I’ve always been drawn to brands that combine nature with advanced science, and Snowberry is one of New Zealand’s most innovative skincare success stories. Since launching in 2007, the brand has become known for formulating products that deliver real results while keeping sustainability and natural ingredients at its core.
A Brand Built on Passion and Purpose
Snowberry was founded by Soraya Hendesi, a Persian-born cosmetician who wanted to create skincare she could trust for herself and her family. She chose the name after reviewing hundreds of options, settling on snow to symbolise purity and freshness and berry to represent vitality and nourishment. Soraya’s vision, as described in this profile on her approach to clean skincare, continues to guide the brand’s philosophy today.
Sustainability at the Core
Snowberry’s operations centre around the 54-acre Snowberry Gardens in northern Auckland, where many of the brand’s key botanical ingredients are grown. The property is fully off-grid, powered by solar energy and rainwater, and focuses on cultivating native plants such as harakeke flax and kānuka. The company is one of the few skincare brands worldwide to hold carboNZero certification for every product, having reduced its emissions by 84 percent since its early days. These environmental milestones are highlighted in a feature on Snowberry’s sustainability journey, which showcases its award-winning commitment to climate action.
Where Nature Meets Science
While Snowberry celebrates natural ingredients, it also invests heavily in scientific research. The brand worked with the University of Auckland and Callaghan Innovation to develop CuPEP and eProlex, two world-first peptide delivery systems that allow active anti-ageing ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin. Clinical trials confirm their effectiveness, with findings shared at the World Congress of Dermatology and detailed in an article on Snowberry’s peptide technology.
Hero Ingredients That Make a Difference
Snowberry highlights the best of New Zealand’s biodiversity by using locally sourced, high-performance ingredients. The New Radiance Face Serum, for example, combines kānuka honey, known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, with CuPEP peptides and hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and smooth the skin. Harakeke seed oil strengthens the skin barrier with omega fatty acids and antioxidants, while totarol extract from native totara wood acts as a natural preservative and antioxidant, as explained in Snowberry’s ingredient insights.
Global Expansion with Local Roots
The brand’s success attracted the attention of Procter & Gamble, which acquired Snowberry in 2018. This partnership enabled international expansion into markets like China, the United States, and Europe, while Snowberry retained its New Zealand identity by continuing production based on the sustainable practices established at Snowberry Gardens. You can see more about this in an overview of Snowberry’s global growth.
Award-Winning Innovation
Snowberry’s approach to combining natural ingredients with scientific research has earned it international recognition. The brand won Best Branding and Packaging Design at The Dieline Awards and has been celebrated among New Zealand’s Best in Beauty brands. Its products have also been regularly highlighted by beauty editors worldwide for delivering effective, clean skincare.
Products Worth Trying
Among Snowberry’s most popular products, the New Radiance Face Serum has achieved cult status thanks to its blend of CuPEP peptides, kānuka honey, and hyaluronic acid. The Youth Renewing Serum with eProlex combines advanced peptide technology with harakeke seed oil and niacinamide to improve firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The wider collection, which includes cleansing oils, eye serums, and moisturisers, reflects the brand’s focus on creating clean and effective skincare solutions, showcased in Snowberry’s full product range.
A True New Zealand Success Story
Snowberry is a brand that has found the perfect balance between natural sustainability and scientific innovation. It has achieved international success while staying true to its New Zealand roots, delivering skincare that respects the environment and produces visible results.
