Kara Kawa, Brightwater

How is Kara's skincare range formulated and made?
While creating a new product, Kara carefully formulates, tests and reformulates until the product is perfect.
From there, it is processed in small batches to guarantee consistency and potency.
All products are made in a sanitised space, always wearing clean gloves and aprons.

Kara’s unique extraction process is what gives her products a distinctive potency. While we won’t give away all her secrets, Kawakawa leaves are steeped in Coconut Oil, Olive Oil or Sweet Almond Oil for a minimum of 4 weeks at a low temperature. At this point, the oil has a rich earthy Kawakawa aroma and distinctive dark green colouring.

Kara’s Healing Balm, Body Butter, Kawakawa Soap, Face Lotion, Body Lotion, Harakeke Soap, and Scentsless Deodorant are made without essential oils or additives. This makes them safe for sensitive skin, babies and animals.
The rest of Kara’s products are lightly scented with low quantities of essential oils. They are kept well within best practices and safe amounts while also considering sensitive skin. This way, anyone with sensitive skin can enjoy all products and are unlikely to have a reaction.
Formulas use minimal, select ingredients that have purpose and power.
No pointless ingredients, fillers, or harsh chemicals.

I like to keep it real – real ingredients that real people can afford.

About Kara Kawa inside the workshop
Mild preservatives are added to water-containing products and products that come in contact with water. These include body lotion, face lotion, shampoo bars, conditioner bars, and shave bars. These preservatives protect the integrity of the active ingredients – so they can be enjoyed over a long time.

Every scoop, slather and lather is a skin-serving experience that doesn’t compromise the environment.