SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
IT’ S ONLY natural
Natural beauty is the hottest trend in body care – and Costco supplier Australian Botanical is giving the movement new meaning.
BY SARA YUSUF
Twenty-five years ago, the choice of soap at supermarkets was limited. Most were small bars created from an animal fat base known as tallow and the lather was created by artificial foaming agents, such as sodium lauryl sulphate( SLS). Now, Australians are more conscious than ever of what we’ re putting on and into our bodies and, in turn, what those products are doing to our planet.
“ A good soap shouldn’ t just sanitise,” says Scott Apperley, CEO of Costco supplier Australian Botanical.“ It should gently cleanse without drying the skin out, leaving it feeling soft and invigorated.”
Raising the bar
Disheartened by the lack of natural, skinsoftening soap on the market, Apperley and his dad founded Australian Botanical.
“ We wanted to create a natural-base soap that is long lasting and creates its own rich and creamy lather, not relying on chemicals to do the work,” Apperley explains.“ Our natural soap base has a high-glycerin content, derived from pure plant oils, helping to moisturise your skin.”
The natural base is complemented by beautiful botanicals such as eucalyptus, lemon myrtle and organic shea butter.
“ The latter is a natural ingredient known for its high concentrations of fatty acids and vitamins, all of which can help to soften the skin,” adds Apperley.
Holistic hand wash
Members who love Australian Botanical’ s soap bars have been just as impressed with the brand’ s liquid hand wash. Ever-focused on perfection, it took the Apperleys almost five years to develop.
“ We wanted to uphold the same quality as our soap bars,” explains Apperley.“ Our hand wash has the same rich lather, washability and moisturising after-feel, as well as a nice balance of fragrance.”
Also essential was maintaining the commitment to natural beauty, so the hand soap is free of artificial preservatives, fillers and foaming agents.
“ It’ s made from 97 percent naturally derived ingredients,” Apperley enthuses.“ Which is as high as it’ s possible for a liquid hand wash to get.”
Apperley also wanted his hand soap to be carbon neutral. The packaging is carbon-free and 100 percent recyclable( except for the pump), with an understated look and feel that exudes quiet luxury.
“ We don’ t shirk on fragrance or quality,” adds Apperley.“ So members can get the best value and the best quality.”
Putting the planet first
According to Costco buyer Tahlia Micallef, it’ s that commitment to sustainability and value that makes Australian Botanical stand out.
“ We are always searching for local businesses that create sustainable, topquality products,” she explains.“ Australian Botanical manufactures in Victoria, and sources only the best natural ingredients.”
“ Environmental awareness and implementation are key in developing the range,” adds Apperley.“ Our products are not tested on animals, and we’ ve always been dedicated to using sustainable pure plant oils and packaging.”
Australian Botanical products are free from parabens, phthalates, SLS
12 | MAY / JUNE 2025 COSTCO CONNECTION