By Mera Tabarruk
The new show-stopping local brand is harnessing the power of plants and science to heal the skin, all while looking absolutely chic in the most gorgeous bottles.
RAAIE (‘Ra’, god of the sun, and ‘ray’, as in ray of light) is set to redefine botanical skincare through formulas and ingredients that have survived the most extreme New Zealand environments.
Founded by New Zealander Katey Mandy, each product combines science-backed, highly-effective active ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and retinal, with powerful, locally-grown plant antioxidants.
“When I came back to New Zealand, I realised we are so fortunate to have access to a treasure trove of unique ingredients — some of which are only just being discovered,” says Katey, who spent 11 years working in the fashion and beauty industries in London and New York.
“New Zealand’s botanicals are special because of their resilience – they survive under some of the harshest UV in the world. In response, the plants have developed unique defensive mechanisms by producing very high levels of antioxidants. It’s like they have created their own ‘plant sunblock.’
“This inspired me to create a brand of my own, one that would truly resonate with people and be a unique, sought-after presence in the global beauty landscape.”
The centre of the brand’s ethos is the awareness of the skin’s relationship with the sun. While we all enjoy soaking up the sun, it’s important to remember how harsh sun damage can be on our skin. In fact, sun exposure is shown to be responsible for 80-90% of visible facial ageing.
Taking this into consideration, Katey recognised the need for products that are equally restorative and preventative, inspired by the power of nature to both protect and heal.
RAAIE is now available with two essential products for morning and evening. The first is Morning Dew Vitamin C Serum, a powerful antioxidant serum that promises dramatically brighter skin. Two different types of vitamin C bestow a dewy glow, help to reduce redness and hyperpigmentation, and even out the skin tone.
Plans for the launch of the next additions to RAAIE’s luminous product stable are already underway, and this will include sunscreen, a moisturiser, two cleansers and a nourishing oil treatment.