Colostrum is the first milk produced by mammals in the days following birth. Often called “liquid gold” for both its vibrant golden hue and extraordinary properties, colostrum is rich in naturally occurring bioactive compounds that help skin feel nourished, balanced and resilient.

Elm Lab uses A2 bovine colostrum, ethically sourced from our grass-fed herd on our sixth-generation family farm in Otago, New Zealand.

Colostrum contains:

• growth factors - proteins that help maintain skin structure and support renewal
• peptides - short protein fragments that support skin's natural renewal
• cytokines - messenger proteins that help coordinate skin responses and promote calm
• humectants - water-loving molecules that attract and retain moisture
• vitamins A, C and E - known for antioxidant and skin-supportive properties
• minerals like zinc, calcium and magnesium - contribute to skin comfort and balance

Together, these elements work together to help the skin feel calm, resilient and well nourished, especially when it's prone to dryness or sensitivity.

Colostrum is rich in naturally occurring bioactive compounds that help skin feel nourished, balanced and resilient. Elm Lab uses A2 bovine colostrum, ethically sourced from our grass-fed herd on our sixth-generation family farm in Otago, New Zealand.

Colostrum supports skin across multiple dimensions:

• Reinforces the skin barrier
  A2 colostrum contains bioactive compounds that help reinforce the skin's barrier function, supporting moisture retention and resilience against environmental stressors such as UV exposure, pollutions and climate extremes.
  
• Delivers deep hydration
  Naturally occurring humectants, peptides and healthy fats help attract and retain moisture, supporting skin hydration and comfort for a soft, supple feel.
  
• Soothes sensitive or reactive skin
  Calming compounds such as lactoferrin and cytokines help comfort sensitive skin and support its natural balance, ideal for skin that's delicate, reactive or vulnerable to environmental stressors.
  
• Supports renewal and resilience
  Bioactive compounds, including naturally occurring growth factors, encourage healthy cell turnover and help maintain a smooth, refined texture, supporting the skin's natural renewal and resilience over time.
  
• Improves the appearance of skin elasticity
  Naturally occurring growth factors present in colostrum, such as IGF-1 and TGF-β, are associated with collagen supporting activity, helping improve the appearance of skin elasticity and softening the look of fine lines for a firmer, more refined complexion over time.
  
• Maintains a balanced skin microbiome
  Prebiotic compounds (nutrients that support beneficial skin bacteria) help maintain a balanced skin microbiome, contributing to a healthy-looking skin ecosystem that's more resilient to everyday stressors.

At Elm Lab, we choose A2 colostrum to reflect our commitment to purity, compatibility and skin-kind formulations. The difference lies in a specific milk protein called β-casein - A2 colostrum contains only the A2 form.

Unlike A1 β-casein, the A2 variant has a slightly different structure that does not produce BCM-7, a peptide that has been studied in relation to digestive sensitivity. While this research relates to digestion, not skincare, we apply the same level of care to what goes on your skin as to what goes in your body.

Scientific studies on bovine colostrum as a whole have shown benefits for hydration, barrier support, visible skin renewal and collagen maintenance. This research informs how we formulate at Elm Lab. By starting with a single-variant protein profile free from A1 β-casein, we choose a foundation that's naturally suited to sensitive skin.

To ensure the integrity of that protein profile, we DNA test every cow in our herd and only harvest colostrum from animals verified to produce 100% A2 β-casein. Our colostrum is sourced exclusively from our own grass-fed, A2-certified cows on our sixth-generation family farm in Otago, New Zealand, ensuring full traceability, nutrient density and ethical farming from the ground up.

We’re proud to lead with transparency and intention, choosing ingredients that reflect both scientific care and genuine respect for skin.

All of the colostrum used in Elm Lab products is sourced from our own grass-fed, A2-certified dairy herd, raised on our sixth-generation family farm in Otago, New Zealand, which has been in our family since 1853.

We collect colostrum under strict, pristine conditions, with a deep commitment to animal welfare and environmental sustainability. Every cow is DNA tested to confirm A2 status and we only ever harvest the oversupply, after the calf has received all it needs. That way, nothing is taken from the calf and nothing is wasted.

Our farming and milking operations follow rigorous compliance and regulatory frameworks, ensuring every step meets high standards for quality, hygiene and environmental care.

Scientific research has shown that bovine colostrum contains significantly higher concentrations of bioactive compounds like immunoglobulins, lactoferrin and growth factors, compared to human colostrum. These naturally occurring elements make it a powerful, skin-supportive ingredient, known for helping maintain hydration, barrier function and visible skin vitality.

