What does a cleanser do for your skin?

During the day, grime, dead skin cells, oil, perspiration, and dirt can accumulate on the skin, clogging pores. This creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth and prevents the skin from functioning optimally. Daily use of a quality cleanser removes this buildup, along with makeup and sunscreen.

Our Kūmarahou & Mānuka Honey Cleanser combines two of New Zealand’s native botanicals renowned for their therapeutic properties. Kūmarahou’s natural saponins act as a gentle surfactant, lifting impurities from the skin, while 100+ MGO Mānuka Honey provides antibacterial support to help prevent breakouts and inflammation.

What does a toner do for your skin?

Toners help restore and maintain the skin’s natural surface after cleansing. Acting as a bridge between cleanser and moisturiser, they rebalance the skin’s pH and prepare it to absorb hydration.

While early toners focused mainly on acidity, modern formulations hydrate, protect, and support skin ageing. Our toner restores the skin’s natural acidity after cleansing and helps maintain softness and suppleness.

Rich in antioxidants from Mānuka Water, with glycerine, fatty acids, and healing Kawakawa water, our toner helps refine pores, smooth skin texture, and remove final traces of oil or sunscreen. Alcohol-free, it supports healthy skin without causing damage.

What follows cleansing and toning?

After toning, moisturising is essential. Our Mānuka Honey Day Cream and Harakeke Seed Oil Night Cream provide hydration using both humectant and emollient properties. Humectants draw moisture into the skin, while emollients seal it in to prevent water loss.

Following an Aotea skincare routine helps keep your skin clean, balanced, and beautifully nourished.

Shop the Aotea skincare range →