Our Story
SOiL Organic Aromatherapy
SOiL Organic Aromatherapy is a globally trusted manufacturer of certified organic essential oils and natural wellness products, offering a complete, ethical, and scalable solution for brands and individuals seeking purity, performance, and sustainability.
Founded in 2004 by the McMurray family, SOiL grows from deep roots in Zululand, South Africa, where our certified organic farm and fully integrated production facility bring nature’s gifts to life. Our Soil to Soil manufacturing model embodies a true cradle-to-cradle philosophy – carefully nurturing each plant by hand through organic cultivation, distillation, blending, packaging, and global distribution. Managing every step in-house ensures full traceability, consistent quality, and a commitment to environmental accountability.
From Farm to Shelf, we deliver directly to wellness retailers, conscious consumers, and global white-label partners, all with products crafted to meet the highest international standards. Our eco-ethical packaging is thoughtfully designed to protect product integrity while minimizing environmental impact, so every layer of what we offer aligns with our core sustainability values.
More than a manufacturer, SOiL functions as a modern apothecary of aromatherapeutic and natural cosmetic products, rooted in the proven benefits of plant-based oils. Building on its foundation of pure essential and carrier oils, our range extends to expertly crafted blends that address specific wellness needs, such as ready-to-use remedy rollers, bath soaks, and body oils – making daily self-care both simple and effective.
Beyond our own brand, we offer full-service private label manufacturing to global partners seeking certified organic, ethically produced products – all backed by proven expertise in aromatherapy and sustainable production. Our ability to scale while preserving authenticity and quality has positioned SOiL as a pioneer in the natural wellness industry.
From Soil to Soil, From Farm to Shelf – this is wellness, done with intention.
From our Farm to your Shelf
Quality at Every Step
Organic Cultivation
At the heart of our farm lies a commitment to organic integrity. We cultivate a variety of essential oil crops – including tea tree, lemon-scented tea tree, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and niaouli – using only certified organic methods. Free from synthetic chemicals, our fields are maintained through labor-intensive, sustainable practices like hand weeding. Once harvested, crops are processed promptly to preserve their freshness and potency.
On-Site Distillation
Our on-site distillery ensures complete control over purity and quality. Each day, freshly harvested plants are chipped, loaded, and gently steam-distilled to release their aromatic oils. We use waste wood from neighbouring properties to fuel our boilers, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. After distillation, the water and oil are separated, while leftover plant material is returned to the land as mulch – closing the loop with natural regeneration.
Eco-Ethical Farming and Manufacturing
We’re more than a farm – we’re a vertically integrated production facility where sustainability drives every decision. Our eco-ethical model ensures that both farming and manufacturing are done in harmony with nature, guided by transparency, integrity, and respect for people and planet.
Careful Manufacturing and Global Distribution
Every product is crafted under strict quality control standards to ensure purity, safety, and efficacy. Thoughtfully packaged to preserve integrity, our products are delivered from our South African base to wellness shelves around the world.
Sustainable Energy and Water Use
Our Values
Commitment to Quality & Integrity
Key Values
- Quality, Purity, Organic Certified
- Integrity, Traceability, and Quality Control
- Eco-ethical Self-Sustainability
- Engaged Partnership with All Stakeholders
Eco-Ethical Practices & Recognition
Our eco-ethical practices and collaborative relationships are recognized through:
- Fair for Life Certification
- Beauty Without Cruelty SA Endorsement
- Vegan Society of South Africa Accreditation
Our Accreditations
Our accreditations stand as a testament to our commitment to excellence and sustainability:
- ECOCERT Greenlife: COSMOS organic standard.
- BCS KIWA: Agricultural organic standards.
- GMP ISO 22716: Good manufacturing practices.
Our Impact
Sustainable Practices, Lasting Change
A Community in Zululand
Nestled in rural Zululand, SOiL is embraced by a supportive community and employs over 100 dedicated individuals. As the region’s primary employer, we offer opportunities for growth and advancement.
Empowering Our Team
Our mission is to empower our team members. Many have progressed from farm work to key roles in distillation, production, and administration
Supporting the Community
We invest in local initiatives by providing vegetable seedlings for gardens and sponsoring a junior soccer team (ages 10-14), with annual staff matches.
Pride in Our Work
Sweetness, our Quality Controller, says:
“SOiL gives us the chance to be who we are, walk tall, and support our families.”
Fostering Growth
At SOiL, we are committed to fostering personal and collective growth.
SOiL Certifications
COSMOS Organic by Ecocert Greenlife
Guarantees that our cosmetic products are made with certified organic ingredients, sustainably sourced and produced to strict ecological and environmental standards.
Fair for Life
Ensures fair trade practices across our supply chain, supporting social responsibility, ethical working conditions, and community upliftment.
GMP ISO 22716 (Cosmetics)
Confirms that our manufacturing processes meet internationally recognised Good Manufacturing Practices for safety, consistency, and hygiene in cosmetic production.
EU & NOP Organic Certification by Kiwa BCS
Verifies that our agricultural practices meet strict organic standards for the European Union and USDA National Organic Program — no synthetic inputs, full traceability, and sustainable land use.
Beauty Without Cruelty South Africa
Assures that no animal testing is conducted on our ingredients or finished products at any stage of development.
Vegan Society of South Africa
Certifies that our products contain no animal-derived ingredients and are fully vegan-friendly.