Animal welfare is our first priority. At Elm Lab, we ensure every calf receives all the colostrum it needs to thrive. A healthy newborn typically consumes around 4 litres per day while in the first few days post-birth, a mother cow naturally produces 15 to 20 litres daily. This creates a natural oversupply, which we collect only after the calf has been fully nourished.

We never take what the calf needs. Instead, we carefully harvest the excess colostrum, giving new purpose to what would otherwise remain unused and transform it into skincare that honours both its origin and its integrity.

Our colostrum is sourced exclusively from our grass-fed, A2-certified herd on our sixth-generation family farm in Otago, New Zealand, where ethical farming and environmental care guide every step of our process.

Once collected from our grass-fed, A2-certified herd on our sixth-generation family farm in Otago, New Zealand, the colostrum is immediately frozen to preserve its natural integrity.

It’s then transported in small batches to a specialist lab, where it undergoes gentle freeze-drying (lyophilisation), a low temperature process that removes moisture while protecting the bioactive compounds. This helps maintain the colostrum’s natural compound profile and skin-supportive properties.

The result is a pure, shelf-stable powder form that avoids high-heat processing. From there, the colostrum is delivered to our New Zealand manufacturer, where it’s carefully rehydrated and blended into the base of every Elm Lab formulation, becoming the foundation of our skin-nourishing products.

As the freeze-dried colostrum is rehydrated with water, "aqua" appears first on our product ingredient lists. This reflects regulatory listing requirements, not the role colostrum plays in our formulations. Once reconstituted, colostrum makes up approximately 70% of our Hand Cream and Baby Lotion and 59% of our Baby Wash, becoming the foundation of our skin-nourishing products.

Colostrum is a form of milk and while it typically contains less lactose than mature milk, it still includes milk proteins that may trigger reactions in individuals with a cow’s milk allergy.

If you are allergic or sensitive to dairy, we recommend performing a patch test before use or consulting a medical practitioner. Your safety and comfort are always our priority.

Each Elm Lab product is designed with skin sensitivity in mind, especially when it comes to scent.

Baby Care Products 

Our Baby Wash and Baby Lotion are completely fragrance-free, meaning we don’t add any synthetic or natural fragrances to the formulation. However, because these products are made with fresh colostrum, they may carry a soft, naturally occurring milky scent, a gentle reflection of the ingredient itself.

Adult Products 

In contrast, our adult Hand Cream includes a natural vanilla and oat fragrance, carefully selected to complement the scent of colostrum and enhance the sensory experience without compromising on gentleness. The fragrance is formulated to be skin-kind and suitable for everyday use, even on delicate hands.

At Elm Lab, we’re proudly cruelty-free, our products are never tested on animals at any stage of development or production.

Every formula is dermatologically patch tested on human volunteers with sensitive skin, ensuring it's safe, gentle and suitable for real-world use. In clinical patch testing under EU cosmetic safety standards, our products were classified as non-irritant, confirming their compatibility with even the most delicate skin.

For our baby range, we go one step further. Before any real-world testing, our Baby Lotion and Baby Wash underwent independent safety assessments in accordance with EU Regulation (EC) N0. 1223/2009, confirming they pose no foreseeable risk to human health. Following this, both products were tested under the supervision of a paediatrician and dermatologist, through an extended-use study, designed to reflect how families actually apply the products over time. All participants had sensitive skin and no signs of irritation or discomfort were reported.

This added layer of testing reflects our belief that skincare, especially for developing skin, should be grounded in both science and sensitivity. We test with care, not just to meet standards, but to honour the trust placed in us by parents and caregivers.

All Elm Lab products are 100% made in New Zealand, formulated, manufactured and packed locally with precision and care.

Our colostrum comes from our grass-fed, A2-certified herd, raised on our sixth-generation family farm in Otago, New Zealand. We’ve been working this land since 1853 and every drop of colostrum we use can be traced directly back to our farm.

This reflects our deep commitment to ethical farming, ingredient integrity and uncompromising quality, so every bottle carries a piece of our family legacy.

To preserve the integrity of our bioactive colostrum and other sensitive ingredients, we recommend storing Elm Lab products in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and prolonged exposure to heat or humidity.

While products like our Baby Wash may naturally live in the bathroom, try to keep lids tightly closed and avoid placing them near heated towel rails, sunny windowsills or other high-temperature areas. A little care goes a long way in keeping your skincare performing at its best.

