Where Science Meets Slow Beauty
Discover Aurora's waterless, botanical approach to sensitive skin.
From Computer Science to Cosmetic Science: The Birth of Aurora
Founder story
My journey towards gentle, non-irritant skincare for my sensitive skin began in my teens...
In 2019, I embarked on a journey from IT Consulting to Cosmetic Formulation Science (cum-laude) at the University of Cape Town's Hair and Skin Research Lab. I taught myself to create Castile Soap (Extra-virgin Olive Oil), which was already selling at health shops. Now I could formulate skincare aligned with SA and EU safety guidelines. Aurora was launched online in July 2021 with seed money I won from the UCT Pitch.
Intention
The freedom to choose...
Between 2021 and early 2022, I studied a Certificate in Organic Anti-ageing Skincare through Formula Botanica (also aligned with EU Safety guidelines). Not only did it give me freedom to choose how I formulated - from organic or wild-harvested ingredients - but I could also choose to work with farming communities and suppliers committed to ethical and sustainably sourced ingredients. It inspired me to be more conscious in how I build Aurora. To be more than skincare, but purpose-driven and aligned with my values - and help others become more conscious shoppers. Aurora products expanded to serums and balms. The Renewal Serum and Organic Baobab Body Balm went on to make the UK Beauty Shortlist Mama & Baby Awards Editor's Choice. "The awards provide an expert-compiled guide to the best, tested, all-natural safe and gentle products for mums and their little ones, all by ethical brands – the products with trustworthy, transparent INCI/ingredients that work well and are beautiful to use."
Formulation Philosophy made with you and our Planet in mind
Fresh handcrafted: Made-to-order Oil-based Skincare
Waterless formulations - inspired by Cape Town and Day 0. Essential Oil-free & Aquatic-Friendly - to eliminate potential irritants which may also be toxic to aquatic plants and animals. No common allergens - Eliminating *nut oils, shea butter, mango butter, aloe, castor oil. *Older formulations contain Organic Virgin Coconut Oil South African botanical heritage - using homegrown infused ingredients or natural-derived high-quality organic or wild-harvested ingredients.
Sustainability Commitment
Conscious Beauty that inspires a Better Tomorrow
We recognise the responsibility we hold in shaping a more sustainable future for Slow Beauty and more inspired Wellness. Our commitment to eco-friendly, circular practices and sustainable choices is at the core of what we do.
From careful selection of ethically sourced ingredients to plastic-free packaging. After WomHub’s Circular Economy Incubator, Aurora’s processes were streamlined to be more planet-conscious. Every step, from zero-waste oils to return-and-refill of their clean, empty packaging initiatives.
Aurora also collects waste printer paper from local offices, which Growing Paper Company transforms by hand into plantable Aurora Thank You seed paper cards (basil & rocket, veg or flower seeds).
Single-use kraft packaging is replaced with upcycled paper and embroidered Calico or Cotton bags, sewn from offcuts by women from marginalised communities.
Aurora prioritises transparency across its value chain, partnering with suppliers and small, women-led businesses that share our values of fair labour practices and environmental stewardship. Our sustainable choices extend beyond skincare and packaging to inspire slow beauty and self-love daily rituals.
Join our Aurora Tribe on this journey towards sustainable living, where conscious beauty meets responsibility – and every purchase contributes to a better tomorrow.
Appreciation
Thank you for helping make conscious choices
When you choose Aurora, you’re choosing more than fresh, handmade, small-batch, cruelty-free, vegan, waterless skincare for sensitive skin. You’re saying yes to plastic-free packaging, local women-led small businesses, farming communities committed to ethical and sustainable practices — and products that are kind to our planet and aquatic life.