Our Story

Luke Taylor, co-founder of MALU Botanicals, at the MALU market stall

Protected by Nature

MALU began at home. People in our own family have sensitive, easily irritated skin, and we tried cream after cream without finding one that felt right for them. So we started making our own.

Why we made MALU

Our focus from day one has been simple: create gentle formulations for sensitive skin and hair, built around natural ingredients. We work with botanicals such as kawakawa, kānuka, mānuka beeswax, rosemary, coconut, shea and jojoba, and we test and refine each formula in small batches until we’re happy to use it on our own family.

Gloved hands pouring botanical oil into a small MALU batch

Our ingredients are sourced from New Zealand suppliers, and every product is handcrafted in small batches in Manurewa, Auckland.

Honest about what’s inside

Each Cherish product is built around botanical oils, butters and plant extracts. Where a formula needs a supporting ingredient for texture, stability or preservation, we list it in full – you’ll find the complete ingredients on every product page. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend a small patch test before first use.

Come and say kia ora

You’ll also find us behind the MALU stall at local markets. It’s our favourite part of the job – meeting you in person, letting you try the range and hearing how it works for you. Follow @malubotanicals on Instagram to see where we’ll be next.

Where we’re heading

Our long-term vision is to create a full range of natural cosmetics that care for your skin and hair. Cherish is just the beginning.

Maisaele Moala, co-founder of MALU Botanicals, at the MALU market stall

Thank you for being part of the MALU whānau.

Luke Taylor & Maisaele Moala
Co-founders, MALU Botanicals