MAILELANI - Organic Samoan Skincare taking over!

Mailelani – Organic Samoan Skincare taking over!

By now we’re all aware of the endless benefits received from the coconut, so it’s no surprise that one of Samoa’s leading skincare and natural beauty companies, has put Samoa on the map using organic coconut oil magic. Mailelani, meaning ‘a gift from heaven’, was established in 2005 by Kitiona and Sylvie Salanoa.

Using organic suau’u popo (coconut oil) in their products, sourcing local ingredients and employing local villagers, Mailelani is providing not only work opportunities, but also superior natural skincare with those unmistakable island fragrances.

“What makes Mailelani unique is that it’s the peoples business; it’s not just us. We have people who make the coconut oil, koko samoa and sell esi, so everything we do and put in, is made by the people, Mailelani just makes the finished product. That’s why I always say without the people, Mailelani wouldn’t exist.” – Kitiona Salanoa.

The first product created was a handmade scentless soap, which eventually developed into a range with seven various fragrances. Kitiona revealed that his small family owned business began with no knowledge at all about the creation or ingredients needed for these products.

“When we started the business, none of us knew what soap was made of, not even one ingredient. We were fortunate to have a chemist from Auckland who came in to show me everything. We gave him what we wanted and he came up with how to do it, so all the ingredients we choose are in our products, we wanted to be unique and stand out from the other cosmetic companies. The ingredients, in our lotion especially, are all organic.” – Sylvie Salanoa.

The initiative created by Kitiona and Sylvia in the early stages of their business was to provide work and income for rural areas in Samoa. Mailelani’s use of local ingredients sourced and processed by local people in Samoa means that the rest of the world can experience 100% authentic island products.

“We are using pure organic coconut oil made by the farmers. The famer we are using now, we bought the machine for them, and so they are supplying us with the coconut. They use the village people to collect the coconuts, so it’s not just one family; there are a lot of families involved.” – Kitiona.

The knowledge and history of the ingredients infused in Mailelani products is what gives locals and those aboard confidence in their lotions and soaps. For example papaya, moso’oi, pe’epe’e and more, are well known by the locals to be good for skin health and a source of tropical fragrance.

Mailelani have a range of skincare products from soaps, coconut oil, lotion, body scrubs, balms and a facial collection. Everything is natural and ethically produced. Products can be purchased online at http://www.mailelani-samoa.com/ .

Check out their range and treat your skin to the best natural island products, while supporting local Samoan business at the same time.