Our Farm – Sonatur Essential Oils from South Africa

Sonatur Skin Care – From Farm to Skin

Our Roots: Farming Essential Oils in the Heart of KwaZulu-Natal

The story of Sonatur Skin Care begins not just with a product but with a purpose. In 2005, a small farm was purchased on the edge of Haniville township in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands to support the work of Walk in the Light Ministries which was a community-focused nonprofit working in the region.

For the first five years the land was used for sugar cane farming which provided a sustainable financial base to support the ministry's outreach efforts. However, in 2010, the farm faced an unexpected challenge the South African government expropriated a large portion of nearly 20 acres of its most fertile fields to construct a fuel pump station and pipeline between Durban and Johannesburg. The expropriation crippled the farm's income and had a devastating impact on the ministry’s operations.

But out of adversity, something beautiful was born.

🌸 The rebirth of a healing farm – Rose geranium essential oils

In 2014, the first parent stock of Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) was planted. This marked the beginning of Sonatur’s organic essential oil farming enterprise which was a transformation from traditional agriculture to botanical wellness.

The Sonatur farm in the KZN Midlands has grown, harvested and distilled both rose geranium essential oils which are the foundation of the Sonatur Skin Care range.

🪴 From Soil to Skincare: Our Full Value Chain

Sonatur is one of the few natural skincare brands in South Africa that has managed the entire production process on site:

  1. Propagation: We grow our own Rose Geranium plants from carefully selected parent stock.

  2. Organic Cultivation: Seedlings are rooted in tunnels and then transplanted to open fields and are grown using sustainable, chemical-free methods.

  3. Harvesting: Every 3–4 months the leaves are harvested at peak potency.

  4. Steam Distillation: The leaves are steam distilled in ½-tonne stainless steel pots at 160°C. The vapour is cooled and the pure essential oil is separated, collected and refined displaying a beautiful green colour. All organic essential oils have their own unique colour.

  5. Formulation: These oils are then blended into our handcrafted range of Sonatur natural moisturising creams.

🧴 What Makes Sonatur Skin Care Unique?

  • 🌱 Grown and harvested on our own farm in KZN

  • 🔬 Steam distilled for purity and potency

  • 🧼 Formulated with organic essential oils at source

  • ❌ Free from chemicals, parabens and synthetic additives

  • 🐾 Cruelty-free and safe for sensitive skin

  • 🇿🇦 Proudly South African botanical skincare

🌺 The Power of Rose Geranium for Skin Health

According to wellness experts like Dr. Axe, rose geranium oil is rich in rejuvenating properties. It may support the treatment of:

  • Psoriasis

  • Eczema

  • Acne

  • Premature aging and fine lines

Rose geranium also promotes emotional well-being helping to reduce anxiety, uplifting one's mood and the balancing of hormones.

🧡 Healing That Begins with the Land

From the soil beneath our feet to the cream in your hands, Sonatur is more than skincare - it’s a mission to restore, reconnect and rejuvenate. Every jar of our natural moisturising cream contains the essence of our farm, our values and our journey.