Not Just Made in Australia, Made for Australian Skin

Australian skin lives in one of the toughest environments on earth.

High UV exposure. Extreme heat. Dry air, humidity swings, pollution, salt, sweat — sometimes all in the same week. And yet, for years, skincare advice and formulations have been driven by overseas climates and overseas skin types.

The result? Products that look good on paper, but don’t always perform in real Australian conditions.

At Skinmart, we’re proud to be Australian owned and equally proud to support a diverse range of brands from around the world. Today, we’re shining a light on some of the homegrown heroes in our collection: the local brands born from our landscapes, our ingredients, our climate, and our lifestyle. Brands that understand the real needs of Australian skin because they live it too.

These Australian brands are part of a broader Skinmart mission: to offer clinically proven, results-driven skincare that meets the needs of every client. Whether local or global, every brand we stock has earned its place through performance, integrity, and innovation.

Here, we go behind the labels and into the labs, speaking directly with the founders and formulators of some of Australia’s most respected skincare brands. From barrier-repairing actives to native botanicals and high-performance sunscreens, they’re creating products not just made in Australia, but made for it.

Their answers reveal the heart, science and passion behind the brands and why local innovation matters more than ever.

Clean, Australian-made products that work - minus the fluff and filters.

Q1. What inspired you to create an Australian skincare brand?

“CanGro began from a deeply personal moment. After using an eyelash serum with questionable ingredients, I couldn’t believe there wasn’t a clean, safe, effective alternative. At the time, I was navigating motherhood, hormones, and just not feeling like myself — I needed beauty solutions I could trust. That’s when the spark hit. Australians value honesty and no-fuss solutions, and that’s exactly what we’ve built: clean, science-backed products that help women feel confident in their own skin, lashes, and hair”.

Q2. How do you cater to the needs of Australian skin or beauty routines?

"Our formulations are made for real life and real skin. From lash thinning caused by extensions, hormones or life changes, to daily rituals that support confidence, everything we create is designed to perform gently and effectively. We challenge the idea that strong results require harsh ingredients, our products prove clean science works." 

Q3. Do you use any Australian-grown ingredients and what do they bring to your formulas?

"We love working with ingredients that reflect our values like jojoba seed extract, often locally grown and ideal for moisturising and supporting lash regeneration. combined with plant-based actives like pumpkin seed and chamomile, it's the Aussie way: no fuss, no fluff, just real results"

Pioneers of exfoliation. Built for Australian skin, born from Australian innovation.

Q1. What inspired the creation of Alpha-H and how does the Australian mindset show up in what you’ve built?

Alpha-H’s story began with a game-changing innovation. “The Alpha-H brand was born with the development of our hero product, Liquid Gold,” the team shares. Created by their late founder for clients wanting to maintain chemical peel results at home, it filled a gap no other product addressed. “At a time when Glycolic Acid products didn’t exist, Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment took the global skincare world by storm.”

That practical, performance-first spirit remains at the heart of the brand. “Alpha-H was developed with a no fuss, efficacious range to suit Australian skin and attitudes.”

Q2. Where should someone start and how does it reflect your skin philosophy?

“We always recommend adding an exfoliant to your routine as a first step.” For normal skin types, Liquid Gold is the brand’s cult favourite. “Exfoliation can offer instant smoothing and brightening results, while also preparing skin for optimal absorption of other serums and actives.”

No matter your skin type, Alpha-H believes exfoliation should be accessible, effective, and never harsh,  a philosophy that speaks to real skin, in real Australian conditions.

Q3. Do you work with Australian-grown ingredients and what makes them special?

This is where Alpha-H leans into the local landscape. “We always source local ingredients where we can. They’re high quality, unique and can offer really promising protective properties due to their harsh Australian growing conditions.”

One standout? Native Rosella Flower. “We’ve recently worked with Native Rosella Flower...which offers a high concentration of natural antioxidants.”

