SOiL Organic Aromatherapy- Our Story

SOiL Organic Aromatherapy is a globally trusted manufacturer of certified organic essential oils and natural wellness products. We offer a complete, ethical and scalable solution for brands and individuals seeking purity, performance, and sustainability.

Founded in 2004 by the McMurray family, SOIL grows from deep roots in Zululand, South Africa, where our certified organic farm and fully integrated production facility bring nature’s gift to life. Our Soil to Soil manufacturing model embodies a true cradle-to-cradle philosophy. By managing hand-nurtured organic cultivation, distillation, blending, packaging, and global distribution entirely in-house, we ensure full traceability, consistent quality, and complete environmental accountability. Every product is housed in eco-ethical packaging thoughtfully designed to protect formula integrity while minimising environmental impact.

From Farm to Shelf, we supply directly to wellness retailers, conscious consumers, and global white-label partners. Our eco-conscious packaging is designed not only to protect the integrity of our products but also to reduce environmental impact—every detail reflects our commitment to sustainability.

More than a manufacturer, SOiL functions as a modern apothecary of aromatherapeutic products rooted in the proven benefits of plant-based oils. Building on our foundation of pure essential and carrier oils, our range extends to expertly crafted blends that address specific wellness needs. From ready-to-use remedy rollers to massage oils we make daily self-care both simple and effective for conscious consumers and wellness retailers alike.

With a reputation for maintaining authenticity, quality, and sustainability at scale, SOiL is proud to lead the way in the natural wellness industry.

From Soil to Soil, From Farm to Shelf- this is wellness, done with intention.

FROM FARM TO SHELF

Quality at Every Step

Organic Cultivation

At the heart of our farm is a deep commitment to organic integrity. We grow a diverse range of essential oil crops—including tea tree, lemon-scented tea tree, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and niaouli—using strictly certified organic methods. Our fields are free from synthetic chemicals and are maintained through sustainable, hands-on practices like manual weeding. To ensure maximum freshness and potency, each crop is carefully harvested and promptly processed on-site.

A person watering a small plant with a hand, with green leaves, growing from soil, symbolising organic cultivation.

On-Site Distillation

Our on-site distillery gives us full control over the purity and quality of every batch. Each day, freshly harvested plants are chipped, loaded, and carefully steam-distilled to extract their aromatic oils. To power our boilers, we use waste wood from nearby properties, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. After distillation, the essential oil and hydrosol are separated, and the remaining plant material is returned to the soil as nutrient-rich mulch—completing a natural cycle of renewal.

Droplet icon with a smaller droplet inside a larger one, representing on site distillation.

Eco-Ethical Farming

We’re more than just a farm—we’re a fully integrated production facility where sustainability is woven into every decision. Our eco-ethical approach ensures that both cultivation and manufacturing are carried out in harmony with nature, rooted in transparency, integrity, and a deep respect for both people and the planet.

Green outline drawing of a tractor on a white background.

Manufacturing and Distribution

Each product is crafted with rigorous quality control to guarantee purity, safety, and effectiveness. Carefully packaged to maintain its integrity, every item is shipped from our South African base to wellness shelves across the globe.

Outline icon of skincare products including a bottle, a pump dispenser, and a jar, all in green on a white background.

Sustainability

We actively minimise our environmental footprint by relying on renewable resources. Our water comes from a combination of borehole and rainwater catchment systems, while an off-grid solar inverter powers our operations—providing a clean, self-sufficient source of energy.

Outline illustration of a hand holding soil with a small plant growing out of it, symbolising environmental care.

OUR VALUES

Commitment to Quality & Integrity

Key Values

  • Quality, Purity, Organic Certified

  • Integrity, Traceability, and Quality Control

  • Eco-ethical Self-Sustainability

  • Engaged Partnership with all Stakeholders

Eco-Ethical Practices

Our eco-ethical practices and collaborative relationships are recognised through:

  • Fair for Life Certification

  • Beauty Without Cruelty Endorsement

  • Vegan Society Accreditation

Accreditations

A testament to our commitment to excellence and sustainability:

  • ECOCERT Greenlife: COSMOS organic standard.

  • BCS KIWA: Agricultural organic standards.

  • GMP ISO 22716: Good manufacturing practices.

An expansive farmland with green crops planted in neat rows and a clear blue sky overhead.

Sustainable Practices, Lasting Change

OUR IMPACT

Community in Zululand

Tucked away in rural Zululand, SOiL is surrounded by a supportive local community and proudly employs over 100 dedicated team members. As the region’s leading employer, we’re committed to creating meaningful opportunities for growth, development, and long-term impact.

Women harvesting crops with a tractor in a rural field, one woman is smiling and carrying a large bundle of greenery.

Empowering Our Team

Our mission is to empower our team members, fostering growth from within. Many have advanced from hands-on farm work to take on key roles in distillation, production, and administration.

A woman working in a lush green crop field, with tall grass in the foreground and a cloudy sky above.

Supporting the Community

We support local initiatives by donating vegetable seedlings for community gardens and sponsoring a junior soccer team for ages 10–14—complete with annual staff matches that bring everyone together.

Farm workers harvesting crops in a vast green field on a clear day.

Fostering Growth

At SOiL, we are committed to fostering personal and collective growth.

SOiL Certifications

COSMOS Organic by Ecocert Greenlife

Guarantees that our cosmetic products are made with certified organic ingredients, sustainably sourced and produced to strict ecological and environmental standards.

EcoCert Cosmos Organic certification logo

Fair for Life

Ensures fair trade practices across our supply chain, supporting social responsibility, ethical working conditions, and community upliftment.

Fair trade logo with orange background and white text

GMP ISO 22716 (Cosmetics)

Confirms that our manufacturing processes meet internationally recognised Good Manufacturing Practices for safety, consistency, and hygiene in cosmetic production.

A logo for Aspirata with text indicating auditing, testing, certification, and ISO 22716 for good manufacturing practices.

EU & NOP Organic Certification by Kiwa BCS

Verifies that our agricultural practices meet strict organic standards for the European Union and USDA National Organic Program — no synthetic inputs, full traceability, and sustainable land use.

Oko Garantie BCS logo with black and yellow circular design and text
European Union logo with a green background and white stars forming a leaf shape.
USDA Organic certification logo

Beauty Without Cruelty South Africa

Assures that no animal testing is conducted on our ingredients or finished products at any stage of development.

Vegan Society of South Africa

Certifies that our products contain no animal-derived ingredients and are fully vegan-friendly.

Logo for Beauty Without Cruelty in blue
Vegan Society Approved logo with checkmark