Long before “clean beauty” became a trend, cultures around the world turned to the land for skincare. In Hawai‘i, and in traditional communities across the globe, the secrets to beauty were grown in backyard gardens, gathered from forests, or harvested by the sea. Nature provided everything needed — and ancestral wisdom showed how to use it. This is ethnobotanical skincare: the art of using plants (botanicals) informed by traditional knowledge (ethnology) to nourish the body.
Stroll through our garden on Kaua’i and you’ll find a cosmetic aisle of living green. There’s the kukui nut tree, its silvery leaves hiding rich nuts full of oil that Hawaiians used as a moisturizing lotion and to protect their skin from the sun and salt. There’s the spiky aloe vera, whose gel can cool a sunburn more effectively than any store-bought cream, and without the unnecessary preservatives. And the papaya tree — its broad, hand-shaped leaves stretching toward the sun, its fruit glowing golden among the green. While the sweet fruit is beloved, the leaf holds power too. Traditionally, papaya leaf has been used in skincare for its ability to gently exfoliate, calm inflammation, and support skin clarity. Rich in enzymes like papain, it helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and brighten the complexion.
At ʻOhi ʻOhi, we carry forward these island skincare traditions with reverence and a modern twist. Our biodiverse garden provides food, medicine and skincare at every step — packed with nourishing plants that thrive in Kaua‘i’s climate. When we formulate a new skincare oil, balm, or botanical scent, we often start by asking: how did the ancestors use this plant? What was their connection to it? By listening to cultural wisdom, we tap into centuries of experience about what truly works. Then we enhance those ingredients with gentle, contemporary formulations. The result is small-batch skincare that feels luxurious but stays true to its roots.
One of our signature products is La’au Ethnobotanical Oil, shown above. La’au means ‘Plant’ in Hawaiian language. The base oil is organic cold pressed kukui oil — what ancient Hawaiians once used to keep their skin supple after days of sun and ocean. The high levels of linoleic and linolenic acids hydrate and heal the skin’s barrier. La’au is a unique product, as it changes with the seasons. Every 3 months, we offer a fresh infusion of herbs, using plants from right outside our front door on Kaua’i, chosen for their potent skin-healing properties.
We believe in the healing power of seasonal variety. By incorporating fresh seasonal botanicals, your skin receives a diverse array of nutrients & antioxidants, helping to support its natural renewal process. Examples include banana leaf, papaya leaf, moringa, gotu kola, mamaki, plantain, rose petal, vanilla bean — all from our garden to your skin.
The earth offers a complex pharmacy in every leaf and root, and our job is mainly to respectfully preserve those benefits in our products. The beauty of ethnobotanical skincare is that it’s as much about how we make products as what’s in them. We harvest our herbs at peak potency. We infuse oils slowly, rather than rushing with high heat, to extract botanical goodness gently. And we forego artificial fragrances; instead, organic and sustainable essential oils provide a subtle aroma straight from nature. We are present and paying attention during the entire process, infusing intention and prayer into each oil. The result is skincare that doesn’t just make you look good — it makes you feel connected. When you apply ‘Ohi ‘Ohi Ethnobotanical Oils, you partake in a ritual that links you to Hawaiian culture and the ʻāina (land). Your self-care becomes a form of honoring nature.
Ready to nourish your skin the island way? Try swapping one item in your routine for a botanical alternative — Your skin, your heart and the planet, will feel the difference. (For more beauty tips and recipes— join our community newsletter. Let’s glow with aloha together.)