The Inspiring Story of Naturally COS
Rebecca was recently featured in Indaily Queensland, where she shared more about her inspiring journey and the growth of Naturally COS. Read more about our founders’ inspirational journey below!
A Vision for Ethical Skincare
Gold Coast-based skincare company Naturally COS is dedicated to ethical, sustainable, and all-natural skincare for women and children, particularly those with sensitive skin and sensory needs. Committed to a greener beauty industry, all products are certified organic, allergen-safe, and sourced from Fairtrade farmers.
A Mother’s Determination
Founded in 2016 by organic chemist Rebecca Castano-Mander, Naturally COS was born from a deeply personal experience.
” My son received second-degree burns from using a popular baby bath wash” Rebecca explains. ” As a new parent I was fuelled by guilt to create something gentle and effective for him.”
What started as small-batch formulations in her kitchen for friends and family soon gained industry recognition, stockists, and loyal customers. Naturally COS remains a family-run business, with Rebecca’s husband handling logistics, her son assisting in the lab, and her daughter tending to their worm farm.
A Life-Changing Challenge
In 2020, Rebecca’s journey took a devastating turn when she was involved in a serious car accident, resulting in a brain haemorrhage and stroke. The business was put on hold for two years as she focused on recovery.
Determined to rebuild, she adapted to new ways of working with the support of her husband, a systems engineer who developed tools to help her regain independence in their home-based lab.
Innovation in Australian Skincare
Since returning to Naturally COS, Rebecca has launched groundbreaking organic skincare products, including Australia’s first plastic-free lash and brow serum, packaged in custom-designed, Australian-made glass bottles and 100% recycled paper seedboxes.
Her injuries deepened her passion for wellness. “I am extremely sensitive to many things now due to my brain injury, so I create products to support that.
“I’m now extremely sensitive to many things due to my brain injury, so I create products that support both physical and mental well-being.”
Community and Connection
Rebecca found strength in the Gold Coast community throughout her recovery.
“My recovery journey has connected and resonated with the Gold Coast,” she shares. ” In the lab, the changes I was forced to make to allow me to work in the lab independently and continue operating Naturally COS were also shared publicly to show the community it is possible to survive a stroke and brain haemorrhage and pursue your dreams.”
Proudly Gold Coast-born and family-owned, Rebecca sources ingredients directly from her Coomera Waters garden, extracting lavender, banana oil, comfrey oil, and marigold on-site.
“Customers often don’t realise that I make every product in Coomera Waters,” she says.
The Gold Coast Advantage
For Rebecca, the Gold Coast lifestyle is the perfect balance of relaxed and ambitious.
“It’s less intense than Melbourne or Sydney, yet offers that powerful combination that helps Naturally COS to thrive and continue to grow. We’re surrounded by a growing economy and population; we’re the centre of a tourism hub, which is exciting and powerful with the ability to have a sustainable work and life balance.”
She values the strong sense of community among local business owners. “I have built long lasting friendships with incredible business owners right here. Some born and bred Gold Coasters and others not, and we all enjoy the lifestyle, support and comradery we have built here.”
Expanding the Naturally COS Brand
As Naturally COS grows, Rebecca has expanded her vision beyond skincare. She now hosts the Mind Your Own Wellness by Naturally COS podcast, where she interviews experts on simple wellness practices. She also leads Mind Your Own Wellness Workshops, where participants craft their own beauty products using organic ingredients and aromatherapy.
The Dream: A Naturally COS Wellness Centre
Looking ahead, Rebecca envisions opening a Naturally COS Wellness Centre, offering a holistic self-care experience.
“One central location where customers can receive a Naturally COS treatment, take in a yoga or Pilates session, see a naturopath and nutritionist, and catch up with friends for brunch,” she says. “The goal is to celebrate wellness and connection, and the beauty that is the Gold Coast.”
Despite the challenges, Rebecca’s resilience and dedication have transformed Naturally COS into a leading ethical skincare brand, proving that even in the face of adversity, dreams can thrive.
Read the full article here.
