When you truly believe in something, you can’t help but make it known. If it changed your life, you want to share it with others.

What transforms you is not meant to be hidden. It reshapes the way you think, the choices you make, and the path you walk. And when you discover something life-changing, you feel compelled to share it.

Natural skincare invites that kind of response. It draws you back to simplicity, intentionality, and being mindful about what you put on your skin. It teaches a slower rhythm, a gentler approach, and awakens a quiet desire to share what feels honest, pure, and good.

For Leani Sanders, founder of Lomay Skin, natural skincare was transformative.

What began as curiosity grew into purpose. Uncertainty gradually gave way to clarity. And a personal search for meaning evolved into a brand grounded in intention, simplicity, and care. Resulting in products that feel grounding and nourishing.

This is the story behind Lomay Skin.

A Beginning Shaped by Change: The Story Behind Lomay Skin’s Origins

Before Lomay Skin, Leani lived a simple life on a small farm in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Her days were filled with what she describes as “little feet running through the house, the joyful chaos of dogs and a cat, and long hours at the computer. A beautiful, simple life”.

It was a beautiful life, but professionally, she felt unfulfilled.

After years of working in marketing, spending most of her days behind a computer, she felt a growing desire to build something more tangible. She loved the creativity of her work, but longed for something purposeful - something she could create with her hands.

Around the time her youngest daughter was born, life shifted unexpectedly. Many of the clients she had worked with for years fell away, forcing her to pause and re-evaluate her path. It was a challenging moment, but also a defining one.

Instead of retreating, she leaned into curiosity.

She has always been naturally curious… Someone who asks “what if?” and “why not?” These small questions sparked something bigger. “What if it succeeds?” “Why not give it a try?” “Why not make it myself?” Eventually, that led to a powerful shift: why not me?

Once she believed that, everything changed.

She decided to use her background in creativity and strategy, but channel it into something new. That’s when she began exploring natural skincare. What started as curiosity quickly turned into passion.

Two full years followed - researching, learning, testing, documenting, and refining - before launching a single product.

The early days of Lomay Skin, as Leani describes, “were a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and determination.” Filled with long evenings researching ingredients, testing formulations, and documenting everything carefully. She balanced motherhood, learning, and building from scratch while still working in marketing. It was challenging. She says,

“Behind the scenes, it was also a period of rebuilding confidence. Losing long-standing clients was difficult, but it also created space to grow in a new direction. I learned patience during that time. There were many moments of trial and error, reformulating, and refining.”

It wasn’t fast or rushed, but it was intentional. And that intention still shapes Lomay Skin today. There was no rush to market, no pressure to expand. Only a desire to create something she truly believed in. She goes on to say,

“I drew inspiration from the strong women in my life - friends who supported me unwaveringly while I was building Lomay Skin. All the women featured in the photos on my website are part of that circle, a reminder of the encouragement, strength, and wisdom that helped me bring the brand to life. Their support is woven into the story of Lomay Skin and continues to inspire everything I create.”

So not only did Lomay Skin grow through research, late nights, and persistence, it was also shaped by the people who stood beside her. Those early relationships and moments of support that quietly influenced the brand’s direction and reflect a truth shared by many businesses: that human connection often sits at the heart of what a brand becomes.

Behind every formulation, ingredient choice, and finished product, there is almost always a network of people, suppliers, conversations, and shared knowledge that help shape it along the way. No brand is built in isolation. It is shaped through relationships, trust, and the exchange of ideas that refine and strengthen what eventually reaches the customer.

In many ways, this is also part of our own story. Supporting makers like Lomay Skin is not just about supplying ingredients, but about being part of a wider ecosystem where guidance, collaboration, and shared intention help bring thoughtful products to life.

Formulations That Serve a Purpose

Natural skincare appealed to Leani because it aligned with a slower, more thoughtful way of caring for both skin and self. She became fascinated by the simplicity of well-chosen ingredients and the idea that skincare could nourish without being complicated.

This conviction shaped the Lomay Skin philosophy from the beginning: purposeful formulations, gentle yet effective ingredients, and no unnecessary complexity.

Nothing is rushed. Nothing is accidental. Every product begins with intention. Leani shares,

“what matters most to me is balance: creating products that support the skin without overwhelming it. I focus on thoughtful combinations, texture, and how a product feels in everyday use, not just how it performs.”

She often returns to deeply nourishing oils like prickly pear, baobab, and kalahari melon seed - ingredients that support the skin barrier while offering a sense of quiet luxury. OliveM 1000 plays an important role in creating stable, smooth textures for her creams and serums.

Leani shares,

“I’m particularly drawn to ingredients that are gentle yet effective, supporting the skin without overstimulation. This aligns perfectly with the philosophy of Lomay Skin: simple, purposeful, and nourishing.”