Clinically proven ingestible beauty — built for longevity, not surface-level fixes.

Q1. What inspired you to create an Australian brand and how does that mindset show up in what you’ve built?

“The spark behind Vida Glow came from my own personal experience,” says founder Anna Lahey. “In my early twenties, I was experiencing significant hair loss. After trying countless topical solutions with little success, I discovered marine collagen. The results were transformative.”

That breakthrough led to a new vision of beauty — one rooted in the Australian mindset. “Vida Glow is rooted in an uncomplicated and holistic approach to wellbeing. Australians value health, vitality and confidence from the inside out. They also have a forward-thinking and open-minded attitude, which has shaped how we formulate.”

Q2. Where should people start and how does it reflect your skin philosophy?

“I always suggest people start with our Natural Marine Collagen. It’s our hero product for a reason. Clinically proven to improve skin elasticity, smooth fine lines and support healthier hair and nails.”

Loved for its simplicity and real results, it reflects the brand’s core belief: “Skincare isn’t just about what you put on your skin. We’re working to shift the conversation — toward long-term, results-driven support from the inside out.”

Q3. What does ‘skin confidence’ mean to you and how do your products help people feel it?

“Skin confidence is about feeling comfortable and empowered in your own skin. It’s not about perfection, but feeling healthy and self-assured in your own body.”

For Anna, it’s the emotional impact that drives the brand forward. “The feedback that moves me most is when women say Vida Glow has given them more confidence — whether it’s clearer skin, thicker hair, or just feeling more like themselves.”

High-performance skincare inspired by nature, crafted for modern Australians.

Q1. What inspired you to create an Australian skincare brand?

 "The original spark? Frustration — and an entrepreneurial, Australian mindset!" says co-founder Susie Cox. She and co-founder Elliot began Hunter Lab out of a shared belief that natural skincare shouldn’t be synthetic-heavy, overly feminine, or condescending toward men. “We did what many Australians do — have a go. We sold our house, worked with the country’s best green chemists, and built a brand around efficacy, integrity and design.”

From formulas to packaging, Hunter Lab was built for those who want honest, high-performance products made to suit a conscious, health-focused lifestyle. “The Modern Hunter is our customer: armed with knowledge, seeking beautifully made products, unapologetic about wanting both function and feel.”

Q2. What role do Australian ingredients play in your products — and how do you cater to local skin needs?

Hunter Lab works extensively with Australian native botanicals — not only for their potency, but their resilience. “Australia has some of the world’s most nutrient-dense plants,” says Cox. Macrobiotic Sea Minerals from the Whitsundays, Tasman Pepperleaf, and Kakadu Plum Seed Oil are just a few of the actives found across the range, selected for their ability to hydrate, protect, and restore skin in Australia’s harsh conditions.

“Our formulations might feel different at first. They don’t have synthetic slip. They’re designed to work with your skin, not sit on top of it.” Every ingredient serves a purpose — to nourish, hydrate, protect or repair — without fillers or fluff.

Q3. What does 'skin confidence' mean to you — and how do you hope Hunter Lab helps people feel it?

 “Skin confidence isn't about perfection. It's about showing up,” says Cox. “It’s that quiet assurance that comes from investing in yourself, the extra 1% that helps you tackle anything.”

For Hunter Lab, it’s about skin that’s healthy, balanced, and low-maintenance. Their goal? Products that support people in feeling focused, present, and not distracted by discomfort or insecurity. “We’re not interested in quick fixes or empty promises. We're about sustainable skin health that supports you in showing up fully, every day.”

Wholefood nutrition for real skin, real health — and real Australian lifestyles.

Q1. What inspired you to create an Australian brand — and how does that mindset show up in what you’ve built?

For Fiona Tuck, founder of VITA-SOL, the brand was born from a deeply personal place. “I was inspired to develop VITA-SOL because my mother was terminally ill and I wanted something that was natural and high quality to support her nutritionally,” she shares. Disappointed by the artificial additives and lack of transparency in existing products, Fiona created her first formula, 'Infinity', with a focus on integrity and therapeutic quality.

