Will Next-Generation Natural Materials Replace Synthetic Products?

Researchers are looking hard at the untapped potential of natural ingredients in skin care products. 

Consumers are driving this trend – but it’s not just about replacing synthetic chemicals with natural alternatives. In today’s world, the natural alternative may actually be more effective. 

One example is totarol, which we use in Ao's Glacial Melting Cleanser, Raw Nourish AM Treatment, 6000X Elemental Screen SPF 30 and Peak Strength AM Serum-Shot products. Derived from the wood of New Zealand’s totara tree, this substance has powerful antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

Here’s how it works: 

Totarol is now being used as an odourless anti-microbial/preservative extract in a range of personal health care products. As it does not evaporate from the skin in the same way as oil-based anti-microbial preparations, it can work on the skin for hours. It is currently available in, or its application is being worked on, in a range of commercial products such as; anti-acne skin care products, toothpaste, mouthwash, wound healing cream, disinfectants, sunscreen lotion, shampoo, conditioner and soaps.

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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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.

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