All Elm Lab products undergo independent stability testing to ensure they remain safe and effective for up to 30 months when unopened.

Once opened, we recommend using your product within six months to maintain optimal freshness, especially given our high levels of bioactive colostrum and natural ingredients.

In certain conditions, such as prolonged exposure to heat, changes in colour may occur. This is a natural characteristic of colostrum-based formulations and does not affect product safety. For best results, store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Sustainability is woven into every part of Elm Lab, from the ingredients we choose to the packaging we create.

We use recyclable materials wherever possible, including post-consumer recycled ("PCR") plastics, curbside-recyclable components and locally sourced cardboard.

Our tubes contain PCR plastic, made in part from materials that have already been used and recycled, reducing reliance on virgin plastic and keeping valuable resources in circulation.

Our bottles are made from polypropylene (PP), a widely recycled and highly valued material in New Zealand's recycling stream.

Our outer boxes are printed locally using PEFC-certified cardboard from responsibly managed forests, low-impact UV inks and a water-based coating to support our sustainability goals.

Cosmetic regulations require ingredients to be listed in descending order by weight in their final form. As we rehydrate freeze-dried colostrum with water, "aqua" appears first on the ingredient list, even though the colostrum itself is the functional base of our formulations.

In fact, once reconstituted, colostrum makes up approximately 70% of our Hand Cream and Baby Lotion and 59% of our Baby Wash. It's not just an active, it's our core ingredient.

Because we work with colostrum, one of the most nutrient-rich, bioactive ingredients in the world, we take your skin’s safety seriously.

Colostrum is milk-derived and like any natural, water-based ingredient, it needs protection. That’s why we use a low level of a gentle, globally approved preservative. Its sole purpose is to keep the product safe from mold, yeast and bacteria. Nothing more, nothing less.

This isn’t unique to Elm Lab. Every water-based skincare product must include a preservative to remain safe for use.

What matters is how much and why.

We’ve chosen a preservative system that’s minimal, skin-compatible and designed to protect, not compete with, the powerful benefits of colostrum.

The result, uncompromising skin support with complete peace of mind.

Our products are thoughtfully formulated to be gentle, effective and skin-compatible through every stage of motherhood.

Each ingredient is selected with sensitivity in mind, including for use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. We’ve intentionally avoided harsh actives and unnecessary additives, like parabens, sulfates and artificial fragrance and dyes, choosing only what supports your skin’s natural balance.

Every Elm Lab formula is dermatologically patch tested on human volunteers with sensitive skin and classified as non-irritant under EU cosmetic safety standards, confirming compatibility with even the most delicate skin.

Our baby range goes further. Both our Baby Lotion and Baby Wash have passed independent safety assessments in accordance with EU Regulation (EC) N0. 1223/2009 and were tested under the supervision of a paediatrician and dermatologist, through extended-use studies that mirror real world family routines. No irritation or discomfort was reported and both products were declared suitable for all types of body skin.

As always, if you have specific concerns, we recommend checking with your healthcare provider.

Our goal is simple, to support your skin’s wellbeing while you focus on everything else.

We accept returns on unopened, unused items within 15 days of purchase, if bought directly from our website. Shipping costs are non-refundable and return shipping is at the customer’s expense.

If your item arrives damaged or faulty, please email hello@elmlabskincare.com within 15 days, along with a photo and we’ll make it right.

Read our full Refund & Return Policy

We currently ship to New Zealand, Australia and the United States, with more regions coming soon.

Region

Flat Rate

New Zealand
$6 NZD

Australia
$8 AUD

United States
$8 USD

Free Shipping Over

New Zealand
$99 NZD

Australia
$99 AUD

United States
$99 USD

All orders are dispatched within 1–3 business days from Elm Grove, our sixth-generation family farm in Otago, New Zealand.

Estimated delivery times:

New Zealand: 2–4 business days

Australia: 4–6 business days

United States: 6–10 business days

All orders are trackable. You’ll receive a tracking link as soon as your parcel leaves Elm Grove, our sixth-generation family farm in Otago, New Zealand.

Each order is prepared at Elm Grove, our sixth-generation family farm in Otago, New Zealand. It’s not just shipping, it’s a send-off from our family to yours.

Orders placed outside of New Zealand may incur import duties, customs fees or local taxes once they arrive in your country. These charges are the responsibility of the customer.

We are not able to refund your order or shipping costs if you choose not to pay these fees and your parcel is returned or refused.

We always include complete documentation to support smooth delivery through customs.

Read our full Shipping Policy