expanding into Japan, Europe where demand for high-quality, sustainable skincare is growing. Our packaging and refill system also make Âebotanicals well-suited for international markets that prioritize eco-conscious beauty brands.

PM: How challenging is it to navigate regulations for botanical-based products in different markets?

SF: Regulatory compliance is complex, especially for skincare that integrates bioactive plant extracts. Different countries have varying ingredient restrictions, labeling laws, and testing requirements, so we take a proactive approach.

We ensure that our formulations meet global regulatory standards from the outset, allowing for smoother expansion. Working with experienced regulatory consultants ensures we stay ahead of compliance challenges while maintaining our commitment to natural, science-backed formulations.

PM:  How do you plan to balance business growth with your commitment to ESR?

SF: Growth and sustainability must go hand in hand. Ãe Botanicals is built on ethical sourcing, minimal waste, and supporting local communities. As we expand, we remain committed to:

  • Refillable packaging and lower CO₂ bioplastic refills to reduce waste.
  • Sourcing ingredients through regenerative farming initiatives, benefiting both the environment and local growers.
  • Transparency and responsible formulation practices to ensure both people and the planet benefit from our success.

PM:  What are you doing for the local community?

SF: Our regenerative farming initiative is one of the most exciting aspects of our business. We are actively helping local community members build micro-businesses by supporting them in growing native plants used in our skincare formulations. This initiative provides economic opportunities while ensuring sustainable ingredient sourcing.

Additionally, our production and packaging processes prioritize local suppliers, ensuring that the growth of Âe Botanicals directly benefits Northland, New Zealand. As we scale, we want to continue reinvesting in sustainable and community-driven initiatives.

PM:  If there are three things you wanted to say to the business community, what would they be?

SF: Sustainability is a necessity, not a luxury. Consumers are looking for brands that walk the talk, and businesses that prioritize ethical and sustainable growth will stand the test of time.

True success is community-driven. Whether through regenerative farming, ethical sourcing, or fair trade, business should uplift the people and places that make it possible.

Innovation doesn’t mean more, it means better. The future of skincare isn’t about endless product lines, but about creating fewer, more effective, multi-use solutions that reduce waste and overconsumption.

 

Peter Marshall

Founder: trunblocked.com/Marshall Arts
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