Our Story.

Founded on the belief that your skin deserves better.

It started with a question.

Why does the skincare industry make it so difficult to know what you are putting on your skin? Dr. Elena Marsh had spent over a decade in pharmaceutical research when she found herself unable to decode the ingredient lists on products she used every day.

The clinical evidence was there. The ingredients were proven. But the gap between published research and consumer products was vast. Botanica was founded to close it.

From lab to shelf.

Every Botanica product begins with a question: what does the published clinical data say works? We formulate at clinically effective concentrations and publish our trial results — not because we have to, but because we believe you should not have to take a brand's word for it.

Full INCI lists on every product page. Concentration percentages where they matter. No proprietary blend obscurity.

Rooted in responsibility.

Sustainability was never a phase or a marketing strategy. From our first five products, every bottle was post-consumer recycled glass, every cap aluminium, every box FSC-certified card with soy-based inks.

We achieved carbon neutrality in 2021 and B Corp certification in 2024. These are not targets — they are the baseline from which we continue to improve.

Dr. Elena Marsh

Founder & Formulator

After twelve years in pharmaceutical research, Elena began formulating in her Hackney kitchen in 2019. Her frustration was simple: the skincare industry was selling hope when it should have been selling evidence.

Today, she leads a team of four formulators and oversees every product from initial research review through clinical testing to final production. Every formula must pass the same question: does the data support this?

"Your skin does not care about branding. It responds to chemistry. We formulate for the skin, not the shelf."

How we make it.

Ingredient sourcing

Laboratory formulation

Clinical testing

Sustainable packaging

Our journey so far.

2019

Founded in a London kitchen

Dr. Elena Marsh began formulating after years of frustration with the opacity of the skincare industry. The first prototypes were mixed on a kitchen counter in Hackney.

2020

First 5 products launched

The debut collection — Cleanser, HA Serum, Niacinamide Serum, Moisturiser, and SPF — sold out within 72 hours of launch, entirely through word-of-mouth.

2021

Carbon neutral certification

Achieved carbon neutrality across all operations (Scope 1, 2, and 3). Began offsetting through verified reforestation and direct air capture projects.

2022

Featured in Vogue

Vogue Beauty named the Bakuchiol Renewal Serum one of the year's best launches. The range expanded to 15 products, including the first body care offering.

2023

100,000 customers

Reached 100,000 customers and launched the refill programme — reducing packaging waste by 80% for repeat purchases of core moisturisers and cleansing balms.

2024

B Corp certified

Achieved B Corporation certification, meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

2025

First flagship store opens

Opened the first Botanica flagship on Redchurch Street, Shoreditch, and expanded direct shipping to all EU countries.