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Suzanne Harrison

What is it?

A skincare brand new to Hong Kong, founded in Australia in  1994 by herbalist and naturopath Barbara Filokostas,  based on 'naturopathic principles and modern skin science'.

What's the spin?

It's unique because   it has only natural ingredients, and avoids nasties such as chemical preservatives and mineral oils.

Botani's founder says her mission has been to emphasise the quality of the raw materials 'as opposed to making false promises that  can't be fulfilled'. Filokostas (below) has tapped into the growing demand for  products  free from animal-derived ingredients, petrochemicals, parabens, artificial fragrances  and colourants. And her products aren't tested on animals. Botani  is also packaged in re-useable  and recyclable glass 'wherever possible' and uses only pure plants as their preservatives.

What kind of ingredients are used?

The Skin Rescue Range is for acne-prone or blemished skin, men's shaving irritations or combination skins. The Purify Facial Cleanser (HK$168/50ml) contains guar gum, wheat protein, echinacea, lemon-scented tea tree and calendula. This is designed to cleanse and exfoliate at the same time. For men, the company says it acts as a natural shaving cream to prevent rash. In the Olive range, the Olive Repair Cream (HK$398/120gm)  contains plant squalene, jojoba oil, calendula, olive leaf extract, chamomile extract and lecithin. This is said to give long-lasting moisturising effects, is non-greasy, doesn't clog pores, is ideal for stretch marks and protecting  the skin from moisture loss, and can be used day and night. The Exfoliating Facial Cream (HK$318/120gm) is so gentle, the company says, that it can be used daily because it doesn't strip the skin of its natural oils. Ingredients include papaya, oat bran, apricot kernel, aloe vera extract, calendula and plant squalene. There's also a body oil (HK$158/50ml) and a facial cleanser (HK$168/50ml).

What's Filokostas' background?

Inspired by her grandmother's herbal knowledge, Filokostas studied chemistry, science and naturopathy. She started her  own naturopathic clinic and formulated her own herbal serum made from goldenseal to counter acne. This led her to create a face cream, and the business flourished from there. Filokostas called it Botani, the Greek word for botany.

Where can I buy it in Hong Kong? From Beyond Beauty, Harvey Nichols, the Landmark, Central.



Botani