Our Journey

Hello, I’m Monica, the founder of Peruda Skincare. My path to creating this brand is deeply personal, born from my own struggles and triumphs with skin health. 

For years, my skin was my greatest challenge, and in 2013, it took a dramatic turn for the worse. Seemingly overnight, I developed painful abscesses, rosacea, adult acne, and an eczema-like rash. I felt like a stranger in my own body. Countless products, from luxury brands to drugstore finds, left me frustrated and disheartened. 

Determined to find a solution, | dove into research, poring over scientific journals and studying traditional remedies. This quest led me to the heart of the Amazon rainforest, where I discovered the remarkable properties of wild-harvested botanicals. 

Intrigued by their potent properties, and supported by scientific evidence on how the use of oil rich cosmetic formulations can have a beneficial effect on sensitive skin, | began experimenting with these ingredients and the transformation was astonishing. Magical even.

For the first time in years, | watched in awe as my skin appearance improved and glowed. Encouraged, I developed a facial skincare range using the potency of Amazonian botanicals to support skin appearance and comfort. But life had more lessons in store. 

In 2019, another health blow, I received a devastating stage 3 cancer diagnosis. The months that followed were consumed with surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy. Whist these treatments saved my life, they left my skin incredibly fragile and reactive. The skincare products I received during treatment often caused more irritation than relief. 

This time, I wasn’t starting from scratch. I adapted my formulations to address my skin’s changed needs. Caring for my skin became an act of self- love and defiance against the challenges I faced. 

As I emerged from my cancer journey, Peruda Skincare was born in 2023. 

The name Peruda means “love” in Tupi Guarani, an indigenous Amazonian language,

and inspires Peruda’s brand philosophy.

Peruda Skincare stands for skincare that supports your skin appearance and comfort; a commitment to environmental stewardship through sustainable practices; and for supporting humanity through responsible sourcing and social impact.

Peruda Skincare is more than just skincare. My journey has taught me that skin health is closely linked with mental wellbeing. Together, we can embrace the power of nature and rediscover the confidence that comes with glowing, radiant skin, one loving application at a time.

- Monica Otten

Journal

Wild Harvesting in the Amazon
Journal

Wild Harvesting in the Amazon

From Boitatá, the mythical snake garlanded by flames, to wild spirits of forest, mountains, water and fruit, Brazilian folklore has no shortage of fabled creatures who...

Oct 17 2024
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Pracaxi Oil
Journal

Pracaxi Oil

As your body’s largest organ, your skin follows all the ups and downs of life’s journey from teenage hormones to menopause and beyond. Whether you are...

Oct 13 2024
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Murumuru Butter
Journal

Murumuru Butter

Let's talk about a little treasure from the Amazon rainforest that might just become your skin's new best friend: Murumuru Butter. If you're dealing with dryness...

Oct 13 2024
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Cupuaçu Butter
Journal

Cupuaçu Butter

Let us introduce you to Cupuaçu (pronounced ku-pu-ah-su) - yet another gem from the heart of the Amazon that's making waves in the skincare world. This isn't just...

Oct 13 2024
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Copaiba Oil Resin
Journal

Copaiba Oil Resin

Copaiba Oil Resin is not just a gem of the Amazon, it's a natural treasure chest of properties that have been found to support skin health....

Oct 13 2024
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Andiroba Oil
Journal

Andiroba Oil

Can you keep a secret? When it comes to exciting new skincare ingredients such as Andiroba Oil, we just can't keep quiet! Cold-pressed from nuts sustainably...

Oct 13 2024
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Kadhira
Journal

Kadhira

Long before the Silk Road joined East and West, beauties of the old Orient held secrets that modern science laboratories are only just beginning to uncover....

Oct 03 2024
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Neem
Journal

Neem

For centuries, the Neem Tree has been celebrated in Ayurvedic medicine as a powerful healing plant. Often called the “village pharmacy” in its native India, neem...

Oct 03 2024
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Manjistha
Journal

Manjistha

If you’ve been keeping up with our skincare insights, you’re already familiar with the wonders of Kadhira and Neem. But today, we’re shining the spotlight on...

Oct 03 2024
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