regeneration
skin / land / community
our philosophy
Biome focused
Biodiversity is at the heart of our story. Species diversity is as crucial for skin health as it is for the planet. Our skin habitat is heavily influenced by our environment, so nature's decline has contributed to the loss of our skin's protective microbial diversity.
"We've lost 47% of all natural habitats on earth; and over 30% of the skin's microbe biodiversity in industrialised countries".
This matters because a healthy skin microbiome helps protect against skin diseases, delays skin aging, wages war against invaders, regulates skin cells, protects the skin barrier, and trains our immune system.
We're committed to helping restore both skin and nature biodiversity, and enriching the communities we operate in.
biodiversity regeneration
the call of nature
We support two ecosystem restoration projects:
- Kaipātiki Project - glow-worm habitat. Glow-worms help maintain the delicate balance of rainforest stream-bank and cave ecosystems. We've planted shade-loving parataniwha locally to create the humid conditions glow-worms love. The way NZ glow-worms produce light is unique in the world.
- Song Saa Foundation - seagrass monitoring (Koh Rong, Cambodia). Their local seagrass mapping is helping protect vital seagrass ecosystems. Over half of earth's atmospheric oxygen comes from the ocean, produced by plankton, seagrass and other species, contributing to every second breath we take. Seagrass is also a vital ally in climate regulation, and a main food source for endangered sea turtles & dugongs.
Restorative care for skin
microbiome support
We donate our fermented coconut oil and moisturisers to aid the microbiome health of people with skin conditions. Our products are distributed free to community organisations supporting those in need, including families with premature babies.
Pre-term infants have underdeveloped skin with poor barrier function. They're prone to harmful bacteria overgrowth and infections.
Scientific research shows virgin coconut oil improves premature babies' skin barrier function, reduces infections, and supports microbiome balance by increasing beneficial bacteria & reducing harmful bacteria counts on the skin.
ethical sourcing & support
community enrichment
With our Cambodian partner we direct source organically grown coconuts from rural families who typically own around 10-15 coconut trees. For many this makes up around 40% of their income, helping pay for basic needs like their children's education costs. We also support the fair-wage employment of women who make the coconut oil, and once a month we fund meals for up to 120 local school children.
Cambodia has made significant progress reducing poverty, but half of Cambodians live on less than US $4.15 per day, one third don't have access to clean water and 22% of under five year olds are chronically under-nourished.
Impact highlights
Restoring natural ecosystems in New Zealand & Cambodia to protect biodiversity.
Easing the burden of skin conditions in disadvantaged communities.
Sustainably increasing incomes in Cambodia & contributing to fair wage employment.
Protecting precious waterways once the products are rinsed off, with better ingredients, not harmful chemicals.
