READ ELIZABETH'S STORY
New Zealand founded, owned and made
I was searching for natural skincare that offered the same benefits as prestige brands – but using pure New Zealand ingredients that were independently and scientifically validated. That personal quest turned into a trailblazing scientific green beauty brand which has won global fans and award for combining nutrient-rich New Zealand bioactive ingredients with science and innovation to produce high-tech, premium formulations.
Science has always been a big part of my life. Before embarking on an MBA, I studied for a biology degree; after graduating, I was fortunate to win a highly competitive role with a US-based international surgical corporation which pioneered technology for laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. Having trained in New York, I became the sole representative for New Zealand and Australia, training surgeons and registrars to use the specialised equipment. My eight-year stint with the company was transformative, teaching me valuable lessons that I brought to Antipodes: innovation, creativity, robust scientific validation – and a belief that business can be a force for good.
My introduction to a natural lifestyle came as I was raising my three young children. Strongly encouraged by my family who were on their own personal quest for improved health and wellbeing, I discovered raw juices, supplements, and natural ingredients, and started making the switch to a plant-based way of life. At the same time, I was scouring the world’s skincare for a hydrating product that could alleviate my dry skin – but couldn’t find any green beauty products that performed as well, or felt hydrating enough, as the conventional brands I was using. I listened to my body, the way this nutrient-rich lifestyle made me feel healthy and energised. I wanted to capture that feeling in skincare. And that’s how Antipodes was born.
Working alongside surgeons for years, I learned there’s no room for error, which is why I’m rigorous in the preparation of every Antipodes green beauty product – and why they can take up to 18 months of research and development to perfect. I’m not willing to compromise on quality. I am committed to delivering the highest performance natural skincare we possibly can.
I wanted to prove to customers that they could rely on our scientists’ breakthrough research to produce eco-minded green beauty that was kinder to the planet, but was also results-driven and raised the bar when it came to improving the appearance and health of skin. Devotees can rely on our scientists’ clinical findings and trust that Antipodes products do help to improve your skin’s appearance. We’re trailblazing a new niche in green beauty globally.
By combining my twin loves of science and nature, I’m proud to have created a beautiful, cutting-edge brand that’s not only good for your skin and the planet but also gets results. We choose to use clean New Zealand ingredients, we partner with suppliers who align with our values, and we’ve retained manufacturing in New Zealand.
Now, we’re taking that to the next level and paving a new path in sustainable green beauty – with a goal to achieve 100% plastic-free, kerbside recyclable packaging, and ingredients that meet strict traceability criteria. I want to show my children you can build a life by sticking to your values and beliefs.
"Back in 2004, skincare was either natural or effective – never both. My education showed me that nature and science didn’t have to be at odds. Antipodes was born from that belief."
ELIZABETH BARBALICH | FOUNDER & CEO
From Wellington to the world
From just six formulations, Antipodes is now found in more than 40 countries worldwide. In business for over 18 years, we occupy a privileged position as New Zealand’s premier heritage green beauty brand. As Antipodes has evolved, so have our ingredients – but our core mission remains the same: to become the world’s most sustainable and efficacious natural beauty brand, paving the way for a brighter future by providing real alternatives to synthetic formulations and packaging waste in landfill.