What Desert Essence does

Desert Essence is a US-based natural personal care brand founded in 1978 and headquartered in Hauppauge, New York, operating as a brand under Country Life Vitamins, LLC. The company develops and markets plant- and essential-oil-based personal care products across oils, hair care, oral care, skin care, body care, and dedicated kids' lines, with a stated heritage of being the first to bring Australian Tea Tree Oil to the US market. Product technology is built around proprietary ingredient standards (notably a standardized Tea Tree Oil) and natural-origin formulations spanning jojoba, coconut, argan, and bamboo.

The business operates a multi-channel go-to-market combining direct-to-consumer e-commerce with third-party retail distribution across natural, organic, and conventional channels. Unit pricing ranges from approximately $8 to $23, positioning the brand in the accessible natural-premium tier. The portfolio is supported by a stack of third-party certifications (B Corp, Leaping Bunny, USDA Organic, NSF gluten-free, Non-GMO) used as trust and quality signals with consumers.

The company runs with 51-100 employees and is privately held, with no disclosed revenue figures. Strategic activity is centered on incremental product-line extensions (prebiotic toothpaste, dry scalp system, anti-breakage hair mask, fragrance-free value bundles), expanded kids' offerings, and mission-driven partnerships such as the 2024 collaboration with Plan International USA. The brand competes in a natural personal care market projected to grow at an 8.2% CAGR toward $34.17B by 2032.

Name

Desert Essence

Legal name

Desert Essence

Website

https://desertessence.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Desert Essence is a natural personal care brand founded in 1978, selling plant- and essential-oil-based hair, skin, oral, and body care products across DTC e-commerce and multi-channel retail to health-conscious consumers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Natural Personal Care Products

NAICS

Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, and Perfume Retailers (456120), Health and Personal Care Retailers (4561)

SIC

Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844), Soap, Detergents, Cleang Preparations, Perfumes, Cosmetics (2840)

akta.pro primary industry

Natural & Clean Fragrance (CRABADAG)

Keywords

• Natural personal care
• Botanical hair care
• Fluoride-free oral care
• Cruelty-free beauty
• Organic body care

Headquarters

HQ city

Hauppauge

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct Product Sales: Desert Essence generates revenue through direct-to-consumer sales via its e-commerce website (desertessence.com) and retail distribution. Products are sold as one-time purchases across multiple categories including hair care, oral care, skin care, body care, and oils. Most products are priced between $8-23 USD.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Desert Essence is a natural personal care brand that manufactures and sells botanical-based products across multiple categories including oils (jojoba, tea tree, blends), hair care (shampoos, conditioners, styling), oral care (fluoride-free toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss), skin care (cleansers, moisturizers, ointments), body care (washes, lotions, body butters, soaps), and personal care (deodorants, lip balms). The company sources ingredients sustainably from Australia and Peru, manufactures in the USA, and most products are vegan, gluten-free, Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, with many carrying USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project verification.

