Beauty news: tbh skincare lands in Aotearoa at last

If you’ve scrolled TikTok over the last couple of years, chances are you’ve seen tbh Skincare popping up all over your FYP – especially if you’re regularly watching blemish and acne-related content or have a teen in your life. Now, it’s available in right here in Aotearoa and coming to a bathroom shelf near you.
The tbh story began in March 2020 with then-23-year-old Rachael Wilde, who discovered a game-changing acne treatment while working in the medical device world. The secret? Targeting breakout-causing bacteria within biofilm — something most traditional treatments overlook. The result: clear skin, without the harsh chemicals. Like any smart woman, Rachael saw huge potential for the technology and teamed up with her mum to bring tbh to life.

tbh skincare founder, Rachael Wilde

"We wanted to create something for people who were tired of the standard, clinical solutions and wanted products that actually speak to them," says Rachael. "For so long, acne sufferers were stuck with boring pharmaceutical products that felt super impersonal - and the 'fun' brands weren’t delivering real results. tbh is all about giving you both: products that actually work and a voice that says, 'we get it.'"
Over a super cute pizza party launch one night at Auckland Italian restaurant, Farina, Rachael shared a little more about her journey with a guest list of media and creators, and I got to hear more about the why and the how behind their zero-BS product lineup. I came away super impressed by both Rachael and the brand, and it came as no surprise at all when I later read the Gen Z boss was rnamed in Forbes’ 30 under 30 list in the Retail and E-Comm category.

Super cute as well as actually built to perform, tbh’s products are designed to control breakouts with a patented biofilm-based tech, rewriting the rules for anyone tired of harsh, ineffective treatments, with products that are dermatologically tested for sensitive skin. But for Rachael it’s more than just skincare - it’s about creating a space where acne doesn’t define you, and where you can feel good about your skin, no matter where you are in your journey.
"Acne can feel super isolating, so building a community that’s open, supportive and a little bit fun has been everything to us," she says. "We’re here to help Kiwis feel confident in their skin - and have a few laughs along the way."
The initial drop at Chemist Warehouse features the brand’s hero products including the Acne Hack Spot Treatment, Acne Hack Anti-Bacterial Cleanser and Patch It Up Pimple Patches, and if the teen in my house is anything to go by, they will be embraced and *actually used* by multitudes of Kiwis in need.

I can’t wait to see what they do next!