You stress the use of both naturally derived and synthetic ingredients for maximum efficacy. How do you strike a balance, ensuring safety without compromising the holistic benefits to the skin?
The combination of both safe synthetic and natural ingredients offers the consumer the best of both worlds whilst also being safe for sensitive skin types.
Our biocompatible formulations synergise with the skin, avoiding irritation and allergic reaction. This blend enables us to create potent products with enzymatic antioxidants and a mix of traditional and innovative plant-based components that offer phytonutrients and prebiotic benefits.
I think it is important to remember that ‘synthetic’ doesn’t necessarily mean harmful. For example, our serum’s synthetic vitamin C is non-sensitising and shelf-stable, unlike many natural forms. Meanwhile, our cleanser primarily features rice bran and colloidal oatmeal—natural ingredients known for centuries for their skin-softening and hydrating qualities. Both have a relevant role in today’s skincare.
Being plastic-negative certified and partnering with eco-conscious organisations showcases your dedication to environmental sustainability. How do these collaborations enhance Darl’s commitment to a better world?
Darl’ collaborates with rePurpose Global, the world’s leading Plastic Action Platform, to offset twice the plastic waste we produce in our Cleanser, Serum, and Face Oil products. This initiative, including the Project Saaf Samudra in Goa, allows Darl’ to remove 530lbs of plastic waste annually, equivalent to over 122,000 pouches or 13,500 bottles.
With the beauty industry generating around 120 billion packaging units yearly and recycling just 9%, Darl’ recognises the environmental threat and is committed to being Plastic Negative. In an industry known for over-consumption, Darl’ focuses on innovative eco-friendly choices. Additionally, our use of glass packaging and refillable pouches was another key pillar in the brand’s efforts to limit its impact on the environment.
Our products are vegan, cruelty-free, palm oil-free, and ethically crafted in Australia. We partner solely with suppliers upholding our values of respecting farmers, their teams, and the environment. This encompasses fair pay, employee welfare, and no child labour. Our products are made in Australia, using ingredients from ethical global farms without causing deforestation or environmental harm. Darl’s mission extends to meaningful partnerships with ethically and socially responsible organisations, advocating for sustainable industry change.
The refillable pouch design is an elegant solution to a pervasive waste issue. What inspired this innovation, and how do you envision its impact on the broader skincare industry?
Darl’ took nearly 3 years to develop before our launch in June 2023, and it’s encouraging to see refillable skincare pouches rise in popularity since then. Packaging waste is currently the primary challenge confronting the beauty industry. Implementing structural changes to reduce, reuse, recycle, and divert waste from landfills is vital, and embracing circular structures whenever possible is the most effective approach.
Providing skincare in recyclable pouches seems an obvious solution to reduce waste and our environmental footprint. We designed our primary packaging from durable glass that’s both aesthetically pleasing and functional, encouraging users to refill their bottles year after year, and at a reduced cost.
Darl’ is the Melbourne-made brand taking the noise out of skincare.