Even scent is chosen with purpose. She prefers natural essential oils over synthetic fragrance oils, aligning with a holistic wellbeing philosophy. Frankincense and cedarwood calm and ground the mind, making them ideal for The Milk (a product in the range) - your perfect morning moisturiser. Jasmine and lavender gently uplift the spirit while supporting relaxation, making them ideal for The Cleanser (a product in the range) as part of your evening ritual.

As you can see, every essential oil she incorporates into her products is chosen not just for aroma, but for its therapeutic benefits. We believe in ingredients that serve a real purpose, not just a sensory experience.

The Woman Behind Lomay Skin: Formulating Natural Skincare With Intention

A Lomay Skin product often begins with a feeling, shaped by a skin need, a texture worth exploring, or curiosity that leads to something new.

From there, Leani begins researching and formulating. She starts by creating multiple versions before settling on one that meets her standards. Once a formulation feels right, it undergoes refinement, stability testing, and small-batch trials.

Producing in small batches allows her to remain hands-on and maintain consistency. Every formulation is carefully documented, tested for stability and pH, and created in a dedicated workspace. Leani’s creations begin as follows:

“At the heart of my process is intention. I don’t create products simply to expand a range; each one must serve a clear purpose. I value simplicity, thoughtful ingredient selection, and creating textures that make skincare feel like a moment of calm. Consistency, quality, and care guide every step.”

This approach isn’t just practical but deeply intentional, something we at Essentially Natural truly admire about Lomay Skin.

Being Proudly South African Matters

Building Lomay Skin in South Africa means navigating challenges, but also being part of a vibrant local community of makers who value craftsmanship, quality and authenticity.

One moment that perfectly captures this spirit came through social media, where Leani connected with another local maker.  She says,

“through Instagram, I found one of my work besties. Although our stories and approaches are similar, our products and business models are very different. We exchange ideas, share tips on ingredients, and when she struggled with a formulation, I offered possible solutions. It’s proof that we aren’t in competition - we uplift and build each other. Moments like these make me so excited about what’s possible when strong women, each in their own way, come together and support one another”

This sense of collaboration reflects everything we at Essentially Natural believe in. Supporting local makers strengthens a community rooted in care, integrity, and shared purpose, where knowledge is exchanged freely, and growth becomes a collective journey rather than an individual pursuit.

Extending on this ethos, Leani emphasises that supporting local, small-batch brands carries a much deeper impact than the products themselves. She says, 

“Supporting local, small-batch brands is about more than just purchasing products - it’s about nurturing creativity and entrepreneurship within South Africa. Small businesses often focus on quality, craftsmanship, and personal connection, which brings something unique and meaningful to the market. By supporting local brands, customers contribute to sustainable growth and help create opportunities within their own communities.

In my earlier career in design and marketing, I had the privilege of working with an incredible NPO that helped disabled individuals complete learnerships, empowering them to enter the workforce and provide for their families. Many of these learners surpassed expectations and accomplished amazing things when given the opportunity.

South Africa is full of potential to invest in entrepreneurship, share knowledge, and help people achieve greater heights. Supporting local brands isn’t just about the products we create - it’s about fostering a community where talent, creativity, and opportunity can thrive.”

In essence, embracing local means that every purchase, conversation, and collaboration becomes part of something bigger, quietly shaping a stronger, more connected future for local makers and the communities they serve.

The Importance of Skincare Education and Empowerment

Education sits at the heart of Lomay Skin, and we’re obsessed!

Skincare can often feel overwhelming, filled with conflicting advice, complicated routines, and unclear expectations. Lomay Skin exists to simplify that experience.

Leani believes that skincare does not need to be complicated to be effective. She says, 

“With natural products, especially, consistency and gentle support often bring the best results. It’s not about layering countless active ingredients, but about nourishing the skin barrier and allowing the skin to function optimally. Simple routines, used consistently, can make a meaningful difference over time.”

She also emphasises something equally important: skincare is only one part of wellbeing. Lifestyle, sleep, nutrition, stress management, and movement play an essential role in skin health, too.

We love Lomay Skin’s focus on transparency and education, especially in an industry where it’s easy to overpromise results. By grounding their approach in clear, honest information, they help customers move away from marketing noise and make informed, confident choices in their skincare routines.

At the heart of Lomay Skin are three values: intention, simplicity, and integrity. These values shape every decision, from formulation to communication to growth.

Leani feels a strong sense of responsibility to her customers, her community, and the environment. She shares, 

“I feel a strong sense of responsibility to create products that people can truly trust. This means being transparent about ingredients, focusing on gentle yet effective formulations, and producing in small batches to maintain the highest quality. There’s also a responsibility to contribute positively - supporting local suppliers where possible and being mindful of waste and overproduction.

Equally important is building awareness for the all-natural industry as a whole. I’m passionate about having conversations, sharing knowledge, and educating more people about the benefits of choosing natural products - not just for their skin, but for overall wellbeing and the environment. For me, Lomay Skin isn’t only about creating skincare; it’s about nurturing a community, encouraging mindful choices, and building something sustainable, thoughtful, and respectful of both people and the planet”

Lomay Skin isn’t just about products. It’s about nurturing mindful choices and building trust.