Product overview

Desert Essence is a Leaping Bunny-certified natural personal care brand offering a comprehensive portfolio of botanical-based products across hair care, oral care, skin care, and body care categories. The product line includes: Oils & Blends (Jojoba Oil in pure and organic varieties, Tea Tree Oil in Australian, Eco-Harvest, and Organic forms, plus formulated blends with Moringa, Coconut, Coffee, and Rose Hip oils); Hair Care (Shampoos including Coconut, Fragrance-Free, Tea Tree Replenishing, Lemon Tea Tree, and specialty varieties; Conditioners for various hair types including Anti-Breakage formulas; Styling products including heat protectors, curl creams, and hair masks; plus the Dry Scalp Care System); Oral Care (Fluoride-free toothpastes including Tea Tree Oil, Neem, Coconut Oil, and Prebiotic varieties; Mouthwashes, Dental Floss, Oil Pulling Rinses, and Kids' toothpaste gels); Skin Care (Facial Cleansers, Moisturizing Ceramide products, Skin Ointments, and Blemish treatments); Body Care (Body Washes, Lotions, Body Butters, Bar Soaps, and Body Oils); Kids' Products (2-in-1 Shampoo & Body Wash and Detangler Sprays); and Personal Care (Deodorants and Lip Balms). All products emphasize botanical ingredients, are cruelty-free, and many are vegan, gluten-free, and Non-GMO Project verified.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 100% Pure Jojoba Oil Cold-pressed jojoba oil sourced from sustainable desert farms in Peru, available in 2, 4, and 8 Fl Oz sizes. Non-GMO certified and suitable for skin, hair, and scalp care.
• Organic Jojoba Oil USDA-certified organic jojoba oil meeting federal guidelines for organic ingredients, sourced from sustainable desert farms in Peru.
• 100% Australian Tea Tree Oil Steam-distilled Australian tea tree oil standardized for terpinen-4 levels of 38+ and cineole levels less than 3%, sustainably grown and harvested.
• Eco-Harvest Tea Tree Oil Tea tree oil grown by plantation owners following sustainable agricultural practices per Australian Tea Tree Oil Environmental Alliance standards.
• Kinder to Skin Manuka Oil & Tea Tree Oil Gentle-strength natural oil blend combining manuka oil and tea tree oil formulated for sensitive skin care.
• Moringa, Jojoba & Rose Hip Oil Facial oil blend combining moringa, jojoba, and rose hip oils for nourishing face, neck and hands with antioxidant benefits.
• Organic Coconut, Jojoba & Coffee Oil Fast-absorbing body and face oil blend of organic coconut, jojoba and coffee oils that softens, tones and invigorates skin.
• Coconut Shampoo Botanical shampoo with coconut oil, organic shea butter, hemp oil and olive oil for moisturizing dry hair and restoring shine.
• Tea Tree Replenishing Shampoo Clarifying shampoo with pure Australian tea tree oil to clarify and soothe scalp while removing buildup.
• Fragrance Free Shampoo Gentle cleansing shampoo fortified with organic jojoba oil, comfrey and green tea for scent-sensitive hair types.
• Lemon Tea Tree Shampoo Clarifying shampoo with organic Australian tea tree oil and lemon peel extract to bring scalp to preferred pH level.
• Coconut Conditioner Deeply moisturizing conditioner with coconut oil that softens, smooths frizz and restores moisture for dry hair.
• Fragrance-Free Hair Conditioner Conditioner with jojoba and sunflower oils that hydrates hair strands while green tea leaves a healthy gloss.
• Tea Tree Oil Replenishing Conditioner Restorative conditioner with tea tree oil that replenishes and nourishes hair after clarifying shampoo use.
• Italian Red Grape Conditioner Conditioner for color-treated hair that protects against sun damage and fading while strengthening strands.
• Anti-Breakage Conditioner Professional-quality conditioner clinically proven to help reduce breakage by up to 61%, encouraging shiny healthy hair growth.
• Coconut Hair Defrizzer & Heat Protector Spray Silicone-free heat protection spray with coconut oil and jojoba seed extract that protects hair from heat-styling damage.
• Coconut Soft Curls Hair Cream Silicone-free curl-defining cream with coconut oil, black oat and nopal cactus that enhances shine, definition and bounce.
• Anti-Breakage Hair Mask Professional-quality hair treatment with Country Life Maxi-Hair, biotin, provitamin B5, keratin and radish seed extract that helps fortify and revitalize strands.
• Dry Scalp Care System 3-step scalp care system with prebiotic technology, tea tree oil, and gentle AHA exfoliation designed to rebalance scalp.
• Tea Tree Oil Whitening Plus Toothpaste - Cool Mint Fluoride-free, gluten-free toothpaste with tea tree oil for whitening and deep cleansing of teeth and gums.
