As a Naturopath and Herbalist, frustrated clients would come to me with their ‘last-resort’ skin-care problems after trying conventional methods to treat their dehydration, acne, fungal conditions, ageing, sensitive and eczema prone skin.
Commonly prescribed products were either full of toxic chemicals or were ineffective due to high levels of buffer ingredients such as water.
I wanted to provide them with a toxin-free, natural skin-care solution that was as good for their skin as it was for their well-being and that of the environment.
My grandmother was a natural medicine healer in Greece, so it was customary for my family to treat fevers with raw potato and garlic and dry skin with olive oil. I knew the answer to beautiful skin lay in Hippocrates’ concept of ‘the healing power of nature’; ingredients that worked in sync with the skin – allowing it to breathe instead of suffocating it with petroleum derivatives.
Using Olive Oil my whole life, I knew it harnessed something special. I discovered Olive Squalene – a powerful anti-ageing plant active that incredibly mimics the skin’s own protective, hydrating, and rejuvenating functions.
Over the next few years, I worked with PhD Chemists and Microbiologists to perfect Botani’s green chemistry. Our innovative formulations started with a basic premise: I believed that by synergistically blending natural and certified organic ingredients with skin-biocompatible and powerful vitamin-rich actives (such as Olive Squalene) and nutritive beauty foods, it would provide the skin exactly what it needed to function optimally.
Success with clients was mirrored in in-vitro clinical testing.
In 1998, Botani paved the way for a new era of eco-conscious, toxin-free, plant based skin-care – inspiring our brand name which literally translates to ‘plant’ in Greek.
Today, Botani offers award-winning skin-care for the whole family that is proudly Australian made, clinically verified and ethically conscious. Our key ingredient, Olive Squalene, can be found in most of our products, most potently in our number 1 selling Olive Skin Serum.
With rates of skin conditions and diseases continuing to rise worldwide, as well as the rise of chemicals and toxins in our environment, there has never been a more important time to take a holistic approach to your health and wellbeing including switching to natural, plant-based skin-care.
As true for beauty as it is for food – high quality, natural ingredients, simplicity and passion is the best recipe for success – my grandmother taught me this. I believe in a minimalist, uncomplicated approach to natural beauty, and I wish you all the success in your journey to healthy, beautiful skin.
Barbara Filokostas, ND
Botani Founder, Naturopath & Herbalist
After setting up her own clinical practice, Filokostas noticed her clients presented with three major skin issues: acne, fungal infections and dehydrated skin.
Observing the physical and psychological impacts of these skin conditions made, she realised how important healthy skin was to one’s happiness, self confidence and general wellbeing.
Witnessing the effects of modern day living on the skin and the need to treat and address growing skin sensitivities, she began to understand how ingredients from nature could restore balance and overall skin health.
As a young child Barbara had learnt about the many health benefits of olive oil from her grandmothers and it was therefore instinctive for her to turn to the healing properties of the plant world and in particular, the olive tree.
Through market research and listening to her clients, Barbara became aware of the growing need in Australia for alternative natural skin care. Using a wholistic approach to skin health, and guided by a key principle of Hippocratic medicine (vis medicatrix naturae – healing powers of nature), Botáni was born.
In 2001, Botáni’s Olive Skin Serum and Rescue Acne Cream were launched.
Botáni has become renowned for their use of plant active Olive Squalene. The key ingredient in their breakthrough Olive Skin Serum, Olive Squalene mimics the natural moisturiser found in our own skin – Squalene – which allows it to penetrate and deliver oxygen to the skin’s deepest layers for true hydration and healing to occur.
TGA listed, Botáni’s range of natural pharmaceuticals offer proven results in the treatment of acne, tinea and common fungal infections while their face and body ranges provide effective results for dehydration, premature ageing and problem skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.
In 2001, Botáni’s Olive Skin Serum and Rescue Acne Cream were launched.
Botáni has become renowned for their use of plant active Olive Squalene. The key ingredient in their breakthrough Olive Skin Serum, Olive Squalene mimics the natural moisturiser found in our own skin – Squalene – which allows it to penetrate and deliver oxygen to the skin’s deepest layers for true hydration and healing to occur.
TGA listed, Botáni’s range of natural pharmaceuticals offer proven results in the treatment of acne, tinea and common fungal infections while their face and body ranges provide effective results for dehydration, premature ageing and problem skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.
Botáni’s products allow your skin to breathe and function naturally whilst experiencing ‘the Botáni difference’.
Botáni believes natural skin care should be available for all – all skin types, all skin conditions, all ages, all budgets – and with their range of versatile skin care solutions, you too can achieve healthy, radiant skin.
Botáni is now sold across Australia in Priceline, independent pharmacies / health food stores.
