Totarol: The Natural Alternative to Synthetic Antibacterial Agents

We use a substance called Totarol extracted from the heartwood of New Zealand’s native totara tree. This evergreen forest giant is famous for its resistance to rot.

New Zealand scientists have extracted the substance that gives totara wood such staying power. Totarol has broad-spectrum antibacterial properties and is active against a wide range of bacteria, including those that cause common skin infections (Staphylococcus aureus) and those that cause acne (Propionibacterium acnes).

This is a hot topic in medical research:

The activities of plant-derived antibacterials show that there are many potential new classes of antibacterial agents which should undergo further cytotoxicity, microbial specificity and preclinical studies.

So the same natural, organic substance that protects a New Zealand tree from rot can also help protect your skin from harmful bacteria.

RESTORE SKIN TO ITS NATIVE STATE OF HEALTH

From the depths of minerals pools and the heights of mountain peaks comes Ao—a line of beauty born from the wild abundance of the world’s last settled landscape.

Our fresh scientific methods filter nature’s potent energy into products designed to overcome uncertain elements and defend your skin’s dynamic boundary.

_Adaptive ingredients that stand up to the harshest conditions

_Cold processed formulas that retain the raw power of every active

_Instigative expertise that questions standard skincare practices

This is beauty from the brink that brings back your natural balance.

MEET THE DOCTOR

Dr. Mark Gray
Dermatologist, Director Product and R&D
MBChB, FRACP, FRCPC, FRCPA, ABPath, ABDermpath, FRACCS, FASMS Specialist Dermatologist, Specialist Pathologist, Specialist Dermatopathologist, Mohs Surgeon.

Harvard-trained pathologist and dermatologist Dr. Mark Gray deeply understands the science of skin. As the founding Director of the largest provider of skin medical and surgical services in New Zealand, he’s spent the past 20 years listening to his patients struggle with the skincare world’s mixed messages: effective ingredients that are harmful; natural ingredients that don’t deliver results.

Armed with the belief that skincare is evolutionary, he explored breaking scientific advancements and societal trends towards globalism, environmentalism and rising ethical standards to find the ideal balance between health and efficacy.

"Skincare science needs to be on the very edge of social change and evolution in order to succeed."

Dr. Mark Gray

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TRY BEAUTY FROM THE BRINK

Give Ao a go. Take 60 days to try our award winning products. If you’re not convinced, we’ll take them back, no questions asked.