about.
Sandra Moetara
Welcome to Wild Alchemy Botanicals! My name is Sandra, and I am the owner and formulator behind this brand. I am passionate about merging scientific principles with the natural world to develop effective skincare products. Thank you for being a part of this exciting new chapter in my career!
Formulated Products
After three years of dedicated development, each product in our line has been meticulously crafted based on sound formulation principles. Whether you're facing breakouts, dullness, sensitivity, or signs of ageing, we have an ideal solution for you.
Premium-Grade Ingredients
We harness the incredible power of nature by incorporating premium-grade natural ingredients known for their skin-loving benefits. From calming botanicals to hydrating hyaluronic acid, our formulas nourish and soothe your skin effectively.
Prioritising Customer Education
At the heart of making informed skincare choices lies knowledge. We are devoted to empowering you with a deeper understanding of your skin. Dive into our extensive resources and blog to enhance your skincare knowledge, enabling you to make decisions that best suit your needs. We aim to help you feel confident in choosing the right products for your skin. With our comprehensive content and resources, you’ll be equipped to select wisely and achieve healthy, radiant skin.
Small Batch Slow Production Process
In our fast-paced world, mass production often overshadows the charm of handcrafted care. At Wild Alchemy Botanicals, we embrace small-batch production to ensure precision and quality. This method guarantees fresher products, often made to order, enhancing their efficacy.
Our approach allows quick adaptation to trends and customer feedback while reducing waste and environmental impact. By choosing our skincare, you support a mindful and sustainable beauty philosophy, where every product is crafted with care and dedication.
the beauty industry is a vibrant and ever-evolving field:
my professional background
With nearly twenty years of dedicated experience in skin health and aesthetics, I am proud to have founded Wild Alchemy Botanicals. My career began at the Caci Clinic in New Zealand, where I witnessed the transformative effects of skincare products and treatments. This pivotal experience inspired me to become a skin and dermal therapist in medical spas in New Zealand, Australia and Dubai.
My path took me to the Middle East, where I was a licensed Skin and Laser Technician, certified by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). My experience in the Middle East has provided me with valuable opportunities to work in renowned medical spas in Wafi City and Jumeirah. During this time, I collaborated closely with dermatologists and cosmetic nurses, significantly enriching my skincare knowledge. Working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds allowed me to create personalised treatments tailored to the unique needs of various skin types and concerns.
I hold several qualifications, including CIDESCO certification (Switzerland, 2008) and CIBTAC certification (UK, 2007). Additionally, I earned a Diploma in Beauty and Spa Therapies from the Elite School of Beauty and Spa in New Zealand (2007), along with certifications in teaching and small business management. These credentials reflect my expertise, commitment to continuous learning, and dedication to providing exceptional care.
My areas of specialisation included:
- Laser Hair Removal
- Intense Pulse Light (IPL) Photo Rejuvenation
- Dermamelan Medical Depigmentation Method
- Omnilux LED Light Therapy
- Nimue Skin Technology
- Acne Scar Treatment
- Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
- Microneedling (Skin Needling)
- Murad Skincare
- Sonophoresis
- Diathermy
- Hydradermabrasion and Microdermabrasion
- Medi-Facials and Medi-Peels
In addition to my clinical practice, I have embraced the role of an educator at Wintec, where I taught Beauty Therapy. I provided mentorship to high school students as they transitioned into higher education and the beauty industry. Furthermore, I contributed to the development of NZQA course criteria, emphasising the personal and practical skills needed for success in beauty therapy and related fields.
My career reflects a deep commitment to excellence in skin health, driven by a passion for helping others achieve their skincare goals. Through Wild Alchemy Botanicals, I aim to share my expertise and provide innovative solutions that enhance skin health for all.
a childhood encounter
with nature's healing power
From a young age, I experienced the profound healing power of nature, a lesson learned in my backyard—or rather, the shores of the South Pacific Ocean. When I was seven years old, I encountered a painful and uncomfortable challenge, as my mild eczema progressed into juvenile plantar dermatosis (JPD), a common and chronic dry-skin condition of the feet that mainly affects pre-adolescent children. For two winters, I dealt with the extreme discomfort of painful fissures, cracking, and scaling that bore deep cracks with each step. Standard medical treatments like steroid injections and steroid creams offered very little relief, pushing my parents to return to traditional remedies.
My parents returned to a traditional approach, establishing a new routine that permitted me to immerse my feet in the icy, yet mineral-filled waters of the South Pacific Ocean. Some small changes were made to my diet, adding hot pūhā juice and puha to my meals and eliminating dairy during the winter months. Before I knew it, I experienced what my youthful imagination considered almost magical; I noticed remarkable improvements in my health and feet.
As I matured, my quest for knowledge unveiled the scientific basis behind cherished remedies. Pūhā (Sonchus oleraceus), widely respected in Pacific Island cultures, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and rich nutritional profile. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, pūhā supports skin health and energy metabolism, boasting high levels of Vitamin A, B Vitamins, and Vitamin C—highlighting the idea that food can act as medicine. The waters surrounding New Zealand are rich in vital minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which benefit skin health. Soaking in this natural saltwater not only provides relief but also enhances skin hydration, helping to shield against irritants and addressing various skin issues effectively.
My formative experiences have fostered a strong appreciation for Papatūānuku's wisdom, significantly shaping Wild Alchemy Botanicals' approach. Her teachings emphasise our connection to the Earth and its resources, guiding our commitment to harnessing nature’s therapeutic properties. By incorporating these lessons into our practices, we aim to develop products that promote well-being while honouring our environmental relationship.
a commitment to ethical beauty
and environmental stewardship
Wild Alchemy Botanicals is committed to developing premium skincare products that highlight a deep connection to Papatūānuku - nature through the use of botanicals and bioactive ingredients. We stand as an alternative to mass production by crafting small-batch skincare made with high-quality ingredients sourced within Aotearoa New Zealand, thereby supporting local sustainability and environmental stewardship. This philosophy encourages slow living and mindful consumption, utilising BioGro NZ Certified ingredients that are free from harmful additives and microplastics. Wild Alchemy also champions cruelty-free beauty and ensures ethical practices throughout its production process.