In our Saya Woman series, we speak to extraordinary women who share their experiences, insights and advice to life, business and everything in between. This year, we're recording the series and sitting down in-person to create space for these amazing women and their stories. We hope they inspire you as much as they inspire us.

For our Saya Woman Series #16, we take it back to brand roots with our founder, Saya McDermott. We discuss the Saya origin story, combatting skincare trends, advice for teen skin (and parents of teenagers), and the future of Saya Skincare. Saya also shares her go-to face product that "saved her skin.”

Part One: The Origin Story

Q: What moment made you realise that you needed to create Saya Skincare?

Saya: Honestly, it wasn't probably one moment. It was really all about my struggles with my own skin at the time. I couldn't find anything that would help my problem skin, and it just led me through a journey of solving my own skin issues, by making my own products. I did a lot of research and discovered natural ingredients, and how effective they can be on the skin.

It wasn't just about targeting the problem, it was also about supporting the skin and skin resilience. I learned along the way that naturals were really great at doing that. And that's where it all started. It wasn’t about creating a brand, it was just a mission to solve my own skin problems.

I did eventually start selling my products at the local markets, which was fantastic for me to see that there were other people out there experiencing similar issues, not finding the right products. That helped me expand the range and start formulating for others too. There were so many people I realised I could help and that’s really where it began.

Part Two: The Power of Botanicals

Q: What’s one thing people often get wrong about natural skincare, and how did that shape your mission?

Saya: I think the biggest misconception is that natural skincare isn’t effective. That was really common when I started formulating, over twenty years ago. Natural products back then were often seen as basic, or something you’d only use if you had to. They weren’t seen as high-performance.

So I wanted to prove that natural ingredients can be just as effective, sometimes even more so, when you know how to formulate properly. You just need to choose the right ingredients and understand how they work together.

It was also important for me to show that natural skincare could look and feel beautiful too. I wanted the textures to be luxurious, the packaging to be elevated, and the whole experience to feel premium.

Q: Saya Skincare was one of the first in Australia to use native botanicals. Why was that important to you?

Saya: I’ve always felt really lucky to be surrounded by these ingredients here in Australia. Native botanicals are incredibly potent and unique. They've built up natural resilience growing in such harsh environments, and that resilience translates into the skin benefits they offer.

It wasn’t just a creative decision, it felt like a responsibility. I wanted to showcase what Australian botanicals can do in skincare and share that with the world.

We also work closely with local growers and farmers, which I love. It’s special to be able to support local while also creating something truly effective and different.

Q: Is there one ingredient you come back to again and again for its power or versatility?

Saya: I don’t have just one go-to. It always depends on what I’m creating, what the skin needs, and what the purpose of the product is. But we do have a signature blend in the range — Kakadu Plum, Illawarra Plum and Burdekin Plum. They’re amazing for hydration and overall skin support.

We also use peptides, vitamin complexes, and plant actives. It’s really about blending science and nature in a way that delivers results.

Part Three: Rituals and the Future of Saya

Q: If you had just ten minutes a day for a skincare ritual, how would you spend it?

Saya: I’d keep it really simple. Cleanse, exfoliate a few times a week, apply serum, and moisturise. I’m all about consistency. It’s not about how many steps, it’s about using products that work.

That’s what the Saya range is built on. Multi-benefit, high-performance products that don’t require a 10-step routine. Just simple, intentional skincare.

Q: As Saya continues to gain recognition overseas, how do you see the brand evolving in the coming years?

Saya: I want us to grow mindfully. We’re expanding into new markets, which is exciting, but it’s important to stay connected to our values and our community.

That means continuing to innovate, whether that’s through more sustainable packaging, updated formulas, or listening to what our customers need. It’s not about growing for the sake of it. It’s about growing with intention and constantly finding ways to do better.

Part Four: Community Questions

Q: A mum in our community asked about her teenage daughter using harsh products. What advice would you give to teens just starting skincare?

Saya: It’s definitely a concern. Teenage skin doesn’t need those kinds of actives. In fact, it can do more harm than good. The skin at that age is still developing and doesn’t need to be overloaded.

I’d recommend starting with the basics. A gentle cleanser, a lightweight moisturiser, and always SPF. That’s really all they need. And I know the packaging of some of those trend brands is fun and eye-catching, but it’s so important to read the ingredients and keep things simple.

Also, don’t skip moisturiser. I used to avoid it when I was younger because I thought it made my skin worse, but I’ve learned how important it is for supporting and protecting the skin barrier.

Q: How should customers layer the Glow, Super, and Renew serums?

Saya: The order matters, and it really comes down to the formula of each product.

Start with the Glow Serum, which is our vitamin C. It’s water-based and has a lower pH, so it should go on first, right after cleansing. Let it absorb for about 30 seconds.

Next, use the Super Serum, which is our vitamin B complex. It has hyaluronic acid and peptides and sits at a higher pH, so it works well as the second step.

Lastly, apply the Renew Serum, which is our facial oil. Oils always go last. They help lock in everything underneath. You can also mix a few drops into your moisturiser if you like.

Saya also notes that the Renew Serum contains bakuchiol, a gentle, plant-based alternative to retinol. “We were the first Australian brand to release an oil with bakuchiol,” she shares.

Part Five: One Last Question

Q: What’s your current favourite product from the range?

Saya: That’s so hard. But I’d have to say the Cleansing Gel. It was one of the first products I ever created, and it really did save my skin.

I also love the Argan Body Oil. It’s nourishing, it smells beautiful, and it leaves the skin so soft. I use it every single day.

We’re so grateful to Saya for sharing her story with such honesty and heart. If there’s one thing this conversation reminded us, it’s that great skincare doesn’t need to be complicated, it just needs to be created with purpose. 

Stay tuned as we drop these interview series snippets on socials in the coming months!