About Us
Modern skincare. Ancient roots. Unshakeable results.
What is Oyu Botanica?
Oyu Botanica is a clean skincare brand founded by Mongolian-born formulator Tugs-Oyun Davaadorj. Inspired by the steppe botanicals her grandmothers used, she blends heritage plants like sea buckthorn with modern green chemistry to make gentle, high-performance skincare for sensitive and barrier-compromised skin, hand-made in small batches in the U.S.
Where does Oyu Botanica come from?
Oyu Botanica, previously known as Oyu Cosmetics, was born from the Mongolian Steppe — a place where survival depends on resilience, and where nature has always been more than inspiration. It has been medicine, ritual, and wisdom passed from one generation to the next.
Who founded Oyu Botanica?
Our founder, Tugs-Oyun Davaadorj, grew up watching her grandmothers protect and nourish their skin with potent botanicals shaped by one of the most extreme climates on Earth. That early lesson stayed with her: skin does not need to be fought, stripped, or “fixed.” It needs to be supported, strengthened, and respected.
When she came to the United States, she saw a skincare industry divided in two: “clean” brands with no depth, and clinical brands that often felt cold, harsh, and disconnected. Oyu Botanica was created to bridge that gap — combining the ancestral resilience of Mongolian botanicals with the precision of modern green chemistry.
Who is Oyu Botanica skincare made for?
At Oyu Botanica, we believe in building resilience, not chasing perfection. Our formulas are designed for sensitive, reactive, and barrier-compromised skin — using thoughtful ingredients that are both gentle and effective.
Bakuchiol has been studied as a well-tolerated retinol alternative for sensitive skin. Clinical results show improved hydration and visible skin benefits without the irritation many people experience with retinoids.
What principles guide Oyu Botanica formulas?
- Mongolian heritage. We draw inspiration from Steppe botanicals like sea buckthorn and Siberian larch, ingredients associated with antioxidant support and skin-barrier care.
- Clinical credibility. We pair ancestral knowledge with science-backed actives chosen for performance, tolerance, and real-world results.
- Ancestral integrity. We honor the traditions that shaped this brand, including nutrient-rich, restorative formulas rooted in generations of skin care rituals.
Why are Mongolian steppe botanicals good for skin?
The Mongolian Steppe is a land of extremes, and that’s exactly why its plants are so remarkable. Botanicals that survive harsh environmental conditions develop powerful protective compounds, including antioxidants and nourishing lipids that help support skin health.
That resilience is the heart of Oyu Botanica. We are not here to overwhelm skin. We are here to help it thrive — with formulas inspired by nature’s most enduring ingredients and refined for modern routines.
“Skincare is more than a routine; it is a ritual of self-preservation. My goal is to bring the quiet strength of the Mongolian wilderness into your daily life, proving that you don’t have to choose between cultural heritage and high-performance results.”
— Tugs-Oyun Davaadorj, Founder & Formulator, Oyu Botanica
Why choose Oyu Botanica?
Oyu Botanica is for people who want skincare that feels both deeply human and intelligently formulated. It is for those who want visible results without sacrificing skin comfort, heritage, or intention.
We create skincare for the sensitive, the thoughtful, and the resilient.
Which Oyu Botanica product is right for my skin?
| Feature | Sensitive Skin Booster Serum | Bakuchiol Firming Serum | Verde Calm Crème | Tallow Lotion Bar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Reactive, redness-prone skin that needs barrier support | Fine lines and firmness without retinol irritation | Daily moisturizer for easily irritated skin | Very dry skin on face and body |
| Key ingredients | Hemp seed oil, goji berry oil | 1% bakuchiol, squalane, vitamin E | Shea and mango butters; sunflower, olive and avocado oils | Grass-fed beef tallow (lavender or unscented) |
| Format | Lightweight serum | Serum | Lightweight cream | Solid lotion bar |
| EWG Verified | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Vegan | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (contains tallow) |
| Leaping Bunny cruelty-free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Frequently asked questions about Oyu Botanica
Who founded Oyu Botanica?
Oyu Botanica was founded in 2020 by Tugs-Oyun Davaadorj, a Mongolian-born cosmetic formulator trained through Formula Botanica. She formulates and hand-makes every small batch herself.
Was Oyu Botanica previously called Oyu Cosmetics?
Yes. The brand was originally named Oyu Cosmetics. It became Oyu Botanica to reflect its focus on heritage botanicals and plant-based skincare.
Where are Oyu Botanica products made?
Every Oyu Botanica product is hand-made in small batches in the United States. Our founder formulates, blends, pours and finishes each batch.
Which Mongolian botanicals does Oyu Botanica use?
We draw on steppe botanicals like sea buckthorn and Siberian larch. These plants are associated with antioxidant support and nourishing lipids that help care for the skin barrier.
What certifications does Oyu Botanica have?
Every Oyu Botanica product is Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free. The Sensitive Skin Booster Serum and Bakuchiol Firming Serum are also EWG Verified.
How do I start an Oyu Botanica routine?
- Patch-test any new product on your inner arm twice a day for 7–10 days.
- Apply a few drops of the Sensitive Skin Booster Serum or Bakuchiol Firming Serum to clean skin.
- Follow with Verde Calm Crème to lock in hydration.
- Use the Tallow Lotion Bar on very dry areas of the face or body.