Raw Apothecary
Offers products that are ecocert certified and that are designed to work for all skin types.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | investor | €0.0 | round |
N/A | Seed | ||
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Raw Apothecary, established in 2017 by long-time friends Macarena Riva and Andrea Sánchez Martínez, operates in the direct-to-consumer beauty market in Mexico. The company was founded on the observation that the beauty industry was evolving, yet Mexican brands were not keeping pace with consumer demands for inclusive, natural, and transparent products.
The founders possess complementary skill sets that have propelled the company's trajectory. Macarena Riva is a Chemical Engineer from Universidad Anáhuac with a background in private equity and financial analysis. Her journey into entrepreneurship began after a dissatisfying stint in the corporate world, leading her to formulate the brand's initial products. Andrea Sánchez Martínez has a professional background in marketing, having worked in media companies. This blend of technical formulation expertise and marketing acumen forms the foundation of their partnership. The duo initially tested their concept by selling products at local bazaars in Mexico City, which validated the market demand and provided crucial consumer insights before transitioning to a fully online model in 2018.
Raw Apothecary's business model is entirely digital, functioning as an e-commerce entity that sells directly to consumers through its website, rawapothecary.mx. This strategy facilitates a close relationship with customers, allowing the company to gather data that informs product development and service. The business experienced a significant increase in sales, growing by as much as 200% during the pandemic, which accelerated its growth by at least a year. The company has received seed funding from investors including 500 Global (formerly 500 Startups).
The company's product line consists of natural skincare items formulated with ingredients inspired by plants, seeds, and flowers, such as essential oils. They are committed to creating products free from over 1,300 harmful ingredients and animal cruelty. A key aspect of their product strategy is creating simplified routines tailored to specific skin types, addressing the often-overwhelming nature of the skincare market. Their offerings are designed to be inclusive, targeting consumers of all ages and genders rather than a narrow demographic. The brand has also expanded into hair care with a sister brand, Raw Hair, which launched in 2021.
Keywords: natural skincare, direct-to-consumer, e-commerce, Mexican beauty brand, clean beauty, cruelty-free skincare, essential oils, botanical ingredients, inclusive beauty, simplified skincare routines, Macarena Riva, Andrea Sánchez Martínez, 500 Global, Latin America beauty market, digital-first brand, sustainable beauty, hair care, body care, online retail