PLANET
OUR STORY
Katoa in Te Reo Maori translates to All, Whole, Complete, Everyone.
Our story is rooted in a deep reverence for the planet — and a belief that truly sustainable skincare should be as intelligent as it is responsible.
Blending the wisdom of nature with the precision of science, we create biotech-powered skincare designed to support both your skin’s biome and the Earth’s ecosystems. Our formulations harness advanced bio-ferments and patent plant stem cells to deliver visible, lasting results.
Each product is crafted with purpose: to activate your skin’s natural glow, strengthen its barrier, and nourish it to its healthiest state.
Katoa Botanicals is more than skincare. It’s a movement toward balance — between people and planet.
Penny, the inspiring founder of Katoa Botanicals, is a proud descendant of Māori heritage, whose culture holds a deep, spiritual and physical connection to the Earth. Growing up on a 750-acre farm in New Zealand installed the principle of Kaitiakitanga - the practice of guardianship over the land, sea, and sky.
With 28 years in the hair and makeup industry, Penny cultivated a passion for skin health, natural beauty, and education. Experiencing first hand, the excessive use of single-use plastics and waste within the beauty industry, ignited her mission to drive awareness and change. This blend of expertise and respect for nature became the strong foundations for Katoa Botanicals, launching in December 2025.
The Whanau
Penny’s Mother, a pioneer in organic skincare and a qualified Naturopath and Herbal Medicine practitioner, founded one of New Zealand’s first certified organic skin and health care brands, Regenerate, in 1998.
Working alongside her for three years, they grew over 75% of their raw plant materials, harvesting, distilling, and transforming botanicals into active skincare ingredients. This time nurtured a respect and understanding of native plants, medicinal herbs, and healing practices.
Sustainability runs through the family, with her sister practicing permaculture since 2012. The family now re-wilds an over farmed section of land, creating a biodiverse ecosystem rich with native New Zealand plants. This precious sanctuary attracts a wealth of wildlife, restoring balance and nurturing numerous species.