• Tea Tree Oil & Neem Wintergreen Toothpaste Natural toothpaste combining tea tree oil and neem with wintergreen flavor for gum health and cavity prevention.
• Coconut Oil Toothpaste Toothpaste inspired by Ayurvedic oil pulling practice that helps draw out impurities while freshening breath.
• Prebiotic Toothpaste - Mint Plant-based toothpaste with prebiotic technology designed to support healthy mouth microbiome.
• Tea Tree Oil Whitening Plus Mouthwash Alcohol-free mouthwash with tea tree oil that whitens teeth and fights plaque, bacteria and cavity-forming sugar acids.
• Coconut Oil Dual Phase Pulling Rinse Dual-layered oil pulling rinse that draws out impurities from the mouth using traditional Ayurvedic practice.
• Tea Tree Oil Dental Floss Vegetarian dental floss with sustainably sourced beeswax and pure Australian tea tree oil for smooth cleaning between teeth.
• Green Apple Watermelon Kids Toothpaste Gel Silica-based gel toothpaste for kids aged 6 months to 6 years in Green Apple Watermelon flavor, safe to swallow.
• Tutti Frutti Gel Toothpaste for Kids Gentle gel toothpaste for kids with Tutti Frutti flavor, SLS-free, fluoride-free and gluten-free.
• Thoroughly Clean Tea Tree Oil Face Wash Facial cleanser using tea tree oil's cleansing and clarifying properties to remove oil and impurities without drying skin.
• Tea Tree Oil Facial Cleansing Pads Convenient cleansing pads infused with tea tree oil for on-the-go clarification of skin blemishes and excess oil.
• Thoroughly Clean Deep Pore Cleanser Deep cleansing formula with Manuka and Tea Tree Oil for thorough pore cleansing and skin clarification.
• Moisturizing Ceramide Cleanser Facial cleanser with ceramides and hyaluronic acid for gentle cleansing while maintaining skin moisture barrier.
• Thoroughly Clean Face Wash - Sea Kelp Face wash combining tea tree oil for oil removal with mineral-rich sea kelp for hydration to balance combination skin.
• Moisturizing Ceramide Cream Facial moisturizer with ceramides for deep hydration and skin barrier support.
• Tea Tree Oil Skin Ointment Therapeutic skin ointment with sweet almond oil, lavender and Australian tea tree oil for dry and irritated skin relief.
• Manuka Oil & Tea Tree Oil Therapeutic Skin Ointment Advanced skin ointment combining manuka oil and tea tree oil for therapeutic skin healing and blemish treatment.
• Blemish Touch Stick Targeted treatment stick for precise application to skin imperfections and blemishes.
• Coconut Body Wash Body cleanser with jojoba oil, organic coconut oil and organic shea butter to replenish and soothe even the driest skin.
• Bulgarian Lavender Body Wash Body wash with organic sea kelp, aloe and Bulgarian lavender for calming aromatherapeutic benefits.
• Tea Tree Oil Therapy Cleansing Soap Bar Cleansing soap bar with sustainably sourced palm oil and tea tree oil for natural skin cleansing.
• Coconut Hand & Body Lotion Moisturizing lotion with coconut for nourishing hands and body with lasting hydration.
• Jojoba & Sweet Almond Body Oil Spray Moisturizing body oil spray with jojoba and sweet almond oils for hydration and skin nourishment.
• Fresh Mango Body Butter Luxurious body butter enriched with hyaluronic acid and natural mango butter for deep skin hydration.
• Coconut Body Butter Rich body moisturizer with coconut for smooth, hydrated skin.
• Activated Charcoal Soap Bar Detoxifying soap bar with activated charcoal for deep cleansing of pores.
• Perfect Pistachio Foot Repair Cream Intensive foot repair cream with pistachio for restoring dry, cracked feet.
• Coconut Deodorant Aluminum-free deodorant with coconut oil and tea tree oil in eco-friendly plastic-free compostable packaging.
• Tea Tree Lavender Deodorant Natural deodorant with tea tree oil and lavender in eco-friendly paperboard tube, aluminum-free.
• Lip Rescue Ultra Hydrating - Shea Butter Lip Balm Ultra hydrating lip balm with organic shea butter for dry, cracked lips.
• Lip Rescue Therapeutic - Tea Tree Oil Lip Balm Therapeutic lip balm with tea tree oil and botanical extracts for healing dry, cracked lips.
• Green Apple Watermelon Kids 2in1 Shampoo & Body Wash Gentle 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash for kids with jojoba oil, avocado oil, and chamomile.
• Fragrance Free Kids 2in1 Shampoo & Body Wash Gentle fragrance-free 2-in-1 cleanser for children with sensitive skin.
• Fragrance Free Conditioning Detangler Spray for Kids Gentle detangling spray for kids with jojoba oil to make hair manageable without added fragrance.
• Green Apple Watermelon Conditioning Detangler Spray for Kids Kid-friendly detangling spray with natural fruit scents for easy combing.

