As the global wellness movement gains momentum, consumers are seeking more than just effective skincare—they’re looking for products that nurture both body and mind, and that honor a sense of place and provenance. The industry is evolving rapidly, with a growing emphasis on natural ingredients, transparency, and brands that blend ancient botanical wisdom with modern science. This shift has sparked a renaissance in small-batch, locally crafted products that transform everyday routines into moments of meaningful self-care. Real World is at the forefront of this evolution in New Zealand. Founded by a husband and wife team in Hawke’s Bay, the brand crafts botanical-powered skincare and home essentials using high concentrations of native plants like Harakeke and Kawakawa. Every formula is made in-house, reflecting a commitment to authenticity, quality, and the restorative power of Aotearoa’s natural heritage. Real World’s daily rituals become opportunities for connection—to self, to land, and to the values that shape a more thoughtful way of living. Real World stands apart for its commitment to authenticity, craftsmanship, and a holistic approach to wellbeing, inviting customers to experience care that is as effective as it is meaningful.
A locally-owned brand with global vision and grounded roots
At its core, Real World is a deeply personal venture—hand-built by a husband and wife team who chose quality over compromise, authenticity over mass production. Nicola and Adam’s journey began with a desire to solve a real problem, not just to sell a product. That passion turned into purpose, and their once-humble idea now thrives within a full-scale factory and concept store in Hastings, New Zealand. Every part of the production process—from sourcing native botanicals to bottling, labelling, and dispatch—is done in-house. This level of ownership and attention is rare, and it shows in the superior texture, scent, and performance of each Real World product. Real World doesn’t aim to be the biggest—only the best at what they do. Their products aren’t churned out by the thousands in industrial plants, but thoughtfully crafted in small, carefully monitored batches, ensuring consistency, purity, and performance. And in an era of disconnection, Real World is creating something refreshingly intimate: a brand where the creators are not only hands-on but hearts-in. Nicola and Adam’s story—and their commitment to authenticity—has struck a chord with conscious consumers who value brands with soul, substance, and integrity. From their community involvement in Hawke’s Bay to their open-door policy at the Real World HQ, the brand’s success is powered by real people, real values, and real results. Their ethos extends beyond skincare and home goods—it’s about the world we want to live in. Real World proves that it’s possible to run a modern, design-led business while staying deeply connected to people, place, and purpose. Through beautifully simple packaging, native ingredient storytelling, and a genuine love for craft, the brand invites every customer into its world—not just as a consumer, but as a collaborator in something better.
New Zealand native ingredients with ancient wisdom and modern power
What sets Real World apart isn’t just their beautiful formulas—it’s what goes into them. At the heart of every product lies the unmatched potency of New Zealand’s native botanicals, used not as marketing buzzwords, but in meaningful concentrations that deliver real, visible results. Ingredients like Harakeke, Hoheria, and Kawakawa aren’t just beautiful—these plants are part of Aotearoa’s rich cultural and ecological heritage, celebrated for centuries for their healing and medicinal benefits. Harakeke (flax), for example, is prized for its hydrating and oil-regulating properties, while Hoheria brings deep soothing power to sensitive skin. Every plant is chosen not only for its function, but for its whakapapa—its lineage, connection to land, and meaning within the wider Real World story. Their Manuka and Pohutukawa-infused products echo the wisdom of traditional Māori medicine, using these botanicals to cleanse, calm, and regenerate. Real World doesn’t just extract ingredients—they honour them. The result? A collection of products that feel as good as they perform, restoring skin with intention while connecting users to the richness of the natural world. Whether it’s the anti-bacterial prowess of Manuka, the brightening properties of Kowhai bark, or the deeply moisturising effects of Mamaku fern, each native botanical is integrated with care, preserving its integrity and maximising its benefits. Real World believes that skincare is more than surface deep—it’s a conversation between skin and earth, tradition and innovation, ritual and responsibility. By leaning into the power of these native plants, they offer more than just moisturisers or soaps—they offer grounding, connection, and care. With every formulation, Real World shows us what’s possible when nature leads and people listen. This is skincare that’s rooted in the land, crafted with intention, and designed to bring balance, beauty, and wellbeing to your everyday life.
To know more visit:
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/realworldnz
Website- realworldnz.com
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