Our Story
Where it all really started
A letter from Judy Kaguchia, Founder
A Note from the Founder
“If you asked me where Ria Naturals began, I wouldn’t say in a lab or a business plan. I’d say it started at the coast.”
Judy Kaguchia · Ria Naturals
Chapter One - The Coast
It started with the ocean.
There’s something about the Kenyan coastline that stays with you. The warmth of the water, the slow rhythm of the tides, the way everything feels… unhurried. It’s not like the colder oceans you hear about elsewhere. Here, the ocean feels alive in a different way.
And I kept coming back to one question.
If this environment is so rich and nourishing,
what could it do for the skin?
Chondrus Crispus · Kenyan Coast
Chapter Two - The Ingredient
Why we chose seaweed, and not just any seaweed.
As I started learning more, I kept coming across sea moss. Not the trendy version you see online, but the real thing. The kind that grows in the ocean and has been part of coastal living for years.
The one we work with is Chondrus Crispus. What drew me to it wasn’t just the name or the trend. It was what it actually does.
It’s naturally rich in minerals, the kind your skin already understands. It holds water beautifully, which means it helps the skin stay hydrated. And over time, it supports smoother, more balanced-looking skin.
When sea moss grows along the Kenyan coast, in warm water and constant sunlight, it develops differently. It’s not rushed. It takes its time, absorbing what the ocean gives it. And I think that shows in how it performs.
Hand-harvested · Kenyan Coast
Cultivated, gathered and dried with the rhythm of the tides - by the same coastal families who have known these waters for generations.
Chapter Three - The People
Working with the coast,
not just taking from it.
One thing I knew early on was that I didn’t want to just “source” ingredients.
That word always felt a bit… detached.
The seaweed is grown, harvested, and handled with care. Not rushed, not over-processed. Just respected for what it is.
And for me, that matters just as much as the final product.
We work with communities along the coast who have been cultivating seaweed for years. They understand the ocean
in a way you can’t learn from a book.
What sets us apart
Three things we will never compromise on.
Single-origin
Inspired by the mineral rich waters of the Kenyan coast, where seaweed flourishes under the Indian Ocean sun, this collection brings a touch of coastal wellness to skincare rituals around the world.
Cold-pressed craft
Gentle, low-temperature extraction so the minerals and skin-supporting compounds in the seaweed stay intact and bioavailable.
Plant-based, full INCI
Botanical actives and supporting oils only. Every ingredient on the back of the bottle has a reason to be there.
Cold-pressed · By hand · In small batches
Chapter Four - The Craft
Keeping it as close to nature as possible.
How we work with seaweed is guided by a simple philosophy: preserve as much of its natural goodness as possible. Rather than relying on harsh processing methods, we favor gentle extraction techniques designed to help maintain the minerals, polysaccharides, and skin supporting compounds naturally present in seaweed.
The intention is not to overprocess or strip away what makes this marine botanical so unique, but to thoughtfully capture its benefits in a way that respects the ingredient itself.
From there, it is about balance. We believe healthy looking skin is nurtured through consistency and care, not aggressive treatments or overnight promises. Our formulations are designed to support the skin over time, helping it feel comfortable, nourished, and resilient with continued use.
- Skin that feels more hydrated.
- Looks more even.
- Feels like itself again.
Clean by default
People often speak about skincare as though it has to be complicated to be effective. We see it differently. We believe in choosing ingredients with purpose, formulating thoughtfully, and allowing nature to do what it does best.
- Formulate with intention.
- Respect the skin.
- Include what matters.
- Leave out what doesn’t.
Thoughtful skincare doesn’t have to be complicated.
Judy Kaguchia · Ria Naturals
The Closing Letter
What Ria Naturals really is.
At its heart, Ria Naturals is a reflection of the places and ingredients that continue to inspire us.
The Kenyan coast.
The Indian Ocean.
Seaweed swaying beneath the surface.
Fragrant botanicals gathered from near and far.
The people who cultivate them, harvest them, and work with them with care.
We have always been drawn to ingredients that have been loved for generations, not because they promise perfection, but because they have quietly supported moments of nourishment, comfort, and wellbeing for a very long time.
Our role is simply to bring those ingredients into products that feel beautiful to use and easy to welcome into everyday life.
Skincare does not have to feel overwhelming. We believe in caring for the skin patiently, choosing ingredients thoughtfully, and creating rituals that leave you feeling cared for, supported, and connected to nature.
We hope that every bottle, jar, and blend offers a small reminder to slow down, take a breath, and enjoy the simple act of looking after yourself.