The skincare brand everyone is talking about!

The Beauty Shelf with Emily Darlow

In a skincare market crowded with bold claims and fleeting trends, it takes something genuinely different to stop people in their scrolling tracks. That’s exactly what has happened with KŌTIA, a quietly confident New Zealand skincare brand that has built its philosophy around an ingredient few of us ever expected to see in a beauty bottle: deer milk.

At first glance, it sounds unusual. Look a little closer and it begins to make perfect sense.

Born in Aotearoa New Zealand, a country known for its pristine landscapes, clean air and agricultural excellence, KŌTIA is the world’s first skincare range formulated with 100 per cent pure New Zealand deer milk. The ingredient was discovered almost by chance, but the results have been anything but accidental.

What followed was years of formulation, testing and refinement, combining the restorative power of nature with modern cosmeceutical science.

We are well versed in the idea of superfoods for our bodies, but KŌTIA reframes the concept for skincare. Deer milk is naturally rich in vitamins A, B, D and E, as well as essential minerals like zinc and iodine. These nutrients are known for their role in skin repair, barrier support and hydration, making deer milk uniquely suited to compromised, stressed or ageing skin.

Its composition is what truly sets it apart. Deer milk contains a naturally high concentration of proteins and peptides, which help support skin structure and resilience. When used in skincare, it delivers a deeply nourishing, creamy texture that melts into the skin and provides long-lasting hydration without heaviness.

For mature skin in particular, this kind of comfort is not just pleasant, it’s essential.

While the ingredient story is compelling, KŌTIA doesn’t rely on novelty alone. Every product is underpinned by clinically studied actives designed to work in harmony with deer milk, not compete with it.

Peptide complexes are at the heart of KŌTIA’s formulations, helping to calm the skin, lock in moisture and visibly improve tone and elasticity. In consumer trials linked to these peptide complexes, users experienced significant improvements in hydration, firmness and radiance, with many reporting a visible reduction in fine lines over time.

This balance between nature and science is what gives KŌTIA its credibility. Rather than chasing aggressive actives or overcomplicating routines, the brand focuses on skin recovery and repair, supporting the basal layer of the skin where true regeneration occurs.

If you have spent any time on Instagram lately, chances are you have seen KŌTIA pop up in a feed or story. Beauty editors, content creators and everyday skincare lovers are sharing refreshingly honest accounts of tired skin, sun damage and past skincare mistakes, followed by the same reveal: KŌTIA as their reset button.

At the centre of the conversation are two hero products: the Hydrating Day Cream and the Rejuvenating Serum.

The Hydrating Day Cream is designed to do more than simply moisturise. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, deer milk and skin-renewing Riboxyl, it delivers intense hydration while supporting firmness and elasticity. It also includes SPF15 for everyday protection, an important addition for Australian and New Zealand conditions, without the greasy feel or makeup pilling that can turn daily sunscreen into a chore.

The Rejuvenating Serum takes a more targeted approach to skin ageing and recovery. Packed with bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinol, argireline (often dubbed “Botox in a bottle”) and niacinamide, it works to soften fine lines, even skin tone and stimulate collagen production, all while remaining gentle enough for daily use. For skin that has been over-exfoliated, stressed or simply neglected over the years, it offers a second chance without the irritation.

What resonates most with KŌTIA’s growing community is not just what the products do, but what they stand for. The brand is refreshingly honest about the realities of modern life. Late nights, stress, sun exposure and inconsistent routines are part of the picture for many of us, especially as we juggle work, family and caregiving roles.

KŌTIA positions skincare not as perfection, but as recovery. It acknowledges that skin goes through seasons, just like life does, and offers formulas designed to support, restore and protect rather than punish or overwhelm.

This philosophy feels particularly relevant for women in midlife and beyond, whose skin may be dealing with hormonal changes, dryness or increased sensitivity. Instead of chasing trends, KŌTIA offers a streamlined approach that respects the skin’s natural processes.

There is also something distinctly grounding about KŌTIA’s connection to place. Sourced and developed in New Zealand, the brand reflects a broader ethos of respect for land, animals and sustainability. Deer milk is responsibly sourced, and the formulations are designed to make the most of every ingredient, reducing the need for excess fillers or unnecessary additives.

In a global beauty industry that often feels disconnected from origin, KŌTIA’s story feels personal and intentional. It reminds us that some of the most effective solutions are found not in laboratories alone, but in nature, when handled with care and expertise.

As skincare trends come and go, KŌTIA appears poised for longevity. Its success is not built on viral tricks or miracle claims, but on a thoughtful combination of innovation, science and respect for skin at every stage of life.

For those looking to simplify their routine, repair past damage or simply invest in skincare that works with them rather than against them, KŌTIA offers something genuinely different. It is not about erasing time, but about supporting skin to look and feel its best, right now.

And in a world of endless options, that kind of confidence is perhaps the most beautiful result of all.