Auckland-based wellness and beauty brand San Margo has taken home two 2026 C&T Allē Awards in New York — one of the most respected global accolades for cosmetic formulation and innovation.
The wins were awarded to:
- Bakuchiol Super Elixir Facial Oil - winner of Finished Indie Formula: Anti-aging and Skin Care
- Glorioso Botanical Intimate Oil - winner of Finished Indie Formula: Bath, Body & Hygiene
The results place the self-funded brand alongside globally recognised names such as Yves Saint Laurent Beauté, Raeso (formerly RAAIE) and DECIEM (The Ordinary).
In less than a year since launching in August 2025, San Margo has received 22+ international beauty awards, spanning skincare, haircare, body care and brand innovation.
Built From Experience
San Margo was founded by Catalina Wilkinson, following a diagnosis of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency in her early 30s.
After 15+ years in senior roles across fashion and beauty, Wilkinson saw firsthand the gap between “clean” and “effective” - particularly for women navigating sensitive life stages such as pregnancy, postpartum and perimenopause.
“There were so many compromises - products that were safe but didn’t work, or effective but too harsh,” says Wilkinson. “San Margo was created to remove that trade-off.”
Science-Backed, Sensitive-Skin Safe
The brand’s formulations are:
- Dermatologically certified for sensitive skin
- Microbiome-friendly and fragrance-free
- Third-party tested for performance and tolerability
Independent testing across skincare and haircare products showed:
- 0% irritation in dermatological testing
- Up to 90–95% of users reporting improved hydration, comfort and overall performance
From Farmlette to Global Stage
San Margo was developed from a 50-acre carbon-capture farmlette in Mangatawhiri, Auckland, where over 1,000 trees have been planted. The farmlette is estimated to have removed approximately 28 tonnes of carbon in its first year, reflecting the brand’s commitment to long-term environmental responsibility (more info).
The brand has also:
- Achieved APCO-certified recycling instructions (ARL) across its packaging
- Joined 1% for the Planet
- Established a formulation standard aligned with strict EU and Credo-style ingredient policies
Small, Self-Funded - and Growing
Despite being entirely self-funded, San Margo has:
- Launched 8 products across 14 SKUs
- Grown to 10 stockists across New Zealand and Australia
- Achieved 120+ customer reviews
- Sold out its first collagen launch within weeks
ABOUT SAN MARGO
San Margo is a New Zealand beauty and wellness brand offering natural-based, high-performance skincare, haircare and wellness formulations that are independently dermatologically-certified for sensitive skin, fragrance-free, consciously packaged, and a pleasure to use every day.
Recognised with 22 international Beauty Shortlist Awards, the brand combines thoughtful formulation with responsible environmental practices, including recyclable packaging and a commitment to 1% for the Planet.
San Margo - we’re for your inside, for your outside, and for the outside.