For us at Essentially Natural, what makes this approach especially meaningful is how it reflects a modern return to formulation integrity. You see how every ingredient serves a clear purpose, and skincare becomes less about excess and more about intelligent, skin-respecting design that supports both efficacy and long-term skin health.

How to Navigate Challenges When Starting a Natural Skincare Business

Building Lomay Skin has been a lesson in patience. Growth hasn’t happened overnight. It has unfolded slowly, step by step. Each formulation is refined. Each customer connection is meaningful.

There have been challenges too, particularly navigating retail spaces that don’t always align with brand values. She describes, 

“retail spaces don’t always respect your product, misinformation can be shared, and payments aren’t always made on time. It’s a tough reminder that no one will care about your business as much as you do. I’ve found it far more rewarding and sustainable to connect directly with customers. These connections allow for meaningful conversations, immediate feedback, and an opportunity to build trust - something that can’t always happen through retail alone. Facing these challenges has reinforced the importance of resilience, creativity, and staying true to your brand’s values.”

Success, for Leani, isn’t just business growth. It’s sustainability, balance, and purpose.

She further explains,

“At this stage, success isn’t just about the business - it’s about creating sustainability, balance, and purpose. It’s about finding the right retail spaces that align with the brand, connecting directly with customers, and building trust along the way. It’s also about navigating life as a wife and mom - being a more present, fulfilled parent while creating financial freedom as a woman.”

A Personal Legacy That Inspired the Creation of Lomay Skin

One of the most personal parts of Leani’s story is rooted in legacy.

Her mom passed away from breast cancer when she was sixteen. Years later, while packing up their childhood home, she discovered a large maroon file filled with product recipes her mother had once compiled for a potential business.

Inside were simple ideas — soaps, small creations, nothing elaborate. But full of intention.

Leani still has one of those soap bars today.

Finding that file felt like a quiet nod of approval. A sign that she was on the right path, not just professionally, but personally. A reminder that this journey was about more than skincare. It was about purpose, family, and showing her daughters that it’s possible to take your passions seriously, to stay true to your values, and to create a life that balances work, family, and personal fulfilment.

That sense of legacy lives in Lomay Skin.

How Essentially Natural Supports Small-Batch Skincare Brands Like Lomay Skin

Lomay Skin caught our attention. In getting to know Leani and sharing her story, we were so honoured to see her choose us as her supplier. She says, 

“what initially drew me to Essentially Natural was the quality and variety of their natural ingredients. As someone deeply focused on formulation, having access to reliable, well-sourced ingredients is incredibly important. I was also drawn to the fact that they are a local South African supplier, which aligns with my commitment to supporting local businesses.”

Access to high-quality natural ingredients played a crucial role in building Lomay Skin. She describes, 

“My experience with Essentially Natural has gone beyond just sourcing - they’ve provided incredible support throughout the journey.”

From formulation discussions and packaging guidance to ingredient sourcing and documentation, our support helped Leani formulate with confidence. Having access to certified ingredients, COAs, and SDS documentation ensured safety, consistency, and integrity in every product. Something we are truly proud to provide Leani with.

Being part of a local ecosystem of makers and suppliers creates a shared sense of purpose, something we at Essentially Natural are extremely grateful to nurture.

We are honoured to support Lomay Skin, a brand built slowly, thoughtfully, and with heart.

How to Simplify Your Skincare Routine With Lomay Skin Products

We were excited to ask Leani about her personal skincare routine. And much to our delight, it reflects the same simplicity and intention behind Lomay Skin.

She follows a calm, minimal approach focused on cleansing, hydration, and nourishment, where she supports the skin in functioning naturally rather than overwhelming it with too many steps.

Her routine typically includes a gentle cleanse, followed by hydrating and nourishing layers that support the skin barrier, and ends with a moisturiser or facial oil to lock in balance.

She also adapts her routine seasonally. In autumn, for example, she leans into a double cleanse using The Olive and Oat Balm Cleanser for gentle exfoliation, followed by The Cleanser (Oil-to-Milk). She then layers The Collagen Skin Essence, followed by The Holistic Serum, and finishes with The Renewal Moisturiser.

What can we learn from Leani and Lomay Skin? Natural skincare is not about excess but a moment to care for yourself in a meaningful way.

Building a Natural Skincare Brand That Lasts: The Lomay Skin Vision

The vision for Lomay Skin is simple: to grow intentionally while staying grounded in its beginnings. To reach more people without compromising quality or care. To remain small-batch, purposeful, and deeply personal.

What resonates with us the most is that sense of calm intention in how Lomay Skin is built. Yes, we agree, when you truly believe in something, you don’t just build it.

You live it.

You refine it.

And eventually, you share it with the world.