Quantifiable outcome

• Anti-Breakage Hair Mask clinically proven to reduce breakage by up to 61%
• +1 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Plan International USAcoreOthers · 1 June 2024Desert Essence partners with Plan International USA, a girls' rights organization working to end gender inequality worldwide. With each purchase of select Pure Oil Blend products, the company donates 1% of retail purchase prices with a minimum annual donation of $10,000 through June 2026. Donations support girls' access to education and sustainable change in impoverished areas.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Alba Botanica: Alba Botanica produces vegetarian, plant-based skin, hair, sun, and body care products with a comparable natural ingredient ethos. Directly comparable category coverage and price positioning to Desert Essence.
• Heritage Products (Heritage Store): Heritage Store offers castor oil, natural skin care, oral care, and health products with a long heritage in the U.S. natural products market. Comparable to Desert Essence in heritage brand positioning, castor oil/oil-based products, and natural personal care breadth.
• Auromere: Auromere is an Ayurvedic-inspired natural personal care company offering soaps, shampoos, and oral care products using traditional botanical ingredients. Comparable to Desert Essence in natural oral care and Ayurvedic-influenced product formulations.
• Dr. Bronner's: Dr. Bronner's is a family-owned natural personal care brand offering soaps, body care, and lip balms with strong organic and fair-trade certifications. Directly comparable to Desert Essence in botanical-based formulations, cruelty-free positioning, and multi-category personal care portfolio.
• Yes To: Yes To produces natural fruit and vegetable-based skin and hair care products. Comparable product format, target demographic (natural-conscious consumers), and price band to Desert Essence.
• Andalou Naturals: Andalou Naturals offers natural fruit stem cell-based skin, hair, and body care products with Non-GMO and gluten-free positioning. Highly comparable in ingredient philosophy, certifications, and category coverage to Desert Essence.
• Dr. Hauschka Skin Care: Dr. Hauschka is a premium natural and botanical skin care brand with certified natural ingredients and B Corp credentials. Comparable to Desert Essence in natural formulation philosophy and certification-driven positioning, with overlap in facial oils and skin care categories.
• Jason Natural Care: Jason Natural Care offers a broad natural personal care line including hair care, body wash, deodorants, and oral care without harsh chemicals. Highly comparable to Desert Essence in product breadth, natural-ingredient positioning, and mainstream retail distribution.

Broad incumbents

• Burt's Bees: Burt's Bees, owned by The Clorox Company, is a leading natural personal care brand offering lip care, skin care, and body care. Comparable in natural positioning but operates at significantly greater scale and marketing budget.
• Tom's of Maine: Tom's of Maine, owned by Colgate-Palmolive, is a major natural oral care brand offering fluoride and fluoride-free toothpastes, mouthwashes, and dental floss. Directly comparable in natural oral care where Desert Essence also competes, but at far larger scale.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/DesertEssence
• Instagraminstagram.com/desert_essence
• Pinterestpinterest.com/desertessence
• Xx.com/desertessence
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/desert-essence

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Desert Essence