With more than 30 years in skincare and wellness, she recognised the need for a more holistic approach, especially for Australians. “We launched VITA-SOL in 2018 to support skin, health and wellness from the inside out.”

Q2. Which product should people start with — especially in the context of the Australian lifestyle?

Fiona recommends starting with 'Infinity', a product that reflects common Australian skin and lifestyle challenges. “Infinity is a fabulous berry and beetroot reds blend rich in polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamin C and gut supporting prebiotics. It is perfect to support those Aussie bodies exposed to the classic Australian lifestyle of sun, beach, BBQs and alcohol.”

She adds that most people aren’t getting enough fruit and vegetables, so a blend like Infinity is “always a good product to start with.”

Q3. What sets VITA-SOL’s approach apart when it comes to real, long-term skin health?

VITA-SOL is built on the belief that real skin confidence comes from within and that more isn’t always better. “A common misconception is that the higher the amount of an isolated nutrient the better, which simply is not true,” says Tuck. “We prefer to use naturally sourced vitamin C from wholefoods such as acerola cherry… with biocompatible co-factors as nature intended.”

Her focus is on synergy, not excess. “Taking synthetic nutrients in isolation in high doses can have knock-on effects to other nutrients and cellular processes — and long term may be detrimental.”

Oxygen-powered skincare born in Australia,  driven by science, grounded in performance.

Q1. What inspired the creation of Intraceuticals and how does the Australian mindset show up in what you’ve built?

“In 2002, our founder Anthony McMahon recognised something fundamental was missing in non-invasive skincare treatments,” the brand shares. He became fascinated by how oxygen could transform skin health, leading to the development of Topical Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, combined with low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid serums.

“Our results-focused, grounded approach is deeply Australian. Australian beauty has always been about looking healthy and feeling confident in your own skin — not chasing unattainable perfection — and that philosophy runs through every product we create.”

Q2. What’s a great entry point for new customers and what makes it unique?

“Our 3 Step Layering System is perfect for all skin types. It contains low-weight hyaluronic acid, vitamins and antioxidants that dramatically lift, tone and hydrate.”

This routine reflects Intraceuticals' commitment to intelligent formulation. “Each product is built on precisely selected molecular weights of hyaluronic acid. Rejuvenate Daily Serum floods skin with deep hydration, Hydration Gel maintains moisture, and Moisture Binding Cream locks it in, creating plump, luminous, healthy skin you can see and feel immediately.”

Q3. Do you work with any Australian ingredients and what role do they play in your formulations?

“We deeply respect the power of Australian botanicals. Kakadu Plum in our Antioxidant Booster, for instance, is extraordinary — it has the highest natural vitamin C concentration of any known fruit, offering potent antioxidant protection and brightening benefits.”

What matters most is performance. “It’s not just about ‘Australian-ness’, it’s about proven efficacy. We seek botanicals that have evolved exceptional resilience — that adaptive strength translates to genuine skin benefits.”

Looking ahead, Intraceuticals teases something new on the horizon: “In 2026, we're launching a truly unique Australian native active using a proprietary delivery method we've developed. This represents exactly what we do best, taking powerful natural ingredients and optimising their performance through innovative technology.”

Australian skincare is about relevance.

It’s about understanding how skin behaves under real UV exposure, in real heat, under real life pressure. It’s about building formulas that prioritise resilience, repair and long-term confidence.

At Skinmart, we’re more than a retailer, we’re part of this story too. Australian-owned, Australian-committed, and proud to highlight the homegrown brands creating skincare that performs in our unique conditions.

Celebrating these brands isn’t about where they’re from, it’s about what they offer. And in the case of Australian skincare, that means science, quality, and a deep understanding of what real skin needs, right here at home.