Our Philosophy

Like the tip of an iceberg, the beauty we experience on the surface is contingent upon the health and vitality of the whole being.

At YORA we approach skincare with a truly wholistic mindset because we believe that beauty and skin health is as multifaceted as we are. As living organisms we each belong to a complex and interconnected ecosystem that creates the broader context of our lives. Like the tip of an iceberg, the beauty we experience on the surface is contingent upon the health and vitality of the whole being – the visible result of the mental, emotional, physiological, environmental and cultural condition of each individual. It is the seamless integration of all elements that enables a radiant exterior.

For this reason we do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach but rather a multidimensional one that focuses on bio-individuality and considers all aspects of health and wellbeing. The internal and external conditions of our lives are constantly changing. Every day is a different skin day because we are different every day, and our self-care regime should reflect this natural flux.

“We know that change in your life is the only constant and we at YORA want to assist you through that change to help you adapt to whatever comes your way. We develop products, provide insightful and truthful information and educate you in a way that covers all of these areas and dimensions in your life because you are not simple – you are complex and interesting and we want to equip you with a “map” that helps you navigate the constant changes you wake up to every day.”

— Antoinette Barnardo, Co-Founder

We are mindful of preserving our natural world for future generations and are constantly seeking to lighten our footprint on the earth – demonstrated through our ethical partnerships, our choice of ingredients and total transparency. It is our priority to establish a symbiotic relationship with nature while tirelessly pursuing the best from it.

We are fastidious about employing evidence-based science in all that we do and look only to study-backed, empirically validated data when formulating our products. We are not interested in false claims or miracle cures. The truth is, there is no potion or pill that will on its own radically transform our skin health overnight, but by applying scientific rigour to the best that nature provides we can optimise our carefully sourced ingredients for maximum efficacy and ensure that our products deliver on their promises.

Our aim is to merge science with art and nature with technology, to create premium, genuinely wholistic products that work to support and enhance all facets of skin health and not just what we experience on the surface – and most importantly, do what they say they are going to do.

YORA — The truth, the science, the beauty.

Antoinette Barnardo

Co-Founder

Driven by a desire to create something meaningful, mindful and considered in its approach, in 2019 Antoinette Barnardo decided it was time to combine her health and wellness expertise with her business acumen to create YORA, a skincare brand built on a truly wholistic premise.

With a diverse background in marketing, nutrition science, wellness coaching and product development, Barnardo has always believed in a philosophy of inclusivity – one that supports and integrates all facets of life from nutrition to education, spirituality, psychology and relationships. 

Having worked in the health industry for over 20 years with big brands such as Sanofi and Aspen Nutritionals whilst also developing award winning products for global giant Swisse, as well as owning her own business in the wellness space, Barnardo felt called to design a brand that would not only provide people with a physical product to address a challenge but would also inspire them to think about the larger context of their lives.

“I see so many brands and products that sell us things with the promise to change something for us or take away a specific pain” she explains, “but so often it comes undone along the way, because they miss something critical in the chain. I wanted to encapsulate everything up and down that chain – the interior, exterior, collective, social and cultural aspects of the individual.”

With this objective in mind, together with her team of gifted and passionate innovators, Barnardo birthed YORA into being – a truly unique, paradigm-shifting addition to the world of beauty and skin health.

“I see so many brands and products that sell us things with the promise to change something for us or take away a specific pain” she explains, “but so often it comes undone along the way, because they miss something critical in the chain. I wanted to encapsulate everything up and down that chain – the interior, exterior, collective, social and cultural aspects of the individual.”

With this objective in mind, together with her team of gifted and passionate innovators, Barnardo birthed YORA into being – a truly unique, paradigm-shifting addition to the world of beauty and skin health.

“I have one major rule: everybody is right. More specifically, everybody – including me – has some important pieces of truth, and all of those pieces need to be honoured, cherished, and included in a more gracious, spacious, and compassionate embrace.”

— Ken Wilber

“I have one major rule: everybody is right. More specifically, everybody – including me – has some important pieces of truth, and all of those pieces need to be honoured, cherished, and included in a more gracious, spacious, and compassionate embrace.”

— Ken Wilber