About

I'm Vesna — scientist, mother, grandmother, founder of Sense, and the person who makes every product you'll find on this site.

I started Sense a long time ago, in 2002, not because I saw a market opportunity. There were very few people making soap properly back then. I had the training to read an ingredient list, and what I kept seeing on bath and body labels concerned me. I knew what the fillers and synthetics were doing in there. And I knew I didn't want them on my children's skin — or mine.

So I decided to make my own.

What followed was years of quiet research: learning the cold-process technique. Using botanical oils, clays, and ingredients with a reason to be there. Learning to formulate. Making kefir from live cultures. Sourcing Sake Kasu lees from traditional Japanese skincare, and true laurel berry oil from a soap-making tradition older than most countries. Making real, long-lasting olive oil soaps. Testing formulations until they worked properly. No shortcuts. Bars cured from six weeks to six months. Temperatures controlled to keep live cultures alive.

Twenty-three years later, I still make small batches of soaps and balms in Melbourne, using ingredients I've researched myself.

I'm not trying to build the biggest natural skincare brand. I'm trying to make the most honest one — products I'd hand to my own family without hesitation.

It takes longer, and costs more, than the alternatives. I've always thought that was worth it.

I know what's in it, because I put it there.

— Vesna