Rahua

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS

• Ecuador: Extraction and processing of raw materials such as Rahua oil by indigenous communities in the Amazon region
• New York, USA: Development, formulation and distribution of the products

WORKING CONDITIONS & WAGES

Rahua sources its raw materials primarily from Ecuador, where indigenous communities in the Amazon region harvest and process plant-based ingredients such as Rahua oil. The collaboration is close and based on the company’s own Symbiotic® Standard, which ensures fairer pay above market price, the preservation of traditional knowledge and the protection of the rainforest. This creates direct, long-term relationships with a small number of selected communities, without intermediaries. 

The products are formulated and filled in the USA.

Rahua does not own its own production facilities in Ecuador but works in partnership with the local communities. Contact with producers takes place directly and regularly on site, including through co-founder Fabian Lliguin, who himself spends many hours in the communities.

The company is engaged in rainforest protection and the financial and legal support of indigenous peoples through the non-profit organisation EcoAgents.

There are no formal certifications such as Fair Trade, as Rahua deliberately relies on its own standards.

Rahua promotes inclusion by creating over 2,500 jobs for women in oil extraction and through close collaboration with indigenous groups who are actively involved in decision-making processes.

INGREDIENTS

• Rahua (Ungurahua) Oil
• Palo Santo Oil
• Aloe Vera
• Coconut Oil
• Green Tea
• Shea Butter
• Eucalyptus
• GardeniaGuayusa
• Hibiscus
• Lavender
• Morete Oil
• Manioc (Tapioca)
• Lemongrass
• Mango Sugar
• Passion Fruit
• Star Anise
• Pomegranate Extract
• Quinoa
• Sacha Inchi
• Achiote
• Carnauba
• Raspberry Leaf
• Sea Salt
• Sugar Cane
• Sunflower
• Vanilla
• Rosemary

Most ingredients come from the Amazon rainforest and are of plant origin, making them renewable and biodegradable.

Rahua oil, Morete oil and Sacha Inchi are considered more resource-efficient as they are harvested wild in untouched forests.

Through the Symbiotic® Standard, it is ensured that materials are sourced in a more ethical and environmentally responsible way. Certifications from external organisations do not exist, as Rahua relies on its own standards.

PACKAGING

• Rahua does not provide specific information on packaging materials used in e‑commerce or along the supply chain. However, the brand generally emphasises plant-based, plastic-free approaches and prioritises the protection of the Amazon rainforest across all processes.

WATER USE & CHEMICALS

Rahua uses exclusively plant-based, potentially biodegradable ingredients and completely avoids sulfates, parabens, silicones, phthalates, mineral oil, microplastics, as well as synthetic colourants or chemical bleaching agents. The formulations are based on natural surfactants such as coconut oil, which cleanse gently and reduce water consumption as they rinse out easily.

The brand relies on its own Symbiotic® Standard, which guarantees more environmentally compatible extraction and processing.

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN

The formulations of the cosmetic and body care products consist of purely plant-based ingredients without synthetic additives, making them potentially biodegradable and more environmentally compatible.

Rahua offers refill products. A take-back system for packaging is not mentioned.

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL

There is no take-back system for empty packaging or used products.

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN

• Ecuador
• New York, USA
• The Rahua HQ is located in New York, USA.

TRANSPORT

• The raw materials are transported from the Amazon region in Ecuador to New York, USA, where processing and filling take place. Rahua does not provide precise information on transport methods.
• Rahua distributes worldwide via its own online shop as well as selected retailers. No details are provided on shipping methods, logistics partners or CO₂ compensation.

All products are fully vegan and cruelty-free.

PRODUCT DESIGN

Rahua offers hair and body care products. The range, with a focus on botanical effectiveness and universal applicability, enables inclusive use for different hair types and needs.

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES

The brand follows a continuous assortment that is geared towards longevity and effectiveness.

PRODUCT TRANSPARENCY

On product pages, Rahua shows ingredients, their effects and indications of their plant-based or biological origin. In addition, intended use, skin or hair type, scent notes and a complete INCI list are provided. Information on production countries, supply chain or manufacturing location of individual batches is missing.

Traceability of individual products is therefore not possible. Although Rahua refers to the Symbiotic® Standard and the ethical origin of ingredients from the Amazon, concrete tracking per purchase or batch is not offered.

PROCESS TRANSPARENCY

Rahua provides extensive general information about its values, ingredients and the Symbiotic® Standard, which describes fairer and more environmentally conscious sourcing. However, transparency remains at a general level. Specific details on individual suppliers, production partners or cost calculations are not disclosed.

There is no product-specific traceability. Information always relates to the brand as a whole, not to individual items. In addition, Rahua does not publish an annual sustainability or social report, but communicates its ecological and social initiatives only through website texts and campaigns.