When supermodel Miranda Kerr founded Kora Organics in 2009, she wasn’t just lending her name to another celebrity beauty brand. The Australian-born entrepreneur created what would become one of the pioneering forces in the clean beauty movement, building a certified organic skincare line that’s now sold in over 30 countries worldwide.
What started as a passion project in Kerr’s home country of Australia has evolved into an award-winning brand that sets itself apart with genuine organic certification, transparent ingredient sourcing, and a holistic approach to beauty that extends beyond skincare.
The Story Behind Kora Organics
The genesis of Kora Organics dates back to 2006, though the brand officially launched to the Australian market in 2009. The catalyst? A deeply personal experience when Kerr was just 16 years old.
When her mother was diagnosed with cancer, Kerr began scrutinising what she was putting in and on her body. This wake-up call sparked a lifelong passion for organic ingredients and holistic health. After studying nutrition and health psychology at the Academy of Natural Living in Australia, Kerr recognised a gap in the market. She wanted to use certified organic skincare that was both healthy and delivered powerful results, but nothing available met her standards.
Rather than compromise, she decided to create her own. Kerr self-funded the entire venture, partnering with some of the best chemists in the natural space over three years to develop formulations that would meet the strictest global safety standards whilst delivering clinical performance for healthy, glowing skin.
The brand remained relatively small for its first several years, but in 2017, Kora Organics began its international expansion, first launching in the United States through a partnership with Sephora. Today, the brand operates in both the US and Australia, ships to over 120 countries, and Kerr maintains a 95 per cent stake in the company.
Beyond Clean Beauty: What Makes Kora Organics Different
In an industry saturated with “clean” and “natural” beauty claims, Kora Organics distinguishes itself through rigorous third-party certification. The brand is certified by two international certification bodies: COSMOS (Cosmetic Organic and Natural Standard) and EcoCert, which require adherence to standardised regulations around ingredients and manufacturing processes.
This means that the brand excludes over 13,000 harmful ingredients and uses certified organic ingredients that contain up to 60 per cent more antioxidants than conventional alternatives. Every product is formulated to work holistically, nourishing the mind, body, and skin.
The brand’s signature ingredient, noni fruit extract, appears throughout the range. This tropical superfruit is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that promote the skin’s natural radiance. The brand’s formulations also incorporate other powerful botanicals, including rosehip oil, sea buckthorn oil, green tea, turmeric, and essential fatty acids.
There’s also a unique spiritual element to Kora Organics. All products are filtered through rose quartz crystals during the manufacturing process, with the intention of infusing the vibration of love into each formula. Different crystals are used for different products: aquamarine for the Minty Mineral Hydration Mist, clear quartz for the Milky Mushroom Gentle Cleansing Oil, and citrine for the turmeric products.
Most Popular Products
Kora Organics has developed several cult-favourite products that consistently top bestseller lists:
Noni Glow Face Oil is often described as Miranda’s number one skin saviour and “the organic oil that started it all”. This lightweight yet powerful face oil combines noni fruit extract with rosehip, jojoba, sunflower, sea buckthorn, and pomegranate seed oils to visibly nourish, brighten, and smooth the skin. The antioxidant-packed blend works to strengthen the skin and support its natural radiance.
Turmeric Brightening and Exfoliating Mask delivers what many describe as a facial in a tube. With organic turmeric (one of Kerr’s favourite anti-inflammatory ingredients), rosehip seeds, and BHA enzymes, this multi-use product works as both a gentle scrub and a brightening mask to polish and illuminate the complexion.
Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum addresses concerns about synthetic retinol’s potential side effects. Featuring bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative, this milky serum provides anti-ageing benefits with gentle hydration. According to the brand, nearly 80 per cent of retinol users reported this serum performed better than traditional retinol.
Turmeric Glow Foaming Cleanser offers an uplifting, invigorating cleanse without stripping the skin. The formula uses organic turmeric and other botanical ingredients to cleanse whilst nourishing the skin.
Noni Radiant Eye Oil targets the delicate under-eye area with a blend of noni fruit, rosehip, and other vitamin-rich oils to smooth, tone, and reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.
