MEET THE MAKER
LOVE OUR COMMUNITY
VOULA PATRIKIOS & SIOBHAN BOTTONI
What was the inspiration for creating SKN LAB?
The inspiration for creating SKN LAB stemmed from a shared passion for natural skincare and a desire to otter ettective, clean products that empower individuals to feel confident in their skin. We aim to bridge the gap between luxury and sustainability, making high-quality skincare accessible to everyone and we are committed to using scientifically backed ingredients, botanical extracts and natural oils that address deeply rooted skin concerns like aging and sensitivity.
At SKN LAB, we create with purpose—’For the love of skin’.
Our own personal journeys also played a huge role in shaping SKN LAB. Siobhan our co-founder and senior formulator, inspired by her auto immune illness, various skin conditions and love for animals, was determined to create additive-free, fragrance-free and cruelty-free products. Voula’s experience with chronic illness sparked her own healing journey and fuelled her passion for natural health practices, which aligns perfectly with our brand’s mission.
We go beyond fleeting trends by pioneering science-backed innovation to address a wide range of skin concerns.
What makes your product so unique?
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to personalisation. We offer expertly curated skincare sets that cater to specific skin concerns, making it easier for our customers to build a routine that works for them. Whether it’s our science-backed formulas or our focus on clean beauty practices, we’re committed to empowering people to feel confident in their skin, naturally.
At SKN LAB, we’ve created a skincare experience that’s truly unique because it combines the best of nature with cutting-edge science, offering clean, natural and highly effective products. Our formulations are backed by science and crafted using only the highest-quality, ethically sourced ingredients, ensuring they not only deliver visible results but are also gentle on your skin and the planet.
We take pride in being proudly Australian-owned and made, using pure, sustainable ingredients that are cruelty-free and vegan—right down to our manufacturing and testing processes.
Our best-seller and award winner is definitely Glowtox™, which has gained a loyal following for its clean, effective and non-invasive formula. Customers love how quickly they see results in terms of hydration, brightness and improved skin texture, all without the harsh chemicals typically found in other products. As Australia’s first non-injectable and natural alternative to Botulinum toxin, Glowtox™ delivers smoother, more radiant skin in a clean and safe way, making it a staple in many skincare routines.
Why is Australian-made important to you?
Being Australian-made is incredibly important to us because it aligns perfectly with our brand ethos of ‘clean skincare’—ottering products that are ettective, ethical and environmentally responsible. By manufacturing locally, we not only support Australian communities but also ensure the highest quality standards in every product. We have full control over the sourcing of pure, ethically sourced ingredients, the formulation process and product testing—all of which are crucial to maintaining our clean beauty promise.
Australian-made also allows us to leverage the country’s incredible natural resources while minimising our environmental footprint. By reducing the need for long-distance shipping and packaging waste, we contribute to a more sustainable approach to beauty.
We’re proud to be part of the local economy and to offer skincare that is not only clean and effective but also supports sustainable practices.
What Australian ingredients are used in SKN LAB?
At SKN LAB, we use a range of premium native Australian botanicals, each selected for its unique skin benefits. Some of the standout ingredients in our formulations include Kakadu Plum, native finger lime, lemon myrtle, kangaroo paw flower, lilly pilly, and tea tree oil.
Each of these botanicals offers something truly special and brings its own unique skin benefits.
Kakadu plum is known for its incredibly high vitamin C content, which helps to brighten and enhance skin radiance.
Tea tree oil is celebrated for its purifying and antibacterial properties, making it a key ingredient for clearer, healthier-looking skin and ideal for blemish-prone skin.
Lilly pilly, a cherished bush medicine of Indigenous Australians, is particularly special for its ability to support both internal and external healing. Its astringent extract provides gentle exfoliation, smoothing the skin’s texture and helping to repair weathered or sun-damaged skin.
Together, these native Australian botanicals work in synergistically and harmony to nourish, restore and protect the skin, offering a clean, natural alternative to harsh chemicals and irritants.
During tough times in your business, what keeps you focused and pushing ahead?
During tough moments, it’s our passion for skincare and the belief in what we’re creating that keeps us focused and pushing forward. We’re driven by the positive feedback from our customers, knowing that our products are making a real difference in people’s lives. Recognition from industry awards and seeing the impact of our clean, sustainable and cruelty-free approach only reinforces the value of what we do.
But it’s not just about the products—it’s about the people. The incredible team we’re building at SKN LAB is a constant source of motivation. We strive to create a work environment where we genuinely care for one another, support each other and have fun together. Mental health and well-being are top priorities for us and fostering a culture of love, trust and mutual support ensures that we staygrounded and focused on our shared mission.
We know our work empowers people to feel better in their skin—while also caring for the planet—and that’s what fuels our determination to keep innovating and overcoming any obstacles that come our way.
What’s the focus for the next 12 months?
It’s amazing that you ask this question as we’re celebrating a very special milestone this month—our first birthday! Oh, and Happy first Birthday to Australian Life Magazine! Well what a perfect moment to look ahead, as we have so many exciting developments on the horizon. Later this month, we’ll be launching our brand-new website and logo, complete with educational resources, along with a refreshed campaign that reflects the evolution of our brand ethos. We’re also unveiling expertly curated skincare sets, new products as well as innovative skin tools and accessories designed to elevate our customers’ skincare routines.
We’re especially focused on expanding our product line with new formulations that address emerging skincare needs, while staying true to our core commitment of providing clean, effective solutions for all skin types. Sustainability will be a key priority for us—we’re doubling down on our efforts to enhance our sustainable practices across every aspect of our business, from sourcing ethically harvested ingredients to packaging that’s kind to the planet.
In addition to expanding our product range, we’re partnering with more clinics to bring our skincare to an even wider audience. We’re also investing in community engagement and charities, with the goal of strengthening our connection with customers and our community. Our Skin School—through blogs, articles and our clinicians’ portal—is all about education, support and empowerment. We want to help our community make informed choices for their skin and overall well-being.
Seriously, the next 12 months are going to be incredible—so watch this space!
