Our journey began in Port Harcourt, Obigbo, Nigeria, where we first launched under the name Afrotherapy in 2017. It was short-lived — within the first year we closed up shop, pulled in two directions at once: a Master's in Public Health awaiting me in the UK, and honestly, a lack of clarity, direction, and marketing experience.
But the idea never left me.
After having my daughter in the UK, I started formulating again in 2021 — this time out of necessity. Finding skincare products with simple, clean ingredients felt impossible. Everything either left a white cast on our skin or smelled questionable (onions, anyone? 😄). So I went back to basics and made our own.
Over time, I noticed my children had dry, sensitive skin that reacted to almost everything — even essential oils would trigger flare-ups. So I created an unscented version for the family. Everyone loved it.
At my husband's birthday, I gifted a few friends who'd recently had children. The response was unanimous — you need to sell this. It was something I was already considering, but those conversations became my confirmation.
What started as Afrotherapy in Nigeria had found its new home, its new name, and its true purpose. In 2025, we relaunched in the UK as Onatalu.
Since then, customers using our Unscented Tallow Soap and Body Butter have shared that their children's sensitive, eczema-prone skin has calmed and found real relief — our products form a protective barrier that soothes rather than irritates.
Onatalu is more than a skincare brand. We're building a community rooted in the healing power of natural ingredients and the belief that skincare should be minimal and uncomplicated. We want our products to reach underserved communities around the world — because when a child can't sleep from skin discomfort, the whole family suffers.
We're here to change that — one family at a time.