Where to Buy Kora Organics in Australia
Kora Organics products are widely available across Australia through multiple retailers:
Department Stores: David Jones and Myer stock the full range of Kora Organics products, making it easy to experience the products in person before purchasing.
Beauty Retailers: Sephora Australia carries an extensive selection of Kora Organics skincare, both in-store and online.
Online Retailers: The brand is available through Adore Beauty, The Iconic, Nourished Life, Look Fantastic, and Active Skin, offering convenient home delivery options.
Travel Retail: Heinemann Sydney Airport stocks Kora Organics for travellers.
Direct from the Brand: The Kora Organics Australian website offers the complete product range with regular promotions and bundles.
For those preferring to shop online, many Australian retailers offer free shipping on orders over a certain threshold, and the brand’s own website frequently runs special offers and value sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Kora Organics?
Miranda Kerr owns 95 per cent of Kora Organics, with a silent partner holding the remaining 5 per cent. Kerr serves as both the founder and CEO, overseeing day-to-day operations including innovation, product research and development, marketing, and global expansion. Unlike many celebrity beauty brands, Kora Organics was entirely self-funded by Kerr from the outset.
Is Kora Organics cruelty-free?
Yes, Kora Organics is certified cruelty-free by PETA. The brand ensures that neither their ingredients nor finished products are tested on animals, and their suppliers and third parties follow the same standard. The brand’s packaging carries the PETA logo, and products are not sold where animal testing is required by law. As Kerr herself says, “Kora’s products are not tested on animals – they are tested on me.”
Is Kora Organics Australian-owned?
Yes, Kora Organics is proudly Australian-owned. The brand was founded in Australia by Australian-born Miranda Kerr and remains majority Australian-owned. Whilst the company now operates with bases in both Australia and the United States and distributes globally, it maintains its Australian heritage and identity.
Is Kora Organics made in Australia?
Kora Organics products are made and manufactured in the United States, though the brand works with a team of organic chemists and aromatherapists in both Australia and the US. The ingredients are sourced from around the world based on quality, and the brand is headquartered in Warriewood, New South Wales.
Is Kora Organics organic?
Yes, Kora Organics products are certified organic and natural in accordance with COSMOS standards, regulated by EcoCert Greenlife. This certification ensures adherence to strict organic guidelines around ingredients and manufacturing processes. The brand’s certified organic ingredients contain up to 60 per cent more antioxidants than conventional alternatives, and the formulations exclude over 13,000 harmful ingredients, including synthetic pesticides, herbicides, parabens, silicones, sulphates, PEGs, and PFAS compounds.
Is Kora Organics vegan?
Kora Organics maintains predominantly vegan formulations, with the brand clearly disclosing which products contain non-vegan ingredients. Most products are vegan, though some items contain ingredients like beeswax or other animal-derived components. The brand provides transparent vegan labelling across its product range, making it easy for consumers to identify which products align with vegan values. Products carrying the vegan label on the packaging are confirmed to contain no animal-derived ingredients.
What does “KORA” stand for?
Whilst the brand doesn’t extensively publicise the meaning behind the name, it’s designed to evoke purity and naturalness whilst being memorable and distinctive. The name has become synonymous with certified organic beauty and the brand’s holistic approach to skincare.
Are Kora Organics products safe during pregnancy?
Many Kora Organics products are vetted for pregnancy and considered safe for use during pregnancy and postpartum. However, pregnant and nursing women should always consult their healthcare provider before introducing new skincare products into their routine.
How long do Kora Organics products last?
The majority of Kora Organics products have a 2.5-year expiration date from manufacture, with a 12-month period of use once opened. Products with active ingredients, such as the Silky Sun Drops SPF Sunscreen Serum, display expiration dates on the packaging. The brand uses natural-based preservatives approved by COSMOS rather than harmful preservatives that extend shelf life artificially.
From its origins as Miranda Kerr’s passion project to its current status as a globally recognised certified organic skincare brand, Kora Organics represents a genuine commitment to clean beauty backed by rigorous third-party certification. For Australian beauty enthusiasts seeking effective, genuinely organic skincare that doesn’t compromise on results, Kora Organics offers a locally-founded option that’s proven its worth both at home and on the international stage.
