Selkia at Sydney Beauty Expo: Innovating Sustainable Skincare

This past weekend, we proudly showcased Selkia for the second year at the Sydney Beauty Expo. As a small but innovative skincare brand, it was an exhilarating experience to be part of Australia's largest beauty event. We had the opportunity to share our passion for slow skincare with beauty enthusiasts, connect with industry professionals, and highlight our dedication to sustainability. Selkia stands out because of our high-quality products and our early adoption of sustainable practices, such as our Closed-Loop Return Program. In a sea of over 250 brands, we were one of the few showcasing a tangible commitment to circular economy principles.

Beauty expos like this are vital for small, emerging brands. They provide the chance to receive customer feedback, build relationships with other like-minded companies, and share our core values. As we engage with a broader audience, we continue to focus on our commitment to the planet, bringing eco-friendly beauty alternatives to the forefront of the industry.

Bottles That Make a Statement: Feedback on Selkia's Unique Design

One standout feature that garnered consistent praise from almost everyone who visited our stand was the design of our bottles. The intricate icons and the environmental inspiration behind each design left a lasting impression. Customers and industry professionals alike commented on how the oceanic feel of our packaging, with its soft, flowing lines and natural motifs, truly set Selkia apart from the rest. Our bottles don't just hold products; they tell a story of sustainability inspired by the beauty and fragility of our oceans. This thoughtful design resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing our brand's connection to skincare and the planet.

Showcasing Our Best: Aloes Doux Cleanser and Réveiller Eye Kit

At this year's expo, we spotlighted our bestsellers: the Aloes Doux Cleanser and our Réveiller Eye Kit. The Aloes Doux Cleanser perfectly represents Selkia's philosophy of gentle yet effective skincare. Packed with nourishing ingredients like Aloe Vera Leaf Juice and Cucumber Extract, this cleanser has earned its reputation as a customer favourite for its ability to soothe while deeply cleansing the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.

However, the Réveiller Eye Kit truly caught the attention of expo attendees. This kit features our innovative, reusable eye masks and a 15ml version of our new eye serum. These masks offer a modern take on the classic remedies of tea bags and cucumber slices, delivering sustainability and skincare efficacy. Whether for use by make-up artists, beauty therapists, or for personal care, these masks are ideal for prepping skin before events or providing a refreshing boost during long flights or hotel stays. The eye kit, retailing at an affordable $35, was a hit as a luxury skincare item and an eco-friendly, thoughtful gift option.

Leading the Way: Our Closed-Loop Return Program

One of the highlights of the weekend was introducing our Closed-Loop Return Program. As part of our commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainability, we brought one of our return boxes to the expo to demonstrate how the program works. Customers can return their empty packaging, which we then process and recycle, ensuring it is responsibly managed rather than contributing to landfill. This initiative was well received by attendees, who were impressed by our proactive approach to creating a more sustainable beauty industry.

Selkia's early adoption of such a program helped us stand out in a sea of brands. Our focus on a circular economy is unique in an industry still dominated by single-use packaging. By encouraging customers to return their packaging, we're promoting a shift towards responsible consumption—something we believe is crucial for the future of beauty.

Our slow skincare approach perfectly complements this ethos. Slow skincare is about long-term care and consistency rather than chasing quick fixes. It emphasises quality over quantity, with products that nurture the skin over time. Our customers can achieve long-lasting results while reducing their environmental impact by using fewer, better products crafted with care and sustainable ingredients.

Slow Skincare: The Journey, Not the Destination

At Selkia, skincare is a long-term commitment, not a quick solution. The philosophy of slow skincare runs through every product we create. We use high-quality, plant-based ingredients, many sourced locally from Australia's rich flora. These natural ingredients work harmoniously with the skin, promoting health and radiance through consistent, gentle care.

One key principle of slow skincare is consistency. Real results come from regular use of products formulated with care and integrity, not from harsh, quick-fix treatments that can cause long-term damage to the skin. Our products support the skin's natural balance, offering nourishment and protection without overloading it with unnecessary chemicals.

For example, the Quandong Fruit Extract in our Tonic is an Australian native rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, making it ideal for hydrating and brightening the skin. Similarly, Davidsons Plum, a powerhouse ingredient in our Eye Serum, is packed with anthocyanins, which help to protect the skin from oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and combat free radical damage, thus slowing down the signs of aging. These local botanicals not only support the skin's health but also promote sustainable, locally sourced ingredients.

Our Skincare Range: Powered by Australian Botanicals

Selkia's commitment to sustainability extends to our ingredient choices. We proudly incorporate Australian botanicals into our formulations, celebrating this country's rich natural resources. Here's a look at some of the essential products in our range and their featured ingredients:

• Aloes Doux Cleanser: This gentle cleanser features Aloe Vera Leaf Juice for its soothing properties and Cucumber Extract for hydration. It's perfect for all skin types, especially those seeking a calming daily cleanser.
• Apaiser Tonic: Enriched with Quandong Fruit Extract and Lilly Pilly Fruit Extract, this Tonic revitalises the skin while providing a burst of hydration and antioxidant protection.
• Reparation Balm: Our balm combines Aloe Vera with Mountain Pepper Leaf Extract and Chamomile Flower Extract to calm and nourish the skin, making it ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.
• Reveiller Eye Serum: Featuring Davidsons Plum and Kangaroo Paw Flower Extract, this serum helps to brighten and protect the delicate skin around the eyes, reducing signs of fatigue and promoting radiance.
• Luminosite Face Oil: A luxurious blend of Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Kakadu Plum Seed Oil, and Buriti Fruit Oil, it deeply nourishes and revitalises the skin, leaving it soft and glowing.

Building Connections: Celebrating Female-Owned Brands

Beyond showcasing our products, the most rewarding part of the expo was the opportunity to connect with other incredible female-owned brands. We were especially inspired by Vanessa Megan and her team's warmth and expertise. Their dedication to natural ingredients and sustainability mirrors our values, and it was a pleasure to share ideas with such a like-minded brand.

We also reconnected with Jessie from EverCircle, who continues to impress us with her eco-friendly hair treatments and commitment to reducing plastic waste. Helen from Nefysi Skincare brought her enthusiasm for Australian-made, Greek-inspired skincare to the forefront, reminding us of the power of blending cultural heritage with modern skincare practices. Finally, Karin from Tru Dermal shone brightly with her innovative approach to light therapy, proving that non-invasive skincare solutions are the future.

These connections highlighted the importance of community within the beauty industry. The women we met were not just business owners but advocates for each other's success. It was a beautiful reminder that we all rise when women support each other.

Wrapping Up: Gratitude and Growth

As we reflect on this year's Sydney Beauty Expo, we are filled with gratitude for the unique connections we made, the support of our customers, and the overwhelming interest in Selkia's vision for sustainable beauty. Our commitment to slow skincare, natural ingredients, and innovative sustainability practices sets us apart in an ever-evolving industry.

To our wonderful customers, thank you for believing in us and continuing to support our mission. Your trust allows us to grow, innovate, and push the boundaries of sustainable beauty. Here's to another year of growth, community, and love for skin and the planet.

With love,

Tameryn and the Selkia Team