Hark & Zander: The Story Behind Our Skincare
Effective skincare for sensitive, reactive and changing skin, created in New Zealand.
Where It All Began
Hark & Zander began with sensitive skin.
Our founder, Kirsty Harkness, is a registered nurse who had spent years struggling with skin that reacted to products that seemed to work perfectly well for everyone else.
She wanted skincare that could do more than simply be gentle. It needed to deliver results too.
That frustration started a much bigger journey into ingredients, formulation and what sensitive skin actually needs to stay hydrated, resilient and strong.
The Discovery of Kōaka
That journey led Kirsty to kōaka (hemp), which she began growing amongst the vines in Marlborough.
But it wasn't ordinary hemp seed oil that interested her.
Most hemp seed oil is pressed from the whole seed. We remove the outer shell to reveal the tiny cream-coloured heart inside, about the size of a sesame seed, and cold-press only that heart.
The result is a beautiful golden oil, naturally rich in essential fatty acids, including an almost ideal balance of omega 6 and omega 3.
It became the starting point for Sativelle™.
What Is Sativelle™?
Sativelle™ is our proprietary botanical complex, developed for sensitive, reactive and changing skin.
It sits at the heart of our skincare alongside carefully selected botanicals and proven active ingredients. Our formulas are designed to strengthen the skin barrier, restore hydration, calm visible redness and improve the look and feel of skin.
Because having sensitive skin shouldn't mean having to choose between skincare that's gentle and skincare that actually works.
From Soil to Skin
Our connection with kōaka didn't stop with skincare.
Kirsty's interest in the plant led to further research into its potential within vineyards, including its relationship with soil health and sustainable viticulture.
Today, the kōaka used in Hark & Zander skincare is grown for us by New Zealand growers in Hawke's Bay and Whanganui.
Knowing where this key ingredient comes from matters to us. It keeps an important part of Sativelle™ New Zealand grown and gives us a direct connection to the people and places behind it.
Skincare for Skin That Changes
One of the things we've learned is that sensitive skin isn't necessarily something you've always had.
Skin changes.
Hormones, pregnancy, menopause, stress, age, environment and changes in the skin barrier can all affect how our skin looks, feels and behaves.
It may suddenly feel drier. Products you've happily used for years might start to sting. Redness can become more noticeable. Skin may feel less firm, less resilient, or simply different from how it used to be.
That's the skin we formulate for.
We focus on supporting the skin barrier and restoring hydration while using targeted ingredients to address the things you actually want to improve, from visible redness and dryness to texture, firmness and radiance.
Nature, With a Reason
We love botanicals, but an ingredient doesn't earn a place in a Hark & Zander formula simply because it's natural.
It needs a reason to be there.
We combine carefully chosen botanicals with proven skincare actives, selecting ingredients for the benefit they bring to the finished formula and to your skin.
Our focus is simple: effective skincare that delivers visible results while supporting sensitive skin.
It's an approach that has seen Hark & Zander recognised with around 40 skincare and beauty awards, but what matters most to us is creating products our customers genuinely love and want to keep using.
Why Hark & Zander?
If you're new to us, here's what you can expect:
✓ Skincare designed for sensitive, reactive and changing skin
✓ Formulas that support the skin barrier and hydration
✓ Carefully selected botanicals alongside proven active ingredients
✓ Sativelle™ at the heart of our skincare
✓ Designed and made in New Zealand
✓ Around 40 skincare and beauty awards
And above all, you don't have to choose between caring for sensitive skin and wanting results.
So, Where Did the Name Come From?
We get asked this one a lot.
Hark means to listen, or to hear and share news. Zander comes from Alexander, traditionally meaning defender or protector.
Put them together and Hark & Zander just felt right.
And no, Zandy wasn't named first! Our little H&Z puppy came along much later, although with a name like that, she was probably always destined to join the team. 🐾
Ready to Find What Your Skin Needs?
Whether your skin has always been sensitive or has simply stopped behaving the way it used to, we're here to help you find skincare that works for your skin now.
